InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Jewel of Four Souls ❯ The Tamashii no Gishiki ( Chapter 9 )
[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]
Well, it sure has been a while ne? Had a bit of a “downtime” November where I worked on other non-fanfic related stuff, tried to relax and give my mind some time off from re-working later parts of this story. I thank you for your patience, and to reward you, here's a nice long Chapter 9 for your reading enjoyment.
Disclaimer: Hmm…it's been how long? Nope, nothing's changed seeing how I still don't own it…
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Chapter 9 “The Tamashii no Gishiki”
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It was nearly nightfall before a rather agitated hanyou decided to pay a small visit to his modern era family. Miss Higurashi's acceptance of him drastically warmed his unstable heart. He wished he could show his gratitude for her kindness. Running out on her a fortnight ago surely wasn't a really good way to show his appreciation. But the woman's grief mixed with his own and the news of his acceptance, besides all the other things on his mind, was too much to bear at one time. He just had to get away to clear his mind. Perhaps even forget the awful memories of the past.
But InuYasha knew such a feat was nearly impossible. Kagome's death would always linger in the depths of his hanyou mind. The terrible memory of holding her fatally wounded form in his arms as she slowly passed on… He would never forget that tragic moment. The news of Kikyo's death wasn't quite that bad to hear. Nor was the second time she was nearly killed. Course he thought Naraku had killed her, but did find out she barely survived. What really boggled his mind, even to this day, is why Kagome selflessly saved her without much second thought. She appeared to resent Kikyo, yet she went out of her way to help the dying miko. Wanting to regret her decision but didn't. Was Kagome truly that pure in heart? It's all for naught now.
Clutching his stomach, he tried to fight off the lingering pain that still flowed throughout his damaged body. `Damn. I really must have overdone it. Stupid wolf…' He staggered his way towards the Higurashi household. Miss Higurashi tended to the dishes when she spotted InuYasha out of the kitchen window limping miserably towards their home. Frantically she threw down her towel and rushed out to his side.
“InuYasha, are you ok?” She instinctively asked long before reaching him.
“I'll live…”
“Oh dear, come, we need to tend to your injuries!”
Not putting up much of a fight the hanyou could only comply. He was half-dragged inside and up to the bathroom. Sitting him down on the edge of the bathtub, Miss Higurashi turned and rummaged through the wooden medicine cabinet above the sink; as well as the one below it. With Kagome's travels there were plenty of medical supplies stockpiled. InuYasha held his left arm wearily as Kagome's mother approached him carrying several boxes and tins. As well as other assortments he didn't quite recognize.
“Now lets get you all patched up shall we?”
Still remaining half-conscious, InuYasha allowed Miss Higurashi to help get his very tattered and torn Robe of the Fire Rat off. Followed closely by the kimono he wore underneath. Miss Higurashi was appalled by the severity of his injuries. She was even feeling queasy by the mere sight of it all. No man could possibly survive the extent of the wounds he had. She was just thankful InuYasha was stronger than your average person. And thankful that he managed to stay alive. Truth be told, she really didn't want to see him die as well. He was a part of the family. She loved him like a son. A hanyou son.
“You poor dear.” She ran her hand gently across his arm. Being careful not to touch the rather large gash he had there.
“I'll heal in due time.” He said not really showing the least bit of concern for his condition. Then again, this is InuYasha after all. He tends to brush off even serious injuries as minor scratches. She wondered if he was feeling all right. He had signs that showed he wasn't taking it easy after getting the wounds.
`Stubborn yet loyal.' She reminded herself.
There was no way she was about to use some of the rubbing alcohol on his deep wounds. It wasn't meant for that. The guy needed stitches. But knew it wasn't a good idea even trying to get him to a doctor. What would people think if she brought in a half-demon, from who knows where, inside? Panic would surely ensue. Plus, who knows what'd happen to InuYasha after that. No, she'd have to try and tend to him on her own. She half-hoped that he was right and that his wounds would indeed heal in due time.
