Duel Of Conflicting Souls

Kagome reentered the world from a place of darkness. She glanced at her surroundings, recognizing the roof above her head and the hand that clasped hers. Blinking her eyes to clear the blurriness from her vision, she resurrected the morbid events that had occurred to her. She shuddered at the bitter memories.

The kidnapping…the prison cell, full of demons…Tilita…the sword, piercing her flesh as if it were paper…

She wondered if Tilita had gained her freedom, and prayed that the female kitsune had found her son.

But she couldn’t help but feel bewildered at the change of scenery. Since when had she arrived home? And, since when had Inuyasha fallen asleep beside her, his hand gripping hers tightly?

 “He saved me after all,” she whispered to herself, a stray thought that had escaped the confinements of her mind. She glimpsed his sleeping face through teary vision, her body trembling with sobs. He had saved her, and their child; she was free from the men who had wanted to murder her.

 Did murder me, she corrected herself. But, how am I alive? How could I be here? Unless…

A startled gasp escaped her lips, the unexpected noise arousing Inuyasha from his deep slumber.

His eyes opened, and molten amber met melted chocolate.

“Kagome!” he whispered at the realization that she was conscious. “You’re okay…”

She stared at him silently, her hand unconsciously reaching to cup his cheek. He laid his own hand on top of hers.

 “What did you do?” she asked softly, stifling a sob.

He arched an eyebrow at her question. “What do you mean?”

“How am I alive, Inuyasha? I was dead! That man killed me. What did you do to bring me back?” The tears flowed endlessly now, a river of salty water running down her cheeks.

“I…went to Sesshomaru,” he answered reluctantly, frowning. “He brought you and the pup back to life with the Tenseiga.”

“The pup! Is she going to be okay? Oh, kami…”

“Sesshomaru said that…the pup may not survive…”

“No,” Kagome moaned, clutching her stomach. Sobs wracked her body. “No, no, no! This can’t be happening…I won’t let it…Kami…Please…Please don’t let me lose my child! Please!” She reached for Inuyasha, grabbing onto his hoari and sobbing into the fabric.

And Inuyasha broke inside.

“I’d die if it meant saving our daughter,” Kagome whispered, her voice muffled.

But Inuyasha could hear it as clearly as someone screaming.

He gripped her shoulders, leaning back so that she would gaze into his eyes. “Don’t talk like that,” he gently scolded. “Our daughter will be fine; I know it. Just…go back to sleep, okay? Everything will be fine once you wake up; I promise.”

She allowed him to lay her back down on the futon, her eyes almost rolling back in her head as she resisted sleep.

“Inuyasha?” she asked groggily.

“I’m here.”

“What happened to the other demons at the castle? There was a whole dungeon of them.”

Inuyasha grinned at his mate’s concern. “They’re all free, Kagome; I liberated them.”

“Thank the kamis…”

Her eyes closed, and she surrendered to sleep.

..::OO::..

Tilita breathed in the fresh morning air, her lungs accepting the refreshment with gratitude. She stretched her aching limbs and released a moan in pleasure, a smile pressed to her lips. Her gaze focused on the rising sun.

It’s been a long time since I’ve seen that, she thought. I never thought I would miss the caress of the wind on my skin. Thank you, Inuyasha, Kagome; I am finally free to do what I wish. You have saved me.

Mirth shone in her eyes as she recalled the event.

Kagome had left only twenty minutes before. Tilita was still gripping the bars of her cell, calling out every curse word in the book at the demon hunters. She couldn’t shake the feeling that Kagome was dead; that she would never be free. Kagome’s sacrifice was in vain.

And she was beyond angry.

Suddenly, the door to the dungeon was thrust open, the guard who was currently posted at the spot falling down the stairwell. Tilita didn’t flinch at the scent of death or blood that filled the air. The resonance of footsteps neared her, and she was astonished at the sight of a man-a youkai, she corrected-clad in a red robe came to stand in front of her cell.

His crimson eyes were narrowed. “Have you been trapped here for long?”

“I have,” she answered, wondering what his purpose was. Then it dawned on her. “You are Inuyasha, are you not? Kagome’s mate.”

Confusion shone in his eyes. “You know Kagome?”

