InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ New Life ❯ Chapter 42 ( Chapter 42 )

Year: 1536
Month: August

Kagome, Miroku and Naraku met at the gates of his palace. They studied each other carefully. Glancing behind him, Miroku mused, his gaze serious. “You have help?”

Naraku nodded silently, glancing behind him. Behind him in the halls stood creatures of unearthly origin. They had been a gift considering the only incarnations he had left, he had freed. The fact that the wind tunnel was now gone had eased some of Miroku's mistrust of Naraku but at the same time it was hard to get rid of the hatred. “Yes, she sent them to us. They will allow the battle to be real and at the same time it will give us the time needed to get things prepared.”

Miroku nodded as Kagome touched his shoulder, her eyes bright with tears. On her back rested the twins. Naraku glanced at her carefully. She gave a distant smile. “They will survive. This I promise.” She surged her energy to reveal the invisible barrier on her back protecting the two. Naraku nodded.

Facing the doors, the three stepped out into the courtyard. The sun had yet to rise but they could see the beginnings of the sunrise. Kagome reached over and took Miroku's hand in hers. “Make it convincing Miroku. They can't know. They must not know the truth.”

He snorted. “What of the fallen ones?” Kagome sent him a smile at his awkwardness. “They could tell the others afterwards.”

Kagome shook her head. It was Naraku that answered. “No, they won't because to do so would reveal their true selves to them and the world. Even now they most likely seethe because we have come together for my destruction.”

Naraku's voice was bitter. Kagome sighed and hesitantly went to him, gently touching his shoulder. “It won't be your destruction. You'll be given a new life in your rebirth.” Naraku looked over at her frowning in disbelief. Kagome gave a small laugh. “I believe it.”

“She is correct Naraku.” All three turned in surprise to see Kono-hana. Immediately, Naraku moved to her to take her hands.

“Hime… what has happened?” She gave a weak smile as she slumped to the ground. It was obvious that she was in pain and she appeared to be burning slow.

“They have discovered my hand in this. As I speak now, my true body is being burned. I do not have long. Naraku, for once you have found the true correct path. You will be given another chance. There is one that will come to this place in 6 days. I have requested that they send your souls to another.”

Kagome tilted her head in confusion. “What do you mean?”

Kono-hana gave a weak smile. “She and her brother have come from overseas. They come from the land of Egypt. They are both Priest and Priestess there and hold power. With them will be two children. Their souls are not complete. By choosing this path, he will live on and survive in a life that will heal and nurture to atone for the sins he has committed. He will give them a true chance at life. One will receive Onigumo's soul and the other will receive Naraku's soul. At the end, you need to hide his body priestess. I have come to place the sealing spell on his soul's so they cannot be taken. If his body endures, it will be safe.”

Kagome hesitated. “What if…”

Kono-hana gave a sharp shake of her head. “No, once given, it cannot be taken away. Just ensure to hide his body My Lady.”

Bowing her head, Kagome sighed. So be it. “Yes Hime.”

Kono-hana gave a small smile. “Good.” She raised her hands and began to speak in a different tongue. As she finished, she fell to the ground, her form almost completely sees through. “Battle well. Miroku, though you die this day, you will be placed among those that reside next to his son. You will be honored.”

Miroku's expression darkened. “I would rather be with my wife.” He sighed then. “If I must, I will.”

The trio watched the minor Goddess fade away until nothing remained but a single sakura blossom. Miroku and Kagome watched silently as Naraku kneeled and tucked the bloom into his hoari. Turning to them he nodded and headed out.

Kagome looked to Miroku and gave him a strained smile. “It's time.” He nodded and gave her a fierce hug, holding her to him tightly before he moved off to the side to settle back in wait. Kagome moved to the center of the clearing and placed her hands on a pole in the center.

Naraku moved next to her and chained her hands to the pole, ensuring they were tight. He gave her a distant smile that Kagome returned. Let it begin then.

The group arrived at the entrance to the castle and were surprised to see nobody within except for two people. One they instantly recognized as Naraku. The next person, it took only a moment before they recognized her as Kagome. Immediately they moved forward.

“Ah, Inuyasha, Sesshomaru. So glad you could make it.” Naraku smirked darkly as he watched them. He had to play his part well. Lifting his hand, he snapped his fingers. Instantly, a fake Naraku appeared. They began to double until there was enough for each person. He went easy on the kids though and only made one for them. “I see that the time has come to end your existence. I do hope you put on a good show.” As he finished speaking, his phantom army suddenly appeared, hundreds for each fake Naraku. Forming a barrier around himself, he felt Kagome inject a little of her own into it. They couldn't make it easy after all. This was a training exercise for the real battle that lay ahead of them.

