Eris Rising by Lauree Adeline

Wicked Twilight

Disclaimer: I do not claim any rights to Inuyasha or the characters associated with the manga or anime. Those rights belong to Rumiko Takahashi.

Vibrant moonlit rays illuminated ebony strands that swirled against the warm breeze, a slender pale hand grasped the thin stem of a orchid, twirling it slowly. The lone figure sat atop the aging bone eaters well, rough bark began to crack along the edges as long spindling vines curved into chips and cracks disrupting the once smooth texture of its ledges. Silent tears tracked translucent trails across pale cheeks, as slate blue eyes framed by thick lashes stared into the distance. The gentle warm breeze enveloped the young maiden in a soothing embrace, small fire flies circled the well in an ancient dance. The light wind pushed against the canopy of the surrounding forest, small chirps, yips and howls of wild animals in the distance created a soft natural tune The rhythmic sounds of the forest began to fade as a new figure entered the clearing.

"Kagome"

The young maiden turned toward the noise, dawning a shaky smile as she recognized the voice, she stared into two twin blue eyes.

"I'll come back to Kaede's in a bit Miroku, its so calming out here. It's rare to be able to see the stars in my time."

The corners of his mouth curved into a grimace, he knew she was trying to hide the pain she felt under the vast void of the night sky. Miroku stared intently at her, Kagome had grown into a enchantingly beautiful young woman in the years he had traveled at her side. A delicate heart shaped face framed by midnight ebony hair was graced with succulent plump red lips and stunning slate blue almond shaped eyes shrouded by thick ebony lashes that stood out against sun kissed flawless skin. The small traveling kimono she wore showed off the enticing curve of her slender neck, hiding feminine shoulders that flowed into a generous bosom. She had lost the baby fat through the rough travel, blossoming into a petite waist with soft flowing hips. Her long lean legs bared to the moons glow by the small slit swayed back and forth dainty feet lightly grazed the small flowers at the base of the well. He knew if he had never lost his heart to the shy demon slayer, he would have whisked her far from the destruction of the Shikon no Tama.

He wished the baka knew what he was doing to his dear friend.

"He should come back soon Kagome. Please come back to the village."

"I know Miroku, but I can't help but wonder. That in and of itself is the worst. To wonder and imagine the possibilities, to realize just how far away they truly are. I just need some time to collect my thoughts and I will come back."

She turned away from his prying gaze as new tears formed.

"I understand, but if you need anything you we will not be far."

She never answered him, she could feel his aura slowly drift farther and farther away from the bone eater's well. She could not help but relive the day over and over in her mind. Inuyasha had once again sneaked off to seek the company of kikyou. He had never returned to the village after the fight they had earlier that day.

She had felt kikyou's smoldering presence throughout the day, small pin pricks would rake down her neck as the pain migrated lower into her soul. To have Kikyou so close was absolutely agonizing Anxiety and the mounting pressure on her soul caused her to fall into a trance.

The small rag-tag group were headed to Kaede's in order to rest and allow Kagome to restock on much needed supplies. Kagome had always been finely tuned to Inuyasha's hidden gestures, the slight twitch of his ears, the sneaked glances into the horizon, the slight inhale with each breeze, the small string of his fire rat robe that he twisted slowly only to tear a small piece of the end off. She knew he was searching for any sign, any indication that Kikyou wished to see him. Sango and Miroku only noticed the creeping tension building between the two leaders of the group, their gazes would bounce back and forth once to ebony then to silver.

Each step she took, she could feel Kikyou on the edge of her mind weaving her intricate web to entice Inuyasha's attention, and then suddenly Inuyasha could not stand the slow pace they had any longer. Everything had spiraled down from there.

"Oh Inuyasha, Why!? How could you! You promised to protect me too!" Kagome screamed to the heavens.

All she had ever wanted when she had first set her sight on the exotic slumbering Hanyou was his love, and to give him endless happiness in return. Slowly as their relationship began to evolve she fought and prayed that he would choose to live. The hooting of an owl broke the dismal train of thoughts.

Kagome slowly began to stand, smoothing out the small creases in her light gray kimono, her shaking hand rose to wipe away the last of her tears.

Suddenly her soul was burning, her blood felt like molten fire beneath her veins, she gasped out as a throbbing pulse beat against her mind. The throbbing increased it's tempo, tugging her attention west. Something was very wrong, the presence of several tainted jewel shards caused her Miko powers to slowly rise to the surface. A pale pink light rose above her skin, coating her in a turbulent glow of power. The magnitude of malevolent energy caused her legs to kick into motion. Her mind slowly cleared, strength returned as her eyes were claimed by the pure miko energy. She turned to the west and ran.