“Yes. She was in the cell across from mine. She promised me before they took her that she would get us out of here.” Her eyes suddenly glazed over with worry. “Is she okay? Where is she?”

“She’s…fine. And…safe.”

Tilita frowned. “You’re lying; I know you are. What happened to her?”

“She was killed by the leader of the demon hunters. But she won’t be dead for long; I promise.”

Dead…Just like her husband…

Tilita found a tear streaming down her cheek. “She will be all right?” she asked, stifling a sob.

“She’ll be fine.” He assessed the locks that confined her, and broke it with one slice of his claws. “Get out of here, and take the other youkai with you; the keys are on the guard’s body.”

Tilita arched an eyebrow as she stepped out of her cell. “Why didn’t you use the keys in the first place, idiot?”

He grinned, and it was menacing. “Where’s the fun in that? Plus, I have to leave. Get them out of here.”

“I will.” When he turned to go, she added, “Take care of Kagome. I know that, somehow, you’ll bring her back to us.”

Inuyasha paused, keeping his back turned to her. “I will try,” he simply replied.

Then he exited the dungeon.

Tilita grinned at the pure excitement of being free once again. She had spent years in that dungeon, and was finally on her way to find her son. As she neared the valley nestled between the snow-capped mountains, she found herself coming face to face with a young man who had suddenly placed himself in her path.

Her breath caught in her throat.

His red hair was disheveled in the morning breeze, his green eyes filled with unshed tears. He was tall; taller than Tilita by at least four inches. Time had aged him; he was at least sixteen now, which made him a man. But, in her eyes, she was still the little boy he had been ten years prior.

 “Toyito?” she murmured, stepping forward with her arms outstretched.

“Mother…it’s really you,” he said, launching himself into her arms. “I knew you would come back! I recognized your scent. I missed you, Mother…”

Tilita embraced him, filling her lungs with his intoxicating-and familiar-scent.

Thank you, Kagome, she thought, smiling. And, thank you, Inuyasha; you have freed me. Now, I can live in peace with my son.

“I love you, Toyito,” she whispered into his hair.

..::OO::..

The sun dipped low beneath the horizon, tendrils of crimson, purple, and orange coloring the darkening sky. Faint memories of the same landscape from previous occurrences drew Kagome out of her reverie and thrust her into reality, her head spinning from the sensation. Releasing a shaky sigh, she rubbed her throbbing temples. I guess I woke up a little too early, she thought with a bitter laugh. She sought Inuyasha’s company, and found him by the fire, cooking breakfast.

The tantalizing aroma of freshly made food reached her nose, and she released a sigh in pleasure.

Inuyasha turned to grin at her. “Morning, sleepy head. Hungry?”

“Starving,” she answered, stretching her aching muscles. “Why are you cooking? That’s my job.”

He shrugged. “You needed your rest.”

“Thank you,” she said sincerely, smiling.

Contractions plagued her body as she ate. She tried to suppress her pain-filled expression for Inuyasha’s sake, but nothing could compare to the agony. She was surprised when yet another contraction came within what seemed like only fifteen minutes of the first one. Is it just me, or are they getting more varied? she thought, suddenly panicking. Then it hit her when moisture spread between her legs. Oh, no! Sango told me about this. I’m going into labor!

“I-Inuyasha?” she called, her voice feeble from shock.

His eyebrows knitted together at the tone of her voice. “What’s wrong, Kagome?”

“I-I think the baby is coming.”

He shot to his feet, eyes wide. “Now? Here?”

She nodded quickly.

“W-what do I do?”

“Find Sango, or a midwife,” she managed to say through the pain. “And, hurry!”

Inuyasha was reluctant to leave her alone in the midst of this pain, but nodded nonetheless; he had to find someone to help his mate.

He stepped out of the hut, only to find a strange man waiting patiently outside.

The man was clad in black leggings that paused at the boots that went up to his mid-calf. His tunic was burgundy with blood encrusted in the fabric. His black hair was disheveled, his crimson eyes narrowed, and his skin was ashen….too ashen to be human. A dark blade was held in his iron grip. Inuyasha regarded him with caution.

Inuyasha grasped the hilt of his sword. “Who are you?” he demanded sharply.

The man’s grin was cunning as he stepped forward. “I am the Shinigami, the spirit of death. And I am also the one who ensured the death of your mate.”

