A Love That Transcends Time: Book I
folder
InuYasha › Het - Male/Female › InuYasha/Kagome
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
49
Views:
14,185
Reviews:
338
Recommended:
1
Currently Reading:
0
Category:
InuYasha › Het - Male/Female › InuYasha/Kagome
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
49
Views:
14,185
Reviews:
338
Recommended:
1
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I do not own Inuyasha or the characters in it, nor do I make profit from this story. Everything else is the product of my over-active imagination.
~*~The Beginning of the End~*~
~*~First of all, I'd like to explain about you guys hating me. Some things are going to happen in this story that you guys might not like. So I'm warning you now. But, as I said, give me the chance to fix it, okay? If this is going to be a dark fic, I would've said so earlier. Since I didn't, I guess you know what it means. If you decide not to read my fic anymore, then I'm sorry. I'm not saying you're not a loss, because you are. It would really sadden me to know that someone stopped reading my fic because of something they didn't like happening. But as I said before, this is MY story. So I guess it's only fit that the story goes the way I intend it to, right? I don't want to be misinterpreted as being bitchy or anything, but that's how I see it. I hope you guys don't get mad because of this.
Anyway, on to my thanks.
To Stefanie: Missed reading your reviews! *hug* And yup, the story's coming to a close now. Not yet on this chappy however. :D As for Kagome keeping Inu and Kik dying, I'm not going to say anything yet. I know it sounds cruel, but I think it would really take the edge/excitement off of the story if I were to tell you how this would end. So please bear with me and keep reading still, okay? Promise it won't be long now... Love ya lots!
To Inuzands: Hi, Zandy! I'm going to call you that since I find it cute. Hope you don't mind. :D Anyway, yep things are getting tense now. And it is going to be the final battle. Naraku might not like it, but it's going to happen anyway! hehehe. Read on to see how it goes. Love ya lots!
To psycho: Thanx for the review and for finding it cute. Here's another chappy for you. :D Love ya lots!
To ktakn_yeni: Sorry 'bout the cliffy, here's the next one for you! And it isn't the end yet, more to come! :D Love ya lots!
To Kohana: Thanx for joining the group! *hug* And yeah, lucky you you I've already updated here, 'ne? :D But if you want to have a copy of the story, you can get it at the group. I've compiled chapters 1-26 and the upcoming chappys are going to be uploaded there too. And I hope the problems I had here won't come back too. Hope you'll review again! Love ya lots!
To DreamAngel: I seriously hope you won't hunt me down if I fail to fix it on the same chappy. But I do hope you'll give me the chance to fix it, no matter what chappy I put it on okay? Please continue reading and advanced "gomen ne" for whatever it is you're going to read that you're not going to like. :D And I'm sure glad to be back too! *hug* Hope to see you here again! Love ya lots!
To robine: I'll think about it. *wink* Love ya lots!
To KagoKitty: Yay, 7 more shows left!!! es aes a round of applause* Hope everything's going smoothly for you, girly. And I'm sorry for the cliffy!!! I just can't help it. Must be my evil streak *wink*. hehehe. As for the promise... um, read on will ya? :D Hope you won't stop reading! Love ya lots!
To maria: WEEBEE!!! *hug* I think you guys are really going to hate me. I think. :D But hopefully not that great of a hate to stop reading. But it's your choice. *sniff* Anyway, thanx for the review and hope to read your note again! Love ya lots!
To ReiHino: Good luck on your finals, gurl! Hope you pass everything. And I understand, so don't worry okay? I hope you won't get mad at me too! Waah! *sniff, sniff* Thanx for the cookies! Well, it's almost gone now, but I guess it'll have to pacify me until you can bake for me again. After all, you forgive me too, don't ya? *wink* Love the cookies, and the ending will be a kick-ass one for you! hehehe. Love ya lots!
To snowfall: Wow, you said it was wonderful? *sniff* You're the only one who reacted like that, you know. Thanx for that one. Hope to read another one of your reviews. Love ya lots!
To MegaBorX: Hi. So here's my update, hope you like this one. As for my earlier promises, I do intend to keep them. If I remember, it's something about Yash saying he loves Kagome, right? If others were made, I'll see them through okay? As for your opinion, I'm sorry you feel that way. Yes, I do owe you guys a lot since this fic wouldn't even be going on without you. And I do try to give you what you like, but sometimes you know, if I did everything you a me me to it wouldn't be my story any longer. I hope you understand, since you're a fanfic author too, and I hope you change your mind about this one. I'd really hate to lose you, so please reconsider. *puppy eyes pleading* As for the ending they deserve, please give me a chance to finish before you change your mind about my fic okay? That's all I ask. A chance to fix it. Hope you'll take pity on me and Love ya lots either way!
