[I do not own InuYasha.]
"You are who?!" Said Kagome.
"What's the meaning of this!? You said you weren't InuYasha's mother, yet you refer to him as a son!?" Said Sango.
"Ladies, please- quiet down, I expect her secrets are coming to an end." Said Miroku, silencing the two to allow Yurei to continue.
"Thank you, Monk." Said Yurei. "As I said, I am InuYasha's god mother. You may not be familiar with that term, I was not called this during Izayoi's time either, but let's just say it's a fitting description. I was there when InuYasha first arrived at our village, with Izayoi- she tried to hide him, but I could sense his presence. I was a normal priestess then, though I have always been somewhat abnormal- I become a priestess to try to find my place, to give my gifts their own purpose, but I frighten people- it's innate, I can only see the truth, and most people are only comfortable within their own lies. While Izayoi was inspecting the village, I sought out InuYasha- he was very obedient to his mother, even when I tried to get him to remove the blanket, saying it was hot out today and all that, he still didn't. Once Izayoi had decided to remain around the camp, I often sought InuYasha out, ensuring that he wasn't being troubled by the human inhabitants of our village, but to my surprise he wasn't. Sure, he certainly made them feel fear, and yet they were willing to accept that burden and tolerate him without the isolation I'd felt. I realized it was only I that felt it, so rather than remain hidden away in my temple, I decided to follow InuYasha's example, and merely place myself amidst them- often InuYasha even accompanied me, I think he liked having someone to follow around." Said Yurei with a smile.
"That was two hundred years ago though, I still don't understand why you are still alive." Said Kagome.
"...Gesshoku as well, he's just as old..." Said Sango.
"That is an answer I can not give, for it is one that InuYasha must figure out for himself, should he hope to end a battle older than he is." Said Yurei.
"I thought you were planning on confessing everything.." Said Miroku.
"Oh, dear boy- I would need another lifetime to tell all; I merely said I don't intend to keep anymore secrets, about my identity. Not reveal the identity of those who this began with." Said Yurei, giving Miroku another smile.
'Something about her really makes me uncomfortable, it's like.. if I had to put it into words, it'd be like... Kaede flirting with me.. y'know, if Kaede were attractive, sure it's understandable, but just feels wrong..' Thought Miroku, shuddering slightly at the mental image of Kaede flirting with him.
"Your senses are sharp dear, but misguided- until my life is my own again, there is no room for connections, my soul is to capaciy. However, I see no harm in nurturing a growing boy's ego a bit." Said Yurei with a sly smirk.
'..She's just playing with me?! ... Damn this woman!..' Fumed Miroku.
"Will you two knock it off, this isn't the time for your womanizing Miroku!" Said Sango irritatedly.
"Eh!? It was- I mean, she was the one; It was her womanizing, err, manizing?... It was her, not me!" Said Miroku defensively.
"Oh come on, Miroku- have a little self-respect, you're REALLY going to blame the woman?! What kind of man are you..!" Said Kagome, disgusted at Miroku's excuses.
"If you guys can't stay focused, then I'm dropping you off and helping InuYasha myself!" Said Sango, her worry growing, and the banter not defusing it at all.
"Very well, Sango- I will set aside my fun for now." Said Yurei with a smile. "InuYasha is very fortunate to have your heart, y'know? All of your wills will be tested, but some of you more than others. Sango- you may survive if you can let go of InuYasha when the time comes; what will you do?" Asked Yurei.
"I will NEVER let go of him!" She said with obviously offense.
"Kagome, if you can disconnect yourself from these people, your nightmares will cease; it's because you fear losing them again, that they continue to recur. When the time comes, will you let go of your feelings and live for the possible future you have, or will you stay the same as subject yourself to the greatest nightmare of all- reality?" Asked Yurei.
"There's no way I could ever have a future without my friends in it! I don't care if I can't ever sleep again- forever, if it means that I can spend that forever with my friends!" Said Kagome
"Miroku.." Began Yurei.
"You can question my resolve as much as you want, Yurei- I may not be the most reliable person every day, but when it matters- I am absolutely loyal, and today it matters, every day it matters when someone's life is in danger!" Said Miroku.
"How fortunate InuYasha is to have such friends, I sense that the feelings you all have for him, and for eachother will be a great asset in seeing this battle to an end; maybe by time this battle is over, you all will understand as InuYasha will, who we really were.. and what side you are all really on." Said Yurei with a smile, leaning back against Miroku a bit.
He stumbled for a moment but held on still. "You really are persistant..." Said Miroku.
"So are you- isn't it kind of fun to always be who you are, regardless of what some may think of you?" Asked Yurei.
"Didn't you call me stupid before for being myself?" Asked Miroku with an annoyed tone.
