Chapter 9: To Feel Again

I am soooo sorry for the delay. I feel like I say this every time. But this chapter is pretty long and packed so I hope you can forgive me. Thank you for everyone who has kept up with it so far.

So, just as a refresher:
In the past, Kagome spares some lizard demons after they tried to get their revenge. Her and Kairo run across Goru who she obviously doesn't know yet.
In the future, Kagura returns the jewel shards Naraku stole to her. Inuyasha is still hesitant about trusting her but he lightens up a bit.

The winding trails of the mountain kept the gang on their feet, with Kagome doing her best to sense anything that would bring her to the heart she so desperately sought out. Very briefly would they cross paths with a fire demon, and never would the demon attack. By now, Inuyasha and the gang were very well-known across what was left of the kingdom, and while hate laced the gossip, so did fear. So, small groups of them would run away or at the very least be sure to not provoke them as they passed. Although, Kagome was very aware of their hardened glances at her.

And yet, as the day was spent venturing around, finding small caves and hot springs, she remained strong-willed, ever so focused on the goal. Her senses were flaring like flames of a burning fire, her aura even sparking around her skin at some points. It felt like a renewed sense of strength was surging through her body. Dedication became adrenaline, it was her greatest power. Kagome had always been able to channel her unconditional care for others into strength, however, this was new. It was surreal.

But there was quietness, too. Mouths shut, almost unsure of how to open up now. Even Inuyasha was cautious, biting his tongue before he said anything. He kept telling himself that everything would be okay now that she was here, but since they began their search, he only felt the ghost of her in front of him, sensing that if he were to reach out, he his hand would go right through her. He was never good with words, and not much had change in that aspect of him even in the five years he waited for her. But he wasn't dumb enough to let his mouth get himself into more trouble.

The day went on, though, despite everyone's reservations.

Sango watched her old friend carefully. Eyeing her almost as if she was trying to find something within Kagome that she failed to recognize since her return. The demon-slayer found herself mesmerized by her observations. An observation that she held deep in her throat.

"There's a cave over there. I'm gonna check it out." The priestess spoke, her voice as serious as the expression on her face. Her walk turned into a slight jog as she left the group. Inuyasha sniffed around to make sure no demons were nearby, scanning the area with his golden orbs as he normally did. But he found nothing but a small lake that rested besides the little cave.

The continued silence that had since plagued the group shattered momentarily when the demon-slayer dared to outwardly sigh, the heavy breath gathering the attention of the two men.

"My dear Sango, is there an issue?" Miroku questioned, leaning in close to examine the bitter expression that she wore.

She looked up at him, "Of course there is. I can't be the only one right now with concerns about this whole situation."

"You mean with our own Lady Kagome." The monk nodded his head, affirming what Sango had been seeing. He looked over in the direction of the cave and noticed she was now walking back, clearly without the heart in hand.

"Her eyes now look like that of the dead." Sango shivered as she let the words drip from her lips, the image of the dullness prevalent in the priestess's gaze.

Inuyasha didn't say anything, though. He hadn't really wanted to even accept that Kagome did seem worn out. One of the stark contrasts between Kagome and Kikyo's physical features was that exhaustion was branded on Kikyo's features from the life of giving in which she lived. Everything else about them had looked the same besides that. Seeing that same weary look in Kagome's eyes made him fear that she would retain the same fate as the preincarnation.

But upon hearing Sango say it, the realization became a heavy burden that pulled down his spirits. He couldn't ignore it anymore. She was giving herself out too much.

Kagome returned, saying nothing about the contents of the cave. Rather, she shook her head and looked down momentarily before continuing the search in an uncomfortable silence. However, her silence was replaced with the pulsing anger, which stemmed from her fear of failure. They walked. And nothing about their search was especially significant, a fact that set Kagome's blood ablaze with every step she took, the bones in her feet on the verge of crumbling to dust.

The day went on until the horizon bled into the blue skies like spilled paint colliding into each other. The group sat down to rest, the priestess only agreeing as she saw the exhaustion scribbled onto Sango and Miroku's faces. Surprised, they took the opportunity to scurry in search of any food they could get their hands on, a notion that Inuyasha greatly appreciated as he cleared the lump of anxiety from his throat, sitting next to the sighing woman, his gaze never faltering.

"Kagome... I..." He stopped, his mouth dry, "... You're not... looking too good."

She looked at his wide-eyes for a moment before furrowing her brows together, "That's not very nice, you jerk!"

Immediately putting his hands up to his chest so that his palms were facing her, he shook his head, "I didn't mean it like that, stupid!" He sighed, swallowing his reservations, "...It's just that... you ain't looking like yourself. You're constantly drained." His eyes softened, the corners of his mouth pulled down ever so slightly. She could see his ears dropping down onto the long silver strands that cascaded off of his head. She looked away.

"Inuyasha, I don't really have much of a choice... I can't... I can't just turn my back on this now." Her gaze lowered to the ground, "The guilt that would eat at me..."

"You have nothing to be guilty about, Kagome."

