The Furai shrine stood eerily silent and motionless, its surroundings devoid of any signs of life. Sesshomaru's heightened senses should have alerted him to the absence of living creatures in the vicinity, but his thoughts were consumed by a primal instinct, driving him forward with a singular purpose – to find her, his Miko.
Eyes tinged red with barely suppressed fury, he stalked into the small shrine, his senses honed in on the faint presence of his unconscious companion lying upon a wooden table. His gold gaze flickered briefly to her still form before settling upon the green-haired demon standing over her, surrounded by a large glowing pentagram burned into the ground. Cold green flames flickered from the candles placed at each point of the star, casting an eerie glow upon the scene.
That Pentagram is probably why he hadn't smelt him.
It didn't explain why he had been able to walk through the barrier outside, as the same Pentagram had been shot out into the sky. Perhaps he had come just before it went up. Or it was weak due to him killing on of the four ninjas. Five points, four ninjas and their one leader. It was the only explanation.
"Remove yourself from her," Sesshomaru growled, his voice laced with deadly intent.
The demon didn't bother to even turn to him. "Why are you concerned for a priestess? A human?"
Ignoring the demon's taunts, Sesshomaru drew his sword, his patience wearing thin.
"Surrender, and I'll spare her life, along with the other humans that you travel with," the demon demanded, his tone brooking no argument.
With a leap forward, Sesshomaru attempted to confront the demon, only to be met with an invisible barrier that crackled with energy, singeing his clothes. His frustration mounting, Sesshomaru sheathed his sword, his resolve unwavering.
"Only cowards hide behind barriers," he declared, his amber eyes flashing with determination.
If his theory was correct then he'd have to kill the other three demons and he'd be able to get through. With a resigned sigh, Sesshomaru turned away. It was a task he would undertake without hesitation, for the safety of his companions outweighed all else.
Outside, chaos reigned as his pack struggled against their adversaries. The slayer was dangling from the cliff, the monks blood filled the air, as he tried to help the slayer up. The children were being protected by the pitiful human by the large red bird while Inuyasha was being cursed by the turtle demon.
With each stroke, demons fell before him, their twisted forms no match for his ruthless efficiency. The air filled with the sickening sound of steel meeting flesh, as heads rolled and blood sprayed in a macabre dance of death. He smiled a bit, watching as their bodies crumpled to the ground.
As the last of the yokai met their demise, Sesshomaru's attention was drawn inexorably to the small building where his Miko resided. A sense of urgency gripped him as he observed the structure tremble ominously, prompting a furrow of concern to crease his usually impassive brow.
"Why is it shaking?"
Sesshomaru turned to the pitiful human, the clothed blade in his hands shaking, a dark purple light shot out and dismantled the rest of the barrier as the pentagram shrunk into nothing.
"What's happening?"
The blade dragged the pitiful human into the nearby water, in circles before carrying him up the waterfall.
The fox kit scratched the back of his neck. "That's something you don't see every day."
"Lord Sesshomaru!" Rin cried out, "you have to save Hojo-san!"
With a low, menacing growl reverberating through his chest, Sesshomaru swiftly obeyed Rin's plea, leaping into action to rescue the imperiled human. As he descended from the sky, he caught the weak mortal in his strong arms, ensuring his safe return to solid ground.
Once the human was secure, Sesshomaru's attention was immediately drawn back to the unfolding crisis. His keen eyes observed with a mixture of concern and determination as the two swords, now merged into one, fell into the hands of the demon Hoshiyomi. The sight sent a shiver down his spine, for he knew the immense power that rested within those ancient blades.
"KenKon," Hoshiyomi's voice echoed with ominous intent, his words carrying the weight of destiny. "Signifying the balance of yin and yang, the harmony of heaven and earth. With these blades, I shall shatter the barriers that divide the cosmos."
Sesshomaru's grip tightened around his own sword, his resolve unwavering as he faced off against the malevolent demon. "Release the Miko," he demanded, his voice cold and commanding.
But Hoshiyomi's response was steeped in disdain for humanity, his words dripping with contempt. "Humans are but parasites, feeding off the world's lifeblood. They shall meet their end at my hands."
As Hoshiyomi twirled the dual blade in his hand, his form began to shift and contort, his once-human visage warping into something altogether more sinister. Eyes ablaze with crimson fire, teeth elongated into razor-sharp fangs, he was a terrifying embodiment of darkness and chaos. A purple aura enveloped him, pulsating with malevolent energy.
A surge of dread coursed through Sesshomaru's veins as he beheld the unfolding cataclysm. A massive red light tore through the fabric of reality, giving birth to a swirling black hole that threatened to devour everything in its path. Debris was drawn inexorably towards its gaping maw, consumed by its insatiable hunger.
