"There are rumors of the Holy One living in the Forbidden Mountain," the male villager stated. "Just yesterday, two bright lights were heading there as well."
"I see," Miroku turned towards Inuyasha and Sesshomaru. "Perhaps we should investigate then seeing as the Holy One is also trying to find the nest of the demon birds."
Kagome chanced a glance at Sango, who just stared at Inuyasha with conflicting emotions.
"Just know that there is a rumor stating that only a select few can enter the mountain." The male villager added, "I suggest being careful as I heard from other travelers that there have been an increase in demons around the area."
"Thank you for the insight," Miroku bowed his head.
As they continued to run, Kagome couldn't shake the feeling of dread that seemed to grow with each passing moment. The presence of hundreds of demons surrounding them only intensified her unease.
"Naraku is behind this," Inuyasha spat out, his voice laced with anger as he pressed on. "They must be following us, or worse."
"What should we do?" Sango asked, her voice tense with concern.
"There are so many of them!" Shippo exclaimed, pointing up at the sky.
Miroku sighed heavily. "And they're heading straight for us."
Kagome took a deep breath, drawing her bow and arrow as she prepared for the impending confrontation. "Naraku must suspect that Kikyo is here and has sent these demons to finish her and Saint Hijiri off."
Releasing the arrow, she watched as it soared through the air, her sacred pure energy cutting through the ranks of demons, causing them to dissipate into thin air. Each shot was precise, each arrow finding its mark with deadly accuracy.
As Kagome prepared to notch another arrow, a powerful beam of purple energy shot forth from another direction, swiftly decimating several demons. Another arrow followed from the same direction. "Saint Hijiri!" She exclaimed.
Miroku reached for the beads around his hand but hesitated upon seeing the poisonous insects. "Dammit!" he muttered under his breath.
A piercing scream cut through the chaos, and Kagome's heart clenched as she witnessed a stingray demon charging toward Rin. Acting swiftly, she released her arrow, swiftly dispatching the demon and ensuring Rin's safety on the back of Au-Un.
Inuyasha growled in frustration. "I can't fight like this.
"Agreed," Sesshomaru said rather dryly, whose eyes flashed with irritation.
"You guys go on ahead, we'll handle these demons," Inuyasha declared.
They all came to a halt in the middle of the dirt path through the woods. Gently setting Kagome on the demon cat, Sesshomaru turned to her, lifting her chin with a finger and placing a soft kiss on her lips. "Go with the monk and demon slayer."
Kagome began to protest, but Sesshomaru cut her off. "This one can't protect you and the children while dealing with Naraku's neverending horde," he explained, his gaze shifting to the approaching demons. "You're almost out of arrows as well."
Accepting the reality of their situation, Kagome acknowledged the dwindling supply of arrows at her side. She couldn't afford to face whatever lay ahead without proper ammunition.
"Just come back quickly," she murmured, her heart weighed down by worry.
Sesshomaru nodded in response before swiftly turning to join Inuyasha, who exchanged a meaningful glance with Sango. "Get going!" Inuyasha barked, urging them forward.
Kagome's nerves were frayed as she continued to cast anxious glances backward, searching for any sign of Sesshomaru or Inuyasha. Lost in her worry, she failed to sense another horde of demons approaching through the woods, rather than from the sky.
"Just how many are there?!" Sango snapped, her frustration evident as Kirara lowered to the ground. "Kagome,/ you stay here with Shippo and Rin."
"Okay," Kagome replied, though she despised the idea of sitting back and watching. Nevertheless, she understood the necessity of it.
Gathering both children into the hollow base of the tree, Kagome swiftly erected a protective barrier around them. Turning to Jaken and Au-Un, she instructed them to guard the base diligently. But just as she prepared to use one more arrow, her keen eyes caught sight of something bright slithering through the trees in the air.
Soul Collectors.
The realization struck her like a bolt of lightning. Kikyo's soul collectors. The mere sight of them sent a shiver down her spine, igniting a surge of dread within her. Yet, despite the fear that gripped her, Kagome found herself inexplicably drawn to them, her body moving of its own accord.
With determination etched on her face, she broke into a run, her gaze never straying from the beckoning figures of the soul collectors. The urgency of their call seemed to resonate deep within her soul, compelling her to follow them, no matter the danger.
