InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ It's my Life ❯ Rumbling ( Chapter 33 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha. Rumiko Takahashi does. Any original characters that pop up, yes those are mine, but everyone else is again owned by Rumiko Takahashi.



The kit’s high pitched screaming as they streaked through the air was grating on the nerves and disrupting his concentration, causing his youki to waver slightly. A hand over the mouth muffled the sound but did little to actually cease it.

A pinched closed nose rectified that.

Oh it took a few moments, but once the lungs were empty, and no re-supply was found, the sound did stop. Granted yes there was a bit of panicking. Weak little claws pawing at his flesh…but once it grew weaker Sesshomaru did release the child.

Panting was preferred to the screams…but then the talking started.

“We’re gonna die!” Shippo cried out, his voice bouncing around inside Sesshomaru’s bubble.

Nonsense….while Sesshomaru had never pushed himself this hard to go this fast there was nothing to worry about. Anything they were likely to hit up here would simply crumble before his power…and there were no mountains to bounce off of.

He knew where Inuyasha had been headed…the village near the tree that he had been sealed to. Though  why Inuyasha continued to return to such a place was beyond him. But he knew the way all the same.

But what he didn’t know was how far Inuyasha had managed to get in what…a near two days travel? That was what the kit was for…

“Concentrate child.” He barked.  “We do not wish to overshoot our destination. You know where we must stop, where you were. It is that place that this Sesshomaru needs to know.”

“Everything is a big green blur!” The kit cried out.

That was true…but he couldn’t slow down, not even if he wanted to. He highly doubted his youki would allow him to do so. As it was it was still screaming bloody murder. No coherent words. Just varying degrees of shrieks.

Unfortunately its source he could not suffocate.

His tiny link with Inuyasha was far too weak for him to even attempt to use to gain any information about his whereabouts or well being. Even the small pulse that had come from Nefrume’s attack was impossible. They had been apart for far too long, and had not replenished the connection at all.

All he could do right now was press forward. So…that is what he did.

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M iroku started at the spot where Sesshomaru had been. One blink and the demon Lord had been standing in from of him. Another and he was little more then a bright dot disappearing over the horizon. How could anything move that fast?

His ears were still ringing from the strange, thunderous boom that had shook the walls seconds after Sesshomaru had disappeared as it was.

“Move! Move!” Miroku heard someone hollering from down the hall where many of the demons were shuffling down. “Healer a’ coming through!”

Moments later a skinny, young looking, green haired boy came bursting through, sliding across the floor as he came to a stop.

“You people know that Daigon is on the other side of the castle! There is no reason to pull that hard! That bell is loud you know!”

Miroku had no idea who this teen was or what he was yelling about. Nor what the big bag on his back was for.

The youth looked back and forth, scanning the room.

“This one hardly sees any blood…what is the meaning of this? If you people have been screwing with the ropes again….rawr….you’ll regret it! What’s the damn emergency!?”

“Um…” Miroku fumbled.

The boy turned his gaze upon him…and his eyes were unlike any Miroku had seen before.

“Yes human?” The youth’s voice was different then the rest of the demons…or any demon Miroku had ever heard. It ebbed and flowed like something carried on the winds…and his eyes churned like storm clouds. Bizarre….but Miroku pushed it aside. There was an emergency after all.

“I believe that Sesshomaru may have…summoned you. Inuyasha is in grave danger…he…he may no longer live.”

“What?!”

Miroku did his best to explain the events as he had experienced them, drawing up every detail he could think of and when he had finished the boy’s face was a mixture of anger and concern.

“That stupid, bullheaded….does no one ever listen to Daigon?!”
Miroku wasn’t sure if this boy, Daigon apparently, was referring to Inuyasha or Sesshomaru…perhaps both.

“Uh….”

“Never mind!” Daigon interrupted. “Which way?”

Miroku pointed off in the direction Sesshomaru exploded off to.

“But I don’t see-” Miroku started.

Daigon shimmered for a moment, before his body faded into the very air around them…and then  he was gone in a sudden whoosh.

“Was everyone other then humans gifted with some form of flight?” Miroku wondered allowed.

They needed to follow of course, Miroku certainly wouldn’t rest on his laurels while Inuyasha was in mortal peril. Not to mention he didn’t exactly feel safe in a castle full of demons who had already tried to turn him into paste.

His eyes fell to Kirara and hers narrowed with a growl.

“I understand you are tired. But you are the only one who can. For this humble monk can not fly you see.” From that he could swear that she rolled her eyes and huffed. “Inuyasha and Sango may need us you know.”

He never really had any doubt that the neko wouldn’t refuse, but he did feel the need to point it out. The next thing he knew he was being charged, knocked up onto a back and then airborne.

Despite the turmoil and bloodshed that had defined their short visit they had seemingly made progress.

“Hang on Inuyasha.” Miroku thought. “Help is on the way.”

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Inuyasha tried to keep his eyes, or at least one eye, on Naraku. But the slimy bastard knew that he had a giant blind spot…and made sure to stand right in it.

“So what the fuck do you want shit-brains?” Inuyasha growled with a confidence that he didn’t have. Naraku clicked his tongue and a second later Inuyasha’s back exploded with pain.

It was sharp, quick, and he could feel his flesh tear. A whip of some kind no doubt….Inuyasha knew quite well what it was like to taste the lash. But this one left him trembling in agony and struggling not to pass out.

“Is that any way to treat your savior?” Naraku cooed.

Inuyasha could feel the bastard somewhere behind him, but made no effort to try and look at him. He felt weaker then a baby, weaker then he ever had on any one of his human nights. So the only way he could fight was to not give the slime whatever it was that he wanted.

And what that was, was his fear no doubt.

Unfortunately for his wishes….he was already frightened. He still wasn’t sure whether he was alive or dead. Alive with the real Naraku or dead in hell with a doppelganger made just for him.

His only hope, if he could even call it that, was that he was alive and that Naraku’s senses weren’t up to picking up whatever was coming off of him.

“You were dead freak.” Naraku purred. “Were it not for me you would be little more then a corpse for the worms right now.”

Inuyasha tried to digest that…and he wondered if that explained the horrid taste in his mouth, along with the burning in his throat and belly. His heart felt all fucked up, but that wasn’t exactly new. But still….if the bastard was telling the truth, and that was a big stretch as it was, and he had died…then maybe that warmth he had felt was real.

It galled him to no end, the thought that Naraku would be the one to end him. But if there really was a respite at the end of all of this, a reward of some kind. Then…well he could take it.

Kagome had once said that in her time there were people who said that there was nothing after death. Fuck…that was almost as bad as hell. He had always hated people who referred to the dead as “finally at rest.” It was bullshit really.

“Wanted me to kick you’re ass again that badly eh?” Inuyasha forced out, his voice wet and thick.

The whip came down on again, on his legs this time. He nearly cracked a tooth keeping himself from screaming…but he managed it. He could feel blood running down his legs, dripping slowly from the torn flesh.

“A temporary reprieve I’m afraid.” Naraku stated coolly. “You’re not long for this world.”

He was all business as he spoke. No anger, no hate. That actually concern Inuyasha. The last thing he needed was the bastard to get any ideas.

“Nobody lives forever.” Inuyasha countered.

“But I have a solution.” Naraku cooed. A hand landed on Inuyasha’s ass. A cold, clammy hand. Inuyasha couldn’t help but growl a warming, for all the good it would do. “I’m going to take you hanyou.” Naraku growled back. “I’m going to fuck you like the whore you are.”

A thumb ghosted over Inuyasha’s hole, and he tightened up reflexively.

“Go for it.” He snarled. “I’ll clench my ass and rip your fucking dick off.”

