InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Remnants of the Spider ❯ A Brush With Death ( Chapter 3 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Lady Sianna 
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Drama / Adventure / Action | Type: Divergence | Uploaded On: 09.06.2009 | Pages: 2 | Words: 3.3K | Visits: 416 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Drama / Adventure / Action | Type: Divergence | Uploaded On: 09.06.2009 | Pages: 2 | Words: 3.3K | Visits: 416 | Status: Work In Progress
Remnants of the Spider
A Brush With Death
AFor those of you who were wondering why this story was started over, please see my profile page. Thanks.
_______________________________________________________________ _________
“Lord Inuyasha. I bring you word on Naraku. My sources tell me that there is a powerful miasma approximately two days travel from here. I believe it is Naraku’s newest castle.”
“You heard the flea,” the half demon announced to his friends, “We’ll get that bastard this time!”
__________________________________________________________ _____________
“You must drink it all Naraku-San. You are very dehydrated and you need plenty of fluids so that your body can repair itself.”
The dark-haired male nodded and took the proffered decanter of water. Taking several large gulps, he swallowed the cool liquid before placing the container nearby on the cave floor. “Thank you Izanami, You are too kind.” he told her.
Izanami smiled softly. “It is not necessary to thank me as it is the duty of a priestess to help those in need. Have you had enough to eat?”
Naraku looked at the remains of the rice, fish and dumplings she had brought him. She had brought enough food for a small army. “Yes, I could not possibly eat another bite.”
“Good. Now that you have eaten, it is time to change your wrappings. Are you able to stand?”
He gave a halfhearted smile before attempting to pull himself up. Seeing his difficulty Izanami quickly shouldered the pouch containing her supplies and made her way to his side. As carefully as she could she helped pull him up to his feet. Failing to repress the blush that came to her cheeks, she wrapped his arm around her shoulder so that she was able to help bear his weight. “There is a stream nearby.” she explained. “We need to go there so that I can clean your wounds properly before I wrap them again.”
Naraku nodded in agreement and the two slowly exited the cave. Crimson eyes scanned the area covertly and Naraku immediately noticed that the cat demon, and the hanyou that had previously accompanied her before were not in the immediate area. Keeping his voice neutral he asked, “Where are your guardians?”
“They are nearby.” she answered. “They would not allow me to come alone so I told them to scout the area for danger. I do not require their assistance for the task of seeing to your wounds. I have tended the injured throughout my entire life. I could do it in my sleep.” she declared with an air of pride.
‘Foolish woman,’ Naraku thought as he suppressed a malevolent smile. ‘Your trusting nature will turn out to be your greatest folly. If I had desired to do so, I could kill you right now and by the time your guardians arrived it would be far too late. You are only fortunate that I need you to remain alive… for now at least. Once you give me the information I require…’
“We have arrived Naraku-San. Please sit here near the water and I will clean your wounds.”
Izanami helped him lower himself to the ground and took her place beside him. She immediately went to work removing the wrappings from his torso. As she peeled the layers away she was able to see the dried blood that had seeped into the cloth strips. Wincing quietly the miko carefully pulled them away from his skin. Without the bandages she was able to see that the medicinal herbs had apparently done their work in preventing infection. Satisfied with her preliminary examination she began searching through her bag for new bandages. Retrieving several strips of clean white cloth, she gave most of them to him while she went to the water to dampen the few she had remaining. She returned in less than a moment and giving him an apologetic look, began to clean the wounds.
Initially Naraku recoiled at the cold water, but he soon relaxed under her gentle touch. As the blood was washed away, Izanami was able to see that some healing had occurred, but the wounds were still in need of treatment. As she smoothed the soft material over his chest and shoulder, she could not escape the guilty pleasure she felt every time she touched him. A part of her wanted to be ashamed, but she just couldn’t help herself. He was a beautiful creature after all and the feel of his toned body, even through the wet cloth made her feel pleasantly warm and caused her cheeks to flush with color.
A small smirk tugged at the corner of Naraku’s lips as he watched the priestess work. Though she avoided meeting his eyes, her fascination with his body was evident in her scent and the pink stains that colored her cheeks.
“You seem to be a bit shy,” Naraku drawled smoothly. “I was under the impression that you had done this sort of thing before.”
Izanami’s blush intensified as she carefully washed away the last remains of blood from his well defined torso. For a time she did not answer him, as she mentally debated whether or not to tell him the truth. Would he loose faith in her if she informed him that her experience was limited to women and children?
