InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Dark Soul of the Future, White Heart of the Past (On hold) ❯ Chapter 13: The Fall of the Priestess. ( Chapter 14 )

Written by: Zelix

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha, you know that by now…

"Talking"

`Thinking'

=Used when mentioning Techniques or attacks =

[Check the bottom for details]

If this was a TV-series:

Opening: Blue Gender - Tokihanate

Ending: Tanpopo - Track 1

Dark Soul of the Future, White Heart of the Past

Episode 13: The Fall of the Priestess.

"Death roar of the beast shakes the world, the roar of the warrior shookthe souls of the people witnessing the battle… The Dark battle is over… yet, isDarkness itself over with?" - Unknown

The death roar of Kasaraki echoed for what felt like hours… that roar, howl or whatever you wanted to call it, they all could swear it had made the earth itself shake and tremble… as the winds from the after shock of =Kaze no Kizu= Died down, no one moved a muscle, they were all dead still from the shock of what had just happened… it was so hard to believe… just when they had lost hope, when all they could do was pray, gods actually answered they're prayers… at this point only Kagome knew who had shot that arrow, it had been the one person they all least expected to be alive anymore, Kikyo… Normally Kagome would hate to hear that name but now… after what just happened, she really didn't care… but, it did bother her, how come she was here? Shouldn't she be resting in peace right now?

Inuyasha was panting REALLY heavily, his body felt like there were no bones left in it… his grip on the Tetsusaiga was still hard, it was not because he wanted it to be but because the muscles in his arms had locked themselves on it and had no intentions of letting go, even as he saw it returning to it's rusty state… it was his lifeline and his arms were literally clutching onto it for dear life… his mind was completely blank, his head felt light and his muscles felt like they were on fire… he had been high on the feel of battle, like Kagome had sometimes told them, when you get into a fight too much… your body looses control when regulating that weird `adrenalulilu...' whatever it was… but anyway, the body looses control on it and makes that stuff run uncontrollably, making you numb to pain, exhaustion, surroundings… everything… but when you start calming down and your body gets that control back, well… let's just say that THEN you will find out just how heavy the word `exhaustion' can get.

He couldn't believe he was still alive… he was sure that he would have died… but… that arrow, whoever had shot it had saved his ass from a VERY tight pinch… But right now Inuyasha wouldn't be able to find out who it had been, his senses were numb and he couldn't smell, hear or even see properly right now… but, his instincts were telling him one thing, the very thing that made him survive through that fight, they told him: {Go to your mate}.

Kikyo smiled, genuinely smiled… her face had nasty cracks in it now and her right eye was already turned into dust, the arm had been holding the arrow was now beginning to crumble as well… the only reason she was even standing was because her little sister Kaede was there to support her, since her left leg was now a pile of dust as well… she could feel her soul starting slowly lose it's power to keep her alive anymore but she didn't care… the ruin bringer Kasaraki was now dead and both Inuyasha and Kagome were alive, her role was over, she could finally rest in peace…

Kaede watched her sister, her smile… that smile was… it was just like during the time she had fallen in love with Inuyasha, a genuine happy smile… Kaede felt her old heart ache, she that her sister had to leave this world now, she knew that her sister had to leave so she could rest in peace… Kikyo was no longer a part of this world, she was not supposed to be alive anymore… Kaede knew this but, seeing her smile like that… it just made her feel like she was still alive, that's why she felt sad knowing that she would depart from this world soon…

Kikyo slowly turned her head towards her little sister, she had to move her body carefully now because any sudden movement would probably shatter it, she then said with a hoarse, dry voice since her body was steadily turning into dust: "Kaede… help me… walk to them… I want… to say… good-bye… to them… both… one… last… time…" Kaede only smiled warmly and nodded, this was her last request and it would be better if she could say good-bye to both Inuyasha and Kagome, so that the past all three of them had would finally come to a proper closure.