AND TO YOU READING THIS: Thanx for hitting me past 8800+!!! Wow, I'm nearing 9000 now! Yahoo! I'm so excited. I hope you guys continue to read on to the last chappy and I hope you won't kill me after this story ends *crosses fingers*. Feedbacks are welcome okay? Bitch at me, laugh at me or praise my story, it's all okay. I just hope you do it right, okay? *wink* Enjoy reading guys and LOVE YA LOTS!!! MWAAH!!!~*~
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha... I share. ^_^
~*~Chapter 28—The Beginning of the End~*~
“Do not fail me,” the woman lying naked on the bed said quietly. Her companion said nothing, choosing to continue nibbling on her shoulders instead.
She shrugged her shoulders in annoyance, dislodging him. She moved away from his body to face him.
“You would do well not to ignore me. You know not of what I’m capable of,” she warned. Her bravado fled when she felt him grab her roughly by her arms, his fingers digging painfully to her skin, drawing blood.
“Oh I do know what your capabilities are, my dear. Did you actually think I’m that stupid? You underestimate me then. I even know what you’re thinking of right this minute, but it doesn’t matter. I won’t fail, and you can’t kill me. And do you know why?”
His face loomed above hers eerily, his expression twisted into one of contempt and desire. She’s suddenly afraid…
“Because I’ll drag you down to Hell with me. And you won’t even have your precious love with you or your humanity intact when I’m done,” he said cruelly, pulling her hard to his naked body.
“And for the moment, you are mine. My time’s not up yet,” he whispered just before claiming her lips again… and he would do so many times that night…
~*~
The Lord of the Western Lands breathes heavily as he clutched the hilt of Tokijin in his hands. His wounds are numerous, found all over his body. But he stands still, victorious over the carnage around him.
He has kept his promise… he’s still alive.
“Tsk, tsk, Sesshomaru-sama. How pitiful you look. Not like the one the Lord of the Western Lands should look, ‘ne?”
Sesshomaru looks up at the mocking voice, seeing the other hanyou float down from the air. And this time, it’s not a puppet.
“Naraku,” Sesshomaru hissed under his breath. The demon looks stunned.
“Is that anger I hear in your voice? I see that your being around your good-for-nothing-brother has changed you. I wonder if it’s still to your advantage? Hmmm. It seems the hanyou’s less than gracious manners have rubbed off. Think of what your mother would say,” Naraku admonished lightly.
“Urusei. You’re nothing but a hanyou yourselSessSesshomaru spat at at him.
Naraku is about to speak, when he saw Kirara flying overhead a girl’s voice calling out.
“Looks like your company’s here,” he said, his eyes twinkling with malice.
“Sesshomaru! Are you still alive!?” Sango yelled at him. Kirara landed near Sesshomaru’s side, Sango and Miroku jumping out from her back.
“Welcome, welcome. You’re here to see my le ple play, are you not? I haven’t decided yet if you would be one of the players… but that can be arranged,” Naraku welcomed them.
“What play are you talking about? You’re going down today, you filthy demon, and we all know it! So why don’t you go on ahead and call out to your other minions since that’s what you’re only good at anyway; hiding behind their backs!”
Naraku narrowed his eyes to slits at the black-haired beauty defying him openly. Not to mention humiliating him with her words…
“Careful with what you say, little girl. Need I remind you I hold your dear brother’s life in my hands?” Naraku said silkily, just to unnerve her.
It worked; Sango trembled visibly at his words. The houshi reassured her by covering her hands with his. He turned back to speak to the evil one.
“Are you still using that puppet of yours, Naraku? How bloody boring,”
“Iie, monk. He has finally gotten his courage up to face us himself. The only question is: will that be enough to survive us?” Sesshomaru goaded Naraku further by his words.
“Your arrogance might very well be your downfall, Sesshomaru-sama. But not yet. Not today. I’m waiting for the lead actors in my play, and they’re running late. The stage is set, and everyone’s here. I wonder what’s keeping them,”
“If you’re talking about us, you filthy bastard, we’re right here,” Inuyasha replied as he alighted near his friends. He put down Kagome to face his adversary squarely.
“Finally! I thought you two would never arrive. Your timing’s just perfect, you know. Now see… see what my gift is for you. Mine and Kikyou’s,” Naraku cackled gleefully as he summoned his demon hordes behind him.
“Uso! Kikyou would never side with you, you lying piece of shit!” Inuyasha hollered angrily. Kagome averted her eyes, the hurt she felt at his words sudden.
“Stupid little girl,” Naraku chanted. “Did you even think you would come close to the saint Kikyou has become in Inuyasha’s eyes? You can never compare as you’re nothing like her! He would never love you as much as he loved her. You know that,” Naraku fed on her insecurities and secret fears.
The act has begun…
“Do not let anger or fear cloud your judgment, miko. You have to be strong for this,” Sesshomaru said as he moved to her side to protect her. He left the other side to Inuyasha.
“Ah, the ever-supportive brother-in-law. How touching,” Naraku mocked as he readied to signal his demons to attack. His answer is an arrow going straight at him, covered with purifying energies.
