InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Solar Eclispe ❯ The Darkness Makes Itself Known Part 2 ( Chapter 3 )

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

The Darkness Makes Itself Known

Part 2

Disclaimer: I still don't own Inuyasha, or anything else for that matter. The wonderful Rumiko does.

As the mare's front feet hit the ground, Kagome gently and lovingly ran her hands over the horse's muzzle.

“Good morning Kira! I hope you don't mind me calling you, but I was kinda hopping for a run, and to be free before the festival starts today.”

“Of course I don't mind, a really good run would be good for both of us. Besides, you are my best friend and you know I couldn't deny you anything.” Kira said while laughing. (A.N. Yes Kira is a horse, yes she can talk, but it's more like hearing it in your head. Most creatures in this story will be able to talk.)

“Any special place you would like to go?” Kira asked as Kagome vaulted onto her back.

“NO, just wherever your legs take you. I feel so alive and free from worries when I'm with you.” Kagome smiled and leaned forward to wrap her arms tight around Kira's neck in a loving gesture.

So, they ran as one through the field and deep into the forest on a trail only Kira knew, and could see. Kagome couldn't help but marvel at the grace and strength of the mare beneath her. Kira was large framed (as are all horses of her breed), free and very spirited. Kagome did not have to use any part of her body to remain seated, so she held on to Kira's mane just to have something to do with her hands.

After a while, Kira came to stop at the edge of a large hot spring. They spent most of the day in that area, eating apples from a nearby tree, relaxing their bodies in the hot spring, and simply resting in comfort of each others company. Kagome was laying on her back, looking up at the clear blue sky, when Kira came to her and gave her a playful, but gentle nudge.

“It's just about time to get back, don't frown at me like that young lady. I promise to give you a run for your money on the way back.” Kagome laughed at her friend's antics to get her up. Kagome quickly got up and hugged Kira and said, “I'm fine, as long as you are with me. I will always be able to face the day ahead.”

“Always” was Kira's only reply.

On their way back, Kagome felt a sharp pain run through her entire body. Kira stopped instantly, and raised her head. Through her gasps for air, Kagome said, “Something of great evil is nearby. Oh shit, the village!! Kira hurry!!” Kira didn't hesitate to run at full speed back home. She too had felt the surge of evil power. As they approached the village, they were shocked at the sight before them. The village was burning, full of smoke, people of all ages were running and screaming for their lives. Kagome was pissed. Kira was furious. Who would do something so cruel to the very people they protected? Kira raised her angry head and neighed a challenge that reverberated throughout the land. As Kagome's eyes searched the destruction before her, her gaze drifted towards her castle, her home, and if she hadn't been so angry she would have cried. Her home, the castle where she and her family lives was burning. “Kira! My home, my family!!” Kira instantly started towards the castle. As they approached, the smell of death reached their noses.

Kagome jumped off Kira and started to run towards the castle. Kira quickly grabbed the back of Kagome's top with her teeth. Kagome struggled against her friend's restrains. “Let me go Kira! My family! They need my help! Please let go dammit!”

“Princess? Oh Princess! Ye are alive!!” a lone voice cried out. Kira let go of Kagome and both turned to look at the source of the voice. A middle age woman in miko clothes (ones from the anime) struggled to reach the princess and her noble mare.

“Kaede!” Kagome screamed. “What's going on? What happened?”

Kaede shook her head sadly and answered. “A great force of evil has arrived with thousands of lower class demons. They attacked the village without warning and then the castle. Your family is alive, being held inside. This evil being is holding them for you to return. He wants you!”

“Well, if he wants me, he shall have me, but he won't like what I do to him! Since my family is safe and he won't kill them yet, let's make him wait. We must take care of the people and get them to safety.” Kagome said through gritted teeth.