Nails dug into his ass, cutting shallow lines as Naraku came around his side. The next thing Inuyasha  knew the slime’s face was right in his. Intimately close…and if he had the strength he would have bitten the fucker’s nose off. He glared into Naraku’s amused eyes, whishing he had any semblance of moisture in his mouth to spit.

“And the best part is…” Naraku purred. “Once I fill you….and unleash my perfect seed…it will course through your weak body, devouring away until you are as empty as a doll. Then it will swell….and then you will be filled with my flesh, my perfection. You will live for me, you will live because of me. And then you will worship. On your knees, on your back. Servicing me like the whore you are.”

Naraku pushed closer, his breath reeking of corruption.

“You shall fight for my glory…and I will enjoy watching you crack that bitch of a miko’s chest open like an egg, and eating her heart like an apple.  I shall watch you squeeze the life from your monk, pull the innards from your slayer and smother that little kitsune shit. But first…”

Naraku stood, raising the jagged lash.

Inuyasha could see chunks of glass and metal intertwined in the leather now. He could see the chunks of himself stuck to them.

The first strike came down…the first…but far from the last.

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As it turned out he hardly needed a guide at all. Sesshomaru was fairly certain that he was in the right place when the first bits of dead forest turned into a putrid swamp of corrupt death. He wrinkled his nose…it went on for miles.
Cutting off his youki temporarily Sesshomaru came to a jarring halt. Up upon his cloud he  surveyed the area. This was undoubtedly where the attack had occurred…but could he discern where Inuyasha had been taken?

It made his heart skip but the brutal truth was that it was highly unlikely. Even with the wind going his way all even his nose could pick up was the putrid scent of Naraku. Going down would bring him closer to a possible trail yes…but everything was covered in decaying pulp.
Gritting his teeth Sesshomaru scanned the area. What his vantage point lacked in scent it made up for in view. His efforts paid off as he caught sight of small moving blobs of color in a small clearing some three miles away from all the carnage. Another pulse of his youki and they were off. He wasn’t sure who it might be, the air was still too vile to smell much of anything. But for their sake having answers to his questions would be a mark in their favor.

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Sesshomaru hit the ground without a sound, the same could not be said of the kit who chose that moment to let out a cry so annoying that Sesshomaru simply dropped him on his face. He had realized that the group was in fact Inuyasha’s two women along with a battered looking Alir and Tren. The miko turned when the kit made his useless noise, and let out a surprised shriek that had not benefit whatsoever at the sight of Sesshomaru.

The demon Lord rolled his eyes. Had he desired their deaths they would have just now realized they were dead. Humans…so much pointless noise.

Tren and Alir stiffened when they laid eyes upon him, no doubt expecting some sort of brutal punishment. However there was precious little time for that, and judging from their appearance, Tren was bloody all over and Alir clearly had a few broken bones, he could tell that they had not failed due to a lack of effort.

“Report.” Sesshomaru demanded curtly.

He took a step forward and swooned, nearly falling on his face before he was able to catch himself. It was a surprise to be sure…clearly he had used much more of his reserved then he thought to fuel his flight.

No matter…it had taken minutes to achieve what should have taken days.

“Milord?” Tren questioned gently, obviously concerned about Sesshomaru’s near face-plant.

“Report.” Sesshomaru repeated, shaking what little fuzz he felt loose.

“No sign of Lord Inuyasha.” Alir stated, correctly assuming that Sesshomaru had already been brought up to speed. Good…that saved time. “However this Miko claims to have sensed Shikon jewel shards. With no other viable leads…we’ve been forced to follow.”

Sesshomaru turned his gaze to the miko and raised a curious eyebrow.

“I did!” She exclaimed. “It was only for like a minute or so but I did! And no one other then Naraku has that many!”
Sesshomaru pondered that. He remembered the jewel of course. Inuyasha had pursued it decades ago, Kagura had offered him shards as payment, and now Inuyasha had his group searching for them once again. Honestly he had never seen their appeal…power that you had no earned, power that did not come from ones self or ones family….what good was it?

So…this girl could sense them then? Handy…if that were true. Then again as Alir had pointed out it was the only lead they had…and besides…if she was lying he could always flay her alive later.

“Which way?” Sesshomaru inquired.

The girl pointed off into the distance, and Sesshomaru regarded the vagueness of it all. There was no saying that Naraku was where she felt these shards, nor that Inuyasha would be there. But there was little choice. He could pick around the rotten muck for years and find nothing.

There was also a chance that the shards she claimed to have sensed could move so…

“Follow.” Sesshomaru ordered before darting forward, heaving the girl over his shoulder as he burst through the forest so fast it left trailing images behind him.

“Damn…” Alir muttered.

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< br> Miroku had no idea where they were or how long it would take for them to catch up. But he kept quiet. Kirara was obviously struggling, and it would be beyond insane to expect her to be able to match Sesshomaru.

So he kept quiet, not wanting to agitate. Not only because it wouldn’t help, but also because agitating tended to land ones self a good throwing off.

He just hoped that they would not be too late to be of any assistance. But considering how long it had taken them to get to the castle in the first place, which had actually been quite impressive, and now Kirara had the drain of that trip upon her. He couldn’t help but curse Sesshomaru slightly. The demon lord had grabbed Shippo but not him? Surely he would be of more assistance then a child. But then again…Sesshomaru likely didn’t think any of them had any use whatsoever…and Shippo had been the first to report to him in addition to being a demon.

And knowing Sesshomaru to the point that he had come to….he probably thought a demon child was more useful then a human anyway.

Yet even with the worry that they could arrive too later Miroku had to acknowledge the possibility that no matter when they reunited with the others they still might not be able to locate Inuyasha.
The horrible fact was very plain.

How often did they actually find Naraku? And how often was it he who found them? Naraku almost always made his presence known when and where he felt like it. Even with Inuyasha’s nose and Kagome’s ability to sense shards along with his own sensitivities the slime always seemed to get the drop on them.

Could Sesshomaru tip the scales in their favor?

Honestly Miroku didn’t’ have a clue. All he could do at this point was pray.

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What was it with Inuyasha’s group and their constant screaming? First the kit and now the Miko. Sesshomaru could understand a sharp exclamation of surprise from the clearly untrained…but not a constant spiel of sound.  What was the point? What did they hope to achieve?

And did none of them understand even the barebones basics of stealth?

He had no idea as to how Inuyasha had managed to stand it for so long. Then again they had held  him on a leash….and Sesshomaru had witnessed firsthand what that led to.
At this rate if the shards that she claimed to sense moved he would never even know because she wouldn’t stop screaming long enough to inform Sesshomaru of it. He was just about to start putting steady pressure on her ribcage, lack of air would silence her no doubt…and please him at the same time, when everything in himself suddenly screamed out a warning.

He was moving far too fast to actually stop, neither of his feet were actually on the ground at the moment, so the best he could do was pivot to protect his front and the girl. No sooner then he had done so when all his momentum was brought to a bone jarring halt as he slammed full speed into something that had absolutely no give to it.

The force of the impact actually bounced him off, and he could feel things inside of him crack. He could not hope to maintain his grip on the miko as he stumbled forward, leaving him with little choice other then to drop her. The sound of her grunting impact with the ground would have been amusing if not for the fact that his lungs had been forcefully emptied of any traces of air.

He had not had the wind truly knocked out of him since his training days, Inu-Taisho had held very little back even then.

Careless….he was being far too careless.

Expending far too much energy to accomplish routine acts, rushing in with nothing more then haste and panic. It was extremely unlike him….but then again he had never been in such a situation before…and he had certainly never cared so much for a hanyou in past years.

