The Snow Angel by SunsetMiko

The Witch

Chapter 118 - The Witch *Black Tears* (Stella's Soundtrack Challenge)

They would make it to the palace in two more days if they continued at their current pace, and Sesshoumaru was losing his patience. He was certain the witch was hiding in the West, but Shippo had yet to sense a hint of the aura of her magic. Was she somewhere on the outskirts? If she were though, wouldn't the kitsune have sensed her as they traveled around the border finding spell bags?

He needed to eliminate that witch. She had conspired against him to steal his lands, and she was responsible for Kagome's temporary death. He had no idea the witch had sent the dragons that attacked them and killed his sweet angel, but it was her barrier that had made him unable to save her. That was enough. Kagome would never be truly safe so long as a witch of her obvious power survived and remained his enemy. He needed to kill her, not only for revenge, but also for his own peace of mind.

As if reacting to his thoughts, Shippo suddenly froze. The little kitsune's head whipped to the side, his face a mask of concentration. When he turned fully and began to walk, Sesshoumaru was instantly at his side.

"Do you sense something, Shippo?" the taiyoukai asked.

"Yeah, but it's weak still. This way," he said while pointing in the direction he was walking.

Sesshoumaru's lips quirked up in a devious, deadly smirk, pleased they had a heading. The predator in him took over. It was time to hunt down his prey. He scooped the kit up and placed him on his unarmored shoulder, stalking in the direction Shippo indicated. Everyone followed in silence, not wanting to interrupt the very determined demon.

Inuyasha wrapped an arm around Kagome's shoulder, now assured that his older brother would not skin him alive for touching her. "You stay with me, wench. This is gonna get messy."

The miko sighed but nodded. "Yeah, I've had enough black magic to last me a lifetime."

Little did Kagome know that the witch was waiting, everything but the final ingredient added to her spell. She could feel them approaching, heading right for her this time, and though she shook with nervousness she fought to keep her composure.

Migotoyami leaned over the bubbling cauldron, ignoring the sweltering heat, and pictured her own death. When that failed, she pinched herself as close to her eye as she dared. One black tear rolled slowly down her cheek and dripped into the boiling liquid. Bright white light exploded in the darkness, and she cursed as she quickly turned away, shielding her face. Once the light dimmed, she turned back to her work, a wicked smile on her face. It was ready and now, so was she.