Her fundamental sense of honesty won out and she finally said, “I suppose I am. I have never cared for a man before; young boys, but never a man. I hope you will not thing poorly of me for it.” Still avoiding his eyes, she went into her bag again, and retrieved a small container of salve.
“Not at all.” said Naraku as he watched her apply the thick dark cream to his skin.
A moment of silence passed between them before Naraku spoke up again. “So Izanami, I hope you do not think it improper of me to ask, but I would like very much if you could tell me a little about yourself.”
______________________________________________________ __________________
“What is it Inuyasha? Do you smell something?” asked Kagome, concern evident in the faint tremble of her voice.
“Yeah, it’s Naraku’s miasma.” The half demon looked around and scented the air. Once he was sure of his direction, he offered Kagome his back. “Come on, it’s this way. Let’s hurry.”
Kagome quickly climbed onto his back before Shippou attached himself to her shoulder. Kirara transformed and Miroku and Sango hopped on before the fire-cat took off into the forest. As they approached a sizable clearing the scent of the miasma became more and more pronounced. Soon even the humans could smell it and Shippou was gradually becoming nauseous. Soon, a small range of mountains came into view, and Inuyasha skidded to a stop. The castle had to be somewhere nearby. Allowing the miko to slide off his back the half-demon began a visual scan of the area.
“Something about this area seems very strange.” said Kagome as an unpleasant chill went down her spine.
“So, you can sense it too then?” asked Miroku.
“Yeah, I can’t quite figure out what it is though.”
“There!” Inuyasha yelled suddenly, his clawed finger pointing to an area high on the mountain. When they turned to see the source of his agitation they immediately noticed a structure protruding from the face of the mountain. The building’s size classified it as nothing less than a mansion. “That’s gotta be it! Come on, let’s go!” the hanyou announced, his hand instinctively finding the hilt of his sword.
“No wait!” said Miroku before he placed a hand on Inuyasha’s shoulder “When have you ever known Naraku to make things this easy? Something is not right here.”
“You’re right.” said Kagome as she positioned an arrow against her bowstring. A short distance to their right a trail led up the mountain toward the building.
“I can sense a strange energy in this area.” Narrowing her eyes and focusing her senses the miko sought out the energy’s source. “I can feel it, its right in front of us!” she announced before stepping to the front of the group. Releasing her arrow, she watched with interest as the now luminous projectile sailed through the air. At a certain point the arrow seemed to pass through a wall they had not previously noticed. It only became visible as a strange wave spread out in all directions, its appearance nearly identical to rippling water. At that same point, the arrow’s trajectory changed marginally before it disappeared altogether. “I knew it! There is something there!”
“A barrier?” Sango wondered.
“Perhaps.” Miroku answered thoughtfully, “But then why did it allow the arrow to pass through instead of deflecting it?”
“I think it’s a trap!” Kagome warned.
“Keh! So what if it is?! It’s always a trap but if Naraku’s up there we’re going! If there’s a barrier involved I can handle it!”
Drawing his sword, he held it in front of him and focused his youki into the blade. Swirls of demonic power turned Tetsusaiga from silver to red and the half-demon leapt forward, his weapon splitting the air in one powerful strike.
Just like before with Kagome’s arrow the same ripple radiated in all directions at a certain point. This time however it was much more pronounced and after a few tense seconds the illusion was dispersed. What had only a moment ago been an easy passage up the mountain, was now a steep drop into an enormous crater. As the half demon moved forward to inspect he was able to see that there were huge jagged rocks lining the bottom. Had Inuyasha rushed off to head up the trail as he had intended he would have fallen off the cliff and into the craggy rocks below.
“I knew it,” Kagome breathed quietly. Before they could decide on an alternate route up the mountain large billowing clouds of miasma rose from the pit. The thick toxic fumes swiftly plumed out around them instantly making it hard to see or breath.
“Get back!” Inuyasha yelled as he grabbed Kagome around the waist and leaped away from the poisonous smog. Miroku grabbed Shippou before he and Sango mounted Kirara and made a hasty retreat. Flying high into the air, the fire-cat attempted to escape the dangerous fumes. Retrieving two gas masks, Sango used one for herself and gave the other to Miroku.