"No, I called you stupid before for not controlling yourself; you should always remain your true self, even if it isn't a good one all the time." Said Yurei simply, as Miroku silenced, looking ahead- he'd have time another day to consider those words.
"Up ahead! I see smoke!" Said Sango suddenly.
"InuYasha has already began- but the countless slayers tire him, while Gesshoku launched many assaults, taking advantage of InuYasha's divided attention.
"Then we'll even the odds!" Said Sango, pushing Kilala to get there faster, a roar of acknowledgement, she sped up- likely pushing herself further than she should to do it.
"Thank you for your feelings as well, sweet Kilala.." Petted Yurei as the demon descended quickly.
#
'..I don't care how many of these rookies I have to get through, I will kill you!..' Thought InuYasha as he recovered his balance, only to once again be put on the defensive by several slayers.
'Resist, InuYasha- resist. If you lose all control, he will beat you- because you will only empower him with your rage...' Thought Yurei, as she looked far beyond the visible to see the depths of InuYasha's struggle, the one within as well, as he continued to merely dismiss the human's who attacked him, trying not to hurt them too badly, but everytime he thought of Gesshoku escaping, that line began to blur more and more.
Sango noticed Kilala wasn't slowing down at all even as she approached the battle, she quickly understood the intent. "Everyone, off!" Said Sango, as she slid to the side of Kilala, the others didn't share the same bond that Sango had with the cat, but they trusted Sango's intuition just as faithfully and followed suit. The cat was vacated as soon as it neared the ground, as it barreled forward in a charge- knocking some of the slayers back away from InuYasha whom was just knocked back again.
'Damnit, it seems like no matter how many I take out, I'm just getting further from him! I have to kill him!' Said InuYasha, growling fiercely as he prepared to get up, before feeling the strong wave of air pressure blow past as Kilala appeared behind him. "Kilala?!" Said InuYasha, looking over- beyond the many slayers preparing to take on two targets now- he could see Hiraikotsu raising up. Sango didn't hit them, merely interrupted their path- as she charged forward as well
Kagome used her bow like a blunt weapon, not wanting to risk using her arrows for fear of hurting them. Miroku tripped and deflected many a blade with his staff. Yurei on the other hand, didn't seem to need to defend herself, as it seemed any who tried to attack her were summarily disspirited, their rage calmed, their spirit overwhelmed in sorrow.
Taking a queue for Yurei, Kagome began to use her spiritual powers- it wouldn't hurt them, like it could demons, but perhaps she could use it to calm them, to remove the haze of battle and duty from their hearts if only for a bit. Something occurred to her though, though they were trained slayers, they weren't thinking about their moves, they were merely throwing themselves at their target without regard to their safety- it was as if they all had some personal grudge against whoever they fought, as if they could only see a target, and assume it was a hated enemy- believing it will all their soul. '..What kind of hell must it be to ever be so blind?.. It's like their hearts are cut off from everything but fighting and killing.. Like Midoriko was left with eternally. The nothingness of the afterlife...' She thought to herself, finding sympathy for them to come easily. Rather than grow angry towards their leader, or soft to his follows, Kagome felt the need to act; and so she doubled her efforts, moving into the same tangle that Sango, InuYasha, and Kilala now help- to help out. "InuYasha, I'll take over here- stop Gesshoku!" She called out.
Sango had only just registered what Kagome had said when she noted InuYasha leaving the battle, making his way closer and closer to Gesshoku without a second thought. '..No.. You're charging in blindly.. why.. aren't you thinking about it at all?..' Thought Sango, though the enemy didn't give her much chance to really consider the situation much. She only had to remember one thing, they had to survive- that was the true goal of this battle, even if it was them attacking, surviving to see it end had to be enough. She couldn't make InuYasha think about his moves, but she could damn sure support him in whatever way she could- so with that she moved after him as well, ensuring none could reach him to stop him- at the very least, she could give him a proper battle. Kagome soon joined in, understanding Sango's strategy.
"Why?!" Said Miroku, as he disabled another only to barely dodge a second blade coming from the side. "Why do they keep getting up!? They must know the futility of their cause!" Said Miroku, but the truth of it was- the constant pace of battle, never being allowed a breath, or the slightest release of tension- it was draining quickly.
"You fight what fights you. These types of warriors are the worst sort, but likewise are some of the best type to have- their belief is so strong that they can battle beyond their limits; but when abused or corrupted, it becomes a great force of vengeance, with little but direction needed to wield it." Said Yurei as she approached, her presence protecting Miroku as he recovered his breath for a minute.
"No one can fight forever- their bodies will break down at this rate, as will ours!" Said Miroku.