InuYasha kept his head cocked to the side while Miss Higurashi gently tended to some of the smaller wounds first. The rubbing alcohol she put on those ones didn't bother him the slightest bit. It seemed he had a high tolerance for pain, she figured. Either that or was too much in thought. Perhaps even too dazed to care.
“Why are you so concerned for me?” InuYasha asked, keeping his gaze off the woman.
She was a little taken aback by that question. Though, it was to be expected. After all, she never did give a clear explanation as to why she accepted him the way she did. Nor did she say why she worried for him.
“You're a part of the family. And I look after every member of the family. Even if they weren't my own; I still consider you one of my own.” She didn't falter while she wrapped some gauze around a larger slash on his left arm. “I worry for you as though you were my own son InuYasha.”
The hanyou softly sighed. He really felt as though he didn't deserve her kindness. But how was he supposed to react to someone who was nearly like his mother? Miss Higurashi was kind, she loved him despite his heritage, she was concerned about him, she worried about him, and she even seemed to want to protect him too. Even how she was alone was the same. InuYasha never knew his father after he died in battle shortly after his birth. Thus, he and his mother were both alone in the world. Cast out as outsiders. Miss Higurashi seemed to be in a similar feat, as her husband seemed non-existent. Possibly dead, InuYasha presumed. This woman was different than many of the others he's noticed in not only his era, but the modern era as well. Something was special about her. Then again, didn't he see that through Kagome as well? Wasn't she special in her own right?
“Listen, Jiichan may have found a way that you and your friends can save Kagome.”
Oddly enough, he really didn't react very much to that statement.
“I'll let him explain it to you when we're done here.” She said snipping a piece of medical tape to hold some of the gauze.
`Is there really a way to save her?'
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InuYasha returned to the Feudal era very early in the morning, shortly after listening to Jiichan's explanation of what to do. Sure, it seemed simple enough. But he wasn't too sure about it. When it came to the Sacred Jewel, nothing was for certain. Bandaged up, he tiredly made his way back to the village wearing his tattered clothing. Miss Higurashi was kind enough to at least hand wash it and mend it a little while Jiichan talked to him. That woman surely was something else. He just didn't know what to do with the kindness and generosity he received from her.
“InuYasha?” Came a familiar voice belonging to that of Miroku.
“Where have you been?” Sango finished.
“I went back to Kagome's era…”
“You went back? Why?”
“I just needed to clear my head.”
`Kagome's death must really be bothering him.' Miroku guessed.
“…while I was there, Kagome's grandfather told me of an old ritual said to bring the dead back to life using the Sacred Jewel.”
“What?” Miroku and Sango said simultaneously in a very noticeably stunned fashion.
`Surely he doesn't mean that ritual does he?'
Taking a deep breath and ignoring the pain from his broken ribs, InuYasha slowly began telling exactly what Jiichan told him. Of the sacred ritual that supposedly could bring Kagome back to life. His two friends hung on every word, listening closely to the hanyou. Sango could really tell the distraught dis-confidence in his voice. Perhaps he felt that it wouldn't work. She too worried that it wouldn't.
“Miroku…is such a thing possible?” Sango asked.
“I've actually only heard of the ritual in old legends. I never thought the story would be of any use, so I suppose I forgot about it till InuYasha mentioned it. Anyway, as legend has it, the monks of that time long ago were deemed as radical saints. Bringing fallen comrades back to life using the Sacred Jewel they somehow acquired. Word soon got out of the sacred ritual they used. And a fearless samurai forced them to resurrect his fallen soldiers. But alas they were unable to and sent to their deaths. The temple has been abandoned since then.”
“Then we're going there!” Sango semi-ordered.
On a positive note, the dragon that lived in the southern mountains, in which the temple was located, was already dead. Thanks to a rather irate InuYasha just a fortnight ago. Would it really work? Sango seemed confident that it would. Miroku remained unbiased. While the ritual appeared real, there were still repercussions to it. How was it that the monks could only bring comrades back and not fallen soldiers? He worried that Kagome may not be saved as easily as they thought.
After Sango finished getting ready a short while later, Miroku stood in confidence and beamed a happy smile. He too desired the ritual to work.