Without hesitation, Sesshomaru issued swift commands to his loyal retainer. "Jaken, take A-Un and Rin to safety," he ordered, his voice leaving no room for argument. Though he knew the fox kit, the slayer, and the monk were formidable warriors in their own right, he could not risk their lives in the face of such overwhelming peril.
"Does Tenseiga have its power back?"
"Damn it, it's no good."
"I will fight him, you will seal the blade," Sesshomaru declared, his resolve unwavering as he stepped forward, the very air crackling with anticipation.
"I–"
But before the battle could fully commence, Hoshiyomi encased himself in a shimmering golden barrier, taking flight with the Miko still held captive within his grasp. Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed with focused intensity as he stared up at his adversary, a low growl rumbling in his throat.
"Nothing lasts forever," Hoshiyomi taunted, his words dripping with malice. "Give up your senseless struggle and surrender to your inevitable death."
Sesshomaru grappled with the dilemma of how to engage his foe without endangering the Miko's life. He observed as the monk and slayer launched relentless assaults, only to be repelled with ease. Even Inuyasha's formidable strength proved insufficient, leaving him battered and on the defensive.
"You want this girl returned to you so badly. You love her that much, do you?"
"Yes, it's true, I love Kagome. I will gladly give you my life in exchange for hers. Please return Kagome." The pitiful human, reeked of love and desperation, interjected with a plea for the Miko's return.
Sesshomaru's inner turmoil churned like a tempestuous sea, his normally impassive facade cracking under the weight of his jealousy. His golden eyes blazed with an intensity that matched the fiery tumult of his emotions. Despite his best efforts to maintain control, the tendrils of envy snaked through his being, threatening to consume him whole.
Eyes flashing crimson with a primal fury, Sesshomaru battled to contain the roiling storm of jealousy that threatened to engulf him. The poison of his envy dripped from his elongated fangs, sizzling as it met the earth below. Each drop bore testament to the corrosive nature of his emotions, a reminder of the darkness that lurked within his soul.
"You just claimed now that nothing lasts forever. You're wrong! There is one thing! It's love! Love doesn't fade, no matter how much time passes!" The mortal proclaimed with unwavering conviction, his voice a beacon of hope amidst the chaos.
Yet, amidst the turmoil, a flicker of recognition stirred within him. The mortal's admission of weakness resonated with Sesshomaru on a visceral level, forcing him to confront his own vulnerabilities. With each passing moment, the claws of his inner demons threatened to tear him asunder, digging into the hilt of his sword with an almost desperate urgency.
"It's our weakness that allows humans to understand the pain of others. To show kindness and compassion to one another. That is why I believe love will last forever."
In that fleeting moment of vulnerability, Sesshomaru found himself grappling with a truth he had long denied: that beneath his stoic exterior lay the heart of a creature capable of love and longing. And as the mortal's words echoed in the air, a sliver of understanding pierced through the darkness, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the encroaching shadows.
"Don't make me laugh! If humans truly understand pain and are able to be kind…then why did Tsukiyomi seal me away?!"
Yet, as the Miko's transformation began, a radiant white light enveloped her form, forcing the demon to relinquish his hold.
With a gasp, the Miko emerged from his hold, her eyes blinking in astonishment as she underwent a profound metamorphosis. The air crackled with anticipation and reiki as her essence merged with that of another woman, her newfound power radiating with an otherworldly brilliance.
And between them, suspended in the air like a tangible manifestation of destiny, the blade of KenKon floated, its presence a harbinger of untold possibilities.
"Hoshiyomi…" a light airy voice breathed out.
"Tsukiyomi…"
"We have been able to meet once again," spoke the woman, her voice carrying an otherworldly grace as she emerged in Miko attire, adorned with armor and a sword, replacing Kagome's form.
"Tsukiyomi, what do you want with me now?" Hoshiyomi's voice, held a mixture of confusion and apprehension.
"I wanted you to remember the feelings you felt towards humans, towards me," Tsukiyomi replied with a hint of longing. "The kindness that you gave so willingly. The many days we shared together."
With a swift motion, Tsukiyomi's blade slashed through the air, transporting them into visions of the past, where they were forced to witness the tragic tale of two lovers hunted down by both demons and humans for the forbidden love they shared—a love that ultimately led to death and sealing.
"That is right," Hoshiyomi continued, his voice heavy with emotion. "I wanted Naginata of KenKon to be forged, to be wielded for us to find a place to live, a place with no more fighting. I needed a weapon that could harness your power, so you need not expend any more of your own. I did it all for you, Tsukiyomi…"
"Hoshiyomi…"
But as the truth began to unravel, Hoshiyomi's anger boiled over. "WHY DID YOU HAVE TO BETRAY ME?!" he thundered, his voice reverberating through the ethereal space.
