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Chapter Text

“Sango, I’m done.” Kagome licked her lips as her chest heaved and she collapsed on the soft grass, staring up at the sky. Watching a flock of birds fly, she tried to catch her breath as her closest girl friend knelt down beside her, chuckling softly.

“You did great today.” She smiled, her chestnut eyes bright as she looked down, “You’re really improving. I think the dagger is perfect to go along with your bow.”

“Thank you. I just really don’t want to feel like a burden anymore.” Kagome wiped her brow as a drop of sweat rolled off her forehead. It was a little warm today and along with her training, she was grateful for the shorts and tee shirt she packed. Remembering she needed to get home and back before sundown, she sat up and sighed, peeling the damp shirt from her stomach.

“Kags, none of us think that. You’re a very important member in our group and my dearest friend.” Sango stood, holding out her hand for Kagome to take, “Here, let’s get back to Kaede’s.” Groaning as she rose, Kagome held her hands up high, stretching out her back until she heard a soft pop. 

“Yeah, I’ve got to grab my backpack before I run home to get more supplies. Also, I’m in desperate need of a hot bath.” She laughed, throwing her long braid over her shoulder and grabbed her bow and quiver. I think it might be time for a haircut. Sango joined in, sliding her sword back in her sheath. Kagome handed her back her dagger and waved her hand, trying to cool her face off.

“Actually, my mama told me she would be able to get me my own dagger the next time I was home. She thinks it’s a great idea you’ve been teaching me for the last few weeks.”

“She sounds like a wonderful mother.” Sango smiled.

They walked in comfortable silence on the small path to Kaede’s hut and Kagome could hear kids laughing and briefly wondered if Shippo would stop in before she had to leave. Giving everyone a wave as she stepped through the door, she smiled and shook her head at the grumpy hanyou leaning against the wall. Grabbing her bag, she looked over to see golden eyes watching her every move. 

“Inuyasha?” she frowned, her head tilting in confusion.

“Just hurry back.” He muttered, turning to face the fire. 

“I know what tonight is.” She set down her bag, smiled softly and kneeled in front of him. Waiting for him to look her way, she poked his thigh and he rolled his eyes, arching his eyebrow as he made eye contact. “I’ll be back before you’re human. I’m just getting things stocked up and changing out of these sweaty clothes.”

He made his signature scowl, followed by his usual keh and she watched his eyes soften when she smiled wide for him. Shaking her head once more, she stood and giggled softly. Grabbing her bag, she waved bye and headed for the well, determined to not let him wait on her any longer than needed.

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“Shoot, Inuyasha is going to kill me. I’m so dead, so incredibly dead.” She muttered to herself, shoving her obnoxiously bright and overstuffed backpack over the side of the well before climbing up herself. Swinging her leg over, she looked around, confused as to why her favorite hanyou wasn’t yelling at her. Frowning, a sense of dread washed over her as she realized there were no crickets chirping. Standing slowly, she straightened her jean shorts and tee shirt and looked around.

Something’s wrong. She gripped the strap tight, hauling her bag over her shoulder and continued to look around for anything out of the ordinary. 

“I should’ve grabbed my bow.” she muttered, feeling the hairs stand on the back of her neck. Slowly walking down the hill, she headed straight for Kaede’s, keeping her senses alert. 

Once she arrived, she swallowed the lump in her throat when she saw the empty hut, the fire slowly going out. Noticing her bow and arrows leaning against a nearby wall, she quickly dropped her bag, secured her quiver across her back, slid her dagger in her back pocket and tightened her high ponytail, ready to go look for her friends.

Stepping back out into the warm, summer night she looked up at the black sky, filled with twinkling stars but no moon.

“Inuyasha, please be safe.” She whispered, her blue eyes widening as she took in her surroundings, aware of the uncomfortable silence. Where are all the villagers?

Gripping her bow tight, she began to slowly walk the village path, glancing in each abandoned hut as she passed them. Suddenly hearing male voices and footsteps coming from the forest line, she ran behind a nearby barn. She held her breath, her body shaking, aware of every sound she made as the men’s voices grew louder. 

