InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Realization ❯ Fire and Ice ( Chapter 10 )

DISCLAIMER:I do not own any part of the Inuyasha franchise.

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~CHAPTER 10~

Fire and Ice

 

Inuyasha and Kagome walked back to the campsite hand-in-hand. He was still a little shook up from what happen when he marked Kagome but, he didn't let her see his concern.

 

Inuyasha and Kagome stepped out the trees to find a lively fire. Miroku, Sango, Shippo, and Kilala were sitting around the fire, waiting.

 

Miroku glanced up and saw the couple coming towards them. "We were wondering what was taking you two so long, we thought you might miss lunch." Inuyasha and Kagome sat down and Miroku winked at Inuyasha.

 

Inuyasha glared at Miroku while Kagome and Sango giggled silently. Inuyasha's irritated stare at Miroku was interrupted by Shippo. The little kitsune had walked over to Inuyasha and began sniffing him. His nose led him towards Inuyasha's hand. Inuyasha realized where and why Shippo's nose was heading to his right hand. Inuyasha swiftly grabbed the scruff of the kitsune's neck with his left hand and raised him up to his eye level.

 

"I think it would be best if you stopped sniffing me." Inuyasha snarled.

 

Shippo shook with fright at the tone of Inuyasha's voice. Shippo nodded his head, Inuyasha released and he fell to the ground with "thump."

 

"Inuyasha!" Kagome yelled out, angered and surprised at the hanyou's behavior. "Si-" Kagome was about yell out 'sit' but she stopped when Shippo started sniffing her. Shippo eyes came to rest on two reddish-purplish dots on the right side of Kagome's neck.

 

"Yay! Inuyasha finally marked Kagome!" Shippo cried out with boyish glee. Miroku and Sango's heads snapped over to Kagome, staring at her neck, then snapped back over to Inuyasha.

 

Inuyasha's eyes became slits as stared at the kitsune furious. Shippo saw the look in Inuyasha's eyes and buried himself in Kagome's arms. Inuyasha went to chase after Shippo and forcefully draw him from his hiding place but Kagome interrupted. "Inuyasha you better not." Her look challenged him to come after the kitsune.

 

Inuyasha growled. He crossed his arms and pouted. Miroku shook his head as he tended to the fish. He handed everyone a fish skewered by a stick. Inuyasha took his fish from Miroku and ate it angrily, every once in while he glanced at Shippo, angry at the kitsune's big nose and even bigger mouth.

 

.:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:.

 

It was mid-afternoon, and the sun was hidden behind dark clouds. Kagome exited Kaede's hut with her yellow backpack over her shoulder, and Inuyasha right behind her. Sango walked out with Miroku and Shippo behind her.

 

"It would be best if you two hurry, there are dark clouds looming overhead." Miroku said looking up at the sky.

 

Kagome turned back a gave her friends a kind, gentle smile. "See you guys later." A droplet of water hit Kagome on the arm. She casually walked off with Inuyasha following.

 

The drops of water fell more frequently, causing Kagome to sprint instead of walk. Soon after it started to pour down raining. Kagome ran at full speed but her bag was slowing her down some. Suddenly, Kagome was swept off her feet and into the arms of Inuyasha. With her in his arms, he ran off heading to the Bone Eater's Well.

 

Inuyasha and reached the well, drenched from the rain. He quickly hopped into the well with Kagome in his arms. They were bathed in the mystical blue lights as they traveled into the future. Inuyasha's feet touched the soft dirt bottom of the well; he jumped out and put Kagome down.

 

They walked out of the well-house to a climate that was much different than that of the Feudal Era. The sun shone brightly considering that it was nearing evening. The flowers and trees were full of life and birds were flying overhead. The only problem Kagome had with all of it was the noise. The noise of the streets, the sounds of cars and of busy people, Kagome could do without that.

 

Kagome walked across the grounds of Higurashi shrine with her hanyou right next to her. Kagome opened the door to her house and peeped inside. She heard noises coming from the kitchen and the living room. As Kagome walked past the living room, she Sota watching cartoons. Inuyasha carefully crept by the child trying to avoid being seen, Sota could be a pain sometimes.

 

As Kagome got closer to the kitchen, she heard a soft, happy humming. She peered into the kitchen and found her mother tending to a pot that was on the stove. She felt Inuyasha place his hands on her shoulders and nuzzled his nose in the nape of her neck. Kagome closed her eyes, enjoying the feeling but quickly came to her senses and batted Inuyasha away with her hands.

