InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Unexpeced Allies Part III: Trial of the Century ❯ Ready For Love ( Chapter 15 )

{Disclaimer: Anyone who's read this from chapter one of part one knows this already, so…}

Chapter Fifteen:

Ready For Love

Sesshoumaru lopped the head off the first guards as the battle around him began. Inuyasha ripped and gashed through the guards with Tetsusaiga as Mira swung the blade of her katana at the nearest youkai. It yanked the sword from her hands and grinned menacingly.

"A mere female is no match for me," he growled as he circled her. Mira smirked. "You, pup, should respect your elders. And who said I was a mere female?"

The ground under the guard's feet quaked and rumbled, then split apart, sending the guard hurtling into the earth. The ground closed behind him as boulders levitated in the air. Mira smiled wickedly, her face the mirror image of her son's as she turned to the next guard. "Who's next?"

++++

Shorin punched one sai through the blonde guard's armor, the other sinking deeply into his eye. She shoved him off with a squelch of his blood against the metal and backed up as two more guards made their way toward her. A bright silver flash flickered before her before the two went down in a bloodied mass, Keni'Chi standing above them. The gauntlet dripped blood from his closed fist as Keni'Chi turned to her.

"Are you alright, general?" he asked as Shorin stabbed another guard.

"I'm fine. You didn't have to do that. I had everything under control."

Keni'Chi shook his head in amusement. "No 'Gee, Keni'Chi, thanks for saving my fur?"

"Another time, perhaps."

Keni'Chi sighed. "Inu youkai. What can you do?" He turned again, the heel of his hand smashing another guard in the jaw as Kagome flickered in his peripheral vision.

I am ready for love,

Why are you hiding from me?

Kagome swung the Reioseiga before her, catching a still-laughing Kenirous slightly off-guard. He smiled as he leaped away, unsheathing his sword as he did so. He landed a few feet before her, twirling the sword in his right hand.

"Well, that was unexpected," he said as Kagome charged for him again. She swung the fang low, and as Kenirous jumped over the blade she rammed her left fist into his stomach. Kenirous fell from the air to the ground in a poof of dust.

"Was that unexpected too?" Kagome jeered, puffing slightly from the force of the blow. Kenirous leaped to his feet and was instantly before her. He grabbed Kagome by her throat and raised her off the ground. Kagome reached to pry his hand free as the Reioseiga clattered to the ground below.

I'd quickly give my freedom

To be held in your captivity.

Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha glanced behind them, then instantly raced for the struggling Immortal as Kagome paled in Kenirous' grasp. Sango turned just as Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru reached them, but Kenirous leaped away from the brothers to the air above.

"Wish to rescue your miko?" he snarled as he shook Kagome viciously. Kagome spared the brothers a glance, then smiled at Kenirous.

"You're forgetting someone," she whispered as her entire body started to glow.

++++

Below her, Mira and Shorin watched as flames licked from Keni'Chi's eyes. He swept his hand in front of him, instantly setting ablaze any guard in his wake.

++++

Kagome's smile widened as Kenirous looked toward her. Her hands glowed instantly, nearly purifying Kenirous' hand. As she fell back to earth, Kagome shot a blast of blue ki in his direction. Kenirous barely dodged it as Kagome fell into Sesshoumaru's arms.

"Nice timing Lord Sesshoumaru," she said with a smile.

"Seishou, Kagome. Did you forget so easily?"

Kagome shook her head as he sat her down. "I didn't forget," she said as she ran toward Kenirous.

Sesshoumaru sighed inaudibly and picked up the Reioseiga. It glinted in recognition as he sheathed it inside Tensegia's sheath. He jumped back as a guard's sword sliced before him, barely missing him. Sesshoumaru's claws glowed green, the poison dripping from them as he sliced through the guard's armor to his heart. The guard fell to the ground with a sick thump.

Inuyasha grinned devilishly as the Tetsusaiga slashed through three guards simultaneously. Flames licked from beside them as Keni'Chi released more of the burning inferno from his hands. Kagome blasted another wave of blue, purple and white ki as more guards surrounded them, replacing the ones that fell before them.

"Back to the village!" Sesshoumaru ordered as he leaped to the air. He sped out of the arena and past the Council Gate to Kaede's village. Inuyasha, Mira, Shorin and Keni'Chi were not far behind, followed by Sango and Miroku on Kirara's back. Inuyasha glanced back and cursed.