“The four spirits… Aramitama, Nigemitama, Koshimitama, and Sakimitana. That's the four of us. Shippo, InuYasha, you, and me…Together with the Sacred Jewel and a strong soul, which Kagome possesses, we can make it work!” Miroku felt that since they were close to Kagome, much like the monks and their comrades, they stood a pretty good chance of repeating the sacred ritual. That is their only guiding hope.
“I see now… instead of using the jewel directly, we'll use its power more indirectly.” Sango said realizing that fact.
“Right. The ritual takes the direct use of the jewel out of the equation. We're not making a wish or hearts desire, nor are we infusing it into her body. ”
“But Miroku, won't the ritual kill us by taking our souls?”
“Hmm… I'm not entirely sure. The monks didn't seem to die…But if you're willing to take that chance, then I am too.”
“Then lets.”
InuYasha didn't offer his input as he sat nearby. He simply stared off into the afternoon sky in bewilderment. His confidence level diminishing rapidly, like the passage of time. Could Kagome really be saved? He didn't know what to do even if she was. But she deserved her life. If he had to trade his own life for hers, he'd accept. Silently, he noticeably limped off into the distance. Unbeknownst to his friends.
“So where should we start looking?” Sango inquired, anxious to find the missing InuYasha and locate the temple.
“Let's go to Kaede first. Perhaps she has found something on him.”
Bounding into Sango's arms, Shippo, whom came nearby at the time, was carried off towards and area they could almost call home. Miroku wasn't quite sure where he wanted to settle down with Sango. But just about anywhere would suffice. Something told him Sango wanted to go back to her village and perhaps try to rebuild and repopulate it. Together they may just be able to do that. For now it was time to focus on saving Kagome and getting Sango to feel more comfortable with him. He would stand by his word and be patient with her. Perhaps a great reward awaited him if he did. Sango probably wanted Kohaku around as well. For now, the young boy insisted to do anything in his power to repay and repent his crimes. Even if he may never be completely forgiven, the young demon slayer vowed to dedicate his life to helping others. Especially the weak, young, and elderly.
It didn't take long to reach Kaede's hut on the outskirts of the central part of the village. But everyone was rather surprised to see Kikyo there. Quietly having tea with her `younger' sister. The miko quietly sipped at her tea as Kaede sat quietly across her.
“Kikyo?”
The miko turned and silently acknowledged the new presences. She said nothing as she sat her teacup down. The small group still stared in bewilderment. Kikyo smirked already knowing what they wanted.
“I suppose you're looking for InuYasha, are you not?” she said calmly as usual.
“You know where he is?”
“He is at the battle grounds where Naraku was slain.”
“Let's go get him!” Shippo said jumping from Sango's arms.
“Right. Thank you Kikyo-sama.” Miroku said bowing his head in respect. Taking his leave, Sango and Shippo followed as they hurried to catch up to their friend. Oddly enough Kirara was missing as well. Sango figured she was out with InuYasha. Which was the most logical explanation. At least someone was watching over him…hopefully.
Kikyo stood by in the doorway watching as the three went off in a rush. Turning, she re-entered the hut and sat back down where she originally was. Taking her teacup back in her hands.
“So ye are planning on taking the jewel back to the underworld?”
“Yes, that is what I intend on doing. They'll find a way to revive the girl. After that, I'll take the jewel out of this world.”
“So ye wish for her to live as well?”
“I have my reasons for wanting her alive.” Kikyo simply said as she sipped her tea.
“And what reasons may that be?”
“My reasons are for only me to know.” She said in a non-aggressive way.
“Very well. It is good to see you once more my dear sister. Considering the terms…”
“Indeed, it is good to be alive once again. Though, I am still not completely among the living.” One of her soul stealers floated in and delivered a departed maiden soul in order to help stabilize the miko. “I can't go on living life the way I do. I was born to help people. In my current form, those dead maidens' souls can't find rest while they reside in me.”
“Ye do indeed have a kind heart Kikyo.”
She half-smiled, “Maybe I do…but my quest isn't over yet.”
“Do ye still intend to take InuYasha to Hell with you?”
“I have things to attend to before I can move on my dear sister.”
