InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Returning the Favor ❯ The Wise Man Who Thinks He Knows Everything is a Fool ( Chapter 5 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

By: Azuka

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha and Co.
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Parental Advisory: The content of this Fictional Story would not be considered ‘appropriate’ for reader’s under the age of Seventeen. Therefore I must implore that those faint of heart, easily angered or disturbed; and under the age of seventeen, not ready any Fictional Story that I have concocted from the bases of an Anime. Thank You.

Attention! I added onto this chapter! Reread if you already read this chapter beforehand!

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Chapter Four: The wise man who thinks he knows everything, is a fool…
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Kagome lifted her hand to pinch the rim of her straw hat, and tipping it downward as she trudged along behind Sesshomaru through the blizzard and snow. Kai was carrying Rin on his back, for the little girl had exhausted herself. Kagome kept a tight grip on Sesshomaru’s Mokomoko, for without it, she would easily loose the demon prince who draped himself in white silk. She shivered violently, her teeth clattering steadily as she stumbled through deep holes that thick and blinding snow covered. Sesshomaru glanced back at the girl in concern for her health when the scent of her soul wavered slightly. He looked back to see her hand drop from her straw hat to her chest, where her hand began to glow. Her scent grew stronger and she moved more confidently. She’d done this for the past two days, and being a powerful miko that she was; she was also human.

Sesshomaru looked past her to Kai, who to human sight would have been lost in the white blur, but to his demon eyes, Kai’s body heat stood out against the cold like a beacon of fire. “You are lagging, Kai.” Sesshomaru barked behind him, missing the human ears and burning the demon’s. Kai’s head shot up under the thick commanding voice on the air, not hearing the words, rather their intent and purpose. He glanced over his shoulder at Rin, who was flushed with fever and trembling horribly. He leapt through the air and landed gracefully beside his master. Kagome’s head shot up in surprise. “Kai!” “Sesshomaru, we have to get Rin out of the cold, now.” Kagome let go of Mokomoko-sama and trudged through the snow and against the wind to Kai, who stood only a few feet away. She reached up to press the pad of her forefinger onto Rin’s forehead. Kagome’s spine shivered, rolling her shoulders as Rin breathing suddenly picked up, color returning to her pale flesh. Sesshomaru caught the priestess as she fell, glaring up at Kai, demanding he do something. Kai analyzed the arched eyebrows, the banked anger and concern in his golden eyes then nodded. “Keep her warm and wait for my signal.” Sesshomaru pulled the girl close to him, Mokomoko-sama wrapping tightly around her, covering her from neck to ankles. Curling the girl against him, he crouched down, folding his torso down around the girl who was shivering and breathing sharply. “Kagome.” He barked softly, gently slapping her right cheek. Her eyes fluttered and she tensed; Sesshomaru slapped her a bit harder this time. “Kagome.” Her eyes shot open, staring directly at him in bewildered shock and obvious disorientation. When her ash colored eyes lightened into lucidity, Sesshomaru sighed. “Woman, mimic me.” Kagome shook her head. “I can’t…” “Woman.” She looked up at him with puppy dog eyes. “Sesshomaru… I can’t… but you can.” His eyebrow lifted as he drew back, looking like something foul had just passed under his nose. “Do not be ridiculous.” Her eyes fluttered, but she pulled out of it and managed to stay lucid enough to explain herself. “How… how many times have I used you… for a test dummy…” he growled, “when it came to using… this mimicking thing? I mean…” She swallowed and turned more towards his body heat even as Mokomoko-sama began to writhe subtly in an attempt to keep her blood flowing normally. “You should know the feeling, right? I can, walk you through it.” She lifted her eyes up to his and Sesshomaru was surprised to see tears. They crystallized against her cheeks, sparkling baby pink to his demonic sight. Her soul is leaking… The demon prince’s confusion rose even higher when the crystallized tears broke away from her flesh and landed on his thigh. Against the warmth of his body, the tears melted and soaked through the fabric and his flesh faster then they fell. He looked back at Kagome, who was watching him with her own level of confusion and surprise.