"Oh please, I don't need a lecture Inuyasha! You can't ask me to break my promises, ya know." She shot back, immediately feeling her defensiveness ascending like a barrier. Her muscles tensed up, and he found himself wanting to reach out to her, just to feel her skin at the moment. Just to feel that she was really there.

But he didn't.

"Keh, I ain't asking you to break any promises, wench." He grumbled, "Just hoping I could see the real Kagome for a bit."

"You're such a jerk. As if you didn't feel an obligation like this to Kikyo. Why are you acting like you can't understand?" Now, she was leaning, her eyes flaming, "But you know what, you have no idea. Your obligation to her was all based on your own guilt for not saving her. But I'm not gonna let it get that far in the first place. I'm going to save her."

He growled, "I couldn't save Kikyo... but dammit I'm trying to save you."

She stopped breathing for a moment, turning to look at him and say something, but was interrupted by his sudden movement. He shot up with demonic speed and turned to leave, "I guess one way I can do that is by getting you some damn food. You look terrible." With that he stomped off.

She sat in her quietness, wishing she could have bit her tongue about Kikyo. In truth, she didn't know what the situation was with her. She hadn't seen her in so long, and she wasn't going to ask about it right now. But his sad reaction to the mention of his dead beloved had surely hinted that nothing improved with her.

Am I... making him miserable? He thought I was dead for years, but now that we've been reunited, he just wants for us to be as close as we once were. She shook her head, He wants to save me. Even if it's from myself right now. And it's killing him. It's killing everyone.

She shoved her face into the palms of her hands, But I can't abandon Kagura... She's hurting, too."

Her heart ached. She imagined Kagura not even knowing what it was like to live herself. She imagined the cruel conditions she's forced to deal with. And it physically made her sick. The pain was heavier than the thought of her own enslavement, which still bruised her. But in her head, taking the pain for herself was better than letting someone else have it.

Is it possible... to live for everyone? She knew the answer was no, and that she would have to choose Kagura for now. Even if it meant putting a hold on her own life with her friends. With Inuyasha. Still, she enjoyed flirting with the thought of living her life in a way that made everyone happy. She lit up as she thought of the genuine smiles on their faces. They were still burned into her brain as one of the better memories she had. She grinned inwardly as she remembered when she lived for them, but now it felt like they were trying to live for her.

The seconds alone turned into minutes without anyone returning. Recovering from her state of despondency, she lifted her head, observing her surroundings and listening for footsteps or movement of any kind that would indicate that her friends were close by. But she heard nothing. Felt nothing. The wind gracefully blew against her skin, chilling her to the bone as goosebumps rose up.

She stood, an eerie sensation shadowing over the atmosphere, like a ghost. Despite her recognition of her surroundings, the climate suddenly became unfamiliar. And in one blink of an eye, the silence crumbled under the foot that stomped down, shaking the greenery as leaves and bushes rustled.

"Who's there?" She called out, her fists clenched as she prepared for battle. Her eyes narrowed in as she scanned the environment, her breathing heavy, yet keeping a steady pace. Nothing but the wind answered her, but she just straightened herself and huffed out again, "I know someone is here. Stop being a coward and come out!"

"It seems not even captivity can dampen that annoying feisty attitude of yours." She turned to see Hakudoshi casually strutting out from behind the greenery. He grinned, flaunting his fearlessness as he approached her without caution. True, he knew of Kagome's enhanced powers, which had long since surpassed Kikyo and perhaps even Midoriko. But he didn't hesitate, nor did he put up any defenses against her. He just continued to step forward.

"You've got a lot of nerve coming here." She hissed, "Inuyasha will be back any moment."

"Oh please, if anything I should be more afraid of you, priestess. Inuyasha is a mere inconvenience." He chuckled, "I can read your mind. I know you bare hatred for me for trying to taint you all those years ago. Although, you are ignorant to Naraku's real plans. You see, it is not I who will use you your darkness against you. My job is just to create the darkness within you."

"Huh?" She raised an eyebrow, "...That doesn't make sense. It was you who was trying to break me. You were the one Naraku chose to darken my soul. If it wasn't you he planned on using to harness my darkness... then who?"

His smile grew wider until it took up most of his pale face, "My other half. Naraku has been hiding him in secret. While I can read your mind and use your thoughts against you with hopes that it will create darkness within you, my other half can manipulate it to control you like a puppet. Heh, if he gets a hold of you, you'll be at his mercy."

She remained with a straight posture, her brows still furrowed together as she analyzed the boy, "Why are you telling me this?"

"Because I need your assistance, priestess." He took another step forward, "I know you plan on freeing Kagura... Tell me, is it worth all of the trouble you've gone through to do it?"

Her world stopped, vision blurring as she processed the information, and soon all other senses followed. Momentarily, she was stunned as though he had physically assaulted, becoming an easy target for a surprise attack. But Hakudoshi did nothing but watch her. He enjoyed her panic, the way he could see the pigmentation fading from her skin as if it was being drained out of her. Her mouth remained slightly opened, fear creeping in that it was too late to save her friend. If he knew, she daringly ventured to the point in her mind that wondered if Naraku knew as well.

"H-How...?" She stuttered.

"You may be powerful enough to keep a barrier on certain parts of your mind, but hers is an open book to me." He glued his gaze to her suffering, "Now, aren't you going to ask me what I want?"