“I suppose there is no arguing the matter. I just hope ye are making the right choice.”
“InuYasha! InuYasha! InuYasha!” Shippo called out.
Just as Kikyo had said, InuYasha was indeed at the battlegrounds where they last fought Naraku. His back faced the group as they approached. Crouching low near the very spot where Kagome fell. InuYasha didn't acknowledge the presence of his friends as they approached him. Overhead, the skies slowly clouded over in a threat of rain. Standing behind InuYasha, no one spoke a word to the hanyou. Allowing him time and space to think and perhaps sort out what to say. Kirara leapt onto Sango's shoulder from her position near InuYasha and mewed happily upon seeing her master. She petted the little demon-cat, glad to see she was indeed ok.
“I guess… now is as good a time as any.” InuYasha finally spoke up.
Everyone behind him listened closely as they watched for any movement. InuYasha stood but kept his back to his friends.
“No matter what happens… I will take the jewel and descend into Hell with Kikyo. Where we can be together and finally rid the world of the damned thing.” A small sigh escaped the lips of InuYasha as he shifted slightly. “We were both given a second chance at life. And a second chance to be together. Now that Naraku is gone, we can have that second chance. …I just wish… I just wish Kagome didn't have to lose her life in the process.”
“InuYasha, it's not over yet.” Miroku started.
“Yeah. Kagome may yet live.” Sango finished for him. She reminded herself to give the hanyou a piece of her mind later about the whole Kikyo thing.
Oddly enough, InuYasha didn't really react to that. He remained motionless and said nothing. A slight sigh was heard as he shifted minimally.
“The Tamashii no Gishiki, the ritual to restore Kagome's life, it may work. We believe it can!”
InuYasha still didn't move, “And what if it doesn't?” He said with a slightly hurt and yet somehow emotionless tone as well.
Miroku and Sango couldn't quite respond to that. What if the ritual didn't work? Then what? Perhaps the only thing they could do was offer a proper burial for their dear departed friend and try to move on with their lives, as hard as that may be. Sango, Miroku, and Shippo realizing all the more how much the young miko from the future touched their lives. How much she meant to them. And how difficult this was becoming.
“…We should at least try. This is something you've been searching for has it not?” Miroku stated.
“Yeah.”
“Then come.”
InuYasha turned and looked towards his friends. Each one gave a supporting smile in hopes to sway their hanyou friend. Offering no acknowledgement InuYasha simply started the journey back to the village. Sango frowned with worry at InuYasha's apparent reaction. Something was really bothering him, yet no one could figure out exactly what. The only logical explanation was that he felt so guilty about Kagome's death. He did take the responsibility, a selfless one at that, to protect her. He did so time and time again. But in one critical moment, he couldn't do as he promised and failed in his obligation. It was very admirable that he stayed true to his word, his promises, even through his tough personality. And even though they argued and bickered, he still protected her. Likewise, Kagome stayed by his side like she promised. All the way till the end. Somehow, she felt that Kagome was still here amongst them. That she was still by InuYasha's side.
It was hard to fully understand InuYasha. From his personality to his thoughts, all about him tended to be some sort of enigma. Still they couldn't blame him very much. Though they didn't know much of his past, it was easy to tell that his young life was very hard and quite troubling. And then the whole situation with Naraku and Kikyo probably furthered his distrust and aggression towards others. Be it a human or demon. Yet he seemed to have that internal desire to be accepted. To live a normal life like any other ordinary person. Though, through their journeys it was difficult to say whether he wanted to be accepted in the demon society or human society. Apparently now he wanted neither. He just wanted to be forgiven by Kikyo for allowing her to die alone twice. Though in reality, she only died once. The second time she barely managed to survive. And was in fact, saved by Kagome.
By dusk, the weary group arrived back at the village. Kaede welcomed them back and offered her hut for her dear friends to rest. Kikyo was already long gone, but InuYasha could still pick up her scent that lingered. Though he didn't seem the least bit concerned about that as he took his usual place near Kagome's pale lifeless body and resumed guarding her for the time being. Everyone quietly conversed amongst each other, leaving InuYasha to himself as he wished to be. Kaede made a nice homemade stew for each of her guests in the meantime.