Sesshomaru frowned and lifted a hand to cover her eyes with his palm, his thumb against her left temple and the rest of his fingers on her right. He dipped his head and closed his own eyes. Looking deep within himself, the demon prince felt the stir of his soul and the burn of his youki as it coursed through his bloodstream. His heart lurched and within a second, Sesshomaru’s soul reached for Kagome’s, exactly as she’d done to him countless times.
The soul opened its eyes, a toxic green as its power vibrated off it in tangible waves; ripples in a pond. Across from the male, demonic soul, hovered a weak, diminishing soul. Her hair rippled out around her as she curled in on herself, her vibrant glow blinking; growing weaker as crystallized powder fell off in sparkling showers. He reached out to her, his glowing green hand smoothing up her back and into her hair. With his touch he felt a soft feeling, and the scent of rain and sakura blossoms became a sound; soft bubbling water, like a creek or a brook. The green eyes widened as he moved closer. Her head lifted and beautiful pink eyes turned to him. “Listen.” The sound deepened, turning into a gushing stream. “Can you sing it?” She asked, her face pinched in pain. “I do not sing.” “Song is vibration, Sesshomaru. Growl.” His lips twitched and he growled; her hair turned toxic green, spraying out wildly and the sound of fire almost overthrew the gushing river. Something in him demanded he follow the fire and he tucked himself against her soul. Her flesh turned green and her soul stretched out against him gratefully.
Sesshomaru’s eyes opened to see Kagome’s face and gasped in startled shock. Overlaying her feature’s were his own, like a poor illusion, the maroon stripes were crude and pale, and the moon a smudge of blue. “Kagome?” Her eyes opened, a fog of gold highlighting the soft ash color of her irises. “Arigatou… Sesshomaru-sama.” Her eyes closed again and the markings on her face, moving a split second behind her natural features, began to pulse softly. Suddenly a loud roar pierced the snowy blizzard and Sesshomaru became quite suddenly aware of his surroundings. Damn… We could have been attacked, and I would never have saw them coming. Unfolding himself to his full height, Sesshomaru awaited the second roar before leaping after the sound that originated in the north and reverberated outwards lie ripples in a pond, lost in the blizzard.

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The very first thing she came aware of was the sound of water, the soft repetitive ‘tick’ of dripping water. Second was the pop and crack of a campfire. Her eyelids tightened as she fought to remember where she was, and why she couldn’t move. Her legs felt like jelly and her arms felt like lead; her head hurt and her chest felt tight. “Damn…” “Kagome-neesan! How do you feel?” Rin placed a warm cloth over the miko’s brown. Kagome frowned and pushed it off. “Fine, just… feels like I haven’t moved in a day or so.” “As true to the fact as that is, Kagome, you must rise now.” She opened her eyes to see Kai, Rin and Sesshomaru kneeling beside her. “I was out for a couple days?” Kai shook his head, leaning back when Kagome’s recovery seemed immediate. “Just a day. We managed to reach the north, however.” Kagome nodded with a smile, before turning to Sesshomaru. “Ne, Sesshomaru-sama, there isn’t any food, is there?” Rin giggled and poked Sesshomaru’s shoulder, much to the dogs annoyance. “Sorry, Kagome-sama, Sesshomaru-sama was to worried to leave you and go hunting, so he made Kai-sama.” The Prince closed his eyes with an inaudible sigh. “Rin.” The ninja-in-training giggled and rose to her feet. Kagome watched her for a moment, then glanced at Sesshomaru. Almost as if he read the question in her eyes, he answered: “You used your remaining strength to pull the girl back from the brink of death.” Kagome smiled and nodded. “Good.” Sesshomaru watched the girl slip back into the sand of sleep before calmly assessing the way this mortal woman made him feel. When he connected to her soul, he had no idea how much intimacy was required; had never experienced the visual that had overtaken him the moment his soul embraced hers. It was similar to a youkia mating ritual, so vivid and clear, so intimate and real. He wanted to feel it again, he needed to feel her soul pressed against him. But was it because of the feeling with no strings attached, or because it had been forever since he’d last held a females soul against his own? Whatever it is, this mortal woman… I think I’m beginning to understand why father turned to these creatures. They are so unpredictable; one would think them weak and filthy creatures, but then one like this one would present herself before the most powerful of powerful demon’s and sway him. Is this how father feels? Is he torn between his teachings and the addiction of a mortal woman, empowered as such and equally tantalizing?

“Sesshomaru-sama?” He looked up to see Kai, covered head to toe in snow, carrying two boars and behind him, two wolves. He arched an eyebrow. “Apparently we are within the wolves hunting grounds. If Kagome-sama is well enough, Koga-sama has requested we relocate.” Sesshomaru turned back to the woman and touched her forehead. “She is feverish and unwell. Relocating, however, might be our best bet at this point. Have Koga-sama prepare herbs and bedding for our arrival.” Without needing to be dismissed, one wolf turned tail and left, while the other awaited further instruction.

Rin moved to the back of the cave, furthest from the wolves, who brought back images of terror and blood. She didn’t understand, nor did she want to, for that matter. Sesshomaru caught her distress and glanced at her, then at the wolf. Growling softly at the creature, the large black wolf rose to its feet, turned and left the cave.

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The old wolf hovered over the girl in concern. “She has used most, if not all of her spirit. She is so weak now, that even the slightest infection could kill her. We have the tools to save her, but she must remain with us for quite some time before we can ensure her safety.” Sesshomaru frowned in immense displeasure at the thought, but Kai placed a hand on his shoulder. “Very well. Know this, while my Priestess is in your possession, the West and East are at a standstill.” The old wolf lifted his sun spotted, wrinkled face and studied the western lord with under heavily covered by thick, gray eyebrows. “Have you no idea as to why the East has requested your attendance, or why we were so quick to help this human?” Sesshomaru closed his eyes. “You wish allegiance?” “Hai. As ambassador to your father’s lands, we wish to speak with you first.” The western prince watched the mortal female who lay on fur and straw, battling a fever with pale flesh and cold sweat. I must save her… “See that the mortal pulls through, and I can assure you an allegiance; with a proper argument, of course.” The old medicine man bowed humbly with a smile. “Of course.”