When their footsteps stopped, she closed her eyes tight as tears pricked the corners. Biting her lip to keep from whimpering, she gripped her bow tight, her fingernails digging into her palms. After what felt like an eternity to her, their voices began to head off in the opposite direction. Releasing her breath, she waited another minute before moving.

Peeking around the corner, she watched two men with torches walking away from her hiding spot, her heart still pounding in her chest. Unable to even see her own sneakered feet, she headed into the forest, walking slowly in the same direction the men came from. Spotting brightly lit torches and tall shadows in a small clearing ahead, she pushed her spine-chilling feelings and focused on the situation at hand.

She stretched her aura out, feeling to see if she could sense an unknown danger, but when she only felt humans, she frowned. Maybe Shippo and Kirara are hiding somewhere. Reaching a bit farther, she paused as she connected with a strange pulse, a shiver running down her spine at the evil within it. Whoever was in that clearing wasn’t human.

Glancing behind her, she spotted the two men from earlier heading back her way. Their flames lighting up their dirty faces and she hastily hid behind a tree, crouching down as they passed her once more. Eternally grateful for wearing a dark green shirt, she continued to remain hidden.

Deciding she would follow them to get a closer look, she froze when she heard loud cheering as the men entered the small clearing. Once she realized they hadn’t spotted her, she peered into the dark, trying to spot anybody she knew. Failing to see anything from her hiding spot, Kagome knew she needed to get closer.

Keeping low, she crawled along the forest floor, her palms sinking in the damp dirt. Slowly making her way around the clearing, she inched closer to flames, holding her breath as she came face to face with the severity of the situation.Tied up to three large trees, Sango, Miroku and Inuyasha, who was currently human, faced a single man with long robes and frightening black eyes. 

Getting a better look at her friends, she noticed Sango’s busted lip and Miroku’s swollen cheek, but her heart ached when she saw Inuyasha and the faint bruising darkening his jawline and the dried blood under his nose. Gritting her teeth, Kagome pushed aside her growing anger and vowed silently that she would make whoever hurt them pay.

Crawling closer, she held her breath as she looked around the clearing once more. Two small bundles were bound by rope with sutras plastered on their back and she had to swallow her gasp as Shippo and Kirara laid there, motionless. Taking a deep breath, she continued her observation, seeing Kaede, along with the rest of the villagers in a small group with bandits surrounding them.

Coming up with a plan, she began backing into the darkness, she kept her eyes focused on Inuyasha as he glared straight ahead, snarling at the man she assumed was the leader. 

Chapter Text

“I can sense a great spiritual power within you.” The leader spoke, turning to face Miroku and stare with lust filled eyes. Kagome, a few paces behind her friends, her blue eyes reflecting the fire light, watched silently. The leader has this strange aura about him and she pushed her spiritual powers out, trying to decipher who exactly this man was. She paused her search when Miroku stiffened, as the man slowly approached him.

“I will get what I want, before this night ends.” he smiled, tiny fangs appearing beneath red lips and she briefly wondered why his features were so feminine. She heard the villagers muttering, their fear growing and slowly began to inch her way forward. A lone bandit stepped forward, holding a torch and a very familiar rusty sword. Eyes widening, she froze and waited for their leader to turn away.

“Uh boss, whatcha mean about his powers? They’re human. We’re here to just steal some stuff and maybe have a few women.” The bandit spoke fearfully, glancing at her friends and she made her move when the leader blocked her view of him. Keeping an eye out, she cautiously made her way behind the tree Miroku was tied to.

“Miroku.” She whispered, lightly touching his left arm.

“Kagome! Are you hurt?” he glanced over his shoulder, his indigo eyes wide.

“I’m okay. I came back to an empty village and knew something was wrong. That man, the leader, isn't human.” she hastily explained, keeping in the shadows.

“I know. I felt something off about his aura. He seems to want my spiritual powers.” Miroku turned his gaze back to the bandit’s discussion so as to not draw attention.

