InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Hearts of the Lost ❯ Jewel of Dying Souls ( Chapter 18 )

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

Hearts of the Lost
By Kytenluvinu

Disclaimer: I do not own any of Rumiko-sama’s creations. But I do own sweet, little Daiki



And each man stand with his face in the light of his own drawn sword. Ready to do what a hero can. Elizabeth Barrett Browning

“KOUGA!!!” Kagome’s anguished cries barely drowned out Naraku’s sinister laugh. Naraku’s tentacles wrapped around Kouga like an anaconda, drawing the pain ridden wolf towards his body. While he began absorbing the wolf, Naraku went for his miko.

“Worry not, my pet.” The sinister demon smiled. “You will join your friend very soon.”

Kagome was weakened from her ordeal only moments before. She reached for Chikara and held it one front of her. Naraku hit a barrier and hissed at the pain of touching a strong youkai barrier.
“You forget, my sweet Miko. I AM ALSO A DEMON!!!” Naraku roared as he slammed his sharp tentacle into the barrier, ignoring the pain. Just before he penetrated her heart the tentacle suddenly stopped. Kagome who had closed her eyes to prepare for the contact, opened them to see Naraku’s look of shock. Kouga had his hands embedded in his chest. Kouga was screaming in pain as he felt his hand being dissolved by the burning miasma surrounding his limb. Naraku growled as Kouga struggled to remove his hand. Kagome watched as Kouga retracted the Shikon no Tama from Naraku’s chest. Naraku was about to pull Kouga and the Shikon no Tama within himself when Kouga threw the jewel from his injured hand.

“Kagome! Catch!” Kouga called out.

Kagome’s barrier dropped completely and Kagome reached out and caught the jewel. Naraku snarled and drew the wolf closer. At that moment Naraku felt himself being slashed in three. He looked down to see Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru cutting through him.

“Sorry I’m late Naraku, but now I’m here to put you out of our misery.” Inuyasha smiled. Naraku dropped the wolf and disappeared in a cloud of purple miasma.

“This isn’t over, Kagome.” Naraku’s voice echoed and died. Kagome clutched the jewel and ran to Kouga’s side. The young wolf lay on his side, his back to the miko. His breathing was labored and he clutched the wound in his chest.

“Oh Kouga, you saved my life.” Kagome cried as she rolled him on his back.

Kouga reached up to stroke her tear stained cheek. “Anyone...who had the honor of loving you...would do the...same.” Kouga struggled to breath.

“Kouga, we should dress these wounds.” Kagome desperately cried as she ripped her kimono to stop the profuse bleeding.

Kouga put his hand over hers to stop her actions. “Kagome, I’m not going to make it. I can die in peace, knowing that you are safe.”

Kouga looked up at the inu brothers and smiled softly. He clutched Kagome’s hand then slowly he completely went limp. Kagome screamed in anguish.

“Kouga! Kouga, please no!” Kagome buried her face in the dead wolf’s chest, crying her eyes out. “You can’t leave me like this! You saved me...you saved me.” She whispered.

“Kagome.” Sesshoumaru said softly.

Inuyasha picked the miko up and held her close. He looked back at Sesshoumaru and nodded his head. Inuyasha took for the trees, curled up in his arms was a crying Kagome clutching the sacred jewel as if it was her last life line.

Sesshoumaru watched his brother and mate disappear and he looked down on the wolf. He really was an honorable prince.

Sesshoumaru felt Tenseiga pulse at his hip.



Nakori dressed the gaping wound in her stomach in silence. The brother’s were getting desperate, they had realized that it was the plan for her to distract them as Naraku killed their mate. Sesshoumaru gave her the wound with his poison claws.

“Nakori, once again you have failed me.” Naraku sneered from the dark corner of the castle hall. Nakori looked up from her task and said nothing. “It seems a new body without that accursed heart has done nothing for your skills as a servant.

“Forgive me, My Master.” Nakori said softly with a voice that showed no emotion. “I am grateful for this new you have given me, I only want to please my master.”

Naraku scoffed and looked away. He wouldn’t kill Nakori, she was still useful for relieving stress. “Kuro!” Naraku bellowed. Kurogawa came from the shadows and bowed to her creator. “You are the most capable than Nakori. Destroy their bond, take the Tashio brother’s souls.