Inuyasha and Kagome had moved back several yards but the miasma continued to chase after them. The toxic gas wilted the grass and blackened the trees as it continued spread its deadly tendrils in pursuit of its intended victims. Unable to escape it fully, Kagome began to cough violently.
“Kagome, are you alright?!” asked the hanyou.
Through her coughs the miko managed to tell him, “You have to put me down… I need to try and purify it.”
The hanyou reluctantly agreed and skidded to a stop. Quickly getting to her feet Kagome loaded another arrow. Under a wave of dizziness the miko aimed and loosed her arrow. The blazing pink projectile tore through the toxic clouds leaving clean air in its path.
Unfortunately, before anyone could even sigh in relief a hoard of demons swarmed up from the depths of the pit. “Stay back Kagome!” yelled Inuyasha as his muscles tensed in preparation to attack. Running forward, he drew his sword and slashed through one demon after another, his blade all but a blur as the demons were cleanly torn apart against its sharp edge.
From high above, Sango’s boomerang was launched into the fray. The weapon’s trajectory was scarcely altered as its unforgiving edge slashed through a bird youkai before it continued on its set path. The boomerang shredded through several more demons as its momentum naturally went into reverse and it made its way back to its owner.
Around them all hell had broken loose as swarms and swarms of demons continued to rise from the pit.
Inuyasha, having barged right into the center of the innumerable creatures put his treasured sword to good use in destroying every demon within his reach. His movements swift and sure, the hanyou’s assault was relentless as he depleted their numbers and bided his time. With the limited visibility imposed by the miasma and the demons themselves, he couldn’t chance using his more powerful attacks as he was uncertain to the location of his friends.
Still firing her arrows, Kagome had backed herself against a large tree hoping to prevent demons from surprising her from behind. She wasn’t sure how many arrows she had fired but she was beginning to tire and still her efforts were just barely keeping the miasma at bay. Each projectile destroyed several demos as it cleansed the billowing plumes yet they still seemed to be facing an uphill struggle, the upper hand remaining frustratingly out of reach.
The fight droned on for several moments before Miroku sighted something that drew his immediate concern. “Sango, you have to take us down!” the monk informed his eyes following the retreating miko. As it was bound to happen, several demons had made their way past Inuyasha. While Kagome managed to purify most of them a single eel-like youkai had evaded her arrows and come too close for her to fire another. The priestess was forced to flee for her life.
“Kirara!” yelled Sango. The fire-cat understood the unvoiced order and immediately changed direction. Swooping close to the ground, Kirara allowed Miroku to jump off while she snapped her jaws around the back of the demon’s neck. The fire-cat made quick work of snapping the upper portion of the creature’s spine before disposing of it with a toss of her large head. “Stay with Kagome!” Sango ordered the monk. “I have to go back and help Inuyasha!”
“Right!” Miroku agreed as he watched her turn and head back into the chaos. Pivoting on his heel, he found the priestess on the ground both hands rubbing her ankle. “Are you okay Kagome?”
“Yeah, I think so.” She then rose to her feet and loaded another arrow. “This miasma is everywhere. We have to find out where it’s coming from.” Kagome panted.
The monk nodded slightly. The miasma was only one of their problems; there was also the problem of the demons. “Stay behind me Kagome.” Miroku ordered as he reached into his robes. He flung several sutras at the demons that came near.
Even as they fought together, the swarms of demons did not seem to deplete significantly. Finally Miroku decided he’d had enough. “Inuyasha, get out of there!” the monk ordered sternly. The hanyou had barely turned around before he saw Miroku reaching for the rosary beads sealed the curs of his right hand.
“Wind Tunnel!”
Instinctively the hanyou’s muscles tensed and flexed and Inuyasha was propelled from the dangerous winds. Unable to escape the vacuum dozens upon dozens of demons were drawn into the void along with dangerous clouds of miasma.
“Miroku, no!!” Kagome yelled frantically. “You’re taking in the miasma!”
The monk ignored her warning and continued to draw the demons into the void. It was only the familiar buzzing of the poisonous saimyoushou that caused the monk to reseal his hand. As the toxins swam through his body, the monk fell to his knees, cool droplets of sweat trickling from his brow.
“Miroku!” cried Kagome.
“Don’t worry about me,” he told her. “You have to help the others!”
Kagome immediately went to the monk’s side using her arrows to provide cover and prevent any of the youkai from getting close to his now prone form.