"Where is that stupid girl?" he snarled, turning back. A blinding flash of blue light went off inside the arena, then a blast of power sent Inuyasha hurtling past Sesshoumaru, landing in the clearing beside the well with a thump. Kagome flew in moments later, smoke trailing off her wings. She landed before Mira, shaking some dust from her head.

"I need a bath," she sighed. Mira giggled, hugging her gratefully. A dagger suddenly zipped through the air and into Mira's side. Mira slumped in Kagome's arms as Kagome lowered her to the ground. Mira glanced at the blade, giving a soft chuckle.

"It's poisoned," she gasped as she pulled the dagger out. Sesshoumaru's eyes flashed in anger as the blood pooled from the wound, staining Mira's kimono. The council guards surrounded them, thousands upon thousands, as the group looked on. Sango and Miroku attacked the group at once, followed by Shorin and Keni'Chi as Inuyasha moved to Sesshoumaru's side.

"No, Seishou," Kagome whispered. Her eyes glowed a fierce blue, turning the already icy orbs nearly white. "I will handle them. Protect Mira."

I am ready for love.

All of the joy and the pain

Sesshoumaru moved to argue, but the look in Kagome's eyes gave him pause as she moved to face the youkai around them. She stopped, surveying the army before smiling.

"What are you laughing at, wench?" one inu youkai barked as Kagome glanced at him.

"Do you really want to know?" she asked. Her youki flickered around her in swirls of blue and purple.

"Yeah," the guard snarled as it came toward her. He was instantly thrown back with a flick of her wrist, clearing a path through the shocked guards.

"That's what," Kagome snarled as her claws glowed a bright blue. She suddenly darted forward, burying her claws into the nearest guard's stomach. Her hand burst out his back in a flash of blue light, then jerked back out. Kagome smiled as his body slumped to the ground. She turned to the army around her, bloodied claws raised. It flashed purple a moment, then returned to the blue, the blood of the guard instantly purified from her hand.

"Now, does anyone else care to know what's so funny?"

And all the time that it takes

Just to stay in your good grace.

Sesshoumaru tended to Mira's wound as they and Inuyasha looked on at the battle around them. Sango and Miroku were on the other side of the well, fighting as gallantly as any youkai in Sesshoumaru's army. Shorin and Keni'Chi battled on his right, Keni'Chi's flames and Shorin's wind attacks levitating and burning the enemy on sight. Kagome fought before him, her lithe body surrounded with ki. She zipped and darted along the army with only flashes of purple or glimmers of blue signifying where she was in the middle of the sea of youkai.

"Wow," Inuyasha breathed as another guard howled in pain. An instant later an explosion went off in the middle of the field, sending Kenirous' men flying by the dozens. Sesshoumaru remembered the attack from Narasa's Mountain, and smiled to himself.

Lately I've been thinking maybe

You're not ready for me.

'Kagome is so much stronger now,' he mused as he watched her. The silver in her hair gleamed in the sunlight, while the black soaked it in like a sponge. 'Yin and yang,' Sesshoumaru thought as she sliced through another youkai. She whirled on the ones behind her, her eyes blazing as they cowered in fear. 'She has grown, and is so much more powerful. She doesn't even need her sword to fight. She will be more than a formidable mate, especially now that she is youkai.' Sesshoumaru's lips twitched in a slight smile before returning to his stoic expression. He turned toward his mother and tended to her wound again. 'Kagome is truly an amazing creature.'

Maybe you think I need

To learn maturity.

"Maru-chan, Kagome's in trouble!" Mira gasped. Sesshoumaru looked up as one of the guards transformed into a large red dog. It clasped its jaws around Kagome and shook her violently. He bit down on her arm and slung her through the air toward Mira and Sesshoumaru. Kagome landed in front of them hard, rolling to a stop at Inuyasha's feet.

"Ow…" Kagome groaned as she stood up. She glanced at her arm and winced. A large hole was in her forearm. She sighed and winced again as it glowed purple, healing almost instantly before Inuyasha's eyes. He gaped at her and she giggled. "Oh don't do that," she teased. "You look like a fish." She gently pushed him back toward Sesshoumaru.