The massive hoard as well as the fake Naraku all charged at once, blocking out the image of the real Naraku and Kagome. The group immediately surged forward to face the oncoming opposition.

Inuyasha grunted as Tetsaiga met the blade of his first opponent. He easily swiped their blade aside and tore them apart with his claws. He grinned. So far, the plan was going well. Kohaku was in wait near the entrance to step in should the need arise. He, Hiroki and Sesshomaru fought side by side while Ayame, Zia, Sango and Arie protected each other's back. They had split into the two groups to allow room to move. Kirara remained close, not actually fighting but protecting Sango. Whirling, he sliced through another of these strange demons Naraku had sent at him.

Sesshomaru continued destroying everything in his path. His intent was to reach Naraku and end it once and for all. That filth had dared to lay hands on his mother. It would not be tolerated. It didn't matter that Kagome was in that direction. He would free the girl and ensure she survived to the end of the battle. He'd yet to pull Bakusaiga for this battle and he did not intend on doing it anytime soon. These youkais were nothing more than low class youkai that were in his opinion nothing.

Hiroki grinned as he lit another youkai on fire. This was extremely fun. He hadn't had this kind of fun in years and it was all thanks to the woman that was currently chained to a pole by the real Naraku. He'd discovered these past months thanks to Zia that he'd follow the strange miko to the ends of the world to ensure her goal was met. All she ever wanted was for youkai and humans to live. She did not want the bloodshed. Whirling, he brought his claws down on a youkai while pulling up an illusion, causing another youkai to start screaming in agony.

Sango's eyes were fierce. Yes, she was in the center of the females, but she was still able to get a few hits in every so often. Feeling Kirara transform, she back flipped on top of her back and then let loose with Hirakotsu. It surged through the crowd, knocking out demons left and right. He would pay for taking her monk away from her. Catching Hirakotsu, she briefly rested a hand on her stomach before letting it fly once more. She would do anything and everything to ensure she lived as well as her child.

Ayame huffed as she took out a youkai with her claws. This was almost boring. These were nothing more than scum. Of course, Naraku would use something like this. At the same time, her mind was distracted. Where were the incarnations? Kohaku had informed them that he had been running around for quite some time so he had no idea where they were and could only assume, they still were alive. She'd not seen hide nor hair of any of them. It almost brought a chill down her spine.

Zia growled as she pounced on a youkai, her teeth tearing its throat out as she slashed at another nearby. Her movements were quick and efficient, a cat hunting its prey. She grinned, blood pouring down her chin. Oh, this was so much fun. A giggle escaped as she pounced on another, taking two down at the same time.

Arie swung her blade, cutting off one of the youkai's head. A feral smile appeared. Swinging her short blade with one hand into a youkai's neck, her teeth tore into the shoulder and neck of another. She would get to Kagome if it was the last thing she did.

Shippo and Rin had remained standing near the back, but this hadn't stopped the hoard. Kohaku had hastily joined them upon noticing. The three stood, their backs facing each other as they cut down one after another. Rin had been given a short blade by Sesshomaru that had been infused with his youki as well as Shippo's. Between the three, they were making short work of their part of the hoard.

Kikyo grunted as she watched. She had climbed a tree nearby and was calmly taking out youkai with her bow and arrows. Once she ran out, she would join the fray with the children. Her gaze kept moving to the location of Kagome. She seemed to be talking to Naraku. A grin appeared. Most likely she was yelling at him. She attempted to reach out but found nothing. The link was blocked. Perhaps it was the chains that prevented it.

Within the first few minutes of battle, Kagome had grimaced. It was brutal. “Did you need so many?”

Naraku chuckled. “Think of this as a training exercise for the real battle to come.”

Kagome shrugged. “I guess. You better not kill any of them. This is already costing me one of my pack mates.”

“Yes, yes, I know. I was thinking of dragging this out for at least most of the day.”

Kagome rolled her eyes. Of course Naraku would find this humorous. After all, he hadn't exactly been on his best behavior until just recently. “Yeah, yeah.” A sudden idea popped into her head. “Why not drag it out for more than a day?”

Naraku gave her a dark look. “You tempt me miko.”

Kagome sighed. “No, I mean, if this ends today, I'm going to have to expend energy to hide your body. Why not drag it out and end it on the fifth day?”