She shook her head, "Why should I care what you want? You're going to betray her to Naraku anyways."

"Naraku is a fool. Why would I waste my time telling him when you're much more useful to me." He chuckled. A part of Kagome exhaled in relief, knowing that for now Kagura was safe. But she still hesitated to go any further in the conversation, feeling stuck between a rock and a hard place. If she didn't hear him out, he could easily inform Naraku of Kagura's betrayal. However, if she did hear him out, he may ask her to do something terrible. She exhaled heavily.

But she knew her pause would soon be valueless. She could not stand still in indecisiveness forever, "What do you want from me...?"

"Finally you ask." He snickered with confidence, "I'm looking to retrieve something. Something important. And I believe you can help me with that." He pulled out a sword from a sheath hidden on his hip. It appeared to be nothing special, however, Kagome knew better than to assume that. She analyzed it carefully, keeping an eye out for any demonic aura that may be emitting from it.

"I am sure you are aware of the Meido Zangetsuha technique. Inu no Taisho stole it from the yokai Shishinki, absorbing it into Tessaiga, but then passing it on to Tensaiga, which Sesshomaru currently possesses." He explained, "This technique allows for the user to send their opponents to the Netherworld when it can be fully mastered. But in the same way Inu no Taisho absorbed that technique into his own sword, I was able to use this sword to absorb part of the technique's power from Sesshomaru, sucking in the demonic energy."

She cocked her head to the side, nervously blinking, "Who do you plan on sending to the Netherworld?"

"Us."

The days blurred with them. Both awaited the times Kagome would be able to escape the responsibilities within the village, sneaking off into the wild to seek out the heart. However, neither were excited for the same reasons. Kagome's optimism flourished within her, and she couldn't help but think about being reunited with her dear friend. On the other hand, Kairo just wanted to see the priestess. To be able to talk with her, explore with her. He didn't know how to verbalize this, but the time he spent with her made him forget everything bad that happened without even having to use any of his demonic abilities. He sighed inwardly, hoping that maybe he might have an easier time telling her when she completes her mission.

But just as the positivism came, it went away with the remembrance of him. Inuyasha. When she had talked about him, he couldn't help but feel that the half-demon resided in the same place within her heart that he himself craved to be in. Suddenly, the idea of telling her became so far-fetched, as he began to fear that, if not reciprocated, would just lead to her pushing him away to be with Inuyasha.

"Kairo?" Her voice pierced through the fabric of his depression, bringing him back down to Earth. He peeked over, seeing her confused expression and knowing that he must have been lost in thought for a bit. They had been walking around a nearby forest next to the mountain, the woman closing her eyes every now and again to sense something, anything. Her features would momentarily scrunch up after feeling nothing, worry lines appearing above her brows like small ripples of despair before she shook it off and continued. But, during one of her quiet moments, the demon assumed that he must have gotten wrapped up in his admiration of her. When her eyes were shut, it was the only time he could quietly study her features, almost as if it was a map of a world he so desperately wanted to escape to.

"S-Sorry. I don't mean to get distracted." He apologized, allowing a smile to grace his face, hiding his distress as he moved his eyes downward until his gaze met the ground.

"Thinking about something?" She asked, her voice dancing all the way to his ears.

He sighed, "Well, you work so hard to find your friend's heart... I guess I just wish I had a friend like you when I was still prince." He lied, biting his tongue at the though of vomiting his true feelings to her. He glanced up at the woman, who was shooting him a sympathetic look, which didn't surprise him. Caring for people was what she did.

"Well, don't worry. I'll always be your friend." One side of her mouth curled upwards, her side smile bringing out one of his own as he turned his gaze forward, nodding at her to continue on. And they did, strutting through the forest with a newfound confidence in their friendship and in the mission. Despite his worries for where Kagome's true feelings were hidden, he managed to remain calm and enjoy the times he had with her. Though the inevitable was staring him down with beady, fearsome eyes, there was still a spark of hope that dimly lit the unknown darkness. He didn't know what would become of their relationship, but he was ready to try.

And try he did. Even as a week passed since he first deliberated on her vague feelings for Inuyasha, he continued his giddy attitude and a friendly demeanor. Although, somewhere along the line, while he remained upbeat, he noticed her get more frustrated. Yes, the Kagome he was very used to seem to hide behind a new skin made of anger and a lack of self-confidence. And through that, an obsession was woven. While Kairo had resolved to try for her, he wasn't even sure he had any opportunity anymore to even advance a platonic friendship. By the hour, she was becoming more and more disappointed with her lack of findings, scared that perhaps she would never find the heart before Naraku wasted Kagura. She couldn't even be sure he hadn't already done it. And he could see the disappointment in herself as she stared in the distance with half-lidded eyes, her mouth a straight line across her face.

It had to have been midday after an hour of exploring another path opposite of the one they'd been on before she was welcomed in the village. She had just finished mumbling something about always having to sneak out before the villagers could bombard her with requests that she knew she couldn't reject. She was fighting the part of her that was caring to those in need just to get another 2 hours a day for this mission. Kairo had nodded, telling her that he was glad to wake up early for her. She had smiled briefly, almost as if it was just to be polite at his sweetness, but they continued to walk in silence.