"Stay back."

Inuyasha nodded at the back of her head as she walked away. She stood before the army again as its numbers increased, more and more youkai pouring from the hills around them.

Kagome's face lengthened as her youki swirled around her again, this time more powerful than the last. She shuddered under the transformation as a bright light shielded her from view. As it faded Kagome transformed into her true form, a giant version of the snow owl. Her large blue eyes flickered over the astounded enemy as she attacked again, using her claws, wings and her beak to shred the enemy.

They say watch what you ask for

Cause you might receive,

Sesshoumaru watched as the battle wore on. He could sense the others were tiring, but showed no signs of stopping their assault as the army continued to increase around them. Even Kagome was having a slight bit of trouble as she weaved through the thousands of youkai around her. She landed before him, gasping for air.

'How's Mira?' she mentally asked between pants.

"Healing," he answered aloud as he watched her. Her wings sagged slightly under his intense gaze, but she refused to quit. Sesshoumaru was proud of her relentlessness, but annoyed with her foolishness. 'Does she not understand that she is only a fledgling? She will only get hurt.'

In that moment a guard's blade connected with her wing, sending her flying back to his feet. Kagome groaned as she transformed back to her humanoid form. She raised herself slowly, holding her right shoulder.

"Dirty, rotten-"

"It is time you let me handle things from here," Sesshoumaru said as he stood, handing Kagome the Reioseiga. Kagome took it and glanced at Mira, who waved off her concern.

"Don't worry about me Kagome-chan," she said as she smiled. "You go right ahead."

"You stay here," Sesshoumaru ordered. Kagome huffed. "Yeah right. You need me."

But if you ask me tomorrow

I'll say the same thing.

Before he could respond she was gone, flying toward the army again. Sesshoumaru shook his head and darted after her, slicing apart any youkai stupid enough to try to stop him as Kagome lead him to Kenirous. Kenirous stood in the back of the army, watching everything intently. His back straightened as Kagome approached. She landed her fist into his groin with enough force to shatter marble.

****

SF: Get it? Shatter marble? She shattered his marbles! {::falls over laughing::}

Inu-chan/Silver Fox/Sesshoumaru: {::pale as ghosts::} Not funny at all…

****

Kenirous groaned as Sesshoumaru landed beside Kagome. He smirked as Kenirous struggled to recover.

"That was dirty," he said as he landed, his eyes shining in amusement. Kagome barely noticed.

"And so is he," she growled in disgust. Kenirous straightened again and glared at her. He suddenly appeared behind her, grabbed a fist full of hair and slung her back to the well. Kagome bounced upon impact. Sesshoumaru snarled and punched Kenirous in the jaw, resuming the fight. Kenirous backed away from him, a sneer plastered on his face.

"So, you value the fledgling, do you?" he said as he spit out blood. Sesshoumaru neither denied or affirmed this, only raising his claws to allow the poison to flow freely from his fingertips. Kenirous snickered.

"You do. What a pleasant surprise."

I am ready for love.

Would you please lend me your ear?

Sesshoumaru, refusing to be baited, waited for Kenirous to attack. Kenirous jumped forward suddenly, raking his claws inches before Sesshoumaru's face. Sesshoumaru countered with a strong kick to Kenirous' ribs. Kenirous sailed across the clearing into a tree. Sesshoumaru turned to look around, his true gaze never from the youkai in front of him. Shorin and Keni'Chi were in their true forms, as was Mira while Inuyasha fought at her feet in front of her. Kagome wobbled on her feet slightly, flicking orbs of ki at the enemy as they attempted to surround her. Kenirous attacked again, and Sesshoumaru blocked the wild punch, using Kenirous' momentum to fling him back to the tree. Kagome suddenly stumbled and fell, landing on her knees. The youkai around her instantly pounced. Sesshoumaru waited for the explosion of her ki.

It never came.

I promise I won't complain.

I just need you to acknowledge I am here.

Sesshoumaru quickly forgot about Kenirous as he sped to the heap of youkai covering her from view. He tossed youkai after youkai over his shoulder like rag dolls, never stopping to think about where they'd land as he dug Kagome out of the pile. She lay at the bottom, battered and bleeding profusely. Shippou, who'd been in a nearby tree the entire time, jumped down as Sesshoumaru picked her up. He cradled her against his chest as he walked to the well. The youkai around him parted as they fought, allowing him easy access to the well.

