Inuyasha growled at Naraku. He shared a look with Sesshomaru.
As bad as they both hated it, they needed to work together to kill Naraku. Just like everyone said. Kagome. Miroku. Sango. Jaken. Myoga. Totosai. Kohaku. Even little Rin and Shippo suggested it.
Sesshomaru quickly looked ahead. He raised Tokijin as Inuyasha raised Tetsusaiga. Both two of the most deadliest swords in Sengoku Jidai. One powerful fang from Inu No Taisho and one from Goshinki.
Inuyasha grinned at the irony. Naraku will be smited with his own incarnation's fangs.
"After this is over, little brother, I will kill you next." Sesshomaru's voice was calm almost, as if he had no worry, no care in the world. His face stoic. But he smiled soon, a small insidious thing. No one fucks with Sesshomaru, they will always die miserably. Naraku is no exception.
"Try to stay alive then, so you can watch me kick your sorry ass," Inuyasha snarled. "Now!"
The brothers swung their swords at the same time. Their backs to their tachis. Little Rin and Shippo were curled in Kagome's injured arms. Sango was injured, being coddled by a wounded Kirara, Kohaku, and Miroku. Jaken watched, hiding beside AuUn.
The power of the swords wound together as it hurled towards Naraku whose eyes widen. He had no chance of running, it was too powerful, too big. The power of the youkai of Tokijin wrapped around Tetsusaiga's Wind Scar. The power was growing and growing and growing until it smashed into Naraku and he was in pieces.
Kagura gasped, crying out and falling to the ground behind the group, watching the pieces of the half demon she hated falling onto the ground. Her heart was inside her chest once more. She pressed a hand to her breast to be sure. She smiled, feeling her heart beat inside. "He's dead!" she whispered to herself happily.
"Brother," growled Sesshomaru, "It is now time for your demise," he seethed. He stopped abruptly, pulling the pulsing Tenseiga out of his sheath. Tokijin now in its own at his hip. "Tenseiga. What is it that you wish? Naraku is dead, surely you do not pulse to fill his lungs with air once more?" Inuyasha stiffened. The powerful pulse could only mean one thing. Don't tell me...
"Swing it."
"What?!" Kagome cried out. "Inuyasha, are you ma-"
"Shut up, Kagome!" he snarled in her direction. She immediately understood. It isn't for Naraku.
Sesshomaru glared at the hanyou. "You do not order this Sesshomaru around, half breed." Tenseiga pulsed wildly this time.
Sesshomaru's eyes widen. Tenseiga, could this mean? He lifts the sword. The power releases as the sword came down, slamming into Tetsusaiga. It knocked Inuyasha back. His grip tight on Tetsusaiga as the sword pulled him forward towards Tenseiga and suddenly, there was a loud boom.
Dust swirled as Inuyasha threw his body over his mate and the children her arms held. His arms wrapped around their bodies. The tachis gasped at the sight of a demon who was left standing in the middle of the battlefield when the dust and smoke and dirt cleared. Sesshomaru drew in a shallow breath.
Inuyasha turned to look over his shoulder. His arms loosening. The demon was tall, taller than even Sesshomaru. His hair was long and silver and pulled up into a high ponytail while his eyes were a deep dark smoldering gold. His ears were shaped like Sesshomaru's. His body was built with muscle, hidden beneath the fabric of his silk blue and white kimono. He wore at least a hundred pounds of metal armor. His forearms were protected in armor as well. The spikes of his chest plate were deadly and sharp as well as his shoulder plates. He wore black boots. And his demon markings...
His demon markings were jagged and dark blue. One on each cheek, starting at his cheekbone and receding into the hair at where his side burns would be. His hard eyes were highlighted in a purplish burgundy.
Inuyasha gulped before taking a sniff. His eyes widen. It couldn't be. No, it just can't.
Inuyasha was too young when his father died to remember his face, but he had memorized his scent. Pups memorized the scent of their parents within the first hours of birth.
Inu No Taisho snarled at his sons. "What in seven hells are you two doing?!"
Everyone gasped. Sesshomaru didn't make a sound as he tremor, taking a step towards the demon.