"Aye, rage unlimited by restriction will burn itself out into nothing- now you see the effects of the war between humans and demons, that which you cast yourself into for a 'vacation'." Said Yurei.
"Humans and demons do not always need to fight eachother!" Corrected Miroku, as he focused on at the very least, destroying the weapons they wielded, resuming the battle of his own accord- vacating Yurei's protection.
"Some demons can be reasoned with, that is true- but not all, just like not all humans can be dissuaded from their beliefs.. but you yourself were just like them, perhaps more mature than they were- guided to be able to think it through in the situation, but a demon took your father, a demon took Sango's father, and a human took InuYasha's mother, and another demon took InuYasha's first love. You all hunted together, satisfying your vengeance, you did no differently than these men do, except they do not have a target; they only know the cause- the same cause you fought for, justice- in their minds, their sacrifice will result in someone else not losing one they cared for, and that's worth dying for." Said Yurei.
"But what is the point of fighting like this, if it only furthers the cycle?! By killing us, those we care for will want vengeance as well!" Said Miroku, as he continued relentless, as if taking his frustrations out on these people. He leaped back after a moment into her protective barrier. "That's what you meant- that it is pointless..." He said, as he gathered his breath.
"You're learning again, I'm glad.." Said Yurei.
"Revenge isn't it's own reward, it is it's own punishment. By falling into the cycle you doom yourself to continuing the cycle through your own actions." Said Miroku, grimicing. "As we did with Naraku."
"You are partly correct, Naraku was no one's friend, no one's ally, no one's lover, and no one's father. None will seek vengeance for him. Unfortunately, many are killed by the hour in a simple war of territory- the survivors are left wanting justice, but lacking the understanding to separate justice and vengeance. Kikyo understood that, so she died rather than exact her vengeance on InuYasha- but InuYasha acted on her behalf, and in death, her vengeance only festered. If these men represent Kikyo's vengeance against Naraku for robbing her of her life, and her love- then isn't the only answer for them to slay us all? To slay all demons? That there may be a day where humans can live without fear?"
"You said earlier that Gesshoku's aim was to kill all demons.. that was who he was now, and that nothing would stop him without YOUR help." Said Miroku. "Does that mean you can ease this vengeance?" Asked Miroku.
"No, I can only remind them of what it is that they are fighting for, to return a small amount of reason to their mind. They follow Gesshoku, he's relentless, and can't be dissuaded." Said Yurei.
"If these men, so far gone to us, can be- why can't he then?" Asked Miroku.
"You have to ask?" Asked Yurei.
"...Because he isn't seeking vengeance for one person, his goal is to seek what you said before.. isn't it? A world without demons..." Said Miroku.
"Every soul who departs this world, unless truly satisfied, leaves their mark on the souls around them- he who slays demons bares the burden of satisfying the weak's need for vengeance- look at it from another perspective, what if all of Naraku's minions and enemies marked you to see Naraku's death to reality. The effect of souls is unknown to the living, but you do know their power- Kikyo walked among the living once more, in an eternal body that required stolen souls to survive, only because her true soul was not available." Said Yurei.
"If InuYasha represented the victims of Naraku, then his only goal to the very end would be killing Naraku-.. like Gesshoku's sole existance is dedicated to slaying all demons." Said Miroku, understanding Gesshoku's immortality now.
"Not just demons, Gesshoku was merely a child when he lost his parents to demons- he's not avenging them, he's satisfying the urge of all children who lost their parents; that's why he'll kill humans who even sympathize with demons, anyone that doesn't follow his desire is another enemy to be taken by him." Said Yurei.
"Doesn't he merely create more by feeding the cycle though?! That's.. exactly the point.. you really are quite perceptive, Yurei... the cycle doesn't end, but if you are a part of the cycle, you become.. him.. if you don't break down, you'll live only for vengeance.. that's why.. InuYasha can't win.. right?" Said Miroku.
"You're starting to see the big picture at last- InuYasha's feelings for his mother are being used against him, festering for two hundred years, every last bit of anger he possesses and hatred he feels for his enemy is being turned around on him, fueling his enemy's ability to survive- only causing more anger and hatred." Explained Yurei.
"And like these men, he will soon see only his enemy, an enemy that's never defeated- he will see that even if it means his death, he must see the battle end; but since his opponent can't be killed- he'll merely kill himself trying.." Said Miroku, looking over towards them. "But there's nothing we can do about it, is there? It's little different than when InuYasha is in his full demon form- he won't be reasoned with, or dissuaded either." Said Miroku.
#
Sango, Kagome, and Kilala formed a barrier of protection around InuYasha as he finally reached his target, his enemy. "Gesshoku!" He called out. "I've come to make you pay, for my mother's death!" He said, growling, looking upon his enemy only fueling his desire to kill him.
