InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Dark Hour ❯ Inner Light ( Chapter 26 )

Ch. 26

Inner Light…

Kagome awoke with a jolt, her eyes wild. She looked around, a feeling of panic settling in her stomach like lead. Hints of pink and gold were beginning to seep through the curtains, indicating the sun's arrival.

She frowned at her behavior. Did she have a weird dream? She couldn't recall anything, but something had caused her to wake up in a frenzy. She looked at the empty spot beside her. Sesshomaru.

"Damnit!" She cursed loudly, jumping from the bed. She wasn't one of the best reporters in the city for nothing. Her instincts were telling her Sesshomaru was doing something very foolish. She grabbed her purse from the dresser and dumped out its contents, snatching up the cell phone as soon as it hit the floor. She pushed a button, glad she'd had the foresight to save the number. After a several rings, a familiar voice answered.

"Hello?"

"Onigumo, it's me, Kagome." She said quickly, her alarm rising by the minute. Onigumo sensed her mood and was instantly alert. "What's wrong?" He asked. Kagome explained about the incident at Naraku's and ended by telling him of Sesshomaru's disappearance. Once she was finished, Onigumo let out pent up breath. "So you think he went to back to deal with Naraku?" Already knowing the answer.

"Yes," Kagome said, closing her eyes briefly. Her imagination supplied her with a thousand different things that could be happening to him at that very moment. Even though Sesshomaru was no lightweight, he was still no match for Naraku's mind control tactics. "Onigumo, I'm scared for him." She whispered, her voice breaking. "Naraku had something specifically planned for Sesshomaru…something really, really horrible."

"Where are you?" Onigumo asked briskly. "At Inuyasha's." She replied.

"Stay put, I'll be over shortly."

Kagome paced in the living room, waiting impatiently for Onigumo. She couldn't stop thinking about all the danger Sesshomaru could be in. And here she was, again useless and helpless.

"You couldn't wait, could you?" She muttered to herself, turning her fear into anger directed at Sesshomaru. "Always thinking you're so damn invincible. Why?" She stopped her pacing and collapsed on the couch. She leaned her head back. No matter how angry she was that he'd gone off on his own, she couldn't stay mad. He might be hurt right now…or even worse. She shook her head at the last thought. She would not allow herself to believe that mortal harm had come to him.

Kagome was brought from her thoughts by rapid knocking on the front door. She hurried through the foyer to the door and opened it, feeling relieved at the sight of the older man. "Onigumo! Thank god you're here." She said, throwing her arms around his neck. He patted her back reassuringly. "It's ok, we're going to figure something out." He told her calmly. She stepped back, allowing him to enter.

"What are we going to do?" She said, wringing her hands nervously. "You may be half-demon, but you've already gone through your transformation and I'm just a reporter." She gestured helplessly. The situation seemed hopeless. Onigumo gave a sharp shake of his head. "You give up entirely to easily, Kagome." He told her sternly. He took her by the arm, leading her into the living room. He pointed toward the couch, directing her to sit. She sat.

"Listen to me carefully and leave nothing out." He told her. Kagome nodded her head slowly. "Now, when you were at Naraku's and Sesshomaru was chained up, how did he manage to get loose?" Kagome thought back to the night before, going through the scenario in her head.

"Well, Naraku was knocked out by Inuyasha. He said something about not wanting to help turn Sesshomaru into something he should have been and then left. I went over to Sesshomaru…his face seemed to be changing, the skin shifting and moving around." She shuddered as she remembered the sight. "I could see it moving right in front of my eyes." She whispered. Onigumo looked down, knowing he was making her uncomfortable by reliving the scenario, but he had to know how Sesshomaru had been brought out of the hypnotic state in order to help him. He was sure that this time Naraku wouldn't fail and would go through with whatever he had planned.

"What happened next?" He prodded gently. Kagome's brow furrowed. "It was weird," She said, her voice low. "I was holding his face in my hands and all of a sudden I felt a rush of energy shoot from my hands and surround Sesshomaru. I-I didn't know what it was and I was scared that I'd hurt him, but after the energy stopped flowing, he was back to normal." She looked up at Onigumo, her gaze questioning. He returned her gaze with one of amazement.

"The energy that you felt flowing from within you, was it a light color…pink perhaps?" He asked. Kagome nodded her head, getting the feeling that he was going to tell her something mind-blowing. He smiled at her.