It could have been worse of course. Had he been human he would have been dead already. Granted no mere human could ever hope to move at the speed he had been but…oh the hell with it.

“Jerk!” The miko spat, holding a small bump on her forehead. “What’s the big idea?”

Sesshomaru paid her no mind. Never mind the fact that his backbone and maybe a rip or two were almost certainly cracked in more then a few places, or that he could feel warm blood running down the back of his head, staining his clothing and pristine hair. To say nothing of the fact that he had just saved her life instead of allowing her to turn into so much paste to cushion his own, far more important and useful, body form the harm it had just suffered.

Truly….she should have been kissing his feet in gratitude. If only he didn’t have a use for her….

Pushing the thought aside Sesshomaru turned to face the obstacle that he had somehow failed to see. To be honest he was expecting to see some sort of quick spring trap, or at the very least a boulder or mountain. But instead all he saw was empty air…and a forest beyond.

At first Sesshomaru’s slightly concussed brain struggled with the scene in front of him. He had very clearly driven himself into something that had no desire to move so….

But the air shimmered slightly, and it all clicked into place.

“Barrier.” He growled.
As the miko groaned and complained about her landing Sesshomaru studied the space. It took a clever eye but he noticed that he forest in front of him was nothing more then a copy of the forest behind him.

So…not just keeping things out. But actively attempting to hide them as well.

The whole thing screamed of Naraku. Granted he could not smell or sense anything out of place, nothing at all gave away the dark hanyou freak’s presence. But that was exactly it…it was far too perfect, too practiced. Too much of a person who had done this many, MANY times cried out to his eyes. What kind of person would need such utter perfection? One who relied upon it so heavily it had become a crutch.

And who did he know of who held such specializations? Who had been collecting shards of the Shikon jewel that the girl had claimed to sense?

One or the other he could perhaps write off, and give himself a lobotomy while he was at it for being so stupid, but both…well that was just laughably easy.

The girl rose, still bleating like a small animal, and began to march away. That was of course until she walked face first right into the barrier. Which promptly knocked her right back on her ass with a nice thud.

Sesshomaru actively ignored that. As much as he wanted to laugh and enjoy the moment he was far too busy contemplating his options.

He had to get inside, that much was clear. But how? Toku-jin was at his side but it had failed him with Nefrume’s barrier…and this time he took no pleasure in pointing out that Naraku far out-classed her when it came to that.

So if he could not force his way in…what could he do? He highly doubted he could burrow under it, that would be far too obvious.

“….see how you like this!” He caught the tail end of.

A glance to the side revealed the miko with her bow drawn back, arrow at the ready. Right as she was about to release it Sesshomaru threw his hand out, snatching it away.

The girl was not please.

But before she could open her mouth he cut her off with an acidic whisper.

“There is no way of knowing whether your  pitiful little arrow would create anything other then a light and sound show. And in case your feeble mind is unable to grasp the concept….it is extremely unwise to prematurely give away one’s position. Especially when one’s foe possesses a hostage!”

Maybe her little arrow could penetrate Naraku’s barrier, it was possible he supposed. But he wasn’t about to bet Inuyasha’s life upon it. He had little faith in so called human powers, and he certainly didn’t feel anything impressive off the girl-child. He knew well enough what she was. Untrained, unfocused, and one hell of a lousy shot even in the best of times.

Yes there was a chance that Naraku was already aware of them. But there was just as much of a chance that he was not. Or so Sesshomaru hoped.

“Well I don’t see you doing anything Mr. Big shot demon!” Kagome hissed back.

Sesshomaru briefly pondered just how important she really was…not for the first time either. Surely Inuyasha would not mind if he just ended her right now…would he?

The answer to that would have to be surmised at a later date, as a body began to materialize off to his right.

“Omigosh!” The girl exclaimed, fumbling for another arrow before dropping it altogether as Daigon appeared.

The healer did not look pleased, though Sesshomaru was more annoyed by the complete lack of any kind of skill by the miko. How had she possibly survived this long? And was it any wonder that Naraku was so far ahead of Inuyasha’s rag-tag pack? How could they ever achieve any progress? Especially if Inuyasha had to constantly guard the girl…which he clearly had.

“You know…Daigon can remember another foolish Inu who ran off on a rescue mission all by his lonesome. How did that turn out hmmm?” The healer snapped.

Sesshomaru bristled at the comparison to the foolish act by his Father. Clearly Inuyasha was more important then the life so some stupid Human woman and her-…..oh piss.

“Time is of the essence.” Sesshomaru countered.

“Heard that too.” Daigon shot back.

Sesshomaru plaintively ignored the healer. Nagging would not open the way. It never did…and considering how much of it was always thrown his way he certainly wished that JUST ONCE it would hope useful properties.

Just at that moment Alir and Tren came bursting through the trees, followed after a few moments by a very out of breath slayer. Not that the two demons weren’t pulling  for air themselves. The monk had yet to make an appearance, if he even would, but that was hardly surprising. If a sub-creature like the neko could match him then he could hardly save his sibling.

All those assembled could perhaps aid in Inuyasha’s rescue, but they certainly could not force open the barrier. Which at the moment was all that really mattered to him.

“Can you gain entrance Daigon?” Sesshomaru asked.

The healer traveled with the wind, one little crack in a wall and he could still get through. It was Sesshomaru’s hope that the bubble of a barrier possessed some small pathway…if only to let air or light in. But Daigon shook his head.

“All that is sensed within is foul and sour. It is sealed…”

“Inuyasha is the one who breaks them down.” The panting slayer informed. “But sometimes Miroku’s sutras and Kagome’s arrow can do the trick.

“The monk is not here.” Sesshomaru growled, pointing out the obvious. If he had known the human male would have a use he would have grabbed him instead of the kit. “We do not have time to wait.”

“I can still try!” Kagome insisted, stamping her foot. “I’m not just going to sit around while Inuyasha is in danger!”

Under normal circumstances Sesshomaru might have been able to respect that, perhaps even appreciate it. But these were not normal, and for all her concern Sesshomaru knew quite well how she had treated his sibling in the past. Inuyasha thought her to have some sort of mental disorder…and Sesshomaru could see why.

But to the task at hand….Sesshomaru saw no other choice but to try. He could not risk the miko’s arrow failing, as he was almost certain it would, and thus alerting Naraku to their presence. Once so alert he could do who knew what to Inuyasha, or attempt to flee again.

Nor did he have time to wait for the monk to appear so the two of them to try to combine whatever might they had.

There was no other option.

Sesshomaru slid his hand to the side, reaching for the pommel of Inuyasha’s Fang. But as before, so long ago at their Father’s grave, it objected, sparking out against his hand. The sudden pain and force of it batted him away.

“You know that will not work.” Daigon stated. “You cannot wield Tetsusaiga.”

“There is no other choice. I must. I will.” Sesshomaru snapped, more then a little annoyed at the mention of it.

Surely there had to be some provision for this. Surely the blade would allow him access to save its Master. After all…he knew from the experience of wielding the blade with a supplied human arm that it would accept his youki.

The wards his Father had placed upon the weapon only prevented him from physically holding it. But surely Father had thought of this. Surely in defense of Inuyasha himself the might Tetsusaiga would relent….he simply needed to make his intentions known.

The sword began to protest violent as Sesshomaru struggled to close his fingers around its handle. Sparks of energy flared out, ripping at his hand.

“Sesshomaru…” Daigon whispered. “Don’t…”

It took monumental effort, especially considering the simplicity of the act. But he managed to finally close his fingers around the pommel.

“Cease.” Sesshomaru ordered. “Inuyasha is in danger. I require your aid to save him, to protect him.”

