InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Beautiful Miscommunications ❯ A Pulitzer Story Finale ( Chapter 24 )

 

Chapter 24:

A Pulitzer Story Finale

 

From the top of one of the samurai buildings that populated downtown Tokyo, two crimson eyes coldly preyed upon the unsuspecting city below. The rigid form stood in perfect posture, immaculate, like a god, in front of his living room window. His dark Egyptian wool suit adorned his body without a crease, like his mauve silk shirt and tie. Mounds of wavy hair were perfectly bound at the back of his head as if they were made of satin. Not one hair was out of place. Not even the petite cup of black tea in his hand dared to mar his divine appearance as his thin lips curled into a sinister smile. Though the large bay windows protected him from the cold, cloudy day, they did not protect the metropolis from Naraku's villainous gaze or desire.

Today was a good day. The calm before the storm always left a velvety sweet taste in his mouth. He knew his rebellious daughter was whoring herself to a dog, and that his youngest and eldest were at odds. He had counted on that. But, he also knew that the end was coming. He had woken up to a world where Higurashis were a thing of the past. The sight of the crushed car in the morning news had brought a sense of peace and tranquility to his soul. His dark chuckle filled the room. It was all coming to an end, and it would be an end in his favor.

He took a sip of his black tea. The taste was pungent like his power. What was that saying Takahashi senior had liked? “Good things come to those who wait.” He had waited long enough, and before this day ended, Naraku would make sure to be the jewel's new master. His eyes gleamed in darkness. Takahashi had been right, but not right enough to save his life. Naraku still savored the look of surprise on the dog's face right after he had run his tentacle through the inu youkai's back. “After so many years of partnership, you should have known not to turn your back on me, but you dogs have always been a bit slow.”

A knock at the door disturbed his meditation over the city. “Come in,” he ordered, not turning to greet his guests. Once their scents had reached his nose, he continued, “What was so urgent that couldn't be discussed over the phone?”

“Business,” replied the first man. “We're here to discuss Paradise Hills Park.”

“You performed an excellent job, and were paid accordingly.”

“That's the problem. We knew nothing of it,” the second man continued. “Imagine our surprise to find that our best client had gone elsewhere.”

“Oh?” Naraku turned towards his guests in surprise. He didn't like surprises. The two standing in his living room were analyzing his response. “And last night's incident?”

“Naraku,” the first man spoke up again, “we had a deal. We were to be your exclusive outside contractors.”

Stepping forward, the second man threw the decapitated heads of the demons before the hanyou's feet. “We didn't facilitate this. Honestly, using speed demons to make the reporter disappear… there is no poetry in that!”

“I understand your concern, Jakotsu,” Naraku began as he sat himself in a velvet sofa. Looking at his guests, he continued, turning towards the first man, “Bankotsu, you know the Shichinintai have served me well over the years. I also know you are not so foolish as to dirty my carpet without good reason.”

“It didn't bother us you went elsewhere for this. When we facilitated the Thunder Brothers, they left more of a mess than they were supposed to clean up. We understand if you wanted to take a more hands on approach.”

“But, you didn't even buy the explosives from us!” Jakotsu complained. “We have every law enforcement agency chasing after us, and we didn't even make a cent out of that beautiful rubble.”

“There is a reason we have survived so long,” Bankotsu interrupted, giving his brother an annoyed glance. “We know not to leave loose ends.”

“Is this a threat?” Naraku eyed the man dressed in immaculately white clothes with a keen eye. Bankotsu could decapitate two of the fastest demons in creation without splashing a drop of blood on his clothes. He was precise, and Naraku liked precise.

“Nope, it's a refund,” the she-male corrected slightly annoyed that Naraku hadn't noticed his new pink leather pants.

“You felt so dissatisfied with our services that you allowed your son to contract his own hit men,” Bankotsu explained when Naraku raised an eyebrow. Pointing at the heads on the floor, he finished, “We took care of your loose ends for free.”

“I am sure this eye to detail belongs to a different brother, but that is why the Shichinintai are so reliable. You each know how to combine each other's strengths.” Naraku stood up, and began to lead them towards the door. His tone was cordial as he continued, “Be assured that my family will continue to use your services reliably… As for the Kizu matter?”

“It is arranged for sometime next week. I outdid myself this time,” Jakotsu promised.

“In that case, until then,” Naraku gave him a sinister farewell smile.

The two brothers looked at each other on their way down the elevator. “Are you sure?” Jakotsu asked.

“Yes.”

As the two walked into the city streets, they were both comforted and worried with the knowledge that not only had Akago disobeyed Naraku's orders, but that it would be up to the hanyou to take care of disciplining him. The streets would soon run red with blood, and the Shichinintai would not get to participate in the fun.

…

524663

…

She laid, wrapped in his arms, enjoying his warmth. Her body was soft compared to his, and it pleased him. She gave herself so freely, so willingly, so trustingly… he did not hesitate to fully mark her. The surprise in her eyes had been amusing, and the happiness that followed had been appropriate. She had been right: if he wanted her to cut her wings, he couldn't play games.

She was content. He could tell by her even breaths and soft smile. She looked younger without the hard woman façade. He liked this side to her. He relaxed as he wrapped the comforter around their bare skin. The cool autumn sun had decided to join them as the sounds of the quite house crept up to his ears.

He heard the decisive, quick steps rush towards them. The small feet hurried with grace only one so small and powerful could achieve. Sesshomaru turned towards the door in time to see it fly open. “Phone call!” the loud voice announced before rushing to the bed. She finagled her way between the two bodies before smiling up at the Lord. “Uncle Inu wants to talk to you.”

“Thank you, Rin.” Sesshomaru took the phone from her.

Rin turned and smiled at the woman. “Is Kagura-sama staying with Rin?”

“Yes, she is,” Kagura teased. She stretched and yawned as she fully opened her eyes.

Rin looked up to her Lord in curiosity before sitting comfortably between the two bodies. She liked this arrangement. 