If you give me half a chance I'll

Prove this to you.

Sesshoumaru sat down on the lip of the well, gazing down at Kagome's still face as Shippou sat down on the well beside her. He gently traced her eyebrow, watching as her wings tensed then relaxed under his touch. Her face was ashen, and the smell of her blood nearly overpowered his senses. As Sesshoumaru gazed down at her, he realized something.

'She can't handle this.'

I will be patient, kind,

fateful and true.

He glanced around him. Kenirous' army continued to come, a nearly endless supply of youkai. If this kept up, they would all die.

To a man who loves music,

To a man who loves art,

'Maybe not all,' Sesshoumaru thought as he gazed back down at Kagome. She slowly opened her eyes, the crystal blue nearly startling in their beauty. It was in that moment Sesshoumaru decided.

Respects the spirit world,

And thinks with his heart

'She must go home.'

"What's going on?" Kagome asked as Sesshoumaru stood up. His gaze moved from her to the youkai around them and she felt his chest rise and fall in a sigh.

"Go home, Kagome."

Kagome blinked, not exactly sure she heard him. "Excuse me."

"Go home."

"What?! You need me! I'm not going!"

"Then I'll throw you down the well,"

Kagome snorted. "I'll just jump back in."

"Not if I destroy it."

Kagome glared at him, anger radiating off her aura. She gazed in his eyes and gasped. 'He's serious,' Kagome realized. 'He's really going to do it.'

I am ready for love.

If you'll take me in your hands

"You can't!" she cried, beating her small fists on his chest. "You can't! I won't go! I won't! You need me!"

"You will die if you stay," Sesshoumaru said coldly, watching her as the first tear slid down her cheek. He wanted desperately to wipe it away, to tell her that it would be ok, but he knew that if he softened she would weaken his resolve and thus would not survive.

'It is better she live than die trying to save me.'

Sesshoumaru suddenly thrust her over the well, holding her over the opening. Kagome's cries turned to sobs as she pleaded with him not to drop her, not to send her back and seal the well behind her. Shippou latched to Kagome's hair, growling at Sesshoumaru as Sesshoumaru ignored Kagome's cries. Sesshoumaru suddenly jerked her forward, wrapping his arms around her. Kagome sobbed against his chest, calling him every ugly name Inuyasha ever called Miroku as she clung to him. Sesshoumaru stroked her hair, breathing in her scent as she finally calmed down.

I will learn what you teach

'Jasmine, vanilla, cinnamon and lilies. I must remember to reward Aniki for that little lesson,' Sesshoumaru thought as his hands hooked under Kagome's arms. She blinked at him, bewildered, until his lips brushed against hers. She softened against him, sighing as her lips responded. Shippou stared at them, thoroughly confused, as Sesshoumaru's tail wrapped around Kagome's waist, pinning her wings to her back. Kagome barely noticed as her hands ran through Sesshoumaru's hair. Shippou continued to hold onto Kagome; he could feel something bad, but didn't know what.

He wanted to be as close to his okaa-san as possible.

Sesshoumaru's tail suddenly thrust her forward again, holding her steady as his hands fell from Kagome's sides. Kagome gasped at the loss of contact, then her eyes widened as she realized what he did.

"Seishou," she whispered. He lowered his eyes, refusing to look at her as he silently imprinted to memory her smell, taste and feel.

For it would be the last time he would feel, smell, or taste her again.

And do the best that I can.

"Seishou," Kagome repeated, reaching for him. Sesshoumaru jerked out of her reach.

"Time to go, Kagome."

Kagome shook her head violently, the tears streaming down her face again. "Don't do this! You can't fight Kenirous and his army BY YOURSELF!!!! You need me, you arrogant jackass!" she yelled, sobbing as she reached for him again. Sesshoumaru avoided her gaze again, silently commanding his tail release her.

It didn't budge.

Sesshoumaru stood befuddled as the appendage stayed wrapped around Kagome's waist. She continued to yell, tears staining her face. Sesshoumaru finally looked at her, his gaze silencing her instantly.

"You do not have a choice."

