An Angel Inside Me and a Demon in You

DISCLAIMER!: Do not own the Inuyasha characters. Only the story line and the unknown characters are mine.

A/N-Hahaha. Giddy hands will keep on writing! Thank you so much for reviewing. It makes my insides bubble in delight! Heehee. This chapter is 19 pages long. *gasp* I know! I apologize for taking so long so, this chapter is 19 pages b/c of that!. My chapters will not be this long unless I haven’t updated for a long time. Also, I have some Japanese in here, and if I butchered it, please forgive me. If you speak Japanese and you are willing to correct my error, go right ahead! ; ]

&& Another thing, if you can find the line from a certain movie with Jackie Chan in it, I will give you virtual Kudos! lol

So heeeya! Another chappie!


Battle by the Heartless Sea

“So, lemme get this straight. You are an angel and the Guardian of Life and that bastard over there needs your help,” Inuyasha’s expression was incredulous.

“Yes,” she said for the umpteenth time in exasperation.

“And, you are going to help him?” he obviously wasn’t comprehending anything she had just explained to him over the last three hours.

“Oh my gosh, Inuyasha, YES!”

“Why are you helping him?” Inuyasha’s eyes narrowed at his brother, who was standing in the corner observing carefully.

“How many times do I have to say this?!?!” she cried in desperation. Kagome enunciated each word to get Inuyasha’s little brain to understand, “I have to do this because it is my duty. I need to do this or there won’t be a Japan in the future. Would you like there to be no Japan? Do you understand the words coming out of my mouth?”

He looked down into the fire with his hand on his chin. His eyes then shifted to Kagome’s. Everyone, except for Sesshoumaru, held their breath as they hoped that their mentally retarded friend would get the point and let go of the differences between himself and his brother so Kagome can do what she was destined for. Inuyasha’s posture softened and everyone sighed in relief. He finally got i-

“So, lemme get this straight. You are an angel and the Guardian of Life and that bastard over there needs your help.”

“Inuyasha,” Kagome called his name sweetly, “SIT!!!! SIT! SIT! SIT! SIT! SIIIIIITTTTT!!!!!!”

The hanyou’s face plummeted into the wooden floor of the hut and Shippo chuckled, “It was about time you did that, Kagome! He was getting on my nerves! And look, that made a nice little hole in the ground!”

The half-demon picked up his head from the dirt and exclaimed, “Shut the fuck up, runt! I’ll fucking pull your tail out!” He leaped at Shippo, who dived behind Kagome’s back for protection. Inuyasha chased the fox demon around the hut and Kagome sighed and rubbed her temples.

“Will you please cease this nonsense? We have things to discuss!” Miroku called out from his lotus position.

“Na-na-na-na-na, you didn’t catch meee!”

Inuyasha gradually slowed down to a stop. “Hell, I only did that for exercise. But next time, I’m gonna catch you,” he remarked before taking a seat next to Kagome.

“Well, since that is finally done with, let’s talk about what we should do next. What are your plans, Kagome?” Sango piped in.

“Let’s see, we need to find Naraku and defeat him before I can move on. Then I’ll help Sesshoumaru; you guys can assist us if you’d like. Is that ok, Sesshoumaru?”

All eyes turned wearily to the taiyoukai’s imposing presence lurking in the corner of the hut, silently observing the pack of six. “Do what you will with your comrades. As long as they do not interfere with my plans, their will is none of my concern,” he said dismissively.

Ignoring his tone, Kagome resumed the conversation, “Any suggestions at all?”

“Kagome, how will we find Naraku? As much as we all want justice and for you to help Sesshoumaru, how can we get to him? That hanyou always seems to elude or mislead us. What can we do?” Sango inquired.

“Yeah, what can we do to find him?” Shippo thumbed one of his toys.

“I have no idea on that to be honest. But, there is this sixth sense thing eating away at me, telling me we’ll find him very, very soon. It’s telling me that he is right under our noses and that he is waiting,” Kagome informed them. “I’ll probably have to use the old method of finding him, through the jewel-shards.”

“Wench, does this mean you’re gonna go home first and then we’ll leave? I don’t wanna wait around a well all day for you,” Inuyasha huffed and crossed his arms.

Sesshoumaru’s eyebrows raised in question, ‘A well. Why would the half-breed wait beside the well? Maybe it has something to do with the miko’s origins.’

“No, I won’t go home this time. We need to finish this once and for all. Naraku has been drawing this out far too long.”

“I suppose that we are to carry on with our quest tomorrow?” Miroku nodded toward the night sky outside the window.

“Yes, I guess that would be the best thing to do,” the miko sighed. “Hey, I’m going to go outside for some fresh air.”

She crawled out of the straw door before standing up. Kagome wandered like a lost child to an unknown area in Inuyasha’s Forest. Her feet carried her deeper into the nature, and the nature allowed the wandering woman’s mind wander too. ‘I’m really going to go through with this. From what Namine said, this is really big. It’s going to affect history.’

The movement of her feet ceased, and out loud she added reluctantly, “I’m going to be a part of history.”

It had really just now hit her how important this event was. She, Kagome Higurashi, was destined for greatness. The more she thought about it, the more troubling and petrifying the news was. She was going to save Japan.

What if she failed in her quest? What if she wasn’t able to harness her power and ended up killing everyone? What if she died? So many “what ifs” and no one to answer them. No one was there to sooth her distressed being.