“There’s something else about him.” she continued, “I don’t think he is a man. I think, underneath his disguise, he’s actually a woman.”

“A woman?” he frowned.

“Are you sure, Kagome?” Sango asked softly from her left and Kagome nodded, keeping her eyes trained forward.

“Kagome! You need to go back home! Daylight is still hours away and I can’t protect you.” Inuyasha whispered harshly, tugging on his ties and she moved around to the other side of the tree, worried she would be spotted.

“Shh, Inuyasha. They don’t know I’m here.” She watched his fists clench as he struggled against his ropes once more, and she had to stop herself from reaching out to comfort him. Suddenly, Kaede’s voice filled the clearing and Kagome turned to watch her grandmotherly figure rise among the villagers.

“You are not human.”

“Well, it seems the old woman figured it out before any of you did.” The leader crossed his arms, cocking his hip, giving Kagome all the more reason to believe he was actually a she. Eye wide, Kaede’s words echoed in her head. You are not human.

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Kagome had managed to slide back into the shadows just as the leader turned back to face her friends, staying hidden behind a large bush. Tension in the air grew heavy as the bandits shuffled their feet, whispering to each other. It seemed his men weren’t comfortable with their leader being a demon. Glancing at Shippo and Kirara, she hoped they wouldn’t kill them.

“You are correct, I am not human.” he smiled, stepping in front of Miroku, bringing his long, manicured finger to rest under his chin. 

“Boss,” the same man who dared to step up before spoke again, his eyes wide with fright, “uh, you aren’t human?”

Sighing, he released his touch on Miroku and pinched the bridge of his nose. Placing a hand on the bark, next to Miroku’s head, he glanced over his shoulder and back at his group.

“Do we have a problem?”

“We just ain’t comfortable with demons.” he answered, his voice trailing off as he shuffled from foot to foot. “We already took care of the littles ones.” pointing his thumb at the ground nearby.

“Then I have decided you have no more use for me.” He stated.

Before Kagome could blink, the small clearing filled with hazy black smoke followed by the sound of a whip connecting with flesh. Forgoing her plan of throwing up a barrier around her friends, untying them and then defeating the bandits, she slowly pulled an arrow from her quiver, pulling the string taut.

A few silent, tense moments passed and Kagome watched with watery eyes as the smoke cleared, and the clearing now littered with headless bandits and torches barely lit. She could hear coughing from her friends and villagers and swallowed, ignoring the charcoal taste in her mouth. She froze as the leader held a long, leather whip dripping with blood, smiling wide. I have to do something now.

“Now, where were we? Ah, yes, that power of yours is making my mouth water.” His black eyes filled with lust and greed. Kagome slowly stood, keeping her readied weapon low, and inched her way forward as branches scraped her legs.

“Kagome, run!” Inuyasha whispered, his brown eyes darting around him. The man took another step, just feet away from Miroku and Kagome raised her bow, steadying her shaky hands. Taking a deep breath, she waited until the man moved closer, infusing power into her arrow.

“Hit the mark!” She whispered, the arrow glowing bright as it sailed through the air. Shielding her eyes as pink light covered the clearing, snuffing out the last of the torches. A feminine laugh filled the air and Kagome couldn’t stop the shiver that crawled up her spine.

Putting her hands out, feeling for any of the tree trunks her friends were tied to, she sighed when she felt rough bark. The laughing grew louder, almost shrill in her ears as it echoed off the forest walls.

“Kagome?” Sango whispered and she realized she was standing right next to her.

“I’m okay. Can you see anything?” She moved closer, feeling for the rope that bound her friends. 

“Not at all. Please be careful.” 

Kagome nodded, even though she knew no one could see her. With shaking hands, she tried to untie the ropes, hissing as the ropes burned her fingers. The laughing stopped, silence filled the clearing, making Kagome pause in her rescue.

