InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Remnants of the Spider ❯ Kagome vs the Barrier ( Chapter 47 )
[ 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: 11.30.2009 | Pages: 2 | Words: 3.4K | Visits: 312 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Drama / Adventure / Action | Type: Divergence | Uploaded On: 11.30.2009 | Pages: 2 | Words: 3.4K | Visits: 312 | Status: Completed
Remnants of the Spider
Kagome vs the Barrier
_______________________________________________________________ _________
“Who’s scent?” the miko asked urgently, the others turning their questioning gazes upon him as well.
“Naraku’s”
Her eyes as wide a saucers, Kagome gasped audibly at the sound of his name. Suddenly she remembered the last time she’d seen him. He had taken on the form of an enormous spider and he had… he’d killed her.
Though she hardly realized it, the miko’s breath quickened as she recalled the moment he’d run her through with the pointed tip of one of his deadly spines. It was odd that she should remember it now. She hadn’t really thought of it since that day, but something as simple as hearing his name brought it all back to her so clearly… so… vividly.
Slowly, almost of its own accord the miko’s left hand rose to her chest. There was nothing there, but she was certain she could feel the sharp spine that had pierced her together with the warm torrents of her blood. It hadn’t really hurt, not at first anyway. With all of the excitement of the moment her body had been coursing with adrenalin so it was little wonder she really hadn’t felt anything beyond the jolting impact. On that day though, she learned that adrenalin was not without its limits because her detached state of fascination had not lasted long. When realization set in, it brought with it a pain like nothing she had ever known. It had been the most frightening moment of her life.
Her heart picking up a more rapid pace, Kagome’s eyes glazed over as the memory of that terrible, victorious day wrapped its unwanted, suffocating tendrils around her, forcing her to relive the moments that preceded her own death.
She didn’t dare move, she couldn’t; could hardly breathe. Paralyzed with the pain she could feel even now, Kagome felt her mouth go completely dry. Beads of sweat formed over her brow while light tremors crept down her spine. Suddenly she felt as if she couldn’t get enough air and though her eyes were still open, ominous shadows seemed to flood in from all sides, slowly tunneling her vision.
Before the darkness could set in fully, a strong hand on her shoulder caused the little priestess to start almost violently. In move that was so quick it almost made her dizzy, her head snapped up to see the one who had touched her. Her large terrified eyes were captured by the cool, even gaze of Sesshoumaru and the shadows skittered away like clouds making way for the sun. He stared at her for a long time, his calm expression effectively bringing her back from the edge of collapse.
“Calm yourself.” he instructed evenly. He turned to look toward the caves then. “The scent is old. It is likely that he spent a measure of time in this place shortly before his demise.”
“Oh…” she said quietly, her hand still clutching her chest.
“Are you alright Kagome?” Inuyasha wanted to know, his brows creased in concern.
“Ah… umm…” she stammered. “I-I’m fine, I just…” she trailed off and looked down wondering at the curious pain in her left hand. Only then did she notice the white-knuckled clutch in which she held the front of her haori. Her eyes widening slightly, she slowly uncurled her fist, flexing her fingers several times to get the circulation going again.
Offering a small smile to her concerned friends the miko straightened her spine and said. “I’m fine you guys, I just… remembered something.”
No one needed her to say anything further as a collective understanding washed over them. Taking a few deep, steadying breaths Kagome pushed her memories away as best she could. Averting her gaze from their troubled expressions, she said, “C’mon you guys, those mountains aren’t going to climb themselves. We should get going.”
Reaching out to her friend before she could walk away, Sango grasped her arm, bringing the miko’s attention to her. “Kagome, you, you don’t really have to…”
“It’s fine Sango,” she interrupted a little too quickly. “I’m fine, really.” she said, hoping her voice sounded as convincing to the others as it did to her. “Let’s go.” she added with a smile that seemed forced.
Having moved a short distance away from the others, Sesshoumaru found himself torn on whether or not to call the miko on her lie. Something had happened to her just now, though whether or not it was an affect of the barrier he could not say. He glanced over his shoulder and his attention was drawn to the silent monk who‘s pallid countenance suggested that it probably was.
This did not bode well the daiyoukai concluded. If the barrier could affect her thusly even before she ascended the mountains, how much more would she be affected once she did? As the miko likely would not admit whether or not she was experiencing difficulties, it would be necessary for him to keep a watchful eye on her.