A short while later, Miroku sat and idly watched the stew cook and boil. Sango sat next to him and rested her head on his shoulder. Happily, Miroku placed his hand on her right shoulder and held her gently to him. Sango's cheeks tinged pink as the butterflies in her stomach fluttered in a flurry. Slaying demons was way easier than trying to get used to the close company of the opposite sex. At least in Sango's opinion it was.
Kaede fetched some bowls and dished out a portion of the stew for Shippo first. Then Miroku and Sango. Even Kirara got a nice little helping, which she readily accepted. She tried offering InuYasha some, but he simply turned around and faced Kagome. An obvious sign of refusal. Slightly annoyed by his manners, Kaede decided to let it slide as she took the bowl for herself.
“You should really eat something InuYasha.” Miroku said as he lowered his bowl slightly.
“Save it. I don't need to be taken care of by the likes of you.”
“He's just looking out for your health. We know you're stronger and are different than a regular human, but you really haven't eaten much in days. Normally you'd be pounding poor Shippo into the ground for his food.” Sango said to the hanyou.
“Will you all get off my back?!” He shouted rather harshly over his shoulder. Clearly he wasn't in the mood. Scoffing into a pout-like state, he kept his back turned to everyone as a few sighs rang out. This was InuYasha all right. Stubborn and feisty as ever. He needed a good `sit' to knock him down a few pegs that's for sure. But alas that wasn't gonna happen anytime soon. If ever…
Without much fuss, everyone settled in for a quick rest. The plan was to head out just before daybreak. Shippo and Kirara promptly fell asleep in no time as Sango soon joined them. Miroku remained awake while Kaede too fell into dreamland a short while later. InuYasha, who still sat motionless and facing the opposite way, was also awake. The young monk gently and quietly eased himself up and stared towards InuYasha. The hanyou's senses kicked in as he waited to see what Miroku was up to. His footsteps came to a silent halt a short distance behind him. Annoyed by the sudden close presence InuYasha felt a low growl coming on. But before any sound escaped his lips, a hand was on his shoulder.
“You should rest… we have a long journey ahead of us.”
The growl stopped before it even started as InuYasha tensed slightly. Miroku turned as his hand left the hanyou's shoulder.
“You shouldn't beat yourself up anymore about what happened. …It wasn't your fault InuYasha.” Miroku quietly said as he eased himself next to Sango for the night. InuYasha's ears were twitching to and froe with curiosity and constant alert.
`Was it really not my fault?'
Around late afternoon the next day, Miroku led the way up the steep mountain path. InuYasha quietly brought up the rear of the group as he carefully carried Kagome's body on his back, much like he used to when she was alive. His expression, though hard to read, seemed to be that of a hurt or even regretful state. Everyone knew it would be best to not speak of anything unnecessary to him for fear of upsetting the already uneasy hanyou. The guy was already teetering on the brink of losing his temper as it was. Plus, it could help minimize the chance of him transforming again. If he did, there would probably be no way to stop him this time. Sesshomaru probably now kept Rin on a leash. Though that was highly doubtful since the demon-lord doesn't exactly care for humans. Yet he seems oddly protective of the young girl. No one seemed to know why he kept her around anyway.
Shippo rode on Miroku's shoulder, but seemed to be in a rather tired state. The kitsune moaned as though he was ill. Miroku of course took notice, as did Sango. She was a little forlorned for a different reason though.
“What a day for Kirara to be sick.” Sango said, missing her demon-pet companion. Thinking its best to leave Kirara back at the village with Kaede.
“It can't be helped my dear Sango. We'll just have to walk all the way there, that's all.”
“Yeah. But I think Shippo is also feeling ill too.”
“I think it's this pure atmosphere. The temple must have a strong spiritual barrier like we encountered at Mt. Hakurei.”
“But InuYasha seems fine. Or, as fine as he can be that is.” She said as he trudged up the hill slowly.
“Maybe this barrier is different somehow?”
“It may only affect full demons.”