Soon the number of demons had dwindled down to just a stray few, but danger continued to drift around them in the form of deadly toxic fumes. By now, the entire group was beginning to feel the effects.
Just as Inuyasha slashed through the last demon a bright pink flair caught his attention. On the other side of the cavity stood a figure dressed in traditional red and white.
‘Kikyou…’
The priestess had fired an arrow down through the miasma and into the pit below. They could not see it from where they stood but Kikyou could clearly see an enormous vat deep in the crater. It contained thick black slurry concocted from many demons and was the source of Naraku’s miasma.
In a blaze of pink, her arrow sank into the disgusting black sludge purifying it instantly. As the air around them cleared, everyone looked up to see Kikyou calmly positioning another arrow against her bowstring. Before anyone could question why, the priestess loosed the second arrow. As it whipped through the air Kagome’s eyes widened in shock as the arrow made it’s way directly toward her. The young miko had just seconds to move out of the way before the brightly glowing shaft whizzed by her and found its target between the eyes of the large reptile demon that had been stalking up behind her.
Trembling, Kagome fell to the ground unsure what to make of Kikyou’s actions. Sure she had just saved her from a demon, but had she jumped to the right instead of the left, the arrow would have gotten her instead. She was left with the impression that the other miko couldn’t have cared less one way or the other. If she had, she would have at least warned her!
The entire group fell silent as they looked to Kagome, then to Inuyasha, then to Kikyou. In turn, the undead priestess merely stared in their general direction looking as if she didn’t have a care in the world. She stayed that way for only a moment before she slung her bow back onto her shoulder. “Naraku is not here.” she announced to no one in particular before she pivoted on her heel and began to walk away.
For a moment Inuyasha just stood there staring at the spot where Kikyou had just stood. When his brain began to function again, he turned and quickly made his way to Kagome’s side. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah.” she told him quietly as a strange uneasiness washed over her. “A-aren’t you umm…going to go after her?”
The hanyou looked away guiltily. “Maybe I should… if Naraku’s not here, then maybe she knows where we can find him.”
Kagome nodded solemnly and an awkward silence descended on the group as Inuyasha turned and quickly raced off in search of the other priestess.
_______________________________________________________ _________________
UGH!!!! SO. MUCH. EDITING!!!! This is driving me crazy!!! I may just edit up to chapter ten or so and then post the rest of the chapters. This is turning out to be far more tedious than I thought it would be. And I thought it would be fairly tedious in the first place!
A Brush With Death
AFor those of you who were wondering why this story was started over, please see my profile page. Thanks.
_______________________________________________________________ _________
“Lord Inuyasha. I bring you word on Naraku. My sources tell me that there is a powerful miasma approximately two days travel from here. I believe it is Naraku’s newest castle.”
“You heard the flea,” the half demon announced to his friends, “We’ll get that bastard this time!”
__________________________________________________________ _____________
“You must drink it all Naraku-San. You are very dehydrated and you need plenty of fluids so that your body can repair itself.”
The dark-haired male nodded and took the proffered decanter of water. Taking several large gulps, he swallowed the cool liquid before placing the container nearby on the cave floor. “Thank you Izanami, You are too kind.” he told her.
Izanami smiled softly. “It is not necessary to thank me as it is the duty of a priestess to help those in need. Have you had enough to eat?”
Naraku looked at the remains of the rice, fish and dumplings she had brought him. She had brought enough food for a small army. “Yes, I could not possibly eat another bite.”
“Good. Now that you have eaten, it is time to change your wrappings. Are you able to stand?”
He gave a halfhearted smile before attempting to pull himself up. Seeing his difficulty Izanami quickly shouldered the pouch containing her supplies and made her way to his side. As carefully as she could she helped pull him up to his feet. Failing to repress the blush that came to her cheeks, she wrapped his arm around her shoulder so that she was able to help bear his weight. “There is a stream nearby.” she explained. “We need to go there so that I can clean your wounds properly before I wrap them again.”
Naraku nodded in agreement and the two slowly exited the cave. Crimson eyes scanned the area covertly and Naraku immediately noticed that the cat demon, and the hanyou that had previously accompanied her before were not in the immediate area. Keeping his voice neutral he asked, “Where are your guardians?”
“They are nearby.” she answered. “They would not allow me to come alone so I told them to scout the area for danger. I do not require their assistance for the task of seeing to your wounds. I have tended the injured throughout my entire life. I could do it in my sleep.” she declared with an air of pride.