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“My lord, are you sure about this?” Kai asked once they were back on their way to the West. Rin was sleeping on the neko’s back, once again weakened due to the harsh weather. “There is something about that woman, Kai, that will one day become essential to the survival of the Western Lands. This I can assure you.” Kai nodded slowly. “I see. I understand her importance, my prince, but are you so sure you can convince your father of the allegiance?” Sesshomaru was riding on his cloud, while Kai, in true form, coasted beside him in the air. “With the upcoming war against the Continent Demon’s, we will need the allegiance, father cannot deny this.” “Continent Demon’s? Did they not just try to invade and were thwarted?” “Hai.” Kai shook his head with a chuckle. “Do you thin, this time, we might be able to take part?” Sesshomaru grinned sharply. “I indeed hope so.”

~~ Three Months Later ~~

“My Lord, the priestess has awakened.” Lord Koga looked up in surprise. “Has she? Well, its about time. Have her fed and bathed, properly clothed and alert the West.” A beautiful ookami warrior bowed, her full head of luscious black hair tumbled over her shoulder in a thick coil of knots and braids. The Lord looked to his eldest son and smirked. “My son, the priestess will need training, as instructed by Sesshomaru before he left. I will leave this up to you.” Prince Koga bowed his head before rising. “Of course, Father.”

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Kagome sat calmly on the furs, braiding her hair that’s reached well past her ankles now. Gowned only in a thin gray yukata, the Priestess of the West pondered on her waking. Where was she? Was Sesshomaru near? I can’t feel him… How long has she been asleep?

A soft knock on stone made her look to the fur hangings over the door, no sooner had she done so, did the furs part and a male peeked his head in. “Good morning, Priestess, I am Prince Koga and as ordered by Sesshomaru-sama himself, I am to start your training today, if you so wish?” Kagome nodded and Koga entered the den. “Could you… can I ask you a few questions?” The Prince nodded, but couldn’t respond, due to the fact that the mortal woman before him was strikingly beautiful. “Where am I?” Forced to speak, less he seem unintelligent and primitive before this beautiful woman, Koga swallowed and crossed his arms. “You are in the East, as you were left by Prince Sesshomaru over three months ago; to recover your strength, and of course train so that you might aid him in the War that has started during your regenerative slumber.” Kagome’s eyes widened. “Three months?” “Hai.” Koga bowed, feeling not only her anger but her desire to lash out at something. Pulling tight rein on her temper, Kagome sighed. “Fine. Tell me more of this war?”

Koga nodded. “Once you are dressed we will speak more.” The Prince then turned towards the door, and a sleek large black wolf entered. She had large ears, paws and a broad chest. Narrow ice blue eyes and a long fluffy black tail. “This will be your personal guard and assistant while you are here within the Den’s of the East.” Koga then bowed and excused himself. Kagome rose from her bed of fur and straw, then made her way to a rack, where armor was set out, with various articles of fur and silk. “Do you know how to properly dress yourself in wolf armor?” Kagome whipped around in astonishment, her eyes landing on the large black wolf who was sitting calmly a few feet from the door, panting with a dog-like smile. “You… you just spoke, but you’re a wolf?” Amusement flickered in the narrow ice blue eyes of the wolf. “You… your human, in the Den of the Eastern Wolves.” Kagome blinked, then smiled. “I suppose that was a bit silly, wasn’t it?” The wolf closed her mouth, her left ear twitching. “Quite.” Kagome giggled. “Sorry! First time speaking with a talking wolf!”

~~ Kagome’s POV ~~

I stood on the hill, dressed in full Eastern Wolf armor, with the black chest plate, fur skirt leggings and cuffs; to a sword at my side, my hair braided back with a strip of fur around my forehead, and full boots that reached mid thigh. The months had flown by and spring was in full swing, my training with Koga had progressed beautifully and blossomed into a deep friendship. I was Pack now; Koga’s pack considered me ‘sister’ and I ran with the wolves as they scouted and patrolled their lands. Now, however, was the time that I sought out my Prince of the West and lend him my aid with my newfound skills.

