"Rin, get down!"
With that warning shout, the taut bow was released, sending a bolt of energy charging towards the group of youkai heading for Rin. In a wave of energy, all the youkai that stood in the path of the enchanted arrow was destroyed. Kagome remained in the stance that she had assumed when releasing the arrow, shocked at her own power. Rin was lying on the ground with her hands held over her eyes. When the growls of the hungry youkai after her had suddenly disappeared, the girl cautiously took an upward peek. Kagome stood before her, glowing brightly, like an avenging angel as Rin quickly ran towards the young woman. The little girl tugged lightly on Kagome's fuku when she did not look down at her. At the movement, the miko snapped out of the dazed amazement she had been feeling at the destruction caused by her hands. Kagome took hold of the small hand tugging nervously at her skirt and squeezed it comfortingly. Smiling reassuringly at the Rin, Kagome started quickly back to where Sesshoumaru stood. Her eyes locked with her life mates as she hurried towards him, wondering at the strange look in her youkai's eyes.
Go. Kagome blinked in confusion, eyes searching Sesshoumaru's intently.
The lord of the western lands was happy. Maybe this wasn't the time to feel such an emotion but he had never felt such elation. At the moment that Kagome had saved Rin, Sesshoumaru saw in his mate what his future with her would be like. In his mind's eye, he had seen Kagome protecting their cub with such a fiery look in her eyes. That day would come for them, and Sesshoumaru found himself with a dream, a dream of their days together. But in order for that day to come, on this day, Naraku has to die. Sesshoumaru would not let anyone harm those whom belonged to him. It would be better if they were away from here, so he would not have to worry about them during the battle. Sesshoumaru saw Kagome's eyes flash in understanding acknowledging his decision with a slight nod. Her worried eyes remained with him as the youkai lord watched her turn away.
A lonely tear trailed down her face only to be brushed away quickly. Kagome shot one last longing look at her life mate before turning and running to the edge of the clearing. Sesshoumaru had no need to tell her his reasons; Kagome understood that they would be a distraction to him. If they had stayed, Naraku would have found some way to use them against her life mate. Knowing the reasons didn't ease the pain of separation however as Kagome led Rin further and further from Sesshoumaru. She knew Sesshoumaru was powerful, but she had seen what Naraku was capable of. The possible outcomes scared Kagome to the core.
Kouga's legs moved in barely perceivable movements as the Shikon shards helped the wolf youkai speed towards Naraku's scent. Almost there In a whirl of dirt and grass, Kouga entered the clearing and skidded to a stop, astonished. The ground was covered with dead youkai and despite the overlaying stench of death he could pick out Kagome's scent. Two pairs of eyes were visibly trained on himand he stared back blankly for a moment. Naraku, he had expected, and some of Naraku's lackeys were expected as well. What he did not expect was the see the lord of the western lands, Sesshoumaru, there as well. His instincts told him that something was going to happen; this battle with Naraku would decide the fate of many. Shaking off the strange feeling, Kouga quickly charged towards the youkai who had planned the destruction of his clan. Before he had gotten any further than a few feet, Kouga dodged suddenly as a chained sickle flew towards him and stopped in a crouch. He growled at the sight of a young boy standing in his way, weapon in hand. Without warning Kouga sprang into action, claws outstretched, ready to rid himself of this obstruction.
"Hiraikotsu!"
Sango's giant boomerang sailed through the air between the wolf youkai and her brother causing both to pause in their actions. Kouga sprang back from the boy, putting distance between them in case the boy decided to attack again. The wolf youkai glared at the familiar group of people rushing towards him. Sango had caught her hiraikotsu and ran towards Kouga, long legs pounding the ground angrily. The taijiya seemed ready to attack him at any moment if the disgruntled look on her face was any indication.
"Don't touch him."
"Che. This brat tried to kill me. I'm returning the favor is all. But, if you're so concerned, you can take care of the kid. I have more important matters to take care of."
His words having been said, Kouga turned and sped away from the small group. Leaving the staring band of people he headed towards a familiar stench, Naraku. A distance away from the evil youkai, Kagura stepped out of the shadows to bar his way. His eyes widened momentarily before narrowing into angry slits as he growled ferally. Kagura was the one who had killed those belonging to his clan.
The wind user frowned in annoyance as she faced the furious wolf youkai. The tip of her fan placed under her chin, Kagura's eyes seemed to blaze. Chikuso. Fighting Naraku's battles for him like this...I yearn to be free from that bastard. Kagura's lips tightened in anger and opened her fan with an irritated flick of her wrist. Time to work. She pasted a gloating smirk on her lips, a look she knew would enrage the murderous youkai before her. Kagura was not disappointed as Kouga growled low in his throat.
"Kagura, you bitch, for slaughtering all my wolves you will pay with your life."
"Orders are orders. Not that it wasn't enjoyable, if they weren't so easy to kill." She laughed mockingly. "You think you can defeat me by your power alone? Without the Shikon no kakera in your legs you'll just be another weak youkai. Let's see what brave words of revenge you'll utter when I relieve you of your shards. Fujinomai!"