"..Izayoi, right?" Said Gesshoku, drawing his weapon- leaving his armor on for the moment.
"Don't you dare say her name!" Said InuYasha as he charged forward, claws drawn. 'Damnit, this would be easy if I could use the Tetsusaiga..' Thought InuYasha as he felt his claws find nothing.
'He can't use the Tetsusaiga against a human... it's ironic, a sword forged for the sole purpose of protecting his mother, won't allow itself to be used to avenge her..' Thought Kagome as she was knocked out of her by another attacker, forcing her back and to the ground. She brought the bow up, forcing her power through it to knock him back, as she resumed her position. 'I can't get distracted right now! I will protect him this time! Even if it kills me!' Thought Kagome as she focused on preventing anyone from getting past her.
Sango was breathing heavily by this point, hir Hiraikoysu felt like it weighed two tons already, not to mention the weight of shielding herself against so many different blows at once. "Damnit! They won't quit! There's too many of them." She cursed, forcing them all back wiht a hard push, but new ones replaced those knocked down quickly enough, and within a few moments- the others were back up as well, just looking for another way to get in and continue. Sango held up her hiraokotsu in a defensive manner just in time to receive another barrage of blows, the force pressing her backwards despite her firm stance. "I.. can't.. give up! If I don't.. stop them, they'll.. reach InuYasha!" Said Sango aloud, continuiously reminding herself of the reason why she had to keep pressing back- and so she did.
Even Kilala looked to be laboring to dodge and charge repeatedly, the force of her fully formed size her only real benefit as she'd force twenty or more down with one charge, but there were easily a hundred on her alone, she was wearing quickly as well.
#
"It's a losing battle, we must get them out of there- they'll die if they keep trying to fight like this!" Said Miroku, as he made his way over to the others to help them fight. Yurei soon arrived as well, her presence weakening the flow of fighters a bit, but it wouldn't stop them all that was for certain.
Miroku had been about to grab Sango and tell her to retreat when Yurei sat him, despite being in mid battle. "What was that for?!" He called back as he went to get up, heading towards Yurei.
"I told you before, 'monk', that you would need to understand the differences between what is right, and what the will of others truly is. You are correct to say that if it continues like this, they will each die- Sango included, Kagome even, and yes, even InuYasha. But look into Sango's eyes, into Kagome's, even Kilala, they've all made their choices- they don't regret it in the least, nor do they want to be rescued- they want to fight this battle, to the end; whether you can put aside your own desire and knowledge to understand that is up to you." Said Yurei as she took Miroku's staff from him with ease and moved forward, moving quickly to help the fight- the first real action she'd took since their arrival. "What decision did you make? What do you want of this battle?" Asked Miroku, as he moved forward, having to disarm one of them to even have a weapon to fight with.
"I have no personal desire, I sacrificed it a long time ago-" She said, as she forced her fragile body to perform maneuvers and fight along side them- the quivering it showed against even a few opponents displayed that she was no warrior though.
"You can't sacrifice your will, not without becoming someone else; you, as you are now, what is your personal desire?" Asked Miroku, as he assisted her.
"If I had a will, it would be to see that InuYasha lives- not just exists, but lives, freed from the burden of his mother's death, just as he has freed himself from Kikyo's passing." Said Yurei.
"Won't that merely continue the cycle?" Asked Miroku.
"I didn't say avenged her death- I said freed himself from needing to avenge her death. That's what all mothers want for their children, for them to be happy even if they can't be by their side for it." Said Yurei.
"..That's what you are isn't it? If Gesshomaru is a child's rage, then you are a mother's love.. That's why.. you didn't show up until InuYasha was coming here already.. is because you wanted to stop him, not help him.." Said Miroku.
"Even spirits can feel vengeance, but deep down- a mother's wish is to guide her child through that difficult time; InuYasha was spared this hunt for many years, but many mother's wished to save their sons from this hatred- some can be saved, some can't- if the worst comes to pass, I believe Izayoi would sooner see InuYasha join her in death, then become the very soul she wanted to protect him from.." Said Yurei.
"..I see.. so in case InuYasha wins.. you are here to kill him." Said Miroku.
"Nay, I am here to guide him to win the right way- because I, Tsukiko, believe that he can succeed, the right way; even if I can't see it." Said Yurei, or Tsukiko- as it were.
