Kagome had always wondered if she was destined to be kidnapped by strange men and demons alike. There had to be something about her that made her assailants look at her and think, "Yes, she is perfect for kidnapping." However, she knew the true reason.
Before, it was mainly because she had shards of the Shikon Jewel in her possession, other times it was to gain an advantage over Inuyasha. Sometimes, it was both. Kagome was no stranger to danger, death, or the horrors of living as a woman in the feudal era of the warring states.
She believed that growing stronger would prevent her from being kidnapped, and yet, here she was again. This time, it was by a damn spirit who believed she was the reborn Midoriko, his paramour.
Kagome had woken to find herself in a cave. It was spacious and even had a small indoor pool. A large barrier prevented anything from getting in or out. It was dark outside, which meant she hadn't been here for long, a couple of hours at most. Perhaps she should get some rest while she still could, seeing as Magatsuhi might still be recovering from his battle with Sesshomaru.
She missed him.
Her hand went to her chest, feeling the painful tugging sensation. Every time they were separated, it seemed to get worse and worse. She could feel his anger, bloodlust, and fury.
Kagome sniffed, her eyes welling up with tears.
With her powers still sealed, she couldn't do anything. All she could do was pray and wait for Sesshomaru to defeat Magatsuhi and come find her.
She sat down on the cool stone floor, hugging her knees to her chest. The miko garb that Sesshomaru gifted her gave off some warmth, but with how short it was. It bore her naked legs. The cave's eerie silence was oppressive, broken only by the occasional drip of water from the stalactites above. She closed her eyes, trying to calm her racing heart. Sesshomaru would come for her.
He always did.
In the darkness, she whispered a prayer. "Please, let him be safe. Let him find me."
The bond between them pulsed with his fury, bloodlust, and longing. Kagome clung to that connection, drawing strength from it. She would not give up hope. Sesshomaru was strong, and their bond was even stronger. She just had to hold on until he arrived.
As she lay there, trying to rest, her thoughts wandered to their time together. The way his eyes softened when he looked at her, the gentle touch of his hand, and the rare but beautiful smiles he reserved only for her. These memories gave her comfort and renewed her resolve. She would survive this, and they would be reunited.
For now, all she could do was wait and believe in the strength of their bond. The darkness was thick around her, but she held onto the light of their love, knowing that it would guide Sesshomaru to her.
Kagome was lost in her thoughts when she heard footsteps echoing through the cave. She tensed, her heart racing as the presence of Magatsuhi filled the space. She sat up, her eyes wide with apprehension as he emerged from the shadows, a sinister smile playing on his lips.
"Ah, my dear Midoriko," he purred, his voice sending chills down her spine. "I see you are awake. I have brought you something special."
In his hands, he held a set of pristine, white wedding garb. The delicate white and opalescent silk shimmered in the dim light of the cave, it was decorated with blue and green flowers. Kagome's stomach turned at the sight of it.
"I am not Midoriko," she said firmly, trying to keep her voice steady. "My name is Kagome."
Magatsuhi's smile widened, his eyes gleaming with a maniacal light. "You can deny it all you want, but you cannot change what you are. We shall complete our bond."
Before she could react, he moved with inhuman speed, tearing at her clothing with a cruel precision. Kagome cried out in shock and fear, trying to shield herself from his grasp, but he was relentless. The fabric shredded under his fingers, leaving her vulnerable and exposed. Bare, she dropped down with a yelp.
"Stop!" she pleaded, her voice trembling. "Please, stop this!"
He ignored her, his focus entirely on his task. Once her clothing was in tatters, he held out the wedding garb. "Put this on," he commanded, his tone brooking no argument.
Kagome hesitated, her heart pounding in her chest. She had no choice but to comply, knowing that resistance would only provoke him further. With shaking hands, she took the garment from him and began to dress.
As she slipped into the silk, she felt a surge of anger and humiliation. This was a violation, a perversion of something sacred.
Magatsuhi watched her with a twisted satisfaction, his eyes never leaving her. "You look beautiful, Midoriko," he said, his voice dripping with mockery. "Soon, you will remember who you truly are."
Kagome straightened, her resolve hardening. "I will never be yours," she spat, her voice strong despite the tears in her eyes. "I belong to Sesshomaru."