"My dear, if what you have just told me is correct, then that means you are the descendant of a powerful group of individuals." He told her. Kagome's brow wrinkled in confusion. "Come again?"

He sat down beside her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Just as my ancestors were half-demons, I am almost certain yours were priestesses, women who had the ability to kill demons through the use of their purifying energy, the energy that you yourself used to help Sesshomaru."

Kagome's mouth hung open in disbelief. Was she really the descendant of such impressive women? "Are you sure? I mean, that was the only time I've ever had that pink energy come out of me…if I was really a descendant, wouldn't this have come up sooner?" She said doubtfully.

"Your powers may have been dormant all these years, waiting for just the right moment to come forth." Onigumo studied her closely. "At the time, what were you feeling?" Kagome looked down at her hands, folding them in her lap. "I was worried…about what was happening to Sesshomaru and what was going to happen to me…I just wanted to make his pain go away." He nodded at her words. "Is that all?" He asked. After hesitating, she shook her head slowly.

"I did the only thing I could think of at that moment," She said softly. Onigumo looked at her questioningly. "Which was?"

"I told him I loved him and then that's when it happened."

"Hmm…" Onigumo seemed to mull over her answer. "Then that must be it," He said finally. "Your intense need to help Sesshomaru along with your feelings for him must have triggered your inner powers."

Kagome blew out a breath of air. She was still having a hard time believing that she was anything but an ordinary woman. She wasn't cut out for this magical mumbo jumbo. "Wait," She said suddenly. "You said earlier that these priestesses had the ability to kill demons. If this is true, then why did my energy help Sesshomaru rather than do him harm?"

"Priestesses, or mikos as they were most often called, could use their energy as they wished, to save or to kill. Unfortunately, they were forced to do the latter, seeing as how demons weren't particularly known for their friendly nature." Kagome nodded in understanding. "So their job was to destroy evil demons, basically." She stated simply. Onigumo considered her words before nodding his head. "Basically, yes."

A small smile played at the corners of his mouth. "I think we may have a chance to save Sesshomaru and put an end to my son's treachery, thanks to you." Kagome looked away from his gaze, embarrassed. She wasn't so sure she would be of much use, but she would do anything to bring Sesshomaru back to her.

"Alright then. What do I have to do?"

~~~~~~

Naraku was very pleased with the results. A light breeze rustled through the trees, the only sound on the eerily quiet morning. He surveyed the landscape before him. He hadn't expected Sesshomaru to be quite so big once the transformation was complete. Naraku's 20 acres of lush green land proved to be the only place big enough for his cousin.

He turned his gaze to Sesshomaru. He had to admit what a magnificent sight he made. Naraku guessed he was a dog demon, his features strongly resembling such an animal. His thick white coat ruffled in the breeze, but he didn't make a move. He only sat obediently, his gaze on Naraku. If he wasn't totally under Naraku's control, Naraku might feel uneasy being in the presence of such an intimidating beast. In his present form, Sesshomaru was considerably larger than even an adult elephant, made even more deadly by the giant paws and long, razor sharp fangs.

"You wouldn't hurt your master, would you?" Naraku asked, a humorless smile on his cold lips. Sesshomaru's head cocked to the side, his crimson gaze steady as if considering the question. Naraku knew he couldn't respond, but he also knew that he wouldn't lift a paw unless Naraku commanded it of him. Such a perfect slave.

"You will help me go far," Naraku said, an undercurrent of excitement running through his tone. His eyes held uncharacteristic glee. "With you at my side, no one will dare to…"

He stopped at the sight of Sesshomaru's ears perking, a low sound like distant thunder disturbing the peace. Naraku turned, expecting to find someone or something there, but found nothing. Sesshomaru, however, seemed convinced otherwise. The rumbling grew louder, his entire body tense.

Naraku looked towards the house. They were pretty far away from the main grounds and he couldn't tell if someone had arrived there, but from Sesshomaru's reaction, he was sure someone was.

"Sesshomaru, go greet our guests." He ordered in a conversational tone. Springing to his feet, Sesshomaru took off towards the house, the earth trembling in his wake.

~~~~~~

Kagome looked around cautiously, her fears only intensified by the strange quiet. "Isn't this place usually heavily guarded?" She asked, glancing at Onigumo. He walked towards the front of the house. "Usually, yes."

Kagome stayed behind as Onigumo made his way to the front door. She was about to call out to him to see if the door was opened, but the words faded as she looked up at the sky, transfixed at the sight of a large flock of birds squawking furiously as they broke from the trees in a frenzied flight, their sudden departure breaking the quiet surrounding them.