Without a word to his companions, the inu lord began to move forward, his steps measured and his resolve solid. Until now he had allowed the miko to do as she pleased, but if it became necessary to do so, he would force her to abandon this mission, even against her will. He had no desire to see her harmed and if it became obvious to him that she was in pain, he would take her away from this place and the dangers it posed to her.
Right now though, he would investigate the caverns and locate the source of Naraku’s scent. With a trickster such as he, it usually paid to err on the side of caution.
When she finally noticed his departure Kagome broke into a light jog to catch up with him. “Hey! Don’t just leave us!” she called out as she struggled to catch up.
Frowning, the hanyou made to follow as well. He was feeling more than a little discontented and was getting some really negative vibes about going into those mountains. He didn’t know what had happened to Kagome just now, but it seemed like a lot more than just an errant memory. She had been scared, really scared, he could smell it in her scent. Instinctively, he’d wanted to gather her into his arms and assure her that everything would be okay, but the single step he’d taken in her direction had earned him a glare of warning from the daiyoukai who stood on the other side of her. It irritated him more than he could describe in words, but he was willing to let it go because in an odd sort of way he understood.
Not that he ever would, but If Kikyou had been in a similar situation, he wouldn’t want Sesshoumaru attempting to comfort her. The very idea caused him to shudder unpleasantly and he dismissed his thoughts with a light shake of his head. Frowning pensively, he focused on the couple ahead of him, his possessive grip on the little miko loosening just a little as he thought, ‘Well, it’s up to you now Sesshoumaru,’ He folded his hands into his sleeves and exhaled softly. ‘I’m counting on you to protect her from now on. You’d better not let me down.’ he finished, though deep down he knew that the possibility of Sesshoumaru failing to protect her was minimal at best.
As the distance between him and the caves diminished, the hanyou too picked up the faded scent of Naraku and he sneered at the unpleasant odor.
Stepping inside of the cave he’d seen Sesshoumaru and Kagome enter only seconds ago, the hanyou strained to see in the darkened space. His eyes adjusted quickly allowing him to see the small futon that lay in the far corner. The futon was the source of the bastard’s scent and the fact that there was even such a thing in this place suggested that he had spent at least a few days here. What had he been doing in the northern region?
“I wonder why he was here.” Kagome said aloud, unknowingly voicing Inuyasha’s question.
Neither inu deigned to answer, each instead inspecting the small space for anything he might have left behind. Miroku, Sango and Kirara arrived a short time later but because there wasn’t much room inside the cave, they remained outside and waited for the others to rejoin them.
Once he was satisfied that there was nothing of importance inside the cave, Sesshoumaru spun on his heel and made his way back outside. Inuyasha and Kagome remained in the chamber a moment or two longer before they too were satisfied and exited the cave.
“Did you find anything?” Sango asked curiously.
“No.” answered Kagome. “It looks like he just camped out here for a while.”
Miroku frowned at that. “Hmm…” he murmured, his hand coming up to rub his chin. “That’s… unusual, it is unlike him to take refuge in a cave.”
“Yeah,” Sango added, “He usually commandeers the castle of some inauspicious young lord.”
“Humph,” said Inuyasha with a careless wave of his hand. “Guess it doesn’t really matter now, the bastard’s dead anyway.”
Sango shrugged her reluctant agreement before she and Miroku fell in line behind the hanyou’s retreating form.
Folding her hands into her sleeves, Kagome slowly began to follow her friends while Sesshoumaru took a place at her side. “What is wrong?” the daiyoukai asked quietly, his eyes fixed on the hanyou as he started up the base of the mountain. He could tell that she was somewhat distracted and found himself wondering what she was thinking.
Staring glassily into the distance, the miko did not answer right away. She couldn’t stop her mind from wondering over the implications of Naraku’s presence here in the north. For reasons she could not clearly identify, it seemed a point of particular interest that he had spent time here before the final battle. From experience, she knew that Naraku hardly ever did anything unless he had a specific, if not convoluted motive behind his actions.
“Kagome?”
Jolting from her thoughts, the miko redirected her attention to the one who had called her name. “Oh,” she said absently, “N-nothing. I was just thinking… about Naraku.”
She turned away from him to stare absently off into the distance, ‘Plus,’ she added mentally, ‘I’m starting to get an odd feeling… if I didn’t know any better, I’d swear someone was watching us right now.’