"Where are you going?!" Miroku's voice rang out from where he stood several feet away, surrounded by demons.
"It's Kikyo! She's calling me," Kagome replied, her voice trembling with a mixture of apprehension and determination. She could feel the weight of Miroku's gaze upon her, his concern palpable in the air.
"Don't be so hasty! It's too dangerous!" Miroku's warning fell on deaf ears as Kagome pressed on, her footsteps echoing through the dense forest.
Just as Miroku moved to follow her, a sudden realization struck him. He reached out to tap the invisible barrier that surrounded Kagome, only to be met with a powerful jolt of energy that sent him reeling backward.
"It's a barrier," he muttered, his eyes widening in realization as he watched Kagome disappear into thin air.
Sesshomaru's strides quickened with purpose as he made his way back to Kagome, his heightened senses keenly attuned to her aura of worry and apprehension. Despite their swift dispatching of the demons, an air of tension lingered, fueled by unanswered questions that loomed over them like a storm cloud.
As they reconvened, their attention was abruptly seized by the arrival of the supposed Saint, whose presence disrupted their conversation. However, Sesshomaru's acute senses swiftly discerned the truth concealed behind the facade. It was evident to him that this purported Saint was nothing more than a puppet, a mere vessel manipulated by unseen forces. While his brother's emotions seemed to cloud his judgment, Sesshomaru remained steadfast and clear-headed, ever vigilant in the face of deception.
"Kikyo!" Inuyasha shouted. "Is that really you?!"
"The Master's body is ravaged by a potent aura," the small girl in the blue kimono explained, her grip firm on her arrows as she spoke. "Her body lacks the ability to restore itself."
"And she has lost her voice," the one in the yellow kimono chimed in, her expression grave as she too held a quiver of arrows. "She relies solely on her spirit to fight. However, her strength is waning, and she is nearing her limit."
Inuyasha's desperation surged forth as he rushed towards the figure, his senses betraying him with the unmistakable scent of longing and desperation that filled the air. For a fleeting moment, he glimpsed the ethereal visage of the deceased priestess before she vanished in a blinding flash of purple light, leaving only emptiness in her wake. "Kikyo!"
But before his words could fully resonate, a slicing gust of wind tore through the apparition, dispelling the illusion with ruthless efficiency. Looking skyward, Inuyasha spotted Kagura perched atop a feather, her demeanor radiating with arrogance and malice.
"Isn't this a shikigami?" Inuyasha muttered, his grip tightening around the piece of white paper in his hand, his expression a mix of confusion and realization.
"Inuyasha," Sesshomaru warned.
"Damn that Kikyo," Kagura taunted. "Always elusive that one."
Sesshomaru breathed in the scent of ashes, dirt and earth.
"What the hell are you doing here?!"
"Just what I would like to know!" Kagura snapped, "damn waste of time."
Her crimson eyes turned to Sesshomaru and she nearly purred, "it's good to see you again Sesshomaru."
He just blinked at her, her lust was evident but he cared not. Just as he told his koi, he desired only her.
"Where is Naraku?"
"WHERE IS THAT DAMN HAKUDOSHI?!" Inuyasha drew his sword, pointing it up at the wind demon. "What does he want with Kikyo?!"
"Naraku sent me," she stated dryly. "He believes she is alive. Dirt from Onigumo's cave was taken and has been scattered in the wind to the forbidden mountain."
"Onigumo?" Inuyasha asked incredulously
Sesshomaru furrowed his brows, the name was familiar. His Miko had explained to him about this Onigumo person, he had sold his body to demons and was reborn as Naraku.
"The soil there is immersed with his lust for Kikyo" Kagura stated, "that is what protects Kikyo from being destroyed by Naraku's wrath. I've been tracking the soil from Onigumo's caves and it's been leading to the forbidden mountain."
Reaching out with his formidable yokai senses, Sesshomaru sought the comforting presence of his Miko's reiki, a tether that had always grounded him in times of uncertainty. But to his dismay, there was nothing—no trace of her familiar energy to be found. The realization struck him with a heavy weight, sending a chill down his spine.