He jerked her up, then tossed her into the well. Kagome made a last-ditch effort to grab him, but grabbed the jade rosary instead. The rosary snapped, little green beads flying as she and Shippou fell toward the bottom of the well. The last thing Sesshoumaru heard before the familiar flash of light was Kagome desperately screaming his name.

Sesshoumaru sighed and transformed, changing into the large, white dog. He gazed down at the well one last time, then crushed it under his paw.

I am ready for love

'Forgive me, koi.'

+++++++

Here with an offering of

Kagome landed on her side of the well with a thump. Shippou landed on top of her as she stood up. Placing Shippou on the ledge of the well, Kagome jumped back in, expecting to transport back to the past.

Nothing.

"No," she whispered as she tried again.

Nothing.

Kagome sobbed then crotched down, her hands pressed palms-down to the bottom of the well. "If the well won't take me," she growled, her eyes flashing blue. "Then I'll blast my way there."

Shippou shielded his eyes as Kagome blasted the bottom of the well, digging herself further underground. Kagome sobbed again, her thoughts irrational as she blasted her ki into the well again and again. Her wings shuddered behind her, the tips the only part of her sticking out of the well as she tried again.

'He needs me!' Kagome thought frantically as she blasted again. 'He can't do it alone! He needs help!'

my voice,

The completed Shikon no Tama glinted, then sank into the skin under her throat as she thought

'Somebody please, help Sesshoumaru!'

+++++++

my eyes,

Sesshoumaru lifted his giant paw, watching as the wood from the well fell from it. He then turned to the youkai army around him, ready to fight.

Everyone froze as a loud snarl resounded in the distance.

The earth rumbled under his feet, forcing Mira, Inuyasha, and even Sesshoumaru to his haunches as the rumbling came closer.

A white dog appeared behind the army, snarling and snapping at any youkai nearest to it. Mira's eyes widened as it thundered toward Kenirous. Kenirous shivered in fear a moment before the dog's maw clamped over him. The dog shook him much as Kagome had been shook, except it shook until Kenirous' limbs split from his body. The dog dropped the dead elder and bounded toward Sesshoumaru, his golden eyes scanning the army as it pounded on it with his paws. Soon, without leadership, the army scattered from the area, leaving Kenirous' body behind. The white dog transformed to its humanoid form as it watched the army flee.

my soul,

Mira stared at the youkai in disbelief. Her eyes scanned the kimono, so much like her own, only with the kimono blue and the crescent on his back a shining silver. His moonlight white hair fluttered in the breeze, lightly grazing the back of his calves. He glanced over his shoulder and smiled, the wind blowing his bangs away revealing the blue crescent on his forehead. Mira gasped.

"Inu…InuTaisho?"

"I have missed you, my love," he said as he turned around, arms open wide. Mira cried out and ran to him as Sesshoumaru transformed back to his humanoid form. He and Inuyasha stared in amazement as Mira hugged InuTaisho, crying against his shoulder as he cooed soothing words in her ear.

"How…why…when…" Inuyasha stuttered. InuTaisho turned his gaze from Mira's hair to Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru as they stood, side by side, staring at him.

"Your miko made a wish," he replied, watching as surprise registered on Inuyasha's face and in Sesshoumaru's eyes.

"She wished for you," Sesshoumaru asked. InuTaisho shook his head.

"Her exact words were, 'Somebody please help Sesshoumaru'."

my mind.

Sesshoumaru nodded as Inuyasha looked back at Sango and the others. Shorin bowed before InuTaisho and Mira, as did Keni'Chi, Miroku, and Sango. InuTaisho motioned for them to stand.

"That is not necessary. We are all friends here. We should return to the castle shortly."

He gathered Mira in his arms and flew off toward the castle. Shorin and the others followed, leaving Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha in the clearing alone. As Inuyasha leaped to the trees, he spied back.

Tell me what is enough

Sesshoumaru kneeled down, plucking something round and shiny out of the grass. As he held it up to the sunlight, he recognized it as one of the jade beads to his rosary. He sighed and clasped it in his fist, staring into the distance. He finally leaped in the air, passing Inuyasha as he followed the others to the castle.

To prove I am ready

If Inuyasha hadn't known better, he would have sworn he smelled the taiyoukai's tears on the faint breeze.

For love.

++++++++

Kagome tried again and again, her ki weakening to little streams of power as she cried. She finally collapsed on the bottom of the well, sobbing uncontrollably.