 

"My mom is right there." She whispered. Inuyasha stuck his lower lip out and stared at her with puppy dog eyes. He had done it now. Kagome found those eyes and protruding lip so cute and irresistible. She pushed Inuyasha up against the wall and pressed her lips against his.

 

Kagome's tongue searched Inuyasha's but she hastily pulled back at the sound of footsteps. Mrs. Higurashi came out of the kitchen, only to be surprised by her daughter and the hanyou boy.

 

Oh, my!" Mrs. Higurashi cried out with her hand over her heart. "It's so wonderful to see you home and you've brought Inuyasha with you. How long are you going to stay?"

 

Kagome smiled brightly. "I'm not sure Mom, only a few hours."

 

Inuyasha stepped forward, off the wall. "We're going to stay the night." Kagome looked over at Inuyasha, surprised.

 

Mrs. Higurashi smiled at Inuyasha, it was warm smile, the same smile that Kagome would give him. "That's nice to hear, I'll set a place for you at the dinner table." Kagome's mother turned around and headed back into the kitchen.

 

With her mother gone Kagome turned to Inuyasha. "We're staying the night?" She asked still surprised at the hanyou. He hated when she stayed in the Modern Era and he couldn't search for jewel shards.

 

Inuyasha stared forward into the kitchen. He shrugged his shoulders. "Yeah. I thought it would be nice if you got some rest. You need to stay with your family once in while, while you still can."

 

Kagome gazed at Inuyasha. 'He's changed so much. He's a different person…' Inuyasha sniffed the air. "Besides, whatever your mom is cooking smells good." Kagome's head dropped and she sighed. '…Nope, still same old Inuyasha.'

 

When Kagome's grandfather walk in, he smiled at Kagome, he saw Inuyasha and his eyes widened. "Demon!" He shouted out. He reached in his robes and pulled out one of his sutras; he placed it Inuyasha's forehead awaiting for Inuyasha cry out in pain. Inuyasha looked over at Kagome with an annoyed look. "This is going to be a long day."

 

.:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:.

 

Kagome was curled up against a well-fed Inuyasha, watching TV on the couch with no light but that of television. Her mother and grandfather got an emergency call from a relative, and went off to see about them. So it was just her, Inuyasha, and Sota.

 

Kagome let out a big yawn and stretched her arms out nearly hitting Inuyasha in the face. She didn't notice her "attack" on Inuyasha and he didn't mention it. Inuyasha wrapped his arm around Kagome and pulled her close. Inuyasha was about to give Kagome a passionate kiss when he stopped. Kagome watched Inuyasha's ears twitched, then watched as he sniffed the air. "What is it?" She whispered. She didn't have to wait long for an answer. A sleepy eyed Sota came into the room.

 

"Sota, why aren't you in bed?" Kagome asked her little brother.

 

Sota rubbed his eyes and looked at Kagome. "I couldn't sleep, bad dreams." He said sadly.

 

Kagome rolled her eyes. "You shouldn't have been watching horror movies. 'Ringu' has that rating for a reason."

 

Sota dropped his head in shame, which caused Kagome to realized she was being a little too harsh, Sota was already feeling the effects of his rebellion. Kagome looked over at Inuyasha and he raised an eyebrow at her. She looked over to Sota then looked back at Inuyasha. Inuyasha finally understood what she was trying to say.

 

Inuyasha rolled his eyes and let out a big sigh. "Come on runt." Inuyasha spoke with slight irritation but Sota was too happy to notice. He ran at them and jumped. He landed on Inuyasha's stomach, knocking the wind out of him. Kagome winced as Inuyasha let out a silent scream.

 

Kagome grabbed the blanket off the arm of the couch and spread it across Sota, Inuyasha, and herself. Inuyasha had finished taking deep breaths and Sota was busy trying to find the best position. He finally found a spot where his head on the armrest and legs were stretch across Kagome and Inuyasha.

 

Inuyasha looked over at Sota and sighed. 'Looks like I won't be having any fun tonight, maybe Miroku will have better luck.'

 

.:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:.

 

Sango walked through the village under the moonlight, every once in a while the 'hoot' an owl broke the silence. Sango absentmindedly walked to the river's edge. She sat down and looked out at the water. Sango heard soft footsteps but wasn't worried.