Kagura kept a worried eye on her new husband as she sensed his frustration rising. Sesshomaru grabbed the remote control that was on his nightstand and turned the television on. He surfed the channels until he found one showing the image of the smashed car.

“It has now been confirmed that the driver involved in this morning's car crash was Kagome Higurashi,” the announcer spoke clearly, in a stern reporter's voice.

Kagura shot up to attention, fear reflecting in her eyes.

“Though, the whereabouts of the young reporter and her condition are still unknown,” the reporter continued, “the police are asking anyone with information to please come forward. They believe Miss Higurashi could be seriously injured.”

“I know of no such place, but I know where we can find help. Meet me at the Higurashi shrine in half an hour…” Sesshomaru spoke calmly as he knew he must. “I'll bring father's kibas.”

There was a surprised silence on the other end of the line which was followed by a stunned, “Arigato.”

“Why is Kagura-sama not wearing a night shirt? And, how come her back is all scratched up?” Rin asked as she ran her hand upon the young woman's skin. “Did Kagura-sama get in a fight with a cat?” 

“No… a dog,” Kagura couldn't help the embarrassed blush from rising to her cheeks. “And didn't I tell you to just call me Kagura!” she quickly tried to change the subject.

“If Kagura needs a nightshirt, Rin can lend her one!” the child offered enthusiastically. 

“Rin,” Sesshomaru's voice was stern and more frigid than usual, “tell Jaken to have breakfast ready.”

The child was out the door before her master had finished his sentence. 

“What's wrong?” Kagura demanded. “Is Kagome alright?”

“She's missing.”

“Naraku?”

The Lord kept a stoic face, but did not answer his young wife. “Get dressed. I want you to take Jaken and Rin to the country house outside of Tokyo. You are to remain there until I send for you.”

“Oh no you don't!” Kagura threatened as she got out of bed. “You will not battle him without me, or have you forgotten that I'm your mate?”

The demon lord growled in response to the accusation. “I will not have my woman placed in needless danger!” he explained in a frigid voice.

“And I will not allow my man to go into battle without me!” Kagura retaliated as she took a step towards him. 

His mouth watered as her spicy scent reached his nose. How he longed to finish this argument the proper way: against the wall with her legs wrapped around his waist. But, this was neither the place nor the time. “Kagura.”

“It's my fight, Sesshomaru; I will not run from it,” she declared, folding her arms in front of her and placing a firm foot on the ground. 

He nodded, knowing that arguing would only delay them further. “Don't expect to fight it alone,” he warned as put on his pants.

“I'll be ready in ten minutes,” she informed as he departed her bedroom. Turning towards her closet she took a deep breath. Tonight, she would be either an orphan or a widow, and if it were the latter, she would also be dead.

.

524663

.

She was in pain. Why? Her shoulder hurt. She had been shot… No, that had been long ago and in the other shoulder. There had been bright lights and crushing sounds… Her car! Her eyes open in shock as the memory of crumbling metal returned to her. 

Where was she? She could smell dampness and mold. Stone walls? Was she in a dungeon? What was this? Feudal Japan? And, why was the room so small? More importantly, where was the door? Was she standing in front of it? She tried to move, but only succeeded in rattling the chains that kept her standing. The cold realization stole the air from her lungs. She was helplessly chained to a wall in a room without windows or doors!

The hysterical laughter fell upon her head as it echoed towards her. Her head shot up to face her captor. Kagome grew pale at the sight of her old nemesis: a woman that was supposed to be in exile.

“Soon!” the woman promised.

“Do it now; she's awake,” a soft voice order. 

Her nose refused to breathe as her mind refused to accept reality. Above her head stood Madam Centipede and Akago Naraku, her captors. 

“The time is still not right, but within the hour, the jewel will be ripe,” the Madam explained.

“What about her?” Akago asked indifferently as he took a glance at the prisoner.

“Her blood will serve to taint the jewel,” the she-demon screeched before laughing again. Victory would be hers.

.

524663

.

“Are we there yet?” Kouga demanded.

“You know, they can't make the jet fly any faster,” Ayame reminded him.

“We should be there by now!”

“We have another hour to go. Why don't you get some rest?”

Kouga sat back and started tapping his claws against the armrest. This was followed by the tapping of his foot. “I can run faster than this!” he mumbled.

“No, you can't,” his girlfriend correct without batting an eye. She was curled up in a warm blanket with her eyes closed. With all her emails sent, all she wanted to do was collect her strength before landing. She was going on a hunting spree, and nothing was going to get in her way.

Kouga started grinding his teeth. He switched feet, and began to tap the one next to her. He tapped the fingers of both hands. 

“If you don't stop, I'm going to kill you here!” she warned.

“But sweetheart, I'm resting!” he growled lowly. 

Ayame took a deep breath. It was time for desperate measures. Taking a second to ensure no one was watching, she placed a blanket-covered-hand over his crotch. He froze. There was no breathing, grinding or tapping from the wolf prince. “I'm going to the bathroom. Perhaps, you should do the same.”

It took the removal of the provocative hand for the demon's cognitive skills to return. Without warning, he bolted from his seat and rushed towards the bathroom. Why couldn't she have thought of this at the airport? 

.

524663

.

 

“It's too simplistic!” 

“It's better than your plot theory!” 

“It's impossible!”

“Nothing is impossible when you're dealing with demons and mikos,” Sango corrected her cab driver. Miroku looked at her from the corner of his eye.

“But that would mean…”

“The Shikon has always been within reach,” Sango finished.

“But, no one has sensed it!”

“It was dormant.” Sango insisted. 

“But how?” Miroku insisted.

“Well, according to Kagome's notes, she believed the Shikon no Tama was hidden in a mobile place, so that it could remain undiscovered. Well, can you think of a more mobile place to hide an object?” Sango concluded.

“But, how?”

“Simple, magic,” Sango reasoned as she formulated a plan. “It definitely puts Kagome's kidnapping in a completely different light.”

“Yes, if you're right, which I hope you're not, she would be the key to everything.” Miroku suddenly grew pale as he accelerated. “We don't have much time. They're only going to keep her alive long enough to extract the jewel. They won't risk her miko powers fully awakening.”