He merely chuckled, stepping closer to her. "We shall see," he murmured, reaching out to brush a tear from her cheek. "For now, eat. You will need your strength for what is to come."
He placed a tray of food on the ground beside her, the aroma of the dishes filling the air. Kagome looked at it with disdain, her appetite nonexistent. She turned her gaze back to him, meeting his eyes with a fierce determination.
"You will not win," she said softly, her voice laced with defiance. "Sesshomaru will come for me, and when he does, you will regret everything you have done."
Magatsuhi's smile faltered for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure. "Let him come," he sneered. "He is nothing compared to the power we will wield together."
With that, he turned and left the cave, leaving Kagome alone once more. She looked down at the wedding garb she now wore, feeling a mixture of rage and despair. But beneath it all, there was a spark of hope.
Sesshomaru would come for her.
He always did.
Sesshomaru growled, his frustration and rage simmering beneath his stoic exterior. Having his intended stolen from him was a blow to his pride as an Alpha and a demon. It made him feel like a worthless pup. Yet now, she was in the clutches of one of the very souls in the jewel, a mad demon obsessed with his intended, believing her to be his dead human lover. The absurdity of it all only fueled his anger.
Resting against the ancient Goshinboku tree, Sesshomaru begrudgingly accepted that Inuyasha was right: he couldn't rush in blindly, not when Kagome's safety was at stake. The thought of her being harmed, or worse, was intolerable.
Sesshomaru suddenly found himself in a field of flowers, the sky a clear, vivid blue, and the wind carrying a tune that felt achingly familiar. Before him stood a taller, older inuyoukai. His long, white hair was braided over his right shoulder, his amber eyes gleaming with wisdom and a hint of amusement. The demon bore a large purple crescent moon on his forehead and three magenta stripes on each side of his face. He wore a traditional white kimono with purple and teal designs from his mother's house, silver armor, and twin swords strapped to his back.
"Why have you brought me here?" Sesshomaru demanded.
The older demon smirked, chuckling softly. "Arrogant pup."
Sesshomaru's growl deepened, only causing the elder demon's chuckle to grow louder.
"So you are supposed to be me?" Sesshomaru finally spoke. "I was never so arrogant and naive."
Sesshomaru stopped growling, remembering what his little Miko had told him about her dreams. That Midoriko had a demon lover of her own, an inuyoukai who had killed himself after failing to protect his lover.
"Are you not supposed to be dead?" Sesshomaru asked, his voice tinged with skepticism.
The demon's smirk widened, his fangs glinting in the light. "I am Kurohara. I am neither dead nor alive."
Sesshomaru frowned, trying to make sense of the situation.
"I understand your confusion. Just like my love, Midoriko, I am neither dead nor alive. After she was taken from me, I vowed that I wouldn't move on until her soul was laid to rest."
"Why appear to me then?" Sesshomaru questioned, his patience wearing thin.
Kurohara's eyes gleamed with a mixture of sadness and determination. "You wish to save your own mate?"
"Yes," Sesshomaru replied without hesitation.
"Magatsuhi sealed her powers, which makes you the only one able to defeat him."
"How so?" Sesshomaru asked, his curiosity piqued despite his irritation.
"If you wish to save her, you must let go of your obsession with your Father and the swords he left behind," Kurohara explained, his tone firm and commanding.
Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"
Kurohara stepped closer, his presence radiating power and wisdom. "Your father's legacy, the swords, have been both a blessing and a curse. They have guided you, protected you, but they have also shackled you. You must realize that your true strength lies not in the swords, but in yourself. Only then can you truly protect those you love."
Sesshomaru's gaze softened slightly, the weight of Kurohara's words sinking in. "And how do I let go?"
Kurohara placed a hand on Sesshomaru's shoulder, his touch both comforting and grounding. "Trust in your own power, your own instincts. You are not your father's shadow; you are Sesshomaru, a powerful demon in your own right. Embrace that, and you will find the strength to defeat Magatsuhi and save your mate."
Sesshomaru took a deep breath, the resolve hardening within him. He would do whatever it took to save Kagome, to protect her and ensure her safety. He looked into Kurohara's eyes, seeing a reflection of his own determination and love.
Sesshomaru gave a timid nod.