Miroku, Shippo, Sango, Kirara and Kouga were all just watching in awe at the battle field, there were holes, burn marks and all sorts of landmarks to testify that the battle they had witnessed had indeed happened… but, in the middle of that scorched field, a single figure clad in red clothes was on his knee… like a lone warrior who had just survived hell itself… then, the final piece to this artistically majestic scenery was the light of the slowly rising sun, the fight was over and a new day was starting…

Kagome watched as Inuyasha slowly tried to stand up but as soon as he was on his feet, he simply slumped back down on his knees… he had no strength left to even stand… She watched as Miroku and Sango rushed to his side and helped him stand while he said to them: "Keh, I can stand on my own just fine!" and pried the two of them off of him to stand on his own, only to fall down once again… Which made all of them roll they're eyes… same old Inuyasha… they all chuckled… at that moment, Shippo, Kouga and Kirara tensed and looked at Kagome, she wondered what they were staring at and asked: "What? I've chuckled plenty of…" That's when Kagome froze and even Sango, Miroku and especially Inuyasha, who they were holding while he still went on about `not needing the help of puny humans', all three of them froze as well… Kagome… just… talked…

There was a long silence, no one was thinking about anything… she was talking… Kagome then while leaning against the tree behind her tried to stand up, her body was moving again! Not very well, her limbs and joints were stiff like boards but they were moving alright! There were no words that could describe what everyone, including Kagome herself felt at that moment… to feel your body moving, to feel your it touching everything… the feeling was just so… superb.

As Kagome took a few hesitant, rather clumsy steps forward, she almost fell but caught her footing again, Kouga had tried to help her but she said that it was fine, she wanted to try and move by herself… he understood that one, if he was paralyzed like she had been, he would without a doubt when recovered want to walk by himself… also, he didn't want to have another fight with Dog shit over there about him touching Kagome, especially after what happened just now with Kasaraki… he hated to admit it but… Inuyasha was indeed stronger than we was, perhaps stronger than he ever would be…

Everyone watched intently as Kagome took her steps, she felt like a baby learning how to walk again… it made her laugh mentally… but at this very moment, what she really wanted was to feel Inuyasha, to have him embrace her… so she had began to walk towards him while Miroku and Sango were helping him walk towards her, it was really weird to watch as the two lovers approached each other slowly, one with steps of that of a baby and the other being almost carried by his two friends… it was not what both of them had had in mind but oh well…

Then, as if gods themselves wanted this to be a bit more romantic (As well as myself, the author) so when they had a bit more distance between them, Kagome tripped on one of the many small holes one the ground that had been left because of the fight, she had no way of balancing herself since her joints and muscles felt like she hadn't used them in years… Kasaraki's influence was still heavy on her. Inuyasha and everyone else saw this and this time even Kouga tried to reach her before she fell down but suddenly a red blur passed them and slid underneath her just in time before she hit the ground, Sango was the first to recognise what the red blur had been: Inuyasha, she thought with a shocked expression: `No way, how did he do that? He didn't have any strength left to even stand on his own and yet… when Kagome almost fell he moved like there was nothing wrong with his body at all! *Wheew* I know he can push himself over his limits when it comes to her but this is getting ridiculous… but, it just goes to show how much she means to him, even when on the brink of collapsing he still can muster the strength to be there for her… like a true dog's loyalty to it's master… always there, no matter what.'

Kagome was expecting to hit the hard ground but instead she fell onto something soft yet firm… as she opened her eyes, all she saw was red, she also had a low groaning sound, it took her about 3 seconds to realise she was laying on top of Inuyasha… she thought while pushing herself up slowly: `But… how…? How did Inuyasha…? Even when fully spent, even with his muscles completely drained, he still pushes himself to makes sure I don't get hurt… (Smiles inwardly) I love him so much… Inuyasha…' By the time she was up and sitting on her knees, Inuyasha was already sitting in his Indian style, his hands on his knees as he was breathing steadily yet heavily… he lifted his head to look at her and the instant they're eyes met they were lost, they wanted to say so many things to one another… but nothing came out, nothing at all…