It was then that she felt it, the almost faint shaking of the ground beneath her. She looked up, her gaze finding Onigumo's instantly. By the bewildered look on his face, he'd witnessed the abrupt flight of the birds and was now feeling the slight movement of the earth.

Something was wrong.

She watched as Onigumo turned swiftly, running to her. He was yelling something at her, but for some reason, she seemed unable to hear him. He suddenly stopped dead in his tracks, staring at something beyond her. If she hadn't been so deathly afraid, she would have laughed at his expression, it being one of horror mixed with reluctant fascination.

Kagome felt a presence coming towards her even before the dark shadow fell over her. The very air around her seemed to reverberate with the sounds of a deep, low rumbling. She didn't want to turn around to see what the source of the rumbling was, her heart beating a mile a minute. She had to, though.

Forcing her feet to move, Kagome turned around slowly, keeping her gaze trained on the ground before her. She let her gaze travel up bit-by-bit, first seeing two enormous paws directly in front of her. She couldn't hold back the feeling of terror that overtook her as her gaze traveled further, past the deadly bared fangs to the glowing crimson eyes.

"Oh…my…god!" Kagome exclaimed softly, her mind trying to process the impossible. Either she was hallucinating or there was a very, very large dog looking monster standing before her.

The giant dog glared down at her, it's body taut with tension. She could tell that it would attack if provoked. She felt trapped, not being able to run because she was almost certain she'd be dead before she could even turn around.

"Onigumo, what do I do?" She called out, her voice trembling. The dog looked over at Onigumo sharply, as if knowing who he was. The growling deepened, causing Kagome to jump at the sudden shift.

Onigumo hesitated, not knowing what to do in their present situation. He looked from the back of Kagome's head to the threatening dog demon standing over her. He didn't know if Kagome recognized him, but Onigumo recognized the dog demon instantly. Maybe it was the long white hair, or the eyes, or maybe it was the feeling in the pit of his stomach that told him instinctively the dog demon was his nephew.

"Just stay where you are," Onigumo told her, trying to keep calm. "I'm sure he won't hurt you as long as you stand still."

"He?" Kagome asked. She looked up at the dog, staring into its menacing eyes. Onigumo took a step forward, keeping his eyes trained on the dog demon. Sesshomaru watched him closely. So that was Naraku's plan for him, to turn him into…this. `How?' He wondered. He brushed the question aside as he cautiously took another step.

Sesshomaru let out a short, warning bark. Kagome let out a small yelp, the bark sounding more like a booming canon. Onigumo decided not to try his luck and remained where he was.

"What do we do?" Kagome asked desperately. Onigumo didn't have the answers. He himself was at a loss as to what to do.

"Ah, so glad to see that you two could make it."

Kagome glared at the man walking from behind the giant guard dog. Naraku stopped just in front of her, his gaze sweeping over her.

"I'm especially glad to see you, Ms. Higurashi." He said, his voice low. Kagome did nothing to hide the contempt she held for him, making sure her eyes conveyed the feeling.

"What the hell is this?" She spat, jerking her head up at the beast looming over them. Naraku followed her gaze, a small smile on his thin lips. "This? Why, he's just the best weapon ever invented."

"How could you do this to your own cousin?" Onigumo accused, barely concealing his anger. Kagome gasped. This monster standing before her was Sesshomaru?

"No, it can't be…" She whispered brokenly. Naraku laughed. "How? It was easy father." He glanced up at Sesshomaru. "I helped him reach his full potential…his true self. The life he was living was a façade. It was time he began to truly live." He turned his gaze to Kagome. "What do you think of your lover now?"

Kagome closed her eyes and turned her head, shutting out the image of Naraku's mocking smile. It was Sesshomaru. That thought kept bouncing around in her head like a rubber ball. Naraku had finally done it, completed his goal.

"Do you still find him…attractive?" Naraku taunted, turning her face towards him. "Open your eyes and look at him, tell me what you think of him now." Kagome opened her eyes, her gaze moving up slowly until they met the crimson gaze of Sesshomaru.

She studied him, her eyes traveling over his large, fur covered body. If he'd been the size of a regular dog, she'd have thought him quite beautiful, even exotic. But since he was bigger than any animal she'd ever seen, it was hard to find him anything but frightening.