“Perhaps. Half-demons weren't very common back in the times of this temple's origin. Many were slain at a young age. And thus this barrier they developed must not have affected half-demons since they didn't need to keep them out.”
“Should we go back? Shippo is looking terrible.”
“Let's continue on. We've come too far to stop now.”
“Right.”
“Urrrggghhhh…” Shippo moaned.
“Hey look!” Miroku suddenly said.
“It's the temple!”
Miroku smirked in triumph as he hugged Sango. She again turned very pink in the cheeks as he spun around with her. Shippo almost slid off the monk's shoulder as he held on for dear life. InuYasha meanwhile caught up to the cheery bunch while they pranced about merrily. Not even giving them a second glance, he continued on up the path silently. Miroku calmed slightly, a little embarrassed by his sudden outbreak like that. Sango's cheeks still tinged but she motioned for them to continue on seeing as how InuYasha was already a good distance ahead despite how slow he was walking. The little green skirt of Kagome's bobbing up and down with each step he took.
Swiftly, Miroku took Sango's hand and together, with Shippo along for the ride, they sprinted up the path passing InuYasha. Again, he paid them no mind as he continued onward up the path. To lost in his own thoughts to even care.
`Why didn't I listen?'
`You shouldn't beat yourself up anymore about what happened…'
`I failed to protect her though.'
`It wasn't your fault InuYasha...'
`But…'
`It wasn't your fault InuYasha...'
`Yes it was. I am to blame. Everyone knows it!'
`No. …I …I can't blame you. …I never will.'
`I shouldn't have let her stay.'
`Kagome wanted to be by your side. And she was.'
`I promised…'
`I'll always be by your side InuYasha. No matter what.'
InuYasha almost came to a halt when he heard that last voice ring out in his head. Although it was just a memory, it still felt all too real. His head sunk lower as he walked. It wasn't necessarily Kagome's death that got him down. It was the truth of his failure in holding up his promise. He was a man of his word after all. Almost like his pride was hurt more than his feelings. He simply felt worthless. Just like everyone, except his mother, viewed him as for much of his young life.
Looking back, Sango noticed a small glimmering near InuYasha's eye. She looked closer and harder. Indeed, there was a small sparkle of light near his eye. InuYasha was either crying or something was in his eye. Doubtful of the second option, she was both shocked and puzzled to see such a reaction from the hanyou. She continued to glance over her shoulder to see if he was indeed crying, but that single sparkle was all that was seen. Miroku got her attention back when he linked his arm with hers and offered a warming smile. She again turned crimson by the mere touch, still completely bashful of affections but readily accepting them without harming the monk.
Meter by meter the two humans, a kitsune, a hanyou, and an eternally sleeping miko riding on the shoulders of the hanyou trudged up the steep-dusty mountain path. With each passing step the large mist shrouded temple came closer into view from the horizon. All was quiet save for their footsteps, a few birds, and the rustling of their clothes. Finally, the group reached the top of the mountain. Beyond two enormous and impressive statues, a long wooden bridge suspended by chains beckoned them to cross. Shippo's condition seemed to improve as they drew closer.
“We made it!”
“Who dares disturb the sanctity of this temple?” a deep eerie voice rang out.
Shippo quivered and hid behind his friends, peaking out in fear. “Wha-wha…what was that?”
“Speak! What business do you have here?”
“We wish to perform the ritual to revive our dear friend here.” Miroku said into the air. Completely unsure from where the voice was coming from. Sango had a good mind to believe it was the statues, but neither one moved or even seemed to want to either. She just hoped that they wouldn't come alive and attack them much like Gozu and Mezu did.
“And what purpose do these demons have here?”
“These demons are our friends. And are friends of the departed.”
“Demons and Humans getting along? …Hmm……you all are indeed special to achieve the kind of bond I am sensing from you. …Very well, you may pass. But be warned. If you have not all the items required to perform the sacred ritual… each of you will perish!”
“We shall take that chance.”
“Then go.”
A low rumble began to vibrate from underneath the group's feet. Both massive stone statues began to turn and face each other. Miroku was unsure as to what purpose this served, but nonetheless didn't ask. However, the voice from before spoke again.