#
"What's wrong InuYasha? Are you still the same brat that cried and threw a fit, rather than defend your mother? Was that one attack back then the best you had to give for yet another human to die in the name of a demon?!" Said Gesshoku, intentionally provoking InuYasha- it was a dangerous game at the best of times, as InuYasha's attacks grew more wild, vicious even, every swipe aiming to take his heart- but even when an attack actually grazed him- it was healed in moments, meanwhile InuYasha had taken almost every blow he'd been given, practically ignoring the blade as it pierced his side- only for the chance that his thrust could pierce the human slayer's chest; he'd only managed to damage the armor. It was like an adult, toying with a child at this point.
InuYasha grimiced as the blade was pulled out. 'Damnit, am I losing too much blood? My visions getting hazy..' He thought, trying to focus on his target, but by now there were six of him in his field of vision. He continued on, his attacks becoming less effective and his ability to avoid attacks becoming even more so. "Damnit, I can't even make him out from the background anymore!" Said InuYasha, barely able to see movement amidst the blur that was once a sharp eye.
"You still haven't noticed? My clothes and armor are covered in a powder, surely you realized that you can't smell me anymore either? In fact, you are almost down to only a few senses left I imagine; Hear, and Feel, am I right? Yes, I imagine your wounds feel just as painful as they were when I inflicted them. You've already lost." Said Gesshoku, InuYasha had to focus solely on his ears to keep his head from spinning, but even being able to launch an attack at him still, that didn't mean he was any more accurate.
"I bet you'll really have a hard time when you can't breathe either." Said Gesshoku, leaving InuYasha only to wander what he was doing- right up until he felt heat spreading around him, at first he wandered if it was a flame, but he soon realized it was in the air- a smoke perhaps, yes his cough concurred, smoke was blanketing the entire area. 'Oh no, what about the others?!' He thought as he listened through everything around him, holding his sleeve up to try to avoid falling prey to the smoke as well. '...Is that.. that's Sango!' He thought as he made his way over there, but found himself tripping over more than one enemy, collapsed on the ground, trying to breathe. Sango was in no better of condition, on the ground- he reached down to check her but he found quickly that her mask had more than a few scratches in it- in fact she herself had more than a few scratches as well. She couldn't breathe in this smoke, and she sounded so weak already.. He picked her up and jumped in the coolest direction he could feel, continuously moving until he could feel the cool fresh air. He laid her down quickly to return to getting the others, Miroku he found, then Yurei, and finally Kagome- she was doing better than most, a spiritual barrier around herself , but it was weak, smoke was getting in- the only reason he knew was because he felt the barrier try to stop him, but vanish at the slightest bit of pressure. "Kagome, are you alright?" Asked InuYasha, assuming she was still conscious at least.
"Inu-.. InuYasha.. I'm.. sorry" She coughed. "I.. tried.. to help.. this time.. I promise." She coughed again.
"You.. idiot, come on." He said as he went to pick her up- but was pushed away. "Move InuYasha!" She said as she pushed him back, he heard a sound of fluid falling to the ground, and a warmth on his face like tears perhaps. "Kagome!? What's the matter?!" He said, trying to move forward. "Get.. out of here, INuYasha.. I'll take it.. from here." Said Kagome, as she tried to get to her feet again; he could hear her labored breathing, her frequent chokes, and the shakiness in her voice. He could hear footsteps approaching her, he moved quickly between them, halting Kagome's resistance quickly as he did- even if it meant the feeling of the blade through his chest once again.
"Inu..yasha..just.. leave.. please." Said Kagome, trying to pull her arms from him- he could feel the warm liquid running over her arm- she was wounded when she pushed him away.
The blade was pulled from his chest from behind, he pushed Kagome further away, even if it meant hurting her- as he felt it once again, this time pushed as far as it would go, as if trying to reach Kagome as well. InuYasha turned once the blade was in him, jerking it from the slayer's hand, as he kicked him back once again. InuYasha couldn't see anything anymore, couldn't smell his own blood, let alone the blood that surrounded him- as he drew Tetsusaiga. 'I know you can hear me you stupid sword... You know what I intend to do.. so work damn you!' He thought, as he forced his demonic energy into the sword until he could feel it transform in his grasp.
"Finally baring your fangs, are you- INuYasha?! A little late for that though isn't it!?" Said Gesshoku, perfectly unaffected by his poisons thanks to his mask and helmet.
"I'll deal with you shortly- first, I'm going to protect those you threw away!" Said InuYasha with a growl, as he channeled the wind scar through Tetsusaiga and brought his sword downwards to his side, bringing it up in a fierce slashing motion. "Wind Scar!" He announced, breaking apart the stagnant air that was previously clouded with smoke- dissipating the smoke all together, as it found the shifting air and began to rise and spread until it was nothing but a gentle breeze.
