InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Mind Reader ❯ The Not-So-Calm-Before-the-Storm ( Chapter 34 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

Mind Reader
 
Chapter 31: The Not-So-Calm-Before-the-Storm
 
oOoOoOoOo
 
She's kidding right? She can't actually…read minds? That's impossible, right?
 
Hahaha! The stupid puppy fainted! Oh wait…shit, what if Kagome is listening right now?
 
Hm, read minds. Now that's interesting. Let's see, Kagome? Will you bear my child?
 
Kagome glared at the monk and slapped him.
 
Ah yes, she can definitely read minds.
 
Happy that the monk believed her, Kagome turned to the remaining two. “Sango, I can read minds. I swear, I am not making this up. Just ask Miroku. And Kouga? I also heard you laughing at Inuya…yeah, I heard you. If you two are still unsure ask Sesshoumaru, he can vouch for me.”
 
Both Sango and Kouga faced Sesshoumaru.
 
You know what would be great revenge? Telling them you're making it all up.
 
Kagome clenched her fist in Sesshoumaru's fluffy thing and glared up at him. “You wouldn't dare,” she said through clenched teeth.
 
Why ever not? Surely by now you realize I am Sesshoumaru, the ruthless demon lord. So why would your plight concerning your friends affect me?
 
Much to the surprise of everyone present, and awake, Kagome broke out into a fit of giggles. “You have got to be kidding me,” she gasped out. “You? The ruthless demon lord? That's like me saying I'd become Kouga's mate!”
 
Idiot.
 
When two arms wound around her waist and a face began nuzzling her neck Kagome replayed her last words. Her face grew stark white and she immediately began panicking. “Ahh! Let me go Kouga! I was kidding! I didn't mean it, I didn't mean it!”
 
Sesshoumaru smirked down at the valiantly struggling girl. Served her right for gripping his fluffy boa thing so tightly.
 
“Sesshoumaru!” cried Kagome, “Save me!”
 
“She's mine, she's mine, she's mine!” rejoiced Kouga in a singsong voice, still holding the young miko firmly in his grasp.
 
Miroku crossed his hands behind his neck and stood back alongside Sango. “So who do you think will save Kagome this time?” he wondering out loud.
 
“Well, Inuyasha's still unconscious, so not him,” replied Sango, not able to stop her grin of amusement at watching her friend try and wiggle out of the demon wolf's grasp.
 
“Sesshoumaru seems to be enjoying watching Kagome struggle, so not him.”
 
“So…Kagome has to save herself,” determined Sango.
 
At that moment Kagome let loose a loud, high-pitched squeal that almost made Sesshoumaru cover his ears to protect them from the horrible sound. Kouga was still too busy singing `she's mine!' to pay any heed to the noise.
 
“You will stop that noise right now wench,” demanded Sesshoumaru gruffly. He was surprised, yet pleased, when she listened and shut up.
 
Kagome gave the dog demon a wicked grin before taking a deep breath and beginning to scream again.
 
Sesshoumaru tried, oh how he tried, to block out the hideous squeal and keep Kagome in Kouga's arms. After the pain she had caused him, and currently still causing him, he wanted nothing more than to have her suffer. But alas, his ears were ringing from the abuse and he could think of only one way to shut her up short of killing her, or being `begged' for the next century.
 
He punched Kouga in the face.
 
In the shock of being randomly struck in the face Kouga left go of Kagome and shook his head to clear the pain away. The first thing he became aware of was a faint ringing in his ears, almost as if someone had been screaming at him. The next thing he became aware of was Kagome…cowering? behind Sesshoumaru.
 
Scratching the side of his head in confusion Kouga looked at everyone who seemed to be way too interested in him. “Uh, what's going on?” he finally asked.
 
If not for clutching the fluffy thing Kagome would have fallen down. As it were she simply bashed her head on the side of Sesshoumaru who simply quirked an eyebrow at her odd behavior.
 
Letting go of Sesshoumaru's soft accessory Kagome stalked over to Kouga. “What's going on?” she asked incredulously. Poking her finger into his chest with each word she continued. “You're asking me what's going on?”
 