Kurohara nodded, a proud smile crossing his lips. "Go now, and save her. Don't allow pride and vanity to get in the way of losing her."
"That mark on your forehea–"
Kurohara smirked, "go on, great nephew."
With those words, the field of flowers began to fade, and Sesshomaru found himself back in the clearing, the ancient Goshinboku tree standing tall before him. He must have walked in his sleep, just as his little Miko did when she was visiting Midoriko.
Sesshomaru flexed his hands, his claws extending and retracting, a subtle reminder of his power and control. Remembering Kurohara's words, he knew the demon was right. He couldn't allow his anger and pride to get in the way of saving his pretty little Miko. She needed him, and he would not fail her.
Just as he prepared to take to the skies, his whole body was enveloped in a bright white light. A sensation of raw power surged through him as lime-green lightning crackled around his form. His senses heightened, and he turned to see Totosai descending from the sky atop his three-eyed demon cow, Mo-Mo.
"Ah, Sesshomaru," Totosai greeted, blinking at him with mild surprise. "You're still alive."
Sesshomaru growled, his patience hanging by a thread. "Explain yourself, Totosai."
The light dimmed, revealing a large, stunning blade now held in Sesshomaru's left hand. The backside of its blade featured various rune-like lines running along it, with a beige hilt bearing the same intricate design. The weapon pulsed with a life of its own, resonating with Sesshomaru's demonic energy.
"You have finally acquired your own blade, Bakusaiga," Totosai said, his voice tinged with awe. "A blade manifested of your own demonic power. It surpasses your father and both of his own blades."
Sesshomaru stared at the sword in his left hand, feeling its immense power coursing through him. The blade seemed to hum in response to his touch, acknowledging him as its master. He could feel the weapon's potential, its ability to destroy and purify, to protect and to conquer.
He hummed in approval, feeling a newfound sense of purpose and strength. This was the weapon that would aid him in saving Kagome, the symbol of his own power and independence from his father's legacy.
Totosai dismounted from Mo-Mo, stepping closer to examine the blade with a discerning eye. "Bakusaiga is not just any sword, Sesshomaru. It is a manifestation of your own will and power. It has the ability to annihilate anything it cuts, down to the very essence, preventing regeneration. It is a weapon worthy of a true daiyoukai."
Sesshomaru nodded, his grip on Bakusaiga tightening. "With this blade, I will defeat Magatsuhi and reclaim what is mine."
Totosai's expression softened slightly. "Remember, Sesshomaru, it's not just about power. It's about control and understanding the bond you share with your Miko. She is a part of your strength, just as you are a part of hers."
Sesshomaru's eyes flickered with a mix of determination and resolve. "I will not fail her." He said it more to himself than the old demon.
With a final nod from the old blacksmith, Sesshomaru took to the skies, Bakusaiga glowing with an ethereal light.
Sesshomaru soared through the night sky, his senses sharp and focused. The eerie, malevolent aura of Magatsuhi led him like a beacon, guiding him to the source of the evil that had taken Kagome. His heart pounded with determination, every beat resonating with the power of Bakusaiga in his grasp. He could feel the blade's energy intertwining with his own, strengthening his resolve.
As he descended into a dense forest, the air grew thick with darkness and malice. Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed, pinpointing Magatsuhi's location. He moved silently, his steps calculated and precise. He could sense the barrier that surrounded the cave where Kagome was being held. With a swift, decisive slash, he cut through it, feeling the resistance shatter before his blade's might.
Emerging into the cave's dim light, Sesshomaru saw Kagome bound by Magatsuhi's tendrils, her eyes wide with a mix of fear and relief. Magatsuhi stood beside her, his twisted form flickering with dark energy. The malevolent spirit turned, a cruel smile spreading across his face as he saw Sesshomaru approach.
"So, the great Sesshomaru has finally come to retrieve his precious Miko," Magatsuhi sneered. "I shall bring your head to my bride as a gift."
Sesshomaru's eyes blazed with fury, his grip tightening on Bakusaiga. "You will not lay a finger on her," he growled, his voice cold and deadly.
With a roar, Magatsuhi lunged at Sesshomaru, his dark energy swirling around him. Sesshomaru met his attack head-on, Bakusaiga slicing through the air with lethal precision. The blade's power surged, its energy resonating with Sesshomaru's own demonic aura.