“It is unnecessary for you to concern yourself with the likes of that abomination of a hanyou. He was dispatched by your own hand some time ago.”
“I know,” she said quietly. “I guess just knowing he was here is making me a little edgy.”
“Hn.”
_______________________________ _________________________________________
The travelers had been ascending into the mountain for less than half an hour before the miko’s skin began to pale visibly. Observing her from the corner of his eye, Sesshoumaru was beginning to experience a restlessness that, while new and apparently unique to Rin and now the little priestess, he recognized it as concern coupled with the impulse to… protect. He did not enjoy seeing her this way and if her condition became much worse, he would be forced to follow through with his earlier resolve to take her away from this place and insist that she abandon this mission. He was well aware that she would resist such a thing, and might even resent him for forcing her hand in such a way, so he would not do so until it was absolutely necessary.
Her eyes fixed straight ahead, Kagome was gradually becoming aware of an odd sensation as it washed over her again and again in increasingly stronger waves. It was something she could not fully explain as it somehow managed to be alluring and repelling all at the same time.
Something was calling to her, compelling her to pick up her pace; beaconing her to draw ever closer, yet with each step she took, she felt more and more unwell. It was almost as if the air itself had grown thick and unnaturally heavy and was attempting not only to crush her beneath its increasing weight, but also to prevent her body’s absorption of oxygen.
Her eyes suddenly widening, Kagome became aware of something ahead of them. She was only able to see her friends and the rocky terrain at their feet, but she knew something was there.
Sesshoumaru heard the miko gasp quietly beside him and she shuddered visibly. It was as if something had run into her and she was fighting valiantly to keep herself from toppling over. He felt his muscles jolt beneath his skin as he thought to reach for her, but something gave him pause. He saw Kagome’s features harden, her eyes narrowing in what could only be described as fierce determination and an eerie glow became visible around her. It took him a moment to recognize it as her own power. Thinking that she was perhaps attempting to use her powers to protect herself from the barrier of this mountain, he was completely unprepared for what happened next.
Without a single word of warning, Kagome dashed forward. Weaving between her friends almost frantically, the miko ignored their surprised expressions as she quickly pushed ahead of them. Narrowly avoiding Inuyasha’s grasping hands, she increased the speed of her stride, her actions the result of an impulse she did not fully understand.
Instinctively, Sesshoumaru gave chase. The miko’s actions did not seem her own and he felt it imperative to catch up to her as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, the priestess remained just out of his reach, and almost before he knew what had happened, a bright flash of light exploded around her forcing him to shield his eyes behind the oversized sleeve of his kimono lest he be blinded by its raw intensity.
Inuyasha, who had been fast on his heels, skidded to a stop just in time to keep from crashing into the elder inu. Not having sensed the energy until it stole his sight, the hanyou rubbed his eyes with the edge of his sleeve and silently awaited the return of his vision.
“What the hell just happened?!” he ground out a moment later, his eyes still narrowed as they slowly began to clear.
Just in front of him and slightly off to the side, Sesshoumaru stood motionless, a faint furrow marring his brow.
“She is gone.”
__________________________________________________________ ______________
Her jaw clenched tightly, Kagome pressed forward in spite of the now searing pain that sank its ravenous claws into the softness of her belly. Holding back cries of agony, she continued to propel herself forward even as tears leaked from the corners of her eyes. The air was heavily charged with a powerful demonic aura and she could tell that it was attempting to prevent her passage.
Flaring her powers with as much force as she could muster, the miko vaguely noted the pink glow that exuded from her to keep the demonic energies at bay. Just ahead, a path was gradually revealing itself and the miko was so focused on getting to wherever it intended to lead her that she hardly noticed the thick, ominous mist into which she had apparently plunged herself. Predominately grey, the strange fog was interspersed with dancing swirls of blue which could only be the explicit manifestation of someone else’s power. The energy pushed against hers insistently, but Kagome’s immense purity and will to go on fought back and was able to keep the darkness at bay.
With a final burst of energy and a grand leap into the unknown, the miko threw herself forward one last time, her pain finally erupting from her in the form of a shuddering cry. Tumbling to the ground, she shut her eyes tightly, rolling over and over until she finally slid to a stop. She immediately curled into herself, her face contorted in agony as she fisted a hand in her haori and willed the pain to subside.