“Please don't Inuyasha me,” pleaded Kouga. “What did I do wrong?”
 
Before Kagome could go berserk on all of them Miroku stepped forward. “What is the last thing you remember Kouga?”
 
“Um, Kagome saying she could read minds…then puppy fainting…and that's really about it. Next thing I know my ears are ringing and she looks ready to kill me,” finished Kouga, looking in fear at the fuming miko.
 
Please don't purify me.
 
“You almost crushed me to death you mmmfff…” When the hand slapped over her mouth Kagome glared up at her assailant who was none other than Sesshoumaru.
 
You want to go through it all again? If you continue acting stupid what really happened will come out. Then he'll be all over you again. He appears to have forgotten what you said. Let the monk smooth it over. I don't want you screeching again.
 
But it didn't really matter what Kagome would have said. For Inuyasha began stirring. The instant Kouga heard the rustle of Inuyasha's clothes he was at the hanyou's side.
 
Crouching by the hanyou's head Kouga leered down at his groaning rival.
 
Oh this will be good. Puppy fainted! Haha! And now he's waking up! Hahaha! Wonderful!
 
Kagome rubbed her temple. What did Kouga thing would happen? Inuyasha never wake up? Seriously, he was acting like it was an utter surprise that Inuyasha would wake up from a fainting. Then she immediately snickered. Oh yes, she loved the guy. But…he fainted! The almighty Inuyasha actually fainted! In fact, she was quite anxious to see how her hanyou would react when realizing what he had done.
 
As a matter of fact, everyone promptly forgot the previous entertainment when Inuyasha began moving. Even Sesshoumaru showed the faintest bit of interest in his normally emotionless eyes. And this time his smirk also had a hint of amusement.
 
Groaning softly, Inuyasha squinted one eye open. Why on earth was he laying on the ground? Why on earth was everyone staring at him? Why on earth did he have the slightest of inklings that he had fainted?
 
Oh no no no no no no no no no no.
 
Kind of figuring his broken record of `no's' could continue on forever Kagome laid her palm across his forehead. “So Inu, what's it like to faint?”
 
Reacting quickly Inuyasha thrust his legs beneath him and leapt to his feet. Facing all of his companions he lowered his ears, bared his teeth, and let out a warning growl.
 
“Puppy seems kind of scared,” commented Kouga wryly.
 
The next instant found Inuyasha's hand firmly encircling the wolf's neck, claws dangerously close to puncturing skin.
 
Oh shit.
 
Odd. He's not a demon. But he's acting like one. My poor pathetic brother.
 
Eyes wide with fright, Kagome rushed up to Inuyasha and Kouga, Sango and Miroku at her heels. “Inu, leave go of Kouga. You don't want to hurt him. Remember Akki and Naraku? They're coming tomorrow.”
 
“I'd rather fight both of them by myself than deal with this fool any longer,” growled Inuyasha, his free hand clenching in anger.
 
“Hanyou, don't act so brashly. Everyone saw you faint; you plan on killing all of us to save your pride? Face it, if you truly cared about your pride you wouldn't have teamed up with humans and chosen this human wench as a mate. Now let the wolf go before you completely destroy all chances of our survival.”
 
Gritting his teeth Inuyasha lifted Kouga clear off the ground before flinging him away. Coming to a halt twenty feet away Kouga gingerly rose to his feet while gently running his fingers over his bruised throat. Acting wise he kept his distance from the still seething hanyou.
 
I hate you Sesshoumaru.
 
Inuyasha sent his half-brother a smoldering glare before crossing his arms and stiffly walking off. Moving to follow him Kagome jumped slightly when a rosary-clad hand encircled her upper arm.
 
“I think it would be the wisest to let him go for now. Not only did he faint, but he also listened to Sesshoumaru's logic. And let Kouga go. He needs to allow his beaten pride to recover somewhat before facing any of us again.” Miroku smiled down at the young miko. “But you could always use your new ability to tell us what he's thinking.”
 
Slapping him on the back of the head Sango grumbled, “Should have known you would have tried to use Kagome's ability. Can't expect anything less from a perverted monk.”
 