Kirara in her transformed state was currently laying down on her stomach next to Shippo who was sitting and leaning against her with his back, he heard Kirara growl and purr something and he replied with a sigh of contentment: "Yeah… it's weird to admit it but… that Baka is actually kinda cool when he really tries… but most of the time I think he is just simply a childish baka…"

Kouga could not watch this, even though he knew he must give up on Kagome, he found it hard to let her go just like that… so instead he looked elsewhere and spotted Kasaraki's sword on the ground… Mormegail if he remembered correctly… he thought to himself while walking towards it: `That sword has some serious firepower in it… I wonder, does it work like dog shits sword? That only a certain person can use it or something? Kagome… no, don't start thinking about her again, no matter what you do at this point it makes no difference, she loves him and he loves her, there's nothing I can do about that… I really need to pull my head out of my ass, though… this will be bad for my reputation and status when the rest of the clan finds out the truth that I am not the `White Priestesses' mate… damn, that's where the difference between me and Dog shit starts, he doesn't need a status or a reputation anymore, he just needs her… that's all… that's why he can be so strong… he himself has nothing to lose, only his life… while I am a pack leader, a strong alpha male… damn…' By that time he reached the sword and looked at it, the scent the sword gave out didn't make any sense, dog shits sword was made out the fang of a Inu Tai-Youkai… one of his half-brothers swords was also made out the same fang while the other sword was made out of an ogres fangs… but this sword, it had no Youkai scent on it, the only scent it let out was… he couldn't put his finger (or claw) on it but it felt like… terror…

But whatever this sword was made out of, it was extremely strong, it had withstood not only Dog shits swords attack again and again, but it had also cut through an armoured Oni like it was thin air and even withstood a purifying arrow… Kouga out of pure curiousness he grabbed it by it's grip and tried to lift it… but the instant he tried to lift it, he felt like his muscles had turned into mush, it felt like… his every muscle just, shut down… he tried to lift two more times but every time he did, his muscles instantly became mush again… he then noticed something very strange, he could see his own breath, like you do when winter arrives when the temperature drops enough so your breath becomes visible, he could also feel his hand starting to tremble, what the hell was going on?! What was this sword made out of?!

He then felt someone pull him away from the sword, his hold on it's grip loosening right away and the instant he let go, his body was felt like nothing had happened… he looked at the person who had pulled him away to see it was that houshi, Miroku and at his side was that Tai-jya, Sango… Miroku was the one to say something first, his hand leaving his shoulder: "What happened? You looked like you had seen a ghost…?" It took Kouga a few seconds before his mind registered what he meant and he immediately coughed and composed himself, looking like nothing serious had happened and said: "Oh that, nothing… I just got curious and took a closer look at that monster man's sword, since it did take a lot of damage and yet doesn't have a scratch in it…"

Sango and Miroku had seen the pale look Kouga's eyes and the breathing he had done when he was touching the sword but they decided not to take that matter further, his demon pride would never admit he had been scared anyway… so instead Miroku kneeled down next to the sword… Sango said to him: "Be careful houshi-sama… I mean Miroku (both chuckled at that one, old habits die hard huh?) don't get too close to it, it might have a curse on it or something worse…" Kouga did not reply to that one, was it indeed cursed…? The thought did scare him a bit but he wasn't TOO worried about… at least, he thought he wasn't… no, he WAS worried about that…

After a while Miroku said with shrug of his shoulders: "Well, i don't know what it's made out of… but there's no curse on it though, I can't sense a barrier spell either… I can only feel… small traces of terror in it, I can't figure that one out…" Kouga breathed out a relief mentally… Sango just got more curious and asked Kouga with a curious expression: "Kouga, if that's true, how come you weren't able to lift it? Sure it looks heavy but you're a Youkai after all…" Miroku too looked at him curiously and he tensed a bit, he knew though… if he lied they would notice it, they had been travelling with a hanyou for a long time who tended to lie about many things… so with a sigh he answered: "I don't know… I tried to pull it up but every time I tried, I felt as if every muscle in my body turned into mush…"

