Sakura's eyes flickered with light.
The pale-blue Demonic Power around her was rapidly changing.
From a gentle glow, it turned into a restless, uneasy crimson that looked ready to erupt at any moment.
Demonic Power burned over her like flames.
The Qinglan Sword trembled violently in her hand, letting out a buzzing hum.
"Sister!"
Saku rushed down from the edge of the altar.
Inuyasha stopped her with one hand.
"Don't go over there."
"But Sister, she's..."
"I know."
Inuyasha tightened his grip on the Red Fang Blade, and the crimson markings along the blade burst into a blaze of scorching light.
He stood in front of Saku, facing the sister who was already on the verge of not even recognizing who he was.
Sakura charged at him.
She was so fast that Inuyasha could only raise his blade sideways to block.
Clang!
The sound of metal colliding exploded across the wasteland.
Inuyasha was sent flying more than a dozen meters, his back slamming heavily into a stone pillar as a sweet, metallic taste surged into his mouth.
"Sister... it's me..."
Sakura didn't hear him.
She was no longer Sakura.
At least, not in that moment.
She stood at the center of the altar, black Demonic Power burning over her like flames. There was no emotion in those crimson eyes, only cold, pure killing intent.
Kikyo knelt at the edge of the altar, the hollow feeling of exhausted Spiritual Power filling her entire body.
She didn't even have the strength to stand, but her hand tightened around the Charm at her waist.
The Charm was burning hot.
The Charm Chiyo had given her was heating violently in her palm, beating like a heart.
Kikyo whispered.
"Help her..."
The Charm lit up.
Blinding white light surged out between Kikyo's fingers, spreading in