It didn't take long for the experienced cab driver to cut through the city streets, avoiding any and all traffic. Every second was precious, and only Old Miko could confirm their worst fears. Miroku didn't bother with parking, leaving the car on the street, knowing no one would dare tow it. They ran past security, without question, and hurried to the underground base. When they reached headquarters, they found the room buzzing with nerves. Agents were running around confirming leads, running scenarios, communicating with agents over seas. Kagome's disappearance had sent the Agency into frenzy. Their best agent couldn't have just vanished.

“Old Miko,” Miroku started as he stepped into her office, “I'm afraid we may have been wrong about the jewel's location.”

“I know,” the old woman spoke. Her face had aged a decade overnight. Her wrinkles had hardened and the sparkle had left her eye. “Agents at Paradise Hills Park confirmed no activity at the site of the explosion.” By the coffee ring on her glass desk, it was obvious to the agents that their superior had not slept the night before. “A mole in Naraku's organization has informed us that the explosion was ordered by Akago Naraku. He and his father will make rake in the good PR by promising to rebuild the park.”

“I think I know where the jewel is, but you are not going to like it,” Sango informed.

“Speak, child,” Kaede motioned as Miroku walked Sango over to the wall he had shot his bullet through. He gave her a marker he had in his pocket as she realized the wall had a reflective surface. She should have known then Agency would be concern with space saving technology.

Writing the number, 524663, on the wall, she began, “I have been thinking about analyzing the source of the information versus the information itself. Putting it into context.”

“Go on,” Kaede insisted, eyeing the number cautiously.

“Well,” Sango began to write sets of letters under each number, “I've noticed that Kouga has an innate skill for numbers and math. He never forgets a figure or anything related to it. I also know he uses Ayame's name as his ATM password.” Sango started connecting one letter in each group with the next one. “Twenty years ago, Kouga would have needed a way to remember the jewel's location. He would have used the same method he's been using for decades.”

“I thought that information wouldn't be conveyed to the prince until he reach of age to take the crown,” Miroku protested.

“Do you honestly think that the late King would not share such an important secret with his son, not even on his death bed?” Sango insisted. “Knowing it would be decades before Kouga took the crown, I'm sure his father didn't hesitate in preparing his son for this.”

“So the number is a code…a very simplistic code, all you needed was a telephone… so simple our computers missed it?” Kaede wondered out loud. “Yet, it makes perfect sense.”

“Is it even possible?” Miroku protested, fearing the worst.

“It was a common practice in ancient times, but we never fathom that the priestess would have placed so much responsibility on an innocent life… unless, she placed this responsibility upon herself, on her reincarnation. Such was the guilt she felt for failing her lover and her cause? Would she really condemn her own soul to an eternity of living hells as her penance? Did she truly feel that would be the only way to ensure the safety of the jewel, and consequently the world? It seems too heavy a burden, even for such a strong priestess. But the simplicity of the idea is too beautiful to ignore. ”

“Who can hide something better than the one that doesn't know he or she has it?” Sango insisted.

“Yes… Every piece of the puzzle fits now.” Kaede agreed as she stared at the wall. The name could have been written in blood, it wouldn't chill her blood any more than it was. “The Jewel is inside Kagome. It is a part of her flesh.”

.

524663

.

Did anyone know where she was? She didn't even know where she was. Kagome struggled against the chains that had been chafing her wrists. She could see the well-defined bruises forming, but could do nothing to stop them. She felt incompetent. The simplest miko magic escaped her. She needed to free herself before her captors returned. She looked around the small room for anything that could help her. It looked like the only exit was through the ceiling. Were they planning to bury her alive? It would explain why they placed her underground, if she was underground. There was only one way to find out.

Looking around the earthy floor, she could see bones. “Great, a preview to my fate,” she whispered to herself. “But, I deserve it.” She closed her eyes tightly fighting back the tears. “Inu Yasha, I'm sorry, and I don't plan to die without first making amends for it.” Looking at the ground with renewed determination, she saw a small bone not too far from her foot. Digging with her toe, she pulled it out of the soil. She dragged it towards her with her foot, and when it was close enough, she kicked it into her hand. At least her skills hadn't disappeared.

She began gasping for air as the humidity suddenly rose in the room. She had a gnawing feeling growing in the pit of her stomach. Quickly, she tried her best to use the old bone to pick the lock on her shackles without much luck. The harder she tried, the more difficult it became. She had to free herself. She had to escape. She refused to die like this. She would fight… She would fight for him.

She jumped at the roaring thunder that suddenly broke the silence of her prison. She looked at the bone in desperation. It had snapped in half. “This can't be happening!”

“Yes!” Kagome's head snapped up at the sound of the old Madame's voice. The woman was laughing hysterically. “After all these centuries of waiting, finally, the time is ripe!” The room expanded for the descending Madame. Kagome looked at the stone table her captor had placed in the center of the room with quiet desperation. The table was dripping in blood. She recognized it for what it was: an altar.

Kagome's screams filled the room as she was flung onto the stone table. The miko had no time to react before she found herself chained, arms and legs to the bloody altar. She looked into the cold lavender eyes of the demon child above her. She didn't know what to do. There was nothing she could do, but scream.

Her voice was lost in Madame Centipedes chants. Taking the holy leave she had previously mixed in a mortar with the miasma Akago had provided, she spread it across Kagome's face. While the young priestess did the only thing left she could do: cry.

It was happening, Madame Centipede could sense it, and if she could sense it, so could Akago. She couldn't trust the young demon to keep his word. She would have to ensure the child never had the chance to obtain the jewel. Looking at the priestess as the barrier protecting the jewel broke, she realized she couldn't wait. The jewel could not be allowed to surface on its own. It would be for her and her alone. She lunged herself at Kagome. The Miko's screams filled the night as Madame Centipede's fangs ripped into the young girl's flesh.

….

