Kore wa daisuki wo benkyoushimasu, ne?

Disclaimer: I don’t own Inuyasha or Yu Yu Hakusho. I don’t make any profit from my stories. I do this all for fun. 

Author’s Note: I am extremely sorry for not updating this in forever. Life has gotten in the way again, and my writing was taking a backseat. The past week I was just reading up on some stories, and I realized that I miss writing, so here I am again, and hopefully I’ll get some of these updated and done. Which would be awesome. ^_^ That, and emails are powerful things people! I got an email from a fellow writer and reader who requested that I update this, and it feels good that people are still looking to my stories, heh. Well, here’s a long, LONG awaited update. Hope you all enjoy. Kudos!

Sayuri-chan—

Chapter 16
One Step Closer to the Edge


“Just what in the hell happened back there you guys?!” Koenma shouted, his tiny eyes squinting at the group with anger and disbelief as he hopped up and down on his desk, his office crowded with the mix of humans, demons, and half demons.

Kagome just sighed, shaking her head. Too much had happened, and Koenma was just adding to the stress she was feeling. Naraku was out there somewhere, and they were here being reprimanded for something they had no control over.

“Toddler, we don’t have time for this! That bastard is out there and he needs to be stopped!” Yusuke shouted out, before the doors behind them flew open and each person turned, some with recognition on their faces, and others with confusion.

“What’s the matter, you don’t think we can handle this?” Kurama said dryly, looking back to the demi-god, as he saw Touya, Rinku, and Chu. Three more formidable demons in their own right to add to the already extremely powerful group of fighters that were already at Kagome’s side. He was beginning to think that it was a bit overkill.

“I think you can handle just about anything, however, my father sees things differently.” The young leader replied with a sour look on his face. His father wasn’t happy about this new turn of events; not happy at all.

Hiei looked to Kagome, who was looking deep in thought at the moment. Actually, she was thinking of the best way to track down the vile hanyou and defeat him as quickly as possible. The longer he was left in this time, the longer he was apt to do irrepairable damage. He placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, bringing her out of her thoughts. She managed a small smile to the hiyoukai, before looking to the three new faces, her wings arching up as her eyes did in curiosity. Sesshoumaru moved to stand behind her, bringing his own hand to rest on her other shoulder, his entire stance one of protection and possessiveness.

Yusuke looked back to the four, before nodding in approval. Kagome was wilder now than ever, and he knew in his heart that she would never fall for him in the way that she had already showed towards the taiyoukai, hiyoukai, and kitsune. “Kagome, this is Touya, Chu, and Rinku. They’re friends of ours.” He finally spoke up, before looking to the three demons. “Guys, this is Kagome, Miroku, Sango, Shippou, and Kohaku. And the little fire cat is Kirara.” He added, pointing to each person in turn as he introduced them.

Their little family of fighters was growing as the days passed, and it warmed Kagome’s heart to find that they all kind of fit together, in some weird way.

“Nice to meet you all.” She smiled, offering out a hand to Chu first, who grinned before shaking her hand, only to kiss the back of it. “You’re a pretty little Sheila, aren’t ya? Name’s Chu.” He winked at her, earning a blush from the miko-youkai, and three consecutive growls from Hiei, Kurama, and Sesshoumaru. They didn’t like Chu’s obvious flirting with their chosen mate.

He looked to each of them, slowly letting go of her hand, wanting to keep all his appendages where they were supposed to be. Each of those particular demons had power that easily exceeded his own, and he wondered how this group had made their way together. It was a story for another time, he supposed, considering the urgency of King Enma’s voice just moments ago.

She smiled to him softly, before looking to a much shorter demon, who was child-like in appearance. “I’m Kagome…” she held out her hand again towards him, and he shook it quickly. “Rinku.” He was surprised she didn’t call him a kid, or condemn him, but at the moment, he was just itching for a good fight, and from the urgent call he got, it was sure to be a doozy of a fight.