My darling Sango is so brilliant. That's why I love her so much. Hey Kagome? If you're listening to me you can let it slip that I said I loved her while talking to her. I wouldn't mind.
 
Kagome, if you're reading his mind and he's telling you to do something for him, scratch your cheek.
 
Stifling a laugh, Kagome reached up and lightly scratched her cheek.
 
Fuming, Sango whipped to Miroku. “That's it monk. You're coming with me. And you'll be working the rest of the day. With NO BREAKS!”
 
Kaaagooomeee! How could you betray me like this? How she's going to run me into the ground. Ooh…perhaps she'll massage my tired muscles at the end of the day…
 
Grinning goofily Miroku allowed himself to be dragged away by the enraged demon exterminator. The remaining three stared at each other.
 
“So…” trailed off Kagome, looking from the wolf to the dog demon.
 
The mutt is gone…now I can work my charm!
 
Rolling her eyes Kagome moved her eyes back to Kouga. “Kouga, will you at least try and keep your thoughts to yourself?”
 
Looking flustered, Kouga grinned at the miko. “Why Kagome, I didn't think of anything. Perhaps it was Sesshoumaru you heard?”
 
“Yeah, I'm sure it was him. He wants to work his `charm' on me alright,” replied Kagome sarcastically.
 
Jerking his head to Kagome, the demon lord let out a soft growl. “Wench, what did you accuse me of wanting?”
 
Fluttering her eyelashes, Kagome stared up at Sesshoumaru with big doe eyes. “You mean you don't want to work your charm on me? How sad, and here I thought you liked me!”
 
SHE'S MY WOMAN!
 
The next second saw Kouga rushing between Kagome and Sesshoumaru, one hand on the hilt of his sword. “Hands off Sesshoumaru, she's mine!”
 
If this is what the fate of the world rests on…well I think I'll go start digging the graves now.
 
Without a spoken word Sesshoumaru turned on his heel and regally walked away.
 
Haha! I sure showed him. He won't try claiming Kagome again! Now just to get rid of that pesky mutt…
 
Sighing softly, Kagome decided that Sesshoumaru was probably thinking along the right tracks. “I'm going to go see if Sango and Miroku need any help. You…um…do something. Just make sure it doesn't include you going anywhere near Sesshoumaru or Inuyasha, okay?”
 
CRASH!
 
Dammit. I still can't see why you enjoy saying his name so much. My name is so much cooler sounding anyways.
 
“You could always just say puppy or mutt like me,” grumbled Kouga, looking up at the smiling girl. “Or do you simply find subduing me entertaining?”
 
Swell, what if she is sadistic? Well, I would do anything for my woman, including being subdued by her. I just wish it wasn't that accursed name.
 
Giggling softly, Kagome said, “Oh no, it's not the subduing I find entertaining. It's the fact that you still don't seem to realize I can read minds.”
 
“I really have to watch my thoughts now, don't I?” asked Kouga, sounding slightly crestfallen. He was much more the type to just talk and act without thinking. He really didn't think he'd be that successful with controlling thoughts.
 
“It would be most helpful, especially for me. I mean yeah, at times being a mind reader is entertaining, or even useful. But the majority of times you guys just give me a headache.”
 
“Oh…sorry. I'll try and control my thoughts from now on, okay?”
 
“Thanks Kouga,” said Kagome with a bright smile. Starting to follow the path Sango and Miroku took earlier; she looked over her shoulder and snickered. “Oh yeah, and Kouga? I'm not a sadist. Just thought you might want to know.”
 
Dammit.
 
oOoOoOoOoOoOo
 
When the sun began sinking into the horizon Sango looked up from the grave she was currently kneeling in front of. Ever since she and Miroku had left the others several hours they had been tending to the graves and finding new flowers to plan atop them. She knew it wasn't much, but it was the most she could offer. Her nails were encrusted with dirt and her face tearstained from remembering her friends that were now buried beneath the earth. And being back in the village she grew up in only managed to have her plagues with memories of her now enslaved brother.
 
Choking back a sob Sango sat back and hugging her legs against her chest she rested her forehead on her knees.
 
