InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Ghost of Love ❯ chapter 11 ( Chapter 11 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: kodiaqkitten 
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 10.11.2010 | Pages: 2 | Words: 3.8K | Visits: 848 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 10.11.2010 | Pages: 2 | Words: 3.8K | Visits: 848 | Status: Work In Progress
“ If you want to know the past, know what has caused you, look at yourself in the PRESENT, for that is the past's effect. If you to know your future, than look at yourself in the PRESENT, for that is the cause of the future.” ~ Majjhima Nikaya
A heavy burden had been placed upon her shoulders. A weight that she had only gotten rid of a few days earlier. She felt as tired as she did after leaving the last patient that had been pulled from the battlefield. The darkness and uncertainty that had threatened to crush her months earlier had flooded back in a mad rush of emotions.
Kagome sat alone in her new bedchamber, trying to gather herself for the task that needed to be done. She had agreed to this without hesitation but it didn't make anything seem less daunting. Confidence was usually one of her strengths but what Asami-sama was asking of her was no short of a miracle.
After leaving Sumire alone with Sesshoumaru, Asami had led Inuyasha and herself into another room. Seating themselves on tatami mats, Asami and she had partaken in a deep conversation, while Inuyasha had idly listened from his slouched position in the corner of the room. A conversation she was certain would be etched in her mind for quite some time.
They had spoke of Sumire and the ceremony that would be happening in a few short hours. The great Lady had told Kagome of how the seal would need to be lifted. A miko was needed to free Himiko's soul and break the spell that had a hold on Sumire's young body.
Asami had not sugar coated the truth of the matter either. Upon the release of Himiko's soul, Sumire's body would be forced into the state it should be. A process that would be horrifying to watch as it put Sumire through unspeakable pain. A truth that the great lady had made them swear to keep from both the young youkai and her would be husband.
Kagome felt sick to her stomach knowing that it would be her to release the soul and break the seal. She would be responsible for causing the trauma to Sumire. She took great measures to ease the hurt and suffering of all who came into her care. Even though she knew that sometimes she had to cause them pain to heal them, this somehow felt different. She would be taking a perfectly healthy individual and subjecting them to a trial like no other.
At first she had strongly objected, citing that there was no way she could ever cause undue harm and suffering upon anyone. But, Asami had shook her head in refusal and with a stern look on her face refuted that it had to be Kagome. The miko who was tied in such an undeniable way to the great Midoriko. Only she, who had traces of the great miko with her, was capable of unravelling such a complicated spell.
So after a mental battle with herself and further discussion with Asami, she agreed with the youkai's request. At the time she had forced confidence into her decision but her half-heartfelt push had quickly fizzled and now she was more worried than she had ever been. Despite her training under Sango's daughters, she felt as if she was no more prepared for this than suddenly taking a spaceship to the moon. Ridiculous as it seemed, she was thinking a spacewalk wasn't looking so bad.
The second and last request had been just as much of a shock as the first. It had been an appeal issued to both Inuyasha and herself. Even now she could picture Asami as her eyes had softened, her face unusually drawn in sorrow.
“I beseech of you, Inuyasha and Kagome, nurture the ghost of love that exists between those two. Himiko and myself have only ever wished for happiness for those two. Our methods may be questionable, but this really is the best course for them.”
With those words echoing in her head, she had followed Inuyasha out. As they had been shown to where they would be staying she had ignored the looks from her hanyou. She knew that he desperately wanted to take her aside and talk some sense into her–To whisk her and Sumire away from this stronghold and continue on with life as if this whole mess had never happened.
She had offered him a pleading look of understanding when they had reached her door. She knew deep inside that this was her calling. Perhaps even her fate. The jewel that Midoriko had created with her own soul had granted Kagome more time in the past. That couldn't have been just mere coincidence. Kagome needed Inuyasha to understand that. She needed to focus on what had to be done. Above all she needed his support to be able to follow this through.
An unspoken conversation flowed between the two as she looked at him with pleading eyes. How long had they been together? Surely he would be able to grasp the message she was sending him. She couldn't be bothered by starting into a conversation now. Not that she didn't value his opinion, but she knew how the words would escalate until they were having an all out battle. There wasn't time for that. Besides, she already knew what it was he wanted to say.