"Does he scare you, Ms. Higurashi?" Naraku continued. Kagome glared at him, refusing to answer. "I'm sure he does. Let me fix that." Naraku looked up at Sesshomaru.

"Sit!" He commanded sharply. Sesshomaru immediately sat, the growling coming to a halt. He stared down at Naraku as if waiting for his next command. Kagome's gaze narrowed. She hated seeing Sesshomaru being treated like this…like an animal.

"You're a monster!" She yelled at him. Naraku raised a brow at her. "Me? A monster?" He laughed slightly. "You won't think that after your boyfriend here rips you to pieces." Naraku looked her over, his gaze leering. "It will be a shame that I won't get to feel that luscious looking body of yours beneath me."

Kagome almost gagged at his words. "I'd die before I let you touch me, you fucking bastard!" She hissed. Naraku's expression turned deadly. "And so you shall." He turned to Sesshomaru. "Sesshomaru, tear her limb from limb."

Kagome took a step back as she watched Sesshomaru spring to his feet, his mouth curling back to show his glistening fangs.

"Sesshomaru, you can't do this!" She said desperately, not sure if he was hearing her or not. She stumbled backwards, losing her footing. Sesshomaru raised one heavy paw, his intent to bury Kagome beneath it.

Kagome closed her eyes, preparing for the worst when she felt herself being lifted up. She opened her eyes, surprised to see Onigumo holding her out of harm's way. "Naraku, I won't let you do this!" He said, his voice low. Naraku looked annoyed. "I should have killed you when I had the chance instead of trying to help you achieve the ultimate status." He shrugged his shoulders. "No matter. I'll remedy that right now."

"Sesshomaru, get rid of my meddling father."

Onigumo deposited Kagome safely out of the way. "Remember what I told you, Kagome." He told her urgently before turning to the advancing demon. His eyes held steely determination.

"Onigumo, no!" She yelled, reaching out for him. She watched as Sesshomaru snatched up his uncle as if he were nothing more than a mere rag doll. With a slight flick of his paw, he threw his uncle against the side of the house, his body hitting the brick siding with a sickening thud before crumpling to the ground in a useless heap.

"No." Kagome whispered, moisture building in her eyes. She hung her head, tears sliding down her cheeks.

Naraku studied her emotionlessly, her tears not affecting his icy demeanor. "Deal with her, Sesshomaru." He ordered calmly, folding his arms across his chest. Kagome could feel the ground shaking beneath her with each step that Sesshomaru took. She didn't try to run, knowing it would only be a mistake.

Remember what I told you, Kagome.

Kagome raised her head. "I'll do my best." She whispered. Sesshomaru stopped in front of her, seeming to hesitate for a fraction of a second before wrapping a paw around her, his claws digging into her flesh. She cried out, the pain burning her flesh. She could feel his sharp claws sinking into her skin.

Sesshomaru brought his paw up to eye level, studying his prey. Kagome ignored the pain, looking into his eyes. She reached out tentatively, touching her fingers to his wet nose and the soft fur surrounding it. The deep rumbling started, only not as menacing this time. Kagome was reminded of the time on the patio, when he'd been hurting so intensely and had growled at her, trying to keep her at bay. She wondered if he was again using the same tactic.

"Sesshomaru, I know you can hear me," Kagome told him gently, stroking his fur. "Do you remember what you told me that night in the rain?" She asked, tears running down silently. "You told me that I could never hurt you anymore than you could hurt me. Do you remember that?" She saw something flicker in his eyes. The growling turned to a faint whimpering, as if he were trying to tell her something.

Naraku watched their interchange from the ground, frowning. What the hell was she doing?

"Sesshomaru!" He yelled. Sesshomaru looked down at him. "Do…as…I…ordered!" He ground out. Sesshomaru looked to Kagome. "Don't do it, Sesshomaru." She said softly. He looked back at Naraku, who was yelling at him to kill her. Kagome took a deep breath. She had to do it.

"Sesshomaru, I love you and I will always love you no matter what, know that." She told him, placing her other hand on the other side of his nose. "If I hurt you, please forgive me."

Kagome felt the rush of energy shot through her before she blacked out.

a/n: i'm really sorry this chap took me so long to get out. i've been doing a bunch of things at once so it took me a while to get around to the story. well, i think there's only going to be about two more chaps, three at the most…hope you guys are enjoying the story and thanks for all of you who reviewed and didn't give me a hard time for being so slow about posting…thank you all! see ya next chap!