Taking a break from repairing a grave desecrated from a demon Kouga stared with sorrow at the grieving girl. He knew how she felt. It was how he felt every time he laid eyes on Kagura. His mind would be pummeled so harshly with his friend's and comrade's memories he could barely see straight.
 
“It hurts, I know,” he whispered softly, so softly Sango barely heard him. “It's hard to hold onto your sanity long enough to seek your revenge.”
 
“If it weren't for Kagome, Miroku, and the others I wouldn't be able to it,” answered Sango truthfully. “I want to save Kohaku, but the rational part of my mind says there's no way to save him without killing him. But the others keep me going. Their optimism allows me to believe, even if it's a false belief, that I can bring my brother back. I wouldn't trade them for anything.” Sango sighed softly and looked towards the wolf prince. With how he acted the majority of the time it was hard to imagine him grieving for his fallen tribe. It was hard to picture the ever cheerful wolf looking morose and depressed. But it was now. “How do you do it Kouga? What keeps you going?”
 
Letting a ghost of a smile flit across his face Kouga answered with a simple word. “Kagome.”
 
“But…how? Why?”
 
“How when I know she loves Inuyasha?” Kouga showed a bitter smile when Sango appeared shocked. “Yeah, I know she loves him. I've known for awhile now. I know I'll only ever be a friend to her. Know she picked the hanyou over me.”
 
“But Kouga, you know Kagome doesn't care whether someone's a hanyou or a demon.”
 
Slumping his shoulders, Kouga nodded. “I know. That's why I love her. She's a miko, but befriends all. She'll help a demon ever when her blood is crying out for her to purify it. She's practically adopted that runt.” Seeing the unspoken question in Sango's eyes, he pressed on. “So why do I continue to chase after her when I know I've already lost? It's the only way I can remain sane. I know that if I chase after Kagome Inuyasha will get mad which will cause her to subdue him, and more recently myself as well.”
 
“Normality.”
 
“Yeah, try to keep things normal. Bet this side of me surprised you, didn't it? I'm not only the hardheaded, cheerful, if slightly stupid, wolf, everyone knows. But what would be the point of changing now? If everyone acts how they usually do we can be each other's strength. If one suddenly changes, than that unsteady way we have of supporting each other will crumble.”
 
Nodding in agreement Sango said, “You're right. But every now and then you need to take a break from the façade you put up. You just need to let it out, you know?”
 
Stretching his arms over his head Kouga offered Sango a simple smile. “Yeah, thanks Sango. I've never really talked to someone like this before. But then seeing you visibly mourning your friends and family, made me realize I'm not alone in this.”
 
Standing up Sango walked over to Kouga and grasped his forearm. “Of course not Kouga. Ever since you joined us you haven't been alone. You have friends. And Kagome really does love you. Perhaps not what you're looking for, but she does love us all. Talk to her if you ever need to. Or me. Even though I have to admit, in the beginning it was pretty weird hearing you talk like that. But it just shows you have a heart.”
 
“Aw, you mean I shouldn't talk to Inuyasha or Sesshoumaru?” asked Kouga jokingly.
 
“You can. Just don't expect me to rescue you when they never stop teasing you about `feelings,'” replied Sango with a laugh.
 
“Everything all right over here?” asked Miroku while walking up with Kagome on his tail. “Sango! Are you getting frisky with Kouga?” he gasped in feigned betrayal.
 
“Kagome is the only woman for me!” proclaimed Kouga loudly while promptly jumping to Kagome's side and slinging an arm casually around her shoulders. Rolling her eyes, Kagome lightly jabbed him in the side, causing him to drop his arm.
 
“And just what is that supposed to mean?” asked Miroku darkly. “Is my lovely Sango not good enough for you?”
 
Oh great. Here we go again.
 
Uh…is Miroku one of those guys who defend their woman at all costs? If he goes for that rosary I'm out of here. No one ever said anything about getting sucked into a black hole.
 
“That's not it,” replied Kouga. “That boomerang just scares me. I wish you the best of luck with that.”
 
