Normally I wait a while longer to post stories but after Windows 10 literally wiped out near finished stories i have decided it might not be the best avenue. Right now this story is written through chapter 8 and will continue far past that but I hope you enjoy it nevertheless.

Unseen Returns

Chapter 2

A chill swept up their spines regardless of the warm atmosphere. The two inu brothers shared a look. One wouldn't think that these two used to be at each other's throats at one point with how in sync they are now, working as a unit rather than rivals. Their pride had to be let down to some degree when they faced the fact that separately they could not protect their small but treasured packs. From years of battles and experience, his finesse in battle, Sesshoumaru became the alpha although he did not flaunt it. Instead they acted more together, taking down the enemy with a stronger front but it still hasn't been enough.

Somehow, on an in between subconscious and conscious level they knew the enemy is tampering with their Father's grave. Growls came from their throats and red creeped into their eyes while they each held a clawed hand fisting around the hilts of their swords, shaking in fury. Kagome looked at them worriedly, something had happened and she isn't sure what.

"Those bastards," InuYasha cursed.

Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes, fighting back his anger to keep a sharp mind rather than let his beast take over. So many threats to their lives, to his pack's lives has put him on edge even if it didn't show as visibly as the others. "They will pay for this," the promise firm in his eyes giving a murderous glare out at the horizon.

"InuYasha," she looked worriedly at him then flicked her eyes to the slightly taller male, "Sesshoumaru," she nearly whimpered, wondering just what is going to happen now. It couldn't be good if they are both this mad.

The silence was tense.

"WHAT DO WE DO NOW?!" InuYasha finally snapped and looked at his elder half-brother in anger although not directed at him.

"We pray they fail," his steel tone cemented that it was their only hope.

"You guys," Kagome nearly cried as Shippo and Rin gripped the torn blue hakamas around her legs, Rin sporting tears as she buried her face into the side of the waist of the woman she has come to view like an aunt or elder sister.

They were tight lipped and a staff jingled alerting them to Miroku's presence, his communicated demand that they should be made aware of whatever new threat is out there.

An almost regretful look was in InuYasha's eyes when he finally looked back at them, causing them to both finally acknowledge everyone as they somehow managed to keep them alive. "They resurrected him," he supplied vaguely.

"Who," Miroku asked, eyes serious as ever in the face of any threat even if they are sunken in a little from the stress and restless nights.

"Father," Sesshoumaru finished and the whole group's eyes widened with a collective gasp from them.

"Then…" he didn't finish his sentence, indigo eyes even more afraid for his family and friends.

"We have no chance of ever finding reprieve. He could track us anywhere take anyone of you down, the only ones that might stand a chance is us," InuYasha came out with the truth.

"But Lady Kagome," Miroku looked over at her.

"Do you really believe she has it in her to strike down our Father unless her hand was forced to the extreme," InuYasha decided to be frank even changing his gaze to stare at her wavering one as it became clear it really would be hard for her soft heart.

Sesshoumaru gave them all a serious gaze, "Rest, we all need it because in the matter of hours he could be upon us."

And he was right, it was only mere hours, not even a day before he struck. A massive body of white and silver silky fur snarling at them when he pounced after his thunderous run over the mountains and through the forests. They were all ready and aware, Sesshoumaru transformed quickly and launched himself at his neck sending the other massive being into a tumble of limbs taking out over an acre of woods between the two of them. Growls and rumbles shook the ground causing some of them to grab for support or widen their stance. Kagome stood with an arrow knocked and the same two kids clutching her while Sango and Miroku stood protectively in front of Kiara who held their daughters on her back, Kohaku right behind them holding his nephew. The dragon and Jaken were beside Kagome and InuYasha.