 

"Sango." Miroku whispered, making sure he didn't startle her.

 

Sango looked up and smiled at Miroku as walked over and sat down next to her. "That was nice meal Miroku."

 

Miroku smiled, his ego even bigger than before. "I'm glad to know that you liked it. When you travel alone as much as I have, you need to learn how to cook well." Miroku rested his arm on his knee, looking at the river he became lost in his thoughts.

 

Sango glanced over at Miroku, noticing the blank look in his eyes made her wonder what he was thinking about. 'It's probably about his curse. Miroku has always been worry about the curse but he always did a job of hiding his fear.' Sango took her hand and pushed Miroku, she was surprised when he tipped over and fell on the ground. Sango scrambled over to him. "Miroku! I am so sorry." Sango quickly got over her bout of guilt and started to laugh.

 

Miroku eyed Sango wondering why she thought it was so funny. "I could have been seriously hurt." Sango continued to laugh. Miroku smiled and pulled her down on top of him. Sango stared down into Miroku's eyes. She leaned down and kissed him lightly on the lips then pulled back. Sango leaned down again and gave Miroku another friendly peck on the cheek but when she went to recoil again, Miroku wrapped his arms around her and deepened the kiss.

 

Miroku finally allowed Sango to pull away. Sango ran her hands across Miroku's stomach and slid her hand into the folds of his robes. She rubbed her hand across the smooth skin of Miroku's chest. Miroku ran his up her arms up to her shoulders, before she knew what was happening Miroku had slipped off the top part of her kimono.

 

In matter of seconds, Sango was completely nude straddling a topless Miroku. Miroku slowly drew a line down Sango's body that started at the valley between her breasts and stopped at her naval. Sango let Miroku flip her over on her back. He planted kisses across her neck. Miroku made his way down Sango's front and paused when he reached her breasts. Miroku looked up at her, they both shared a quick smile, and Miroku went back to her body.

 

Miroku circled the hardened peaks of Sango's breast with his finger. He leaned down and took her breast into her mouth. He sucked her and twirled her tongue around her nipple. Miroku abandoned Sango's breasts and moved further down her body. Sango's body was full of anxiety, she had idea of what Miroku was going to do but she wasn't totally sure. Sango's heart started to race faster as Miroku stopped, looming above her womanhood.

 

"SANGO! MIROKU!"

 

Miroku's head popped up and he stared at Sango, who was wearing a look of fear. Sango scrambled to get her clothes on as the calling of a kitsune got closer. Sango had just managed to get her kimono just as Shippo came running over to them.

 

Although her kimono was on the wrong way, Shippo didn't notice. "Sango. Miroku. Lady Kaede needs your help with making a youkai repellent."

 

"A youkai repellent?" Sango asked. “Lady Kaede knows how to make a youkai repellent, why does she need our help?”

 

"She wants to make a stronger one, she heard from group of the travelers that a group of youkai had attacked a nearby village."

 

Miroku stood up then helped Sango up. Sango knew that he was a little angry, so was she, but they couldn't do anything about it. Sango and Miroku followed Shippo back to Lady Kaede's hut, though Sango did stop to reverse her kimono.

 

.:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:.

 

Inuyasha's eyes opened slowly. As his vision became less blurred, he looked down at the two bodies on top of him. Kagome had her head resting in Inuyasha's lap and Sota was wrapped in her arms with the blanket over them both.

 

Inuyasha grunted as he tried to slip from underneath the siblings without waking either of them. He finally managed to scramble out from under them. Inuyasha stood up and straighten his clothes. He sniffed the air and found Mrs. Higurashi's scent. It was strong, so she must have came back while they were sleeping. He also could smell the scent of that crazy old priest. Inuyasha walked over the door, opened it, and looked around.

 

Kagome's grandfather was carrying a bucket of water towards the shrine. 'Old coot is probably going to cleanse himself.' Inuyasha closed the door and went upstairs. He didn't hear Kagome's mother so he came to the assumption that she had went out again. Inuyasha went into the bathroom to relieve himself. While he was washing his hands, Inuyasha smelt himself. He was too dirty but Kagome's family might think different. 'Maybe I should take a… what did Kagome call it? A shower. Maybe I should take a shower.'