Taking several deep breaths, Kagome felt herself begin to calm, her heart rate gradually slowing to a more manageable pace. The pain was almost entirely gone now and she slowly pulled herself into a sitting position and used the cuff of her haori to wipe the remaining tears from her eyes.
Blinking rapidly to rid her eyes of excess moisture, the miko could not repress the awed gasp that escaped her when her vision filled with a overwhelming presence of the massive bird which lay just a few yards ahead of her.
As if reemerging from a deep slumber, the creature began to stir, its immense size and undeniable presence causing Kagome to shrink away in the beginnings of terror.
The creature was obviously youkai, its size alone made that abundantly clear and as she did not know how it would react to her presence, Kagome instinctively reached for her bow. She watched in tremulous fascination as small eyes on either side of its enormous head drew open, its head lifting from the nest-like mound of grass that pillowed its magnificent form.
In spite of the fear it inspired in her, Kagome could not help but marvel at the creatures beauty. Covered predominantly in white feathers, its wings were traced with lines of black while its head and neck sported a tone of pale peach. She could not place it at this moment, but the bird’s appearance ghosted over an old memory, something she had learned back in her own time.
Its large rosy beak opening in an oversized yawn, the youkai pushed up onto its legs and unfurled its impressive wings. Gasping again, Kagome’s eyes grew wide as all traces of light were devoured and she stood in the darkness of its shadow.
“An albatross…” she murmured breathlessly, her mind finally recalling the bird’s exact species. Her arrow was held loosely against the taut string of her bow, and though instinct implored her to be more cautious, she could not pull herself from the strange trance this creatures incomparable form drew her into.
It shook itself lightly causing the ground to quake beneath her feet and the action reminded the miko of the possibly terminal situation she was now in. Her fingers tightened and her stance became firm as she angled the arrow at the bird’s head. Looking down on her, the albatross neatly folded its wings and though it appeared completely undisturbed in her company, it did not return to its sitting position.
A shiver ran down Kagome’s spine but even though she wanted to back away, she continued to hold firm, her arm shaking only slightly with the effort of holding her bow.
“I don’t mean you any harm!” she told the bird, her voice portraying a confidence she did not truly feel. “I… I’m just looking for a key.” Then not seeing the harm in asking she continued, “Do you know where it is?”
The albatross stared at her for a long uneasy moment before a whirlwind of youki billowed out around it and the bird began to transform.
____________________________________________________________ ____________
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Kagome vs the Barrier
_______________________________________________________________ _________
“Who’s scent?” the miko asked urgently, the others turning their questioning gazes upon him as well.
“Naraku’s”
Her eyes as wide a saucers, Kagome gasped audibly at the sound of his name. Suddenly she remembered the last time she’d seen him. He had taken on the form of an enormous spider and he had… he’d killed her.
Though she hardly realized it, the miko’s breath quickened as she recalled the moment he’d run her through with the pointed tip of one of his deadly spines. It was odd that she should remember it now. She hadn’t really thought of it since that day, but something as simple as hearing his name brought it all back to her so clearly… so… vividly.
Slowly, almost of its own accord the miko’s left hand rose to her chest. There was nothing there, but she was certain she could feel the sharp spine that had pierced her together with the warm torrents of her blood. It hadn’t really hurt, not at first anyway. With all of the excitement of the moment her body had been coursing with adrenalin so it was little wonder she really hadn’t felt anything beyond the jolting impact. On that day though, she learned that adrenalin was not without its limits because her detached state of fascination had not lasted long. When realization set in, it brought with it a pain like nothing she had ever known. It had been the most frightening moment of her life.
Her heart picking up a more rapid pace, Kagome’s eyes glazed over as the memory of that terrible, victorious day wrapped its unwanted, suffocating tendrils around her, forcing her to relive the moments that preceded her own death.
She didn’t dare move, she couldn’t; could hardly breathe. Paralyzed with the pain she could feel even now, Kagome felt her mouth go completely dry. Beads of sweat formed over her brow while light tremors crept down her spine. Suddenly she felt as if she couldn’t get enough air and though her eyes were still open, ominous shadows seemed to flood in from all sides, slowly tunneling her vision.
Before the darkness could set in fully, a strong hand on her shoulder caused the little priestess to start almost violently. In move that was so quick it almost made her dizzy, her head snapped up to see the one who had touched her. Her large terrified eyes were captured by the cool, even gaze of Sesshoumaru and the shadows skittered away like clouds making way for the sun. He stared at her for a long time, his calm expression effectively bringing her back from the edge of collapse.
