Compassion
Disclaimer: Rumiko Takahashi. Manga translations thanks to Kuro.
That woman.
As Moryoumaru speaks I suddenly cease my attack. It's odd, but the thought of her causes an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach.
"Heh, that woman was truly a fool…" Moryoumaru continues speaking, but I can't seem to distinguish the words. The logical side of my brain, the side I have relied on for centuries, has become muddled and unclear. It is as if I am no longer thinking with my head. My blood boils, and there is nothing I want more than to tear this demon's tongue from his vile mouth.
"She died a miserable death, and so this means she has truly died in vain, because not one of you here will be able to fulfill Kagura's final wish, will you?"
You are wrong. I will.
The voice in my head is so unfamiliar. I am certain I have never listened to it before. The rational side was always in control. But now… I cannot explain it, but it is as if some otherworldly force has taken control of my body.
And suddenly I am attacking Moryoumaru with Tokijin. There is so much force behind my blow that I amaze even myself. This strength… Where is it coming from? I don't know how it's possible, but somehow my blade has pierced the armored shell. So close, just a little more…
"Heh, heh, heh," Moryoumaru laughs. His voice repulses me. "It's so unlike you, Sesshoumaru. I can sense it through your sword… Your loss of composure."
Loss of composure? Surely I, the great Sesshoumaru, would not let some foolish emotion get the better of me? Before I am able to consider such a ridiculous thought, my idiot brother is yelling at me to stop.
Fool.
Instead I push Tokijin deeper into the demon's shell. I fight back a grimace as the pressure is almost too much for even me to withstand.
"Heh, Sesshoumaru," the demon laughs again. "You don't actually have compassion for Kagura, do you?"
His question startles me slightly, though I do not allow it to show. Compassion? Surely I have none. Even so, the uneasy feeling in my gut has not subsided. It has grown worse in fact. With every word he said about Kagura's death, it was as if the sensation had grown into its own being. As if it had consumed every fiber of my being.
There is a logical reason, I'm sure. And certainly it was not this compassion of which Moryoumaru speaks.
"Ridiculous," I spit at him.
"If that's the case, why sacrifice your sword?" Again I am slightly taken back by his question.
Yes, why?
And suddenly my senses return to me, and my nostrils are flooded by the scent of something burning.
Tokijin!
But it is too late, because the blade has already snapped in half. With the logical side of my brain once again in control, I am suddenly aware of the danger I am in. I attempt to escape, but I am too slow, and the blades of InuYasha's stolen Kongousouha pierce through my amour.
Impossible. I am too strong; too fast. I will not be overpowered by such a lowly demon. But before I can react I am engulfed by Moryoumaru's diamond arm.
And as the darkness consumes me, my thoughts once again drift to the wind user.
What a useless thing, this compassion.
Look where it's gotten me.