Sango and Miroku exchanged glances and shrugged, it was useless to try and figure it out at this point, only Kasaraki or someone with knowledge like Kaede could possibly know about it… so instead, they returned they're attention to Kagome and Inuyasha, not worrying about things for now…

Inuyasha and Kagome stared at each other, neither knowing what to say or do, it was just so… hard to believe that they were both alright… tired, yes, but alright none of the less… thousand thoughts raced through each of they're minds, thousand things they wanted to say… thousand things they felt… but after a while, one thought and feeling hit her that made her make the first move: the thought about what if Inuyasha had not found the strength to live? The image of him being hit by Kasaraki's =Kuroi Kaze no Jigoku= (If someone could tell me if that name is cool, I would be grateful) made her heart grow cold, just imagining him being torn into ashes in that dark blazing windy inferno while all she could do was watch was… least to say, something she never wanted to experience again… she couldn't help herself, the image of that happening pushed her to the bring of crying…

Inuyasha was looking at Kagome and saw her eyes being welled up with tears, god… how he hated that, he was the cause this time… how could he think about giving up in the middle of that fight? How could he had been so thoughtless as to get killed and leave her like this?! No more, he would stay by her forever, no matter what sort of shit fate had in store for them, he would always be by her side no matter what! Inuyasha then slowly, almost hesitantly… and also with great effort considering his body was worn out, placed his palm onto her tear stained cheek and said with a low, yet audible voice: "Kagome… I'm so sorry… you saved my life, I heard your words in my heart… it is thanks to you… I lived… I'll never, ever… even think about leaving your side, ever again… no matter what happens… even if time itself comes between us, I'll come back for you, I promise you that…"

In the next instant, Kagome had literally flung herself at Inuyasha, almost knocking him down on the ground and began to cry, hard, onto his chest… it was impossible to hold it in, his words combined with her feelings just pushed her over the edge, she was happy, scared, sad and relieved at the same time, her love was alive… her one true love was alive… Inuyasha held the crying woman he loved against his chest, he so badly wanted to make it stop… yet he knew that it didn't matter what he said at this point, all he could do was simply help her calm down… it was his duty as a mate, even though they hadn't mated yet, he still knew it was his duty to help his mate calm down… so he began to rock back and forth slowly and rubbed her back slowly with one hand while the other was gently stroking her hair… he also began to purr gently, he knew that the vibrations would help her calm down, his instincts told him that and after a moment of this, she calmed down. Her crying was being slowly reduced into sobs and hiccups, her arms clutching onto his chest like a lifeline, never wanting to let go…

Shippo too could feel his eyes beginning to water, he didn't know that baka could say something like that… he was touched, he really was… he also had to remember that one for later use… but he was also glad, his `mother' was okay and that baka was alive, in time he might start looking up to him but now… right now he just buried him face into Kirara's fur and silently sobbed… love was an amazing thing, just watching it alone felt great, he couldn't wait to actually feel it someday. Kirara looked at Shippo who was sobbing against her fur, she couldn't blame the little kit… well maybe not so `little' but still a kit none of the less, but she couldn't blame him, she too felt like letting out a howl of joy… (She is a cat and I know they don't howl… just but me some slack, okay?)

Kouga on the other hand, he just cringed inwardly and tried to distract himself somehow, mostly by thinking about his problem on returning to his pack… what to do? He couldn't just say that `The White priestess is already mated to the inu hanyou and those two were the ones who killed Naraku the hell spawn' to them… what should he do?