Tetsusaiga immediately transformed back as soon as InuYasha lowered the sword, but it may have been more directly related to INuYasha's condition than it's will, as he soon fell to a knee- he forced the blade from his chest from behind, otherwise he'd never stop bleeding. '..I don't.. know if I have the strength.. to face him anymore..' Thought InuYasha, keeping his senses on alert for the presence of his enemy, but unsure if he could even pick his body up again to do much about it if he did. '...Is this.. my limit?..' He wondered, as he forced himself to stand once again, dropping Tetsusaiga, even in it's deformed state- it was too heavy to keep hold of anymore.
"It's your own fault you ended up like this, InuYasha... you exerted most of your strength on the humans, refusing to kill them- like you didn't want to, but we both know that you wanted to kill them, you want to kill anyone who gets in your way, isn't that so?" Said Gesshok.
InuYasha remained silent as he focused on his ears and the feeling of everything around him. 'The.. wind is changing. I see, when I disturbed it, it began to flow around here again- there must be a chasm.. yes, of course, when I first met him- he was waiting atop it.. like a throne, or a monument- egotistical bastard...' Thought InuYasha as he began to will himself towards the voice.
"Come at me if you wish, I will even remain here- I will let you hit me, just to prove to you that you don't have the strength to match me anymore..." Said Gesshoku.
'That's right, you arrogant bastard- don't move, I'll knock you smooth off this cliff!' He thought as he stumbled forward, preserving what little strength he had as he closed the distance in a drunken manner.
#
Sango began to stir a bit at Kagome's tending- the wounded miko breathing air into Sango's lungs, forcing out the smoke in the process. Sango gasped for air as she came to, making Kagome fall backwards a bit. "Sango! A-Are you okay?" Asked Kagome, as she looked over her friend.
"K-Kagome? Your arm!" She said, noticing the red stains on the white robe the miko wore.
"Don't worry, it isn't serious- InuYasha needs help, I think he's been poisoned." Said Kagome, looking back over at the battle ensuing- InuYasha barely appeared to be on his feet.
"InuYasha?!" Sango called out, as she made it to her feet quickly, albeit unsteadily- her head felt like it was spinning around, or rather, the earth felt like it was spinning around. 'Damn it! It's taking all my energy just to keep up, I can't move fast enough! I have to stop him!' Thought Sango as she pushed forward, while Kagome moved to revive Miroku. Yurei had covered her mouth and nose with her sleeve, she wasn't in immediate danger as they were- but the wound on her chest was serious enough.
'It.. was only a matter of time.. before they stopped.. feeling their mother's presence as well.. It's only to be expected.. that sooner or later, their anger would win..' Yurei thought as she looked over at Kagome who had just revived Miroku. '..You probably pretended to be ill- so Kagome would kiss you, didn't you.. lecherous monk..' Thought Yurei with a smirk, as she closed her eyes- prepared to let her life, that which has continued for over two centuries, finally end. 'No.. not yet, that's right.. InuYasha will.. succeed.. but.. I have to help.. or it'll mean nothing.' Thought Yurei, as she opened her eyes once again, forcing herself up- Miroku appearing quickly to try to stop her. "Stay out of this, Monk- we all have our reasons for being here, mine is now." Said Yurei.
"I won't stop you, Tsukiko.. I understand your will.. I am only here to help you." Said Miroku with a serious expression, as he guided an arm over his shoulder, and helped her move forward towards the battle.
Kagome was pleased that everyone was still okay, but she was feeling really weak herself at this point- she had used so much spiritual power, coupled with the blood loss and her own physical limitations, it was amazing she had gone this long, as she felt her body too weak to hold it's tension anymore. 'Sorry.. guys.. I think.. I'm done here.. for now. I did.. protect InuYasha.. I gave him you guys back.. That's what I do.. I protect InuYasha.. by ensuring he isn't alone.. ever.' Thought Kagome, as she found herself merely resting against a tree trunk, trying very hard to keep her eyes open- her wound was worse than she'd let on, but it wouldn't threaten her life, surely. No, what affected her now was pure fatigue- the once normal human highschool girl had given everything she had, and kept giving beyond that point tenfold.. she wasn't sure she could get up again, not even after resting- she was so tired.
"If.. If I did die.. I think I'm... okay with that place.. because.. if I'm alone there.. it means.. they're together here.." Said Kagome with a smile, resting her eyes for only a split second, before she looked out again- InuYasha was going to reach him, she believed that InuYasha would win with a single blow now, because he was InuYasha.
"You're right, Gesshoku- I don't have the power to defeat you, not right now, but unless I'm missing something, you don't have the power to stop me anymore." Said InuYasha as he could hear the breathing of his enemy, feel the presence of him before him. 'One more time, body- just one more time, move!' he willed, as he thrust off the ground, colliding with Gesshoku before they'd even finished, putting all the power he had left into it as he forced the human back- until they had both cleared the ground.
