Kagome sat beside Kohaku, offering him a bowl of rice and grilled fish she had prepared for lunch. The camp was quiet, the only sounds being the crackling of the fire and the distant chirping of birds. Inuyasha and Sango had gone off to talk privately, while Miroku had taken Au-Un and Kirara to explore a nearby field for medicinal herbs.
As Kohaku ate, Kagome couldn't help but reflect on Sesshomaru and their recent parting. It had been difficult to watch him leave, especially knowing he was heading to visit Totosai after his confrontation with Shishinki.
Her thoughts drifted back to that moment.
"Sesshomaru," Kagome had called out softly as he prepared to depart. The setting sun cast a golden glow over his figure, highlighting his ethereal beauty and the intensity in his amber eyes. "Be careful."
He turned to her, his gaze softening for a brief moment. "I will return, koi."
She felt a pang of sorrow mixed with hope, their bond tugging at her heart. "I'll be waiting."
Crossing the distance between them, he gathered her in his arms. His embrace was fierce and protective, his presence overwhelming. Sesshomaru kissed her again, harsh and feverish, causing her to cling to him, desperate to be closer.
"We will talk when this one returns," Sesshomaru murmured against her lips, his voice a low growl. He nipped at her bottom lip, sending a shiver down her spine. "Stay with Inuyasha."
"Okay," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Without another word, he had taken to the skies, his form becoming a mere speck on the horizon. She watched until he disappeared, feeling the emptiness of his absence settle within her.
"Kagome?" Kohaku's voice brought her back to the present. He looked at her with concern, his youthful face marked by the hardships he had endured. "Are you alright?"
Kagome forced a smile, shaking off the melancholy. "I'm fine, Kohaku. Just lost in thought."
He nodded, but his eyes remained on her, understanding more than she had expected. "You miss him, don't you?"
She sighed, setting down her bowl. "Yes, I do. But I know he's doing what he needs to do. We all have our roles to play in this fight."
Kohaku's expression grew somber. "I understand. We all have people we care about and things we have to do, even when it's hard."
Kagome reached out, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "We'll get through this, Kohaku. Together."
He smiled, a small but genuine smile that gave her hope. They continued preparing their meal in a comfortable silence, each lost in their own thoughts but drawing strength from each other's presence. She felt sorrow for Kohaku, her bleeding heart unable to stop herself from caring too much about him.
Kagome and Kohaku were finishing preparing the food when the atmosphere around them suddenly grew heavy, the air thickening with an ominous presence and vast amounts of miasma. Kagome's senses immediately went on high alert, and she stood up, her heart pounding in her chest.
"Kohaku, stay close," she instructed, her voice steady but tense.
Before Kohaku could respond, a dark, malevolent laughter filled the air. Naraku emerged from the shadows, his eyes gleaming with malicious intent. "Well, well, what a pleasant surprise," he sneered, his gaze fixed on Kohaku. "I've come to reclaim what belongs to me."
Kagome positioned herself protectively in front of Kohaku, her reiki flaring up instinctively. "Stay away from him, Naraku," she warned, her voice firm.
Naraku's smile widened as he took a step closer. "You think you can stop me, miko? You may have grown stronger, but you are still no match for me."
Summoning all her strength, Kagome extended her hands, focusing her reiki to create a shimmering barrier around herself and Kohaku. The barrier pulsed with a pure, bright light, keeping Naraku at bay. His expression shifted from amusement to irritation as he found himself unable to breach the barrier.
"Impressive," Naraku conceded, his voice dripping with false admiration. "It seems you've harnessed your powers well. Perhaps even better than your predecessor, Kikyo."
Kagome's heart ached at the mention of Kikyo, but she held her ground, her determination unwavering. "I won't let you harm Kohaku," she declared, her eyes blazing with resolve.
As Naraku continued to test the barrier, Midoriko's voice echoed in Kagome's mind, calm and reassuring.
Kagome, you are stronger than you realize. Trust in your power, and do not let him shake your resolve.
Naraku taunted, his tone mocking. "Do you truly believe you can stop me with this barrier? You will grow exhausted and this barrier will fall. I will simply have to wait you out."
Ignoring his taunts, Kagome focused on maintaining the barrier, drawing strength from Midoriko's presence. "Your threats mean nothing to me, Naraku," she said, her voice steady. "I will protect Kohaku, and I will stop you."