My sapphire blue eyes gleamed almost silver in direct sunlight as I looked down at my companion and friend since my journey began with the wolves of the East; Nuka. Her sleek black fur swayed in the spring breeze as she stood fully erect and regal at my side. I smiled and turned to look back to the North, where I would start another journey. “Will you be aright by yourself?” Looking over my shoulder, a curtain of hair momentarily blocked my vision, before the wind shifted and thrust it away, allowing me the sight of the Eastern Wolf Prince Koga and his Pack. They stood behind him in battle formation and gear. I smiled and lowered my eyes from the awesome sight and looked back North. “Do you wish to accompany me, Prince Koga?” The demon came to my side and I glanced at him, but his eye lay North as well. “The East will March to the North as well, it makes little difference to me, should I leave now, rather than later.” He met my glance and held my eyes. I smiled and broke the stare. “Let us go and banish these demons who think they can invade our country without consequence.” Koga smirked and leered at me in carnal friendship. “One would never think to look in a human for such courage, strength and honor. You are truly a remarkable creature, woman.” I closed my eyes fondly at his pet-name for me. “The day will come, ‘wolf’, then you must address me as Kagome.” I turned to him, my cheeks rising with a full grin. “When it does, it will be one to be remembered.” He placed his hands on his hips and snorted. “S’that right?” I snickered softly and placed a hand on the hilt of my sword. Nuka’s left ear twitched as she widened her stance, digging her toes fondly into the soil beneath her as she studied my profile. “Hai. For it would mean you’ve finally acknowledged me as an equal. For it is an equal we are.” He arched an eyebrow and I nodded in spite of myself and once again fixed my gaze to the North. “You’re human woman, you could never be my equal. Beside’s, I’m the one who taught you everything you know, there’s no way-.” Quicker than lightning, I kicked his left ankle out from under him and elbowed him in the left shoulder, slamming my forearm across his torso in the same motion and effectively flattening the ego-inflated youkia. Ignoring the uproar of laughs and catcalls behind me, I glanced at Nuka with a wink before stepping forward.

A hand snaked out and grabbed my ankle, jerking it right out from under me and slamming me face first onto the ground. The uproar grew deafening, and this time, Nuka joined in. I rolled over to see Koga braced above me regally, his ponytail spilling over his shoulder and pooling at my waist. I growled up at him in a imitation of Nuka; from the many times I observed her with her own pups and kind, Koga growled back easily and I recognized the tone and length of the growl to be one of an answer to my challenge. I barked out in laughter suddenly, tipping my head back as I slapped him upside the head, the force pushing him off me and allowing me to roll in the other direction and to my feet. Koga tackled me in the waist, knocking the breath out of me as we tumbled down the hillside, our Pack cheering and laughing behind us as we came to a stop. Both of us shot to our feet and began to circle one another, our backs arched low and our arms out to accept an attack and/or defend. Koga cocked his head in an amused twitch as he growled again. “You don’t stand a chance woman. I’m the master of this game.” I arched an eyebrow as I circled closer, giggling as I watched Koga’s tail lash out behind him in happiness.

With my stay with the wolves, I learned in abundance about youkia life-style and; how they communicate, hunt in packs, and the very rules of the youkia world (which were universal) which dictated the life-choices of every pack-member and wolf whom I’d grown to love and cherish as friend.

Koga lunged at me and I jerked back, it was only a fluke for he leaned back with a laugh. I frowned at me and lunged, Koga held his ground, but I dropped at the last moment and tackled his knees. Koga laughed and bent down to wrap his arms around my waist. I shoved forward, bringing the wolf onto my back and with brute strength and superior will alone, I flipped him off and stood, turning to leer over my shoulder at the stunned wolf. The pack behind us burst into started laughter directed at Koga’s failure. I laughed myself and turned to him, placing my hands on my hips. Koga frowned as he pushed himself up on his elbows, a gleeful smile showing off sharp, handsome fangs. “You’ll do.” Was all he said, and I offered him a hand to rise. Once again at my side, our wrists still clasped, I slapped his shoulder as he clapped mine and we joined in the laughter of our friends.

Nuka stood to my left as Koga stood at my right. “Nuka and I will take to the air, we’ll make better time against you and the rest of the pack on the ground.” Koga nodded as I glanced at me. “We’ll stop at the Cherry Blossom Valley, it’s a three day’s ride from here and is the half-way point to the coast. We’ll regroup and set out from there.” I nodded as Nuka trotted out ahead of us. We watched as a soft dust began to shake from her sleek fur, so fine it appeared to be a cloud of smoke as it gathered around her. Her size grew to four times its normal size and from her sides large, sleek black feathery wings sprouted in a sudden snapping of bone and tearing of tendons and flesh. Nuka stood before us now a wolf the size of a warhorse, with wings worthy of the Great Eagle Demon’s of the South. She shook herself out, her bones finishing reshaping and cracking, the flesh settling with a final shiver as she flexed and stretched her wings, borne of her ribs and the flesh of her shoulders. “She is a remarkable creature.” Koga crossed his arms. “She is the pup of my Father’s Own. She bears the gift of her father, Shapeshifting.” That was another thing about the wolfs was that not all youkia take part in. A ritual, similar to a life-mating, is the forming of a life-bond between two beings. (Similar what girls in the present time have called ‘blood-sister’) Koga and I preformed the ritual as well…

The den was filled with our pack-mates, the wolves laying regally in a wide circle around us, with the youkia standing in formation behind them. Koga and I were in the center. Total darkness except for the small candle sitting on a stone dais between myself and the wolf demon. Koga stared at me as he reached for my palm. “You’re sure about this? You know what it means.” I smiled as I curled my fingers tightly around his hand. “I know what my heart tells me Koga. You said we were friends, and if I were a youkia, you would ask this of me without hesitation. Just because I am not a youkia, does not mean I will deny your wish.” Koga frowned. “I told you. You don’t have to.” I nodded. “And I told you, I’m your friend, and I’m not ashamed of it.” He smirked. “You’re such a strange woman.” I snickered softly. “You still refuse to use my name?” He lifted his chin in approval and jest. “You haven’t earned it yet.” I smiled.