He dodged just in time and glared at the girl who tried to kill him. And sent his hand down to let his demons attack…
~*~
Back in the village…
Chaos ruled in the village. Outside the barrier protecting it, demons lunged at them repeatedly, trying to break thru. Those who’re smarter than the others are waiting for the priestess to get tired.
Shippou remembered the whistle Kouga gave Kagome in the middle of it.
He ran back to Kaede’s hut, in spite of Rin holding onto him and telling him not to go. He forced himself to be brave, even as he saw the groups of demons clashing against the barrier, seeming to be strong enough to pass.
He never looked back as he ran back up to the shrine, blowing the whistle as he goes. And prayed that the wolf prince would come before their time is up…
~*~
Kouga stops all movement all together as he heard something call to him in the wind.
“What is it, mate?” Ayame laid her hand to his shoulders, looking at him worriedly.
“Kagome and the others need us. Go and tell the pack. We need to get moving,” Kouga said intently as he led the way to his friends…
~*~
Inuyasha paused for a moment in the battle, his sensitive ears catching onto something. That allowed a slithering youkai to come across and almost get him but…
“Inuyasha! Duck!” Kagome screamed to her mate as she notched her arrow and let it fly. Inuyasha ducked in the nick of time as the arrow flew over his head to turn the demon into ashes.
“Focus, Inuyasha! What’s wrong with you?” Sango yelled as she blocked another attack and swiped with her katana.
“I heard something. Sesshomaru!”
“Hai, kikoeru. I think it’s—“
“Oh so someone found a little whistle to play with. Looks like the wolf-prince is coming to the rescue. Better keep him occupied. Kagura,” Naraku stated as he called out to his ‘creation’.
A gust of wind blew, revealing the wind sorceress in her feather. She waited for her master’s next orders.
“Go and greet the wolf-prince in my behalf. And make sure it would be a… warm welcome indeed,” Naraku cackled as Kagura nodded and left to do his bidding.
“Kouga-kun and Ayame-chan,” Kagome whispered in terror for the two. No one can help them now…
~*~
Meanwhile, the monk is getting suspicious. While they’re fighting all these demons, Naraku’s just watching, not participating in the battle. When one of them has the opening to attack him, he just forms this other youkais to block it. He’s not retaliating as of yet, and it’s getting on Miroku’s nerves.
“Sango,” he called out to the demon exterminator as he ran, spinning his staff high above his head to repel any youkai trying to get close to him. The huntress moved towards him, their backs to each other.
“What is it, houshi?”
“Keep an eye on Kagome-sama for me. I don’t like the way things are going. Naraku’s not fighting, and he’s not trying to put the jewel together. I feel something else is going to happen,”
Sango is shocked by his words, but found it to be true. She feels it too…
She’s just moving to do as the houshi asked but then her brother appeared.
“Kohaku,” she whispered brokenly.
~*~
Sesshomaru’s thinking along the same lines as Miroku. It seems as though Na’s j’s just toying with them, no intention of getting the jewel shards for his self or ending it right then and there.
‘I wonder what his game is,’ he thought as he parried with another demon and cut through. He’s so involved in the battle and thinking too hard to notice that he’s being led away from his brother and the miko.
An impenetrable wall of youkais surrounded him immediately, blocking his way back to the mates…
~*~
Kouga and his pack arrived at the edge of Inuyasha’s forest. He sniffed at the air and knew something is wrong. Then he smelled her coming…
“Kagura,” he said with his fangs bared and eyes narrowing into slits with hatred.
As if on cue, the kaze no youkai appeared before them, her cursed fan in her hand.
“Long time no see, Kouga. I heard you’ve mated,” her red eyes glowed at him mischievously, her lips forming to a sneer.
“I have no time to speak to you, you bitch! Now that you’re here, I can finally avenge my brothers,”
Kagura clucked her tongue at him just as his mate and the others arrived.
“But you will have to, wolf-prince. You see, Naraku sent me to distract you from going further. As we speak, a battle is raged at the God-tree and the village of Kaede is being destroyed. But you can’t help them can you? Because I’m here for you to contend with,” she said with a maniacal laugh.
Kouga knew suddenly that this is probably the final battle with Naraku. And knowing Kaede’s village might be overflowing with youkais at the moment with no one to help them, he sent his pack and his mate to go and save the humans.
“I am not going! My place is with you,” Ayame said stubbornly as she stood firm by Kouga’s side and the pack left to do as he instructed.
Kagura saw this, and moved to attack.
“Fuujin no mae!” she sent the blades to the pack, but Ayame is quicker. She used her whirlwind to create a leaf shield for the pack, allowing them to steer clear before the blades hit them and escape.
“You ruined my fun!” Kagura shrieked as she raised her fan and directed the blades of the wind to Ayame.
Kouga carried his mate and dodged before the blades reached them. Then went to kick the ground before Kagura, almost hitting her if not for her flying back.
“What’s the matter, Kouga? Need the Shikon shards again?” Kagura mocked him with an insulting laugh, making him grit his teeth.
“I do not need the shards to beat the crap out of you, bitch!”