Panic crept stealthily into her soul like a crook stealing from a homeless man’s pocket. It quickly worked its sorcery and nestled deep within her chest, a burden so heavy, so wretched it suffocated her. Kagome suddenly found it hard to breathe, and her body doubled over in an effort to choke up the parasite that hastily chose to take residence in her. Her erratic heartbeat thumped roughly and loudly in her gut like the vibrations of the bass in rap music. If she didn’t stop this soon, the ugly thing would consume her and leave her wits in the dust of the unforgiving world.

In an effort to control this horrifying thing that welled up in her, Kagome forced her racing heart to slow down by breathing rhythmically, slowly, surely. She fought the unwelcoming alien, telling it she was doing it for her friends, whom she loved and cherished. The miko would do this for the people and their future, just as she said in her dreams when she told Namine the reason why she would become an angel. Kagome let the cool breath of the night caress her heated, sweat-beaded skin and carry away the tense and scary revelation piece by piece. Finally, the bass in her head quieted enough to allow the miko to think clearly and rise to her feet.

The all-devouring fear and panic had not left this young woman. Instead, it chose to hide under the cushions of her brave and caring heart, and when the need for entertainment presented itself, the hideousness will come out of its hibernation and play with its host’s sanity, continuously reminding her of the challenges and hardships she had yet to face. It will battle her stubbornness and hope that it will in the end, defeat said woman. It would always be there: a reminder, a burden, an enemy.

It would only disintegrate when the angel was ready. Ready for what? Neither abomination nor Kagome was sure. They only had to wait, and in that time, the thing would feed off of her pain, sadness, doubts, and panic. It planned to do this until it destroyed her and left her body soulless and alone. It would eat her alive.

Kagome looked at the dark night sky and inhaled clean air as she watched the stars twinkle over her head. The freshness and crispness of the unpolluted atmosphere soothed her frantic, befuddled mind. The air was like opium. It gave her that high. It cleared her head of everything she wanted to forget. The air was always there and it never judged her. It was addictive.

Cerulean orbs closed as the owner’s brain climbed into the clouds. Kagome imagined herself floating among the stars, drifting away from her messed up life. The angel wished that she could forget some of the things that were happening. It was a lot to handle, knowing that you are the savior of the world. She wished she could be as normal as normal could get with Inuyasha and her other friends still in her life. She wished she could suck in this air every time she needed someone to lean on. Kagome wished that she could just float there forever, and ever, and ever, and ev-

“Do you make it a point to appear foolish?” a bored but unwelcoming presence jarred her out of her self-induced high.

Kagome was suddenly aware that her arms were lifted from her sides and her head was tilted into the air. How silly she must have looked to the taiyoukai. Heat rose to her cheeks from embarrassment like hot air rises in a house when the heater is on. It could have been worse.

At least it didn’t appear that he witnessed the horrible thing create a home in her body. She smiled to herself and shook her head, not believing the thoughts that had entered her mind or believing the grotesque creature that took hold of her.

‘Then I’ll have to keep wishing, but I can’t think like that. I am not selfish. I’m not normal. I can’t be that kind of normal if I still want them in my life.’ A tear slipped down her cheek, and she wiped it away as quickly as possible. ‘Can’t let Sesshoumaru see that. He might think I’m weak.’

“I guess I do, Sesshoumaru,” Kagome replied. Nervousness from the proximity of the prying amber jewels made Kagome twitchy and unsure of her own motives. Not wanting to be close to her new employer in her recovering state-of-mind, she decided to retreat.

However, the silver haired demon was not willing for her to leave just yet. He grasped her upper arm, stopping her in her rushed steps.

“Let go of me, Sesshoumaru,” she said softly, not even turning her body to face him.

He didn’t look at her, but his grip tightened, and his demon nails threatened to break her skin, signaling to the miko that letting go was not an option. “What is the reason for your tears?”

He felt her stiffen in his hand. “I don’t see how that is any of your concern, milord.”

“Whether it is of my concern or not, I demand an answer.”

She whipped around to face him. Her Asian eyes flickered like blue flames with passionate anger. She blurted out in a quiet but rebellious manner, “I don’t care if you demand an answer. This is my life. It is my duty to save so many more people and die trying.” Kagome yanked her arm away and tried retreating once more.

Sesshoumaru’s amber suns glared after her. “Fleeing from your problems does not resolve them.”

She halted in her movements and answered over her shoulder, “Yes, but running helps to forget them, if only for a little while. Running might make me more like the 15-year-old Kagome, naïve with reckless compassion for anything and everything. Fleeing might make me more like the Kagome who didn’t fully consider the consequences of her actions. Getting away from it all might give me my own courage and bravery back.”

“That may be so, but have you forgotten, miko, that while you are on your journey to destroy Naraku, you save many every day? Have you forgotten that what you are doing will be written into the scrolls of men and demon alike? Even though you have matured and changed, you are still the same at heart. You will still care for those whom you’ve never even met.”

“I guess I have, but I know history, and this story will only turn into a myth. Demons, half demons, people like you and Naraku, those will all be a part of some fantasy or fairytale. You will not exist. Your story, your brother’s story, our story will not be believed, and as for me being the same, I don’t feel like I am. At this moment, I’m disgusted with myself for feeling so cowardly,” she told him as she turned to face him with fierce blue eyes.

The taiyoukai was slightly shocked by that outburst, but he chose to ignore it. “Regardless, you have a path to follow.”

“I didn’t ask for this! I didn’t go to the Kamis and demand that they give me this power. I didn’t ask them to have everyone’s fate rest upon my shoulders! ” she yelled across the empty space that separated them.

All was quiet and still. The only sound in the vicinity was the scattering of frightened sparrows from their nests in the trees and the echo of the chirping crickets. The air was thick with anger and sadness. The taiyoukai was quickly calculating how to respond to such emotions. Sesshoumaru tried to create a suitable Response, possibly filled with some sort of affection or sympathy. However, the only thought prevalent in his eyes was her stupidity and thick headedness.