Lifting the blade to our wrists, Koga instructed me to cover his hand with my own. I lifted my free hand and did as bade; he separated his fingers to thread our fingers together as he growled and tightened his grip. I frowned at the strength in his fingers and was forced to tighten my grip as well, less the strength of his fingers would crush mine. Koga’s growl continued and with it the strength and power of his hold. I cried out sharply, but Koga’s growl overrode any sound in the room bow. It was deafening and overwhelming. My heart beat faster as under default my soul reacted out of this pain, with its influence came a rush that coated the world in a blanket of blinding holy light. It calmed everything, there was no noise or pain. I opened my eyes to see Koga smiling fondly at me, his hand wrapped around mine. My eyes lifted from his to see our worlds separated by a humming break between my holy light and his demonic fire. I looked back down at him, his eyes encouraging me to follow his as he directed his gaze to our hands. Somehow I wasn’t surprise to see both sets of our hands still intertwined, but the knife we carried now pierced through both of our right hands, the blood dripping and pooling at our feet. “I knew you were strong Kagome, but I had no idea the extent of your soul. Do you know what this means?” Koga’s eyes were dancing in joy and excitement. The Prince’s tail was wagging again. I giggled at him and shook my head. “It means that we’re soul-mates! Well, I human term you might call it life-friends?” He gave me an odd look, his tail now flicking in a ticking, counting motion, if you will. I laughed and him and nodding. “Life-friends, I like the sound of that.” Koga smiled, his tail swishing happily again. “It means Kagome, that I can help you unlock your soul’s entire potential! You’re training is going to be a piece of cake after this!” I gasped. “Really?” “Hai! We’re soul-mates! Once we finish the ritual, our souls will become closer than siblings.” He drew our hands away from the hilt of the dagger, still pierced through our joined right hands. He pulled our left hands to the side then pulled them apart, but as if I knew what I was doing, our fingertips somehow maintained contact and were the last to loose contact. With the separation came a sudden suction of our powers, that gathered at our palms. Once our hands were drew far enough away the bubble broke into halves, swirling with fire and holy light. The bubble nearest me dominated in holy energy, the fire a glimmer inside the core, illuminating my orb like crystal. The gathered energy nearest Koga dominated in fire, the holy energy streaking through the fire without hindering its natural dance. Making sure he caught and directed my gaze, Koga turned my hand up, a lance of unexpected pain resulted in the movement, but I paid it no heed as he lowered the orb on the point of the blade and pressed down, consuming the revealed steel. The piece of our combined soul, dominated with his demonic fire seeped into my flesh and ate away at the steel. I hissed as the burning of the steel was chased and cooled by the refreshing touch of his soul and my own. I looked into his eyes at the last moment to see he’d been watching me.

When it was done he turned our hands once more, still connected by our fingers and steel. I lifted my hand hovering the orb of my holy energy and his demonic fire. I pressed it over the hilt of the knife and pressed down, feeling the holy energy react and heat as the demonic fire surged and burned. I gasped at the wild, uncontrolled feeling. My eyes rolled as the feeling reached almost orgasmic as my soul quivered at the bond and love my soul grew to know of Koga’s demonic fire. It was done. Koga watched me with a kind, understanding smile. “Wild ride, huh?” I giggled and blushed. “Shut up.” He snorted and looked down at our hands, in a washing flash we were in the den, engrossed in darkness as the flame had gone out. Strange it was that I still saw him, identified each pack-member and wolf about us. I smiled and looked down at our hands, a small dot of steel remained on the back of my palm, and with little inspection, found it was a tiny rod of steel, connected to his soul and mine. Koga kept our fingers entwined as he flipped our hands to present our palms to the pack. The wolves tipped their heads back and howled, the demons following suit in a higher note. I relished in the overpowering sound as it reverberated against the den walls. Koga lifted our hands above us and joined in the song. He winked at me and pulled his hand free to pull me against him, and with a sudden and unexpected jolt of impulsiveness, I joined in as well. Koga patted me fondly and pulled away. The song ended and with it, did the ritual. I laughed as I realized Koga had influenced my soul to mimic and learn the sound, as a youkia pup would learn from the bond it shared with its mother and father.