Naraku's expression darkened, his frustration evident. "You may have delayed me for now, but this isn't over, miko," he hissed. "I will get what I want, one way or another."
Drawing her bow, she notched the arrow and aimed it right where his heart should be. "I will kill you, there will be no hesitation." Kagome stared at him, a fiery anger igniting in her eyes.
Naraku just scoffed, "you are a silly woman."
Kagome pursed her lips, letting the arrow loose only to watch it pierce his tentacles he used as a barrier. He was smirking, before frowning. Kagome guessed it was because he couldn't regenerate his limbs.
"DAMN YOU WOMAN!" Naraku snarled, unbridled fury in his eyes. "You will regret this."
Disappearing in a cloud of miasma, Kagome stared at where he was, lowering her bow, she let out a sigh, ignoring the way her heart felt as though it was going to leap out of her chest.
Kagome took a slow, deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. Naraku's presence and his vicious threats had unnerved her, but she refused to show any weakness.
"Lady Kagome!" Kohaku rushed to her side, concern etched across his face. "Are you alright?"
Kagome offered him a reassuring smile. "I'm alright," she said, her voice steady. "Let's finish dinner."
Kohaku hesitated for a moment, then nodded. They moved back to their campfire and resumed preparing their meal.
Kagome's thoughts raced, replaying the encounter with Naraku in her mind. She knew she couldn't afford to let her guard down, even for a moment. The dark and twisted demon would not hesitate to exploit any weakness he detected.
As they finished cooking and settled down to eat, Kagome found herself reflecting on her newfound strength and the bond with Midoriko that had grown over time.
After they ate, Kagome and Kohaku cleaned up the campsite, ensuring everything was secure before settling in for the night. Sitting behind Kohaku, she raised her hands to the shard embedded in his neck and purified it. She took her time, remembering how Kikyo had explained to her that she would need to stay near Kohaku to ensure that his shard stays pure.
When she was done, she allowed Kohaku to sleep first, and as she lay there, Kagome's thoughts drifted to Sesshomaru and the hope she felt in his return.
When Inuyasha, Miroku, and Sango returned, she recounted the encounter with Naraku, explaining how she had erected a barrier to keep him at bay while they had been lured away by Byakuya. The others shared their own experience of running into Byakuya and how they had managed to escape his influence. Kagome went to bed as the three of them ate and talked in hushed tones.
Kagome closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep, feeling a faint sense of peace.
That night, she dreamed of a strong and powerful priestess by the name of Hitomiko. A beautiful woman who called her name softly, "Ka-go-me," over and over again, as if it was a prayer. In the dream, Hitomiko seemed to guide Kagome with a gentle, reassuring presence, offering wisdom and strength.
Kagome felt a warmth spread through her as Hitomiko's presence enveloped her. It was as if the priestess was not just comforting her, but also empowering her to face the challenges that lay ahead. Before it all faded to Kanna's mirror shard that went into her eye, her words haunting her.
She wasn't sure what they were trying to tell her, it was all cryptic and yet she found it hard to decipher. What she did know was that it was all connected.
"Miroku," Kagome sighed, her tone heavy with worry. "The damage from Naraku's miasma is spreading. With my sacred powers, I can slow the process down, but it's only a matter of time before it consumes you."
Miroku's expression darkened as he listened. "So, what you're saying is there's no real cure?"
Kagome hesitated for a moment, her eyes downcast. "Not unless we defeat Naraku soon. The miasma's taint is deeper than anything I've encountered before. I can only delay it for so long."
He turned his gaze away, fingers drumming on his knee. "And if we fail?"
Kagome hesitated. "If we fail, there's a good chance you won't survive another year. The damage will be too severe."
Miroku's jaw clenched, his frustration apparent. "Then we have to find Naraku, no matter the cost."
Kagome reached out and placed a hand on his shoulder. "We will, Miroku. We'll fight harder, and we won't give up until he's gone. I promise."
"Hey! You're getting pretty stretchy there, Jaken!" Inuyasha called out, jogging toward the camp with Miroku close behind.
Jaken let out a high-pitched yelp as Inuyasha playfully twisted him around in various directions. "Inuyasha! Enough of this nonsense!" Jaken snapped, his irritation evident.
Kagome's attention quickly shifted when she noticed Sesshomaru step out from the nearby woods into the open field. Her heart raced, and she hurried towards him.