Touya looked to the girl with cold, unblinking eyes. She was beautiful, but he doubted that she had anything else going for her. He wondered though, why he didn’t recognize her. He would never forget a pair of wings like that in a million years, and she had a pure aura, which was uncharacteristic for any demon he knew, and she was obviously demon, and obviously someone he would not trust. No matter the company she kept. Not taking her hand when offered, he just nodded to her, before looking to the demi-god, questions in his eyes.

“Stories can come later, everyone. Right now we have a very volatile demon on our hands, and the Ningenkai is not safe.” Koenma interrupted, looking to each of the fighters quickly. “All of you know who the enemy is, and what he’s doing here. The only thing I can do for you is wish you luck. I don’t know where he’s gone, but it’s imperative that we find him and destroy him.”

Nodding firmly, Kagome turned to Botan, watching as she opened a portal. “Koenma…keep Shippou and Kohaku here. I don’t want them involved.” Instantly both boys began to protest, earning a slightly pleading look from Kagome. “Please stay here. I don’t want either of you to get hurt.”

Her plea fell on deaf ears, as they ran to her, clinging to her. “No, Momma! I want to go with you!”
“You can’t make me stay, Kagome! I want to go!” Kohaku said, looking to his sister for compliance, only to find none. “Stay here Kohaku. I promise, I’ll come back.” She said, reaching to hug him tightly.

“Shippou…please, don’t make this harder…” the miko replied, rubbing his head softly. “Kit, stay here with Kohaku. And when I get back, I’ll teach you more spells, okay?” Kurama spoke up, trying to help in the persuasion process.

The kit shook his head, not wanting to listen to either of them. “No! Don’t leave me behind! Not again!” He was being exceptionally stubborn right now, and it wasn’t making things easier on Kagome. Sesshoumaru sensed her distress, and moved up behind the kit, touching a claw to his neck and piercing the skin just enough to send a sleeping poison into his body.

With wide eyes, she looked to the taiyoukai, before holding the limp boy’s body in her arms, hugging him gently. “…thank you, Sesshoumaru…” she said softly, before holding him out to the now teenage-formed Koenma. “Watch over him…” she whispered, before moving through the portal, the others filing out behind her, as Kohaku agreed to stay with Shippou, watching his sister leave with the other fighters, and praying they all came back alive.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Naraku smirked at the sheer number of demons that wanted to fight with him and head into the Ningenkai. In the depths of his mind his son was profusely protesting his actions, angry that his own body was being used like this. ‘Get your own body, and stop this madness, father!’ he shouted once more, growling in frustration.

“Shut up, child, none of this concerns you. I’ll have my revenge and you’ll just be along for the ride.” He replied coolly, watching more and more demons gather outside a very prominent pub in the Makai, hearing word about a mass invasion of the Ningenkai, and wanting to be in on it. No one had really been foolish or brave enough to all out attack the Human Realm, but once word of Naraku spread, so did his story, and if this demon could surpass death, then there was no reason not to follow him and wreak havoc where they could.

His maniacal laughter rung in each demon’s ear as he stood atop the pub roof, eyeing each demon as they gathered. He was a sadistic bastard, and each one could feel the evil coming from him, but he had power, and they had no qualms about destroying, killing, pillaging and plundering the human realm.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

As each fighter slipped through the portal, they recognized their location as in the Makai. Instantly, Hiei, Kurama, and Sesshoumaru moved closer to Kagome. This realm was dangerous. Not for them, of course, being accustomed to the danger and strong enough to thwart most demons that existed in this realm. Kagome, on the other hand, was naïve to life in the demon realm. Looking around slowly, each fighter took time to sense any disturbances in the area.

They easily noticed a gathering of energies in the distance, and glanced to one another. The big battle was at hand, and they weren’t afraid to finally take on the coward known as Naraku.