One by one, the torches burned new, their flames high as her heart pounded in her chest. Looking around, she breathed a sigh of relief when she spotted Kaede tending to the villagers and her friends still alive. Desperately trying to untie Sango, she shivered when an evil aura crossed hers. Kagome gasped as a cloaked, hooded, feminine figure stepped out from between two torches, her fangs white against her bright red lips.

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“It seems we have a hero among us.” The woman spoke, lowering her hood to reveal two small red horns protruding out from her midnight black hair. Kagome stepped out from behind the tree, gripping her bow tight as she heard Inuyasha yelling her way. 

The woman began to slowly circle the clearing, the torches’ flames rising as she passed them, making Kagome spin every few seconds to keep her in her sight. She’s a succubus.

The soul sucking demon wore a tight leather bodysuit, similar to Sango’s demon slaying uniform, her boots higher than any Kagome had ever seen. She carried the whip in her right hand, each claw with long red nails and Kagome wondered if she was related to the devil himself

“It seems we are in need of introductions and more importantly, some manners.” The woman spoke again, her black eyes void of emotion as she removed her cloak. “My name is Lillith. What’s yours, gorgeous?”

“Kagome.” She hissed through clench jaws and her body tense. Catching Inuyasha’s gaze, he shook his head at her, his brow furrowed as he struggled against his bindings. Lilith caught their interaction and glanced over her shoulder at Inuyasha, her smile growing wider. 

“Ah, young love. Maybe this one is more desirable than I realized.” She unrolled her whip, her hips swaying as she glided over to Inuyasha and stroked his cheek gently. 

“Don’t you dare touch him.” Kagome snarled, imitating her favorite hanyou. He struggled, pulling away from Lillith’s hand as best as he could. Kagome kept her gaze on them, slowly backing closer to Kaede and the rest of the villagers.

“Kaede, is everyone alright?” She whispered as Lillith toyed with Inuyasha’s hair, ignoring her for the moment. 

“Yes. Kagome, I believe only your pure spiritual power can defeat a succubus. If she manages to take your soul, none of us will have a chance.” Kaede explained.

Kagome nodded, watching Lillith dig her nail into Inuyasha’s cheek, drawing blood. Licking the liquid off her finger, she hummed her approval. Feeling her anger begin to rise, she stepped closer to Lillith, bringing her bow and arrow up to shoot.

“Ah, you have youki in your blood. Tastes delicious and your soul? It seems to desire someone it cannot have. How sad.”

Assuming she was talking about Kikyo, she ignored her heartache and glared at the succubus, bringing her power forward. If it's a pure soul she wants, a pure soul she’s going to get.

Chapter Text

Kagome released her arrow, making sure to keep her purifying power away from Inuyasha and smiled when it impaled the succubus’s shoulder, making her cry out in pain. Lilith snarled, leaping away from a wide eyed Inuyasha and faced her, her black eyes swirling with fury. Kagome could see the anger rolling off her in waves and grabbed another arrow, pushing past her fears.

“You bitch!” She hissed.

“I told you not to touch him.” Kagome warned again, pulling her bow tight, ready to shoot as adrenaline pulsed through her veins.

“I must say,” Lilith pursed her lips as she slowly pulled the arrow from her shoulder and snapped it in half. “Your spirit is riveting. I wonder how delicious a soul is to create that kind of power.”

Lilith slowly began to step towards her, licking her fangs. Watching her every move, Kagome moved as she did, her steps faltering a bit when Lillith suddenly appeared before her. Frozen in fear, she stared as the succubus pointed her chin up to see her face better in the light, her long nails grazing her skin.

“You have such beautiful features. I’m sure men fawn over you quite a bit, little one. It would be such a shame if you were no longer of this world.” She turned her chin to admire the other side and Kagome involuntarily blushed at the unwanted attention.

 “Now that I’m closer, I can feel the power that resides in your soul. You are indeed a magnificent woman. And you will be mine.”