His eyes widened at the spirit’s declaration. He unsheathed his blade. “So it was you who did that to her…”

“Yes, it was me. Is that such a problem?” His eyes glinted in amusement. “She was holding you down, Inuyasha. But, don’t worry; you’ll meet her in the afterlife soon enough.”

Fury tainted Inuyasha’s vision red. He raised the Tetsusaiga. "Kongousouha!"

Diamond spears erupted from the blade of the sword. The Shinigami dove to the ground, avoiding the attack. Once the last diamond spear was gone, he rose to his feet, sword raised once again.

“That was nothing,” the Shinigami retorted, smirking.

“Feh. I’m just warming up!” Inuyasha replied arrogantly, raising his blade again.

A horrid scream from Kagome reached both of their ears.

The Shinigami’s smirk faded. “So the miko is still alive, eh? I thought the demon hunters had killed her. No matter; I can kill both her and you, and be done with it.”

“What do you want with her?” Inuyasha snarled.

“You’ll only figure that out when you’re dead, half-breed!”

The Shinigami leapt into the air, expertly flinging his sword forward towards Inuyasha’s unprotected back. Inuyasha tried to elevate the Tetsusaiga to block it, but his attempt was futile; the Shinigami was moving too quickly, and he could only brace himself for the pain that followed.

But a spinning boomerang thwarted the Shinigami’s attack.

The death spirit landed on the balls of his feet a few feet away, glaring at the taijiya who had just entered the clearing.

“Inuyasha!” Sango called, dressed in her former uniform. “Are you all right?”

“Help Kagome,” he commanded, ignoring her question. “I can survive.”

“But-”

“Go!” he snapped at her defiance.

She nodded and started towards the hut.

Inuyasha visibly relaxed. Sango was Kagome now; Sango would help her.

Inuyasha pointed the Tetsusaiga’s blade at the Shinigami’s torso, snarling menacingly. “What do you want with Kagome?”

The Shinigami smirked. “Her death,” he replied bluntly.

Inuyasha-out of anger-unleashed the Kaze no Kizu. For once, the kamis seemed to take pity on him; the Kaze no Kizu cleaved the Shinigami clean in half, splattering the ground with the spirit’s dark blood. Inuyasha was about to release a cheer in victory, but the two broken halves molded together once more, and the Shinigami was once again alive.

“That was rude,” he merely said, raising his blade. “I am a spirit, remember? Mortal weapons cannot kill me! Give up, half breed, and admit defeat while it is still an option.”

“Feh! As if!”

 “Suit yourself.”

The Shinigami lunged, sword elevated. The blade shone with an iridescent red as it neared, wisps of the Shinigami’s energy trailing behind it. Inuyasha had no time to dodge, or even to draw a breath before it was upon him. The blade pierced his flesh, excruciating agony stabbing his torso like a million daggers. Warmth erupted from where the blade had pierced.

“I’m surprised you have lasted this long,” the Shinigami mused, his voice near Inuyasha’s ear. “I had thought that you would be a challenge. Looks like I underestimated you.”

The Shinigami withdrew the blade and jumped back, watching with amusement as the hanyou fell to his knees.

“W-what the…?” Inuyasha wheezed, hands clasping his bleeding wound.

 “You have been injected with my poison, half-breed; you will die soon. In fact, you must be paralyzed to the spot right now. Only my death will release you, which I doubt will happen.” He grinned slyly. “It looks like the miko is now mine for the taking. Have fun in the underworld, Inuyasha; your mate will soon be joining you.”

“No!” Inuyasha seethed. “I’ll kill you!”

But he couldn’t move to carry out his threat.

The Shinigami was now darting towards the hut, his blade elevated and prepared to kill.

And Inuyasha couldn’t stop him.

“KAGOME!” he shouted. But words could not help her now.

The Shinigami burst through the reed flap-

-only to be sliced in two by the Tenseiga.

The Shinigami crumbled to his knees before the feet of Lord Sesshomaru, the scene causing Inuyasha’s blood to run cold. The death spirit stared up at the cruel demon lord, an agonized expression marring his ashen face, before his body dissolved and dispersed into the wind.

 “I failed you, my lady,” was his last dying whisper.