Magatsuhi's initial confidence faltered as Bakusaiga cut through his tendrils, the dark energy dissipating on contact. He attempted to reform his body, but to his horror, the pieces that had been struck by Bakusaiga disintegrated completely, leaving him unable to regenerate.
"What is this sorcery?" Magatsuhi hissed, retreating slightly as he assessed the damage.
Sesshomaru advanced, his movements fluid and relentless. "Bakusaiga is no ordinary blade," he said, his voice calm and unwavering. "It destroys not only flesh but the very essence of what it cuts."
Magatsuhi's eyes widened with realization as he felt the blow's effects spreading through his form. Each strike from Bakusaiga transmitted its destructive energy to the undamaged parts of his body, causing him to disintegrate further with every attempt to heal.
"No… this cannot be," Magatsuhi snarled, his confidence replaced by desperation. He launched a series of frantic attacks, but Sesshomaru parried each one effortlessly, his focus unyielding.
With a final, powerful slash, Sesshomaru struck Magatsuhi's core, the blade's energy radiating through the malevolent spirit. Magatsuhi let out a scream of agony as his form began to dissolve, the dark energy dissipating into the air.
"You… will not defeat me so easily," Magatsuhi spat, his voice weakening. "I will return, and I will take what is mine."
Sesshomaru's eyes remained fixed on his opponent, his expression one of unwavering resolve. "You will not touch her again."
Magatsuhi's form crumbled, the flesh Naraku had lent him disintegrating completely. In a final, desperate act, the malevolent spirit fled, his essence retreating into the shadows, leaving behind nothing but a faint, lingering darkness.
Sesshomaru turned to Kagome, his expression softening as he approached her. "Have you been harmed?"
Kagome shook her head, tears of relief streaming down her face. "No, Sesshomaru. Thank you."
He gently cut through her bonds with Bakusaiga, the blade's energy humming in satisfaction. As Kagome fell into his arms, he held her close, his protective instincts overwhelming him. He inhaled deeply, catching the lingering scent of Magatsuhi on her. A fierce, possessive growl rumbled from his chest.
"You're safe now," he whispered, his voice filled with a rare tenderness. "This one apologizes for you being captured."
Kagome looked up at him, her eyes shining with gratitude and love. "I knew you would come for me."
Sesshomaru nodded, his resolve stronger than ever. "This one will always come for you, little Miko. Always."
As Kagome moved to stand, Sesshomaru's intense gaze swept over her. He could still smell Magatsuhi on her, a scent that fueled his protective instincts and ignited a deep, possessive fire within him. His eyes darkened with adoration and a fierce, primal need to reclaim her as his.
Without warning, Sesshomaru's claws extended, and he tore the wedding garb from her body in a single swift motion. Kagome yelped in surprise, instinctively moving to cover herself.
"Sesshomaru, what are you doing?" she gasped, her cheeks flushing.
Ridding himself of his hatori, he handed it to her, his eyes never leaving hers. "You reek of him. This one will not tolerate his scent on you."
Kagome took the hatori, wrapping it around herself, her heart pounding from the intensity in his gaze. She could see the struggle within him, the balance between his demonic nature and the love he felt for her. His eyes, usually so composed, now burned with a mix of adoration and raw desire.
"Sesshomaru," she whispered, reaching out to touch his face. "I'm yours. Always."
He turned away slightly, offering her some privacy as she dressed. "Hurry, little Miko. We must return to the others."
Kagome slipped into Sesshomaru's hatori, feeling the warmth and weight of his possessiveness. The garment was imbued with his scent, a mixture of the forest, a hint of something spicy, and a touch of the otherworldly. It was comforting, wrapping her in his protection even when he wasn't physically holding her.
Once she was dressed, Sesshomaru turned back to her, his expression softened but still intense. "Are you ready?"
Kagome nodded, feeling the warmth of his hatori around her. "Yes, let's go."
With a final, reassuring glance, Sesshomaru took her in his arms and they ascended to the skies. As they approached Edo, the village was shrouded in dark skies with countless demons flying overhead and attacking the villagers.
She spotted Inuyasha, Sango, and Miroku doing their best to hold off the demonic onslaught, protecting the fleeing villagers. As soon as they touched the ground, Sesshomaru kept a hold of her shoulders and turned her around to face him.