 

Inuyasha started to strip off his clothes and threw them over in a pile in the corner. Inuyasha stepped into the bathtub and turned on the water for the shower. He got it to a comfortable temperature and let the water hit his body.

 

The bathroom door opened and Kagome peeked inside. Inuyasha was standing under the running water. The water was rolling down his well cut body. Kagome blushed as she stood there watching Inuyasha, her thoughts running wild.

 

"Don't you think you should use some soap."

 

Inuyasha turned around to find Kagome staring at him. "I guess so." Kagome smiled and got him some soap and a washcloth. She handed it to him. "I think I'm going to need some help getting my back." Inuyasha said with a sly grin.

 

Kagome smiled at him. "I think…" She quickly reached into the shower and turned off the hot water, then closed the shower curtain. "…that you need to cool off." She heard Inuyasha yelp as he was assaulted by the cold water. Kagome giggled and quickly ran out the room, closing the door behind her.

 

Inuyasha turned the hot water back on and mumbled some curses under his breath.

 

.:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:.

 

Inuyasha turned the water off and got out of the shower. He looked around for a towel but couldn't find one. He picked up his clothes, then walked over to the door and opened it some. When he didn't see anyone in the hallway, he ran out and headed into Kagome's room.

 

He quickly shut the door behind him. The hanyou looked around the room but Kagome wasn't there.

 

"I'll right back, I need to go to my room!"

 

Inuyasha smiled as a plan for revenge formed in his mind. Inuyasha quickly tossed his clothes under Kagome and hid behind her door.

 

Kagome's door opened and she walked in. Inuyasha slammed the door closed and pushed Kagome against the wall. Kagome tried to fight off, protesting his sudden bout of passion.

 

"Inuyasha, my family is downstairs." She whispered out.

 

Inuyasha ignored her and began to kiss at her neck. Kagome stopped fighting against Inuyasha as soon as he started to suck her neck. Kagome gave in a small moan escaped her lips.

 

"Kagome!" Sota yelled out.

 

Kagome came back to her senses and reluctantly pushed Inuyasha back. "I have to go." She opened the door, went out, and closed it behind. Inuyasha stood mumbling curses. The door opened and Kagome peeked in. "Put your clothes on." She commanded and closed the door again. Inuyasha rolled his eyes, got his clothes from under the bed, and grumpily put them on.

 

.:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:.

 

Inuyasha hopped out of the well with Kagome and her bag full of supplies. They quietly walked through the forest heading to the village.

 

Kagome began to run leaving Inuyasha behind. She looked back over her shoulder, challenging Inuyasha to a race, even though she knew he was going to win. Inuyasha threw Kagome's bag over his shoulder and ran after her. Suddenly he was hit with a nauseating smell that made him dizzy. Inuyasha covered his nose with the sleeve of his haori. 'Why are there youkai repellents up?' Inuyasha started to run faster to catch up to Kagome.

 

Kagome looked to see Inuyasha catching up with her but, she found it strange he was covering his nose.

 

Inuyasha pulled his arm away from his nose when smell of the youkai repellent disappeared. Inuyasha passed Kagome, he looked back and laughed at her. The village was over this hill and Inuyasha knew he was going to win.

 

SMACK!

 

Inuyasha fell to the ground hard. Kagome ran up to him and looked down at him. "Are you ok?" She knelt and rubbed his ears.

 

Inuyasha growled in delight but quickly shooed Kagome's hand away. "I ran into something."

 

Kagome looked up searching for what Inuyasha ran into but couldn't find anything. "I don't see anything."

 

Inuyasha jumped to his feet, angrily. "Well how do you explain how I got on the ground." Inuyasha stormed forward and suddenly thrown backwards. Inuyasha slide across the ground and stopped at the feet of a shocked Kagome. "I told you I ran into something."

 

"Inuyasha! Kagome!"

 

Both Inuyasha and Kagome looked up when they heard Miroku's voice.

 

Miroku came running towards them but stopped at a tree. Inuyasha watched as he touched the tree and pulled away a small piece of paper. "Come quickly."

 

Inuyasha hopped to his feet and quickly headed over to Miroku with Kagome. They walked over to Miroku and placed the paper back on the tree. Inuyasha noticed that it was a youkai repelling sutra.

 

The three of them walked to the village and Miroku explained things on the way.

 

They arrived at Kaede's hut where Sango and Shippo were waiting.