‘Foolish woman,’ Naraku thought as he suppressed a malevolent smile. ‘Your trusting nature will turn out to be your greatest folly. If I had desired to do so, I could kill you right now and by the time your guardians arrived it would be far too late. You are only fortunate that I need you to remain alive… for now at least. Once you give me the information I require…’
“We have arrived Naraku-San. Please sit here near the water and I will clean your wounds.”
Izanami helped him lower himself to the ground and took her place beside him. She immediately went to work removing the wrappings from his torso. As she peeled the layers away she was able to see the dried blood that had seeped into the cloth strips. Wincing quietly the miko carefully pulled them away from his skin. Without the bandages she was able to see that the medicinal herbs had apparently done their work in preventing infection. Satisfied with her preliminary examination she began searching through her bag for new bandages. Retrieving several strips of clean white cloth, she gave most of them to him while she went to the water to dampen the few she had remaining. She returned in less than a moment and giving him an apologetic look, began to clean the wounds.
Initially Naraku recoiled at the cold water, but he soon relaxed under her gentle touch. As the blood was washed away, Izanami was able to see that some healing had occurred, but the wounds were still in need of treatment. As she smoothed the soft material over his chest and shoulder, she could not escape the guilty pleasure she felt every time she touched him. A part of her wanted to be ashamed, but she just couldn’t help herself. He was a beautiful creature after all and the feel of his toned body, even through the wet cloth made her feel pleasantly warm and caused her cheeks to flush with color.
A small smirk tugged at the corner of Naraku’s lips as he watched the priestess work. Though she avoided meeting his eyes, her fascination with his body was evident in her scent and the pink stains that colored her cheeks.
“You seem to be a bit shy,” Naraku drawled smoothly. “I was under the impression that you had done this sort of thing before.”
Izanami’s blush intensified as she carefully washed away the last remains of blood from his well defined torso. For a time she did not answer him, as she mentally debated whether or not to tell him the truth. Would he loose faith in her if she informed him that her experience was limited to women and children?
Her fundamental sense of honesty won out and she finally said, “I suppose I am. I have never cared for a man before; young boys, but never a man. I hope you will not thing poorly of me for it.” Still avoiding his eyes, she went into her bag again, and retrieved a small container of salve.
“Not at all.” said Naraku as he watched her apply the thick dark cream to his skin.
A moment of silence passed between them before Naraku spoke up again. “So Izanami, I hope you do not think it improper of me to ask, but I would like very much if you could tell me a little about yourself.”
______________________________________________________ __________________
“What is it Inuyasha? Do you smell something?” asked Kagome, concern evident in the faint tremble of her voice.
“Yeah, it’s Naraku’s miasma.” The half demon looked around and scented the air. Once he was sure of his direction, he offered Kagome his back. “Come on, it’s this way. Let’s hurry.”
Kagome quickly climbed onto his back before Shippou attached himself to her shoulder. Kirara transformed and Miroku and Sango hopped on before the fire-cat took off into the forest. As they approached a sizable clearing the scent of the miasma became more and more pronounced. Soon even the humans could smell it and Shippou was gradually becoming nauseous. Soon, a small range of mountains came into view, and Inuyasha skidded to a stop. The castle had to be somewhere nearby. Allowing the miko to slide off his back the half-demon began a visual scan of the area.
“Something about this area seems very strange.” said Kagome as an unpleasant chill went down her spine.
“So, you can sense it too then?” asked Miroku.
“Yeah, I can’t quite figure out what it is though.”
“There!” Inuyasha yelled suddenly, his clawed finger pointing to an area high on the mountain. When they turned to see the source of his agitation they immediately noticed a structure protruding from the face of the mountain. The building’s size classified it as nothing less than a mansion. “That’s gotta be it! Come on, let’s go!” the hanyou announced, his hand instinctively finding the hilt of his sword.
“No wait!” said Miroku before he placed a hand on Inuyasha’s shoulder “When have you ever known Naraku to make things this easy? Something is not right here.”
“You’re right.” said Kagome as she positioned an arrow against her bowstring. A short distance to their right a trail led up the mountain toward the building.