"Be careful," he murmured.
Kagome nodded, "The same goes for you."
He placed a lingering kiss on her forehead before she slipped out of his hold, running towards where the villagers were escaping to the large shrine atop the hill.
Sesshomaru watched her go for a moment, then turned his attention to the battle, his eyes narrowing with determination. He drew Bakusaiga, the sword humming with power as he joined the fray, cutting through the demons with ruthless efficiency.
Kagome reached the shrine, her heart pounding as she saw the terrified faces of the villagers. She raised her hands, calling upon the remaining sacred energy within her to create a protective barrier around the shrine. The energy shimmered in the air, forming a glowing dome that shielded the villagers from the attacking demons.
"Kagome!"
She turned, seeing Sango atop Kirara, her shoulder bleeding heavily. Sango's face was pale, and her movements were sluggish. Kagome's heart clenched in fear for her friend.
"Sango! Hold on!" Kagome cried out, running towards her.
As Sango and Kirara landed, Sango tried to dismount but stumbled, collapsing into Kagome's arms. Kagome lowered her gently to the ground, her hands immediately glowing with healing energy as she tried to staunch the flow of blood.
"Sango, stay with me," Kagome whispered urgently, her voice trembling. "You're going to be okay."
Sango's eyes fluttered open, her voice weak. "Kagome… Kohaku… he's being possessed…"
Kagome glanced around, her protective barrier holding but the demons were relentless, pounding against it with increasing ferocity. She could feel her energy waning, the strain of maintaining the barrier taking its toll.
"Sango, rest. I'll take care of you," Kagome said firmly, her voice filled with determination.
Sango's eyes closed, her breathing shallow as she lost consciousness from blood loss. Kagome gritted her teeth, focusing her energy on both maintaining the barrier and healing her friend. She was determined not to let anyone else get hurt.
She needed to get to Kohaku, to protect the jewel shard he had. But she couldn't leave the villagers nor could she leave the villagers to fend themselves. Where was Sesshomaru and Inuyasha? Where was Miroku? She really hoped that Miroku wasn't using his wind tunnel.
The battle raged on, and Kagome's energy flickered, the barrier wavering under the relentless assault. She poured everything she had into it, refusing to let it fall. Her hands glowed brighter as she healed Sango's wounds, her own strength beginning to falter.
Just as she felt herself reaching the limit, she sensed a powerful presence behind her. Sesshomaru stood tall, his eyes blazing with fury as he slashed through the demons, his movements precise and deadly. Inuyasha joined him, Tessaiga gleaming as he cut down the enemies with a fierce determination.
"Kagome!" Inuyasha called out, glancing over his shoulder. "We're holding them off. Just keep that barrier up a little longer!"
Kagome nodded, her resolve strengthening. With Sesshomaru and Inuyasha fighting side by side, the demons began to thin out, their numbers dwindling under the brothers' combined might.
Finally, the last of the demons fell, and the village grew quiet. Kagome let out a sigh of relief, her energy spent but the barrier still intact. She sank to her knees beside Sango, exhausted but triumphant.
Sesshomaru sheathed Bakusaiga, his gaze softening as he approached Kagome. He knelt beside her, his hand gently cupping her cheek. "You did well, my little Miko."
Kagome leaned into his touch, her eyes closing in relief. "We all did. We protected them."
Inuyasha approached, his face showing a rare moment of respect and gratitude. "Good job, Kagome. We couldn't have done it without you."
Kagome smiled weakly, her strength fading. "Thank you, Inuyasha. And thank you, Sesshomaru. I couldn't have done it without you both."
Sesshomaru's gaze softened further as he lifted her into his arms. "Rest now, koi. You've done enough."
She shook her head, "where are Miroku and Kohaku?"
Inuyasha sheathed his blade, "Miroku is carrying Kohaku to Kadea's hut." His eyes dimmed, "Magastuhi managed to steal the jewel shard from him."
She felt her heart drop, "Kohaku…is he…?"
Inuyasha avoided her stare, moving to pick up Sango in his arms. Kirar jumped atop of his shoulder, peering down at her owner.
"Yes," Sesshomaru answered. "Kohaku died."