"She is gone," he stated tersely, his voice devoid of emotion as he turned away, ignoring Inuyasha's frantic protests. The urgency of the situation demanded his immediate attention, driving him forward with determination despite the turmoil raging within him.
With each passing moment, his control began to slip, his usually composed demeanor giving way to a simmering storm of emotions. Fear, frustration, and a gnawing sense of helplessness clawed at the edges of his consciousness as he relentlessly searched for any sign of his beloved Miko amidst the vast expanse of the wilderness.
As Kagome pressed on through the dense underbrush, her senses heightened by adrenaline and desperation, she focused solely on the rhythmic beat of her own footsteps and the haunting melody of the soul collectors ahead. With each stride, her chest burned with exertion, her lungs gasping for precious air, yet she refused to relent.
The distant roar of rushing water began to crescendo, a welcome sign that spurred her forward with renewed determination. Pushing through the foliage, she emerged into a clearing bathed in the soft glow of twilight, where a cascading waterfall awaited her.
Without hesitation, Kagome approached the edge of the crystalline pool below the waterfall, her eyes scanning the tranquil surface for any sign of the elusive soul collectors. With bated breath, she waited, her heart hammering in anticipation as she prepared to confront whatever awaited her on the other side.
As Kagome turned away from the tranquil pool, a sudden sensation gripped her, as if her very soul was being tugged back. Startled, she spun around to face the shimmering waters once more, her heart pounding with trepidation. There, amidst the rippling surface, a spectral figure emerged—a haunting apparition cloaked in the guise of a familiar face.
Her breath caught in her throat as she beheld the ethereal form of Kikyo, the legendary priestess whose presence still cast a shadow over her, no, —Inuyasha's life. With her pallid complexion, cascading ebony hair, and flowing miko garments, Kikyo appeared both otherworldly and eerily real.
Kagome's pulse quickened, her mind reeling with a mixture of fear and disbelief.
As Kagome's gaze locked onto the shimmering figure in the water, her breath caught in her throat, her heart pounding against her ribs like a trapped bird. Her features serene yet haunting, her eyes pools of darkness that seemed to pierce through Kagome's very soul.
"Kikyo," Kagome whispered, her voice barely above a trembling breath. The name hung heavy in the air, laden with memories of pain, loss, and betrayal.
The spectral figure regarded her with an inscrutable expression, her lips parting as if to speak. Kagome felt a shiver course through her, an inexplicable mixture of fear and fascination gripping her heart in its icy embrace.
As Sesshomaru surveyed the scene, his senses honed in on the lingering traces of Kagome's reiki, crackling through the air like a beacon amidst the carnage. She had used her powers to protect the children, and now she was in possible danger herself.
"Lord Sesshomaru!" Rin's voice broke through his thoughts as she approached from behind a small pink barrier, erected by his Miko for the safety of the children. He crouched down to her level, his expression tense with concern. "Where is your mother?"
"She went through this barrier," Rin explained eagerly, her eyes sparkling with innocence. "She saw those white flying dragons. They were really pretty."
"Soul collectors," Sango clarified as she joined them, her voice grave with worry. "Kagome saw soul collectors and followed them deeper into the woods, past some kind of barrier."
Miroku's gaze shifted towards Inuyasha, who had just arrived in the clearing. "The rumors of only a select few being able to enter were true."
Inuyasha's fists clenched at his sides as he took in the devastation around them, his nostrils flaring to catch his Miko's scent. Sesshomaru could sense her reiki pulsating through the air.
"Lord Sesshomaru!" Jaken's panicked cries interrupted the tense silence as he rushed towards them. "Forget the human!"
With a snarl of contempt, Sesshomaru unleashed a poison whip from his hand, lashing out at the imp demon. "Speak ill of her again, and this one will end you."
A collective shudder rippled through the group, but Inuyasha and Rin remained steadfast by Sesshomaru's side. Rin looked up at him with wide eyes, her innocence undimmed by the chaos surrounding them. "Will you go save her?"
Sesshomaru's jaw clenched with resolve as he met Rin's gaze. Without a word, he rose to his full height, his determination burning fiercely in his golden eyes. His miko needed him, and he would not fail her. Turning towards the barrier, he took a step forward.