“You are indeed a fool to think that we all have chosen for ourselves to be born this way. You have said many times not to blame Inuyasha for his heritage; do not think that we have requested to live as we do. If you desire to abandon your quest that much, I suggest you do so and leave to live in your own jubilance,” he spat with disdain.

“Leave? I can’t leave. I can’t leave all those who depend on me. Don’t get me wrong, I care for these people! I really do! It’s just that I care so much about their fate, I’m afraid because I don’t want to die in the process and let them down!” she tried explain to the one standing before her.

“That is where you are incorrect, miko. Despite the fact that you care and that you fear for them, you have a choice. I had chosen to request your assistance. I could have let my subjects rot and suffer under this new entity, or I could help them and risk my life. Everything has a risk, whether it be death, injury, or a joyful ending, everyone has a choice, and you are imprudent to think as you do now.” Sesshoumaru ended the argument by turning on his heel and walking away.

Kagome was breathless as the swaying silver hair disappeared behind a hill. She tilted her head towards the sky again. The glittering stars twinkled like diamond dust spread across a black surface.

In her mind she knew the daiyoukai was right. Sesshoumaru was right. She had the ultimate choice: to save? Or not to save? Would she, Kagome, walk along the path with roses and daisies, a fantasy land? Or would she stumbled and fall in the rocky treacherous road of the real world?

In that moment, the angel made the decision. She would struggle along on the rocky path and battle who and what she need to battle, including her own reservations and fears. Kagome chose to walk in the danger and revel in it. She steeled her mind, reciting it like a mantra. She would keep herself strong and courageous for her friends and everyone else. She promised herself she wouldn’t fail.

However strong her resolve was, the dull ache in Kagome’s chest reminded her that it was not finished with her yet. Even with Sesshoumaru’s speech and her resolution, it chose to linger there, pawing, scratching, and nibbling uncertainty and doubt into her core. Kagome placed her hand on her chest and while clutching the place of her internal struggle, she whispered to the wind, “Maybe there is more to Sesshoumaru than I thought.”


XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


“Inuyasha,” a feminine voice cooed in his sleep addled mind.

“Yeesss?” he responded groggily.

“Will you fulfill my desire?” she said seductively. “Every little thing? It would give me great pleasure. It would make me oh-so happy.”

“Whatever you want,” his speech slurred.

“Whatever I want?” she inquired innocently.

“Mmmm, yeah, whatever you want.” Inuyasha felt the blood rush to his loins.

“I want you to… GET THE HELL UP!” Kagome screeched as she kicked the base of the tree.

Incoherency caused the inu to fall out of his perch in the tree. He landed stupidly on his head and muttered into the dirt, “Should’ve been a fucking cat youkai or something.”

“Ha-ha, moron. You can’t even land right!” Shippo playfully kicked dirt into Inuyasha’s face.

“I’ll fucking skin your fur and give it to Koga for a pelt!” Inuyasha chased the little fox demon in continuous circles around Kagome.

The young woman began to feel the stress sweat collecting along her hairline. She bowed her head and said under her breath, “Great, just another stupid fight to start my day. Isn’t this just peachy?” Kagome decided to end the meaningless confrontation, “Sit, boy!”

The earth regrettably had to endure a forced kiss from a hanyou. The “sit” caused the ground to rattle beneath Sesshoumaru’s booted feet. The air became polluted with curses uttered from the mouth of Inuyasha, but none of the words berated Kagome or spoke to or about anyone in particular. They just were as they were. Rough. Ill-thought. And stupid.

Kagome placed her hands on her hips and chose to turn away from the pitiful sight of the hanyou-made crater. She feigned optimism and said with as must cheerfulness as she could muster, “Well, we better get this show on the road.”

Sango came forward fully clothed in her taijiya get-up and a polished and cleaned hiraikotsu on her back. “Where are we headed?”

“It shouldn’t be hard to find him since we both have all the jewel shards, right?” Shippo inquired.

“No, it shouldn’t be unless of course Naraku doesn’t want to be found,” Miroku added.

“Regardless of those circumstances, monk, the miko is stronger now and should be able to sense the Shikon more clearly. She should be able to locate the vile hanyou’s whereabouts,” Sesshoumaru said like it was the most matter-of-fact thing in the world.

Everyone’s gaze veered towards Kagome. Inside, the fear bubbled up, telling her that she was useless and couldn’t control a thing. She quickly popped the bubbles and said in uncertainty, “Oh, why didn’t anybody think of that yesterday? But, yeah, I guess I could. I’m not really sure if I can handle it, but I’ll try.”

Inuyasha placed a hand on her shoulder and gave words of encouragement, “Hey, we know you can do it. Besides, if for some reason you can’t find him, I’ll just have to try sniffing him out on all fours.”

Kagome grinned at him and playfully nudged him in the ribs. She started rambling, “Thanks, Inu. Well, uhm, just for your own safety, I’m going to put a barrier around you guys. I don’t know if this will be any different than just sensing them right now. I mean, I can feel them, but it’s just as strong as it used to be, and that’s probably because I’m restraining my abilities. I’ll try to let myself go a little just to see if I can pinpoint Naraku’s exact location.”

“That’s fine, Lady Kagome. We’re here if anything goes wrong,” Miroku said.

“Okay, well, here I go,” she sighed. Kagome placed the barrier around her friends and Sesshoumaru. The barrier was strong enough to keep things out, but weak enough to allow her friends to break through just in case something went awry.