Nuka barked softly as Koga shot past me, the Pack following as I lifted myself easily onto Nuka’s back. She batted her wings twice as she launched herself into the air suing demonic power and superior control, she snapped her wings open and caught a low air terminal, before beating her wings in powerful strokes to ascend.

~~~~

It was chaos; blood was everywhere, it soaked my hair, covered my skin, caked in the fur and coated my blade. My fingers were blistered, burning hot with overuse of my magic. My knees were weak and yet I moved still. My blade swung again and again, my hips twisting with the blows and my arms fluidly bunching and releasing as I cut down enemy after invading enemy. I cried out as I cut through a bone in the youkia’s shoulder, lodging in the powerful chest muscles. I lunged forward with a flat palm of glowing holy energy, it shattered against the youkia’s chest as his dying scream screeched deafeningly across the battlefield, a triumphant in the deadly orchestra of death and agony. The rapidly decaying body of the youkia crumbled at my feet as I twisted to meet the attack of another beast, this one with claws and fangs, thick hide and shaggy fur. I pinched the blunt edge of the sword with my fingers as I locked it in the fangs of the beast, taking a step back I evaded its deadly swipes of poison claws. Its maw began to eat through the blade and I gasped as its large red eyes bulged with the insight of victory, it chomped down in a single, powerful glide of jaw muscle. The steel shattered and the beast lashed out, landing a blow to my right shoulder. Talons like demonic fire ripped through flesh and bone as I rocketed back into fighting bodies. I was knocked back into the beast as it raised its claw for a final blow when Nuka dropped from the sky, her wings snapping out at the last moment, decapitating the beast and pulling me into embrace as she made for the sky. She twisted and weaved gracefully to evade random blasts of energy and weapons. “I will take you to Koga, together you will heal each other.” I nodded as blood gushed from my chest wound, pooling against my arms and lap as Nuka held me with powerful arms. She passed through a blanket of black smog, revealing another portion of the giant battle field where giants battled.

Giant white dogs, black and brown wolves fought against giant moths, birds and dragons. She folded her wings and targeted a large brown wolf that was in a heated battle with a bird. The bird’s wing was limp and bleeding, but its powerful beak and talons kept the wolf on its toes. Nuka nonchalantly dropped me onto the wolf’s back, its thick fur easily cradling and encasing me in warmth and healing. Already my chest stopped bleeding, the healing taking place right before my eyes while my soul bubbled and recovered. I pushed myself out of Koga’s fur and climbed onto the top of his head, the fur tangling around my feet as the he continued his battle without skipping a beat, ducking, weaving and lunging. I clasped my hands together and lifted in forefingers as I chanted a prayer. A bubble of holy energy encased me, swirling to ignite Koga’s fur with holy light. It shattered through the continent demon’s that surrounded us, leaving the ally dogs and wolves who turned to stare in gratitude and astonishment.

Koga’s abilities skyrocketed, his potential sharpening to godlike status as he tore through the bid youkia and leaping at the next enemy. I continued to encourage our bond, brining his youki to its peak as well as my own energy, combining and weaving them into a tangled web of absorption, protection and deflection shields. Soon Koga stood stock still, his tail straight up, his ears perked forward, his head low and his entire maw exposed and quivering with the desire to rip through more flesh and bone. As it were, blood and gore already hung from his lips. Before us stood a massive continent dragon. Its body massive, his wings ungodly large and bat like. Crowning its skull were horns as black as night, matching the black/green scales that ran its body like a moving liquid. A mane of poison-drenched hair grew from the length of its spine.

Digging its talons into the blood-soaked sand below, the Dragon’s lips quivered over sickly golden fangs. Eyes as red as Koga’s demonic gaze, narrowed in malice and hate. “Wretched fools.” She spoke, his tail lashing out clearing a radius of sixty feet, clean of bodies alive and fight, around her. Those who were spared moved aside in knowing fear. Koga’s glowing body made him seem godlike, the holy power surrounding him made him stark white, contrasting with the blood red of his eyes. Every hair stood on end, except under my feet, as his muscles stiffened at attention. A blood thirsty growl ripped past his fangs, making his nose quiver slightly at the flesh around it pulled it up and back. The Dragon laughed as she scratched trenches into the sand under her feet. “You will die.” Koga spoke slowly, his head lowering even as his growl continued and drew darker still. He snapped forward like a bolt of lightning, zig-zagging at his opponent with unbelievable speed and accuracy. He leapt at her throat, but she jerked her neck back at the last second, overcoming her startled surprise and backhanding him. Koga whined but wrapped his arms around her arm and dug his fangs in, tearing and ripping at the meat in a frenzy. The Dragon roared and lifted her lips, exposing the full length of her golden fangs. Her gut rolled and her throat expanded. “Die!” She screeched as a bubbling hot ball of stomach acid gushed and hit the back of her fangs, spraying through in a liquid fog. I screamed as it struck my shields, willing Koga to continue his attack while I defended. I pushed against the breath attack, feeling droplets passing through and singling both Koga and myself. I screamed and held out as the Dragon expelled the last of her attack before her gut rolled once more. “I can’t do it again! Get back!” I