"Kikyo?" Kagome called out once more, her voice trembling with uncertainty as she knelt beside the shimmering pool. With outstretched fingers, she reached toward the water's surface, her heart racing with a mix of apprehension and compassion.
Beside her, two ethereal figures materialized—Asuka, clad in a yellow kimono adorned with green butterflies, and her companion, whose light blue kimono bore delicate pink flowers. Their presence added to the surreal atmosphere, casting an otherworldly glow upon the scene.
"The miasma is consuming her," Asuka explained somberly, her voice barely above a whisper. "For years, we have fought to slow its spread within her body, but our efforts are waning."
"You must make a decision," the second spirit urged, her eyes shimmering with urgency. "Will you choose to save her?"
As Kagome gazed upon Kikyo's form, a dark mist seeped from the priestess's chest, a stark reminder of the malignancy eating away at her essence. Questions tumbled through Kagome's mind, each one more desperate than the last.
"What do you mean, 'decision'?" Kagome's voice trembled with emotion. "How did this happen to her? Why is she suffering like this?"
Asuka's voice held a note of sorrow as she recounted the tragic events. "After the destruction of Mount Hakurei, Kikyo was ensnared by Naraku's tendrils and plunged into a river of dark miasma. Her sacred origins protected her from dissolution, but the miasma now ravages her from within."
"Only you can save her," the other spirit added, her urgency palpable.
The weight of the decision pressed heavily upon Kagome's shoulders. Could she truly save Kikyo, the woman who had once been her rival and yet shared a bond with her through the Shikon Jewel? Despite the complexities of their relationship, one thing remained clear: Kikyo deserved a chance at redemption and healing.
"What must I do to save her?" Kagome's voice quavered with determination, her resolve unwavering.
"Are you sure?" Asuka's gaze bore into Kagome's soul, searching for certainty.
"Why wouldn't I save her?!" Kagome's voice rose with frustration and determination, her eyes flashing with defiance.
The spirits offered no further explanation, their silence speaking volumes.
"Just touch her, it will be more than enough to purify the miasma." Asuka blinked
With a resolute nod, Kagome shed her weapons and plunged into the water without hesitation. As the electric shock surged through her body, she gritted her teeth against the pain, pushing forward with unwavering determination.
Taking a deep breath, Kagome reached out and touched Kikyo's wounded chest, her heart pounding with anticipation. But instead of purifying the miasma, Kagome found herself enveloped in darkness as she was pulled deeper into the depths of the water.
Although submerged in the water, Kagome found she could still breathe, a strange sensation that defied logic. As they descended deeper into the murky depths, she watched in horror as dark purple tendrils of mist seeped from Kikyo's body, swirling around them like malevolent spirits. With a gasp, Kagome reached out, her fingers trembling as she traced the cracks in Kikyo's chest.
Just then, something caught her eye—a glimmering sparkle drifting towards her. Without hesitation, Kagome grasped it, feeling its warmth and energy pulsating in her palm. "What is this?" she murmured, her voice barely audible amidst the swirling chaos.
"It is the purified ash and soil from Kikyo's wounds," one of the ethereal girls explained. "Rub it over her wound to complete the purification."
Following the instructions, Kagome applied the shimmering substance to Kikyo's chest, but instead of healing, the miasma within her surged violently, pushing against the purified energy. Agony ripped through Kagome's body as she fought to maintain her grip, her strength waning with each passing moment.
As darkness threatened to engulf her, Kagome was suddenly transported back in time, to the moment of Kikyo's death. She witnessed the scene with startling clarity, realizing with a jolt that Kikyo's wounds mirrored her own—the scars of a past that refused to be forgotten.
With a determined resolve, Kagome poured more of her reiki into Kikyo, her own energy draining rapidly. But just as despair threatened to consume her, golden sunlight pierced through the darkness, bathing them in its radiant glow. With a relieved sigh, Kagome collapsed, her strength depleted.
As she stirred from her unconsciousness, Kagome found herself lying on the bank of the waterfall, her clothes drenched and clinging to her skin. Night had fallen, shrouding the landscape in shadow.
"Why did you save me?" Kikyo's voice cut through the silence, her tone tinged with curiosity and disbelief. "You risked your life to save mine."