“You have but only a few minutes to cross the bridge before the sealing barrier is put back into place. Go now.”
Without another word, everyone obeyed and began to cross the bridge. Shippo practically ran across in a panic seeing as how he was a little afraid of dizzying heights. Miroku led everyone else across the bridge, which was actually quite stable to say the least. Once across they gathered before the enormous wooden doors of the temple.
“Ready everyone?”
Miroku and Sango took to the door and began to pull it open. However, neither door budged in the slightest way. Again and again they pulled, pushed, and tugged but alas couldn't move either one of the massive doors. Winded, they backed off and stared puzzled at it.
“How are we supposed to open these?” Sango asked in complete confusion.
“Maybe there's a riddle or something.”
“I've got a riddle for it alright.” InuYasha said stepping forward. “Here, hold Kagome.” Sango moved over and gently took Kagome from InuYasha's back and set her down on the ground. InuYasha reached for the handle of his sword and unsheathed it in one quick motion. “Time to make our own way in! Adamant—Barrage!” InuYasha blasted the diamond spears directly at the door. Several lodged their selves into the door before the wood was overwhelmed and shattered. Dust and splinters of wood flew everywhere as the attack subsided. Debris were everywhere around where the doors once were.
“Problem solved.”
“I really wish you would be less violent with things.” Miroku said with a `I can't believe you just did that' face. Sango admired how he got right down to it and solved a problem quick. Sure, there probably was another way, but the quicker they can save Kagome, the better. Besides, InuYasha almost seemed to enjoy that. Let him have a moment of peace, she won't complain. He deserves it after all.
Grumping, InuYasha sheathed his sword and not so gently lifted Kagome onto his back. Miroku once again led the way into the dark and dusty temple with Sango, Shippo and InuYasha following.
“It's dark in here.” Shippo said stating the obvious.
“There's a torch right here. But I'm not sure if there's anything to light it.”
“Oh wait! Here…” Sango searched a moment before pulling out a small object. “Kagome sometimes used this to start our campfires.” She said throwing Miroku the lighter. Catching it one handed, Miroku managed to get a spark and a flame on the little lighter. Holding it to the torch, he lit it. In moments the fire blazed over the tip of the torch, burning dust and cobwebs in the process.
“Ah the marvels of Kagome's time.” Miroku said admiring the little fire-making object before throwing it back to Sango. Turning, he held the torch out to examine their surroundings.
Several corridors led outwards from the central hall in which they stood in. Above, old bronze chandeliers lined with cobwebs hung from the rafters. Shippo gasped in awe by some of the still visible artwork on both the ceiling and walls. Truly this was indeed a wondrous temple. It was definitely very fancy when built to say the least. Gently walking along through the center and largest corridor, the group entered a much larger room. It appeared to be a large and seemingly empty precession hall where church or some sort of religious event would be held. Though of what religion this temple was, Miroku couldn't quite tell since no apparent makings were visible.
Turning around he led the way into another corridor. Down a small flight of stone stairs and into a narrow passageway the path went. All the more darker it became despite the flame from the torch. Sango glanced back to see InuYasha with the forelorned look on his face again. It was still hard to tell what was going through the hanyou's mind as they wandered along inside the temple.
“Keep on your guard. We don't know what lays ahead.” Miroku warned as he continued on.
Not but a few steps later, Miroku emerged into a large circular room. He stared in awe as he noticed a large stone slab surrounded by 4 small pedestals that each stood about a meter away from the center of the room where the slab was.
“We found it!”
Sango emerged and soon Shippo. They gasped in amazement and relief upon seeing what laid before them. The very room InuYasha explained to them. A small shaft of light shone directly over the stone slab, indicating there was a small opening to the outside world. This had to be the place. It just had to.
“Kagome will need to be placed on the stone alter there. In her hands the Sacred Jewel must rest in it's complete form.”
InuYasha stood dumbfounded as he just stared at the alter. This just couldn't be it. Was the ritual in fact real? Would it work? Miroku gave him a moment while he examined other things in the room. He noticed several torches lining the room. Lighting one, he was startled when the rest flared up one by one as well. Gathering his bearings Miroku continued his examination of the room. Looking down in front of the pedestals he noticed a circle with a symbol inside it.