"I can't feel anything." She sighed heavily, "I'm supposed to be a strong priestess. I should be able to sense the heart of a demon like her from miles away and yet I'm scouring the area and not even sensing a glimpse of anything besides a few demons that are too weak to even confront us." She sighed again, this time louder, "Her heart has to be pulsing with a strong demonic aura. At least one that's similar to hers. But I've got nothing! What if Naraku hid it across the seas or in some compartment in Kanna's mirror? How will I ever know?"

Kairo saw the pained look on her face and let his shoulders droop, "I...I really wish I could be more help."

She shook her head, "It's not your fault. It's mine. I'm too weak. I'm a failure."

"Hey!" He turned to her, "Don't talk like that! You've spent so much time on this mission, and even if you haven't found her heart, yet, I doubt someone could find it faster. This isn't an easy task, but you've already proved yourself a loyal friend. That's more than a lot can say."

"Loyal?" The priestess narrowed her eyes, "That's no win unless I find the heart. If I can't and she dies, she won't even know I remained dedicated to her freedom. It will be a hallow accomplishment. And she still would have never lived a good life."

The bird demon swallowed whatever other optimistic speeches he had planned, knowing it would be of no avail right now. Usually she would look at him with gratitude, showing him how happy she was to have him around. But she just bit at him now, rejecting any notion that her efforts were worth anything on their own. He figured pretty quickly that he could not convince her that she had anything to be proud of, and the fact that her bitterness was merely a product of her own self-loathing gnawed at his heart. This mission was ruining her.

That night, Kairo left her near the village as she traveled back, hoping to evade the villagers as she stalked to her hut and sat down with a thud. Part her couldn't even fathom why she thought she deserved a full night's rest when she still hasn't accomplished anything rather than getting a good amount of exercise everyday.

But still, she got ready for bed, changing into a sleeping robe before preparing to rest. She knew she'd work better if she wasn't exhausted. As Inuyasha used to say, humans needed to sleep. And that's what she was: human. Even when she hated to admit to that. As she rested her head and prepared to close her eyes, she began feeling sleep beckon her quicker than she anticipated, not that she didn't like it. Although, despite her desire to fall asleep as quickly as possible, this felt forced. As if she wouldn't have been able to stop herself had she not wanted to doze off. Still, the lids of her eyes met, gently touching like the careful embrace of lovers.

And then darkness enveloped her, wrapping around her like a thick, inescapable blanket. The quietness of lonely rest became a lullaby through which she gained some energy as the night went on. Nothingness passed through where her thoughts had been, her mind spacious and empty like an open field or a starless night sky. It was peaceful, the kind of sleep that doesn't pass in a blink of an eye, but feels long lasting and refreshing.

And then, it was gone. Kagome's starless sky became a mess of constellations and UFOs. Her field became a crowded forest. Thoughts began to circle, her senses began to ache and pull, although her lids remained closed. She trembled inwardly, unsure of what to think. Was she about to dream? Was she experiencing the process through which dreams begin? She couldn't tell, all she knew was that, despite still being asleep, she didn't feel like she was. The darkness she began perceiving didn't feel like the darkness one saw when they shut their eyes. It felt like the darkness was surrounding her. Like it was real. She shuddered, trying to be smart about this. If this is a dream, then she would wake up eventually. If not, she wasn't as weak as she used to be. She would handle the situation as best she could.

"Find meeee." A voice hissed from nowhere in particular. Just like the darkness, it seemed to surround her.

She shook her head. There was something familiar about the voice, yet utterly strange as though she had never heard it before. It was an odd combination that rattled her senses. And she couldn't figure out what to do about it. She wondered if she should call back, but stayed quiet, waiting in anticipation.

"I am near. Find meeee."

Kagome paused before shouting, "Who are you?"

"You know me. Though we have never met."

She shook her head. It just wasn't making any sense to her. This voice that was calling out didn't seem menacing. She didn't feel threatened or violated. In fact, she found herself calming at its sound. And yet, she was sure that, despite its familiarity, she had never heard that voice before. She took a deep breath, "How will I find you if we've never met?"

There was silence for a moment, but the voice soon replied, "Though I will not call you by name, you will hear me."

"Are you in trouble?" She asked.

"Always."

"How will I know you're calling for me?" She questioned.

"..." The voice said nothing, but all she could hear was the faint sound of pounding, almost like a drum in the distance. But it wasn't a drum, she knew the sound. She knew the rhythm. And with that she awoke, finding herself sitting up in a panic. That sound...

"A heartbeat!" She realized. She took a deep breath, calming her body down as she bit her bottom lip in deep thought. She didn't know what was going on or even how to react to this. But if there was one thing she was certain of, it was that the voice she heard was not a part of any dream. It was real.