"Sesshomaru…" she murmured, her voice a mix of relief and concern.
"Draw your sword, Inuyasha," Sesshomaru ordered, his tone calm but with an underlying authority.
"Huh?" Inuyasha grunted, glancing between Kagome and his brother.
Kagome frowned, sensing the tension in the air. "Sesshomaru, what's the matter?" she inquired, her eyes scanning his face for answers.
"Stay back, koi," Sesshomaru's gaze softened as he gave her a reassuring smile.
Obeying his command, Kagome stepped back, her heart pounding in her chest. She watched with apprehension as the two brothers faced each other across the open field. Their gazes were steely and intense, the unspoken tension between them thickening the air.
Inuyasha brandished Tessaiga with a wary stance, clearly unsure of what had prompted this sudden confrontation. Sesshomaru's expression remained cold and unyielding, his amber eyes gleaming in the fading sunlight.
Kagome's stomach churned as she feared the worst. What could have brought Sesshomaru to challenge Inuyasha in this manner? Was it because of what Myoga and that ogre demon had said? About his sword actually being a pale imitation of Inuyasha's own blade? She swallowed the lump in her throat, hoping for a peaceful resolution.
"What the hell is going on with you, Sesshomaru?" Inuyasha growled, his voice thick with frustration.
"Draw your sword," Sesshomaru commanded, his tone cold and unyielding.
"Keh, idiot, you're still hung up about Tessaiga, aren't you?" Inuyasha's glare intensified. "I thought we were past this."
In response, Sesshomaru flicked his wrist, releasing a complete Meido Zangetsuha, hurtling toward Inuyasha. Inuyasha narrowly jumped out of the way just in time, Jaken's shriek accompanying his flight toward Sango, who caught the stunned imp.
"Sesshomaru!" Kagome gasped, her breath catching as she watched the encounter.
"YOU BASTARD! YOU COULD HAVE KILLED ME!" Inuyasha shouted, his voice quivering with rage. "If this is how it's going to be, then I won't hold back either!"
Inuyasha raised Tessaiga and prepared to unleash his own attack, but nothing happened. Instead, Sesshomaru's blade began to glow with a faint, lime greenish light and pulse with a strange energy before transforming into a replica of Tessaiga.
"Wind Scar!" Sesshomaru's voice cut through the air, sending a powerful energy wave toward Inuyasha. Inuyasha, caught off-guard, found his blade held back by Sesshomaru's newfound power.
"What's going on, Sesshomaru?!" Inuyasha demanded, his confusion mixed with a sense of betrayal. "Why does your sword sound like Naraku?!"
"That would be my scent," Naraku's incarnation, Byakuya, sneered from above, perched on a large paper crane.
"It's Byakuya," Sango muttered under her breath.
"The one and only," Byakuya grinned, his eyes glinting with malice. "I passed a fragment of Kanna's mirror demon onto Lord Sesshomaru. I hope you don't mind."
"Is that how Tenseiga was able to steal Tessaiga's energy and abilities?" Miroku asked, his tone growing darker.
Kagome clenched her jaw and turned her eyes back to Sesshomaru and Inuyasha. "Sesshomaru, why would you take the bait? I know damn well you knew it was a trap from Naraku to pit you against Inuyasha."
He flicked his gaze to her, his expression faltering a bit under the intensity of her anger. "Koi,"
"No, don't you 'Koi' me right now!" she snapped, stomping over towards them. Her lips curled into a snarl as she glared at him. "Explain to me right now what the hell you are doing!"
In a flash, Byakuya stepped forward and pulled out a carafe, shaking it before splashing its contents onto the ground. The liquid spread out in a large circle around both brothers, winds picking up around them as it glowed.
"There," Byakuya said with a smirk. "Now you can fight without interruption. Enjoy!"
It encased them into a half-sphere before turning into the moon and floating into the sky, shrinking as it disappeared completely.
"Damn you!" Sango snapped, throwing her Hiraikotsu. Only for the large boomerang to fly right through the illusion.
"He got away," Miroku muttered.
"Lord Sesshomaru would never accept anything from Naraku," Kohaku murmured.
They all turned to Kagome, who stood there, her body radiating a bright white light before it softened into a gentle pink hue. Her hands were clenched into fists at her sides. They instinctively stepped back, creating some distance between themselves and the enraged Kagome.
"Sesshomaru," Kagome spat, her eyes glowing.