Before Kagome could react, Lilith knocked her bow from her hands, the wood clacking to the ground and spun her around, her quiver falling off her shoulder. Facing Inuyasha, she met his wide eyes and she wished in that instant that they were golden. He began to call out her name, using all the strength he had to get out of his bindings, but it was no use. Lilith grabbed her high ponytail, yanking her head to the side and bared her neck for the whole world to see.

She dragged her tongue along Kagome’s skin, licked her lips and hummed her approval. Bracing for the pain she knew was coming, Kagome shoved back against her, pushing hard. Feeling the sharp point of her dagger dig into her behind, she gasped as Lillith’s fangs sank in.

“Kagome, no! You fucking bitch, let her go!” Inuyasha hollered, snarling. She could faintly hear her friends calling out for her as the blood pounded in her ears, her energy slowly draining from her body. 

Reaching around, she grabbed the small handle, infused her spiritual power and slammed her dagger back into Lillith’s gut.

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Staggering away as Lillith’s screamed in pain, she held her hand up to her neck to keep for bleeding out. Black dots littered her vision and she tried to stay up right as Lillith’s slowly pulled the dagger from her abdomen and the flames around them began to rise higher than before. 

Lilith looked up and Kagome could’ve sworn the horns on her head grew larger. In fact, she realized her whole body was expanding. Blinking, she tried to focus on what was happening, watching as Lillth’s black wings spread out, blocking her view of Kaede and the villagers.

“Shit.” She muttered, her eyes darting around to grab anything to use for defense. Spotting her dagger beneath Lillith’s feet and her bow just feet away from her, she braced herself, trying to remember everything Sango had been teaching her about self defense.

“I’m going to suck the soul from your body and take pleasure in making your beloved watch.” Lilith threatened and spat blood on the dirt.

“Over my dead body.” Kagome glared. As Lilith’s wings began to slowly flap, she rose into the air, her feet hovering a couple of feet off the ground.

Kagome felt her strength slowly returning and shook her head, trying to push past the dizziness. All of a sudden, Lilith leapt forward, her claws stretched out and Kagome braced for the pain. Grunting as the succubus’ body collided with hers, she felt her body lift off the ground and cried out as claws dug into her arms.

Bringing her knee up, she dug it into her gut, exactly where the dagger had stabbed her earlier. She heard Lillith cry out and release her. Gasping out as her back collided with damp earth and she caught her breath just as the demon landed on top of her, bringing her wings in to surround them. She could hear yelling and glanced over to see Kaede run towards her with her own bow.

“Kaede, no!” She called out right as Lillith used her right wing to tossed Kaede back into the group of villagers. Pushing her pain away as her anger surfaced, Kagome grit her teeth and used all her strength to push the winged bitch off of her. Failing to push her completely off, they rolled and tumbled, pulling and yanking at each other’s clothing and hair. 

Her arms stung as Lillith’s claws sliced her skin and cried out when she used her heel to dig into her thigh. Lilith flipped them over once more and Kagome felt something hard poking her in the back. Using her free hand as the other was currently holding Lillith’s jaws from biting her neck, she frantically searched under her, grabbing a lone arrow.

Eyes widening in realization, she gripped the thin wood as Lillith dug her claws across Kagome’s collarbone. Focusing as best as she could with a soul sucking succubus demon on top of her, trying to devour her soul, she put every last bit of her strength and power into her arrow and raised her hand high.

Pushing past the excruciating pain, she slammed down her arrow right into Lillith’s chest as a blinding light surrounded them both. Kagome heard her scream, the sound ringing in her ears and let go of her arrow, placing her hands on the demon’s chest. Shoving her off, she backed away on her hands as Lilith continued to scream and beams of pink lights protruding from all over her body.

Kagome watched horrified as Lillith’s body writhed in pain, her screams seared into her memory as she slowly began to purify. Breathing heavily, Kagome didn’t wait as she stood, staggering to her feet. She pushed herself, coming close to her friend as she hastily began to untie her ropes.

“Kagome, take a deep breath.” Sango soothed her as she loosened the bindings, her chest heaving with pain as she took each breath. Kagome nodded, looking over Sango’s shoulder as Lillith’s body continued to seize on the ground. Suddenly the screaming stopped and Kagome froze, just Sango was free.