As far as Sesshomaru knew there was no spirit residing in the blade. But something had to control the reaction. Some part of his Father left behind. Beyond that Tetsusaiga had been forged from his Father’s own Fangs….surely it would recognize him and his need.

But as he attempted to  draw the blade from its sheath it became even more aggressive. Bolts of power continued to pour out of it, growing larger and stronger with each passing moment. They dug into Sesshomaru’s flesh, and his hand was white hot with pain.

He ignored it, pain was nothing he had not dealt with before, had not been trained to deal with by Inu-Taisho himself.

But it wasn’t easy in the slightest. Few things had managed to truly harm him over the years, especially since his Father was no longer crushing him under the guise of training. But if felt like the sword was literally tearing the flesh off of his bones.

“Sesshomaru.” Daigon repeated, firmer this time. “Stop it at once. You can’t-”

Before Daigon could finish his sentence a blue bolt of Tetsusaiga’s energy lashed out. Time seemed to slow to a crawl for Sesshomaru as it dug into him right under his collar bone. The fabric of his clothing offered little protection, and it easily found his flesh.

It tore into him, and it was almost as if someone was funneling air under his skin. Skin that lifted like a thin plastic bag being filled. Over his shoulder and down his back until with a sharp, blistering crack it blew the skin right off of his back.

The entire thing took little more then a second, and Sesshomaru released Tetsusaiga regardless of his wishes as chunks of flesh and blood, HIS flesh and blood, sprayed behind him.

His eyes went wide as an agony unlike any he remembered since his arm tore through him, and he actually dropped to his knees. He might have even screamed if any air would spare him a moment of its time and actually enter his lungs.

The pain was beyond great, and a new type altogether that he certainly had not prepared for. Inu-Taisho had put him through many tests….but he had never actually flayed the flesh off of his first born.

But above all the pain  was something else entirely. A bubbling, indignant rage.
Father had not planed on this. Either by design ore perhaps the idea had never truly entered his mind in the first place.

It wounded Sesshomaru on a level that had nothing to do with pain or pride.

How could his Father have never thought of a situation where he would perhaps have to wield Tetsusaiga for the benefit of Inuyasha himself? For all the trust that his Father had claimed to have in him all those years gone by…and yet now he knew for a fact that his Father had NEVER intended for him to ever touch his mighty blade.

But why?

He now knew without a shadow of a doubt that their Father had always planned on him taking Inuyasha under his care in the event of his untimely passing.

So why?

It enraged him on a level he had not yet imagined…and dug a hurt so deep that it shook Sesshomaru’s core. As if his state of being had not already been battered enough.

But he forced the thoughts, the feelings, the hurt to his heart, all aside. The thought that perhaps it was all some kind of blithely stupid oversight helped somewhat. As of late the legend of Inu-Taisho had been torn down quite a bit…so perhaps it was possible.

For whatever reason his Father had sealed him off from Tetsusaiga entirely. However…for his own reasons he would have to do so regardless.

So…it was the will of the Inu-Taisho verses the will of the Sesshomaru.

And Sesshomaru had never lost a battle of wills before. He was not about to start now when it truly mattered.

He did not even hear Daigon’s shout of protest as his fingers curled ‘round the sword once more. His rage was multifaceted, it burned for so many reasons now, as did his inner pain. He couldn’t even feel the Fang’s protests in his hand anymore anyway, owing more to damaged nerves then his own skill at blocking it out.

Maybe it was that mix of pain, rage, determination and desperations that finally allowed it. Or maybe it was the tiny piece of Inuyasha’s own soul that resided within him.
Whichever it was Sesshomaru didn’t care.
Despite its agonizing protestations Tetsusaiga finally slid free. Yet it remained untransformed. For all his work, for all his pain, all that showed for it was a rusty, battered looking old sword.

However Sesshomaru already knew he could force it.

More youki from his center, down his arm, through his fingertips and into the blade. With a monumental push it finally gave way and shifted. It did so almost reluctantly, not the smooth pull like when Inuyasha drew it in battle, but never stopped trying to force him away even as it bowed ever so slightly to him.

The Fang itself remained the cold color of steel however, and that wasn’t right. Sesshomaru had  seen Inuyasha tear through barriers before, and when he did so the blade was always a stark crimson.

Yet it wasn’t like his own swords at all. Save for Tenseiga’s power over the dead, the power always came from within him. He chose what to do and then sent it through his weapons. Which amplified his power by mixing with its own.

But Tetsusaiga held its own abilities, which clearly Inuyasha much have activated with his own youki. Sesshomaru could feel the wind scar, could still see it clearly as before, but nothing else.

And the pain was increasing.

At this rate he feared he would actually pass out before he could achieve anything…and that simply would not do.

Perhaps it was like his own Tenseiga…yes…they were twin blades after all.

It wasn’t easy, nothing had been so far, and nothing felt familiar in the slightest. But then…there it was. A clear wish to rip through the barrier. It was simple, brutal, and unquestionably Inuyasha.

However accessing it was not as easy as finding it, which had not been easy in any way, shape, or form, as the sword seemed determined to fight him. Though perhaps it was his own unfamiliarity with the blade that was truly the problem. But the option kept slipping away from him, and he was forced to push even harder just to grasp it.

Then…more energy…and he had to keep pushing just to keep Tetsusaiga in its proper state.

With his arm feeling as if it were about to melt or explode Sesshomaru finally took a swing, putting everything he could manage behind it. His arm rattled painfully at the impact, feeling as if he were striking a wall of solid steel when the blade met barrier…and what was worse is that it began to resist.

For a moment nothing gave, and Sesshomaru’s heart seized in panic. If this did not work then not only did he not possess any other options, but all he would have succeed in doing was damaging and weakening himself.

But then…blessedly he felt Tetsusaiga pulse, and finally slice through the offending obstacle. The entire thing rippled like a bubble, and then imploded with a rush of foul air pouring out. The sound itself was so sharp, and such a blast that Sesshomaru felt his ears crack a little as it tore in.

Tetsusaiga clattered to the ground. He couldn’t even hope to hold on to it any longer. But it didn’t matter…not now. The searing, ungodly pain in his arm, the ache in his ribs, the pained pulse in his back and skull….now of that mattered.

The way was open.

Sesshomaru pushed himself forward until he was brought up short by a solid tugging jolt that he had not felt in centuries.
Something had him by the tail.

Which meant something was dead.

A glance back revealed none other then Daigon, which was surprising on a few levels. But at this point Sesshomaru didn’t even have enough civilized mind to say anything about it. He just barred his teeth in a vicious warning.

But the healer didn’t even blink.

“You two go.” Daigon ordered, not even sparing a glance at Tren and Alir as he did so. “Find Inuyasha.”

The two glanced at Sesshomaru, but obeyed all the same, dashing off into the now open area.

Sesshomaru snapped his tail, and even his youkai was rather surprised when Daigon was able to hold firm. A rumbling, stony growl tore out of his throat in response. The only thing that was sparing the healer was the fact that deep down in his mind Sesshomaru still had enough to realize his worth towards Inuyasha’s health.

“Silence the grumbling.” Daigon growled as he inched closer to  Sesshomaru. “Just give the arm.”
Sesshomaru glanced at the limb in question. The skin was shredded and blackened in places, and he could see his raw flesh where no skin remained.

So what?

Inuyasha was in danger, he didn’t have time to worry about petty wounds. But in the time it had taken him to appraise his injury Daigon had closed the gap. He released Sesshomaru’s tail and in a lightning fast lunge took hold of his arm instead.

That hurt more then it had all by itself, and Sesshomaru growled another warning, lunging forward to snap his teeth in Daigon’s face.