And they both know he’s lying…
~*~
They didn’t see it happen. They were too busy fighting off the monsters coming at them to notice Sesshomaru gone and Sango and Miroku missing. Suddenly, the youkais going for Kagome’s head disappear, leaving her confused.
Inuyasha is now fighting masses of demons trying to kill him. He never spared Kagome one glance as of yet.
“All alonettlettle girl?” Naraku crooned, coming closer to her. She steps back.
“I am not giving you the shards,” Kagome said quietly, too calmly for Naraku.
“Who said I want them? Not now and not yet. I want something else from you, little girl,” He said in a singsong tone of voice, alerting her to something.
Suddenly Kagome can’t move, her whole body being paralyzed. She realized it’s the shards hanging at her neck. Naraku’s controlling her thru it!
‘No! Not again! Inuyasha!’ she screamed inside her head, trying to make Inuyasha look at her.
“See how he doesn’t seem to be concerned of you? He hasn’t spared you a glance since all of this happened, did you notice? And the way he believes in Kikyou. That must have galled you,” Naraku said with fake sympathy, smiling over the way his words are affecting her.
‘I won’t listen to this. Inuyasha!’
“Go on. Call him. Let’s see if he’ll hear you, or even care. I bet all he thinks about now is Kikyou. When she’ll ere ere and if what I said to him is true. What a torment for the hanyou,”
“But you know better, don’t you? She tried to kill you once, and she never admitted that. Inuyasha thinks she’s still pure. But she’s not,”
“And he won’t care either way. He’ll come crawling back to her every time she appears. And do you know why? Because he loves her. Always had and always will. You’re nothing but a stand-in for him. You look like Kikyou, so what’s the harm in it, huh? He’s calling your name, but he calls to her in his mind,” Naraku continued.
‘No! Inuyasha LOVES ME! He might have loved Kikyou, but he loves me too!’
“Oh please. Did you ever think that ‘mating’ thing would matter when it comes to him choosing? Of course not! After all, he’s going to hell with her, isn’t he?”
“Do you want to try? Do you want to find out? With her and with you here, now. Would you like him to choose? Who to save, whom to protect. Let’s see if he does love you,” Naraku’s grinning like the devil he is now.
And as if on cue, Kikyou appeared on Sesshomaru’s side of the youkai wall.
“Inuyasha,” she whispered, and amazingly, the hanyou heard her over the noise the monsters make.
He swivels his head around at the sound of her voice, and Kagome can see the panic in them at the sight of her surrounded with youkai. She would’ve bowed her head if she’s allowed to, but she contented herself with closing her eyes against it.
“Kikyou!” Inuyaslasslashes his way through the youkai around him, trying to get to her.
That’s when he saw Naraku standing close to his mate. She seemed rooted to the spot, her eyes closed. Then his words reach him.
“Do you see? Do you see how he’s so scared for her and not you? You’re mated, yet he never even felt you in danger. But her… she calls out to him and he responds. And they haven’t even mated yet,”
“No! Kagome, don’t listen to him! He’s trying to twist things around!” Inuyasha shouted to Kagome as he fought his way to get out of the demon barrier surrounding him.
“Do you hear the guilt in his voice, little girl? He’s denying things, but you know it’s true. He doesn’t love you. He never will, and that’s the truth,” Naraku said clearly as he leaned over Kagome, his lips almost touching hers.
“Dammit, Kagome! Don’t you dare believe a word that bastard says! Fight it, for the love of Gods,”
Kagome continued to keep her eyes shut. The emotions coursing through her is overwhelming her. The pain, the hurt, the anger, the despair…the love. She knew she shouldn’t listen to Naraku, much less believe him. But when faced with Kikyou, what else is there for her to think about? She saw the proof: she’s with Naraku, helpless and trying to call out to him with her heart, with her mind. But he never listened. He didn’t hear her. But Kikyou…
The moment she opened her eyes and her gray-colored spheres looked back at him with hurt in their depths, Inuyasha couldn’t take it anymore. He knew what’s happening, what Naraku is trying to do. He started to feel angry towards Kagome for believing Naraku, but after what just happened and his words before, he can’t blame her. And knowing that he’s partly to blame for what’s happening to them both and helpless to do something about it at the moment, red started to fuse with the amber in his eyes.
“Take your fucking self out of her side,” the hanyou growled, making the youkai attacking him hover around nervously.
“Ah, okuteru! Why do you care, hanyou? This little girl means nothing to you, right? You love the other woman at the other side, so don’t mind us. Go to Kikyou, Inuyasha. It’s what you want,” Naraku sneered, enjoying his self thoroughly.
“No,” Inuyasha growled again, his bangs hiding his eyes as he bowed his head low.
“What are you going to do, scratch me to pieces? I don’t think so, Inuyasha. You can’t even kill the demons surrounding you, so not bloody likely,” Naraku continued to goad the hanyou as he trailed one finger to Kagome’s cheek.
“I said take your fucking self away from her!”