When she knew they were safe, she found the inner place where the power was locked away and set free a small portion. It surged through her bloodstream, turning her eyes into a blue so deep, they were almost black. The small amount of energy skipped along her skin and wove itself into her body, preventing it from being locked away. The angel’s senses heightened, but instead of her normal senses, they were her miko senses.

She reached out with her power, trying to feel the Shikon. Disappointment enveloped Kagome when she realized nothing had changed. She was sad to know that she was once again a useless companion, and she could barely help any one of her friends. Kagome’s shoulders slumped as she turned to the group. “Hey, it didn’t work. I guess we’ll have to get Inuyasha to snif-“

Out of the blue, images paraded before her eyes. At first, an abandoned castle of some sort was shown beside sand with black waves and white foam crashing violently against the shore. Another picture revealed Naraku admiring the black Shikon while sitting on his throne. The third short clip showed Kagura hysterically screaming in the darkened sky above the castle, “The wind is free to do as it pleases where the sea always rages!”

And probably the most terrifying was when Naraku’s blood red eyes were looking into her own and he said, “I’m waiting for you, Kagome.”

Kagome blinked and shook her head aggressively, trying to demolish the daunting pair of eyes. They, however, refused to depart quickly. Instead, they slowly faded and the words that accompanied them continued to echo in her ears.

Inuyasha was the first to leap out of the protection of the barrier. He landed at Kagome’s side and took hold of her shoulders. He asked, “What was it? Did you find him? Do you know where he is?”

The raven-haired girl regained control of her composure. She replied with a slightly shaky voice, “I didn’t just feel the jewel shards; I saw the Shikon in Naraku’s hands. I saw a place where a dark castle stood next to a beach. Kagura was in the air saying something about the wind can do whatever it wants to where the sea always rages. The water was dark and eerie. The last part…“ Kagome trailed off, feeling a little scared.

“What happened, Kagome?” Sango hugged Kagome reassuringly.

Kagome swallowed down her fear and told them, “Naraku looked me in the eyes and told me he was waiting for me.”

Silence hung heavily in the air. All were uncomfortable with the thought that Naraku knew about Kagome and her powers. They were also wracking their brains to recall a place where there was a castle by a wild sea.

Miroku broke the uneasy silence first, “If Naraku knows then obviously he is expecting Kagome to be one of the leading combatants in the field. I think we should strategize before we seek him out.”

“Yeah, the monk is right! But the question is where is he?” Inuyasha jumped in.

“The half-breed is taking refuge by the Reigen Watatsumi *Heartless Sea*. It is located directly above the Western Territory,” Sesshoumaru informed the six.

“Is it close to us?” Shippo said beside Kirara.

“At the rate your group travels, we would arrive when the sun is above the horizon.”

“That ain’t so far. We should leave now!” Inuyasha said enthusiastically.

Miroku folded his arms in his sleeves. “We should not be so hasty, Inuyasha. We have worked for this for many years. We should formulate a plan.”

Kagome interjected after minutes of thinking, “He is waiting for me, right? He probably expects you guys to be there, but what about Sesshoumaru? With him here, we have more muscle than normal, right?”

“Kagome, that’s a great idea!” Sango exclaimed. “I say we go there and perform our plan! Uhm,” she scratched her head nervously, “What is our plan?"

“I say we go in there and beat and chop the hell outta Naraku!” Inuyasha punched the air.

“Inuyasha,” Kagome chastised, “what kind of plan is that? We’ll all get killed.”

“Oh, yeah? Well, it’s better than just standing ‘round here! No one’s suggesting anything!”

“Maybe because we are all actually using our heads and thinking!” Kagome retorted.

The two began bickering, just like the old days. The other group members sat on their haunches and ignored the petty argument to do some thinking. Sesshoumaru stayed out of the circle, not really paying attention to what was going on.

Shippo leaned against Kirara and said to her, “Boy, they never really stop do they?” Kirara meowed in agreement and placed her head on the ground, disinterested.

“At least I’m not just standing there like a bastard!” Inuyasha threw a nasty glare at the uncaring Sesshoumaru.

“You are just mad because he actually has the dick and the balls to be productive and do something!” Kagome huffed in his face.

Inuyasha leaned back with crossed arms and scrunched up his face. “How would you know? Have you actually seen them?”

A hot blush colored Kagome’s cheeks and she sputtered, “Uh, n-no! I haven’t seen them! B-But he obviously has them!”

Miroku, who was in a lotus position, jumped up and exclaimed, “I’ve got it!”

Inuyasha looked at him stupidly. “What? Balls and a dick?”

Kagome rolled her eyes and shoved Inuyasha over. “What, Miroku?”

Sheer determination danced in his violet eyes and he replied, “I’ve got a plan.”


XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


Silver hair billowed wildly. Garments fluttered and flapped like a drowning man. Cold, unforgiving winds roared in highly sensitive ears and nearly lacerated fragile, human flesh. The ocean’s icy mist sprayed its new guests. Slivers of twilight were able to shine through the darkness of the intolerant clouds. A barrier protected the abandoned castle from all aliens, and Naraku’s stench pervaded the sea air, causing the Inu gang to wrinkle their noses in displeasure.

They were finally here beside the Reigen Watatsumi.

Their role in this story was almost over.

Revenge was finally at hand.

The original six stood strong outside the only thing that kept them from the one who destroyed their lives. They spent a few moments in silence, cherishing what could be their last time together again.

“I guess this is it,” Sango whispered.

“Yeah, let’s get this shit over and done with. I need to take a dump.” Inuyasha scratched his butt.