Again the healer was unfazed, and again a firm tug did not free him.

Before he knew it Daigon had produced a jar from somewhere. Sesshomaru didn’t have a clue what the thickish, clear fluid was. But it tingled sharply as the healer slathered his entire arm with it. From his shoulder to his claw tips, in between his fingers and inside his elbow, Daigon didn’t miss an inch. Down his back and across his neck, wherever there were wounds…Daigon went.

Sesshomaru could feel it seeping into the rips and gouges in his flesh. He didn’t exactly like the way it felt but he didn’t want to tear into his arm further to wipe it clean. As it was he was locked in battle with his hysterically screaming youkai. Which took up enough of his time and mental faculties that unless Daigon did something life threatening he wasn’t likely to notice.

The cool fluid drove back the pain, which in turn allowed Sesshomaru a little more leverage with his bestial half. Pain always wound his youkai up. But his attention was drawn back to his arm, where the healer was now winding some sort of thick white cotton.

Soon his entire arm  was wrapped tight, and he wrinkled his nose at the combined scent of his own blood, and whatever Daigon had drenched him in. The healer never released Sesshomaru’s arm as he apply some type of bandage to the tattered slab that was Sesshomaru’s back.

The whole ordeal had taken little more then a full minute, but the moment Daigon released him, which kept him from having to force the end result, thus impacting Inuyasha’s own future treatment, Sesshomaru was gone from sight.

“There is a difference between speed and haste dear boy.” Daigon muttered to no one.

The two women had left moments after Tren and Alir, which left him all alone. Daigon sighed.

“Busy, busy, busy.”

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Naraku could barely contain his amusement. This day had just been far too perfect. The object of his long annoyance and hatred was now firmly within his grasp. He could do whatever he pleased…and he had.

He had whipped the stupid mutt half to death. Left him bloody and raw. Naraku licked his lips, lapping up some of the mutt’s blood that still remained upon his face. Not surprising…it was everywhere. He had practically painted the room.

Naraku giggled, unable to suppress the urge as the pictures flashed through his mind. The white of the exposed bone, the feel of the back muscles shredding as the jagged edges caught them.

It had been spectacular.

The only thing that had dampened his enjoyment was that the little mutt hadn’t screamed even once. Hadn’t made any sound at all.

Naraku didn’t have a clue how the mutt had done it. After all he had made triply sure that the dog had remained conscious. He had even paused many a time after the mutt had blacked out.

But the lack of response had infuriated him. Which in turn had pushed him to do much more damage then he had planned on. So much so that Naraku had been forced to leave the room. But now that he had had time to think upon it…he had calmed down considerably.

Let the mutt have his last act of pitiful defiance. For soon he would be as obedient as a proper dog should be. The mutt would cater to his every whim, and carry out every command with glee.
He would bend over like the worthless fuck hole that he was…and most importantly…as his insides were slowly devoured and replaced…he would scream.

Naraku smiled.

Oh yes…it was going to be a most enjoyable day.

Though annoyingly…that interesting sword that the mutt carried around had vanished. But Naraku doubted it would be difficult to locate. Undoubtedly one of the stupid little humans had it in their possession.

Naraku’s smile grew wider.

They would of course be all too happy to return it to the mutt when he miraculously returned., having “escaped” from Naraku’s clutches.

Oh he would enjoy watching the mutt play them at first. Enjoy watching their happy smiles and hearing their victorious laughter.

Right before the mutt slaughtered the lot of them.

Especially the miko bitch…she would die slow. Perhaps after having enjoy his…passion. Yes…that sounded simply splendid.

And a perfect way to make up for Kikiyo being denied to him.

Of course once he was finished with her his loyal dog would be all too happy to clean up. But he was a kind master after all….so he would make sure that the mutt retained just enough of himself to be ever aware of what he was doing.
Ever aware…and utterly helpless to stop it.

Naraku jumped slightly as a sudden roaring pop ripped through the dead air of his domain. His eyes narrowed….he knew that sound…but didn’t see how it could be possible. It had been his strongest barrier yet…so how….Naraku pushed the small twinge of worry aside.

So the monk and miko bitch had some up with a way to get in. Even his barriers had trouble with purifying holy power. Though where they had managed to scrape together such power was a puzzle.
Had to be the miko bitch….she was ever the thorn. Nothing at all like Kikiyo…but she had an incredibly annoying knack for sudden bursts of luck.

Either way it didn’t matter, the three of them alone were hardly a threat. The mutt had been their strength…and without him they would never make it into his castle. The worst they could do was force him to speed up the mutt’s…conversion, and all that would do would shorten the length of time he would be able to listen to the mutt scream and beg unbidden.
Granted that was annoying and indeed a cheat of his well deserved treat…he would simply have to take it out on their annoying hides. Maybe slowly dip them in acid while they watched the mutt suck him dry like a good dog.

Naraku smiled wider still as he quickened his pace towards the room he had left the mutt in, visions of his fantasy dancing through his head. It would be an absolute joy really…but the vile images were so enrapturing that it failed to occur to him to send his Saimyosho to actually check on things.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Ah yes….the mutt was right where Naraku had left him. Of course he was…where would he go? Naraku’s amusement only grew when the mutt managed to tilt one swollen eye up to watch him.

That did puzzle him however. He didn’t remember striking the mutt in the face. Though he did have to admit that it could have happened during the red haze. Sometimes he grew so enraged that he often failed to recall large spans of time…an annoying oddity at  that.

Naraku shrugged.

“You deserve it anyway.” He whispered.

The mutt said nothing, but Naraku knew it to be true. The stupid mutt was the cause of all of his problems…everything was his fault.

“But not anymore.” Naraku cooed. “I’m in control here.”

A quick movement of his hand and the belt around his waist was undone. After that all it took was a simple shrug and he was naked. He watched as the mutt’s swollen eye widened slightly, then darkened deliciously. Naraku grinned at the sight of his glory, which he slapped against the mutt’s exposed hole, smearing the still wet blood that remained there.

“Oh it’s quite alright to be jealous. But don’t worry…you will be quite familiar with what a real man is before long.”

The swollen eye actually managed to roll slightly, and the mutt had the audacity to scoff.

Again came the red, and a straggled groan of pure frustration seeped through Naraku’s clenched teeth. Still defiant…still disrespectful…still…still…STUPID! He could see it in the mutt’s eye. He thought he was better, more impressive. But Naraku knew it to be a lie. The mutt was shriveled, soft, and impotent.

He was in control. HIM!

Naraku cocked his fist back and swung low, cutting upwards as he did. His fist smashed directly into the mutt’s small exposed balls. And they were small…nothing like Naraku’s own. Laughable…everything about the mutt was laughable. It had to be…because he knew it should be.

A straggled, agonized gurgle came out of the mutt for just a moment….but nothing more.

So Naraku hit him again.

And again.

His kidneys, his ribs, his bloody upturned face.

Naraku spared nothing…screaming all the while.

“You’re nothing! You didn’t touch Kikiyo! You couldn’t even get that new bitch with her slut clothing! Everything near exposed and you STILL couldn’t do it! DO you know why? Because you’re slime you freak! You impotent dog! Foul mutt! This is all you deserve! To be used like the NOTHING YOU ARE!!!”
Naraku stepped up onto the wooden slat the mutt was lashed to, and laid a harsh kick into the mutt’s ribs.
Still no noise…no scream that he wanted to hear. No scream that he NEEDED to hear, that he was SUPPOSED to hear.

Naraku raised his foot up and stomped hard on the mutt’s back. Again and again until he heard something crack. The sound was satisfying…but not enough. A quick shift and he brought his heel right down on the mutt’s upturned face.