Kagome witnessed the maneuver, and felt her heart race as she saw InuYasha continue past the cliff's edge. She tried to get back up in that moment, but found it impossible to even manage to get upright, just moving off the tree, she found herself falling forward instead.
"Kagome!" Called out Koga as he arrived, catching her before she could fall face first to the ground. "Kagome!? Are you alright?!" He said, he knew she wasn't- he had smelled her blood amongst the battle for a long while now, why he knew where to find her at all probably, and why he made it here so quickly as well.
"K-..Koga.. help.. him!" She managed to get out, as she tried to lift her head, and see what was happening.
Sango's scream alerted Koga long before Kagome could ever manage to lift her head, he looked over as Sango dove at the cliff's edge without the slightest bit of hesitation- anything she could to reach InuYasha in time.
InuYasha couldn't feel the ground beneath him anymore, he could feel air rising from beneath him instead. 'I.. know.. you won't die.. Gesshoku.. but at least.. for today.. my friends will survive.' Thought InuYasha as he turned and grasped onto the ledge- no he never had any intention of going with him; though the likelihood of him falling was just as possible, despite his intentions. InuYasha couldn't celebrate though, he felt Gesshoku's grasp on his ankle- the man was persistant, to say the least. '..Damnit.. I can barely hold my own weight right now.. he's.. too heavy...' Thought InuYasha, gripping the rock with everything he had. He felt another's grasp as well, he lifted his head and looked up- no he couldn't see her, but he knew the warmth her touch gave him. "-Sango.." He said.
"InuYasha.. come on, help me out here!" She said, straining to try to pull him further up the edge, even if it meant that she'd save Gesshoku in the process. 'I don't care what happens, just pick yourself up, InuYasha! All this time we spent together, all those smiles you gave me, and all the feelings you made inside of me, they won't mean anything without you there too!' She thought, her arms feeling like noodles, but still tightly clung to InuYasha's wrist.
"How does it feel InuYasha? To have thrown everything away for vengeance? It's what you wanted to do all along, isn't it? You resent humans for giving your mother away, resent humans for being the ones who killed her, the demon blood that made her leave her home- you hated it all! I know you do still as well! I can feel it, every beat of your heart screams for vengeance!" Said Gesshoku as he grinned up at InuYasha, thriving on even the last bit of anger he could wring from the half demon.
'That's.. not what I want. Maybe it was once, but no, Kikyo showed me that humans weren't all evil, there were ones out there, like my mother... who could love a demon too, even a half demon- like me.' Thought InuYasha. '..Why.. does he.. need me to hate him so? I do, there's no doubt about it.. but why does it matter to him?..' Thought InuYasha, as he evaluated what he knew. 'You.. are me.. aren't you? If I had.. stayed alone.. would I have been just like you... in the end?' He wondered, as he looked up at Sango- the more he focused on her face, the more he could begin to see again. She was crying.. begging even.. 'So.. in chasing him.. Sango will hold onto me even if I go over.. it wasn't Sango's coming that would make her fall, it was my coming that set it all into motion.. you knew it all along, didn't you.. Tsukiko..' Thought InuYasha, as he finally remembered who she was- the mysterious miko who played with him as a kid, the one who would tell him about things she couldn't know, and was always honest.
"How about it InuYasha? Let go, and maybe I'll scrape a knee- at least then you can say you at least made a scratch before you died!" Said Gesshoku.
"No- not while you can still live to hurt other people." Said InuYasha, though he didn't sound angry- instead he continued to stare at Sango, keeping his mind and heart clear through her.
"That's right- InuYasha, we have to get home, we have kids to think about too, and there's still a lot we have to do, together." Said Sango, encouraging InuYasha through her tears, still fighting to keep him on the edge at the very least.
'No, Sango- it's enough this time, it has to end, he won't stop unless we stop him- but I can't lose you or anyone else in the process.. otherwise, I'll become him all over again.. I'd sooner die with him, then live as him..' InuYasha thought. "Tsukiko!" He called out. "I know you know what I want, what I truly desire! Help me end this!" Yelled InuYasha, just in time for Tsukiko to approach the edge.
"Yes, InuYasha- I understand." Said Tsukiko as she placed her hands together, channeling into her spiritual powers once more- as she did, a light began to engulf the area, starting from her hands and spreading out like an explosion- it was a barrier, Miroku remembered the pure feeling from Mount Hakurei.
"Tetsusaiga!" InuYasha called out, summoning the sword from it's place on the ground- Koga appeared quickly, he had been aiming to help InuYasha, but instead- found himself tackling Sango away from the sword's path, and away from InuYasha. The sword collided with the rock around InuYasha's hand, as the light engulfed the area- InuYasha's demon strength fading entirely, his hair turning black as he lost the ability to hold onto the cliff's edge.