"The one time that you work together like I'd hope and then you idiots try to kill each other afterwards," Toga said snarling, before he stopped abruptly. He sniffed and soon he was over to Inuyasha, who still had Kagome clasped in his arms. The kitsune now hiding behind Kagome's back. Rin no longer in her arms either. He's mated a human.
"Inuyasha," Toga spoke softly. His voice was rough and deep but somehow soothing when he was calm. "Inuyasha, do you recognize me?"
"Father," he whispered. He couldn't help but stare at the man. "How are you-?"
"The brothers of the fangs," Toga started hesitantly. Closing his eyes for a few seconds, he then continued.
"The brothers of the fangs,
they shall wield their swords as one.
Tenseiga and Tetsusaiga,
to see what has become," he riddled.
"The bitter alliance,
to protect their packs.
Then their father's fangs,
will try their best to act," he continued.
"Left in the dust,
from what use to be.
Inu No Taisho stands,
for all enemies to see."
Inuyasha gaped at him as Toga swallowed.
"The underworld shall open up,
and thrust the demon out,
and thus he shall scold the sons for their selfish little spout.
Toga stands at reign,
willing enemies to come fight.
All he wanted was,
to protect his sons from bitter knight."
"Father." Toga stood straight and looked at his oldest son, who didn't seem to care that a little human girl was running his way. A small imp commanded the child to stay back but she didn't listen.
"Sesshomaru, I am sorry for leaving you. I died protecting you, I hope that you can understand."
Sesshomaru snarled. His eyes flashed red. "You died protecting that half breed and your human bitch!" he roared.
"Sesshomaru!" Toga snarled.
"Rin! You will stay back at once!" Sesshomaru snarled at the child causing her to halt. "You will return to Jaken and AuUn. You will not interfere with this battle, YOU COULD BE KILLED AND I CANNOT REVIVE YOU A THIRD TIME!" Rin whimpered at her lord's harsh tone. She nodded her small twelve year old head and ran back to Jaken.
"Sesshomaru, what would you do for that human girl," Toga ground out. "What would you do with yourself if she were in the face of danger and you did nothing? You have revived that child with Tenseiga twice? Izayoi was my mate and wife. Inuyasha was my child!" Toga hissed as his eyes bled red. "You were always upset that I took to a human. Your mother and I were betrothed in order to conceive an heir for my throne! You were my first born and I love you. I'd do anything to protect you. I did everything in my power to keep you safe, you insolent pup!" he barked. "All of the traitors on the western lands and every demon who ever tried to harm you, I executed. No one was to touch my precious little pup! And I did the same for Inuyasha! He was always so fragile. It didn't matter whether he had full demon blood in his veins or only half, I'd protect him. I'd protect him from demons, humans, and even himself!"
Sesshomaru snarled, slashing at his father with his poison claws. Toga growled, slamming his fist into Sesshomaru's chest plate so hard it crumbled into pieces. Sesshomaru flew back into the stone wall of Naraku's castle.
"You ignorant, insolent, selfish little pup! You treated Inuyasha like he was the dirt beneath your feet and you made Izayoi cry. YOU WERE ALWAYS SO SELFISH! TETSUSAIGA NEVER BELONGED TO YOU! Tetsusaiga was meant to protect Inuyasha. I gave you Tenseiga as a lesson. To care about others, something you could never learn on your own. You should thank me! You have a castle and a family. That small human child and those two demons, they are your family! I TAUGHT YOU TO CARE FOR OTHERS AND IT GOT YOU A FAMILY!" Toga snarled. "Do not dare try to take my position as alpha. You will remember your place."
Snarling at his oldest son who stared at his father in shock, he turned to Inuyasha. "Come, my son. Let me see you."
Inuyasha swallowed, standing shakily to his feet. My old man. He stumbled closer to his father before crying out, falling to his feet. His hands found his stomach and he whined in pain, feeling the warm, thick blood.
"Inuyasha!"
Toga watched the small priestess run to his side. She smelt heavily of blood and she certainly showed it. Her arm were bad, but not nearly as bad as her shoulder. Her knees were scraped up and her left calf swollen. He could sense the powerful spiritual aura this young girl carried.
He held his breath. She reminded him of Izayoi. They resembled little, but their care for their demon lovers were the same.