Those were the last coherent words Inuyasha said as he clawed his way through the youkai, leaving behind a trail of gore and blood. He slashed and clawed at everything coming at him to attack. If he was hit or wounded, he never gave any indication of it as he continued to slaughter the demons around him.
It was going to his satisfaction. The hanyou has transformed…
~*~And so it begins... Naraku's a really crafty fellow like Sesshy said, 'ne? Now I bet you're wondering what I'm going to do. The next chappy's going to be full of drama. So I'm giving out the kleenexes for free this time. hehehe. Tell me what you think okay? I'll be waiting for the reviews! Thanx for reading and tc!~*~
Anyway, on to my thanks.
To Stefanie: Missed reading your reviews! *hug* And yup, the story's coming to a close now. Not yet on this chappy however. :D As for Kagome keeping Inu and Kik dying, I'm not going to say anything yet. I know it sounds cruel, but I think it would really take the edge/excitement off of the story if I were to tell you how this would end. So please bear with me and keep reading still, okay? Promise it won't be long now... Love ya lots!
To Inuzands: Hi, Zandy! I'm going to call you that since I find it cute. Hope you don't mind. :D Anyway, yep things are getting tense now. And it is going to be the final battle. Naraku might not like it, but it's going to happen anyway! hehehe. Read on to see how it goes. Love ya lots!
To psycho: Thanx for the review and for finding it cute. Here's another chappy for you. :D Love ya lots!
To ktakn_yeni: Sorry 'bout the cliffy, here's the next one for you! And it isn't the end yet, more to come! :D Love ya lots!
To Kohana: Thanx for joining the group! *hug* And yeah, lucky you you I've already updated here, 'ne? :D But if you want to have a copy of the story, you can get it at the group. I've compiled chapters 1-26 and the upcoming chappys are going to be uploaded there too. And I hope the problems I had here won't come back too. Hope you'll review again! Love ya lots!
To DreamAngel: I seriously hope you won't hunt me down if I fail to fix it on the same chappy. But I do hope you'll give me the chance to fix it, no matter what chappy I put it on okay? Please continue reading and advanced "gomen ne" for whatever it is you're going to read that you're not going to like. :D And I'm sure glad to be back too! *hug* Hope to see you here again! Love ya lots!
To robine: I'll think about it. *wink* Love ya lots!
To KagoKitty: Yay, 7 more shows left!!! es aes a round of applause* Hope everything's going smoothly for you, girly. And I'm sorry for the cliffy!!! I just can't help it. Must be my evil streak *wink*. hehehe. As for the promise... um, read on will ya? :D Hope you won't stop reading! Love ya lots!
To maria: WEEBEE!!! *hug* I think you guys are really going to hate me. I think. :D But hopefully not that great of a hate to stop reading. But it's your choice. *sniff* Anyway, thanx for the review and hope to read your note again! Love ya lots!
To ReiHino: Good luck on your finals, gurl! Hope you pass everything. And I understand, so don't worry okay? I hope you won't get mad at me too! Waah! *sniff, sniff* Thanx for the cookies! Well, it's almost gone now, but I guess it'll have to pacify me until you can bake for me again. After all, you forgive me too, don't ya? *wink* Love the cookies, and the ending will be a kick-ass one for you! hehehe. Love ya lots!
To snowfall: Wow, you said it was wonderful? *sniff* You're the only one who reacted like that, you know. Thanx for that one. Hope to read another one of your reviews. Love ya lots!
To MegaBorX: Hi. So here's my update, hope you like this one. As for my earlier promises, I do intend to keep them. If I remember, it's something about Yash saying he loves Kagome, right? If others were made, I'll see them through okay? As for your opinion, I'm sorry you feel that way. Yes, I do owe you guys a lot since this fic wouldn't even be going on without you. And I do try to give you what you like, but sometimes you know, if I did everything you a me me to it wouldn't be my story any longer. I hope you understand, since you're a fanfic author too, and I hope you change your mind about this one. I'd really hate to lose you, so please reconsider. *puppy eyes pleading* As for the ending they deserve, please give me a chance to finish before you change your mind about my fic okay? That's all I ask. A chance to fix it. Hope you'll take pity on me and Love ya lots either way!
AND TO YOU READING THIS: Thanx for hitting me past 8800+!!! Wow, I'm nearing 9000 now! Yahoo! I'm so excited. I hope you guys continue to read on to the last chappy and I hope you won't kill me after this story ends *crosses fingers*. Feedbacks are welcome okay? Bitch at me, laugh at me or praise my story, it's all okay. I just hope you do it right, okay? *wink* Enjoy reading guys and LOVE YA LOTS!!! MWAAH!!!~*~
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha... I share. ^_^
~*~Chapter 28—The Beginning of the End~*~
“Do not fail me,” the woman lying naked on the bed said quietly. Her companion said nothing, choosing to continue nibbling on her shoulders instead.
She shrugged her shoulders in annoyance, dislodging him. She moved away from his body to face him.