The constant tension stressed them to such varying degrees that they could almost snap and lose it at any turn. Heart in her throat, Kagome tried to swallow the lump as she watched father and son viciously attack each other. It felt heart wrenching and it took everything in her to keep the arrow knocked and at the ready even though her arms shook and lip quivered, shaking with every rumbling impact their massive bodies made with the ground. The fact that this is their Great and Powerful Father, the Inu no Taisho of the West had made it so hard, for any other demon they most likely wouldn't have such mercy in her heart. Her heart went out to all three of them and she couldn't decide if she hopes he is at least somewhat aware of his actions.

The slamming of these giant beings hitting the Earth and the snapping of gleaming white teeth dripping with blood continued to be a frightening experience. Kagome couldn't be sure what would happen, who would be the victor and what would be the end result. Pain gripped her heart when she heard the proud demon whimper when his foreleg was crushed under such intense pressure by the unrelenting jaws of his father. It was a sound they have never heard from the revered demon Lord.

Something flickered in the murderous gaze of the legendary dog demon but it hadn't been enough when those eyes zeroed in on them. InuYasha charged but he was batted away with a swipe of a paw, trees crashing into dirt after giving away from the force of his body. Everything seemed so savage. She froze right along with the Shippo and Rin, fear striking their hearts in the heart stopping moment.

Trembling now before him as another massive paw shook the earth she heard the quiet cries of the two kids and like an ignition switch her resolve hardened with a new spark. This is a do or die and the kids' lives are at stake. Apology in her eyes as she let the tip of the arrow glow in warning she hesitated even though he bristled at the hostility shown in that simple arrow, the purity of it enough to show she is a threat. He tensed and was preparing to take her out before she could let her arrow fly. That hesitation in her ceased as her shoulders squared and with a whizz it streaked across the distance striking him before he could leap at them, giving them a crushing blow under his bodyweight.

Something in her screamed to not do this and just by that she had held back on the power. This could have been a deadly mistake, not following through and defeating a demon that had already met his death once before and now was risen with no will of his own. A look was in his eyes again when they zeroed in on the children and her, it was that same look. He is in there.

With a violent flare that purity struck his demonic form and with a pained yowl he collapsed on to the ground with painful spasms. His growling sounded so severe she felt a flicker of fear rise in her, afraid she only served to further fan the flames of his deadly nature.

She was wary of him but afraid for the other two while he remained down. With her urging she got the children to climb on to the dragon with Jaken in case they should need to take flight while she left their side to check on the dog demon she trusts, seeing his youki collect and transform him back into his humanoid form. Eyes red he looked at her like the demon he is and growled at her, outfit drenched with the blood from his wounds. "Sesshoumaru it is just me," she bared her neck and kept her hand free of arrows and bow low as she tried to remain as submissive as possible while approaching the demon Lord. "I just want help you heal," she showed him her healing energy and was relieved when she was able to finally settle down in front of him and pull back the sleeve to the restored limb InuYasha had originally taken. "You may heal fast but if you can heal faster with my help then we need to do it," she calmly spoke to him, "I don't know how much good I did when I struck your Father, if any at all," she added worriedly knowing her alpha would latch on to that.

Slowly as her hands glowed she watched Sesshoumaru gain control of his mind and body, his instinctual side diminishing to a controllable level once again. "Priestess you held back," he stated and she knew he is scolding her, calling her out on the softness still in her heart.

"I know," she looked down with a sniffle, "I'm sorry."

"Why," he demanded, trusting that she must have had a reason for it.

"His eyes," she looked into his molten gold eyes with hope, "I could see them flicker."

"Flicker," he nearly growled at the answer. Then he thought better about it and did growl, eyes latching onto the massive form.

"I think he almost broke their control," she clarified and waited for his reaction. He gave a nod and kept his eyes on the dog demon he resembles so greatly, not even sparing his younger half-brother a glance when he came back with his sword mostly sheathed and eyes more demonic than usual.