Kagome, Sango, Miroku, and Shippo smiled at his antics before resuming their serious faces.

“Well, then, let’s get going,” Miroku said.

Kirara hopped down from Sango’s shoulder and transformed into the blazing firecat demon. With practiced ease, Sango straddled her and helped Miroku hop on behind her. “Don’t you dare touch my ass, lecher,” she warned and the houshi gave a sheepish grin. Kirara sighed to herself. She and her passengers took flight and hovered directly above the barrier.

“You guys know what to do!” Inuyasha bellowed above the cry of the gusting winds. “Now, it’s my turn!” He gripped the handle of the blade and unsheathed the mighty sword. The hanyou held Tetsusaiga at ready stance and felt the hum of demonic energy when his blade turned into a hot red. Inuyasha glimpsed out of the corner of his eye to his best friend, Kagome. She was pulling out her customary bow and arrow while standing on a bird-shaped Shippo.

Their eyes met and an electric current carried fortitude into each other’s bodies. They both knew they would make it through this alive and with their friends. Kagome nodded and smiled. “Let’s finish this!”

At that moment, Inuyasha leaped high into the air and threw all of his might into the downward slash and Kagome let her arrow fly. The dog-eared demon cried, “WIND SCAR!”

The impact of the combined efforts made the purple barrier ripple ferociously. It cracked like someone under too much stress. The pieces fell away, disintegrating after being broken. The barrier was now gone and they were free to invade.

Shippo, Kagome, and Inuyasha rushed into the castle’s enormous courtyard and were startled by the sight. Human and demon carcasses alike littered the blood-painted ground. Flies and scavengers feasted heartily on the rotting flesh of the dead. The very odor of death made the three dry-heave and their eyes water.

“A-a-are we sure about this Kagome? It’s awfully creepy in h-here,” the red-haired boy stuttered.

A bone chilling laughter reached their ears as the last vestiges of the orange and red rays disappeared completely. “Didn’t anybody ever tell you that the most frightening of monsters lurk in the darkness?”

“Come out, dipshit! There’s no point hidin’ from us now!” Inuyasha cursed.

Kagome stood soundlessly, using her newly improved hearing and eyesight to try and find the unseen half demon. She then felt hot, lusty breath lick the back of her shoulder. “Kagome, who exactly are you looking for?” and then he disappeared.

The miko squeaked in fear, causing Inuyasha and Shippo to jerk. The raven-haired girl clutched the small vial of jewel shards against her bosom and she called out, “He is here somewhere! I felt him breathe against me!”

Inuyasha’ eyes narrowed in anger. ‘How dare that filth get near Kagome!’ he thought as his nostrils flared. Dog ears twitched, dark yellow eyes glared, and a nose inhaled, trying to unearth the location of Naraku.

Out of the corner of his eye, Inuyasha detected slight movement to his left. Without any hesitation, he held his red sword above his head and barked, “Wind Scar!”

Body parts and dust swirled high into the sky, creating an opaque haze. All was still, and Kagome could only pray was that Inuyasha was able to break Naraku’s personal barrier and possibly inflict a little damage.

Someone who was directly behind them called their attention, “After all these years, Inuyasha, you still haven’t managed to land a decent blow.” Red eyes shined through the night and the settling dust revealed Naraku’s grotesque, repugnant form.

“Let me see what exactly you have up your sleeves.” Naraku smirked.

Up above, Sango, Miroku and Kirara lingered, scanning the area for any trouble or cheap shots Naraku would take. They stayed silent and observant until the hanyou appeared below. They descended slowly, behind Naraku, not wanting to make their presence known.

Miroku turned to Sango and held her hands. Her dark brown eyes showed their displeasure. She whispered, “Miroku, now is hardly the time-“

“I want you to know, my dear Sango, that I have and will always love you,” he interrupted her and pulled her in for a quick, but passionate lip-lock.

Before Sango could imprint her hand on his face, the monk bounded off of Kirara and hid behind a wall of corpses, the stench thick enough to disguise his and Sango’s scent. Both humans waited until they were given the signal.

Hoards of demons emerged from behind the fortress; bloodlust, instinct, and greed drove them towards the three that were in possession of the remaining Sacred Jewel shards. The taijiya, the houshi, and the firecat watched as Kagome threw up a barrier around herself, Shippo, and Inuyasha. The power of her purification vaporized the demons that were closest into dust instantly.

Kagome fueled more power into her barrier, making it stronger and even more effective. Inside, she began to throw her offensive, cutting diskettes through her barrier, rendering every single demon who encountered them useless. The stars continuously spawned from her hands. Red, swirling fury mutilated hundreds, and more, and more of Naraku’s minions piled one on top of the other. In spite of her outstanding power, the mass of youkai flowed constantly from an unknown source. Kagome’s body was tiring, and Naraku, unharmed and unaffected, only remained stationary and observant.

“Wind Scar!” Inuyasha yelled. His attack broke through Kagome’s barrier and collided with Naraku’s.

With the demons and red-eyed monster distracted, the other warriors leaped out of their hiding place to join in the battle. Seeing no saimyoushou, the violet eyed monk ripped off his japa mala beads and shouted, “Wind Tunnel!”

Thousands more youkai were inhaled by the void in Miroku’s hand while Sango and Kirara protected him from the behind. With Kagome’s stars still flowing and the combined tactics of the other three, the demon stream slowed to a halt. All combatants were breathing heavily.

Naraku knocked Inuyasha away and gave a booming applause, congratulating the nuisance before him. “And all the players are revealed. Let me find give you your appropriate opponents.” He snapped his fingers and Kohaku, Kagura, and Kanna appeared beside him.