Inuyasha understood perfectly when her eyes, full of desperation looked back at him. This wasn't what he wanted dammit! He should be grabbing both her and Sumire and making a break for it. At least that's what he would have done twenty years ago. Today he held a greater understanding for his little miko. Despite her own unease she was determined to see this through. He might not like it but it likely wasn't about to change. Unable to stop the surge of fear and anger he struck out.
With a guttural growl he slammed his fist in the door frame inches from Kagome's head. It was no surprise when she didn't flinch. Leaning in to touch heads with her he closed his eyes. Breathing in her feminine scent he sought to calm the rush of emotions that were almost overwhelming.
“Fine, but if I so much as sense you in danger, I'm taking you as far away from this place and never looking back. That's a promise Kagome.” He moved back then, his face still drawn in a scowl.
“Thank you, Inuyasha.” Kagome nodded curtly before shutting herself away.
He waited until her door was completely shut before going on his way. This place was not where he had envisioned spending his night. He had hoped to be back in his own forest, snuggled up to a fiery little miko. Now he was worrying about what lay ahead when darkness settled on these lands. The unsealing ceremony posed a great deal of threat to both women. Such a spell would require a great deal of Kagome's power to break. More possibly than she was capable of. Taking too much of her reiki could compromise her health and her well being was his utmost priority.
When it came to Kagome he didn't take anything lightly anymore. Never again would he overestimate his own strength. Such mistakes in the past had led to Kagome becoming harmed as well as himself. Years without her had caused him to reflect. Those reflections making him strongly regret the injuries he may have well caused himself. More importantly that he was no good to her becoming wounded himself.
Escape from here with Kagome and Sumire tonight would be near impossible. He knew that. More importantly he was smart enough to know his limitations. So even if he wanted to take Kagome and Sumire away, it would prove to be most difficult. Just Kagome was something he might be able to handle.
The biggest problem was Kagome herself. When she set her mind to something she was as stubborn as a mule. He knew that even despite her self doubt, right now she was focusing on finding the solution to the problem.
After being left at the door of his room, he quickly entered and secluded himself in the quiet room. Paying no mind to the pleasantries it offered, he crossed its threshold in a breath, seeking solace in the calm breeze and scenic view from the window. Seated in in the window sill he began contemplating the conversation that had passed between the old hag and Kagome. He might of appeared to have been disinterested, but not a single word had missed his ears.
The ceremony caused him the greatest concern. He had understood perfectly the hidden message Sesshoumaru's mother had sent him. Though she broke down in detail how the ceremony had played out she had left out a few parts from Kagome. It had been through the subtle drop of words and eye contact she had given him that had caused him to be in such a foul temper. No doubt concealing as much had been a method to prevent any unnecessary fear from threatening Kagome's ability.
Through such subtleties he had discerned the true threat to Kagome. While focusing her energy on Sumire she would be very open for attack. There's no way a bound youkai could go through such a horrific time, watching his mate racked with pain and not seek to protect her. By breaking the seal on the pendant, Kagome would face the full wrath of Sesshoumaru.
Inuyasha's grip tightened around Tetsaiga, it pulsed as if sensing the torrent of emotions from its handler. He cursed openly at the truth of the situation. An angered Sesshoumaru was one opponent he never wished to fight. He wasn't the hot headed youth that thought himself invincible anymore. He realized who the more powerful of the brothers was.
He certainly couldn't count on Asami for aid either. He knew she harboured no great love for humans. Rin had always countered that belief of his. Citing that her own experiences with Sesshoumaru's mother had brought about a much warmer woman than prior encounters. Perhaps she had become slightly less indifferent towards certain humans, but he wasn't going to rely on if's and maybe's.
Asami certainly hadn't approached him after the fact to assure him that Kagome would be well protected through the ceremony. For all he knew, the old woman would just as easily sacrifice Kagome to meet her own needs. He was perhaps the condolence prize, an easily disposed of nuisance now that he was within the citadel's inner most walls. Trust was one thing he wasn't prepared to indulge in while he was inside these walls.