“Sango's boomerang is sexy!” defended Miroku. His eyes got a faraway expression as he continued. “The way her muscles ripple while she prepares to throw her, her fierce gaze full of determination, the way her brow perspires. Ah yes, my dear Sango. I'm sure she's ever sexier in be…”
 
“And that's enough of that,” grumbled Sango while lifting her boomerang off the now silent monk's head. Taking a hold of the collar of his robes she began dragging him towards a still standing building. “Thanks for your help guys, I really appreciate it,” she called out over her shoulder.
 
“No problem,” replied Kouga, giving the girl a jaunty wave.
 
“Since when did you and Sango become so friendly?” wondered Kagome aloud. “Before you guys never really seemed to talk.”
 
“Things change,” whispered Kouga softly, casting the young miko one lonely, wistful, gaze before quickly averting his eyes. “And now, before I lose the weak hold I have over my mind I think I'll get some rest. Don't need to be giving the mind reader a headache now, do I?” joked Kouga.
 
“Yeah, that's a good idea. Who knows how much rest we'll be able to get after tomorrow,” said Kagome with a soft sigh.
 
Are you scared?
 
Jumping slightly at the unexpected question entering her mind Kagome bit her lip and let out a small nod. It was so much easier answering truthfully when the question was unspoken.
 
“It's alright to be scared. But you'll see, Akki won't get any of us. And Naraku is just a big pushover. We've got myself, Sesshoumaru, and even the mutt. Not to mention you, Miroku, and Sango. We'll handle them.”
 
“Kouga, he's angry. What if something bad does happen tomorrow? The last night would have been spent angry. I don't want him mad at me right now.”
 
Smelling the salty scent of tears Kouga swallowed his pride. Drawing the girl into his arms he said, “Kagome, the mutt loves you. And he's not mad at you. Sesshoumaru and myself are the one's he's angry with. You did nothing wrong. I'm sure he'll come around before the night's over.”
 
Returning the hug, Kagome sniffled against the wolf's chest. “You know Kouga, I think that's one of the nicest and most sincere things you've ever said to me. Thank you.”
 
Man, I'm just destroying everyone's impressions of me tonight. I better stop now before Sesshoumaru finds out I like to sing.
 
Giggling, Kagome looked up. “Sing do you? And what do you sing about may I ask?”
 
Releasing the girl Kouga struck a valiant pose. “About how the lone wolf was able to defeat the two evil dog demon brothers single handedly and bring home the fair maiden princess!” Unsheathing his sword Kouga fought a few imaginary opponents. “I sing about how it was a close fight! One in which the wolf almost died! But in the end good triumphed over evil! The wolf was victorious and got the girl! That, my fair Kagome, is what I sing about.”
 
Breaking out into laughter Kagome said, “Kouga, that was one of the most disturbing things I have ever seen you do. Oh wow, I think it's definitely time for bed now.”
 
Following the laughing girl Kouga let out a small smile. Even though he lost her to Inuyasha he still had the ability to make her laugh. For that he was happy.
 
oOoOoOoOoOoOo
 
Glaring down at his brother from atop a tree Inuyasha let out a feral growl. “Do you plan on standing there all night oh mighty brother?”
 
Meeting his half-brother's glare head on Sesshoumaru replied, “Only if you plan on being childish the whole night.”
 
“Hmph, childish? I see nothing childish about this.”
 
“Nothing childish? My dear brother, you are pouting in a tree because we witnessed your fainting,” said Sesshoumaru with a slight roll of the eyes.
 
“I am not pouting,” griped Inuyasha.
 
“Oh really? Then may I inquire as to what you are actually doing?”
 
“Sitting.”
 
“Why did you choose this tree, which just so happens to be the farthest you could get while still being able to watch over the others?”
 
“Felt like it.”
 
Really, thought Sesshoumaru, it was like Inuyasha had never fully matured yet. Talking to him was like trying to give a young dog demon a bath. And contrary to popular beliefs, dog demons, especially young dog demons, do not enjoy water. And wet dog demons smell funny to boot. “So do you plan on spending the whole night in this tree?”
 
“Probably.”
 
“You truly are a foolish creature. Your rage and anger blinds you to everything you have,” said Sesshoumaru. “I know of one who would love to have what you do. And he would treat her much better as well.”
 
