InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Snow Angel ❯ The Darkness ( Chapter 124 )

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

Chapter 124 - The Darkness *My Beautifully Elegant Flower of Evil* (Stella's Soundtrack Challenge)

They had been walking for hours, chatting cordially amongst themselves, when Shippo suddenly held up his hand, waving it for silence. "There." He pointed at what appeared to be a very well hidden entrance to a cave of some kind. The kit was quickly passed to his mother, and Sesshoumaru approached. Kagome frowned, worried for his safety, as he moved the brush aside.

The taiyoukai took a deep breath, instantly analyzing the scents in the air. He returned to his group and spoke softly. "There is only one being inside."

"You're not going in there," Kagome whispered back. "Who knows what kind of magic she's got going on! You'll be on her turf!"

Sesshoumaru scowled at his miko. "Do you question my strength?"

She merely rolled her eyes. "No, I question hers! She made a barrier capable of keeping you out! Who knows what else she can do. I'd rather you not be turned into a frog or worse."

"A frog?" he asked with a smirk. "Could you not love this Sesshoumaru as an amphibian?"

Kagome couldn't help but giggle at his question. "Oh, I'd still love you, but our bedroom would be a very quiet place." Her laughter continued at his chuckle. Finally, she shook off her amusement and became very serious. "There has to be a way to lure her out."

"Not likely, Mama," Shippo chimed in. "She thinks she's safe in there. Witches don't leave their lairs very often. Only when absolutely necessary. We're going to have to go in."

"We?" Kagome asked with a glare. "You think I'm letting you in there, Shippo?"

"Oh, come on, Mama!" he practically wailed. "I'll be fine. I'm the one who knows about magic. If Sesshoumaru goes in without me, he wouldn't have a clue what he was walking into. I'll be able to see her spells. He needs me!"

"You're not going without me," Kagome laid down the law.

Sesshoumaru looked appraisingly over his angel and sighed. "We will all go, but you will stay close to Inuyasha."

"Only if Shippo stays close to me," she growled, her motherly instinct screaming at her to protect her child at all costs.

After a great deal of negotiating, it was agreed that Sesshoumaru would lead, Shippo on his shoulder, with Kagome and Inuyasha directly behind them. The taiyoukai had suggested leaving Miroku and Sango outside for their own safety, but the pair had refused. They would fight by their friends' sides as they always did, no matter the enemy. Sesshoumaru wasn't necessarily thrilled with this arrangement, but it was the best he could do considering Kagome's stubbornness.

Walking as close together as they dared, the group entered the cave. As soon as the brush fell back over the entrance, they were bathed in darkness. Kagome shifted around for several moments before locating her flashlight and guided their way deeper. The tunnel they found themselves in seemed to go on forever, and the scents in the air grew stronger with every step they took. Soon the demons and hanyou were covering their noses, hoping to filter out the strong odors of herbs and tinctures. Kirara had her face buried in Sango's hair, trying to do the same.

"Gods, what is that stink?" Kagome muttered as they rounded a corner.

"That stink," a seductive female voice drawled, "is your salvation, little human."

Everyone tensed at the first syllable, and the miko flicked the beam of light around, searching for the speaker. Finally, she spotted movement and moments later, a speck of light appeared high above them. It grew brighter by the second and soon revealed a large chamber before them.

A woman stepped out of the shadows and Kagome gasped. She was stunningly beautiful, pale with blazing red hair that almost flickered like flames in the light. She wore a crimson gown that pooled around her feet. The dress hugged her curves, accentuating her breasts, and only added to the dark allure of her. She had a black aura surrounding her that made the miko's skin crawl, and instantly she found herself tucked behind the tall taiyoukai, hiding her completely from the witch's sight.

"Your miko has nothing to fear, My Lord," she continued. "In fact, I am certain you will want to hear my offer."