“You would do well not to ignore me. You know not of what I’m capable of,” she warned. Her bravado fled when she felt him grab her roughly by her arms, his fingers digging painfully to her skin, drawing blood.
“Oh I do know what your capabilities are, my dear. Did you actually think I’m that stupid? You underestimate me then. I even know what you’re thinking of right this minute, but it doesn’t matter. I won’t fail, and you can’t kill me. And do you know why?”
His face loomed above hers eerily, his expression twisted into one of contempt and desire. She’s suddenly afraid…
“Because I’ll drag you down to Hell with me. And you won’t even have your precious love with you or your humanity intact when I’m done,” he said cruelly, pulling her hard to his naked body.
“And for the moment, you are mine. My time’s not up yet,” he whispered just before claiming her lips again… and he would do so many times that night…
~*~
The Lord of the Western Lands breathes heavily as he clutched the hilt of Tokijin in his hands. His wounds are numerous, found all over his body. But he stands still, victorious over the carnage around him.
He has kept his promise… he’s still alive.
“Tsk, tsk, Sesshomaru-sama. How pitiful you look. Not like the one the Lord of the Western Lands should look, ‘ne?”
Sesshomaru looks up at the mocking voice, seeing the other hanyou float down from the air. And this time, it’s not a puppet.
“Naraku,” Sesshomaru hissed under his breath. The demon looks stunned.
“Is that anger I hear in your voice? I see that your being around your good-for-nothing-brother has changed you. I wonder if it’s still to your advantage? Hmmm. It seems the hanyou’s less than gracious manners have rubbed off. Think of what your mother would say,” Naraku admonished lightly.
“Urusei. You’re nothing but a hanyou yourselSessSesshomaru spat at at him.
Naraku is about to speak, when he saw Kirara flying overhead a girl’s voice calling out.
“Looks like your company’s here,” he said, his eyes twinkling with malice.
“Sesshomaru! Are you still alive!?” Sango yelled at him. Kirara landed near Sesshomaru’s side, Sango and Miroku jumping out from her back.
“Welcome, welcome. You’re here to see my le ple play, are you not? I haven’t decided yet if you would be one of the players… but that can be arranged,” Naraku welcomed them.
“What play are you talking about? You’re going down today, you filthy demon, and we all know it! So why don’t you go on ahead and call out to your other minions since that’s what you’re only good at anyway; hiding behind their backs!”
Naraku narrowed his eyes to slits at the black-haired beauty defying him openly. Not to mention humiliating him with her words…
“Careful with what you say, little girl. Need I remind you I hold your dear brother’s life in my hands?” Naraku said silkily, just to unnerve her.
It worked; Sango trembled visibly at his words. The houshi reassured her by covering her hands with his. He turned back to speak to the evil one.
“Are you still using that puppet of yours, Naraku? How bloody boring,”
“Iie, monk. He has finally gotten his courage up to face us himself. The only question is: will that be enough to survive us?” Sesshomaru goaded Naraku further by his words.
“Your arrogance might very well be your downfall, Sesshomaru-sama. But not yet. Not today. I’m waiting for the lead actors in my play, and they’re running late. The stage is set, and everyone’s here. I wonder what’s keeping them,”
“If you’re talking about us, you filthy bastard, we’re right here,” Inuyasha replied as he alighted near his friends. He put down Kagome to face his adversary squarely.
“Finally! I thought you two would never arrive. Your timing’s just perfect, you know. Now see… see what my gift is for you. Mine and Kikyou’s,” Naraku cackled gleefully as he summoned his demon hordes behind him.
“Uso! Kikyou would never side with you, you lying piece of shit!” Inuyasha hollered angrily. Kagome averted her eyes, the hurt she felt at his words sudden.
“Stupid little girl,” Naraku chanted. “Did you even think you would come close to the saint Kikyou has become in Inuyasha’s eyes? You can never compare as you’re nothing like her! He would never love you as much as he loved her. You know that,” Naraku fed on her insecurities and secret fears.
The act has begun…
“Do not let anger or fear cloud your judgment, miko. You have to be strong for this,” Sesshomaru said as he moved to her side to protect her. He left the other side to Inuyasha.
“Ah, the ever-supportive brother-in-law. How touching,” Naraku mocked as he readied to signal his demons to attack. His answer is an arrow going straight at him, covered with purifying energies.
He dodged just in time and glared at the girl who tried to kill him. And sent his hand down to let his demons attack…
~*~
Back in the village…
Chaos ruled in the village. Outside the barrier protecting it, demons lunged at them repeatedly, trying to break thru. Those who’re smarter than the others are waiting for the priestess to get tired.
Shippou remembered the whistle Kouga gave Kagome in the middle of it.
He ran back to Kaede’s hut, in spite of Rin holding onto him and telling him not to go. He forced himself to be brave, even as he saw the groups of demons clashing against the barrier, seeming to be strong enough to pass.
He never looked back as he ran back up to the shrine, blowing the whistle as he goes. And prayed that the wolf prince would come before their time is up…
~*~
Kouga stops all movement all together as he heard something call to him in the wind.