More visions of the past were shown.
"Are you telling me the truth?"
In the face of Hoshiyomi's accusation, Tsukiyomi's response was measured yet tinged with sorrow. "I am not saying that I did not betray you," he admitted. "But I wanted to save you, to release the possession the blade had on you. Though my body is no longer of this world, my feelings for you have never wavered, nor do I leave any regrets in my passing."
But Hoshiyomi's rage remained unyielding, his hand outstretched as the blade obediently returned to his grasp. "It's too late!" he declared, launching himself forward with a ferocious strike aimed at the woman he professed to love.
Shooting forward, he struck the woman that he claimed to love. Falling out of the ethereal white sphere, Kagome appeared and began to plummet to the ground.
In a desperate attempt to save her, Sesshomaru sprang into action, catching the unconscious Miko as she began to plummet from the ethereal white sphere. Cradling her in his arms, he was enveloped by the sweet scent of jasmine and vanilla, a soothing blanket that overwhelmed his senses, quieting his beast and calming the rage her felt.
As Kagome began to stir in his arms, Sesshomaru's heart skipped a beat, relief flooding through him at her awakening. "Miko..." he murmured softly, careful not to jostle her too roughly. "Wake this instant."
Her response was a soft moan, her eyes fluttering open slowly. "L-Lord Sesshomaru...you saved me," she breathed, her fingers instinctively clutching his shoulders for support.
He felt her delicate touch, the warmth of her hands seeping into his being, and for a fleeting moment, he allowed himself to revel in the sensation. With utmost care, he shifted his weight, ensuring that his armor did not cause her any harm as he held her close.
"You are well, Miko," he reassured her, his voice a low rumble in the stillness of the moment.
"Yes," she replied, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "You can put me down. I promise that I am well enough to stand."
With a nod, Sesshomaru gently lowered her to her feet, his steady gaze never leaving her form as she regained her composure.
But their respite was short-lived, as Hoshiyomi's declaration shattered the tranquility of the moment. "I now possess absolute power! I shall rid the world of humans with the Naginata of KenKon," he proclaimed, his voice laced with madness.
Kagome wasted no time in confronting the green-haired demon, her indignation palpable as she rebuked him. "Are you still going on about that?!" she exclaimed, her hands planted firmly on her hips.
Confusion flickered across Hoshiyomi's face as he regarded her with bewilderment, prompting Kagome to press on, her voice ringing with righteous fury. "Tsukiyomi died for your sake. She gave her own life for you! How can you ignore her sacrifice?!"
Sesshomaru observed the exchange with a sense of amusement, his thoughts drifting as he contemplated the complexities of human emotion. It was both perplexing and intriguing to witness the small woman's unwavering resolve in the face of such danger.
But Kagome was not finished. With fierce determination, she continued to challenge Hoshiyomi's misguided intentions, her words cutting through the tension like a sharpened blade. "Tsukiyomi was human, yes, but she wasn't weak by any standard. She had a much stronger heart than you ever did!"
But Kagome's courage knew no bounds. With each word she spoke, her conviction grew stronger, her spirit undaunted by the looming threat of Hoshiyomi's malevolent intentions. "You're the one who betrayed yourself, Hoshiyomi. You became bewitched by the Naginata of KenKon's terrible power because your own heart was weak!"
Before Hoshiyomi could respond, Sesshomaru sprang into action, his blade drawn in a flash as he intercepted the green-haired demon's advance, his movements swift and precise as he met his adversary head-on.
"You will not lay a hand on her," Sesshomaru's voice rumbled with a low, menacing growl, his eyes flashing red in warning. "Her life is mine to protect. You will not take it."
"L–lord Sesshomaru…" she whimpered from behind him.
As Sesshomaru stood resolute, his blade poised to defend her at any cost, he felt her presence behind him, her soft whimpers tugging at the edges of his consciousness. "Miko, step back," he commanded firmly, his gaze never leaving Hoshiyomi's looming figure.
With a flicker of uncertainty, Kagome complied, retreating cautiously.
"Dragon strike." Soft blue lighting crackled behind him, slashing his sword in the air, causing several blue bolts of lighting to strike down, building up into one great attack and heading straight for Hoshiyomi.
Barely managing to evade the onslaught of Sesshomaru's dragon strike, Hoshiyomi surged forward once more, his determination undeterred by the relentless assault. With a resounding clang, their blades clashed once more, the steel meeting in a shower of sparks as crackling energy surged between them. In that fleeting moment of confrontation, the air crackled with tension, each combatant locked in a deadly dance of strength and willpower.