“Go untie the others, I’ve got to finish what I started.” Kagome commanded and ran to her bow, grabbing a fallen arrow, as Lilith rose unsteadily, her body holding on by a thread. Raising her weapon, she aimed, releasing one last arrow, the tip engulfed in pink.

“Hit the mark!” She hollered as the arrow struck true, right into Lilith’s heart. A loud explosion tossed Kagome on her back. Blinking as black dust fell from the sky and as she gasped for air, she heard Inuyasha calling out her name. 

“Kagome! Kagome! Can you hear me?! Answer me, dammit!” his muffled voice came from her left and she slowly turned her head to see him dropping to his knees, his eyes filled with care. Grunting, she tried to lift herself and smiled faintly when she felt his large hands on her back, helping her to sit up.

“Kagome?” Sango came running up with a limp Kirara in her arms, staring at her in concern as well. Miroku soon joined, holding an unconscious Shippo. She leaned in Inuyasha’s hold, closing her eyes.

“I think she’s used up all of her energy. She must be exhausted.” Kaede spoke low and Kagome felt a warm hand on her forehead. “Come, let’s get her to my home so she can rest.”

She felt her body being lifted from the ground and sighed as she sank into a deep sleep, hearing Inuyasha muttering close.

“I’ve got you.”

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Kagome groaned as the sunlight streamed through Kaede’s small window. She slowly blinked, her blue eyes squinting as she glanced around the room. Besides the hanyou pretending to sleep near her head, Kaede’s hut was empty. Focusing on her favorite person, she licked her lips, as his ears flickered.

“I know you’re awake.” She croaked, her throat dry.

“I didn’t wanna disturb you.” Inuyasha opened his golden eyes, arching his brow at her.

“Can you help me sit up? I’m thirsty.” She whispered, licking her lips again. He nodded silently and she could feel his emotion. After he helped her sit up and drink the small cup full of water, he settled next to her, crossing his arms as his legs shook up and down.

“You’re mad.” she sighed, twiddling her fingers in her lap. She was currently wrapped in the fire rat robe, her jean shorts sticking out from underneath and she realized just how dirty she was. Wrinkling her nose, she pushed her long hair off her shoulders and waited for him to speak.

“Damn straight I’m mad. You put yourself in danger and I,” he faltered, his ears lowering beneath his hair. “I couldn’t do anything, but stand there and watch. You could’ve died and I can’t lose you, Kagome.”

Surprised at his confession, she was instantaneously swept up in his arm and sitting snug in his lap as he wrapped his white clad arms around her, his chin nestled on her head. She leaned back, her muscle still sore as she sighed, moving to get more comfortable.

“I had to save you. I couldn’t let anything happen to you.” 

“I know. I guess I should just accept that you can handle some of your own battles. I just wish you would let me help.”

“Inuyasha,” she laughed, doing her best to face him as she ignored her aching body and draped her legs over his thigh. She felt his thumb slowly caress her back and she leaned her head against his shoulder. “I don’t want to be a burden to anyone. I want to do my part in fighting against Naraku.”

“Kagome, look at me.” 

She kept her gaze down, biting her lip because she knew he was going to reprimand her and when he lifted his finger under her chin, she brought her gaze to his. He smiled softly, giving her a private smile and he brushed a lock behind her ear.

“You are not a burden to anyone. A pain in the ass sometimes, but never a burden.”

“Promise?” she whispered.

“Promise. You have such a kind, pure soul. I doubt anyone will ever doubt your strength or power after last night.” he leaned forward, chuckling, bringing his forehead against hers. “I guess I should thank you for saving us.”

“You’re welcome.” She giggled, smiling up at him.

“Oi, ya cheeky wench. Come on, let’s go see everyone else. They’ve been worried about you and the villagers wanna thank you as well.” he tapped her nose, shaking his head. She laughed loudly, grabbing his hand as he helped her stand, heading out to meet their friends.