524663

…

 

Inu Yasha's blood ran ice cold through his veins as he walked up the steps of the Higurashi Temple. He could smell his brother approaching: he wasn't far behind. Reaching the top, he turned and walked towards the God's Tree in a trance-like pace. It was strange. He had never felt anxious and calm simultaneously. He wasn't aware it was even possible.

The sky darkened above him as the wind played with the dust and rubble of what had been the most important shrine in Tokyo. The site was grey: burnt grey stone pavement; grey, burnt-down frame of what had once been a home; grey, wind-beaten well house…. Had that been there the last time he was here?

It was strange to see the young seedling among the dust and decay of the shrine. It was green, strong and growing. The stem had thickened since he had last been here, and there were a few more leaves. The tree was growing back, strong. He sighed, a sliver of hope entering his heart.

Thunder brought his attention away from the tree. He looked up to see the sky quickly becoming a thick, mucky, black color.

“Inu Yasha,” Sesshomaru called as he approached with his wife.

Inu Yasha turned to the two of them, slightly surprised at their new relationship. They stood side by side: Sesshomaru in full armor with two swords on his hip, and Kagura in simple jeans and a shirt holding tightly to a white paper bag. Without a word, the youkai lord handed his brother an old katana. Inu Yasha took it and unsheathed it. The metal was rusted, old and useless. He still did not understand how this sword could supposedly kill a hundred demons with one swing.

Kagome. For her he had to figure it out, and figure it out quickly.

“Do you hear that?” Kagura asked cautiously, turning her attention to the final structure standing.

Suddenly, the only sound they could hear were the shrieks of pain from a familiar voice.

“Kagome!” The sword in Inu Yasha's hand transformed into a giant fang, as he ran towards the well house.

The explosion was deafening. Pieces of wood and demon body parts flew at them. In swift movements, the three dodged the attack. Chilling laughter filled the air as Madame Centipede rose to the sky.

“After all this time, the jewel is finally mine!” she laughed, twirling in the air. She looked at one of her many hands curiously as it turned into a large, sharp spike. A cruel, fanged smile of satisfaction appeared on the pale creature's face.

Bang!

Inu Yasha looked at the ground before him confused. It had happened too fast. The spike that had moments before been the Madame's hand was now pinned to the ground before him by a holy bullet. He hadn't even seen the Madame release the spike.

“You will pay for that!” the she-demon declared as Sango and Miroku joined the group.

“Sorry we're late, but I had to stop at the bank and pick up Kagome's guns. I see you got my message,” Miroku mentioned as he pointed a second holy gun at the centipede. He hid the slight wince. The painkiller was wearing off, while the pain Sango's bullet had left behind was getting stronger. He silently prayed Sango wasn't facing similar circumstances.

“There has been no telephone reception for anyone in the city for the past quarter of an hour,” Sesshomaru explained, while he eyed the monk cautiously. He didn't like being this close to an armed holy man.

“Kagome…” Inu Yasha whispered as he failed to hear her voice. “Kagome, I'm coming!” he screamed as his body began to react.

“Stupid boy!” Sesshomaru mumbled as he drew his sword and prepared to cover his impatient brother.

Angrily, Madame Centipede released more spikes upon the would-be hero. Between Sesshomaru's swift attacks and Inu Yasha's relentless pace, the group began to gain ground. The smell of decay, mold and blood hit the sensitive canine noses hard. Inu Yasha's heart stopped cold. It was Kagome's blood. With a wild yelp, he swung his sword, releasing a powerful energy blast that ran towards the Madame, ripping her tail in half.

Her hysterical laughter filled the dark air as everyone watched, dumbfounded. The offended appendage regenerated in a matter of seconds. There was no doubt: Madame Centipede had complete control of the jewel.

With a swift move of her tail, she sent Inu Yasha flying into his comrades. “I'll teach you how to treat a lady!”

“What now?” Sango asked as she helped Inu Yasha to his feet. The hanyou grabbed her and pushed her out of the furious tail's path.

Moving back, Miroku warned, “It takes time for the jewel to be fully awakened. If we can get it away from her before then, we can stop her before it's too late.”

“How long do we have?” Kagura asked.

“Hard to say… Ten minutes if we're lucky.”

“Where is she holding the jewel? I don't see it!” Inu Yasha growled as he dodged more attacks from the laughing demon.

“She most likely swallowed it.”

“Then we know what to do,” Sesshomaru announced drawing his sword, Toukijin. With the grace of a butterfly, he swiftly moved into attacking position. While Madame Centipede amused herself with Inu Yasha, Sesshomaru sliced her in half. The two halves separated slowly at first, as she turned her red eyes upon the demon Lord.

“I see rudeness runs in the family,” she declared as the two slices moved back into place.

“Any other ideas monk?” Sesshomaru questioned as he dodged the Centipede's attacks.

“If it's not there, it could be anywhere,” Miroku stated as he examined the woman's body. Where would she hide it? How could they see it? Time was running out, and if they didn't move quickly, it would be too late. There was one option, but it was tempting fate… Well, he would have to die sooner or later, might as well die a hero.

“Sango, I have a plan,” he announced while signaling to his cursed hand. She got the drift and nodded. Giving a signal to the demon Lord, she and Kagura moved out of the way. “Inu Yasha,” Miroku yelled, “do it again!”

Somehow, the hanyou understood. In the darkness, the two brothers met in mission and simultaneously attacked the evil woman. The light that exploded from the swords was blinding, and Sesshomaru struggled to keep looking. Where was that jewel?

The sudden wind that arose caught him off guard. It was as if a tornado had formed, sucking the screaming woman out of this earth. As he moved out of its path, he was surprised to see the tornado originated from the monk's hand. “What power!” he whispered in awe.

“Sesshomaru-sama?” If his ears had not been so sensitive, he would never have heard the young girl's voice. Looking inside the well behind him, he saw the confused face of Tokyo's favorite reporter. The blood was pooling at her side from her hip, and it didn't take much more for the lord to put the pieces together. She needed medical attention fast. “The jewel…” She looked past him, to the screaming youkai behind him. “Her head… It's in her head!” she announced before momentarily losing consciousness. Turning towards his opponent, he noticed her head was the only body part not in pieces. It also looked as if it was resisting Miroku's wind tunnel.