An arrow, swirling with pink and purple energy, shot towards Hoshiyomi with deadly precision. Yet, to everyone's surprise, the green-haired demon caught it effortlessly, his malevolent grin belying his confidence.
The Miko, weakened from the loss of her spiritual powers, staggered back in shock. "My power...he stole it and hasn't returned it to me yet," she lamented, her voice tinged with desperation.
With a cruel smirk, Hoshiyomi broke the arrow in half, casting it aside with disdain. "I used your spiritual powers to fuel the Naginata of KenKon," he taunted, his voice dripping with malice. "Give up, priestess."
But before Hoshiyomi could press his advantage, Inuyasha leaped into action, Tessaiga drawn and back to its original form. With a swift motion, he intercepted Hoshiyomi, his own determination shining bright in his eyes as he prepared to face their common enemy.
Seizing the moment, Sesshomaru swiftly stepped back, allowing Inuyasha to take the lead in the heated battle. His keen gaze swept over the battlefield, noting with concern the still-unconscious forms of the slayer and the monk. With the human and fox kit relegated to the sidelines, the weight of the fight fell squarely upon Inuyasha and himself.
As Inuyasha engaged Hoshiyomi in combat, the clash of their blades echoing through the air, Sesshomaru remained vigilant, his senses attuned to the ebb and flow of the battle. But his attention was soon drawn away as Inuyasha was sent flying back, crashing into a nearby tree with a series of bone-rattling cracks.
"Inuyasha!" Kagome's voice rang out, filled with worry, as she began to run towards him.
Without hesitation, Sesshomaru intercepted her, swiftly capturing her in his arms and pulling her close to his chest before leaping back. The ground where she had stood mere moments ago was now marred by Hoshiyomi's brutal strike.
"Miko," Sesshomaru's voice rumbled with a mixture of concern and admonishment. "You need to be more self-aware on the battlefield."
He detected the faint scent of embarrassment and shyness wafting from her, a subtle acknowledgment of her lapse in judgment. "Thank you again, Lord Sesshomaru," Kagome murmured softly, her gratitude evident in her voice.
Gently, Sesshomaru lowered Kagome to the ground, positioning her beside the unconscious forms of the slayer and the monk. With a reluctant sigh, he released her from his grasp. "I will see to my brother," he stated firmly, his resolve unwavering.
Before departing, Sesshomaru leaned forward boldly, his golden eyes locking onto Kagome's own as he took a deep inhale of her sweet scent. With a swift nod, he shot across the battlefield towards where Hoshiyomi continued to press his attack on Inuyasha, his determination burning bright.
The two brothers fought with coordinated precision, their movements synchronized as they sought to overcome their formidable adversary. However, Hoshiyomi proved to be a formidable opponent, easily evading and countering their every move with unnerving efficiency.
Unable to stand idly by, Kagome reached for an arrow from her quiver, her heart pounding with determination. "Help me out here, Tsukiyomi," she whispered, her voice filled with resolve. In response, the arrow's tip glowed a bright, vibrant purple-pink, imbued with the essence of Tsukiyomi's power.
"Stop, Hoshiyomi!" Kagome and Tsukiyomi's voices rang out in unison, their combined strength fueling the arrow as Kagome drew her bow and unleashed the shot. A brilliant burst of pink-purple light streaked across the battlefield, striking Hoshiyomi's blade with pinpoint accuracy.
"Tsukiyomi! It can't be helped!"
"My power has returned!" Kagome exclaimed, relief evident in her scent as she felt the surge of energy coursing through her veins.
"Let's end this!" Inuyasha's voice echoed beside her, his determination mirroring her own as he landed next to her.
A swirl of red power began to form, the ball increasingly becoming bigger as it flew straight for both Inuyasha and his Miko. Forcing himself to do nothing, Lord Sesshomaru stood behind them.
"Backlash wave!" Inuyasha screamed
The sacred arrow and his backlash wave combined, swirling together as it aimed right for the swirling red mass of power. Easily overtaking the attack, breaking the KenKon blade and killing Hoshiyomi.
The sacred arrow and the Backlash Wave merged together, swirling into a formidable force that tore through the air, overtaking Hoshiyomi's defenses and shattering the KenKon blade. With a final, resounding impact, Hoshiyomi fell, his malevolent presence vanquished from the battlefield.
As the dust settled, Kagome's strength waned, exhaustion washing over her like a tidal wave. Collapsing to her knees, she cried out, her body trembling with fatigue. But before she could hit the ground, Sesshomaru was there, catching her in his arms and cradling her close to his chest.
Leaning back into his reassuring embrace, Kagome closed her eyes, finding solace in his strength as the weight of her fatigue threatened to overwhelm her.