Chapter 26 | Answer

- KYOKO POV -

"Sess ... homaru ..."

Walking towards me, Sesshomaru stopped in front of the barrier. Raising up his sword, he swung it, making a crack upon the barrier.

Feeling my eyes widen I moved up towards him, reaching out to stop him. I then pulled back as he then turned to face me. His eyes held distain and anger.

What is he doing?! Watching more cracks form as Sesshomaru continued to attack it, I then grabbed a talisman from my side. I can't let the barrier go down!

Converting spiritual energy towards the barrier, the cracks that had begun to form, slowly went away. Stopping his barrage of attacks, he faced towards me, but I didn't stop. As I gave the talisman spiritual energy continually, a hand grabbed my wrist, squeezing it tightly. Wincing, I then met Sesshomaru's eyes. They were fierce and focused. They were no longer the pools of bright sunset.

"Step aside Priestess."

His voice sounded harsh and demanding, similar to the first time I met him. Struggling my wrist free, I grabbed it, rubbing were he had now made a mark.

"You know I can't do that." I said now glaring at him. Doing the same towards me, our heated stares intensified.

"Lord Sesshomaru!!"

Turing towards the voice, I looked down to the bottom steps of the shrine. There, with A -Un, was Jaken. As he came towards us, stumbling, I turned my attention back to the barrier, ignoring his new presence.

Preparing to strengthen the barrier again, I stopped, lowering the paper talisman. I trembled at the new demonic auras behind me. Glancing back, I found that a swarm of demons were surrounding us, hovering in the air a distances away. They must be attracted to the Muranagas aura ...

"Weak Priestess! Why is the Muranaga unsealed? I thought you were constantly giving it your spiritual energy?!" Jaken shrieked.

I was ... why did the seals break? Did the seals wear off? Questions ran through my mind as I stepped backwards. I don't have my bow. I don't think I have enough talismans to fight all these demons off. I don't know -

Startling me, Sesshomaru stepped in front of me, his back facing me.

"Bakusaiga."

With one move of his sword, light scattered arrows the sky, engulfing the demons who came into contact with it. They disintegrated instantly and in agony, as their cries of pain filled the air.

His sword ... is already so powerful. Why does he need the Muranaga? ... now's not the time to question him, I need to get the Muranaga under control.

Bringing out another talisman, I chanted. I don't think I have enough spiritual energy to purify the miasma ... but this is my only chance since Sesshomaru's distracted. Holding up the paper talisman towards the barrier, bright purple light sprang forth, consuming the demonic energy. Watching the miasma disappear within the barrier, the shrine became in clear view. The cracks that had been inflicted ... were now repaired.

Stumbling back, I started to lose my balance; my vision becoming hazy. Falling on one knee, my breathing became fast and uneven. I overdid it again ...

" Why you stupid priestess! Why did you do that?! Foolish!" Jaken said, his muffled voice barley catching my ringing ears. Grabbing my head, it throbbed like a heartbeat, pain circling in my chest back and forth.

I was already not feeling well due to being in the rain, now this? Trying to calm my breathing down, Jakens voice became a panic.

" Oh please forgive Lord Sesshomaru! I am deeply sorry for whatever offense I may have caused! Oh please don't be angry!!"

Silence came soon after ... until it didn't.

"Priestess, tell me, the name Tatsumori; have you heard of it?"

My world seemed to stop at that moment. The night grew darker, no longer brightened by the moon.

Tatsumori ...?

Calming down my uneven breath, I then chuckled, feeling something warm drip down from my nose. Wiping it, the crimson color stained my pale hand.

"Yes ... I have ..."

Pushing off my knee, I helped myself up, still losing my balance.

"If I were to tell you that I know ... where he is ... are you ... going to kill him?"