The sky darkened with swirling black clouds, and a bolt of lightning struck the ground before them. Totosai, riding atop his flying, three-eyed brown cow, appeared. Kagome blinked in surprise as she recognized the old demon.
"Totosai?" Sango frowned. "Why are you here?"
"It's already begun, hasn't it?" Totosai asked, his voice low and weary.
"Can you see them? What is happening?" Kagome asked urgently.
"You really want to see?" Totosai replied, tapping his cow on the head with his mallet.
An eerie, glowing projection shot from the cow's three eyes, revealing the ongoing battle between Inuyasha and Sesshomaru. Inuyasha had transformed into his demon form, his eyes glowing red and his fangs elongated. Purple, jagged markings appeared along the sides of his face.
"Oh, Inuyasha," Kagome whispered, reaching a hand out as if she could touch the vision.
"His demon blood is taking over in an attempt to protect him," Miroku murmured, observing the fierce combat between the two brothers.
They watched as Sesshomaru and Inuyasha crossed blades with one another, the air around them shimmering with the intensity of their power. Every time their blades clashed, bolts of energy shot out, obliterating the small, fluttering demons that circled around them. It was as if their combat had a destructive aura that extended beyond their immediate surroundings. The ground beneath their feet shook with each powerful blow.
Sesshomaru threw a Meido Zangetsuha towards Inuyasha, sending him hurtling into the path to the underworld. Then, Sesshomaru tossed his own sword after Inuyasha, only for both blades to begin to pulsate with each other.
"I wonder if he will be able to understand Tessaiga's desire," Totosai murmured.
"What do you mean?" Sango asked, worry in her voice.
"Inuyasha won't be able to escape this predicament unless he comes to understand Tessaiga's will," Totosai explained.
"Inuyasha and that sword have fought together for almost three years now, he will do it!" Kagome shouted
"Even if he figures it out, will he have the ability to execute it?" Totosai countered.
"Yes, Inuyasha can do it!" Sango asserted.
They turned back to the projection, watching as Inuyasha stared up at the swirling, bright pink vortex above him. The powerful, pulsating swirl of energy seemed to mock his predicament.
"Inuyasha is stupid and thick headed and he has a mean streak!" Jaken crossed his arms, turning away from the projection
They ignored him, watching as Inuyasha cut into his own demon vortex while Sesshomaru just watched. The vortex growing as Inuyasha was in the center of it all.
"That was faster than I expected," Totosai hummed. "Can you not see that Tessaiga and Tenseiga are attempting to join as one."
The sword that Sesshomaru had thrown took the form of Adamant Barrage, shooting the shards towards Inuyasha. They pierced his back as the sword acted on the will of Naraku. Sesshomaru flew right into the path of the underworld as Inuyasha tried to dodge the shards. The sword floated into Sesshomaru's hand, glowing a golden light before fading.
Kagome watched with conflict as both brothers began to fight with one another, their blades clashing with one another. Only for Sesshomaru's blade to shatter and break while Tessaiga pulsed, taking on a new form. The blade turning into the cosmos.
"They have become one." Totosai hopped off his cow
"It looked as though Lord Sesshomaru purposely broke Tenseiga." Kagome frowned, more confused than angry now.
Falling unconscious, Inuyasha began to follow the path. Sesshomaru grunted, before flying toward him, ripping the shards out of Inuyasha's back and punching him across the face.
"How will they escape from the path of the underworld?!" Kagome grabbed hold of Totosai and began to shake him aggressively.
"There's no way. I'm afraid it's impossible now!" Totosai answered with an annoyed look
"WHAT!?" Kagome screamed.
"Inuyasha is the only one who can bring them back to the world of the living," Totosai answered. "If he is unable to use the technique then they will enter the underworld and will never return."
A large Meido appeared in the sky, just as Inuyasha fell with his sword still in hand while Sesshomaru flew onto the ground. Immediately they all rushed over to the two, Sango immediately picking up Inuyasha.
"He's hurt," Kagome frowned. "We'll make camp here again while he recovers."
Sango, Miroku, and Kohaku nodded in agreement as they carefully picked up the unconscious Inuyasha and began to move towards where they had left their belongings with Kirara and Au-Un. Jaken hurried towards Sesshomaru, crying hysterically, while Kagome watched from several feet away, torn between concern and frustration.
"Can you accept what has happened, Sesshomaru?" Totosai asked quietly.