Sesshoumaru wasn't entirely sure why he was doing this. Trying to talk sense into his brother for a human of all else. Actually, even him trying to talk civilly to his brother seemed quite odd. He had hung around this group for entirely too much time for he had changed.
 
“What the hell are you talking about?” snarled Inuyasha, landing toe to toe with Sesshoumaru. “I swear, if you try and take Kagome away from me I'll rip your head off! She's mine!”
 
Seeing some red tinting appearing around the corners of Inuyasha's eyes made Sesshoumaru look down. Figures, the damn hanyou just had to leave tetsusaiga in a building. He had to react fast to keep him from fully transforming.
 
Slamming Inuyasha against a tree trunk Sesshoumaru unleashed a fierce growl. “You fool!” he spat. “If she's yours as you so claim why do you run off on her on the eve of battle? Both of us know she's one damn sensitive human.”
 
“So you didn't deny it. You are trying to steal her,” remarked Inuyasha with a curl of the lip.
 
Seeing the slightly elongated fangs, Sesshoumaru slammed the hanyou against the tree again. “I am not trying to steal her,” he said coldly. “I am trying to get you to stop acting like a pre-pubescent boy and grow up for once. She loves you, and I highly doubt anyone could take her from you. She wouldn't leave your side. But you're doing a pretty shitty job of returning the favor. Hell, you're so close to losing it you can't even smell it.”
 
His interest piqued, Inuyasha asked, “Smell what?”
 
Shaking his head, Sesshoumaru released Inuyasha. “Calm down and try to find it yourself. I shouldn't have to tell you.”
 
Closing his eyes Inuyasha breathed in deeply. A second later his eyes snapped open, all traces of redness vanished. “She's crying. Kagome's crying!”
 
Not disguising his disgust, Sesshoumaru stared in disdain at the hanyou. “Like I said before, she's a damn sensitive human. Tonight of all nights she doesn't need you pouting in a tree.”
 
“Why do you care so much?” asked Inuyasha, the confusion plainly written in his eyes.
 
“That is not important. This conversation is over.”
 
Shrugging his shoulders, Inuyasha mumbled a `whatever' before running off.
 
Gently easing the door of the building open Inuyasha stepped inside and waited for his eyes to become adjusted to the inky blackness. He knew exactly where Kagome, and the others, was by their scents. But he still didn't feel like stepping on somebody because he couldn't see. A few moments later he could make out the darker lumps of his friends and was able to step safely around their prone forms.
 
Reaching the miko, Inuyasha knelt down by her side and tenderly rolled her over. He could see the dried tracks of her tears and sighed softly. How could he always manage to reduce her to tears?
 
Her eyelids fluttering open, Kagome flew awake when she saw it was Inuyasha.
 
Pressing a finger to his lips Inuyasha gathered her into his arms and walked back outside.
 
“Inuyasha, what? Why?” stumbled Kagome groggily.
 
Well, considering she can read minds no use trying to avoid it.
 
“Sorry,” he muttered.
 
Now wide awake Kagome openly gaped at Inuyasha. Did she hear right? Did the arrogant and stubborn hanyou just apologize without any prodding on her part?
 
Feh, perhaps I shouldn't bother apologizing if that is the kind of reaction I get.
 
Wrapping her arms around his neck Kagome burrowed her head into the crook of his neck. “Thank you,” she whispered. “I didn't want you to spend this night mad.”
 
Hmph. I could never be mad at you.
 
“You know I can read minds, right?”
 
Nodding quickly, Inuyasha said, “Yeah. But it seems easier to say stuff when you're not actually talking.” Reaching his destination, Inuyasha jumped straight up and landed on a thick tree branch. Sitting back against the trunk he positioned Kagome so she was leaning comfortably against his chest. Wrapping his arms around her waist he rested his chin atop her head. “Now sleep. We'll need the rest of tomorrow.”
 
Yawning, Kagome nodded her agreement.
 
I love you.
 