Sesshomaru's sword clanked as it ran through Madame Centipede's head. Miasma flooded the scene immediately as what was left of the youkai rushed towards Miroku's Kazaana. The thick air made it difficult to breathe. Even Sesshomaru was forced back. He noticed a thump from the well and imagined the toxic air had burned through the miko's shackles. His sharp mind expected her position to keep her from harm and the noise to signal she was strong enough to move, though he doubted his brother would understand that. He was right. Amidst the darkness and the miasma he could see his brother racing towards the well.

Miroku's cries of pain erupted, drowning Inu Yasha's screams. The sinister dark chuckle that echoed in their ears slowly pushed the poisonous miasma aside. A little light from nearby street lamps illuminated the spider demon's entrance. Naraku stood tall, one tentacle pinning Inu Yasha to the ground, while holding the crimson Shikon no Tama in his hand. “I should thank you,” Naraku began, “for eliminating that nuisance for me.” Turning towards the screaming monk, he commented, “I see your Kazaana doesn't like miasma… Neither did your father's.”

Miroku's eyes darkened in hate, but the burning from his hand kept him from acting upon it. “Miroku, look at me,” Sango ordered as she tried to examine him. “You have a fever.”

“It hurts…it's getting worse.”

“It'll be ok,” she tried to soothe as she looked for some aspirin in her bag. She was always prepared.

“No… My Kazaana is getting larger. I-I can't control it.”

Sango's face went pale noticing the monk was still sucking in soil fragments, even though the beads were in place. “There must be a way to stop it.”

“Yeah…” Miroku groaned in pain before turning towards the hanyou lord, “Killing him.”

His fate was sealed. Miroku knew it. As he shut his eyes in pain, he could see the painting in his room, and it had changed. He could see the monk standing inside a tornado. He could see the paint running into the monk's hand. This was it. This would be the last night of his life.

Sango stood up, pulled her gun, and aimed.

“Will you challenge the new master of the Shikon no Tama with a mere holy bullet? Do you underestimate me so much?”

“No,” Kagura spoke up as she walked up to Sango's side. She opened the white bag Kagome had given her earlier that October. With a confidant smirk, she pulled out something that had always been an extension of her: her fan. The wind blew swiftly, ensuring none of the miasma could harm her companions.

“Ah, my whore of a daughter. So, you truly have betrayed me, and for a dog. That's low, Kagura, even for you. Are you sure you still want her, Akago? I'm sure I can make you a better plaything.” Naraku asked as he turned towards his son.

The demon child walked up to his father's side proudly, white business suit immaculately clean, knowing he had been the key player in his father's plan. His smirk vanished as he saw his sister, marked by that dog. His eyes darkened with jealously. “One last game,” Akago declared.

“Sango, get Miroku out of harm's way. It's about time I disciplined my baby brother.” Kagura's red eyes focused on the demon child. She was not his toy. She was not his slave. She would teach him to fear the wind.

Sango was doing her best to help Miroku move out of the way, but he was heavy and in pain. She could sense the pain returning to her shoulder, but she would ignore it. She had to, for him. Seeing the desperation in his face broke her heart. “We'll get through this. I promise,” she assured as she sat him down by the God's Tree. She could see Kagura preparing to fight Akago as Kanna approached them. She eyed them cautiously as she confirmed that they weren't going to double team Kagura. Turning back to Miroku, she made sure his surroundings were comfortable. “Is this thing bigger?” The seedling seemed to have grown a few inches since they got there, but then again, she wasn't paying much attention to it. Perhaps it was her imagination.

“Sango,” Miroku waited for her to look at him before continuing, “I need you to do something for me.”

“Anything,” she choked. Resignation was written on every inch of his face.

“Get this to Kagome,” he asked as he placed the reporter's gun in Sango's hand. Somehow she understood. Silence was her only reply. “Onnanoko won't be able to handle this, only Kagome can.”

“I understand,” her voice dripped with emotion. She didn't want to let go, but what else could she do?

“I need you to know, Sango,” he spoke between gasps, the pain from his hand and shoulder stealing his strength, “in my own weird way, I did love you.”

Her eyes filled with tears. His breaths were becoming shallower and the rip in his Kazaana more powerful. She wanted to yell, scream, laugh… anything to get him to fight. So she leaned down and kissed him.

Miroku's eyes opened in surprise when her cool lips touched his. Soon he relaxed into the kiss, letting her dominate.

“Pervert!” she screamed as she felt his hand slide onto an inappropriate area. He waited for the slap, but it didn't come. She had restrained herself, and with a sly smile on her face she declared, “I'll be sure to punish you after this is over.” With that, she left.

After? What did she mean after? There would be no after for him. How could she deny him one final slap? No, this would not do! Looking at the God's Tree, he whispered, “Sorry old friend, but I need a bit of your help. I can't let her get away.” Taking a few leaves, he placed them on his cursed hand. It was soothing, but would it be enough?

“You are getting bigger!” Miroku noticed as he pulled a few more leaves from the seedling. If he was lucky, he could still join the fight. That woman would slap him one last time if it was the last thing he did!

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“So sure of yourself? But, you're nothing more than a pawn that thinks herself a queen. Did you really believe all he's said to you? Do you think he truly wants you? All that dog ever wanted was to turn us against each other, and you've let him,” Akago accused as he walked towards the woman he had once chosen as his mother. Sesshomaru tried to move towards his mate's side, but a snap from Naraku's tentacles kept him in place.

“Let the children play,” Naraku ordered. “You and I have our own business.”

As soon as Akago was sure his father held the full attention of both canines, he proceeded towards his sister. He made a mental note that she was preoccupied with the security guard's and the monk's safe escape.

“See, your husband doesn't care for you.” Akago laughed as he easily exploited the doubt in the wind demon's heart. “The only one that loves you is I.”