The last request was just as laughable as any. As if he was going to be Sesshoumaru's babysitter and confidant in marital woes. He had his own problems, with his own woman. All he wanted was to freely live his life with the woman he loved most in this world. He wanted to explore a love that had been put on hold for far too many years.
“Dammit!” He cursed to the breeze. Pulling Tetsaiga from its sheath he held the blade out before him. The waning sunlight caught the blade, his eyes squinted at the shine it produced. How many battles had he and this sword seen together? It seemed unfathomable to even try counting. Together they had triumphed over even the most seemingly unbelievable odds. They had never failed.
He couldn't help but wonder if maybe their luck hadn't run out. Sesshoumaru far surpassed any other opponent Inuyasha had ever faced. Perhaps he was on edge because he finally understood the gravity of it all. Kagome was finally with him again. He feared the possibility of losing her once more. What he would give to have that blind faith in himself he had once had. Unfortunately with experience and age, one began to have a deep appreciation of their own limitations.
Tilting the blade until it rested against his forehead, he closed his eyes as he issued Tetsaiga a silent prayer. He poured out all his anxiety and fear into it, gathering himself for the trial that was to come. He inhaled deeply as he felt that now familiar feeling amass deep within. When he opened his eyes his vision was tinted red.
Time may have taken away his presumptuous courage but it had granted him something so much better. Kami help anyone who threatened Kagome.
“They must not have been well prepared for this Sumire-chan. Just make do the best you can.” Kagome plastered the best smile she could and just prayed Sumire didn't see through her false happiness. As they followed the two guards to the ceremonial chamber, she felt the threatening anxiety pressing at her chest. With a deep breath she forced her insecurities away. She knew she could do this.
The hours she had to herself before this moment she had spent in meditation. In that time she had paid particular attention to nurturing and developing her confidence. She had allowed all her anxiety to leave her body through a carefully cultivated breathing method. As tension released and her nerves relaxed, she sought answers to her questions. With a strengthened will and clarified mind she found them.
She recalled her time in utter blackness. The time she had spoke with the entity inside the Shikon no Tama. Focusing on the sound of it's voice she was able to clarify the words.
“I am the purpose of your task. The key to your past and the catalyst to your future.”
With those words still ringing in Kagome's mind, she pushed herself harder to remember more of the words that faceless being had spoke.
“The Shikon Miko. You brought an unlikely group together to reunite the Jewel of Four Souls. Without the ability to harness your true potential as a miko you relied on what you had to begin with. Strength of heart and purity of soul. That is why you have made it this far. That is how you will triumph.”
With those final words echo in her mind, the voice led Kagome to her nirvana. In an instant she had seen her past lives flash by her. All the reincarnations that had come before her until Midoriko. She felt their suffering and experienced their joy. Kagome was overcome with the power that had surged in their veins and surprised than when those images passed, that immense power continued to pulse through her body. With her reiki and heartbeat echoing in her ears she, for the first time in her life, knew the true sense of herself.
She was able to finally obtain freedom from the endless cycles of reincarnations she represented. In a whole she found herself. Understood what it meant to be Kagome Higurashi and an appreciation for the untapped power that she held inside her.
Now she listened to her own footfalls as she entered the candle lit chamber Sesshoumaru and Sumire were about to be joined for eternity in. Inuyasha awaited her with hooded eyes. She couldn't tell from his face how he felt, but his stance indicated that he was tense. Despite the fact that she could not see his eyes, she knew that his gaze followed her every move.
Beside Inuyasha was Sesshoumaru. Tall, regal and unmoving he waited for Sumire and herself at the front of the room. Despite the Taiyoukai's eye-catching presence, Kagome's gaze quickly moved back to Inuyasha. Something was different about him. For some reason he had never seemed more captivating to her. It was as if there was a completely different air about him.
She had to quickly centre herself again before her thoughts turned steamy and she lost all concentration for matters at hand. Approaching the front of the room she took stock of who else was in attendance. Asami was opposite the two men, on the same side that Kagome would be on during the ceremony. Two would be guards lingered in the doorway behind them, leaving Kagome and Sumire alone with the family of youkai.