screamed and Koga dropped fro the lifted arm just as the toxic fume spewed forth at a great speed. She followed us as Koga hit the ground, but he bounced back and circled as her breath ran out once more. He closed in as her gut rolled again. He leapt, catching her in the throat, trapping and reversing some of the acid. The Dragon choked clapped her talons into his sides, digging the length and size of the bones into the crying wolves ribs. Closing his eyes, Koga screamed in pain, but clamped his jaws tighter. Just as I beginning to gather my healing energy around the obvious wound, to prevent her from doing further damage, she jerked her talons down and broke through the bottom pieces of Koga’s ribs. The wolves eyes widened, but then narrowed as the most primal and bloodthirsty growl I’d ever heard erupted from Koga’s maw as he suddenly jerked and tore at the Dragon’s throat. She squealed as her attacks came more rapidly and desperately. I was ready as each time she freed her claws for his flesh, I would heal and protect against the next, slowly repairing and empowering his flesh to withstand her claws of black steel.

Slowly, the Dragon perished, stilling and falling, and still Koga kept his grip, growling, still lost in the bloodlust of victory. His ears perked up, and he lifted his head, his prize still in his maw; blood gushing from between his fangs and his eyes wide. Approaching us was a massive white dog, so large Koga only stood abreast to the creature. Upon his majestic brown was the symbol of his heritage and title. His tail, fashionably curled, stood erect behind him, his mane curving regally around his shoulders to his chest. The Dragon fell from Koga’s maw. Inu no Taishou was not looking at Koga, however, and walked past him. In tow was Sesshomaru and Kai, smaller than Inutaishou, but still much larger than Koga. Sesshomaru was identical in beauty and grace to his father, but his tail was long and straight, his ears large and floppy. His snout was slimmer and longer, his legs long and graceful. Kai was only a hair smaller than Sesshomaru, his muscle rippling handsomely with each step, the thick corded muscles in his neck giving him a regal arch, and powerful shoulders.

Sesshomaru loomed over Koga, who laid down in acknowledgement, his bleached fur darkening as I lost my focus. I blinked and lowered my hands in time to find myself in Koga’s arms, looking up at an irately inquisitive Sesshomaru and an amused Kai. “Kagome.” I smiled wearily as Koga set me down, I giggled and rushed at him. Sesshomaru huffed as I tackled him in a bear hug. “I missed you Sesshomaru!” I blurted before I could help myself, but I didn’t care. I had missed the stoic, cold Prince. Sesshomaru pulled me away with a hand to my shoulder and I bowed. “Forgive me my lord, I was simply happy to see you.” I looked up to see him frowning at me, his expression of disapproval was not at my reaction to him, but at my being in the wolf’s arms. I smiled and stood, growling softly as I stepped closer to him. His eyebrows shot up as Kai did a double take back at me, having been eyeing Koga. It was a simple message that I was alright, and nothing was out of place. “Where is Rin?” “She makes sure no one escapes, and is not directly involved with the battle.” I nodded in approval, not really noticing how quickly and obediently reported. I pressed my forehead against his chest, relishing in the feel of his soul once again touching my own. Though he was hesitant at first, his youki eventually encircled me fiercely, his arms coming up to crush me against him. “How touching this is.”
I opened my eye and looked to my left to see a giant spider demon, pure black save for the splash of red that ran the length of his back, taking the shape of a crude spider. “Naraku.” I hissed as I lifted myself away from Sesshomaru, but not out of his embrace. “I know why you hunt me so, Naraku. Do not think I have let that fact gone to pass. You will pay for your crimes, in due time. I am not capable of defeating you on my own, and so I shall not try. This is between you and me, Naraku, I intend to keep it that way.” The supaida youkia’s several eyes rolled and locked onto me, its tiny mouth clicking with dual large fangs as its forelegs rubbed against its cheeks in amusement. “Hahahaha! So you think yourself honorable and great, because you warm the bed of the Western Prince!” I gasped at his audacity and glanced at Sesshomaru to see his reaction. He met my glance before glaring once again at Naraku. “Whatever Sesshomaru and I are to each other, is none of your business Naraku! Between you and me, however, now that’s something worth discussing! Why do you desire the Shikon no Tama do badly?” Sesshomaru cast me a furiously confused glance before his features schooled once more. I drew from his embrace and walked up to the spider, who’s forelegs were twitching in his glee and amusement. “Know this, Naraku, that should you by chance gain possession of the jewel, it will no longer be you who hold its.” “Is that right?” He chuckled down at me. I smirked. “The Shikon no Tama would hold you.” I lifted my hand and the veins in my left arm ignited in a brilliant silver light, gushing forward like waves against shore. It pooled in my palm and as if pulled from water the Shikon no Tama appeared.

I didn’t know how I was able to do this, only that I knew I had to. I looked up at Naraku as the glowing holy white Shikon no Tama hovered over my palm. My eyes captivated and held Naraku’s many, each set slowly consumed by a holy white light as I drew him into a vision. In an instant I saw his past, his present and his future. In an instant I saw his being, his mind, his soul and his heart. I saw his love, his hate, and his jealousy. He was a man under the hatred, the was a boy, he had feelings and was once swayed by the warmth of a woman. Once befriended by pack-members, beloved by siblings and doted on by a mother.