“Don't lie, traitor!” Kanna's sharp voice interrupted them. She walked through the darkness like a melancholic angel. As always, her voice remained soft, but not tender, “You betrayed us. You attacked one of your own. You don't deserve the title, brother.”

“What do you know?” he demanded as his older sister flashed her mirror at him.

“I know you don't stand a chance in a fair fight.” Looking at Kagura she continued, “You know what to do sister.” With those words, she walked away and awaited her fate, their fate, the fate reserved for all of Naraku's children.

Though Kagura was taken aback by Kanna's sudden backing, she did know what to do. With a smirk, she raised her fan and attacked. Akago barely had time to move out of the way. What was that feeling at the pit of his stomach? Could that be fear?

“From now on, fight your opponents like everyone else. Their hearts are theirs, yours belongs to Naraku,” He heard Kanna's soft words.

A seed of doubt formed in the young demon's heart. She couldn't! She wouldn't! But, she had! Was Kanna doing this with Naraku's blessing? Was his father trying to destroy him?

Kagura's wind attack brought him back to reality. He would deal with his sisters one at a time. It didn't matter. Before he could confront his meddling sister, he would have to deal with Kagura, only this time, they both had beating hearts in their chests. For the first time in his short existence, Akago faced a fight that could take his life.

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Once Sesshomaru saw his new brother-in-law take a step towards Kagura, his dog instincts had taken over. He planned to be by her side continually, but Naraku had other plans.

“Let the children play. You and I have our own business.”

“Your business is with me!” Inu Yasha yelled as he was finally able to free himself. Naraku's attack had damaged the inu hanyou's jacket, and that irked the bartender further. Eyeing the well carefully, he realized the only way to get to Kagome was through the overgrown spider.

“Oh, the young pup wants to play,” Naraku laughed. “Then let's play!” The evil hanyou started attacking both brothers simultaneously, forcing them away from his daughter and the well. He could finish them all with one blast, but his son needed to have a little more fun before his reward.

The evil lord smiled when he saw Kanna's mirror flash Akago, right on schedule. His son needed a lesson in obedience. Who was he to act without Naraku's blessing? It didn't matter. After tonight, he wouldn't need any more children.

Inu Yasha raised his sword and futilely attacked his adversary.

“That sword was useless in your father's hands, what makes you think it will do you any good?” Naraku laughed.

“Don't talk about my father!” Inu Yasha shouted as he wielded another attack.

“Why not? I know first hand how he used that sword. He was holding it when I took his life.”

Inu Yasha's eyes flashed red as he screamed, “Kaze no Kizu!” Where those words had come from, he did not know. All he knew was that the blade of the wind had rushed towards Naraku for him to apparently absorb. Inu Yasha felt his heart sink for a moment. It was then he saw it: The thin line of blood running down Naraku's cheek. It wasn't much, but it was hope. Naraku wasn't completely immune to their attacks.

Sesshomaru's chuckles interrupted the two. “Cut by a pup? You claim to be so powerful, Naraku, but to kill my father, you needed to stab him in the back. You can't even handle my half-breed brother.” It was time to give the “all powerful lord” a taste of his own medicine. “Of course, he does have an advantage my father didn't. He knows you, spider.” The last word hung heavy in the air as Naraku turned in surprise to the elder brother.

“It does not matter what Kagura has told you.” Naraku recomposed himself.

“It wasn't Kagura,” Inu Yasha interrupted. Somehow, he understood his brother's plan. Somehow, he knew this needed to be said. Naraku needed to know whom his executioner really was. “Kagome told us a while ago.” Inu Yasha raised his kiba once again. For her… he would do it for her.

Naraku's paleness faded fast as he broke into laughter. “It's too late for that information to do me any harm!” Holding up the jewel for them to see in the low light, he smiled, “Even my weak spots are too strong for you.”

“Your cheek disagrees,” Sesshomaru observed. “I wonder what your forehead thinks.” Raising his sword, he attacked. The spider demon laughed as he defended himself from both brothers.

Though each brother had his own way of fighting, they formed a beautiful symmetry as they raised their swords and attacked. Sesshomaru was more efficient at dodging the spider hanyou's attacks than Inu Yasha. The younger brother found himself being knocked to the ground by tentacles after every attack.

Inu Yasha yelped as he ripped through several tentacles; unfortunately, he missed the last, which managed to cut his forehead. Naraku laughed at the pathetic attempts from the young pup to take control. It was too amusing.

“Silly weaklings.” A moving spec of black caught his eye. What was she doing? With a spare tentacle he knocked Sango to the ground. He used his other tentacles to prevent the brothers from aiding her. She screamed in pain as she tried to get up again, only to be pushed back down by the appendage.

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Sango prayed her plan had worked. Unfortunately, she couldn't look back. Turning back might give Miroku the wrong idea, so she had to focus on her current mission: delivering the gun. From what Kaede had told them, Kagome was being held inside the old Bone Eaters Well. She had a simple enough plan: get inside the well, rescue Kagome, and kill Naraku. Some finer details needed to be ironed out, but she was sure she could do it.

Getting past Akago and Kagura had been easy. The two had been very busy in battle. Kagura seemed to have raised a few dead demons to help her cause, while her brother seemed unfazed. One thing was different: She had never seen Akago sweat before.

Naraku seemed to be busy with her boss and his brother. She thought she could sprint to the well without being noticed. She felt her shoulder begin to throb. “Not now!” she ordered. She focused on her breathing as she realized the well was within reach. This was easier than she expected.

Her scream was silenced by the deafening pain the blow to her back had produced. She tried to stand up, but the heavy tentacle attacked her again. It pressed her harder into the ground. Sango had to do something, but gasping for air was already taking up most of her energy.

In a sudden rush of adrenaline, she pushed up and threw the gun forward. She would have smiled as the gun fell into the well, if she didn't sense her approaching death. Among the attack of the swords above her, she heard a roar, a very angry roar. It was followed by a voice, “Sango hold on!”

Suddenly, Sango was no longer trapped underneath a heavy tentacle, but flying through the air. “Are you alright?”