“Have you prepared yourself miko?” Kagome gave a curt nod to Sesshoumaru's mother after she had asked the question. The regal beauty nodded in return and turned her attention to her son and soon to be daughter-in-law.
“Very well, we shall begin then. Kagome will first remove the powers from the pendant. The rest shall take care of itself.” Asami grasped Sumire's hands and gave them a comforting squeeze before sending her son a reassuring smile. Then she stepped back, giving Kagome plenty of room to release her reiki. In fact Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha stepped back as well. No youkai was too anxious to be close to Kagome when her reiki surfaced.
Grasping one of the youkai's hands with her own, Kagome smiled brightly at Sumire. With her other hand she reached up and grasped the pendant. She was slightly surprised when she could feel the energy within the gem pulsing between her finger and thumb. Focusing her own reiki to the tips of her finger and thumb, she slowly initiated the process. So began the purification and neutralization of the pendant.
Kagome sought to comfort Sumire, who stared back at her with frightened eyes. Careful that her reiki not purify the woman before her, she used the simply touch of human warmth to steady Sumire. Ever so slowly did she increase the intensity of her reiki that was flooding the amulet. Thus, ever so slightly did the light she emitted gain in brightness.
The feeling was amazing, when she had reached a certain level she was able to 'see' into the pendant. Her own mind was immersed in images of the Lady Himiko. Soon she was able to feel the vibrancy of Himiko's soul that was bound to the jewel. Relieved that Midoriko had created a comfortable place for Sumire's mother she was able to slowly work on unravelling the intricate spell that Midorko had wove.
Strange that everything seemed so natural to her. Kagome had to wonder, as she pulled apart the spell, if being trapped in the Shikon no Tama had given her certain abilities. It was as if she already knew the spell. Midoriko's soul had been the creation and binding point of the Shikon no Tama, so perhaps the great miko's lingering presence had merged her own knowledge into Kagome through the long years she had spent sleeping inside the jewel. There was no other way Kagome could have the knowledge and capability of breaking a spell made by the likes and ability of a miko like Midoriko.
When the light around the two girls glowed with blinding intensity, Kagome felt the first crack form in the amulet. With it, the first bolt of searing pain went through Sumire and the young youkai let out a squeal of shock. Instantly Kagome used what energy she could spare to ease the suffering of the other woman.
Her concentration broke for a fraction when she heard Sesshoumaru let loose a terrifying growl. He was obviously displeased at the pain Sumire had experienced. Unfortunately it was only going to get worse from here on in. The sooner she broke the spell the sooner she could use her full strength to aid Sumire through the painful transition. That had been something she had struggled hard with. Finding a solution to their problem that would allow her to both break the powers of the amulet and aid Sumire with the pain, once something she had spent a great deal of time thinking about. Kagome only hoped that she still had strength left when she was through with the pendant. Her plan was simple. Break the pendant and then heal the girl.
Now it was time for all or nothing. Midoriko had left the best for last. Kagome could tell that it was going to take a great deal of her own reiki to deal the finishing blow to the amulet. Unfortunately she would not have the strength nor concentration to shield Sumire anymore. With great regret she released the Sumire's hand and placed both of hers on the amulet. In her ears, Sumire's screams raged. Kagome's own body felt on fire as she pushed herself to the limit. Never before had such power been called upon from within her tiny frame. Her vision blurred and her heart raced as she sought to break the amulet. A scream ripped from her own throat as she gave one last push and the amulet broke. She felt Himiko's soul flee from its confines as both she and Sumire crumpled to the floor.
Beneath her Sumire's body contorted and shook, savagely trying to expand to adult form. Kagome covered her ears when the gruesome sounds of muscle and bones popping sounded. It was the blood curdling roar that ripped through the air that nearly made her heart stop. Looking up her eyes locked with blood red orbs that whispered the assurance of certain death for her. In that instance she knew Sesshoumaru would kill her.
In the seconds before he reached her, she closed her eyes and screamed for salvation.
“INUYASHA!”