“Oh, Kami, no,” Sango eased herself off Kirara as she looked at the advancing zombie that was her brother. “Kirara, help Miroku. I have to do this on my own.” As soon as Kirara left her side, Kohaku lunged with his chained scythe.

“Don’t you just love sibling rivalry?” Naraku chuckled. He motioned for Kagura to attack, but only saw as she openly defied him. He squeezed Kagura’s heart and was satisfied when she plummeted to the ground clutching her chest. “Remember who you serve.”

With great reluctance, she pulled out her fan and unleashed her Dance of Blades upon Miroku, who narrowly dodged the attack. He grabbed hold of Kirara’s fur and hefted himself onto her back. Together, they evaded the crescent-shaped wind blades.

“You fucking monster!” Inuyasha cried. “Adamant Barrage!” the diamonds pelted Naraku’s protection until it gave way. Red eyes narrowed as some of the gems sliced open his haori. He threw his tentacles outward, attempting to pierce the dog-eared boy’s flesh. The showdown between the two had begun.

“Kagome, look into my mirror,” a soft, emotionless child beckoned.

Without thinking, the angel turned, looking into the mirror of Naraku’s offspring. “This is what will happen if you can’t complete your mission.” The mirror played like a TV before Kagome’s eyes. She saw as her friends died in the most gruesome ways possible. Lands perished under blue, smoldering flames. Crazed demons bounded around the countryside, pillaging and ransacking villages. Young women and little girls were dragged off by their hair, as the men and boys were slain by claws and swords. The images of death and rape were hideous, but Kagome couldn’t find the will to turn away.

“You will fail, Kagome. You will never be able to complete your task. That future is inevitable. Why don’t you put down your weapons and go to Naraku and give him the remainder of your jewel shards? ” Kanna said.

Shippo, stunned that Kagome was obeying Kanna stumbled away from the entranced woman, who was walking into a death trap. He hopped onto Kagome’s shoulder and attempted to get her attention, “Kagome, snap out of it! Kagome! Kagome! Please!” The fox demon looked behind him at the little girl in white who was holding the mirror. Shippo figured out what he must do.

With quick feet, he ripped the reflective glass from the void youkai’s hands and with all his strength, he chucked it to the ground, shattering the pieces. Kanna’s body went rigid, and her face showing feeling for the first time since she was created. Her form began to fade and with sad eyes she said, “This is what it’s like to be free.” Kanna, Naraku’s most trusted child was no more.

Shippo turned on his heel to see Kagome, a long ways away, smiling at him appreciatively. He beamed back at her, but it quickly melted off his face as a grey tentacle approached her. “Kagome, behind you!” but his warning was too late.

She felt the slimy appendage wrap around her waist as Shippo’s lips moved in warning. Her body jerked backwards and she flew through the air towards the battling hanyous. Rambunctious screaming filtered through her ears, and Kagome deftly realized that the noise was coming from her own mouth. The miko‘s hand flew up to the jar containing the remaining pieces of the Shikon and she clutched it tightly.

Kagome’s back collided with Naraku’s side, and she valiantly struggled. “Inuyasha!”

“Let go of her, fuck face!” Inuyasha shrieked as he hacked away more of Naraku, not even able to touch the torso.

“Why should I take only the jewel shards when there is a reward that comes with it?”

Kagome’s body began to collapse into the repulsiveness beneath her. Her hands started clawing at the mass of grey as she tried to get away. The angel felt his skin crawl over her own, absorbing her, digesting her. She screeched in anger and fear as it enveloped her entire body. Beside her, Inuyasha was desperately trying to reach her, but Naraku’s body held him at bay.

“You are indeed obtuse if you haven’t thought to use your spiritual power,” Sesshoumaru’s monotonous voice criticized as he materialized before her.

‘Stupid, stupid, Kagome!’ she thought angrily. ‘I got too caught up in the moment!’ She called on her purification powers and gathered them within herself. Not wanting to linger inside of the hanyou, the energy emanated from her skin like electricity, blasting the thing that was touching her person and effectively wounding said creature. The raven-haired woman’s legs gave way underneath her and Naraku cried in outrage.

“Do not let your fatigue interfere,” Sesshoumaru told her before blocking a blow that was coming her way.

Naraku’s red eyes widened and then narrowed. He was obviously surprised the older inu joined the younger brother. With more force, Naraku’s regenerating limbs blocked and lashed out, trying to buy enough time to gather the rest of the jewel.

Shippo showed up by Kagome’s side. “Get me away from here, Shippo. I need to rest a bit before the end. I need you to grab my bow and arrows.”

He tugged her away from the destructive fighting.


XXXXXXXXXXXX


“Hiraikotsu!” the demon slayer threw the bone boomerang. It headed towards her brother but wasn’t able to reach its destination for a tornado, caused by Kagura, disrupted its path. The boomerang was sucked in and was tossed too far out of the taijiya’s grasp.

Sango pulled out her short sword as Kohaku’s weapon soared towards her, threatening to cut her head off. Metal clanged as a chained scythe wrapped itself around the defending weapon. Kohaku used the chain to yank the wakizashi out of his sister’s hands sending it hurling a few feet away. With nothing to protect herself, Sango rushed towards the lost weapon which was close to her brother.

Without warning, the scythe’s chain wrapped itself around her neck, tugging her backward. She placed her hands on the chain and pulled at it, attempting to ease the pressure on her airway. Gagging noises were ripped from her throat as her brother approached her and yanked harder. She spotted the sword, which was slightly out of her reach. Vision becoming hazy, she blindly grabbed for the blade. Then she felt the leather of the handle under her fingertips.