Sango was just simply moved by what transpired between those two, Inuyasha truly could be VERY poetic and romantic when he tries… she also thought about her and Miroku's talk and actions earlier and she felt something weird in her… what was the word Kagome used for it? Oh yes, she felt like tingling… like a young girl… but who wouldn't feel like that at this moment? Everything was just so right at this moment, Kagome and Inuyasha could finally be together, she and Miroku were already building they're relationship and would probably soon be at the point where they would consummate it, the thought made her blush though, and what the best part was, nothing could go wrong at this point, at least for now… Naraku was dead and now that new opponent Kasaraki was also dead… yes, everything felt right at this moment…

Miroku too watched this with a warm smile, he could feel perverted thoughts and comments creeping they're way into his head but he pushed them down, now was not the time or the situation, if he did something wrong right now… he doubted that he would survive with a simple near-death beating, they would most likely cause permanent damage this time… he also felt a wave of peace rushing through him, life was really looking up, Naraku was gone, his curse was gone, he and Sango had finally managed to start they're relationship with a good start and now both Kagome and Inuyasha would finally be able to be with one another… yes, things were finally back on the right track… they had fought Naraku yesterday (Sun was rising remember?) and just before the day ended they defeated a new enemy with otherworldly aura and power, all in all, it had been a hectic day.

As Inuyasha and Kagome kept holding one another, Kagome clinging onto him while Inuyasha kept trying to soothe her distress… Both were just glad that they had survived that battle, Inuyasha had to admit, that guy had been a whole lot tougher than Naraku… not just in power but also in personality, stamina, mental state and in techniques… there was no way to describe just how good he had been in singular words but, he could squeeze it into two for now: True warrior, knew what he was doing, didn't take chances and was in everyway a perfect opponent… fighting him didn't make Inuyasha feel bitter like those fights with Naraku… Kasaraki… there were still so many questions though, what had he been after? Where did he come from? Most importantly though, how come he felt that he had known him…? But all those questions meant nothing now, Kasaraki was dead and he was now once again embracing his mate… then two familiar scents hit his nose, the first one belonged to Kaede, he smiled a bit… until the second scent hit his nose… death, clay and earth… Kikyo?

Kagome too picked up the aura Kikyo had, she was here! She had been the one to shoot the arrow but… why? A brief moment of fear ran through her spine, what if she had changed her mind and had decided to drag Inuyasha into hell with her after all? Inuyasha slowly rose onto his feet, feeling the numbness in his legs easing enough so he could stand, not completely straight though, he needed Kagome's help to be able to stand straight, her joints were responding a bit better now so she had no problems standing straight but was unable to make too many sudden movements, they stood together, she supporting him as Kikyo and Kaeded came to view from they're hiding spot…

Kouga, Shippo, Miroku and Sango all saw this and quickly gathered behind Inuyasha and Kagome, what was Kikyo doing here? Shippo and Kirara had picked up her scent before but had been too distracted by the fight to find it again… they were all ready to defend both Inuyasha and Kagome if Kikyo tried anything but… after seeing her condition… they all saw how her body was barely holding together and Kaede was barely able to help her to walk without having a piece turning into dust… her body was decaying, it had reached it's limit… Kagome could feel almost no aura at all coming from her at all, her power was gone… Inuyasha noticed Kagome's eased expression and understood somewhat, Kikyo was not a threat anymore, so he said to the others: "It's okay, she's not here to cause trouble… she has barely any time left, so no need to be all jumped up…" Slowly, everyone stood down they're guard and Kaede smiled at them for understanding, Kikyo too managed to make a small smile, Kaede then said to everyone: "My sister does not have much time left, she came to me before the battle and said she needed my help to destroy that devil Inuyasha just fought… (Everyone then realised who was responsible for the arrow) Now, she just wants to talk to Inuyasha and Kagome one last time before she returns to the after world, so just listen, please."

Everyone looked at Kikyo, she looked so pitiful at this state, one of her eyes was missing, her face had cracks everywhere… not to mention the rest of her body… she only coughed once and then began, her voice trying to sound normal but it turned hoarse and dry from time to time: "Inuyasha… Kagome… I am… sorry for all the suffering I put both of you through… I apologise to you Kagome for being responsible for all those times your heart was broken… Inuyasha, I am sorry for everything I caused you to go through… I truly wish that both of you will live a long, happy life and won't have to go through anymore hardships, I will soon return to hell… I have no more regrets, I accomplished what I came here to do… Kasaraki is gone, I could tell you what he was after but I do not have the time left… your soul Kagome has been generous and kind to help me through all this when it could just have abandoned me and returned on it's own… but instead is stayed and helped me… you truly have earned the title `White Priestess'… i envy both of you, if only I could have had your pure heart and soul 50 years ago Kagome… but now, it's too late, my role in this world is long since come to an end, this is your world now, Kagome, Inuyasha and the rest… I hope you all…"