Gently smiling, Kagome soon dozed off, those three words managing to make her forget the plight her and her friends would soon face tomorrow.
 
oOoOoOoOoOoOo
 
As the sun began rising the next morning one could already see the demon lord patrolling the woods outside the decimated village. His eyes, ears, and nose were all alert for any signs of their enemies approaching. But with how foul the stench of Naraku was he would be able to smell their arrival at least from five miles away. And to speak of the devil…
 
“Shit,” growled Sesshoumaru under his breath. “Bastards must be eager to start this fight as soon as possible.” Knowing time was of the essence Sesshoumaru formed his cloud beneath his feet and arrived back at the village in the shortest time possible. Throwing open the door to where three of his companions were sleeping, Sesshoumaru managed to wake all of them with the loud bang.
 
“Go away,” mumbled Miroku. “I don't care if you're hungry.”
 
“Monk, tell that to Naraku and Akki when they arrive. I'm sure they'll care,” snapped Sesshoumaru.
 
Eyes flying open, Sango leapt to her feet. “They're here?!”
 
“Not yet. But they will be soon. I would highly recommend making whatever preparations you need to,” said Sesshoumaru. “We have an hour, maybe two tops, before they get here.”
 
That was all the three occupants needed to have them preparing their equipment for the battle ahead. Leaving them to prepare, Sesshoumaru left and walked to the base of the tree where the remaining two were still sleeping. “Get up,” demanded Sesshoumaru.
 
Baring his teeth without cracking an eyelid, Inuyasha replied with a “Make me.”
 
Quickly forming his green whip Sesshoumaru cracked in on the ground. “With pleasure dear brother.”
 
Yelping, Kagome sat up. “Not with me here! On no, no way am I getting whipped out of a tree.”
 
Whipping…pigtails…whipping…pigtails. Ah, revenge is at last mine.
 
“Ahh! You wouldn't dare!” squealed Kagome. “Inuyasha! Get us off this tree!”
 
Sesshoumaru cracked the barest hint of a smile when a completely puzzled Inuyasha did as the girl commanded. He never realized his whip could work so efficiently in his favor. He would have to remember that one for the future.
 
“So what was this early morning wake-up call for anyways?” asked Inuyasha.
 
“They're coming,” stated Sesshoumaru. “Make whatever preparations you need to for the battle. And fast. They'll be here soon.” Turning abruptly, the demon lord began walking away from the surprised miko and hanyou. He looked down when a pair of hands grabbed his arm.
 
“Sesshoumaru, how soon?” asked Kagome frantically. “And how do we plan on fighting both of them when we barely got away with our lives against just Akki? You do have an idea, right?”
 
Sesshoumaru stared at the young miko who was trying to desperately to not show fear, yet failing miserably. Was she actually depending on him to have a plan? Everyone saw how bad his plan failed against Akki. Why would they want another one from him? It didn't make sense. He wondered what she would say if he said he had no plan.
 
Shrugging the miko's hands off his arm, Sesshoumaru began walking away. “My plan miko? The only plan I can offer you is to hope and pray for survival.” Tensing his shoulders at the scent of incoming tears, he quickened his pace. It was best this way. False hope never helped anyone. He saw no plausible way of fighting against both Naraku and Akki and even hoping for survival. So why give false hope to a young miko? It was pointless.
 
But why, he silently wondered, did it hurt when he knew he was the reason for her tears?
 
oOoOoOoOoOoOo
 
The six battle hardened warriors stood ready outside the demon exterminator village. It was a fitting location for the final battle. What better place to destroy the most evil demons then at the village that used to house demon exterminators?
 
All six straightened up when the faint outlines of their adversaries appeared in the distance. Reaching down, Inuyasha gently squeezed Kagome's hand in reassurance. She eagerly accepted his strength.
 
Miroku and Sango stood shoulder to shoulder. They were so close it would have been near impossible to even fit a single sheet of paper between them.
 
Kouga stood on the other side of Kagome. He wouldn't fail this time. If Akki was able to look Kagome in the eyes it would only because he, Kouga, had already been killed.
 
Sesshoumaru stood in front of the others. He had somehow come to obtain the position of leader in this ragtag group of heroes. So be it. Not that it would help at all in the long run, but he had agreed to lead the onslaught.
 
Stopping a few hundred feet away, their opponents came to a standstill. Naraku, Kagura, Kanna, Kohaku, and of course, Akki.
 
They had arrived.
 
The fight could begin.