“This is one of the spirit symbols.”
“So we just have to stand on each symbol?” Sango wondered as she noticed them too.
“Correct, only we must stand in our proper order.”
“It just seems all too easy.”
“After everything we've been through, I'm glad something is easy for once.”
InuYasha finally shook off his thoughts as he carried Kagome over to the dusty alter. Extremely slowly, he gently laid her flat on her back. Without realizing, he brushed a stray part of her bangs aside and stared rather mournfully at her eternally sleeping face. A gentle sigh escaped his lips as he unsteadily took out the jewel and stray shards from his kimono. InuYasha held the nearly complete jewel along with three stray fragments in his hand and stared momentarily at them. One by one he inserted each of the fragments into the jewel. Everyone watched on, as the aura of the jewel seemed to grow stronger with each fragment that fused itself to the entire piece.
Only one fragment remained and the jewel would be complete. Grasping the nearly whole jewel tightly, InuYasha silently cursed the object before he released his death grip. Turning slightly, he shakily pulled the last fragment, still in its protective vial, from his large fire-rat kimono. He pulled the cork and shook the shard out into his palm. He held the small shard jewel up before his face as it gleamed a pinkish color and radiated with an almost pure energy. This shard was indeed the very last one. The same shard Kagome gave her life to protect. Moments turned into minutes as InuYasha stared blankly at the fragment he held up. Closing his eyes for just a moment, he slowly inserted the piece into its proper place.
Instantaneously the fragment affixed itself with the rest of the jewel. It gave off a flash of white and pink light as it rested in InuYasha's palm. A sparkling and shimmering aura began to radiate from the jewel as the light and dark energies began to flow freely in the complete jewel once again. Finally, after nearly three years since it broke, the jewel was complete. And finally, after nearly fifty-three years of trying, he possessed the entire Shikon no Tama once again. Even if fifty of those years his body spent frozen in time. InuYasha clutched the jewel and stared at his closed fist. This jewel was to give him the power he desired. To grant his deepest wish of becoming a full-fledged demon after Kikyo's supposed betrayal. Releasing his grip, the hanyou sighed. For once in his life, InuYasha didn't desire to fulfill his wish. He indeed had fallen victim to the jewel's curse time and time again. As badly as he wanted it, happiness wasn't gonna come from the jewel. Not by a wish or desire upon it. Silently, he took Kagome's small cold hands into his larger and warmer ones. InuYasha eased the jewel into her hands and gently laid them back down onto her chest as she held the jewel much like Kikyo did when she was cremated all those years ago. Of course, he didn't realize that seeing as he was under her spell when she died.
Sango stood by near Miroku as they watched InuYasha step backwards from the alter. He leaned against a wall furthest from his friends and sighed. His nerves on complete overdrive. Miroku took a deep breath and began to walk around in a large circle.
“Each of us will now have to take our places at our respective spirit symbol. Once in place, call out your spirit and the ritual should begin.” He hoped.
“Right.”
“Shippo, you were said to be Nigemitama, or Shin, the Sprit of Friendship.”
“Right!” He shouted as he quickly went to his spirit circle.
“Sango, you are Sakimitana, the Spirit of Love. Or Ai for short.”
She nodded, taking her place eagerly.
“InuYasha, you are Aramitama, or Yuu, the Spirit of Courage and Bravery.”
The hanyou grumped as he wandered over to his specific place. He still didn't believe this would work.
“And I am the Koshimitama, the Spirit of Knowledge, or Chi.” Miroku stepped forth into his circle. All four were now in place and ready to begin. Everyone facing the center of the room where Kagome laid holding the jewel. Now they could only pray that this ritual would work. That Kagome's grandfather had really pulled through.
“Is everyone ready?”
Sango and Shippo nodded. InuYasha didn't move in the slightest way. A tense moment passed as Miroku gave the nod to proceed…
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w00t! Chapter 9 complete!
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-King RTS-I'm the King of My World!