Kaede and Kira nodded their heads in and the three of them headed towards the village. Once they reached the village, Kagome raised her hands, reached inside of herself, and spoke the spell to put out the flames. Kira knowing the strength it takes to do such a spell, got closer to her companion, and lowered her massive head on Kagome's shoulder, giving her strength and support. After all the flames were out, Kagome lowered her arms and wanted to pass out from pure exhaustion. She stumbled slightly only to have strong arms around her waist to hold her steady. She looked back to have one of her childhood friends gaze meet hers with fascination and worry. She couldn't help but smile.

“Thanks Bank.” She said softly.

“No problem Kags.” Bankotsu said with his usual cockiness. “I knew you were powerful, but dammnit girl, you just put out every fire in this entire village in less than 3 minutes!”

Kagome smiled and pulled away from him, and allowed herself the time to take in his appearance. His long black hair, which was neatly braided down his back, had strands coming out. His normally white attire (that shows his muscles perfectly) was black from soot and very bloody. But of course he had his big ass sword draped over his back. Like he would go anywhere without it. And last but not least, dirt covered over his entire face, even over the star tattoo on his forehead.

“Damn Bank! You look like shit!” Kagome replied.

Kaede dropped her head shaking it. That was one thing about the princess; she always spoke what she felt. She just wished she could work on her language, but then again, that added a plus as to why everybody loved her. She was just so carefree and loving, not snotty like most princesses. Kagome didn't think the world belonged to her, she believed she belonged to it, to help make it better.

“Ok, now to find out how many people are injured, how badly, and to take care of them.” Kagome said angrily.

“No need to worry. No one died, 17 injured and 35 with just scratches. The people have been gathered at the edge of the meadow to leave this place to recover.” Bankotsu said smugly.

“Fine showoff. Bank you and Kaede find these people somewhere safe to go. Kira, go to the western lands and tell what happened. They have been our friends for many years and might help. I'm going inside…..”

Kagome was cut off by a very angry “NO!” from Kira. Shocked Kagome turned to Kira and gave her a puzzled look.

“No Kagome! I will not be separated from you. You know I will never leave you when there is danger. And the evil in the castle is strong. Not to mention it is getting angrier the longer you make it wait. I'm going with you and that's final.” Kira all but screamed. She stomped her front, right hoof to help make her point.

Kagome lowered her gaze to the ground. The wind blew enough to move her hair into her face. She reached up to move it out of the way, when she felt and smelt pure evil hit her square on.

“No Kira, whatever is in there is dangerous. But it has my family, and I need you to get help, to take my family to safety once I've freed them. Please, do this for me. I promise to be careful, but I need to face this alone.” She begged.

“Fine, but you better be okay and very careful. Take note, I don't like this one bit. With my speed, I should be back before to long.”

“Thank you Kira! I love you old girl. Be careful.” Kagome said while hugging the mare.

“What? I don't get a hug?” Bank asked, trying to sound crushed.

“Oh come on you big baby.” Kagome quickly hugged him as he whispered foe her to be careful. She nodded, pulled away, and turned to Kaede.

“Don't worry Kaede. You will see me again.” They hugged tightly and all went their separate ways.

Once Kagome saw them disappear from sight with the villagers intow (with Bank and Kaede), she turned and ran to the castle. As she stepped inside, she wanted to vomit. Guards and servants bodies where laying everywhere, twisted every which a way possible and even some that were not possible. All dead and for what? Kagome continued walking towards the throne room, careful not to step on any of the bodies along the path. Once she reached the throne room, she pushed the large doors open, completely pissed, but what she saw before her eyes made her even more so.

There on their knees, striped and collared was her family. Yes they were still alive, but they had been beaten, and humiliated. She made eye contact with each one to let them know she thought no less of them and would do her best to help them. Then she noticed the chains that bound their hands and feet, but more importantly the chains that were connected to the collars around their necks. These chains led to the throne itself. She followed it up with her eyes, and to the evil that rested there.

“How nice of you to join us, Princess.” The fowl being smirked.

Kagome gritted her teeth, clinched her fists tight, and spat out the name she would hate forever. “NARAKU!”

TBC