Struggling to sit up, Kagome met Kikyo's gaze. "Why wouldn't I save you? It was the right thing to do," she replied, her voice tinged with exhaustion. "There was no choice to make."
"Did you see anything in the water?" Kikyo inquired, her expression inscrutable.
Frowning, Kagome shook her head. "What do you mean?"
"I will drop the barrier," Kikyo announced abruptly, turning away. "Inuyasha is heading here now. I must retreat and recover my strength."
With those final words, Kikyo vanished into the forest, her soul collectors trailing behind her like silent sentinels. Left alone by the waterfall, Kagome pondered the events that had transpired, a sense of unease lingering in the air.
Struggling to maintain her balance, Kagome felt her body sway dangerously as exhaustion threatened to engulf her. Just as she felt herself slipping into unconsciousness once more, she was caught by a pair of strong arms that pulled her close against a familiar, sturdy chest. Opening her bleary eyes, she found herself gazing into the golden orbs of Sesshomaru.
"Koi," he breathed, his voice tinged with concern.
For a moment, Kagome simply leaned into his embrace, seeking solace in his presence. She could feel the tension in his muscles, the subtle tremor that betrayed his worry. Though she knew she should apologize for causing him distress, she couldn't find the strength to form the words. Instead, she nestled closer to him, finding comfort in his warmth.
"You are cold," he observed, his gaze shifting towards the water where she had emerged from. "What happened?"
"It's a long story," Kagome replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
Before Sesshomaru could respond, the rest of their group arrived, their expressions ranging from relief to curiosity. Inuyasha, upon seeing Kagome alive and well, rushed forward, his senses on high alert as he sniffed the air for any sign of danger. Sango kept her distance, avoiding his gaze, while Miroku greeted Kagome with a warm smile.
"I knew that Lord Sesshomaru would save you!" Rin exclaimed with delight, clapping her hands together.
With a gentle smile, Kagome nodded in gratitude towards the young girl. Turning back to Sesshomaru, Kagome knew that they would need to have a private conversation about what had transpired in the water.
"Let's make camp here," Miroku suggested. "It's late, and Kagome needs rest."
Sesshomaru had departed to hunt alone, leaving behind his fur as a gesture for Kagome to warm herself by the fire. Sango occupied herself with the children a short distance away, while Jaken sulked and Au-Un chased dragonflies with playful abandon.
"Are you sure Kikyo is okay?" Inuyasha's voice cut through the quiet evening air.
Kagome sighed wearily. "Yes, Inuyasha. I healed her, and now she needs time to regain her strength. Just like I do. But if you keep pestering me about her, then I will say it."
Inuyasha's ears flattened against his head as he shoved his arms into his kimono sleeves, retreating with a huff. He leaped into a nearby tree, perching on a branch as he kept watch over Sango.
"He cares deeply for her still," Miroku observed as he settled beside Kagome.
"Inuyasha always will," Kagome remarked softly. "Sesshomaru once told me that dogs are loyal to a fault, and their devotion to those close to them runs deep."
"Sango is hurting," Miroku noted, his gaze drifting toward the group where Sango was laughing with Rin and Shippo. "She knows that Inuyasha wants to run after Kikyo."
Kagome bit her lip before gathering the courage to voice her concern. "Does it not hurt you, knowing that she has feelings for him?"
Miroku fell silent for a moment, his expression thoughtful, before a gentle smile graced his lips. "I wish for her happiness. However, I believe that even after Naraku is defeated, she still wishes to live this way. I want to marry and settle down. We have both grown to having different dreams"
Kagome nodded understandingly, a sense of empathy washing over her as she contemplated the complexities of love and longing that intertwined within their group. Each member carried their own burdens and desires, navigating the delicate balance between duty and personal fulfillment.
Late into the night, with the rest of the group lost in slumber, Kagome and Sesshomaru remained awake. He stood watch while she lay on his fur, recounting the events of the day to him. He held her close, his touch tender as he comforted her.
"Why would you save the deceased Miko?" he inquired softly.
"It's not about choosing who to save," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "If someone is in need, I will always extend my help."
As Kagome drifted off to sleep, finding solace in his embrace, she missed the subtle shift in his demeanor, the softness that crept into his eyes as he gazed upon her.