“What is it, mate?” Ayame laid her hand to his shoulders, looking at him worriedly.
“Kagome and the others need us. Go and tell the pack. We need to get moving,” Kouga said intently as he led the way to his friends…
~*~
Inuyasha paused for a moment in the battle, his sensitive ears catching onto something. That allowed a slithering youkai to come across and almost get him but…
“Inuyasha! Duck!” Kagome screamed to her mate as she notched her arrow and let it fly. Inuyasha ducked in the nick of time as the arrow flew over his head to turn the demon into ashes.
“Focus, Inuyasha! What’s wrong with you?” Sango yelled as she blocked another attack and swiped with her katana.
“I heard something. Sesshomaru!”
“Hai, kikoeru. I think it’s—“
“Oh so someone found a little whistle to play with. Looks like the wolf-prince is coming to the rescue. Better keep him occupied. Kagura,” Naraku stated as he called out to his ‘creation’.
A gust of wind blew, revealing the wind sorceress in her feather. She waited for her master’s next orders.
“Go and greet the wolf-prince in my behalf. And make sure it would be a… warm welcome indeed,” Naraku cackled as Kagura nodded and left to do his bidding.
“Kouga-kun and Ayame-chan,” Kagome whispered in terror for the two. No one can help them now…
~*~
Meanwhile, the monk is getting suspicious. While they’re fighting all these demons, Naraku’s just watching, not participating in the battle. When one of them has the opening to attack him, he just forms this other youkais to block it. He’s not retaliating as of yet, and it’s getting on Miroku’s nerves.
“Sango,” he called out to the demon exterminator as he ran, spinning his staff high above his head to repel any youkai trying to get close to him. The huntress moved towards him, their backs to each other.
“What is it, houshi?”
“Keep an eye on Kagome-sama for me. I don’t like the way things are going. Naraku’s not fighting, and he’s not trying to put the jewel together. I feel something else is going to happen,”
Sango is shocked by his words, but found it to be true. She feels it too…
She’s just moving to do as the houshi asked but then her brother appeared.
“Kohaku,” she whispered brokenly.
~*~
Sesshomaru’s thinking along the same lines as Miroku. It seems as though Na’s j’s just toying with them, no intention of getting the jewel shards for his self or ending it right then and there.
‘I wonder what his game is,’ he thought as he parried with another demon and cut through. He’s so involved in the battle and thinking too hard to notice that he’s being led away from his brother and the miko.
An impenetrable wall of youkais surrounded him immediately, blocking his way back to the mates…
~*~
Kouga and his pack arrived at the edge of Inuyasha’s forest. He sniffed at the air and knew something is wrong. Then he smelled her coming…
“Kagura,” he said with his fangs bared and eyes narrowing into slits with hatred.
As if on cue, the kaze no youkai appeared before them, her cursed fan in her hand.
“Long time no see, Kouga. I heard you’ve mated,” her red eyes glowed at him mischievously, her lips forming to a sneer.
“I have no time to speak to you, you bitch! Now that you’re here, I can finally avenge my brothers,”
Kagura clucked her tongue at him just as his mate and the others arrived.
“But you will have to, wolf-prince. You see, Naraku sent me to distract you from going further. As we speak, a battle is raged at the God-tree and the village of Kaede is being destroyed. But you can’t help them can you? Because I’m here for you to contend with,” she said with a maniacal laugh.
Kouga knew suddenly that this is probably the final battle with Naraku. And knowing Kaede’s village might be overflowing with youkais at the moment with no one to help them, he sent his pack and his mate to go and save the humans.
“I am not going! My place is with you,” Ayame said stubbornly as she stood firm by Kouga’s side and the pack left to do as he instructed.
Kagura saw this, and moved to attack.
“Fuujin no mae!” she sent the blades to the pack, but Ayame is quicker. She used her whirlwind to create a leaf shield for the pack, allowing them to steer clear before the blades hit them and escape.
“You ruined my fun!” Kagura shrieked as she raised her fan and directed the blades of the wind to Ayame.
Kouga carried his mate and dodged before the blades reached them. Then went to kick the ground before Kagura, almost hitting her if not for her flying back.
“What’s the matter, Kouga? Need the Shikon shards again?” Kagura mocked him with an insulting laugh, making him grit his teeth.
“I do not need the shards to beat the crap out of you, bitch!”
And they both know he’s lying…
~*~
They didn’t see it happen. They were too busy fighting off the monsters coming at them to notice Sesshomaru gone and Sango and Miroku missing. Suddenly, the youkais going for Kagome’s head disappear, leaving her confused.
Inuyasha is now fighting masses of demons trying to kill him. He never spared Kagome one glance as of yet.
“All alonettlettle girl?” Naraku crooned, coming closer to her. She steps back.
“I am not giving you the shards,” Kagome said quietly, too calmly for Naraku.
“Who said I want them? Not now and not yet. I want something else from you, little girl,” He said in a singsong tone of voice, alerting her to something.