The light of the moon highlighted the dips and curves of the forest trails, guiding her through the thick brush. She did not know how long she ran, her legs ached, her heart beat erratically in her chest as her lungs burned for air. Her miko powers had caused her primal instincts to rise and claim her conscience, to seek out the enemy and defeat it. Never had she had a urge as strong as this. Closer and closer the distance between the tainted jewel shards diminished. She picked up the aura of a familiar youkai as the thick brush dwindled down along her path. The gentle wind turned violent, swirling and tearing into the lush canopy. Snarls and growls echoed off the hollowed trunks of dead trees, as a clearing came into her view.

Finally the trees faded from her view as two beastly youkai battled. Her adrenaline spiked as she saw the second youkai, a sinking feeling welled up in the pit of her stomach, forcing her voice through painful clenching breaths and aching lungs she screamed.

"SESSOHMARU!"

He turned slightly to hold her gaze for a mere moment before tearing into his opponent. Blood drenched the grassy field, large holes were gouged into the ground and several mottled lumps of grated flesh littered the battle ground. She could tell he had been attacked by several youkai. His final enemy was a monstrosity of disfigured flesh and abnormal features, elongated snout framed by yellowed eyes of a Neko, the light of several tainted shards attracted her attention.

Kagome began to calculate, she had not brought the others and had forgotten her bow in her miko trance. She knew she needed to help Sesshomaru, he was faring worse than she had ever seen before. His once pristine silver locks were drenched in a reddish hue, small chunks of flesh tangled themselves in his locks. His kimono hung together by tatters and splotches of semi dried blood. His beautiful dark amber eyes had taken on a crimson haze as his masculine features had contorted into the muzzle of his demonic form. Deep lacerations in his chest glistened under the opalescent light, each movement she could see the muscles of his chest spasming under the pain. His only arm took the brunt of the damage, mangled from the shoulder down he deflected another attack.

"Sesshomaru! He has shards in each limb, and one in his neck! You need to get to them!"

She did not know if he hear her, but knew that the vile neko had. It's yellow eyes singled in her direction. Her power bubble at the surface as the neko youkai changed it's direction, deadly claws aimed for her delicate neck.

Sesshomaru looked to his seemingly pathetic brother's wench in disdain, she had changed the course of his battle in mere seconds, but she had also given him valuable information. He would end this battle before the neko reached her. Poison leaked from his claws as he speed behind the neko, he slung his poison whip toward the nekos neck.

She could feel the pressing weight of the tainted jewel shards race to her, the crazed neko let loose a high pitched wail as it started to rake it's claws down toward her. Her heart beat increased as her body consumed the large amounts of adrenaline running through her veins. She closed her eyes as soon as she felt the small breeze of air before the fatal strike. Suddenly a blinding pale light illuminated the small clearing bathing it in a flash of purity, her miko powers struck the Neko, flinging it back into the wave of Sesshomaru's dokkaso poison whip.

Small tendrils of pure light tore apart the neko as chunks of flesh burned away, the tainted shards purified instantly falling to the ground before its feet.

Kagome felt the aching soreness of her muscles as the adrenaline left her body, the pale light of her powers slowly receded beneath the surface of her skin. Her vision began to blur as she looked into Sesshomaru's eyes.

"Wow, i've never done that before.. "

Sesshomaru watched as kagome fainted, in the blinding light of purity she released it had healed him of his wounds. All that remained was a new pain, a throbbing dull ache in the stump of the arm he lost. He was confused at how the wench had come across his battle, let alone how she had seemingly ended the fight in a brilliant display of power. He walked over to the smoldering remains of the neko and collected the jewel shards, turning his attention back to Kagome he walked over and nudged the unconscious miko with his foot.

"Stupid Ningen."

Weighing the decision whether or not to leave his brother's wench behind, he ultimately choose to return her to the small village he had known they frequented. Bending down he picked her up, slowly cradling her into his right arm, he noticed the silky texture of her midnight colored hair. Gently sliding against the sensitive skin of his healed arm, a small shiver of pleasure surged through his body at the simple act. His amber eyes glanced at her delicate features, only to rest on her enticing red lips. Unconsciously her pink tongue peeked out to moisten those tempting ruby lips, a light moan rose to his enhanced hearing as she moved slightly within his arms. The slight nudge of her head against his shoulder shook him from his treasonous thoughts.

"I will not be tempted by my pathetic brothers ningen woman."

He turned toward the direction of Inuyasha's village and took to the skies.

Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed. I should be updating this story in the next few days. Rate, review and send me a message on what you all think. ~Lauree