She turned to the monk in surprise, “Miroku?”

“If you thought I would let you die without first giving me my well-deserved slap, I don't think you are the woman I thought you were.”

Sango blushed before looking down, “Kirara?” Her beautiful two-tailed kitten had transformed into the full-grown fire cat youkai that they were currently ridding. “I should have known you would come to the rescue.”

“Hey, I helped!” the monk protested lightly.

A loud thunderclap made them jump in surprise. Suddenly, light enveloped them, but did not blind them. The night had turned into day, and the day was once again slipping away, but with one difference: The darkness was no longer consuming.

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When the miasma had melted her shackles, Kagome's miko powers had slowly begun to return to her. “How ironic,” she laughed, “to be saved by the thing I hate the most.” She was in pain, as there was no inch of her body that had not been injured. She rolled off the altar and fell with a large thump, just like her shackles had done before her. By the sounds above her, the fight had begun. She tried to move, but the pain was too much. Taking off her jacket, she pressed it against the wound in her thigh and began to chant. Soon, the bleeding stopped. To think the Shikon no Tama had always been there, inside of her, waiting for her to call upon it…

“Inu Yasha?” she gasped as she heard his voice. “I have to protect him! I have to help him!”

She did her best to stand up, and then, looking at the walls around her, she had no choice but to climb. She fell time and time again, her fingers bloody, unable to hold on to the smooth stone. She had to get out. She was no good to anyone down here. Taking a deep breath, she sprinted into a climb and was knocked back down by a sharp pain to the head.

Tears of rage and frustration ran down her cheeks. She knew she was too week to try that again, but she had to do something. Rubbing her head she looked around for her attacker. What had pushed her back down, a barrier?

No. She looked at the gun by her side in disbelief. If this was here, so was her brother. She needed to help them. Grabbing the gun she tried to get to her feet, but the pain kept her down. She was too hurt to move.

“Since when has that stopped me?” she reassured herself. “If I can stop a building from fully collapsing on my head, then I'm not helpless now!” Pointing the gun upwards, she prayed she would be able to handle the recoil.

“Only a Higurashi can handle this gun!” her father's words came back to her. “Only a Higurashi can respect its power.”

Kagome pointed into the black sky above holding the gun with both hands, removed the safety and bang! The gun recoiled onto her chest with the force of an angry woman. She gasped for air as the world went white for all but her. She fell into the darkness once again.

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The light had only momentarily distracted the rival siblings from their current fight. Kagura had held her ground well, but Akago remained too strong, destroying the last of her puppets. A moment's doubt entered her heart, but she pushed it out. Losing to her brother was not an option. She would defeat him!

Akago's sneak attack knocked her to the ground. She could feel her abdomen bleeding from where he had cut her. He approached her, with his latest toy in his hand: a sword made especially for his short stature. Kagura's fan had fallen from her hand, and she had to move quickly to obtain it. Her screams filled the night as Akago attacked her again. She could sense her husband's turmoil. He wanted to rush to her, but her father wouldn't let him. She had to get up.

“You disappoint me, Kagura,” the young voice drowned out all other sound. “You were supposed to love me. I chose you over all the others, and instead, you marry that dog and adopt his human pup.” Hate was dripping from every word he spoke. “You betrayed us. You betrayed me!”

He raised his sword and attacked once again. Kagura was pushed further away from any impending help her husband might have provided. Looking up, she saw the fire cat. They were turning towards her, but she knew they would be too late. Akago would kill her before they arrived.

“But, I did love you,” the child continued, his voice too similar to Naraku's for Kagura's liking. “In honor of that love, I will show some mercy. After I'm done with you, I'll rid that human brat of her miserable existence.”

Rin? Kagura's eyes flashed crimson black before she was on her feet, blood rushing to the ground, fan in her hand, and determination rushing through her veins. Akago never saw the wind blade approach. Slowing him momentarily, he screamed as the holy bullets pierced his back. This would not be the end.

The lavender child rose to his feet and raised his sword one last time as his sister declared,

“You will never touch her! You will never hurt anyone I love again!”

“Love?” the question was left floating in the air as Kagura's fan released a final attack.

She fell to her knees by her brother's body. His heart had been pierced in two. His face was pale and in shock. Looking down at his eyes, she realized they were full of tears. “I'm sorry Akago, but love is given, not taken.” Looking at his small frame she realized with slight horror that, even in death, he was nothing more than a child.

Naraku's laughter quickly brought her back to her feet. She was weak, but she would still fight. “Foolish child! You should have rejoiced while you had the chance!” Naraku grew in size, revealing his true form. The skin of his old body was shed, as the spider emerged, with the near-black Shikon no Tama imbedded between his eyes. They all knew that was his weakest point, the weakest point of all spiders, so there was no point in hiding it.

“I let you kill him, to teach the two of you a valuable lesson: You are only as strong as I let you be.”

The group looked at the spider in desperation. It was the size of a building and full of strength. It looked like there was nothing else to be done. They would all die in its presence. Looking down, Miroku caught a quick glace at the God's Tree. It had grown at least four feet since the monk had been by its side, but why. Then, looking at the sky around him, he realized since the burst of light, the darkness had been unable to fully settle.

“He's wrong!” Miroku screamed. “The light has made us stronger! He has no power over us!”

“Oh? I have no power? Is that so?” Naraku asked as the monk screamed like he had the first time he felt the Kazaana rip into his hand. He had it under control. How could it suddenly decide to consume him? The spider's laughter answered his question. Grabbing a few extra leaves from the God's Tree he had taken earlier, he pressed them against his had. They wouldn't continue to work for much longer.

“Enough!” Inu Yasha screamed as he swung his sword against the giant spider. It had been a long time since he had heard any noise from the well, and all he wanted was for all of this to end so that he could hold her one last time. He was bleeding badly from a multitude of bruises and cuts. His favorite jacket and clothes were bloody and torn. It was hard to see with the blood from the cut on his forehead rushing into his eyes. In his desperation, he was unaware of his strength as his constant attacks forced Naraku behind the well.