“Is everyone ready?” Kagome asked softly, looking to each of her companions, and friends. Their fierce faces reassured her, but she was not so sure herself. She couldn’t stand to lose anyone, not when she was just starting to get a hold on her life again. Shaking away her stray thoughts, she put on a strong front; she wouldn’t be their downfall. She was stronger now, than before, and she knew it. She wouldn’t be the weak link in their chain. She had to be strong now; without her power, Naraku couldn’t be completely defeated. Flexing her hand gently, the purification powers easily wrapped around her fingers, before retreating back into her body, remaining dormant until the time would come when she would call upon them in battle.

Each of the others had talked amongst themselves, taking this battle in stride, especially Chu, Rinku, and Touya, all of whom didn’t really know what they were getting into. Before long, each was moving towards the gathering of energies. It was time to get down to business. Who knew what would happen, and who would survive, but each was ready to face this challenge.

~*~

Naraku felt the energies as they massed a ways away. ‘Kukuku…so they have come at last.’ He smirked, looking at his continually growing army of demons. He had no doubts about defeating the little group of fighters. The miko was now demon, and no longer miko. Thus, her purification powers were no longer a factor, and that gave him an upper hand, as well as a little gift in reserve, should things prove to be going badly. His smirk widened as he looked to his captured prey. This battle was going to be sweet, and he looked forward to finally getting his ultimate revenge.

~*~

Coming to the top of a close hill, each fighter looked to the scene below. A small town resided at the bottom of said hill, but it was hard to tell the town from the mass of demons that were gathered below, surrounding the familiar hanyou that they had all come to learn to loathe.

Each demon’s eyes held something different in their depths. Hiei, Kurama, and Sesshoumaru were infinitely worried about Kagome, and about this battle. They weren’t worried about taking care of the demons. They didn’t want to lose her, and with the amount of protection she needed in the past, they were each worried about protecting her, and keeping her safe. Yusuke, Touya, Jin, Chu, and Rinku were all ready for the battle, itching to get in the thick of things, and reveling in the blood lust that was starting to strengthen in each of them from their demon blood.

Sango, Miroku, and Kuwabara, however, were not so thrilled about the battle. The taijya and monk had been through this once before, and almost didn’t come out of the fight alive. To have to go through it again was making both anxious, and uneasy. This time, Miroku was without his wind tunnel, and was fighting on his spiritual strength alone. Sango was in the same boat as she was that day over a month ago, but now it seemed as if something was off. There were more of them now, and there was overall, more power around them, but even so, it felt as if they were missing something.

Shaking off the uneasy feelings, the taijya gripped her hand under the strap of her hiraikotsu. It was now or never.

One evil smirk from Naraku was all that was needed, and he pointed to the hill on which their team was assembled. The fight was on!

Quickly each member scattered out, calling out their particular weapons of expertise. Sesshoumaru held tokijin in one hand, and a poison whip in the other, moving out in front of Kagome protectively. Kurama was next, transforming quickly into Youko as a rose whip was drawn in each hand, ready to give his life for the girl he had come to deeply care for. Hiei drew his blade as the Dragon sealed on his arm came free, the wards burning away as the spirit moved to circle the miko, daring anyone to come near her. Yusuke smirked as he held his hand at his side, the spiritual energy he commanded already glowing as he threw out a spirit shotgun to start things off. Touya drew his sword of ice and moved forward, also releasing shuriken as he went, taking down some of the opposition. Chu, already drinking on a bottle he had reserved in his pocket, drew back his fist and began an all out brawl with some of the demons, quickly getting surrounded, only to have Rinku join in, his spiritually controlled yo-yos going to work for him, knocking out the demons one after another.

Miroku threw sutra after sutra, immobilizing many of the demons before Sango slashed each of them down, their teamwork unbeatable at the moment. Kagome wasn’t going to just sit back and watch as her friends disposed of the threat, and the one controlling everything was the bastard who was laughing maniacally at them now. Glowing slightly with her miko powers, she raced forward, purifying demons that came too close to her encased form as she rushed for Naraku. He would pay for everything he had done. This was it, and she wasn’t going to take any more pain that he inflicted on herself, or anyone she loved.