Kagome slowly opened her eyes to the bright sun. From the position of the sun, it was early morning. She must have slept the rest on the day and all night. Then it hit her. Kouga was dead, her best friend was brutality murdered and he saved her. Kagome shook with despair and her tears soaked the ground. Kagome curled up and cried hard. She reached into her kimono and pulled out the necklace Kouga gave her and clutched it hard. She felt her skin break and ignored the pain. She then took the sacred jewel and held it against her gift. Kagome closed herr eyes and felt the two jewels become one. When she opened her hand only one jewel remained and the ruby glowed with purifying energy.

“Midoriko, be safe until I find a way to release you.” Kagome said to herself.

“You realize that won’t keep him away don’t you?” Inuyasha was sitting against a nearby tree and watching her closely.

Kagome sighed. “Yes, Naraku would still be able to sense it. But at least he can’t tell exactly where it is, for now anyway.”

“Did you love him? Kouga I mean.” Inuyasha asked as he stood and walked over to her.

Kagome was shocked by the question. She averted her eyes. “He was my friend, I suppose I loved him as much as a best friend could. He saved my life. I would do anything to repay him.”

Inuyasha smiled. “Kagome...” Inuyasha leaned in and caught his mate in a kiss.

“Hey, save all that mushy stuff for later!” His voice coursed through her heart and nearly made it stop. Inuyasha chuckled and broke the kiss. Kagome couldn’t turn around, she was afraid that if she did, she would wake up from this dream. Inuyasha helped her up and a strong hand turned her around. Kagome stared into his deep blue eyes and let out the breath she was holding.

“Hey, how’s it going?” Kouga smiled.

Kagome swallowed hard and felt the tears running down her cheeks. “It’s going.” Kagome laughed through tears.

Sesshoumaru came up behind the wolf prince. “I trust this pleases you, My Lady.” Sesshoumaru smiled.

Kagome looked up and wiped away her tears. “Oh Sesshoumaru, Thank you. Thank you so much.”


“Kagome, we should be reaching Kaede’s by nightfall.” Inuyasha said as he looked over at his mate and brother. Sesshoumaru was carrying Kagome on his back because the miko had been feeling sick the last couple of days. Kagome had insisted that she could walk on her own but her fainting spell had proven otherwise. Kouga was riding on horse back directly behind them, although Sesshoumaru restored the fallen prince’s life his legs were still wobbled. Kagome had promised the wolf she would find a way to restore them to their original luster. In fact Kagome already had a plan, she just needed to speak to Midoriko once again. But both she and Kikyou hadn’t appeared since the last time, almost three weeks ago.

“Thank you, Inuyasha.” Kagome rested her head against Sesshoumaru’s shoulder. “After I lost my memory, I hadn’t traveled on this side of the land yet. It has changed.”

“Five years pass somewhat slow for humans.” Sesshoumaru joined the conversation. “That gives them time to build.”

“I suppose your right.” Kagome thought for a moment. “What’s it like?” She asked after a moment.

“Hm?” Sesshoumaru queried.

“I mean, what’s it like to live so long? Don’t you get bored sometimes?”

“This Sesshoumaru always finds ways to occupy his time.” Sesshoumaru left it at that.

“Was there anyone else in your life? I mean, before me?”

Sesshoumaru didn’t falter his step but Kagome could feel his heart skip a beat. “Someone once loved this Sesshoumaru.”

Kagome could tell Sesshoumaru wasn’t in the mood for conversation, he kept referring to himself in the third person. Kagome learned that the stoic youkai only did that when he wasn’t in the mood for much of anything.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to pry.” Kagome sighed and closed her eyes, enjoying his pleasant scent.

“Hn.”

“Stop being a dick, aniki.” Inuyasha scoffed. “What about that princess, and didn’t you mention Kagura helping you. I think she had a thing for you.” And before I was sealed I heard you had to marry some chick your mother picked out for you.”

Kagome flinched when she felt Sesshoumaru’s hands tense and his claws pricked her skin. Sesshoumaru immediately relaxed his claws. “Kagome...” He began.

“It’s okay.” Kagome rested her eyes. She was feeling drained and wouldn’t tell the brother’s her real reason for dropping the subject. Sesshoumaru felt Kagome go lax on his back and her soft breathing informed them that she had fallen asleep.

“She seems weaker lately.” Inuyasha gazed at the miko.

“Yes, maybe your old Kaede can explain her sudden lack of energy.” Sesshoumaru stated.

“Yeah, maybe.” Inuyasha decided to change the subject, he was worried about Kagome but didn’t want to compete with his brother in caring for the miko. He couldn’t pull rank in front of his pack.