"Lord Sesshomaru! I'm sick with grief to see Tenseiga absorbed into Tessaiga like that—it's unbearable!" Jaken wailed.
"I do not care," Sesshomaru replied with a cold indifference, turning his back on the old demon.
"Lord Sesshomaru, take this," Totosai gestured towards the blade that had fallen from the path of the underworld. "It may not cut, but Tenseiga is powerful as it heals."
Kagome took a deep breath and accepted the blade from Totosai, her hands wrapping around its hilt. With careful steps, she made her way into the woods, following Sesshomaru's scent to where he had perched himself in the high branches of a tree. She let out a soft snort to herself. Just like Inuyasha, they had something in common: stubborn dogs.
"Sesshomaru," she called up, her voice soft but firm. "You are angry and frustrated."
He turned his gaze down at her, his amber eyes narrowed. "What do you want, koi?"
"Don't give me attitude after that stunt you just pulled," she replied, her tone calm and resolute.
Sesshomaru shifted slightly, his body tense. "There is nothing to say."
Kagome stepped closer to the tree, holding up the blade as she pointed at him with it with narrowed eyes. "You need healing, Sesshomaru. Tenseiga may not be the sword you wanted, but it's what you have now. It's powerful in its own right"
He scowled down at her, his voice low and sharp. "It is a weak blade."
"Is that so?" she questioned, "not many can say they have the gift of giving life after its been taken. You were able to save Rin with this blade."
Sesshomaru's gaze softened slightly, and he looked away. "I do not require it."
Kagome's voice held a gentle firmness as she continued to press the issue. She raised the blade and aimed it at him. "If I were to die in childbirth, or from a disease, what then, Sesshomaru? If this blade is weak because it gives life instead of taking it, then what?"
Sesshomaru's eyes darkened as he met her gaze. His jaw clenched as he grappled with his pride and his own stubbornness. "I will protect you, koi," he growled.
"But if that fails?" she pressed. "What if I'm gone, and this blade could've been the difference? What if that's the very purpose of Tenseiga?"
He shifted uncomfortably, looking away. "I do not need it," he muttered, his voice low.
"Do you truly think I want to see you suffer, Sesshomaru?" she asked, her tone sincere. "Even if it's with a blade that only gives life, this sword is still a part of you."
Kagome stepped closer, closing the distance between them. "You can't run from it forever. We all need to heal, even you."
Sesshomaru hesitated before meeting her gaze once more. His eyes softened slightly, as if acknowledging the truth in her words.
Kagome felt a wave of relief wash over her, knowing she had reached a small breakthrough. She reached out and held the blade out to him. "Let me help you," she urged, her tone gentle.
Jumping down from his spot, Sesshomaru accepted the blade from Kagome. He carefully placed it back in its rightful place, turning away from her slightly as her anger spiked. He could sense her frustration and knew he was the cause of it.
"Care to explain what happened back there?" Kagome demanded.
"I wished to test him," Sesshomaru answered calmly. "If he is to take the sword Father gave me, then he must earn it in a duel."
"Why not tell him that?" Kagome frowned, her voice edged with irritation. "He genuinely thought you wanted to kill him. I have been so worried about you!"
"This one apologizes for your ire and your worry koi," he took her hand in his kissing it. "But," Sesshomaru shrugged, his expression indifferent. "This one is not required to baby him and just give him the answers for everything."
Kagome rolled her eyes. Stubborn old dog. "What will you do now?"
"This one will need to go to Totosai," he replied.
"You're leaving again so soon?" she asked, her voice softening.
They had hardly spent any time together lately. Kagome felt as though they were drifting apart, the distance between them growing with each passing day. She reached out, touching his arm gently.
Sesshomaru paused, feeling the warmth of her touch. He turned to face her, his golden eyes meeting hers. For a moment, the ice in his gaze melted, revealing a flicker of something deeper.
"This is necessary," he said quietly, his voice almost tender. "But I will return. Always."
Kagome sighed, her frustration ebbing away, replaced by a sense of melancholy. "Just… come back soon, okay? I miss you."
Sesshomaru nodded, his usual stoic mask slipping for just a heartbeat. "This one misses you as well koi," he promised, his tone resolute.
"Can't you at least stay the night and leave tomorrow?" She murmured.
It only took a glance and Sesshomaru found himself succumbing to her desires. Immediately he ditched his armor while she smiled.