A/N: ACK! Sorry, I missed my thank you's last chapter. A big round of applause for Kokoronagomu who took time out of her very busy weekend to proof this for me. Thank you to everyone who took the time to send me a review. I always look forward to reading them.
A heavy burden had been placed upon her shoulders. A weight that she had only gotten rid of a few days earlier. She felt as tired as she did after leaving the last patient that had been pulled from the battlefield. The darkness and uncertainty that had threatened to crush her months earlier had flooded back in a mad rush of emotions.
Kagome sat alone in her new bedchamber, trying to gather herself for the task that needed to be done. She had agreed to this without hesitation but it didn't make anything seem less daunting. Confidence was usually one of her strengths but what Asami-sama was asking of her was no short of a miracle.
After leaving Sumire alone with Sesshoumaru, Asami had led Inuyasha and herself into another room. Seating themselves on tatami mats, Asami and she had partaken in a deep conversation, while Inuyasha had idly listened from his slouched position in the corner of the room. A conversation she was certain would be etched in her mind for quite some time.
They had spoke of Sumire and the ceremony that would be happening in a few short hours. The great Lady had told Kagome of how the seal would need to be lifted. A miko was needed to free Himiko's soul and break the spell that had a hold on Sumire's young body.
Asami had not sugar coated the truth of the matter either. Upon the release of Himiko's soul, Sumire's body would be forced into the state it should be. A process that would be horrifying to watch as it put Sumire through unspeakable pain. A truth that the great lady had made them swear to keep from both the young youkai and her would be husband.
Kagome felt sick to her stomach knowing that it would be her to release the soul and break the seal. She would be responsible for causing the trauma to Sumire. She took great measures to ease the hurt and suffering of all who came into her care. Even though she knew that sometimes she had to cause them pain to heal them, this somehow felt different. She would be taking a perfectly healthy individual and subjecting them to a trial like no other.
At first she had strongly objected, citing that there was no way she could ever cause undue harm and suffering upon anyone. But, Asami had shook her head in refusal and with a stern look on her face refuted that it had to be Kagome. The miko who was tied in such an undeniable way to the great Midoriko. Only she, who had traces of the great miko with her, was capable of unravelling such a complicated spell.
So after a mental battle with herself and further discussion with Asami, she agreed with the youkai's request. At the time she had forced confidence into her decision but her half-heartfelt push had quickly fizzled and now she was more worried than she had ever been. Despite her training under Sango's daughters, she felt as if she was no more prepared for this than suddenly taking a spaceship to the moon. Ridiculous as it seemed, she was thinking a spacewalk wasn't looking so bad.
The second and last request had been just as much of a shock as the first. It had been an appeal issued to both Inuyasha and herself. Even now she could picture Asami as her eyes had softened, her face unusually drawn in sorrow.
“I beseech of you, Inuyasha and Kagome, nurture the ghost of love that exists between those two. Himiko and myself have only ever wished for happiness for those two. Our methods may be questionable, but this really is the best course for them.”
With those words echoing in her head, she had followed Inuyasha out. As they had been shown to where they would be staying she had ignored the looks from her hanyou. She knew that he desperately wanted to take her aside and talk some sense into her–To whisk her and Sumire away from this stronghold and continue on with life as if this whole mess had never happened.
She had offered him a pleading look of understanding when they had reached her door. She knew deep inside that this was her calling. Perhaps even her fate. The jewel that Midoriko had created with her own soul had granted Kagome more time in the past. That couldn't have been just mere coincidence. Kagome needed Inuyasha to understand that. She needed to focus on what had to be done. Above all she needed his support to be able to follow this through.
An unspoken conversation flowed between the two as she looked at him with pleading eyes. How long had they been together? Surely he would be able to grasp the message she was sending him. She couldn't be bothered by starting into a conversation now. Not that she didn't value his opinion, but she knew how the words would escalate until they were having an all out battle. There wasn't time for that. Besides, she already knew what it was he wanted to say.
Inuyasha understood perfectly when her eyes, full of desperation looked back at him. This wasn't what he wanted dammit! He should be grabbing both her and Sumire and making a break for it. At least that's what he would have done twenty years ago. Today he held a greater understanding for his little miko. Despite her own unease she was determined to see this through. He might not like it but it likely wasn't about to change. Unable to stop the surge of fear and anger he struck out.