*CRASH*

Everyone literally jumped as a loud crashing sound was heard in the woods where the =Kaze no Kizu= had ended up and where Kasaraki was blown into… they all looked fully alert on what it was… then they heard another crash and saw a tree that was almost completely destroyed in the battle fall down… they all sighed in relief, stupid tree… scaring them all like that… Kagome then said with a cough: "You were saying?" Kikyo just narrowed her eye at the tree and said with a small humour in her voice: "That it destroy the dramatic mood…" Everyone nodded.

Kikyo then continued: "As I was saying, (A piece of ribcage falls out and turns to dust) I hope you all live long and happily, do not repeat my mistake 50 years and let your doubt and sense of duty interfere with your lives, if you only live for your duty or responsibilities, you'll only die slowly on the inside… I did that mistake and this is the result… This is my final good-bye, the next time we meet will be many years from now, we will meet again in the after world, no sooner nor later… all of you, take the most out of life, since there is no telling when it will suddenly end… good-bye, everyone…" Everyone looked at her with sad eyes, it was never easy to say good-bye for good, no matter who it was… The silence that followed was not an uncomfortable one, there was no need for words, they're eyes told it all to her… Kikyo felt relieved, now she could finally die without hate or regrets in her soul, a true death, a peaceful death…

Unknown voice: "That was beautiful… I feel like crying now…"

Everyone's eyes widened, that voice…! It was… no…

Before anyone could react or even think, a figure dropped behind Kikyo, the figure moved like a dark wind directly behind her and…

*Crackling…. *

Unknown voice: "An excellent memorial speech, I would allow you to die peacefully but…"

Then a loud sound that reminded everyone of a sound when a clay pot broke suddenly and they saw an arm coming through Kikyo's stomach and that same arm lifted her up into the air, the voice continued: "… You interfered with my duel… I also promised I wouldn't hurt his pack but you are not a part of it, so I can kill you without feeling guilty or bad about it!"

No one could react, they were too shocked to even think… Kikyo though, looked over to Kaede and mouthed to her: "Run…" Kaede saw this and reluctantly obeyed, she backed away from this figure as Kikyo looked over her shoulder to see a pair of wild, angry golden eyes looking at her… she then said: "The… ruin…bringer… Kasaraki… alive…"

Kasaraki's eyes then narrowed and he removed his arm from her, allowing her to drop for a millisecond before he spun 360 degrees in less than a fraction of a second and made a spinning kick straight into her chest, her eyes went wide as he said with a voice full of cold venom: "3000 years… and people still call me THAT?! I HATE THAT NICKNAME!" And then, there was nothing for her, only the blissful darkness of eternity…

Kasaraki saw the un-dead person shatter into dust and clay pieces, his kick had hit her straight into her chest, the speed and power of the kick caused her body to explode into a pile of fine powder… noting was left of her, not even her clothes, he himself was breathing heavily, in and out while clenching his teeth together, barely containing a suppressed rage… he then calmed down and said with closed eyes: "The priestess has fallen by the fangs of the beast… rest in peace." Kasaraki remembered that prayer… 3000 years ago he always said it after killing an honourable person…

He then turned to the rest of the group and said while pointing at Inuyasha with his finger with a very dark voice: "Inuyasha, our fight is far from finished…"

To Be Continued…

Preview of the next episode:

"The Beast is alive…

The priestess has fallen…

One more shall die…

… Who shall it be?"

Next time on Dark Soul, White Heart:

"True Fangs of Darkness VS The Iron Fang…"

A/N: There, how was that? Good, bad, horrible? Review and tell me, I need them. Everyone who has reviewed so far and all those who review from now on will be mentioned in the review response at the beginning of the next chapter/episode.

- Zelix, see ya next time!