Smirking, the vile hanyou hopped down from the pub roof, eager to take on the newly transformed miko. If she wasn’t a sight before, she was one to behold now. With wings sparkling pink from her powers and a fire he hadn’t seen before in her eyes he was ready to dominate. She was certainly no match for him, and with her comrades busy with their own battles, they would watch as she fell before his hands. This victory would be the sweetest revenge he could have hoped to gain.

Ignoring his son’s protests in the back of his mind, he sent out a tendril towards the miko, laughing as she dodged it and kept coming towards him.

“You’ll pay, Naraku! For everything!” she screamed out, sending out a sphere of her energy towards him, watching as it disintegrated a few of the tentacles heading her way. His surprised look made her blink twice. ‘How can she still have her powers?! She is a demon!’ he screamed mentally, biting back a scream at the stinging he felt from having her powers destroy the miasmic appendages he had shot at her.

“Kagome! Get back here!” Youko shouted out, working twice as hard now to get to her as he hacked and slashed through the demons that just kept coming towards him. Hiei was in the same boat, slashing quickly through three more demons as he proceeded forward, trying to get to her.

Ignoring him, she rushed forward again, the pink enveloping her again as she attacked, disintegrating the miasmic poison that had begun to seep from his body, and towards the other demons and her friends. Turning, she gasped, before screaming, “Watch out!” Sending out a massive amount of energy, she attempted to track all of it down, watching it turn from onyx black to misty grey as it was purified, becoming harmless water vapor. She never saw the tentacle racing towards her until the lacquer staff she was fighting with moved of its own accord and formed a shield over her, destroying the tentacle, and earning a frustrated growl from Naraku.

Without a word, he unleashed the wind tunnel that he had cursed Miroku’s family with, drawing in many of the unprepared demons on his side quickly, healing the damage he had taken from Kagome. However, Touya, locked in battle with a lizard-like demon, was caught up in the wind that started to drag him forward. Knocking the lizard demon away, he moved to get out of the line of the wind, but only succeeded in losing his footing further, throwing him into the air as the vortex of air drew him closer and closer to Naraku.

Trying to stop the void of wind, Kagome threw energy sphere after energy sphere at Naraku, only to have them absorbed by the wind tunnel, which somehow, saved him from purification from the inside out. Eyes wide now, and frantic, she did the only thing she could think of, she moved in the line of the vortex of wind, allowing herself to be pulled in. Just as she came to Naraku’s hand, she twisted the fighting staff to a lengthways position, holding the wind tunnel open, and cutting into it, making it larger and larger as the seconds passed. She would make him suffer like Miroku’s father and grandfather had suffered just before they died.

The demons on the battlefield had scattered, leaving everyone else to watch as she was absorbed so easily into the vile hanyou’s hand. Three screams of equal anguish and anger filled the air as they each raced forward, prepared on finishing what their chosen mate had started. Meanwhile, Kagome held onto what little strength she had left, as being absorbed into the wind tunnel had been more damaging than she had thought. Demon after demon surrounded her in the dark void, wherever the dark void was.

She looked up, seeing a small outlet of light where the wind tunnel was open, the darkness threatening to, even now, swallow up Naraku and extinguish that little light.

Touya was in a state of shock. That demon girl had just sacrificed herself for him. Why she did, he had no idea. She was not his friend, not even an acquaintance, but she had selflessly jumped in to safe him from certain destruction. Running forward with Hiei, Youko, and Sesshoumaru, he drew his blade again. He would exact revenge on her life. The hanyou that took her away would pay dearly.

Each of the fighters gathered, surrounding the hanyou, but not getting too close, and at Miroku’s shout of, “Stay back! Get away!” they each turned, each with a different emotion encased on their faces.