Kagome held her breath as Hakudoshi whipped his sword, darkness beginning to extend from it. On his face rested a sinister smile that outstretched and curled on the edged as he watched the darkness form a portal on the ground. The priestess leaned over it, with hopes of seeing what she was getting herself into, but the portal remained a dark void to the naked eye. She compared it to her imagined idea of a blackhole, wondering if her body would distort itself on the way down. She bit her lip at the thought, despising Hakudoshi for making her do this, but remaining decidedly calm. She wouldn't show her fear to him. She wouldn't show any hesitance. He would only see her resolve to do whatever it takes.

But damn, was she scared.

His meido was nothing like Sesshomaru's, who's portal would resemble space, showcasing stars and other celestial beings. She wondered what this difference could mean, and if it was related to the fact that Hakudoshi had figured out how to use it safely for travel.

"Okay, priestess." He hissed, his small stature no obstacle for his confidence and intimidation tactics, "Jump in."

She looked back, "And how will I know this won't actually kill me?"

He chuckled, "I'm glad you asked. You see, the original meido was meant to kill an opponent while not actually harming them. Like the original, my meido will not cause harm, but it will also not kill you. This sword I wield is a traveler's sword. If I were to cut you with it, it would not harm you because it is meant to cut through the fabric of one dimension to create a portal to another. With the demonic energy I gathered from Sesshomaru's meido, my sword now has access to the netherworld, but it remains unable to kill."

The woman pondered his explanation, "So, you mean to say that, because you're sword is unable to cause other people harm, any attack it absorbs, like the meido, will lose any ability to hurt or kill others? How did you manage to even get a sword like that?"

The child demon just huffed, "Naraku knows of your time travel and crafted this sword using wandering souls, who have loose connections to the different worlds. He did so with hopes that it could absorb energy from the Bone Eater's Well so that he would be able to travel to your era if you had ever run back there for safety." Kagome nodded, uneasy with the thought of Naraku roaming about in the Modern Era. She imagined him floating about Tokyo, causing a panic. Or worse, attacking her family. She gulped, while Hakudoshi just watched.

"So, before this portal closes, jump in." He said, his tone getting rather impatient with all of the distractions. His eyes narrowed at the priestess as he could still sense her hesitance to go through.

He shook his head, "If it makes you feel better, I'll jump with you." He extended his short arm to her, and she reluctantly grabbed his hand, a wicked smile still plastered on his face as she did so. Icy skin forced a shiver from her body, but she ignored it, looking back into the void and taking a deep breath. Time slowed as they moved. She bent her knees slightly, ready to leap into the unknown, and as their feet left the ground, she took one final puff of air before gravity pulled them down.

And through the void they went.

The priestess kept her eyes shut as they descended, feeling her body turn into nothing. It was as if her skin and bones had disappeared and she was just a floating, airy soul, with no weight whatsoever. The thought caused an increase in her anxiety, mind fraught with thoughts that she, in fact, had passed on, losing her physical body. She wanted to flail her arms, but she couldn't. She wanted to take a deep breath, but she couldn't.

"Priestess, do not be fooled by this." She heard the child demon's voice slice through her moment of panic, "This is but a transition. You will be given back your body." His words comforted her a bit, but she couldn't help but be rife with anxiousness, feeling helpless in this new existence she was forced into. Nothing but a soul. Uncomfortable in it's weightlessness. She waited, unable to completely relax. It felt as though hours were creeping behind her, tormenting as she begged silently to feel her physical self and know that she was alive.

But soon, she could feel her body materializing, slowly but then all at once. It was almost as if all the little atoms that made up her skin and bones were all rushing back into place, one by one. She quietly stretched out her fingers, wiggling them in relief. When she built up the courage to open her eyes, she saw a cracked ground below her, smoke rising up. The remains of nature were scattered across this desolate land, with dead trees adorned with leafless branches and rotten fruit gathered at their trunks. Remains of a stone castle seemed evident, with lonely and incomplete walls still standing about, some decorated with broken windows, all roofless. The sight was void of all hope and void of all life.

As she landed, her body becoming connected to this world, she could feel the heat of the smoke burning her skin, though no signs of it showed. In pain, she winced, biting her lip the sensation continued to magnify.

"Can't handle a little heat, priestess?" Hakudoshi landed, showing no signs of even discomfort, "You will get used to it."

"So, you can feel it?" She wondered.

He nodded, "Yes. But there is no reason for alarm. This place cannot cause your physical body any real harm."

With that, the incarnation kept walking and Kagome reluctantly followed. As she moved, she could feel her skin adapting to the harsh heat, and it became more manageable. Still, the atmosphere reeked with inconsolable sadness and despair, the kind that tugged at her soul, threatening her purity, hating her with a magnitude she didn't even know was possible. It made her heart ache, a feeling that begged for her to put a hand on her chest with hopes that it would stop her heart from bursting out.

They wandered over to a wall that stood about double the priestess's height, but only an arms span wide. Shattered glass rested on the floor from the wounded window, and the demon child looked through, grinning as he did. "Come." He ordered, and the two ambled over to the other side of the wall, where a man sat, his legs bent in unfathomable ways. Unspeakable ways. Kagome looked away momentarily, in shock. She couldn't bear to see the suffering that laid before her, her knees shaking at the thought that they, too, might bend backwards instead of forward and break.

"You... priestess..." The man whispered, his voice raspy and dry, "Why have you come?"