I am ready.

'I'll never see Sesshoumaru again.'

----

Shippou: {::as SF struggles to get away from angry readers::} What's with you and angst this week? First there's this chapter, then there's Wed. 'To Bear' chapter where Kagome and Sesshoumaru fi-

SF: {::clamps hand over Shippou's mouth::} I have my reasons, now please stop talking before you give something away.

Shippou: {::behind SF's hand::} Sorry SF.

SF: {::sets him down and uncovers his mouth::} That's ok kid. Hey, you guys can't get mad! At least this chapter is longer!

Reader 1: Yeah, but you separated them! That wasn't supposed to happen!

SF: {::jumps to the rafters:: [Ahh, the rafters! How I've missed yea!]} But it had to happen! Don't you guys get it? {::sighs when they ignore her and start to grab pitchforks::} If Sesshoumaru hadn't sent her back, she would have died there with them, and InuTaisho wouldn't have been wished back-

Silver Fox: By accident may I remind you.

SF: Exactly. Sesshoumaru gets a mother, and he and Inu-chan get a dad. Everyone lives and Kagome goes back to the future with Shippou. Not exactly a happy ending, but an ending none the less.

Reader t2: {::as others gasp around her::} You mean…THIS IS THE LAST CHAPTER?!!! GET HER!!!

Silver Fox: {::standing between SF and the crowd::} No, no. That's not what she meant at all. All she was saying was that it served a purpose. The chapter preview and the recommendations are below.

Reader 1: Good, because if it wasn't another chapter; we would have had fried falcon for dinner.

Chapter Sixteen: A Tale of Star-Crossed Lovers

Kagome glanced from one to the other. "Show me what?"

RECOMMENDATION #1: Fallen and Abandoned by Ponchita Story ID#: 1425975

Do you guys remember me saying something about looking for a story last week? Well, here it is! I don't know why I didn't remember that she penned it. I'm such a space head. Many Thanks to Moon-n-Universe-Goddess for finding it for me.

Anyway, this story takes place in Modern Japan, with Sesshoumaru being sold in a slave auction. Kagome, who's taking a break from shard hunting at the moment, stumbles upon him and decides to buy him so she can set him free. She only has two chapters, so if you're reading this Ponchita: Get you're arse in gear and put up another chapter! {::whimpers, then starts to cry::} Please! I'm dying over here!

RECOMMENDATION #2: Making Christmas by MoonliteCresndo Story ID#: 1626347

Another goodie by MC, this one is hilarious! Seriously, the little moments where Sesshou talks to himself is just golden! She has this knack of making him do that and making it logical for him to do that at the same time. Anyway, in this story Sesshoumaru has to deal with his brother's girlfriend, Kagome, during his Christmas vacation while Inuyasha is away on business. As time progresses, he finds himself thinking of her as more than just Inuyasha's girlfriend, or even a piece of ass. Trust and believe, even though my summary sucks, it's worth the read.

Cool, I rhymed!

RECOMMENDATION #3 (MEDIAMINER): Whispered Dreams by Youkai Yume

This is the only Mediaminer recommendation unfortunately. I would love to recommend more S/K Mediaminer stories, but good ones are hard to find. This is why this one is so unique. 'Whispered Dreams' takes place when Sesshoumaru is but an adolescent, trying to deal with his mother's recent death. He runs away one night, determined to fade into nothing when a new friend comforts him. He soon finds out that his friend is unusual in more ways than her sapphire eyes and comes to realize that even the dead can need a friend. Yume and CF are the cutest in their little skits too!

RECOMMENDATION #4: That's What You Think by ReikoOkinawa Story ID#: 1525646

This one is unusual in itself, which is one of the reasons why I love it. It's a modern day AU, with Kagome in jail with Inuyasha, Kouga, Sesshoumaru and sometimes Miroku as cellmates after an auto accident. She comes to terms with her imprisonment and the reasons for it as the others attempt to figure her out, including Sesshoumaru. Things go from bad to worse quickly in this story, and there are already 6 chapters!

Now I've kept my word. Yup that's true. Now you do as I say; Go Read and Review!!!

Striking Falcon

(P.S. One giant chocolate chip cookie to anyone who can guess where I got that rhyme idea from.)