Gesshoku felt a disturbance in his body, as spirits were pushed from his body by the barrier, pressing further and further- it's range was growing immense, but it was clearly taking a toll on the miko's power and body to do it so- but it was the only way, while Gesshoku was truly a mere human, should he fall, he will die- unfortunately, the same could be said for the half breed turned human, as they both began to fall.
Sango was freed with the purification barrier passed by, forcing Koga to flee for his very life- she kicked off the ground and scrambled towards the edge- Miroku didn't want to see her do anything foolish, but he knew better- Sango's will was important too, though he felt his heart crack under the strain of resisting as he saw Sango move over the edge as well to grasp onto InuYasha- and be pulled over with him. 'If you come, you will fall- should you choose to stay, someone will fall in your place; very well, take comfort in the fact that you shall not fall alone. She wasn't entirely right.. I didn't fall.. I jumped.' Thought Sango as she reached InuYasha's human hand, pulling herself and he together again.
"..You.. idiot.." Commented InuYasha as he looked below at the jagged edges of rocks on either side of them- wondering what the odds of them getting lucky and there being a really deep pond at the bottom perhaps. "..You'll.. die too..y'know?" He asked her with a worried expression. "I.. don't.. have anything left.. to protect you with."
"I have to believe.. that it'll be okay.. as long as I'm with you.. because I know, it wouldn't be okay.. if you were gone." Said Sango simply as she held the human variation of her beloved, not even bothering to see the impact coming anymore.
#
Kagome was crawling her way closer and closer, she wanted to believe that she'd reach the edge, and find Sango and InuYasha, still holding on- she wanted to believe that, but she knew better, she just had to believe that- or else, why did she ever come back to this era to begin with? It had to be.. for them. That was why she was allowed to escape the afterlife.. that was why the well opened back up... that was why Kikyo's spirit lived on through her.. was because InuYAsha and her friends were everything to her.
"..Goodbye.. my friend.. Izayoi.." Whispered Tsukiko. "Give him.. my regards." as she felt the pain of loss all over again, she knew the spirits that had given her strength had left her just like Gesshoku, those words weren't for herself, but for one of the many mothers who wanted their children to grow up properly, even if it was alone. Just like Izayoi, they wished everything for them even in death- they still loved them, and always would.
#
Sango opened her eyes, as she felt the ground beneath her again. Her body hurt something fierce, but she was okay- after all, InuYasha was in front of her, still holding her hand. "..I told you.. it'd be okay." She said, teasing the poor human InuYasha as he lay there.
"Yeah.. you did, didn't you?.. Never.. doubted you for a second.. y'know?" Said InuYasha, though he spoke very slurred, as if he were just waking up, or about to fall asleep.
"Don't.. lie, it's.. unbecoming.. of a demon, like you..." Said Sango, smiling at him still, having trouble finishing her words, she just couldn't catch her breath, no matter what she did.
"Who's.. lying. Hey.. Sango.. I think.. I liked.. being married." Said InuYasha.
"..Way to.. break up.. with me now.. you're so.. cruel." Commented Sango with a weak giggle but still smiling.
"..I think I want to get married.. when we go home.. okay? Maybe we'll see what a quarter demon looks like.. he'll probably have your eyes, I think.. and not be as combative..." Said InuYasha, opening his eyes to look over at her- a trail of blood ran down the side of his face, it was still flowing as well.
"He can.. have your hair.. it's so beautiful, y'know?.. so long as.. he doesn't.. pick on his siblings.. I want.. him to have.. a good.. sense.. of humor.. unlike.. yours." Said Sango, having to try to regain her breath- but failing miserably, as the pool of blood beneath her continued to grow- their pools soon mixing together.
"What if.. it was a girl?" Asked InuYasha with a smile, closing his eyes again to imagine it.
"We'd have to.. keep Miroku away from her.. then." Said Sango with another giggle, weaker still.
"I'd.. kill him.." Said InuYasha.
"Not.. before I.. did.." Argued Sango.
"It'd.. be really.. nice.. wouldn't it?" Said InuYasha as he found his grip on her hand weakening.
"Yeah.. I wish.. we could've.. had this.. conversation.. another day.." Said Sango, still smiling contently, but the desire to sleep was becoming great in her mind.
"Do you regret.. loving me?" Asked InuYasha, thinking about all the women whom had given everything including their life for him in the past, his mother included.
"No.. I just regret.. not loving you sooner.. " Said Sango simply, as silence befell them- their hands, together, though no longer holding either one.
'I love you..'
'I love you too..'