“So, what ever happened to that girl you were supposed to mate?” Inuyasha asked.

“Dead.” Sesshoumaru said simply and walked ahead. “With Kagome resting we will fly the rest of the way. Inform Kagome’s soldiers of our destination. Tell the fox to stay behind and to take the lead and stay with his mate.” Sesshoumaru addressed Kouga. The wolf was indebted to him, and although he was useless as a solider, Sesshoumaru decided to find some use for him within the ranks. Kouga bowed atop the horse and took off to inform the army. “Keep up.” Sesshoumaru said to Inuyasha and took to the sky.

Inuyasha immediately followed, jumping high from tree to tree.



Kaede had visited the old well at least once a day. She always wondered about Kagome and where she disappeared to. When that small bird appeared, Kaede hopes had sparked again. Kaede placed yet another Iris blossom in the well. Kagome had loved the flowers, Kaede had hoped that somehow the flowers would reach her family, and keep their hopes alive also. Kaede slowly rotated her old shoulders when she felt a slight pressure on it.

“Maybe, these old bones won’t have the chance to see her again.” Keade sighed sadly.

“Losing hope, Kaede-sama.” A happy voice chirped in her ear.

Kaede didn’t jump at the voice and looked over at the pressure on her shoulder. Sayuri smiled happily.

“Why Sayuri-chan. Ye have returned!” Kaede laughed as the bird perched herself on Kaede’s outstretched finger.

“I told you I would return.” Sayuri huffed. “I am a bird of honor, Obaa-sama.”
“So does that mean...?” Kaede remembered the honorable bird’s other promise.

“She needs your help Obaa-sama.” Sayuri grew serious. “She’s waiting for you.”

Kaede let Sayuri lead her back to her hut.



Kagome was sweating terribly. Though her skin was ice cold. Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru didn’t know what to think when they arrived in the village and Kagome didn’t wake. She did appear to be trapped in a nightmare. The brother’s blamed it on the now corrupt jewel Kagome held possessively. The Brother’s tried to pry the jewel away from her grasp, but each attempt left them burned from purifying energy.

“What do you think is going on?” Inuyasha asked his older brother. Sesshoumaru hadn’t answered, he simply stared at the sleeping miko. The tai youkai didn’t know what to make of these new change in events. It was true that he did love the miko but he couldn’t get distracted by petty weaknesses such as worry.

“I know not, Brother. But maybe your old miko can explain your questions.” Sesshoumaru finally replied.

“There your questions also.” Inuyasha growled. “Or did you forget that she is your mate too?”

“I’ll never forget, Inuyasha.” Sesshoumaru said and turned his attention back on Kagome. Slowly he touched her stomach.

‘Maybe...’ Sesshoumaru began to think.

“Inuyasha!” Kaede’s voice brought Sesshoumaru out of his reverie.

Inuyasha turned and gave Kaede a toothy grin. “Hey there, old hag. Long time no see.”

Kaede laughed. “I don’t expect thee to ever change.”

Inuyasha grew serious. “I found her.”

Kaede smiled. “I know. And so has your older brother I gather.”

“Yeah, I promised to bring her back, just not like this.” Inuyasha said as he stepped aside for Kaede. The old miko knelt besides Kagome and placed a hand on her heart. Kaede jumped back in what appeared to the brother’s as fear.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” Inuyasha growled.

Kaede looked up at Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru. “Have ye mated with her?” Kaede asked.

Inuyasha blushed and Sesshoumaru spoke up. “We have, is it as I suspect? Is the miko with child?” Sesshoumaru’s question shocked his brother. That was the last thing Inuyasha suspected.

“Aye, I do believe that could be possible. But that isn’t what concerns me.” Kaede looked back at the miko with sadness. “What does concern me, is the fact that her soul maybe dying.”

Inuyasha gasped and Sesshoumaru pulled the old miko by her collar, forcing her to face him.

“Explain! Old wench!” Sesshoumaru snarled.

Kaede shook with fear for her life. Sesshouamaru’s eyes were full with demonic evil. But Kaede refused to look away. “I know that Kagome holds with her, the Shikon no Tama. But what I don’t know, is why it’s killing her.”




Another cliffy, don’t ask me why I do that. I’ll try to update soon. Betcha thought Kouga was dead for good huh? Things are changing for Kagome. For the better or worse I can’t say. And within the next 2 or 3 chappies, Kagome will definitely see her Family again. That’s a promise!