 

"Kagome!" Shippo yelled, excited to see that she was back.

 

"Hi Shippo." Kagome picked up kitsune in her arms.

 

There was a huge explosion that surprised everyone. Out of instinct, Inuyasha's hand went for his blade. Miroku stared off in the direction of the blast and Sango had hand on her Hiraikotsu. Shippo was hiding in Kagome's arms when Lady Kaede came rushing out of the hut.

 

The screams of the villagers became louder as they rushing towards them.

 

One of the men ran up to Kaede, his eyes full of fear. "Demons! Two of them!"

 

Inuyasha went to run off to confront the youkai but stopped suddenly. Two youkai stood before him. The taller of the two was wearing black pants with red fireballs streaming down his legs. He wore a black vest that outlined with red and had red fireballs streaking across it. His hair was black as where his eyes but they seemed to glow with red.

 

The other youkai was wearing black pants too but, his had light blue icicles pointing downward. He had on a black long sleeve jacket with the same light blue icicles pointing down, under that was a light blue shirt. Unlike the other, his hair was the same icy blue color as his shirt. His eyes also had the same icy blue color of everything else.

 

The one in the black and red spoke first. "I am Hitaru. My brother, Rietatsu, and I are seeking the shards of the Shikon Jewel. We have destroyed five other villages, searching for the priestess who guards the shards and have not had any luck. If this is not the village priestess it will destroyed, if it is the correct village it will still be destroyed."

 

"Inuyasha! They have a total of five jewel shards!" Kagome shouted out.

 

Inuyasha flexed his claws with a grin. "Three shards, huh. This is going to be interesting."

 

Hitaru eyed Kagome. "Brother, it seem as though we have finally found the right village."

 

Rietatsu smiled a dreadful and dangerous grin. "She is the priestess that guards the Shikon? I find that hard to believe although, they did say she dress strangely."

 

Hitaru shrugged his shoulders. "How she dresses doesn't matter, she has the Shikon Jewel shards and that's all that matters. She looks like she would be a good mate."

 

Kagome was shocked and angered at what Hitaru said. She was angry but not as angry as Inuyasha. He stood there staring at the brothers, his eyes nothing but slits.

 

"She's already taken." Inuyasha growled out.

 

Hitaru sighed. "It seems you are right but why a beautiful priestess would take a filthy hanyou as her mate is beyond my knowledge."

 

If possible Inuyasha got even angrier. Inuyasha's fingers grasped his Tetsusaiga. He lunged forward at Hitaru, brandishing his sword.

 

Both brothers were surprised at the speed of Inuyasha's attack. The was a bright flash of light as two energies collided. When the light dissipated, Inuyasha was shocked to see Rietatsu standing in front of his brother, both were protected by a thick slab of ice. Inuyasha jumped back and cursed under his breath.

 

The block of ice evaporated and there stood a smiling Rietatsu and Hitaru. Rietatsu snickered. "You honestly didn't think that we wore these clothes are just for style?"

 

Miroku stepped forward, staff in his hand. "Each of you control fire and ice."

 

Hitaru clapped his hands. "Yes, we are the demon brothers of fire and ice." He sighed. "At least one of them is smart. Sad, the hanyou isn't intelligent or strong."

 

Rietatsu laughed. "He has nothing to live for, we should do him a favor and end his life."

 

Hitaru put his hand out and a giant jet-stream of fire towards Inuyasha and Miroku. Inuyasha and Miroku jumped out of the way and the fire-stream scorched the ground black. Inuyasha landed after dodging Hitaru's attack only to see Rietatsu throwing a huge icicle at him.

 

"Wind Tunnel!" The icicle was thrown off it's course by the suction of Miroku's Wind Tunnel.

 

Rietatsu looked in awe as his icicle crashed into a tree. Miroku resealed his Wind Tunnel and pulled his staff from its place in the ground.

 

"Damn!" Rietatsu yelled out in frustration.

 

"Stay calm brother. Anger will get you nowhere." Hitaru said to his brother, who nodded. Hitaru sent forth another stream of fire directed at Miroku. Miroku stood his ground, he twirled his staff around, just managing to hold back the flames. "You must be trained very well monk, I'm surprised that you haven't dropped that staff, that fire was at least 150." He spoke with slight amusement.