Blood sprayed from the mutt’s already torn lips, which helped push back the red in front of Naraku’s eyes. After four or five more he was able to push himself back. Still seething, still wanting to put the dog in his place, but now more focused.

The whip from earlier already had him hot and ready, and the small beating had easily revived him. With both hands he pulled the mutt’s ass cheeks open roughly.

“I will not be gentle.’ He sneered.

In a moment he was positioned, and drew back ever so slightly. He was prepared to shove in, hoping to tear something as he did, hoping to make it be nothing more then the agonizing burn that the mutt truly deserved.

Smash!
Crash!

BlamBlamBLAM!

Krack- a Ka-ROOM!

Naraku nearly jumped out of his skin as he twisted towards the sound of utter calamity. It was only then that he cursed himself. He had been so wrapped up in showing the mutt his true place that he had completely forgotten to send anyone out when the barrier went down.
A simple mental command rectified that. Gates opened, his deadly creations would come oozing out in search of a fresh metal. Kagura and Kanna as well.

But what could have possibly made all that noise? It had sounded like the very walls of his sanctuary were being smashed through…or  ripped down.
And that just  couldn’t be.

A glance around revealed nearly everything had been displaced throughout the room. The very walls had shifted, support beams were cracked and breaking. It was as if the entire castle had been rocked by some form of earthquake.

But what had that kind of power?

Nothing…nothing did. There was some other explanation….one that would be delivered to him shortly.

Though…those sounds had been very close….hell, one almost sounded like it had been somewhere under him. Also…though surely it was his imagination….was the floor sagging a bit?
Naraku shook his head.

No….that was not possibly. Not one of those humans had the power, the brute force, to penetrate so deeply into his home. Not even the mutt at his very best had held such strength.

“Speaking of penetrate.” Naraku spat as he turned his attention back to the mutt. “Do not think that this spared you.”

He twisted back to his original position. There was no need to worry. His servants were more then enough to handle the three humans. He would enjoy his prize, his right. He would-KA-RRRRUNCH!
Something tore up through the floor underneath him, and he didn’t even have time to look as claws suddenly dug into his grown. A powerful hand closed around his balls and shaft, sending agonizing pain shooting up through his body. One of his balls ruptured as the hand squeezed, sending his divine fluid spraying to the floor..

Naraku shrieked as the arm pulled, ripping his genitals clean off.

He stumbled back, falling as he clutched at the red ruin between his legs, his brain still trying to process what had just happened, and more importantly HOW had it happened. He was in control here.

A second later the thick stone floor literally erupted….no…disintegrated as a white blur came barreling through.

Two legs touched down in front of the newly created hole….and Naraku couldn’t believe what he was seeing.

The clothing, however upper class it may have been, was torn and bloody. A bandaged hand clenched and unclenched, crushing the mess that had been Naraku’s manhood even further before disrespectfully tossing the remains to the floor.

Naraku found himself starting into two blood red eyes, dark emerald green pupils boring into him. The face was a nightmare, elongated and distorted with a rage that shook Naraku’s core. Dripping wet razor teeth that seemed to quiver in anticipation of rending flesh.

All of it was terrifying in its own right, but put together it formed a ghastly version of the one creature Naraku actively feared.

Sesshomaru.

But why would he be here?

Naraku put up an arm to protect his face as the demon Lord’s swirling youki continued to pulverize the room. It tore at the stone, at the wood, rending it as easily as a child’s fingers through mud.

Sesshomaru’s eyes slide to the side, spotting the mutt upon the wooden slat, and if anything his raging energy became even more violent. It tore at Naraku’s flesh like thousands of fire ants.

His face somehow managed to become even more bestial as his hand snapped out, his poisonous whip of light springing forth from his fingertips to server the mutt’s bonds.

Since when did Sesshomaru care about the mutt? That was all Naraku could think at that moment.
That was until Sesshomaru’s gaze fully set upon him…and Naraku suddenly remembered he that he had extremely urgent business somewhere else.

Anywhere else.

With the frightened whimper of a child Naraku pulled himself up, and bolted.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


Alir had seen a lot of things during his time in the service of Lord Sesshomaru…but these last few weeks since Inuyasha had appeared certainly topped them all. Bizarre heart attacks, fucked up swamp creatures, giant, carnivorous worms, and now a sword that damn near blew your arm off if you tried to hold it.

He knew better then to question of course, he had a job to do and orders to follow…even if they had come from the healer.

In a way that irked him, a reflex perhaps, as Daigon had no authority over any of them. But his tone hadn’t exactly brokered an argument…and the guy already creeped Alir out.

Granted he would have gone regardless. Duty aside he did owe Inuyasha.

The trek towards the castle, if you could even call the run down, rotten looking thing in the distance that, had not been pleasant in the slightest. Everything seemed to be dead and rotten. The ground was covered with pooling slime and other foul gunk. But it had become decidedly more unpleasant when a greenish white blur had blown right by him, literally blasting him off of his feet and into the goo.

As Tren had helped him to his feet Alir had to wonder what the hell that could have been, he certainly hadn’t gotten a look. But when a the thundering crash rang out and huge chunks of rock started flying through the air he wasn’t sure he wanted to find out.

Nevertheless the massive hole in the stone wall was the easiest way in they were likely to find. The something like ten or twelve walls behind it were utterly obliterated…which was just dandy. Cause truly…he really needed a castle to collapse on them today to make it a perfect one.

“Well…something tells me Lord Sesshomaru got free from Daigon.” Tren muttered.
Alir hummed in his throat. He certainly hoped so….that would make the stone shattering blue an ally.

“We should probably follow the holes.” A voice came through his left ear.
Alir yelped in surprise and swung his sickle reflexively. The sharp, curved blade carved right through Daigon’s waist, cleaving him in half like a dandelion.

It was a complete rookie move, one that sound not have been in Alir. But so much had happened lately….giant tentacles coming out of nowhere, acid spewing bog creatures, worms sliding down his throat. He was a bit high strung and tense to be honest.

Well that was putting it lightly really.

But everything came rushing in when he heard his mate call out the healers name.

“I just ki-”

Daigon’s upper body hovered above his waist…and then simply merged. Both Tren and Alir  froze…neither sure of what the hell had just happened.

“Are you done being panicked dear Alir? May we be of assistance to the two troublesome Inu now?” The healer asked with a bit of amusement in his voice.

Dumbfounded the guard could only nod. Neither he, nor his partner really knew just how to brooch the question as to why the man wasn’t dead.

However his confusion and concern for that situation was quickly overridden when the three of them made their way through easy of the pierced walls, and ruined rooms behind them, and finally came across a smashed ceiling.

And what they found there made his heart go cold.

Inuyasha was spread across some sort of wooden slat…and covered in blood. Cut rope hung off of his wrists and ankles. A shattered metal bar sat in pieces between his legs. His back was a red ruin, oozing gashes and bruises littered his once fair skin. His face was little more then a pulped up mess, his nose utterly broken.  

The poor boy had clearly been through hell, and a wave of biting responsibility ran through Alir. It was his duty to prevent anything like this from happening…and the sight of the hanyou left the bitterest taste of failure in his mouth.

“Why…” Tren whispered, swallowing thickly. “Why is he naked?”

“Why do you think?” Alir spat indignantly.

Inuyasha’s ass was covered in gore…though that could have come from anywhere. Alir was praying it came from the back wounds….please gods just let it come from the back wounds. He wasn’t sure how he could live with the failure, and ever hope to repay the debt, if it had come from…there.

“We…We need to…” Tren fumbled as he searched for something clean to cover the hanyou with.