With a guttural growl he slammed his fist in the door frame inches from Kagome's head. It was no surprise when she didn't flinch. Leaning in to touch heads with her he closed his eyes. Breathing in her feminine scent he sought to calm the rush of emotions that were almost overwhelming.
“Fine, but if I so much as sense you in danger, I'm taking you as far away from this place and never looking back. That's a promise Kagome.” He moved back then, his face still drawn in a scowl.
“Thank you, Inuyasha.” Kagome nodded curtly before shutting herself away.
He waited until her door was completely shut before going on his way. This place was not where he had envisioned spending his night. He had hoped to be back in his own forest, snuggled up to a fiery little miko. Now he was worrying about what lay ahead when darkness settled on these lands. The unsealing ceremony posed a great deal of threat to both women. Such a spell would require a great deal of Kagome's power to break. More possibly than she was capable of. Taking too much of her reiki could compromise her health and her well being was his utmost priority.
When it came to Kagome he didn't take anything lightly anymore. Never again would he overestimate his own strength. Such mistakes in the past had led to Kagome becoming harmed as well as himself. Years without her had caused him to reflect. Those reflections making him strongly regret the injuries he may have well caused himself. More importantly that he was no good to her becoming wounded himself.
Escape from here with Kagome and Sumire tonight would be near impossible. He knew that. More importantly he was smart enough to know his limitations. So even if he wanted to take Kagome and Sumire away, it would prove to be most difficult. Just Kagome was something he might be able to handle.
The biggest problem was Kagome herself. When she set her mind to something she was as stubborn as a mule. He knew that even despite her self doubt, right now she was focusing on finding the solution to the problem.
After being left at the door of his room, he quickly entered and secluded himself in the quiet room. Paying no mind to the pleasantries it offered, he crossed its threshold in a breath, seeking solace in the calm breeze and scenic view from the window. Seated in in the window sill he began contemplating the conversation that had passed between the old hag and Kagome. He might of appeared to have been disinterested, but not a single word had missed his ears.
The ceremony caused him the greatest concern. He had understood perfectly the hidden message Sesshoumaru's mother had sent him. Though she broke down in detail how the ceremony had played out she had left out a few parts from Kagome. It had been through the subtle drop of words and eye contact she had given him that had caused him to be in such a foul temper. No doubt concealing as much had been a method to prevent any unnecessary fear from threatening Kagome's ability.
Through such subtleties he had discerned the true threat to Kagome. While focusing her energy on Sumire she would be very open for attack. There's no way a bound youkai could go through such a horrific time, watching his mate racked with pain and not seek to protect her. By breaking the seal on the pendant, Kagome would face the full wrath of Sesshoumaru.
Inuyasha's grip tightened around Tetsaiga, it pulsed as if sensing the torrent of emotions from its handler. He cursed openly at the truth of the situation. An angered Sesshoumaru was one opponent he never wished to fight. He wasn't the hot headed youth that thought himself invincible anymore. He realized who the more powerful of the brothers was.
He certainly couldn't count on Asami for aid either. He knew she harboured no great love for humans. Rin had always countered that belief of his. Citing that her own experiences with Sesshoumaru's mother had brought about a much warmer woman than prior encounters. Perhaps she had become slightly less indifferent towards certain humans, but he wasn't going to rely on if's and maybe's.
Asami certainly hadn't approached him after the fact to assure him that Kagome would be well protected through the ceremony. For all he knew, the old woman would just as easily sacrifice Kagome to meet her own needs. He was perhaps the condolence prize, an easily disposed of nuisance now that he was within the citadel's inner most walls. Trust was one thing he wasn't prepared to indulge in while he was inside these walls.
The last request was just as laughable as any. As if he was going to be Sesshoumaru's babysitter and confidant in marital woes. He had his own problems, with his own woman. All he wanted was to freely live his life with the woman he loved most in this world. He wanted to explore a love that had been put on hold for far too many years.