 

Sango stepped forward, ready to throw her Hiraikotsu but she halted at Miroku's sudden yell. "No Sango! Stay there and protect Kagome." Sango nodded and took up the job of protecting Kagome.

 

Hitaru laughed. "You'll need all the help you can get."

 

Inuyasha was tired of standing around. He was furious, they had insulted him and most of all they had disrespected his mate. Inuyasha lunged forward with a cross between a yell and roar. Rietatsu covered his face with his arms and formed thick layers of ice around his arms. Inuyasha pivoted on his heel and turned in circled with his sword outstretched. The extra momentum from his spin, gave Inuyasha's sword slash a lot more strength. Steel and ice connected causing shards of ice shot in all directions.

 

Rietatsu was thrown back from the force of the attack and slid across the ground leaving a deep trench. Rietatsu flipped up to feet and glared at Inuyasha. "You filthy cur, how dare you."

 

Inuyasha smiled dangerously. "You can't fight me and expect not to get hit at least once."

 

Meanwhile, Miroku and Hitaru were fighting. Miroku had holes in his robes from where they had caught on fire. Hitaru tossed another fireball, Miroku swatted the ball of fire away with his staff but some small flames caused his robes to catch fire once more. Hitaru let out another stream of fire, Miroku rolled off to the side, putting out the fire in the process.

 

Miroku charged forward, figuring that close-range combat would be his best friend in this fight. Much to his surprise, Hitaru surrounded himself in a sphere a fire. There was a big explosion and Miroku was thrown backwards into the wall of Kaede's hut. Sango cried out in horror at Miroku's lifeless body. No matter how worried she was worried about Miroku's health, she didn't move. He had charged her with the task of keeping Kagome safe and she would honor his wishes by doing so.

 

Inuyasha noticed Miroku's fall in battle out of the corner of his eye but couldn't do anything about it at the moment. Rietatsu raised his hands up and giant icicles formed above Inuyasha's head. Inuyasha stopped his panting and busied himself with dodging the falling chunks of ice.

 

Hitaru slowly walked towards Sango, Kagome, and Shippo. Kilala roared at the fire demon, her hair raised, ready to protect her owner and the others. Kilala rushed at Hitaru, fangs bared. The fire demon's hands became engulfed in flames and he caught Kilala's open mouth in his hands. Hitaru threw Kilala off to the side and hit her with a large fireball. Kilala cried out and changed into her smaller form. Hitaru continued on his path towards Kagome.

 

Sango stepped forward ready to fight. Sango swiped with her Hiraikotsu causing Hitaru to duck. His hands became surrounded in flames once more. He knocked her giant boomerang up, making Sango lose her balance. Sango stumbled but brought her Hiraikotsu up quick enough to block the huge swirling fireball. There was a small explosion and Sango too was thrown backwards, landing next Miroku.

 

Kagome stared defiantly at Hitaru as neared her. She was scared but she wouldn't show it. Shippo cowered behind Kagome's leg.

 

Hitaru smirked evilly. "I don't care if you do have a mate, I need to release some tension and you'll due quiet well." Inuyasha heard Hitaru's words and his ears twitched at his words as anger pumped through his veins.

 

Shippo growled at the approaching fire youkai and stepped from behind Kagome's legs. "Leave her alone!" He shouted bravely, ready to defend Kagome.

 

Hitaru laughed. "You're a courageous whelp, too bad you'll die for it."

 

Both Miroku and Sango began to stir. They saw Hitaru heading for Kagome and Shippo and tried to get to their feet but they were still a little out of it.

 

Inuyasha smacked Rietatsu away with his sword and rushed at Hitaru with his Tetsusaiga over held over his head. "You won't lay a finger on her!" Inuyasha slashed at the youkai threatening his mate but froze in mid-attack.

 

Kagome, Miroku, Sango and Shippo watched shocked at what had just happened. Rietatsu had sent a icicles rocketing towards Inuyasha. They pierced his back and emerged from his chest. Inuyasha stood like a statue, eyes void of any emotion and mouth open, gasping for air.

 

Hitaru laughed while his brother smiled at his accomplishment. "Good one brother, I'm just disappointed that I couldn't have killed this worthless hanyou." He turned back to a devastated Kagome. She had tears beginning to build up in her eyes. "Now that cur is dead you'll probably be looking for a new mate."

 

"I SAID YOU WON'T LAY A FINGER ON HER!"