“Calm yourself.” he instructed evenly. He turned to look toward the caves then. “The scent is old. It is likely that he spent a measure of time in this place shortly before his demise.”
“Oh…” she said quietly, her hand still clutching her chest.
“Are you alright Kagome?” Inuyasha wanted to know, his brows creased in concern.
“Ah… umm…” she stammered. “I-I’m fine, I just…” she trailed off and looked down wondering at the curious pain in her left hand. Only then did she notice the white-knuckled clutch in which she held the front of her haori. Her eyes widening slightly, she slowly uncurled her fist, flexing her fingers several times to get the circulation going again.
Offering a small smile to her concerned friends the miko straightened her spine and said. “I’m fine you guys, I just… remembered something.”
No one needed her to say anything further as a collective understanding washed over them. Taking a few deep, steadying breaths Kagome pushed her memories away as best she could. Averting her gaze from their troubled expressions, she said, “C’mon you guys, those mountains aren’t going to climb themselves. We should get going.”
Reaching out to her friend before she could walk away, Sango grasped her arm, bringing the miko’s attention to her. “Kagome, you, you don’t really have to…”
“It’s fine Sango,” she interrupted a little too quickly. “I’m fine, really.” she said, hoping her voice sounded as convincing to the others as it did to her. “Let’s go.” she added with a smile that seemed forced.
Having moved a short distance away from the others, Sesshoumaru found himself torn on whether or not to call the miko on her lie. Something had happened to her just now, though whether or not it was an affect of the barrier he could not say. He glanced over his shoulder and his attention was drawn to the silent monk who‘s pallid countenance suggested that it probably was.
This did not bode well the daiyoukai concluded. If the barrier could affect her thusly even before she ascended the mountains, how much more would she be affected once she did? As the miko likely would not admit whether or not she was experiencing difficulties, it would be necessary for him to keep a watchful eye on her.
Without a word to his companions, the inu lord began to move forward, his steps measured and his resolve solid. Until now he had allowed the miko to do as she pleased, but if it became necessary to do so, he would force her to abandon this mission, even against her will. He had no desire to see her harmed and if it became obvious to him that she was in pain, he would take her away from this place and the dangers it posed to her.
Right now though, he would investigate the caverns and locate the source of Naraku’s scent. With a trickster such as he, it usually paid to err on the side of caution.
When she finally noticed his departure Kagome broke into a light jog to catch up with him. “Hey! Don’t just leave us!” she called out as she struggled to catch up.
Frowning, the hanyou made to follow as well. He was feeling more than a little discontented and was getting some really negative vibes about going into those mountains. He didn’t know what had happened to Kagome just now, but it seemed like a lot more than just an errant memory. She had been scared, really scared, he could smell it in her scent. Instinctively, he’d wanted to gather her into his arms and assure her that everything would be okay, but the single step he’d taken in her direction had earned him a glare of warning from the daiyoukai who stood on the other side of her. It irritated him more than he could describe in words, but he was willing to let it go because in an odd sort of way he understood.
Not that he ever would, but If Kikyou had been in a similar situation, he wouldn’t want Sesshoumaru attempting to comfort her. The very idea caused him to shudder unpleasantly and he dismissed his thoughts with a light shake of his head. Frowning pensively, he focused on the couple ahead of him, his possessive grip on the little miko loosening just a little as he thought, ‘Well, it’s up to you now Sesshoumaru,’ He folded his hands into his sleeves and exhaled softly. ‘I’m counting on you to protect her from now on. You’d better not let me down.’ he finished, though deep down he knew that the possibility of Sesshoumaru failing to protect her was minimal at best.
As the distance between him and the caves diminished, the hanyou too picked up the faded scent of Naraku and he sneered at the unpleasant odor.
Stepping inside of the cave he’d seen Sesshoumaru and Kagome enter only seconds ago, the hanyou strained to see in the darkened space. His eyes adjusted quickly allowing him to see the small futon that lay in the far corner. The futon was the source of the bastard’s scent and the fact that there was even such a thing in this place suggested that he had spent at least a few days here. What had he been doing in the northern region?
“I wonder why he was here.” Kagome said aloud, unknowingly voicing Inuyasha’s question.