“Dammit!” He cursed to the breeze. Pulling Tetsaiga from its sheath he held the blade out before him. The waning sunlight caught the blade, his eyes squinted at the shine it produced. How many battles had he and this sword seen together? It seemed unfathomable to even try counting. Together they had triumphed over even the most seemingly unbelievable odds. They had never failed.
He couldn't help but wonder if maybe their luck hadn't run out. Sesshoumaru far surpassed any other opponent Inuyasha had ever faced. Perhaps he was on edge because he finally understood the gravity of it all. Kagome was finally with him again. He feared the possibility of losing her once more. What he would give to have that blind faith in himself he had once had. Unfortunately with experience and age, one began to have a deep appreciation of their own limitations.
Tilting the blade until it rested against his forehead, he closed his eyes as he issued Tetsaiga a silent prayer. He poured out all his anxiety and fear into it, gathering himself for the trial that was to come. He inhaled deeply as he felt that now familiar feeling amass deep within. When he opened his eyes his vision was tinted red.
Time may have taken away his presumptuous courage but it had granted him something so much better. Kami help anyone who threatened Kagome.
X-X-X-X-X
“Kagome-chan, this is far too big for me.” Sumire grasped her hands tightly at yukata wrapped around her. Kagome had to agree, the girl was practically swimming in the cloth. However, Kagome didn't have the heart to tell her why the garment selected for her had been so large.“They must not have been well prepared for this Sumire-chan. Just make do the best you can.” Kagome plastered the best smile she could and just prayed Sumire didn't see through her false happiness. As they followed the two guards to the ceremonial chamber, she felt the threatening anxiety pressing at her chest. With a deep breath she forced her insecurities away. She knew she could do this.
The hours she had to herself before this moment she had spent in meditation. In that time she had paid particular attention to nurturing and developing her confidence. She had allowed all her anxiety to leave her body through a carefully cultivated breathing method. As tension released and her nerves relaxed, she sought answers to her questions. With a strengthened will and clarified mind she found them.
She recalled her time in utter blackness. The time she had spoke with the entity inside the Shikon no Tama. Focusing on the sound of it's voice she was able to clarify the words.
“I am the purpose of your task. The key to your past and the catalyst to your future.”
With those words still ringing in Kagome's mind, she pushed herself harder to remember more of the words that faceless being had spoke.
“The Shikon Miko. You brought an unlikely group together to reunite the Jewel of Four Souls. Without the ability to harness your true potential as a miko you relied on what you had to begin with. Strength of heart and purity of soul. That is why you have made it this far. That is how you will triumph.”
With those final words echo in her mind, the voice led Kagome to her nirvana. In an instant she had seen her past lives flash by her. All the reincarnations that had come before her until Midoriko. She felt their suffering and experienced their joy. Kagome was overcome with the power that had surged in their veins and surprised than when those images passed, that immense power continued to pulse through her body. With her reiki and heartbeat echoing in her ears she, for the first time in her life, knew the true sense of herself.
She was able to finally obtain freedom from the endless cycles of reincarnations she represented. In a whole she found herself. Understood what it meant to be Kagome Higurashi and an appreciation for the untapped power that she held inside her.
Now she listened to her own footfalls as she entered the candle lit chamber Sesshoumaru and Sumire were about to be joined for eternity in. Inuyasha awaited her with hooded eyes. She couldn't tell from his face how he felt, but his stance indicated that he was tense. Despite the fact that she could not see his eyes, she knew that his gaze followed her every move.
Beside Inuyasha was Sesshoumaru. Tall, regal and unmoving he waited for Sumire and herself at the front of the room. Despite the Taiyoukai's eye-catching presence, Kagome's gaze quickly moved back to Inuyasha. Something was different about him. For some reason he had never seemed more captivating to her. It was as if there was a completely different air about him.
She had to quickly centre herself again before her thoughts turned steamy and she lost all concentration for matters at hand. Approaching the front of the room she took stock of who else was in attendance. Asami was opposite the two men, on the same side that Kagome would be on during the ceremony. Two would be guards lingered in the doorway behind them, leaving Kagome and Sumire alone with the family of youkai.