I let him see my heart and my soul, but kept my mind from him. I allowed him passage into my past. He saw my love, my own hatred and jealousy; my family, my friends, the feelings of warmth and the tenderness of my mother. I let him see the friendship I saw in others, the love and welcome of others. “You don’t have to be this way. Don’t let your hate consume and direct you. You are no puppet, Naraku. Sever your strings; free yourself.” I whispered and an invisible bond shattered around Naraku’s throat, the beast quivered and curled on himself. There lay the man, on his belly and raw. I knelt before him, curling my fingers and absorbing the Shikon no Tama as I brushed my knuckles against his brow. “Onigumo? Can you hear me?” The youkia’s cherry brown eyes opened, disoriented and startled. He met my gaze and frowned in fear. “Priestess…” I smiled and sat back on my ankles. “Do not fear me, Supaida-sama. How do you feel?” He looked around, uncaring that I had spoke. He sat up. “Kuso…” He rose and glared down at me. “Who are you? Where have you taken me bitch?” He snarled, then stopped suddenly. I rose smiled at him. “You are on the Northern Coast-.” “What did you do to me?” He snarled suddenly, I blinked. “The Shikon no Tama, don’t play coy!” He snatched out to grip my throat, and when the flesh made contact, his fingers froze and the feeling stretched up his arm, freezing it too in its socket. “Witch!” He snarled, backhanding me sharply, breaking the contact as I stumbled back. Sesshomaru suddenly held the demon by his throat. The would be Naraku, released from his binds was now just a regular demon who’s name is Onigumo. “No, Sesshomaru. Do not kill him, enough blood his been spilt on his account.” Sesshomaru tsked and thrust the filthy youkia away from him. Onigumo landed on his rear with a grunt as he reached up to massage his throat. “This isn’t over Priestess. Whatever you’ve done, you’ll pay for it with your life.” In a thick blast of purple smog, Naraku was gone, leaving behind a toxic cloud that hung in the air. I covered my nose and mouth with my hand. Sesshomaru turned back to me with a frown.

~~ Back in the Western Estate ~~

“What were you thinking! Do you know what you’ve done!” I shrugged. “It’s just a-.” “A life-bond! You’ve life-bonded with someone outside of the Western Lands, without my consent! You’ve bound yourself to the House of Moon! Now you bind yourself to Dens of the East!” He was furious, beyond rational thought. Kai stood in the back, leaning against a wall with his arms crossed and his chin down in thought. Sesshomaru paced the room before me, Mokomoko-sama shifting in agitation. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking.” “There is no way to reverse it. You are bound to both the East and the West, you will take responsibility.” The prince stopped and pinched his sinuses as he stilled. I approached him softly with a whine of apology and reassurance. He growled absently, but it was not of aggression. I placed a hand on his arm. “Sesshomaru. He’s my friend.” He glared down at me, before sighing. “Kai. Leave.” The tiger looked up in suddenly realization of his whereabouts. He pushed himself from the wall and cleared his throat. “Sure. I’ll go see Rin, she’s probably hungry.” “Hm.” Sesshomaru growled as he made his way to an open shoji door that showed the ripe green bamboo tree’s, their leaves and the forest floor bright green against the dull brown of the mountain side. “He’s just a friend, Sesshomaru. He’s… He doesn’t mean as much to me… as, say, you know, you.” He glanced sharply over his shoulder at me. I blushed and smiled. “I guess I’m trying to say I care about you.” I looked back at him. “I’m strong, Sesshomaru. Allot stronger than you might give me credit for. I’m smart, especially for this time period. Please, I didn’t mean anything by it, I swear.” Sesshomaru turned around with a frown. “Kagome.” He faltered and closed his eyes with a scowl, crossing his arms as if trying to find the right thing to say. I walked up to him and placed a hand on his cheek. “Sesshomaru.” His eyes opened and his arms unfolded. I gasped as he drew me to him with his hands on my hips. My eyebrows shot up as I found myself flush again the demon who was porting a tent. I looked up at him. “You’re mine. You’ve been mine since the day I brought you to the Western Lands.” He was going to mark me! “B-but Sesshomaru…” My throat closed up as he growled and lowered his mouth to mine. I gasped as his youki poured into my mouth, thick like blood but toxic enough to burn my tongue, tame enough not to kill me. I reached down and grasped his forearms as I arched against him. He growled in approval and pushed back as he deepened the kiss. The burn of his acid as I was forced to swallow it, spread through my body in blinding waves. I scalp tingled hotly, my skin tightened and burned, my muscles ached and my bones felt they would snap under an unseen pressure. But then his hands moved, gliding up my hips and waist to transfer to my arms and cup my shoulders. I gasped as he jerked me tighter against him suddenly. He tilted his head, pressing mine back and to the side, forcing me into a dominate position without my being able to move. So distracted by his kiss I failed to notice how my hair suddenly bled white and then to toxic green, my skin flaring toxic green before bleaching out to a glowing white. An unseen force lifted our clothes and hair, tangling them up in a whirlwind of power as his soul enveloped me tightly and roughly.

~~

HAHAHAHA! Dun-dun-dun! What a cliffy huh? Ahh, beautiful… Anyway, I spoke with my muse and she decided to lend me a hand. I’m now co-writing this fic with my beautiful, intelligent, imaginative heterosexual life-mate Pandora! She helped me out with the last chapter and wrote most of this one! Tell me what you think! I want to know if having Pandora on board is a good idea, which it is because I think so, but I want to know what you guys think!