“It’s going to swallow him up, get back or you’ll get swallowed up too!” Sango screamed, pulling back on Miroku as they moved farther away from the deepening crater that was forming beneath the dark demon.
Torn between a mix of indecisions, everyone moved back from the growing tornado of wind, everyone, that is, except Youko, Hiei, and Sesshoumaru. Each one was slowly turning into their full demon states, with Hiei’s skin turning a pale shade of green that quickly darkened and revealed eyes all over his body, and Sesshoumaru transforming into his full dog-demon stature, his eyes rivaling the red of blood as he howled fiercely towards Naraku. Youko’s appearance changed as well, shifting him from his humanoid kitsune form to his true fox form, his nose lengthening as he claws grew, his eyes shifting to the dark yellow of a full moon, his cry of anguish blending with Sesshoumaru’s cry.

Kagome was fighting literally for her life as demon after demon surged at her, cutting at her pale skin and leaving deep gashes that would certainly have already killed her, had she still been human. Though she was demon, she was still feeling the sting of each slice, and the pain of each cut, as she weakened further and further, losing more and more blood as each second passed. She didn’t want it to end this way, but she felt that this was her final sacrifice for the jewel. ‘It will die with me in this hellish void, Midoriko…no one else will suffer for this…’ she whispered mentally, the thought easily conveyed to Hiei, shattering his heart.

“KAGOME!!” he screamed into the air, and in his mind, the desperation not lost on anyone in the vicinity. He would not lose her. He couldn’t. After centuries of closing off his emotions, he would not lose the one person who meant the world to him. Not now, not ever. Jumping forward, he slashed at the bewildered hanyou, who was struggling to close off the wind tunnel, feeling his arm paralyze further as each second passed. Shifting his palm towards Hiei, he smirked, opening up its twin and easily pulling the hiyoukai in, not missing the look of determination on his face.

“It’s too late for you now! Soon you will all be a part of me!” he laughed, earning a set of fierce growls from Sesshoumaru and Youko. Yusuke had had enough, and his spirit energy spiked, his Mazoku blood coming to life as he transformed, racing forward with speeds that rivaled Hiei to attack the hanyou. With that move, Naraku shifted, intending on absorbing the freshly transformed demon. As he did, however, Sesshoumaru and Youko attacked simultaneously, biting down on his arms as if to sever the wind tunnels that they had lost their teammate and chosen one to.

Inside the dark void, Kagome had heard Hiei’s scream, and it tore at her heart as she continued to struggle against the demons within the darkness. As she fell to one knee, she felt a comforting presence surround her. ‘…what are you doing here, Hiei?’

He didn’t reply, as his dragon roared out his rage and disposed of the demons in her immediate surroundings, leaving her alone in a small space of the darkness. Racing forward, he pulled her close to him, growling at her shed blood and her obvious pain. ‘Stupid onna! Why did you do that?!’ he screamed, making her flinch.

‘…he was about to be sucked in…I couldn’t let anyone else die over the jewel…over me…’ she replied, her voice weak as she leaned against him, finding it difficult to even speak anymore, even mentally.

‘He was not worth it! You are worth more than he ever will be! Without you…’ he paused, clutching her closer to him, his voice cracking with unshed tears now. ‘…without you…damn it, Kagome, I need you!’ he cried out, as a pulsing began in the side of her abdomen; a pulsing that drew more and more demons from the darkness--the power of the Shikon no Tama.


A/N: Okay…sorry for the cliffhanger X_X I wanted to get this chapter up, and that seemed like a good time to stop. There’s probably two or three chapters left, if that, on this story. I hope you all like this, I’m not great at having multiple characters in action at once. Heh. I should work on that. XD I’ll update soon when I can. (*kicks professors and their stupid papers*) I promise it won’t be another year before I update. XD
Kudos, loves!

Sayuri-chan—

A/N #2: Next Chapter: Prophesy
As always, Read and Review!