“I can sense a strange energy in this area.” Narrowing her eyes and focusing her senses the miko sought out the energy’s source. “I can feel it, its right in front of us!” she announced before stepping to the front of the group. Releasing her arrow, she watched with interest as the now luminous projectile sailed through the air. At a certain point the arrow seemed to pass through a wall they had not previously noticed. It only became visible as a strange wave spread out in all directions, its appearance nearly identical to rippling water. At that same point, the arrow’s trajectory changed marginally before it disappeared altogether. “I knew it! There is something there!”
“A barrier?” Sango wondered.
“Perhaps.” Miroku answered thoughtfully, “But then why did it allow the arrow to pass through instead of deflecting it?”
“I think it’s a trap!” Kagome warned.
“Keh! So what if it is?! It’s always a trap but if Naraku’s up there we’re going! If there’s a barrier involved I can handle it!”
Drawing his sword, he held it in front of him and focused his youki into the blade. Swirls of demonic power turned Tetsusaiga from silver to red and the half-demon leapt forward, his weapon splitting the air in one powerful strike.
Just like before with Kagome’s arrow the same ripple radiated in all directions at a certain point. This time however it was much more pronounced and after a few tense seconds the illusion was dispersed. What had only a moment ago been an easy passage up the mountain, was now a steep drop into an enormous crater. As the half demon moved forward to inspect he was able to see that there were huge jagged rocks lining the bottom. Had Inuyasha rushed off to head up the trail as he had intended he would have fallen off the cliff and into the craggy rocks below.
“I knew it,” Kagome breathed quietly. Before they could decide on an alternate route up the mountain large billowing clouds of miasma rose from the pit. The thick toxic fumes swiftly plumed out around them instantly making it hard to see or breath.
“Get back!” Inuyasha yelled as he grabbed Kagome around the waist and leaped away from the poisonous smog. Miroku grabbed Shippou before he and Sango mounted Kirara and made a hasty retreat. Flying high into the air, the fire-cat attempted to escape the dangerous fumes. Retrieving two gas masks, Sango used one for herself and gave the other to Miroku.
Inuyasha and Kagome had moved back several yards but the miasma continued to chase after them. The toxic gas wilted the grass and blackened the trees as it continued spread its deadly tendrils in pursuit of its intended victims. Unable to escape it fully, Kagome began to cough violently.
“Kagome, are you alright?!” asked the hanyou.
Through her coughs the miko managed to tell him, “You have to put me down… I need to try and purify it.”
The hanyou reluctantly agreed and skidded to a stop. Quickly getting to her feet Kagome loaded another arrow. Under a wave of dizziness the miko aimed and loosed her arrow. The blazing pink projectile tore through the toxic clouds leaving clean air in its path.
Unfortunately, before anyone could even sigh in relief a hoard of demons swarmed up from the depths of the pit. “Stay back Kagome!” yelled Inuyasha as his muscles tensed in preparation to attack. Running forward, he drew his sword and slashed through one demon after another, his blade all but a blur as the demons were cleanly torn apart against its sharp edge.
From high above, Sango’s boomerang was launched into the fray. The weapon’s trajectory was scarcely altered as its unforgiving edge slashed through a bird youkai before it continued on its set path. The boomerang shredded through several more demons as its momentum naturally went into reverse and it made its way back to its owner.
Around them all hell had broken loose as swarms and swarms of demons continued to rise from the pit.
Inuyasha, having barged right into the center of the innumerable creatures put his treasured sword to good use in destroying every demon within his reach. His movements swift and sure, the hanyou’s assault was relentless as he depleted their numbers and bided his time. With the limited visibility imposed by the miasma and the demons themselves, he couldn’t chance using his more powerful attacks as he was uncertain to the location of his friends.
Still firing her arrows, Kagome had backed herself against a large tree hoping to prevent demons from surprising her from behind. She wasn’t sure how many arrows she had fired but she was beginning to tire and still her efforts were just barely keeping the miasma at bay. Each projectile destroyed several demos as it cleansed the billowing plumes yet they still seemed to be facing an uphill struggle, the upper hand remaining frustratingly out of reach.
The fight droned on for several moments before Miroku sighted something that drew his immediate concern. “Sango, you have to take us down!” the monk informed his eyes following the retreating miko. As it was bound to happen, several demons had made their way past Inuyasha. While Kagome managed to purify most of them a single eel-like youkai had evaded her arrows and come too close for her to fire another. The priestess was forced to flee for her life.