"Inuyasha, your wounds are too bad to walk," she cried, running her fingers across his stomach where a gaping hole sat. "You're infected with miasma," she whispered as the tears rolled down her pale cheeks. Inuyasha panted as he leaned against her uninjured shoulder, while she pressed a hand to the hole. Toga watched as her power flared. Inuyasha cried out and Toga began to snarl before he stopped again.
She's not hurting him, she's... healing him.
Inuyasha closed his eyes, gritting his teeth before gasped out in relief. The miasma is purified, Toga thought in disbelief. And one of the strongest miasmas he's ever seen, in all of his 3672 years.
"Kagome," Inuyasha whispered shakily.
"Miko, come here. As well as you, my son."
Kagome looked at Inuyasha, as if for approval before he nodded. He staggered to his feet, leaning against Kagome briefly, before they were in front of his father.
"My son... you have found people who accept your blood," Toga whispered. Hesitantly, Inuyasha nodded. Toga looked at the miko. "and... your mate."
Inuyasha nodded again. Toga smiled, reaching out and tugging his son into his muscled arms. Inuyasha stiffened against him. Surely his blood was soaking his father's kimono and coating his armor, but clearly the demon didn't care. Inuyasha closed his eyes, allowing the old man to hold him.
Inuyasha looked up at his mother with his large seven year old golden eyes. Izayoi smiled weakly down at the hanyou that she'd do anything for.
"What is it, okaasan?"
"You look more and more like your father everyday, musuko."
"What did he look like?" Inuyasha's small ears twitched as he stared at his mother, who cradled him in her arms, with curiosity. Her kimono sheltering him from the critical, cruel outside world.
"He was tall and handsome, and so brave and courageous," she spoke softly, a bit of daydreaming in her voice. "I had never seen anyone, human or demon, as handsome as him. He had beautiful golden eyes and silver hair. He was so strong, he could fought off a hundred demons at once. People respected him. He protected all of the Western Lands."
Inuyasha listened intently, leaning into his mother's bosom. He let his eyes drift close.
"I remember the day I first saw him, he had come to my father with urgent news. My father was the king, but your father, Toga, was lord who ruled over even my father. Your father told mine that traitors were around the western lands, planning an invasion to take control of the lands. He wanted all of the kingdoms to know that, for their safety.
"I remember how the servants fell to his feet, bowing every chance they had. I was only a little girl, so young, I was ten years old. He had smiled at me as he noticed my often staring. He told my father that I was sure to have suitors from miles around when I became of age. And I did, it seemed, but I could only ever think of your father, truthfully."
"Truly, mother?"
"Yes, my beautiful little Inuyasha. Your father was like no other."
Inuyasha slid his arms around the demon, smelling deeply. His scent hasn't changed.
"What the warrior you have become, Inuyasha," Toga said softly. Comfortingly. As he held his son. Inuyasha was still a pup as far as demon terms.
The tachi of Inuyasha's watched with careful, shocked eyes. Suddenly, the kitsune jumped up, landing on Inuyasha's head to stare eye to eye with Toga. Toga smirked at the kitsune.
"Yeah, he is! He learned the back flash wave technique of Tetsusaiga's when he killed Ryukotsusei! And he saved me from the thunder brothers without the wind scar. And he even managed to wound an evil sage on his human night, then finished him off after the sun rose!" Shippo bragged.
Toga smiled, "I see, kitsune."
"Shippo, if you don't fucking get off my head," Inuyasha growled against his father's chest.
"Kagome!" Shippo jumped into the girl's arms.
"Miko, let me see you."
Kagome stepped closer to the demon. Inuyasha quickly let go of his father, his blood soaking the demon's kimono. Kagome smiled at Toga. Razor sharp claws ran delicately against her cheek bone. She's not afraid. "You are my son's mate," he stated simply. "You accept him as a half demon?" Toga raised an thick dark eyebrow.
She nodded. "I do not care what blood he has. Whether it is demon or human, that does not matter. What matters is the love I feel for him and the love he feels for me. I love him for the little things he does for me. When he smiles at me or carries me on his back, or even catches food to feed me. I do not love him for his blood. I love him for Inuyasha." Toga smiled. "Even if he can be overbearing and selfish, and he can never accept help from anyone, and talk about that temper, and he's always jumping to conclusions, and he can get so jealous-" she ranted to herself, groaning in the midst.