The pain of the poison faded from Inuyasha’s system, and he rose to his feet as Sesshomaru sheathed the Tensiega.

“What are you doing here?” Inuyasha demanded of his brother coldly, eyes narrowed.

Sesshomaru merely turned his back, and started his trek back to the Western Palace. “I was here to do what you could not,” he said over his shoulder. “You need to take more pride in the protection of your mate, little brother.”

Then he was gone.

Another scream pierced the air, and Inuyasha hurriedly sheathed his sword and lunged for the hut.

Inside, he found Kagome panting as she lay on the futon, her hands grasping Sango’s like lifelines. Perspiration plastered her ebony bangs to her forehead. He was alarmed by the scent of blood that shrouded the air within the hut, but quickly went to Kagome’s side, clasping her hand in his.

All thoughts of abandoning her in her own time suddenly dispersed from his mind.

“She’s going to have the baby any minute now,” Sango revealed. “I don’t know much about hanyou pregnancies, but apparently the baby is ready to be born; that is why her labor is so short. Do you want to stay, Inuyasha, or do you want to leave?”

“Stay,” he answered, never tearing his eyes from his mate.

The worst of the pain wracked Kagome at that moment, and she released a howl in pain. Her grip on both Inuyasha and Sango’s hands tightened until they were sure that their circulation would be cut off. The contractions became more severe, and she felt the need to push. It was excruciating; every contraction was forcing pressure on her tissue, forcing it to widen in preparation for the baby. She suppressed an agonized scream.

“Kagome, keep pushing!” Sango finally said, excitement coloring the tone of her voice. “I can see the head now! Come on, Kagome!”

“Kagome…” Inuyasha whispered, completely awestruck.

She cried out painfully as the head inched further and further out of her body. Over her pain-filled cries, she could barely hear her mate’s words or the encouraging words from Sango. She felt as if she was being ripped in half in the inside; like she was going to die. Her body stung and burned in ways she didn’t even know was possible, and she stifled more screams of pain.

“Come on, Kagome! You’re almost done! One more push!” Sango cried.

“You can do it, Kagome,” Inuyasha said.

Kagome mustered all her strength into the last push, squeezing her eyes shut and releasing a moan in pain, pushing until nothing remained inside of her. She lay there for a moment, attempting to even her breathing, when something was pressed into her arms.

Her breath hitched.

Covered by a blanket, nestling into her chest, was a small creature. From this angle, she could two dog ears at the top of the baby’s skull, as well as the wisps of ebony hair. No cries emanated from this little alien, but she didn’t care; she could only gape at the child that she had conceived out of love.

Her little Inume.

“Inume…” she whispered, her voice hoarse from screaming.

She lifted her hand to stroke the baby’s cheek, the sensation of it like satin under her fingertips. She heard Inuyasha inhale sharply, and turned to look at him. Tears assaulted his eyes as he gazed down at the little bundle in his mate’s arms. Kagome smiled at his reaction.

“This is…ours?” he asked hesitantly, almost disbelievingly. He peered down at the wrinkly creature in her arms, curious by the size of his daughter.

She nodded her answer. “This is our Inume.”

The couple didn’t realize the frown on Sango’s face as Kagome transferred the pup to Inuyasha’s arms. Basking in the glory that was Inume, nothing seemed more important.

Inuyasha smiled down at his newborn daughter, kissing her forehead and basking in her warmth. She was beautiful; it was obvious that the kamis had crafted her in Kagome’s image, but also his own. Her cheekbones were his; her eyes were his. Even now, they gazed up at him with such childish innocence, that he could barely contain his excitement. He glanced at Kagome, who was beaming as if he had given her the world. But it was just the opposite; Kagome had given him everything he had ever needed. A family…a daughter…a life…He couldn’t be any happier.

But Kagome caught Sango’s concerned frown when the taijiya attempted to hide it.

“Sango, what is it?” she inquired, worry lacing her voice.

Inuyasha glanced up at Sango quizzically, catching the spike of fear in his friend’s scent.

“Kagome…the baby isn’t crying,” Sango whispered.

 “She’s alive,” Inuyasha snapped, pressing the child gently to his chest.