Neither inu deigned to answer, each instead inspecting the small space for anything he might have left behind. Miroku, Sango and Kirara arrived a short time later but because there wasn’t much room inside the cave, they remained outside and waited for the others to rejoin them.
Once he was satisfied that there was nothing of importance inside the cave, Sesshoumaru spun on his heel and made his way back outside. Inuyasha and Kagome remained in the chamber a moment or two longer before they too were satisfied and exited the cave.
“Did you find anything?” Sango asked curiously.
“No.” answered Kagome. “It looks like he just camped out here for a while.”
Miroku frowned at that. “Hmm…” he murmured, his hand coming up to rub his chin. “That’s… unusual, it is unlike him to take refuge in a cave.”
“Yeah,” Sango added, “He usually commandeers the castle of some inauspicious young lord.”
“Humph,” said Inuyasha with a careless wave of his hand. “Guess it doesn’t really matter now, the bastard’s dead anyway.”
Sango shrugged her reluctant agreement before she and Miroku fell in line behind the hanyou’s retreating form.
Folding her hands into her sleeves, Kagome slowly began to follow her friends while Sesshoumaru took a place at her side. “What is wrong?” the daiyoukai asked quietly, his eyes fixed on the hanyou as he started up the base of the mountain. He could tell that she was somewhat distracted and found himself wondering what she was thinking.
Staring glassily into the distance, the miko did not answer right away. She couldn’t stop her mind from wondering over the implications of Naraku’s presence here in the north. For reasons she could not clearly identify, it seemed a point of particular interest that he had spent time here before the final battle. From experience, she knew that Naraku hardly ever did anything unless he had a specific, if not convoluted motive behind his actions.
“Kagome?”
Jolting from her thoughts, the miko redirected her attention to the one who had called her name. “Oh,” she said absently, “N-nothing. I was just thinking… about Naraku.”
She turned away from him to stare absently off into the distance, ‘Plus,’ she added mentally, ‘I’m starting to get an odd feeling… if I didn’t know any better, I’d swear someone was watching us right now.’
“It is unnecessary for you to concern yourself with the likes of that abomination of a hanyou. He was dispatched by your own hand some time ago.”
“I know,” she said quietly. “I guess just knowing he was here is making me a little edgy.”
“Hn.”
_______________________________ _________________________________________
The travelers had been ascending into the mountain for less than half an hour before the miko’s skin began to pale visibly. Observing her from the corner of his eye, Sesshoumaru was beginning to experience a restlessness that, while new and apparently unique to Rin and now the little priestess, he recognized it as concern coupled with the impulse to… protect. He did not enjoy seeing her this way and if her condition became much worse, he would be forced to follow through with his earlier resolve to take her away from this place and insist that she abandon this mission. He was well aware that she would resist such a thing, and might even resent him for forcing her hand in such a way, so he would not do so until it was absolutely necessary.
Her eyes fixed straight ahead, Kagome was gradually becoming aware of an odd sensation as it washed over her again and again in increasingly stronger waves. It was something she could not fully explain as it somehow managed to be alluring and repelling all at the same time.
Something was calling to her, compelling her to pick up her pace; beaconing her to draw ever closer, yet with each step she took, she felt more and more unwell. It was almost as if the air itself had grown thick and unnaturally heavy and was attempting not only to crush her beneath its increasing weight, but also to prevent her body’s absorption of oxygen.
Her eyes suddenly widening, Kagome became aware of something ahead of them. She was only able to see her friends and the rocky terrain at their feet, but she knew something was there.
Sesshoumaru heard the miko gasp quietly beside him and she shuddered visibly. It was as if something had run into her and she was fighting valiantly to keep herself from toppling over. He felt his muscles jolt beneath his skin as he thought to reach for her, but something gave him pause. He saw Kagome’s features harden, her eyes narrowing in what could only be described as fierce determination and an eerie glow became visible around her. It took him a moment to recognize it as her own power. Thinking that she was perhaps attempting to use her powers to protect herself from the barrier of this mountain, he was completely unprepared for what happened next.
Without a single word of warning, Kagome dashed forward. Weaving between her friends almost frantically, the miko ignored their surprised expressions as she quickly pushed ahead of them. Narrowly avoiding Inuyasha’s grasping hands, she increased the speed of her stride, her actions the result of an impulse she did not fully understand.