Naraku paused in this. It would help Kagome survive once the battle was over. Not to mention it would make it easier for his soul to go where it was needed. Nodding briefly, he looked away. “So be it. I cannot guarantee that they will be unharmed in this case.” Kagome gave a slight pause before nodding.

Miroku watched the battle calmly. He wanted to help them. He knew however that he couldn't do it. He had to wait. Suddenly within the shadows, a puppet appeared. Glancing over, he tensed. “Is it time?”

The puppet remained silent. “It has been decided to continue the battle for five days.”

Miroku gave him a confused look but the puppet merely pointed to Kagome and the real Naraku.

Suddenly understanding filtered through his mind. This would help Kagome in the end. Looking to the puppet, he frowned. “What shall I do in the meantime?”

The puppet gave a dark smirk and motioned him to join the battle. As Miroku took a step toward it, the puppet suddenly reared back and sent a tentacle at him.

Miroku grinned in relief. Good, he wouldn't have to pretend to go against his friends. He had no doubt this was Kagome's doing. She would allow him time to spend with Sango. Even if it was in battle. Pulling up his staff, he blocked the tentacle and immediately began a chant, pulling out an ofuda. Throwing it, he watched as the fake Naraku began to burn. As it twisted in agony, Miroku took off at a run to the others.

As the battle raged, the sun climbed into the sky without their knowledge. Above the battle, the Kami's watched the battle. They were grinning happily. Soon it would end. That half breed would fall and not soon after so would the miko. Once she died, they would be able to remold her form and spirit to their purpose. “Inform Lilith that she will be needed soon.” A messenger bowed, shaking, before sprinting off to the realm of Earth.

Even farther from the seat of the Kamis, a single entity was watching the battle. There was sorrow that filled it. “Michael.”

Suddenly, a brilliant light appeared although it did not outshine the entity. “Yes, My Lord?”

“You will take a legion to this battle. Protect them all against outside interference.”

Michael moved away but paused. “What of the monk?”

Sorrow filled the entity. “His destiny is at hand. Ensure that he and his love have their time. Upon his death, bring him back with you. He is to be seated at my table.” Michael immediately moved away, gathering the legions.

As night reached the group, the humans found themselves weary of the battle. Suddenly, a familiar voice reached them. Inuyasha whirled, almost getting his head sliced off. Back handing the youkai, he jumped over. “Miroku! You died!”

Miroku merely gave a weary smile. “I thought I did as well. I found myself captured instead. I managed to escape with all the madness out here.” Miroku let out a rough laugh. “Tell everyone to pull back, we need rest. I can form a barrier around us to protect us from the onslaught.”

Inuyasha nodded. He paused a moment in battle to thump Miroku on the back. “You get started then. By the way, Sango has something to tell you.”

As Miroku reached the others, they were flabbergasted. Suddenly, Sango was next to him, hugging him tightly. “Miroku! You died!” Miroku swung his staff, purifying the youkai in an instant.

“In a moment my dear.” Whirling his staff, Miroku began a chant and then slammed his staff into the ground. Instantly, a barrier appeared around the females. Turning, he pulled Sango to him. “Before we begin our talk, will you be so kind as to retrieve the children Sango dear?”

Sango hesitated a moment. Did she want to endanger their child? Already, she had numerous gashes on her arms and legs. At that moment, Arie spoke up. “No need, I will retrieve them. Ayame, will you be a dear and get Kikyo? I am certain I see the boys headed towards us now.” Ayame gave a grin before bounding away.

When Arie reached the kids, she smiled proudly. All around them were mounds of youkai. Currently, the three were facing the fake Naraku. Leaping next to them, she gave a cocky grin. “Want a little help?”

Rin instantly smiled. “Arie!”

“Actually, I think you will need help little mermaid.” Arie whirled and caught sight of another of Naraku's fakes. She growled darkly. Her hand absently drifted to her shoulder. The bastard had managed to pierce her shoulder so far.

Shippo, Kohaku and Rin glanced at each other briefly. Oddly enough, the youkai around them had drifted off, leaving them alone to face the puppet. They'd been so in tune with each other that they now knew what each other was thinking. Moving forward, they each attacked separately, moving so that it was surrounded. The tentacles kept coming at them.

It was far too late for the puppet to realize what they were doing. Suddenly, Shippo let loose a large blast of fox fire, singeing the tentacles and making them flop to the ground. Almost instantly, Rin and Kohaku darted forward swinging. Their weapons sank into the flesh of the puppet. It let out a screech of agony but before it could escape, Shippo darted forward, his weapon burning with his fox fire and buried it in the puppet's neck. All three watched as it disintegrated, a wooden doll collapsing to the ground and disappearing into dust.

