Ice and Snow, Mind and Heart

Chapter 39: Defining Weakness

"Did he-?" Kagome began, before they all yelped as even more demons began to flood out of the demon's body.

"It's useless!" The demon cackled, as Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed. "That sword is consumed by sheer anger and hatred! To those of us who thirst for blood, that sword revitalizes us!"

Sesshomaru grit his teeth as he lifted Tokijin while Yuki's eyes narrowed as the demon laughed: "You cannot destroy us! That sword only gives us power!"

"Yeah, but mine doesn't!"

Sesshomaru glanced back before ducking as Yuki leapt at them, her arms drawn up to her face as she held her long knives parallel to her face while she kept her eyes fixed on the demon. On Sara.

"This is for using her feelings and taking advantage of a woman's pure wish!" Yuki snarled before she swung her swords powerfully: "Winter Blaze!"

Sara looked up at Yuki, looking at her for the first time as the demon growled while it released more demons in Yuki's direction to stop her attack, forcing Yuki's blades to cut them down instead before it could reach the main demon. But one blade got through from her surprise attack, and the demon snarled as the blue-ish blade sliced through its arm and caused it to drop Tetsusaiga by Sesshomaru's side.

Sesshomaru glanced at the sword as the main demon screeched at Yuki: "You will pay for that, wench! Die!"

Yuki's jaw clenched as the demon released another onslaught at her, Sara's spirit closing her eyes dejectedly and a tear glistening on her ghostly cheek.

"Yuki!" Kagome cried in horror, while Miroku gasped, reaching for his beaded rosary once more: "Yuki!"

"No, you might suck her in!" Sango argued, stopping the monk, while Inuyasha started a late dash towards his foster-sister as he shouted: "Yuki, move!"

"Yeah, thanks for the advice!" She yelled back sarcastically as she ducked the first attack, landing safely on the ground; but the demons were rearing up into the air to come crashing down at her, and she was trapped.

"Yuki-!" Inuyasha began, when Sesshomaru ordered sharply: "Yuki, get down!"

She glanced over in confusion before her eyes widened and she threw herself flat on the ground just as Sesshomaru grabbed Tetsusaiga.

"What?" Inuyasha gasped, screeching to a halt as he stared in shock at the sight before him while bright light and flashes of energy sparked off of the Tetsusaiga and Sesshomaru as the sword burned the full-blooded demon.

But Sesshomaru paid it no heed as he drew the sword, requesting mentally: 'Tetsusaiga. You who can destroy a hundred demons in a single stroke; lend me your power!'

He lifted the huge sword, ignoring the searing burning in his hand as he swung the Tetsusaiga, and released its ultimate attack.

Yuki lifted her hands above her head, pressing herself against the ground and squeezing her eyes shut as the Wind Scar flew above her and hit every single one of the demons that had come her way... and more.

"Impossible!" The main demon shrieked as the wind scar blew through all hundred demons around Yuki and moved on, hitting the main demon right in the face.

"AAAAHHHH!" It screamed, while Sara's eyes opened and she looked right at Sesshomaru.

"I'm so sorry for my weakness." She murmured, genuine regret in her tone, before looking at Yuki once more.

"Forgive me." She repeated, another tear slipping out from her dark charcoal-coloured eyes. "Please, forgive me... and thank you."

And she closed her eyes forever as she – along with the demon – was destroyed.