“We need to get him out of here.” Daigon interrupted. “We  can worry castigating ourselves once we are somewhere safe.”

“But-” Tren started.

“-Safety before modesty.” Daigon replied. “Besides….you think anything in here is sanitary?”

Alir looked around the shattered room. Everything was rotten and covered in some sort of putrid flesh-matter.

“Good point.”

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Naraku panted harshly as he raced down the hall. He had been forced into a strategic  retreat before, and it had been a retreat, not running away. But as it was he was legitimately running for his very life now.

He had no idea what Sesshomaru was doing here or what he was planning on but Naraku wanted no part of it.

Problem was….he wasn’t sure he was going to have a choice.

The snarling white blur behind him was ungodly fleet of foot as it was, had they been out in the open Naraku had no doubt he would have been caught by now. But luckily for him his lair had numerous twists and turns, and they seemed to be too tight and narrow for Sesshomaru to properly maneuver.
Then again Naraku wasn’t sure the demon Lord was even trying to. He was either  sliding into, or smashing through any wall he came into contact with before resuming pursuit.  Each corner brought Naraku a second to a second and a half, and Sesshomaru would make that up almost instantly once he regained his balance.

As it was Naraku was calling forth every detachment, every experiment, every imprisoned demon he had in captivity for their flesh, just to try and slow Sesshomaru down.

They were obeying of course, but so far nothing had been more effective then a paper door. A second or two distraction and that was it. Naraku didn’t dare look behind them to see what Sesshomaru was doing  to them. But judging by the spray of bones, organs and other fluids that painted his back and the walls…it wasn’t pleasant.

From out of her room Kanna suddenly stepped into the hall, and Naraku had to admit he felt a moment of hope as he passed her. Of all his attempts so far only she and Kagura had ever achieved any sort of lasting success. Surely Kanna and her mirror could put a damper in Sesshomaru’s charge.

He spared a look behind him just as Sesshomaru rose up on the small girl. Her mirror fleshed, however Sesshomaru’s claws lashed out, and right before Naraku’s very eyes Kanna literally exploded.

True to her nature Kanna’s expression never changed, even as her head went soaring past Naraku and rolled along the floor.

And Sesshomaru never even slowed down.

If anything he sped up…and the fact that they were now in a straight hall did not favor Naraku. His foot smacked into Kanna’s face as he more fell then ducked before Sesshomaru surged over him.

Before he could even try to pick himself up the Daiyoukai hit the wall several feet away and rebounded off. Naraku twisted to the side just in time for Sesshomaru’s dripping green claws smashed into the floor where his chest had just been.

Naraku willed his flesh out, and fleshy ropes exploded out from his belly, entangling the demon Lord. But even up several limbs and Sesshomaru down one the enraged Inu’s strength was terrifying.

It was the strength that Naraku still deeply coveted, and had tried to make his own at their last meeting. But this was nothing like then. Sesshomaru was a sheer berserker right now, which was unnerving on a whole new level then before.

Naraku had felt he had been so close to obtaining that power back then. But the more time that had passed, the more time he had to think over the events…and he had to wonder.
At the time it had seemed as though the mutt had spoiled things once again. But Naraku could still feel those cold eyes staring into him, could still remember that calm face of stone. Sesshomaru hadn’t even tried to struggle. He had just stood there…staring at him.

It was almost as if Sesshomaru had been waiting for something…and the mutt had jumped in and freed him before it came.

With that in mind Naraku didn’t dare attempt to absorb him once again. Whatever the Daiyoukai had been waiting for back then could very well present itself anew. That and to make the demon Lord a part of him he would have to bring Sesshomaru closer…and that he wanted NO part of.
As it was Sesshomaru was already ripping through his tendril barrier, and Naraku was having to frantically expend more and more of himself just to keep Sesshomaru at bay. He cursed as he fought to push the demon away, very real waves of fear rattling his spine all the while.

His Saimyosho where useless here. Kanna was a pile of remains all over the hall. Kagura was still an option but that traitorous bitch had already tried to forge an alliance with Sesshomaru once before. Plus he had already sent her out to deal with the humans…if they had ever been there.

Which meant he only have one remaining option to call upon….and he really wasn’t sure what frightened him more. Sesshomaru or…that.

However if that went wrong he knew what would happen. Something he couldn’t’ say if Sesshomaru got to him…and he couldn’t hold the demon off for much longer. Sesshomaru was clawing his way through Naraku’s flesh like it wasn’t even there, and running out of reserves was not something Naraku wanted to go through again.

No choice then.

Naraku yanked himself out of harms way as Sesshomaru carved through the obstacles between them, nicking Naraku’s belly as he came down. The sickly green droplets  that sprayed out of Sesshomaru’s claws ate into the floor around them just before his whip of light snapped out.

Naraku managed to avoid it…but his entire left arm below the elbow did not. As easy as a knife through water and then all that was left was a seared stump.

Sesshomaru’s wrist flicked again, clearly preparing another strike, and Naraku had no where else to run. The hall was too narrow, and Sesshomaru too quick.

In big chunks or little Sesshomaru would carve him up.

Fortunately just as the snarling Inu drew back a large muscled are tore up through the floor behind him. The ogre like hand closed tight around Sesshomaru’s head, and before the demon Lord could get his heels dug in he was yanked down through the floor, splinters of wood flying everywhere. An enraged howl echoed up through the gaping hole in the floor. Clearly Sesshomaru was not pleased at the interruption.

“May both of you destroy one another.” Naraku snarled as he spat into the hole.
Either way he had played a card he couldn’t take back. All he could hope for was that they both perished….because if they didn’t…the victor would be coming for him next.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

There hadn’t been anything remotely clean in the putrid castle to cover Inuyasha with, providing Daigon right in the end. He really hadn’t been that concerned with it really, but the insistent Tren had ended up trying his own undershirt around the hanyou’s waist.

A pretty gesture, but as far as Daigon was concerned it was little more then a waste of time. But as he was unable to carry the hanyou all by himself without harming him, concessions had to be made.

Inuyasha himself was almost completely out of it, which had made getting him down through the floor and out of the disgusting place via the Sesshomaru blasted holes a bit of a challenge. Dropping him was unacceptable…Daigon didn’t want any of the vile substances splattered about touching any of the hanyou’s open wounds.

Any of them could probably carry the hanyou alone, but Daigon was concerned that any position it could be done it would only aggravate any internal injuries the boy almost certainly had. He was too covered in flight and blood for Daigon to be able to do much of a visual assessment. Just how many gashes and rips were truly in the poor child’s flesh was unknown.

He would have very much like to clean Inuyasha off at least, but there hadn’t been any water that he would even remotely trust.

So as it was, with Tren and Alir under each arm, they were dragging Inuyasha out. And dragging was what it was.

Inuyasha certainly couldn’t walk. He seemed to be trying to take steps, but whether he was truly aware of who they were and what was going on was highly debatable. Daigon didn’t like the look of the boy at all. His skin looked so sickly and blanched, not at all like Daigon knew it should. The wounds on his body and face looked painful to be sure, but they shouldn’t be anything that his body couldn’t handle. Yet Daigon still had a sick feeling.  Something wasn’t right.

However now was not the time for an examination no matter how much he desired it. To that point  he had already formulated a plan. They couldn’t very well carry Inuyasha all the way back to the Western castle fast enough for the location to make a difference. So their only recourse was to find somewhere safer to hid him.

From there Daigon could do his job while the two guardsmen could  return to aid Sesshomaru. The healer certainly wasn’t thrilled to leave Inu-Taisho’s eldest behind like they had. For unlike the other denizens of the West he did not have blind faith in their strength. He knew full well that no matter how unstoppable they seemed. They could be broken. They could bleed. They could die.