With precision, she picked up the weapon and spun around. “Kohaku, forgive me,” she whispered as she drove the blade into his belly. The chain around her neck loosened and fell off of her shoulders.

The fog from Kohaku’s eyes faded. He looked down at the sharp thing impaled in his gut and at the person who was the cause. “S-Sango?” he pathetically said as his body fell from the blade and hit the ground.

His sister was immediately kneeling by his side. She gripped Kohaku’s cold fingers as she cradled his head to her chest, tears streaming down her face. “I’m so sorry, Kohaku.”

The younger slayer began coughing up blood as body temperature dropped and he shook violently. Water rolled down the corners of his eyes and crimson fluid dribbled out of the corner of his mouth as he fought to stay alive. Breathing jagged, he managed to say in a choppy voice, “T-thank you for releasing me, Sango. F-Forgive me.”

With his last words, he stopped trembling and the pupils of his dark brown depths dilated. Sango gave a silent prayer as she ran her fingers over his eyelids, closing his eyes. She placed his limp body on the ground and silently begged that the Kamis and her family would forgive her for killing her brother.

“Now is not the time to mourn,” she said to herself. The demon slayer turned her head to see that farther away, Miroku and Kirara battled the wind demon.

The two continued to barely elude Kagura’s wind attacks. The attacks abruptly ended for the wind mistress was recovering a bit of her strength. Kagura breathed heavily, having used much of her strength.

“Kirara, put me down,” Miroku ordered. As soon as his feet hit the ground, the cursed monk pulled off the beads and cried, “Wind Tunnel!”

Kagura barreled towards the hole that loomed before her. Desperately she called, “Saimyoushou!”

The faithful insects flew into the monk’s hand by the dozens. The violet-eyed man felt the poison that was creeping into his system and fell to his knees. Not able to draw in his opponent, Miroku was forced to place the beads back on for the risk of further injuring himself.

Kagura saw the opportunity to eliminate the irritant of a man. She pulled out her fan, ready to summon the wind, but before she could even utter a word, Kirara bounded into her side, knocking the fan away. Hands kept on scrambling for the weapon, only to have the firecat obstruct the path.

Sango rushed to Miroku’s side, “Come on, Miroku, you have to do this one last time. She has no heart, so this is the only way.” She looked at her dependable friend who was keeping the wind bitch away from her prize. Sango, using all of her strength, pulled Miroku to his feet and helped him limp to victory.

The frustrated Kagura commanded her fan come to her. When she felt the paper material of the fan fly into her hand, she attacked with her Dance of Blades.

“Pesky cat!” she screeched, annoyed.

Kirara’s form tumbled through the air and landed with a thump. The great cat was unconscious.

“Hey, bitch, suck this.”

Sango held an un-beaded hand of a houshi outstretched in Kagura’s face. The look of shock and surprise on the offspring’s expression was enough to nearly make the houshi laugh. Miroku opened the void and only heard the demoness’ screams. Kagura never saw it coming.

Sango wrapped the beads around the monk’s hand and laid him on the ground. She placed his head on her lap as she held his hands tightly. She pushed away stray strands of hair from his dirtied face and kissed his forehead. “You can fight this, Miroku. Don’t let the poison kill you. Or else I will bring you back and kill you myself.”

He chuckled at her attempts of comic relief. Miroku’s voice was thin and raspy, “Sango, if I survive this, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

Her eyes hardened and she replied, “No,” Miroku’s heart broke a little. “When you do survive this, I will become your wife. There are no ‘ifs’ allowed.” She smiled at him and kissed him on the lips. “Just hang on for me, monk. Stay with me.”

They stayed out of sight and out of danger, figuring they would be more useful away from the main conflict. The taijiya and the houshi hoped to the Kamis their friends would succeed.


XXXXXXXXXXXXXX


A lone Saimyoushou carried the very last piece from the dead boy’s back. Its master had successfully stolen the jewel shards that were once in the priestess’s possession. All he need was this last fragment and then the master would be all-powerful. The Shikon would be completely impure and it would shine darkness.

“Hey, Kagome, is that a jewel shard?” Shippo pointed towards the wasp-like demon.

Kagome’s eyes followed it, and she felt the small amount of energy the glass was emitting. She produced a blazing, red star and threw it at the ignorant insect. The body pieces fell to the ground revealing a slightly tainted Shikon.

“Shippo! Get it! Hurry!” Kagome pointed to it and urged the kitsune.

“You got it, Kagome!” he bounded towards the purple glow. Just when he dove for it, Naraku’s appendage swiped it from under Shippo’s paws. The young, teenage kitsune attempted to grab at it, only to have another tentacle knock him unconscious.

Kagome’s eyes widened as she remembered the glass vial containing the rest of the jewel shards. Her hand flew up towards her neck, hoping with all her might it was still there. Her heart almost stopped with realization, it was gone. “Oh, shit. Inuyasha! Sesshoumaru! He has the rest of the Shikon!”

Malicious laughter boomed above the sound of the crashing waves and the ferocious wind. “It appears that you have failed Kagome.” In the center of his palm was a completed Shikon Jewel, shining in all its sinister glory. The jewel, the same one that they spent four years trying to obtain, was now whole and in the hands of their enemy.

“My wish will be fulfilled!” the crazed Naraku screamed. He held the jewel high above his head, gloating, “When I transform into an all powerful demon, you will be the first to melt under my wrath!” He began laughing hysterically, “I wish to become-“

Like a bolt of lightning, Sesshoumaru snatched it out of the hanyou’s hand, effectively ending his tirade. Furious, Naraku bellowed in indignation as he used his extra limbs to grab the full demon’s legs or torso. Sesshoumaru effortlessly glided and dodged every single tentacle, making his way towards Kagome.