 

Kagome and the others stared, eyes wide with surprised, at the sight behind Hitaru. Hitaru turned around to see the origin of the voice. Both Hitaru and his brother were bewildered.

 

Inuyasha stood, with Tetsusaiga gripped in his hands. Inuyasha was still skewered by the icicles, which were dripping with his blood. His breaths were sharp and short, he looked as if every breathe sent excruciating pain through his body.

 

Rietatsu's face twisted up in anger that his attack failed. "How are you still alive?" Rietatsu yelled, his voice full of hatred. Hitaru wore a look of disgust, wondering the exactly the same thing as his brother.

 

Inuyasha laughed and a look of pain shot across his face but it disappeared as quickly as it had come. "I don't know and I don't care, I just that I won't die until you two are dead and Kagome is safe."

 

A feeling of warmth spread throughout Kagome's body at Inuyasha's words. He wouldn't give up until Kagome was safe from the danger of the two brothers.

 

Inuyasha lunged forward, ignoring the pain, and swiped at Hitaru. Hitaru easily dodged Inuyasha's attack, it seemed that Inuyasha's wounds were hindering his speed. Hitaru jumped into the air and landed next to his brother. "Damn!" Inuyasha growled out. He turned around to face his two opponents.

 

Sango was ready to launch her Hiraikotsu but Miroku held his arm out infront of her. "No Sango, Inuyasha is determined to protect his mate and I highly doubt he will accept our help." Sango leaned against her Hiraikotsu waiting to see the outcome of the battle.

 

Hitaru and Rietatsu whispered to each other. When their conversation was over, they both nodded simultaneously. Hitaru spoke. "We both agree, it is time to finish this."

 

Inuyasha smirked. "I couldn't agree more." He tightened his grip on the Tetsusaiga, ready his final attack. Hitaru and Rietatsu's aura became visible and started to grow, they were fiery red and icy blue respectively. The two auras began to swirl together, combine into something more powerful. Inuyasha knew that the two youkai were prepared to deliver their final attack and so was he.

 

Kagome noticed that the blood dripping from the spears of ice in Inuyasha's body began to drip faster. 'He's gonna kill himself.' Kagome thought frantically, her face overcome by worry. "Inuyasha please stop, you're going to kill yourself!" She shouted at him.

 

Inuyasha took in Kagome's words but didn't turn to answer her. Instead, he shrugged his shoulders. "I have to do this. I don't care that they insulted me but they went too far when they disgraced you and for that they will not live to see tomorrow." Inuyasha stared forward determined to kill the brothers.

 

Kagome's eyes began to tear up but she gave Inuyasha a reassuring nod, he couldn't see it but Kagome knew that Inuyasha knew she accepted his decision.

 

Hitaru and Rietatsu held their arms out, left and right respectively, with their over one another. "It is time for this insignificant cur to die!" Hitaru yelled out angrily.

 

Inuyasha rushed forward and ball of combined of the brothers' energy formed, constantly increasing in size. "Use their energy against them… Cut through with the Wind Scar… God I hope the village doesn't get destroyed." Tetsusaiga swirled with the familiar energy of the Wind Scar. Inuyasha had only used the Backlash Wave a few times, he hadn't exactly mastered it but now was good time to try.

 

With scream the brothers released their massive energy ball. Inuyasha pushed all anxieties from his mind. Inuyasha roared as he sliced through the attack with the Wind Scar. "Backlash Wave!" Inuyasha cried out.

 

Small tornadoes appeared and made their way to the brothers. They were completely overcome by fear as Inuyasha's attack came towards them. They cried out as the Backlash Wave ripped them apart. Inuyasha let out a sigh of relief at his triumph over the fire and ice brothers. Thankfully the village didn't look that bad, he could have done worse. He turned to face Kagome but his vision was becoming blurred. He saw Kagome's twisted figure running towards him. 'She's safe.' Inuyasha smiled and suddenly blacked out.

 

Miroku and Sango started walking over to Inuyasha to congratulate him on a job well done. Kaede had went inside her hut to gather some herbs and some of the modern medicine Kagome would bring. Kagome ran towards Inuyasha extremely happy that he was still alive. She stared in horror as the Tetsusaiga dropped from Inuyasha's hand and he fell face-first to the ground. "Inuyasha!" Kagome dropped to the ground and rolled the hanyou in her lap.