Suddenly Kagome can’t move, her whole body being paralyzed. She realized it’s the shards hanging at her neck. Naraku’s controlling her thru it!
‘No! Not again! Inuyasha!’ she screamed inside her head, trying to make Inuyasha look at her.
“See how he doesn’t seem to be concerned of you? He hasn’t spared you a glance since all of this happened, did you notice? And the way he believes in Kikyou. That must have galled you,” Naraku said with fake sympathy, smiling over the way his words are affecting her.
‘I won’t listen to this. Inuyasha!’
“Go on. Call him. Let’s see if he’ll hear you, or even care. I bet all he thinks about now is Kikyou. When she’ll ere ere and if what I said to him is true. What a torment for the hanyou,”
“But you know better, don’t you? She tried to kill you once, and she never admitted that. Inuyasha thinks she’s still pure. But she’s not,”
“And he won’t care either way. He’ll come crawling back to her every time she appears. And do you know why? Because he loves her. Always had and always will. You’re nothing but a stand-in for him. You look like Kikyou, so what’s the harm in it, huh? He’s calling your name, but he calls to her in his mind,” Naraku continued.
‘No! Inuyasha LOVES ME! He might have loved Kikyou, but he loves me too!’
“Oh please. Did you ever think that ‘mating’ thing would matter when it comes to him choosing? Of course not! After all, he’s going to hell with her, isn’t he?”
“Do you want to try? Do you want to find out? With her and with you here, now. Would you like him to choose? Who to save, whom to protect. Let’s see if he does love you,” Naraku’s grinning like the devil he is now.
And as if on cue, Kikyou appeared on Sesshomaru’s side of the youkai wall.
“Inuyasha,” she whispered, and amazingly, the hanyou heard her over the noise the monsters make.
He swivels his head around at the sound of her voice, and Kagome can see the panic in them at the sight of her surrounded with youkai. She would’ve bowed her head if she’s allowed to, but she contented herself with closing her eyes against it.
“Kikyou!” Inuyaslasslashes his way through the youkai around him, trying to get to her.
That’s when he saw Naraku standing close to his mate. She seemed rooted to the spot, her eyes closed. Then his words reach him.
“Do you see? Do you see how he’s so scared for her and not you? You’re mated, yet he never even felt you in danger. But her… she calls out to him and he responds. And they haven’t even mated yet,”
“No! Kagome, don’t listen to him! He’s trying to twist things around!” Inuyasha shouted to Kagome as he fought his way to get out of the demon barrier surrounding him.
“Do you hear the guilt in his voice, little girl? He’s denying things, but you know it’s true. He doesn’t love you. He never will, and that’s the truth,” Naraku said clearly as he leaned over Kagome, his lips almost touching hers.
“Dammit, Kagome! Don’t you dare believe a word that bastard says! Fight it, for the love of Gods,”
Kagome continued to keep her eyes shut. The emotions coursing through her is overwhelming her. The pain, the hurt, the anger, the despair…the love. She knew she shouldn’t listen to Naraku, much less believe him. But when faced with Kikyou, what else is there for her to think about? She saw the proof: she’s with Naraku, helpless and trying to call out to him with her heart, with her mind. But he never listened. He didn’t hear her. But Kikyou…
The moment she opened her eyes and her gray-colored spheres looked back at him with hurt in their depths, Inuyasha couldn’t take it anymore. He knew what’s happening, what Naraku is trying to do. He started to feel angry towards Kagome for believing Naraku, but after what just happened and his words before, he can’t blame her. And knowing that he’s partly to blame for what’s happening to them both and helpless to do something about it at the moment, red started to fuse with the amber in his eyes.
“Take your fucking self out of her side,” the hanyou growled, making the youkai attacking him hover around nervously.
“Ah, okuteru! Why do you care, hanyou? This little girl means nothing to you, right? You love the other woman at the other side, so don’t mind us. Go to Kikyou, Inuyasha. It’s what you want,” Naraku sneered, enjoying his self thoroughly.
“No,” Inuyasha growled again, his bangs hiding his eyes as he bowed his head low.
“What are you going to do, scratch me to pieces? I don’t think so, Inuyasha. You can’t even kill the demons surrounding you, so not bloody likely,” Naraku continued to goad the hanyou as he trailed one finger to Kagome’s cheek.
“I said take your fucking self away from her!”
Those were the last coherent words Inuyasha said as he clawed his way through the youkai, leaving behind a trail of gore and blood. He slashed and clawed at everything coming at him to attack. If he was hit or wounded, he never gave any indication of it as he continued to slaughter the demons around him.
It was going to his satisfaction. The hanyou has transformed…
~*~And so it begins... Naraku's a really crafty fellow like Sesshy said, 'ne? Now I bet you're wondering what I'm going to do. The next chappy's going to be full of drama. So I'm giving out the kleenexes for free this time. hehehe. Tell me what you think okay? I'll be waiting for the reviews! Thanx for reading and tc!~*~