Kagome placed her hand in front of her, reaching out towards the demon that held the Shikon no Tama. In an instant, the cool, hardness of the gem caressed her palm as Sesshoumaru’s claws placed it there.

“Don’t lose this,” he said before unsheathing his Bakusaiga and slicing away the pieces of Naraku. He half turned to look her in the eyes and informed her, “Do what you must do while I keep him at bay.”

Kagome gave a curt nod before focusing on the heavy burden in her hands. Her fingers closed around the blackness, and she began using her priestess powers to purify the jewel. Pink light shined in between her fingers and the evil energy inside receded. Kagome sighed in relief when she saw the Shikon gleaming so beautifully in her palm. The time to end this was now.

With a deep breath, she made the ultimate wish, “I wish that the Shikon no Tama ceases to exist.”

Hearts stopped beating and every breath was held to see the outcome of the wish. Rising out of her hands, the Shikon no Tama sparkled in the darkness of the nigh as Kagome’s wish rang out, resonating above the clashing of wind and water. The jewel cracked, beams of light illuminated the sky around it. Fractures continued to damage the once beautiful and fierce gem. It shook violently, its magic swirling in a myriad of colors. Suddenly, the shaking stopped, and the Shikon exploded. Glittering dust whipped and sparkled like a sea of stars. The wind carried away the Shikon’s billions of particles, scattering them across the sea.

“No, NO! This cannot be! I should have ultimate power! I should have everything!” Naraku was livid.

“Face it, Naraku, it’s over. You’re finished,” Inuyasha said churlishly.

“It’s not over until I decide it is!” The hanyou’s voice deepened as the demon within him peeled off the outer Naraku. Gargantuan, spidery legs stepped out of the covering and crushed the shacks and impaled dead bodies. The weight of the creature rattled the ground, making it hard for all to stay balanced. Its exoskeleton blended in with the shady sky. Finally out of his cocoon, the half-demon roared like a madman; Naraku, in his true form was a black, deadly arachnid.

“Now, that’s a big ass spider,” the hanyou with dog ears muttered.

Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru backed away from the spider that was furiously stomping around in place. They unknowingly moved to stand by Kagome’s side. She and the brothers stood strongly and proudly against the evil before them.

“No one will keep me from my goal! No one!” the repulsive beast bellowed.

An irritated Inuyasha stepped forward and readied himself for another round of bushwhacking. “Will you shut the fuck up?!”

“Inuyasha, wait,” Kagome placed a hand on the red material of his Firerat gi. “We should get this over with.”

“You’re right,” Inuyasha said before looking at his brother. “So, bastard, you up for it?”

Sesshoumaru’s yellow depths narrowed in annoyance. “If I wasn’t, I wouldn’t be standing here, half-ling.”

Kagome rolled her eyes and chuckled at the brothers’ behavior. All mirth disappeared when Naraku began stomping on the village like a little child throwing a tantrum. The angel nodded to the two inus with their blades in hand as she notched an arrow on her bow.

Simultaneously, they shouted, “Die, Naraku!”

The miko’s arrow flew straight and true along with a hanyou’s diamond-like daggers and a daiyoukai’s blast from his Bakusaiga. The combined endeavor clashed with the massive arachnid’s underside. A light as bright as the sun engulfed the entire vicinity, blinding everyone. A dome, much like the one Kagome had created, formed around them but didn’t inflict any pain.

The glow gradually waned, and the protagonists were able to regain their sight. Eventually the dome completely faded. It surprised them to see that the castle and all the dead were cleared from the area by the sea. The waves calmed and the clouds allowed the dawn to shine through them.
But, for some reason, there was still a body, lying naked in the center of the battleground. Kagome questioned, “Inuyasha, Sesshoumaru, what’s that there?”

“It looks like a human.”

Inuyasha, Kagome, and Sesshoumaru approached the naked thing with caution. Sesshoumaru sniffed the air, his nose wrinkling slightly. “It is indeed a human.”

“Why didn’t he disappear like all the others?” Kagome scratched her head. “Is he alive?”

“He is. What the fuck would a human be doing here?” Inuyasha squatted in front of the guy’s face. The half demon used his claw to poke at the unknown being.

Sesshoumaru sniffed the human once more, and his face contorted with anger. He raised his claws in preparation to strike.

“Sesshoumaru, what are you doing?!” Kagome cried out incredulously as she stood defensively in front of the naked body.

“Take a closer whiff, this man reeks of Naraku’s stench!”

“HALF DEMON!” the man screamed while jumping away from Inuyasha.

Kagome blushed, seeing the man’s genitals. She turned away and covered her eyes. “My goodness! Put a loincloth on him or something!”

Deadly claws lifted the human off his feet. “Why is it that you have the scent of Naraku all over you?”

Although the nameless man was struggling for air, his face twisted into a puzzled look. “Naraku? Yes, that’s what they used to call me.”

Inuyasha gruffly called out from behind his brother, “Used to call you?”

“Yes,” he replied as his eyes hungrily scanned Kagome’s backside.

Suddenly even angrier with the lusty male, Sesshoumaru tightened his hold, forcing the captive’s eyes away from the angel. “Tell, me ningen filth, who are you?”

Wheezing and rasping under the death-grip, the man smirked. “The name is Onigumo.”


:DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD Reviews make hands giddy=faster chapters!!!
AN-Okay, so I know it’s a little weird, but I want to hear what you think! Constructive criticism is appreciated.