 

Sango and Miroku ran over to the fallen hanyou and his worried mate. "Lady Kaede! Hurry!" Miroku shouted as he ran to see about Inuyasha.

 

Kaede rushed out her hut with supplies in hand. Kaede knelt down to see about Inuyasha. She placed a small pillow on the ground and Kagome put his head on the pillow. "He has lost all consciousness." Sango did her best to console a silently crying Kagome. Shippo watched worried, he too was trying to console someone, Kilala. Kaede carefully examined the icicles that had pierced his body. "Miroku could ye do your best to remove the ice."

 

Miroku nodded. He shoved his staff into the ground, so that it would stand on its own, then grasped an icicle in his hand. With a grunt, he pulled the spear from Inuyasha's body. It was dripping with Inuyasha's blood.

 

A few minutes later, Miroku had relieved Inuyasha of all but one icicle. Miroku pulled out the last spear of ice with a sharp tug that received a flinch Kagome. Miroku stepped out of the way while Kaede examined Inuyasha's open wounds. She quickly withdrew her hand as a soft pink glow came from the holes in Inuyasha's chest. The light died away and new skin began to grow, from the rim of the wounds, inward. Soon Inuyasha's wounds were completely covered and the skin looked like there had never been anything piercing it.

 

Everyone that was gathered around the hanyou, stared dumbfounded at what had just transpired. Sango spoke first. "Just happen?" She asked bewildered.

 

"I believe it has something to do with Kagome," Kaede said with a calm tone that said she wasn't that surprised at what happened.

 

Kagome's head popped up. "Me?" She asked, her voice a little squeaky.

 

Kaede nodded. "The cause of this change in Inuyasha has something to do with the mark on ye neck." Kagome's fingers ran across the mark Inuyasha had made, the bite marks were now two small bumps on her smooth skin. "When Inuyasha marked ye, his body took in some of ye miko energy which enhanced his hanyou abilities."

 

Miroku was in deep thought. "So that is why he was able to continue fighting when he shouldn't have been able to."

 

Kaede closed her eye, searching for a good way to explain her speculations. "Somewhat. I think Inuyasha's determination to protect Kagome and his stubbornness to die at the hands of the two youkai brothers would have given him the will to keep living but not for long. It is Kagome's miko powers that gave him the strength to continue fighting and win."

 

Shippo was confused but he didn't care as long as Inuyasha was ok, Kagome would have been very depressed if Inuyasha had died and he didn't like to see Kagome depressed.

 

Kagome repeated her interpretation of what Kaede said, trying to clarify it. "So your saying that when Inuyasha marked me he got some of my power which added to his power." Kaede nodded.

 

"So that's what that pain was."

 

The group jumped at Inuyasha's raspy voice. Inuyasha slowly opened his eyes, which were slightly red.

 

Kagome leaned over the hanyou and gazed down at him. "Oh, Inuyasha. I was so worried about you." Tears were once again forming in her eyes. "Kagome…" Kagome hit Inuyasha in the chest, causing everyone to look at her strangely and made Inuyasha's eyes widened in pain. "What the hell is wrong with you? You scared me half to death!" She shouted out.

 

"Kagome."

 

"I'm so glad you're alive," Kagome spoke sadly.

 

Inuyasha was confused, was she happy or angry to see him alive?

 

Once again, Kagome's angry side took over and she to yell and hit him. The others saw where this was going and left the couple to themselves. Miroku, Sango, Shippo went to recover the five jewel shards left behind by the brothers while Kaede went off to aid the villagers.

 

Inuyasha quickly scrambled away before Kagome could go into angry mode again. "Kagome will you stop hitting me! I'm injured." He said rubbing his chest vigorously.

 

Kagome got to her feet and approached Inuyasha. "I'm sorry Inuyasha," she said apologetically, "I was just really worried about you."

 

Inuyasha brought Kagome in his arms. "I'm sorry for worrying you. I would promise that I won't do it anymore but that would be a lie."

 

Kagome nodded against his chest. "Now that you have some of my power, I'll always be there to protect you." Inuyasha smiled, a genuine smiled that washed over Kagome's heart and made her less fearful for Inuyasha's safety. "Now let's go help the villagers."

 

She drug him off to the area of the village where most of the villagers were before he could protest. Inuyasha knew Kagome would make him do all of the work. He sighed as she pulled him along.

 

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