She slowly turned her head back to him, taking in a puff of air as she did. The whites of his eyes had turned yellow, any color had faded to black. His brows furrowed together in irritation, unplucked and messy. He took heavy breaths with his cracked lips parted, teeth gritting together with every huff. He seemed angry, though his question had sounded curious and weak.

"Do not speak to her." Hakudoshi grinned, "We have not come for the likes of you. I am looking for a man named Ninken."

Her jaw dropped, and she turned to face the demon, mouth agape. Words of disbelief hung from her bottom lip, though she struggled to even verbalize them out loud, while feelings of betrayal manifested in her blood. Surely, he knew what Ninken had done. How could he bring her here to face him again. Was he just tormenting her?

No... He can't be just trying to hurt me... He wouldn't betray Naraku for that purpose. She thought, Besides, I already faced Ninken. I faced what he did to me. And for Kagura, I can't let him be another obstacle even in death...

"I owe you filthy mortals nothing. Die in this place." The dead man hissed, "Join me in hell, burn with me."

"Shut up. You are pathetic." Hakudoshi approached him, his body now hovering over the damned man, "This woman can purify you, here. Untaint your disgusting soul. Send you to heaven."

"You cannot untaint me. I am pure disgust and anguish. Keep your filth of a woman away from me." The man glanced back over at Kagome.

"Then, tell us where I may find Ninken. A demon king would be talked about in Hell. You may not be able to walk, but I am sure that you have heard." Hakudoshi flaunted a devilish grin on his young face, clearly entertained by the whole situation. It almost seemed as though he enjoyed being in the Netherworld.

"As a man, I strangled to death 13 children. I violated their mothers, and tormented their fathers. All until the town unified to give onto me what I deserved, which was death. But I regret nothing, you see. I am here because the memory of their suffering still brings me contentment." His voice grew louder as he spoke, "I wish not that I could go to heaven, a place of peace and goodness, where I could not cherish their deaths as I do now. So, have this woman leave me. Ninken resides at the base of a tree that you will find if you continue north."

"That is all I needed to know." Hakudoshi turned, strutting forward with a straight face that seemed almost emotionless. He was not phased, nor did he feel anything towards the man.

As he continued, Kagome rushed over to him, "Even though he doesn't want to... shouldn't I purify him anyways? To save him?" Her eyes glistened with hope that maybe after she purified the evil in his soul, he would repent and go to heaven.

"You are too stupid." He snorted in response, "It was a lie. You can't purify the evil inside of him to make him good. He was consumed by evil, which is why he is here. He will disappear from existence if you tried because once the evil is gone, he is nothing. There is nothing remaining of him. I simply told him you could make him pure because the damned souls here resent heaven and goodness."

"I... I can't help him?" She turned back to glance at him, but he had already faded from view, "That's horrible... too be consumed by hatred."

"You are too obsessed with trying to save everyone." He huffed, "Regret will consume you once you realized you never lived for yourself."

"Huh?" She questioned, "Hey, what's wrong with trying to save people?"

"You can't save everyone." The child demon began to pick up speed, "Now hush, I do not want to entertain your ridiculous goals any further."

As they walked, Kagome realized that the burning sensation had nearly disappeared, though she could still feel the heat as the smoke rose from the cracks in the ground. Still, the uncomfortable feeling that haunted her as she continued to follow her enemy down this path felt like an itch that you couldn't quite scratch. It started off manageable but grew and grew, begging to be relieved. She clenched her fists as the grim and miserable scenery assaulted her senses, the scent of sickness and death ever so prevalent.

They passed several more damned souls, bodies morphed like ribbons tied to make bows. Some were lying helplessly on the ground was other slowly roamed, necks twisted and eyes unblinking. None seemed to notice or care that they were here, though some shouted profanities, cackling as they did. But she didn't care for what they called her. All her felt was the sympathy she had that they fell into a path of pain and rage, and the uncomfortable fact that it was all they were now. They looked like men and women, but they were just manifestations of the evil they created in themselves. And it was a realization that stayed in her throat no matter how hard she tried to swallow it.

C'mon Kagome. C'mon. There is nothing you can do anymore to save them, so just keep walking. You're already here, and there is no way Hakudoshi will create another portal back to the world of the living until you help him... I just wish I knew what he wanted. All he would say is that he needed me, probably because he didn't want to tell me it involved Ninken. She thought, taking several quick glances at the cunning child, who walked with a sense of confidence and cleverness that she couldn't quite ignore, And I went along with it because I knew he would tell Naraku of Kagura's betrayal if I didn't. So, I cannot back down now. I will be brave.

She filled her trek with positive affirmations, reminding herself over and over again that she was capable of facing her past once more. Nothing but slow paced breathing could be heard on his end. His face remained expressionless, only with eyes that were filled with decisiveness and intent. And while she made her observation, he lifted his arm, pointing in front of them, and without hesitation, Kagome followed where he was pointing to until she saw another dead tree, this one with a man sitting with his back against the trunk.