“Have you prepared yourself miko?” Kagome gave a curt nod to Sesshoumaru's mother after she had asked the question. The regal beauty nodded in return and turned her attention to her son and soon to be daughter-in-law.
“Very well, we shall begin then. Kagome will first remove the powers from the pendant. The rest shall take care of itself.” Asami grasped Sumire's hands and gave them a comforting squeeze before sending her son a reassuring smile. Then she stepped back, giving Kagome plenty of room to release her reiki. In fact Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha stepped back as well. No youkai was too anxious to be close to Kagome when her reiki surfaced.
Grasping one of the youkai's hands with her own, Kagome smiled brightly at Sumire. With her other hand she reached up and grasped the pendant. She was slightly surprised when she could feel the energy within the gem pulsing between her finger and thumb. Focusing her own reiki to the tips of her finger and thumb, she slowly initiated the process. So began the purification and neutralization of the pendant.
Kagome sought to comfort Sumire, who stared back at her with frightened eyes. Careful that her reiki not purify the woman before her, she used the simply touch of human warmth to steady Sumire. Ever so slowly did she increase the intensity of her reiki that was flooding the amulet. Thus, ever so slightly did the light she emitted gain in brightness.
The feeling was amazing, when she had reached a certain level she was able to 'see' into the pendant. Her own mind was immersed in images of the Lady Himiko. Soon she was able to feel the vibrancy of Himiko's soul that was bound to the jewel. Relieved that Midoriko had created a comfortable place for Sumire's mother she was able to slowly work on unravelling the intricate spell that Midorko had wove.
Strange that everything seemed so natural to her. Kagome had to wonder, as she pulled apart the spell, if being trapped in the Shikon no Tama had given her certain abilities. It was as if she already knew the spell. Midoriko's soul had been the creation and binding point of the Shikon no Tama, so perhaps the great miko's lingering presence had merged her own knowledge into Kagome through the long years she had spent sleeping inside the jewel. There was no other way Kagome could have the knowledge and capability of breaking a spell made by the likes and ability of a miko like Midoriko.
When the light around the two girls glowed with blinding intensity, Kagome felt the first crack form in the amulet. With it, the first bolt of searing pain went through Sumire and the young youkai let out a squeal of shock. Instantly Kagome used what energy she could spare to ease the suffering of the other woman.
Her concentration broke for a fraction when she heard Sesshoumaru let loose a terrifying growl. He was obviously displeased at the pain Sumire had experienced. Unfortunately it was only going to get worse from here on in. The sooner she broke the spell the sooner she could use her full strength to aid Sumire through the painful transition. That had been something she had struggled hard with. Finding a solution to their problem that would allow her to both break the powers of the amulet and aid Sumire with the pain, once something she had spent a great deal of time thinking about. Kagome only hoped that she still had strength left when she was through with the pendant. Her plan was simple. Break the pendant and then heal the girl.
Now it was time for all or nothing. Midoriko had left the best for last. Kagome could tell that it was going to take a great deal of her own reiki to deal the finishing blow to the amulet. Unfortunately she would not have the strength nor concentration to shield Sumire anymore. With great regret she released the Sumire's hand and placed both of hers on the amulet. In her ears, Sumire's screams raged. Kagome's own body felt on fire as she pushed herself to the limit. Never before had such power been called upon from within her tiny frame. Her vision blurred and her heart raced as she sought to break the amulet. A scream ripped from her own throat as she gave one last push and the amulet broke. She felt Himiko's soul flee from its confines as both she and Sumire crumpled to the floor.
Beneath her Sumire's body contorted and shook, savagely trying to expand to adult form. Kagome covered her ears when the gruesome sounds of muscle and bones popping sounded. It was the blood curdling roar that ripped through the air that nearly made her heart stop. Looking up her eyes locked with blood red orbs that whispered the assurance of certain death for her. In that instance she knew Sesshoumaru would kill her.
In the seconds before he reached her, she closed her eyes and screamed for salvation.
“INUYASHA!”
A/N: ACK! Sorry, I missed my thank you's last chapter. A big round of applause for Kokoronagomu who took time out of her very busy weekend to proof this for me. Thank you to everyone who took the time to send me a review. I always look forward to reading them.