He had lived through the kind of trouble that Inu-Taisho’s bloodline could get into after all.

About halfway through the forest they fan into the two female humans. Both were running furiously, and the skimpily clothed one looked about ready to pass out. He found it rather amusing to be honest. He had forgotten the limitations of humans once again. However his light humor was banished as the oddly dressed one, Kagome if he remembered right, proceeded to waste even more time by crying out for Inuyasha and clutching at him.

If he recalled correctly the girl claimed to have some skill at the very art he had long since practiced. She had made a big fuss about having some sort of supplies in the pink bag on her back after Sesshomaru had rushed after his sibling. However Daigon had clear doubts as to the veracity of her claims. But she had had the sense to claim Tetsusaiga from the ground where Sesshomaru had dropped it.

Fortunately Alir pushed her out of the way without Daigon having to say anything so that they could continue. She huffed and spat out a complaint of “rudeness” but Daigon paid her no mind. Whimpering whilst clutching at his chest was certainly not going to heal the hanyou’s wounds.

Silly, silly little girls.

Inuyasha seemed to be trying to walk again, but the brothers had basically given up on allowing him to try and support himself. They carried him fully now, having apparently arrived at a comfortable position of leverage to do so.

Daigon didn’t understand why the boy was so debilitated. His wounds were painful to be sure…but Daigon saw nothing that should have broken the boy like this.

There had to be something more, something eh couldn’t’ see yet.

Daigon cursed. Sesshomaru should never have let Inuyasha  leave. The kitsune child had mentioned some sort of attack, and had the young Lord been where he was SUPPOSED to be Daigon knew he could have done something.

Ever since he had informed Sesshomaru that if Inuyasha continued to have attacks like the one in that field he knew the Elder Inu had been putting his own plans into motion. Whatever those were Daigon had little clue of, clearly secrecy was not just a trait of their Father, but he had not been resting on his laurels either.

Lack of physical access to the boy had greatly hindered his progress, but Daigon absolutely refused to let Inuyasha die. He would not lose the boy after he had finally been brought home.  

And he was prepared to a great many things he had once swore he would never to again to see that he didn’t.

He owe Inuyasha that much. That much and so much more.

“Stop.” Daigon ordered firmly ass he came to a halt.

Something was in the wind. Something…of the wind. Something…corrupt.

He ended up having to block their path his own body, but it was a good thing he had did because mere moments after the order past his lips the earth only a few feet in front of them exploded violently.

Rock and dust blew everywhere as chunks of earth pelted them. Daigon felt himself darken considerably. This Naraku creature undoubtedly had his hands full with Sesshomaru…so what kind of person would send his forces after a retreating bunch?

One that wanted no one to survive. Or one that wanted something that was leaving.

Daigon glanced back at Inuyasha, whose shallow wheezing breathing torn into his eardrums like nails on a chalkboard. The child should have been healing…why wasn’t he?

Daigon focused his eyes in front of him as the dust finally settled. Through the brown haze he could make out some propered up raven head with a fan.

“Kagura!” The slayer growled, her hand closing around the strap of her weapon.

“None other.” The woman purred, snapping open her fan. “Now hand over the mutt and count yourselves lucky I’m merciful enough to give you the choice.”

Wow…rather arrogant for five on one wasn’t she?

“And just why do you want him?” Daigon  asked.

“I don’t.” Kagura answered. “Naraku does.”

“Oh.” Daigon murmured. “Didn’t realize that hanyou’s were so popular. Whatever could this Naraku need this young one for?”

The healer could feel the others stares upon him. No doubt looking at him as if he were some sort of mad man at this very second.

Hn….maybe he was.

Kagura covered e mouth with her fan as she laughed…an oddly coy gesture.

“Want’s his ass…or so I hear. After that I suppose its all about the screaming, corrupting, and all those other dark delights Naraku so fancies. Me? I don’t care either way. I’m not here to ask why.”
Ah…rape….how utterly original.

Rage bubbled up inside of Daigon and the winds around them began to whip in kind. With it came the guilt. The deep, biting guilt that always came when it came to the young hanyou’s pain.

“Yeah?” Alir snarled. “Well that’s not happening bitch.”

The blond demon shifted Inuyasha’s full weight to his brother and then started to come forward, his dominate hand reaching for the weapon strapped to his back.

He was stopped by Daigon’s hand pressing into his waistline. The demon quirked a confused eyebrow at the healer, clearly wondering why he was being stopped and probably wondering why said stoppage was happening right near his groin.
Daigon didn’t even turn around or look back at Alir as his fingers closed around a hard, well worn shaft. The healer took a stop forward, drawing his hand away as he did. The tell-tale sound of metal on leather followed as Daigon drew Alir’s knife out of his belt.

“Daigon?” Tren puzzled as the healer held the blade up for inspection. Daigon ignored him, but not out of disrespect.

It was a good knife though. Well balanced, solid handle, and very sharp. Dried blood still clung in little flecks around the guard and leather grip…in all those spots that one could scrub and wipe and still never get. He had always noticed those spots…almost like little trophies really.

Daigon stared into his eyes from the refection in the steel. It was much longer then the blades he had held for the last two hundred plus years, and served a completely polar opposite purpose.

And yet there was no doubt in him, no hesitation. No errant thoughts of “can I do this? Dare I?”

No…only a feeling of right…and home. Only a feeling that he felt every day…and had long pushed aside.

And he had to wonder, not for the first time, if he should have been bothered by the simple fact that he wasn’t.

“You for…should go.” Daigon said slowly. “Take Inuyasha somewhere safe and hide him. Humans…you will be counted on to guard and care for him. Alir, Tren…return to aid Sesshomaru…he may need you. Or split and take the slayer while one remains…whatever your judgment dictates.”

“What?” Kagura laughed. “YOU aim to take me yourself little boy?”
Daigon turned his attention from the knife and placed it solely upon her.

“She’s right Daigon” Tren stated. “I admire you’re courage but…you’re out of your element.”

“Oh if only you knew.” Daigon whispered as he trembled ever so slightly. He felt that little tingle, and knew, though to all the world it would appear so, it was not fear. “Just go. Do your duty.” He ordered softly, his voice hoarse, as if he had not had a drink in ages.

Again…true in a way.

There was movement behind him, shifting bodies, soft protests. And although he was aware of every movement, every word, every breath, it flittered through his awareness like so much useless fluff. They were not a threat.

Soon they were moving, a path apparently decided upon.

Good…he so hated to repeat himself.

“Too bad for you.” Kagura cooed as she drew her arm back. “That I didn’t say you could leave. Dance of blades!”

Her fan came forward as she cried out, and Daigon saw everything. The way the fan cupped the wind and pushed it forward. How her power mixed in with it to create the dozen or so spinning crescents that spiraled towards his charge.

Ah…blades of wind….poor girl.

It was a simple thing. A little twitch inside, and the deadly barrage dissipated into nothing before it could even hope to reach the group carrying the hanyou as they disappeared into the trees.

Kagura faltered, and even though she tried to hide it Daigon could see the shock in her.

“Daigon doesn’t get angry….not really. Not like most people think.” He informed. “But you….you come for his charge…to take him away again. You threaten him with pain, imprisonment, and violation.”

He took a step towards her.

“What of it healer?” Kagura asked haughtily. “What are you going to do? Attack little ol’ me? What of that precious healers oath?”

Daigon considered that.

“This one did swear to one yes.” He stated. “But before that he swore a deeper oath, an older oath. And he can not lie to himself….a truer oath. And so woman….you are indeed unlucky today.”

To be continued.

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