“Kirara!” yelled Sango. The fire-cat understood the unvoiced order and immediately changed direction. Swooping close to the ground, Kirara allowed Miroku to jump off while she snapped her jaws around the back of the demon’s neck. The fire-cat made quick work of snapping the upper portion of the creature’s spine before disposing of it with a toss of her large head. “Stay with Kagome!” Sango ordered the monk. “I have to go back and help Inuyasha!”
“Right!” Miroku agreed as he watched her turn and head back into the chaos. Pivoting on his heel, he found the priestess on the ground both hands rubbing her ankle. “Are you okay Kagome?”
“Yeah, I think so.” She then rose to her feet and loaded another arrow. “This miasma is everywhere. We have to find out where it’s coming from.” Kagome panted.
The monk nodded slightly. The miasma was only one of their problems; there was also the problem of the demons. “Stay behind me Kagome.” Miroku ordered as he reached into his robes. He flung several sutras at the demons that came near.
Even as they fought together, the swarms of demons did not seem to deplete significantly. Finally Miroku decided he’d had enough. “Inuyasha, get out of there!” the monk ordered sternly. The hanyou had barely turned around before he saw Miroku reaching for the rosary beads sealed the curs of his right hand.
“Wind Tunnel!”
Instinctively the hanyou’s muscles tensed and flexed and Inuyasha was propelled from the dangerous winds. Unable to escape the vacuum dozens upon dozens of demons were drawn into the void along with dangerous clouds of miasma.
“Miroku, no!!” Kagome yelled frantically. “You’re taking in the miasma!”
The monk ignored her warning and continued to draw the demons into the void. It was only the familiar buzzing of the poisonous saimyoushou that caused the monk to reseal his hand. As the toxins swam through his body, the monk fell to his knees, cool droplets of sweat trickling from his brow.
“Miroku!” cried Kagome.
“Don’t worry about me,” he told her. “You have to help the others!”
Kagome immediately went to the monk’s side using her arrows to provide cover and prevent any of the youkai from getting close to his now prone form.
Soon the number of demons had dwindled down to just a stray few, but danger continued to drift around them in the form of deadly toxic fumes. By now, the entire group was beginning to feel the effects.
Just as Inuyasha slashed through the last demon a bright pink flair caught his attention. On the other side of the cavity stood a figure dressed in traditional red and white.
‘Kikyou…’
The priestess had fired an arrow down through the miasma and into the pit below. They could not see it from where they stood but Kikyou could clearly see an enormous vat deep in the crater. It contained thick black slurry concocted from many demons and was the source of Naraku’s miasma.
In a blaze of pink, her arrow sank into the disgusting black sludge purifying it instantly. As the air around them cleared, everyone looked up to see Kikyou calmly positioning another arrow against her bowstring. Before anyone could question why, the priestess loosed the second arrow. As it whipped through the air Kagome’s eyes widened in shock as the arrow made it’s way directly toward her. The young miko had just seconds to move out of the way before the brightly glowing shaft whizzed by her and found its target between the eyes of the large reptile demon that had been stalking up behind her.
Trembling, Kagome fell to the ground unsure what to make of Kikyou’s actions. Sure she had just saved her from a demon, but had she jumped to the right instead of the left, the arrow would have gotten her instead. She was left with the impression that the other miko couldn’t have cared less one way or the other. If she had, she would have at least warned her!
The entire group fell silent as they looked to Kagome, then to Inuyasha, then to Kikyou. In turn, the undead priestess merely stared in their general direction looking as if she didn’t have a care in the world. She stayed that way for only a moment before she slung her bow back onto her shoulder. “Naraku is not here.” she announced to no one in particular before she pivoted on her heel and began to walk away.
For a moment Inuyasha just stood there staring at the spot where Kikyou had just stood. When his brain began to function again, he turned and quickly made his way to Kagome’s side. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah.” she told him quietly as a strange uneasiness washed over her. “A-aren’t you umm…going to go after her?”
The hanyou looked away guiltily. “Maybe I should… if Naraku’s not here, then maybe she knows where we can find him.”
Kagome nodded solemnly and an awkward silence descended on the group as Inuyasha turned and quickly raced off in search of the other priestess.
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UGH!!!! SO. MUCH. EDITING!!!! This is driving me crazy!!! I may just edit up to chapter ten or so and then post the rest of the chapters. This is turning out to be far more tedious than I thought it would be. And I thought it would be fairly tedious in the first place!