Instinctively, Sesshoumaru gave chase. The miko’s actions did not seem her own and he felt it imperative to catch up to her as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, the priestess remained just out of his reach, and almost before he knew what had happened, a bright flash of light exploded around her forcing him to shield his eyes behind the oversized sleeve of his kimono lest he be blinded by its raw intensity.
Inuyasha, who had been fast on his heels, skidded to a stop just in time to keep from crashing into the elder inu. Not having sensed the energy until it stole his sight, the hanyou rubbed his eyes with the edge of his sleeve and silently awaited the return of his vision.
“What the hell just happened?!” he ground out a moment later, his eyes still narrowed as they slowly began to clear.
Just in front of him and slightly off to the side, Sesshoumaru stood motionless, a faint furrow marring his brow.
“She is gone.”
__________________________________________________________ ______________
Her jaw clenched tightly, Kagome pressed forward in spite of the now searing pain that sank its ravenous claws into the softness of her belly. Holding back cries of agony, she continued to propel herself forward even as tears leaked from the corners of her eyes. The air was heavily charged with a powerful demonic aura and she could tell that it was attempting to prevent her passage.
Flaring her powers with as much force as she could muster, the miko vaguely noted the pink glow that exuded from her to keep the demonic energies at bay. Just ahead, a path was gradually revealing itself and the miko was so focused on getting to wherever it intended to lead her that she hardly noticed the thick, ominous mist into which she had apparently plunged herself. Predominately grey, the strange fog was interspersed with dancing swirls of blue which could only be the explicit manifestation of someone else’s power. The energy pushed against hers insistently, but Kagome’s immense purity and will to go on fought back and was able to keep the darkness at bay.
With a final burst of energy and a grand leap into the unknown, the miko threw herself forward one last time, her pain finally erupting from her in the form of a shuddering cry. Tumbling to the ground, she shut her eyes tightly, rolling over and over until she finally slid to a stop. She immediately curled into herself, her face contorted in agony as she fisted a hand in her haori and willed the pain to subside.
Taking several deep breaths, Kagome felt herself begin to calm, her heart rate gradually slowing to a more manageable pace. The pain was almost entirely gone now and she slowly pulled herself into a sitting position and used the cuff of her haori to wipe the remaining tears from her eyes.
Blinking rapidly to rid her eyes of excess moisture, the miko could not repress the awed gasp that escaped her when her vision filled with a overwhelming presence of the massive bird which lay just a few yards ahead of her.
As if reemerging from a deep slumber, the creature began to stir, its immense size and undeniable presence causing Kagome to shrink away in the beginnings of terror.
The creature was obviously youkai, its size alone made that abundantly clear and as she did not know how it would react to her presence, Kagome instinctively reached for her bow. She watched in tremulous fascination as small eyes on either side of its enormous head drew open, its head lifting from the nest-like mound of grass that pillowed its magnificent form.
In spite of the fear it inspired in her, Kagome could not help but marvel at the creatures beauty. Covered predominantly in white feathers, its wings were traced with lines of black while its head and neck sported a tone of pale peach. She could not place it at this moment, but the bird’s appearance ghosted over an old memory, something she had learned back in her own time.
Its large rosy beak opening in an oversized yawn, the youkai pushed up onto its legs and unfurled its impressive wings. Gasping again, Kagome’s eyes grew wide as all traces of light were devoured and she stood in the darkness of its shadow.
“An albatross…” she murmured breathlessly, her mind finally recalling the bird’s exact species. Her arrow was held loosely against the taut string of her bow, and though instinct implored her to be more cautious, she could not pull herself from the strange trance this creatures incomparable form drew her into.
It shook itself lightly causing the ground to quake beneath her feet and the action reminded the miko of the possibly terminal situation she was now in. Her fingers tightened and her stance became firm as she angled the arrow at the bird’s head. Looking down on her, the albatross neatly folded its wings and though it appeared completely undisturbed in her company, it did not return to its sitting position.
A shiver ran down Kagome’s spine but even though she wanted to back away, she continued to hold firm, her arm shaking only slightly with the effort of holding her bow.
“I don’t mean you any harm!” she told the bird, her voice portraying a confidence she did not truly feel. “I… I’m just looking for a key.” Then not seeing the harm in asking she continued, “Do you know where it is?”
The albatross stared at her for a long uneasy moment before a whirlwind of youki billowed out around it and the bird began to transform.
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