The three grinned triumphantly. Turning, they hurried off after Arie. “Arie, let's get back to the others!” Shippo's voice was happy. In an instant, the trio watched Arie throw a wave of water at the fake Naraku before catching up with them and picking up Kohaku. Shippo tossed Rin on his back and the two ran to the barrier.

Ayame had never had so much fun dodging the youkai. As she reached Kikyo, her eyes widened. Kikyo was facing off against a puppet. Darting forward, she landed next to the puppet and sliced it with her claws. Instantly, the puppet darted off to the side, cursing at her. Ayame grinned. “Hey Kikyo, it's time to get back to the others.” Kikyo gave a rough nod. Upon seeing her pained face, she saw a wound in her side.

Ayame almost heard when Naraku attempted to attack Kikyo again. Instantly, the both went into a battle stance. Kikyo pulled an arrow and shot it, Miko energy surrounding it. Ayame darted forward and slashed with her claws. The two pushed the puppet back, not letting up their attacks, not even giving it a chance to form new tentacles.

As one, the two reached the puppet and made the final blow. They'd received a few new bruises, but they were still moving. Kikyo slammed her bow into the puppet's gut as Ayame removed the puppet's head. As they watched the wooden doll disintegrate, they suddenly realized that there wasn't any youkai around them now.

Moving to Kikyo, Ayame grimaced. “Come on, let's get back to the others.”

“Yes, I think that would be best.” Kikyo grunted in pain.

Lifting Kikyo into her arms, she darted back to the group.

As the girl's returned with the others, the guys were back. As they all entered, Inuyasha pulled Tetsaiga and stabbed it into the ground across from Miroku's staff. Sesshomaru pulled Bakusaiga and did the same in another corner. Hiroki pulled his own sword that been left untouched during the battle and stabbed it into the ground on the other side. Instantly, the barrier strengthened and just in time as the youkai began to attack the barrier aggressively.

Miroku moved to Kikyo and instantly began to inspect her wound. Everyone else had some light wounds so he knew they would be okay. Most of the wounds on the youkai had mostly already healed. Kikyo's was the worst. Inuyasha hovered protectively. Once it was bandaged, Miroku inspected Rin and Kohaku.

After everything was done, Miroku settled. “I know that you have questions. I will tell you my story. That night, my wind tunnel was acting up. It was towards morning that I could feel my wind tunnel shift. I left, thinking it was the end.”

Inuyasha growled. “Why didn't you tell us that your damn wind tunnel was acting up monk!”

Miroku sighed. “I didn't realize it was imperative. Either way, my wind tunnel exploded, and I blacked out. When I woke, I found myself in Naraku's castle. My wind tunnel was no more. I believe he was pulling his energy in for the final battle. I managed to escape the castle in all this madness.”

The others remained silent. Suddenly, Sango was in Miroku's lap crying. “You are never allowed to leave me again Miroku!” Guilt stabbed through Miroku. Soon he'd have to leave her for good.

“Not if I can help it.” He murmured his reply as he rubbed her back.

“Miroku, there is something you need to know.” Miroku waited, a small smile playing on his lips. “I'm pregnant.”

Miroku instantly grinned widely, kissing Sango passionately. “We will name him after your father then.”

Sango looked up in surprise. “What if it's a girl?”

Miroku chuckled. He decided to humor her. “It will be a son. It is my family line coming into effect.” Sango scowled but then laughed. Miroku looked at the others. “Shall we rest and eat something so we can fight in the morning?” The others nodded in agreement.

Kagome watched as a fire lit in the middle of the youkai. A pained smile appeared. Looking back at Naraku, she sighed. “So, it's just us then.”

Naraku nodded, settling on the ground. “Shall I light a fire?” Kagome shook her head, her gaze going to her family.

The two settled back staring at the distant fire. Both got lost in their memories and thoughts of the future. Suddenly, Kagome turned to Naraku. “Do you think I will be able to recognize your soul?”

Naraku gave a small shrug. “I have no idea.”

As the silence fell once more, both witnessed a phenomenon. Before their eyes, orbs of light landed on the earth around the battlefield. They watched as the lights formed into strange beautiful creatures with wings. Chi suddenly spoke, having been quiet for this whole time. “They are angels. My Lord sent them to protect us from outside forces. The leader is Michael.” Kagome spoke to Naraku of what was said. As the moon rose, the small groups had a restful sleep in the midst of the battle.