"Oi, wench? Anything else you can think of?" Inuyasha snapped. Toga watched in amusement, smirking.
"Yes, actually. You try to kill Koga every time he's around-"
"If that fucking wolf ever touches you or calls you his mate again, I'll fucking rip his bleeding heart out of his chest, still beating, and feed it to his goddamn wolves," Inuyasha snarled at the girl, grabbing her elbow. "He has kidnapped you and claimed you as his and he always tries to show me out, but you. Are. Mine." His eyes flashed red as growls out the acidic words.
Kagome stared at him for a moment, challenging him. "There's that jealousy, again," she muttered.
"I'M NOT FUCKING JEALOUS OF THAT FUCKING WHELP OF A WOLF!" His hair swirled as he began to transform causing everyone, even Sesshomaru stiffen. Inuyasha's eyes glowing red. The marks on his cheeks begin to rise to the surface, glowing as he cracks his knuckles.
"SIT!"
Inuyasha yelled out as he hit ground. Toga's eyes widen. "Rosary beads..." he mumbled.
"Well, he did try to kill me when we first met," Kagome muttered. "C'mon, Inuyasha. Who's my big strong hanyou?"
Inuyasha growled at the miko. "Stop treating me like a fucking dog."
"Well, technically, you are part dog youka-"
"Bitch!"
Inuyasha glared at her as she snapped her lips shut and smirk.
"Let's get you bandaged up, Inuyasha."
He growled, rolling to stand to his feet and he stumbled over to the backpack as the girl guided him. Toga, amused, turns back to Sesshomaru and loses his smirk. His son stood to his feet.
"Sesshomaru," he ordered his attention. Sesshomaru connected gaze with him. "I am sorry about what has transpired. I'm sorry for the betrayal you feel. I am deeply sorry for everything that may have happened and everything that you may have felt since my death. It is all that I can give you, because truly, I cannot heal the wounds of your heart. And I cannot undo what I have done."
"Father," he spoke gently. I am not angry. I am not vengeful. I am hurt, Sesshomaru thought quietly. Vulnerably, he spoke, "What made the human so special? What made you want to mate her? Why was she different from the other humans? Why did you give your life for her weak mortal soul?"
"Sesshomaru... you never learned, did you? What love can do to a person? I loved Izayoi. The first moment I saw her, she was a child. She was different from the others, she didn't seem frightened by my stature or my status as the Lord of the Western Lands. Instead, she was intrigued. She was beautiful and quiet and kind. I felt sad for her," he spoke softly. "Her childlike wonder would crumple when she found out about the dangers of this world. The next time I saw her, I knew that she would change my life. I watched over her, visiting the kingdom of Musashi often to watch her. Those trips I made, it was to visit her. I watched her grow into a woman. I was determined to protect her. I did not know the love that I felt. Not until her father told her that she was to be betrothed while I was watching. Not until I followed her trail out to the Sakura blossom trees, to find her crying. She was different because she was meant to be my mate. By the way I felt, I knew. I was not foolish enough to brush off my feelings. Sesshomaru, you do not understand. I know that. But you will soon," Toga sighed softly, looking at Rin. "When you find out about your love."
Sesshomaru watched in pain. "Father."
"Come, my son." Sesshomaru willing found himself in his father's arms. "Two hundred and fifty years and you have learned, finally, how to show emotion."
Sesshomaru swallowed, before stepping back and composing himself. "I suppose that that means that you will be returning to the Western Lands, and becoming Lord once more."
Toga shook his head. "My son, my time for Lord is no longer. It is now your time to rule. I may visit from time to time, but I will not be taking back the throne."
Sesshomaru nodded. "Hnn." Sesshomaru turned to the tachi. "Rin, Jaken, AuUn. We are leaving."
Rin watched him. "Are you okay, my lord?"
Sesshomaru looked at the girl. "Do not ask such silly questions, Rin. This Sesshomaru is always alright."
Toga smiled, watching as his son walked off with his pack.