When the well was in sight once again, he rushed forward and lunged at it in order to avoid the spider's attacks. Falling by the edge, he saw her, lying on her back. She was as badly bruised as he, and the paleness from her face worried him. Could she be dead?

“Kagome!” He screamed as the tentacles succeeded in pushing him from the well. Darkness threatened the young hanyou as his comrades moved to protect him; even Miroku was able to take hold of his gun for the hanyou.

“Do you honestly think you will defeat me? Give up, it will make your death less painful,” Naraku laughed.

“My father used to say, `There is only one thing in life you need to do to be a great man, and that is to protect the ones you love with your life,'” Inu Yasha declared as he used the sword to help himself up.

“Much good that did for him. He died for you and look at what a pitiful son you turned out to be. You cannot stand without the help of your father.”

“That's were you're wrong, Naraku,” Sesshomaru interrupted. He wasn't as badly beaten as his brother, but he was tired. They could not survive much more of this. If they had any chance to win, they would need to take it soon. “My brother is standing on his own. The kiba you see by his side was reinforced with his own baby fang. Father thought it would be the best way to ensure the sword could not fall into the wrong hands.” Inu Yasha turned to his brother in surprise. Why hadn't his brother ever told him? Why would his brother admit that the most cherished family heirloom was contaminated with his dirty blood?

“How does it feel, Naraku,” Sesshomaru continued, “to know that a baby's milk tooth was able to cut your cheek?”

“Nonsense!”

Inu Yasha lifted his sword once again with renewed strength. It had been him, not his father, fighting. He had the strength to save her. He had the power needed to stop the evil hanyou before him. Would it be enough? For her sake, he hoped so.

The Shikon no Tama on Naraku's forehead shimmered eerily before the onlookers. It was now or never.

“Kagome, I love you,” Inu Yasha whispered into the wind as he became one with his sword. For a second, he swore he heard her reply in the soft evening wind,

“Inu Yasha, I love you.”

His sword pulsed as he no longer saw the world as the rest saw it. The world was nothing but energy, and Naraku's was black, thick, velvet, and rushing straight for him. He never heard what he screamed, but he knew what his sword did as it took the last of his strength. His attack consumed Naraku's, gaining strength as it rushed towards the spider. Inu Yasha's comrades all released their attacks and waited for impact.

Time suddenly froze as a young girl opened her eyes. “Daddy?”

“It's alright, princess. You can hit the target,” Taro's voice whispered in her ear.

“But, It's so high, and my arms are so tired,” Kagome complained.

“You're lying on your back, princess, you can hit it from that angle.” She felt the gun being pressed into her hand. “I believe in you.”

“Daddy my arms hurt too much,” The miko complained as she tried to raise her limbs.

“You can do it princess, and when we get home, you can bring your boyfriend to meet me.”

“My boyfriend?”

“Yes princess. Hit the target, and when we get home, I'll agree to give your boyfriend a chance.”

“Boyfriend?” Kagome asked confused as she looked up at the spider above her. Her eyes focused on the Shikon between the spider's eyes. “Inu Yasha! Inu Yasha, I love you!” She declared as she swallowed hard and took aim. There was no time to waste. She could feel the well's magic working all around her. Looking at the sky above her, she examined the long drawn out movements of the monster… almost as if time was slowing down around him. “Impossible,” she thought. The well's magic vibrated around her in a frantic pace, encompassing her. As the enchantment filtered through her pours, she understood. Time hadn't slowed down in the world above her; the well had sped up time within its walls. Sped it enough for her to have one last chance to make amends for her mistakes, for the mistakes she had been making for lifetimes.

She released the safety as she heard her father remind her, “Keep your shoulders relaxed.”

She could see time returning to its natural progression as a blast was headed towards the spider. She didn't hold her breath or closed her eyes. She welcomed the pain that followed as the gun attacked her chest one final time. The bullet rushed towards the spider faster than the blast approaching. Naraku never saw the bullet coming, but he felt it shatter. The bullet pierced the jewel, purifying the shards as they flew in all directions. The blast was upon him, and somewhere on the shrine floor, Kanna's mirror cracked.

“It's over,” she whispered, “they found his heart.” Slowly she and the mirror turned to dust for the wind to scatter.

The shocked group looked in horror as the spider began to fall. Inu Yasha got to his feet, unsure where the strength was coming from. “Kagome!” he screamed as he rushed towards the well, but it was too late.

Kagome closed her eyes in resignation. The building-sized spider was going to fall on her. She had no strength left. She couldn't move. She heard her father's cheers and Inu Yasha's screams as she whispered, “Please forgive me.”

They were her last words as the Spider fell onto the well, collapsing the structure in the process. When the dust had settled, the only thing left of the shrine was a fully-grown God's Tree.

 

******

Ok, so it took me a bit longer, but here you have it: The final chapter of Beautiful Miscommunications. Now, aren't you glad you waited? It took me a while, and I had to go back and re-read the entire story to make sure I didn't miss any subplot. But, in the end it was worth it.

I would like to specially thank Frame of Mind for her amazing work editing this story, particularly this chapter. She was instrumental in getting through my block and helping me write the fight scene. Without her input, constructive criticism and keen eye for observation, you would have a convoluted final battle. I dedicate this, my best fight scene to date, to her. Check out her work: http://www.fanfiction.net/u/510938/. I completely recommend “A Few Minor Details,” to anyone who wants a good laugh.

You're still reading this? Why am I sensing waves of anger radiating from my readers? Did you not like the ending? But, I thought I explained that Kagome is a tragic hero. She needs to die. The rulebook says so… OK, you win. There is another chapter in the works. It turns out I couldn't finish this in 24 chapters after all, but I will finish it in 25! No epilogue, alternate endings, or bloopers… there will be a final chapter and nothing more. I'm happy with this story just as it is, even if it deviated from the original plan. But, now I'm off to write what happened in the mile high club and the funeral. We can't have an ending without a funeral.

Oh, one last thing… THE CLIFFHANGER QUEEN IS BACK!