His pale skin contrasted with his black hair, almost like the moon against the night sky. The hair fell to his shoulder, pin straight as he stayed perfectly still in his quiet solitude. The royal garments he used to wear were now scraps of cloth. But curiously enough, he still wore a golden crown on his head. Kagome wanted to pause. No, more than that she wanted to run away and curl up somewhere quiet and lonely, but Hakudoshi motioned her to pick up the speed, and her legs betrayed her in doing so. And they walked and walked until King Ninken's face got clearer in view.

She gasped when she saw it. While his face had been nearly symmetrical once before, the right side of his face had shifted slightly lower than the rest. And his crown hugged his head so tight, it looked as though it may burst. The sight disgusted the priestess in ways she didn't know she could be disgusted, but she didn't stop.

I am brave. I am my own hero. I will be Kagura's hero.

And, despite her attempted of pumping herself up, she still felt the anxiousness rise as she waited for the former demon king to notice her. To look at her. And as she opened and closed her mouth, contemplating whether or not to call out to him and make the first move, the child demon who stood by her side made the decision for her.

"So, you are Ninken, the pathetic former king of the fire demon kingdom." He hissed, causing the demon to look up from his lonely thoughts and gaze upon his unexpected visitors. Both eyes widened as he glanced at Kagome, though it was only momentarily. After recovering from the shock, his expression returned to one of solemn and he looked over expectantly at Hakudoshi.

"I see that ghosts will come to haunt me, even here in the Netherworld." He grumbled, "Who are you, child? And why do you bring to me my murderer?"

Hakudoshi grinned mischievously, " Do not worry about who I am. I merely came to seek information from you about a secret it seems you and your men took to your graves."

"Huh? What are you talking about, Hakudoshi?" Kagome questioned, now painfully in need to know why it is he forced her here to begin with, and what secret he was desperate to know. But the incarnation shushed her, focusing back on the late king.

Ninken's eye twitched as he processed the words, "You mean... the ancient weapon that my ancestors hid away hundreds of years ago... Yes. You must be talking about that."

"You catch on quickly, Ninken." The child mused, "Yes, this ancient weapon led you to crave the power of the Shikon Jewel in first place, correct?"

"I had hoped the attaining two shards of the Shikon would make me powerful enough to break the barrier my ancestor's put around the ancient weapon. It is why I made the deal with a man as dangerous as Naraku in the first place." He explained, "But I feel there is no reason to disclose what I know about its whereabouts to the likes of you two."

"Would you feel more compelled if I told you that, even in this world, Kagome has the power to purify you?" The tone of Hakudoshi's voice was sinister and dark, almost as if enjoyed spitting out this threat even more the second time. He must have, because, as he spoke, his smile grew, awaiting the shock or panic. But it didn't come.

"My little Kagome." The late king's attention moved towards the supposed threat to him, one eyebrow cocked as he examined his killer, though fear was not present in his distorted features, "Would you be able to stand to touch me once more, or did I not take apart your sanity enough?"

Caught off guard by his question, the priestess paused, sucking back into her helplessness, remembering what it was like to be at his mercy. But she took a deep breath and hardened her glance at him, "I killed you once. Don't you forget."

"So, perhaps you are not as pure as Naraku thought? Perhaps I shall rest in peace down here knowing that I tainted your wretched soul. Bitch, you are my masterpiece." He seemed delighted by this, watching her with smiling eyes, "Tell me, does it pain you to look at me?"

"I was your slave. But that was then. Today, I'll be the one leaving you in hell." Her words surprised herself as she realized how ironic it was. He had made her life hell, but now she was standing over him as the person who sent him to hell. She had nothing more to be afraid of. He was gone from her world and left in this void of nothingness, only after she had overcome him. There was nothing more she owed to the situation but to move on from her pain and fears.

Hakudoshi took this moment to step back in, "Maybe you should be a little less concerned with the priestess, and more concerned with yourself. She will purify you, and in death, it will be even more painful as she destroys all the evil in your soul."

He flinched now, his expression becoming more reminiscent of the one he wore when he lost to Inuyasha and the gang. Kagome knew that, despite his desire to appear indifferent, he was scared, now.

"I am all evil. I've lost any form of love and compassion. If she were to purify me, I would become nothing." He whispered, almost as if he was explaining it to himself. His black eyes widened with uncertainty as he contemplated his next move.

"So, you are aware of that detail. Many of the damned souls in here are not smart enough to figure that out." The demon child laughed, "Well, Ninken, tell me how I can find this ancient weapon, or prepared to be purified."

Kagome watched him carefully, squaring her eyes as she waited for his answer.

"... There are secret paths in my castle, paths that lead to many of the forbidden rooms. If you take them, you will find my grave of priestesses, where I have stashed away a key." He explained reluctantly, his voice low and shameful. Kagome felt a hitch in her breathing as she remembered the disturbing images of the tormented priestesses that lay on the floors, scattered like junk.

"A key?" Hakudoshi asked.

"Yes. Within the skulls of one of the priestess's, you will find a silver key. Once you figure out how to break the barrier of that hides the weapon, the use of that key on any door in the castle will take you to the weapon." He continued, "And that is all I know of it."

"In a skull? Why would you hide it in a priestess's skull?! Have you not degraded their bodies enough?" Kagome shouted, rage rising and pulsing within her, bringing her blood to a boil. She couldn't believe that he would use a dead body as a hiding space.