“Yes, but…usually the baby would cry after being born…”

Kagome’s eyes widened, and Inuyasha surrendered Inume to his mate. Tears sprung from Kagome’s eyes as the pup opened her eyes. Her eyes…The color of molten amber; the color she had inherited from her father. There was a slight chance that she would never see those eyes again…and the thought broke her.

Inume has to survive! she convinced herself. I’ve seen her…She survives!

“Do not misunderstand; I am only committing this act for the pup, since she will be the heir to the Western lands. But I warn you…the pup may not be able to be saved.”Sesshomaru’s words struck a raw cord in Inuyasha’s chest. He cursed the Shinigami with all his might, and the man who caused him to seek Sesshomaru’s aid. It was because of him that he was going to lose his pup, and he couldn’t help but feel guilty. How could I have been so stupid? he thought, watching as his mate succumbed to crying. I didn’t protect her…Now our pup is going to pay the price. How could I neglect their safety like I did? I should’ve brought her with me…I should’ve protected her better than I did. I’m such a failure! How will she ever forgive me?

“Kagome…” Inuyasha started to say, but he was cut off by his tears.

Sango was also wiping the tears from her eyes, but managed to say in an even tone, “I may be wrong, though, Kagome; she could survive. I just…I really hope she’ll be okay…”

Kagome nodded. “Thank you, Sango…for being here. I don’t know how to repay you.”

The taijiya dismissed Kagome’s comment with the wave of her hand, and disappeared from the hut to give the couple privacy.

“She’s not going to die,” Kagome whispered, placing a kiss on Inume’s forehead. “I know it. I saw her in my dream…I know she’s going to survive…”

“But, she’s not crying, Kagome; that’s not a good thing,” Inuyasha replied.

“I know, stupid! But she’s not going to die; I won’t let her!” She cradled the baby against her chest, choking on her tears.

“Sesshomaru said this would happen…”

She squeezed her eyes shut. “I refuse to let her die.”

Inuyasha scrutinized his child, frowning. “Maybe it’s a birth defect…”

“You’re right. Maybe…” She gasped, a single tear cupping her cheeks. “Maybe she can’t speak; maybe her vocal cords were cut or something. But, I don’t understand…That can’t be it…She spoke so clearly in my dream…”

“That’s the only explanation for it, Kagome; you saw her in a dream. In her dreams she could probably speak, but, here…I don’t think she could speak, Kagome.”

“At least she’s going to live, right?” She gazed up at him expectantly, tears in her hazel eyes.

He pulled her close, reaching out with a clawed hand to stroke his daughter’s cheek. “She’s going to be fine,” he whispered.

“You’re not…mad at me?”

“Why would I be mad at you, Kagome?” Inuyasha asked, incredulous by her question.

“Because she can’t speak; because I gave you a child that cannot live up to your reputation. I’m so sorry…”

Inuyasha was frozen in shock. “How could you say such a thing?” he demanded of her softly. “I would never leave you, or my daughter. So what if she can’t speak? She’s mine, you’re mine, and I would never leave the both of you. You two are my life…and I don’t care if she’s flawed. She’s mine; ours.” His eyes softened. “I love you both. And I’m just glad that she’s alive; that the both of you are alive.”

“You mean…you’re okay with this?”

He kissed her lips, making her swoon under the contact. “I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he whispered when he leaned away.

The couple glanced down at their child, their eyes growing soft as they pressed kisses on her newborn skin.

Their life could never get more perfect.

..::OO::..

Lady Sayurhi frowned at the news that reached her ears. “The Shinigami has failed in his task, you say?” she inquired, repeating the servant’s words.

The servant nodded, violently trembling. “Y-yes, my lady; the hanyou’s elder brother defeated the Shinigami with the slice of his sword."

“Is that possible? The Shinigami is an unworldly being; he cannot be killed by mortal weapons.”

“His elder brother used to power of the Tenseiga.”

“’The sword that cannot cut,’” Lady Sayurhi murmured. “Of course; it can only destroy beings that are not of this world, like the Shinigami. I should’ve known the two have been placed under Sesshomaru’s protection…”

The servant gulped, nodding. “It is most unfortunate, my lady. What are your orders?”

She smiled. “We wait.”

“Wait, my lady?

”“Yes. Allow the hanyou some peace with his mate and child…and then destroy everything while he is too engrossed in his serenity.” Her grin became sly. “He will soon pay for killing Naraku.”