But Ninken laughed, "The body you seek is not one of a starved slave. She will be adorned in jewelry, her body wrapped in silk. I do not think I degraded her body at all, a regret I have."

Confused, Kagome started with her jaw dropped, unable to make sense of what Ninken was talking about, or who this priestess was if not a slave. But, before she could spit back another response, Hakudoshi pulled out his sword and whipped it into the air, creating another portal. Without hesitance, he grabbed her hand.

"Come. We are done here, priestess." And with that, he forced her through the portal, following after her.

The journey back through the portal was quick and painless, and before she knew it, she was on the cold grass, her body no longer feeling uncomfortable beneath a murky and sorrowful atmosphere. She looked around, surprised to find that no one had returned to the campsite yet. Still, she straightened herself out and looked over at Hakudoshi, who seemed satisfied in their journey.

"Why did you pull me out? I wanted to know about the priestess!" She demanded, her mind still lingering on the conversation, she being unable to come up with a logical explanation as to why Ninken would have a priestess corpse in his possession if it had not been the body of a slave.

"Ninken was in love with her at one point, if you really must know." Hakudoshi sighed, putting the sword back in its sheath.

"In love? What happened?" She replied curiously.

"He had been in a secret relationship with her. When the kingdom began its downfall, the other elites found out about her, and began questioning his authority." He explained, his tone void of any emotion, "He wanted to kill them all, but she wouldn't let him, threatening to leave him if he stooped so low, which made him angry. He wanted power, and he didn't see any way of getting it and still having her. So, he killed her to prove a point to the elites, and made priestesses his target for slavery to save his title."

"That...that's awful." Kagome whispered, wishing now that said priestess was able to rest in peace despite her misfortune. She flashed back to the time where Ninken had asked her why she thought he hated priestesses.

"I want to knock you off your wretched high horse and show you that you are nothing." That was the response Ninken had given her at the time. She thought perhaps he felt resentment towards his lover for stopping him from killing the other elites to preserve their relationship; for trying to make him into a better man. To justify his decision, he had formed an image of her that was self-righteous and on a high horse, when in reality she must have just cared for his soul.

"Heh, there is no point in caring about it. Both were foolish, letting their pathetic emotions lead them down destructive paths." The child huffed, "Now, I will bid you farewell for now. The others will be returning, as time had stopped while we were in the Netherworld. But don't expect me to be so cordial the next time we meet. You have served your purpose to me."

"Wait!" Kagome shouted as he formed a barrier around himself, "You...You're going to get that key..."

Hakudoshi paused, a wicked grin forming on his face as he answered with his sinister expression. Now, the woman faced another dilemma as she faced the child demon. She could either let him go to ensure Kagura's safety, or she could try to stop him before he gained this mysterious ancient weapon and used it to complete terrible deeds. A low growl emitted from her throat, her mind fraught with confusion.

"I can't let you leave unless you tell me what it is you plan on doing with this weapon." Her voice lowered, as she took a deep breath, eyes narrowing in on him.

"Heh, I can assure you that I have no interest in using it against you or your precious friends. Nor do I plan on letting Naraku have it." He chucked, "However, I am not foolish enough to divulge any more information to you. Kagura will be safe as long as you stay out of my way."

"I'll only stay out of your way as long as you give me no reason not to." She retorted, still standing tall against her enemy, "And like you said, you should be afraid of me."

His expression changed as he now flaunted a more serious disposition. But he said nothing back to her, but merely floated off in his barrier and disappeared from sight. She watched him, hoping her threat was enough to prevent him from causing havoc, but knowing that she should better stay on the lookout for any villages claiming to have been attacked by a demon child.

"Are you okay, Kagome?" Inuyasha rushed over, grabbing both of her shoulders and looking deep into her eyes as he did so, clearly in a panic, "I can smell him. Hakudoshi was nearby."

But Kagome just looked back at him, his face symmetrical, with arms and legs undisturbed by the punishment of the inferno. And it relieved her now, to see his concern, his sincerity. She looked down at her own body, feeling the push and pull of life all around her. And just as it pushed to keep her feet on the ground, it then pulled her closer to the silver half-demon, and before she knew it, she was crashed against his chest, her arms wrapping around his neck.

"He was here. But I'm okay, Inuyasha." She whispered into him, "I'm okay now that you're here."

Phewww. What a chapter. I had so much writer's block during it. Even though I plan chapters before I write, I just for some reason had to rewrite this last section of the chapter so many times, wanting to really hone in the depressing atmosphere of hell and how it felt to be immersed in it, while also making it a growing experience for Kagome.

And yes, I know everyone likes to take fics to hell. But I absolutely needed to in order to fulfill this role with Ninken. (And if you're wondering, the quote she flashes back to can be found in the first chapter of this fic!) I love connecting everything back, even the smallest things. And I just knew that Ninken had to have some sort of deeper motivation. His role in the story didn't feel complete to me, and in a sense I felt that Kagome also needed to see him and really feel as though she had grown past his torment.

So, I hope you liked it! Let me know via reviews.