"Father is still more skilled in battle than I, his larger frame didn't hinder his speed in the least," he commented and tightened his eyes in irritation after squashing his belief that they had surpassed his power. Then again his swords had been made before InuYasha came about and just like he had, his father could have become even more powerful since the forging of the Heaven and Earth swords. That and possibly the swords don't show his true strength, couldn't fully tap into just how powerful of a being that he is because certainly his Father is powerful. "Kagome, you will assist me," he ordered and got up. With stern strides he walked straight up to the enormous body of fur and blood. She obediently followed behind him with hesitance in her mind of following through on whatever is on his mind.

After coming to the head Sesshoumaru flared his aura, ignoring the growling of his terrifying Father. "Contain him," he ordered and she flicked her gaze up at him in confusion. "Erect a barrier to contain and then shrink it," he stated with impatience but pleased nonetheless when she followed through with his instruction. Just as he hoped the two of them managed to overpower his weakened state and forced him to his humanoid body, watching him clutch his head and refuse to open his eyes.

"Sesshoumaru," she looked up at him and watched him enter the barrier, eyes silently commanding she do the same. "I don't know what you expect me to do," she shifted nervously after she stood right before this collapsed demon.

He didn't say a word, something in him said she is the one who can do this. A clawed hand shot out, gripping her haori in a tight fist and one eye squinted open focused completely on her. "You will purify my mind," his deep baritone voice sent a thrilling shiver through her small frame before his hand tugged on her and sent her sprawling on to his lap.

"Ack, what are you doing?!" Face blushing furiously, she had tried to push away from him but he held strong and silenced her with a single look, one that meant he is begging she do this. Biting down on her lip she brought her hands up uncertain if this is truly right, if this will kill or seriously harm him. Eyes pricked with tears she let them lightly glow while she shook in a small panic. As the energy reached him he brought his head forward, nose pushing into her locks until his nose touched the skin of her neck, her hair shielding his face from prying eyes and surrounding him with her gentle scent.

Of all the things for him to do but insist aid from this priestess and take comfort from her as if she is pack. Part of him became aware that she is pack being she is part of Sesshoumaru's pack but he has also been dead for over 250 years. Giving a rumbling sigh as he felt the hold on him disappear he relaxed more, eyes no longer screwed shut. That sigh was all it took for her to know she must have succeeded.

"Are you okay now," she asked nervously, very conscious of the fangs and strength in his jaw that rested in such a vital area to her life.

"Yes," he rumbled, "thank you Priestess."

"Uh," she fidgeted, "no problem," she squeaked and shifted feeling his clawed hand now on her back.

When neither made a move to separate InuYasha lashed out with his angry, "Well is he fine or not?!"

"It would appear so," Sesshoumaru watched the interaction carefully but didn't share his thoughts or break them apart, instead turning on heel to stride over to the rest of the pack.

He gave another suffering breath as his sore body began to register to him before the priestess caught on. After much hesitance she let her hands glow again and then he felt her healing energy spread through him to heal any damage in his very much alive body. Taking the opportunity to prolong his chance to drink in her scent he couldn't help himself, it might be because he had only just been resurrected or she could just really smell that fantastic to him, either way it soothed him. Feeling pleased with this comfort he kept her there on his lap until she had done plenty for him. Her frame sagged with exhaustion and he brought her to stand up on her feet while he rose, a hand supporting her as he grew a smidgeon protective of her already. "Why am I alive," he directed the question to the only one he for sure recognizes.

"You are alive because our enemies are strong and brought you from the grave to kill us," Sesshoumaru answered from where he stood with his back partially turned to him.

A growl reverberated through his frame and right into the woman still in his grasp. "They will die."

"Precisely," a smile rose to Sesshoumaru's lips, the very kind that makes Jaken falter for he knows the level of danger it means.

"So what," InuYasha looked over at his half-brother, his frame catching the attention of the Inu no Taishou while he interacted with Sesshoumaru, "this means he is now on our side, the fucking bastards failed?"

"Can you not tell for yourself," Sesshoumaru actually egged him on sounding so much more like the Sesshoumaru they had once come to know in the days of past when the two half-brothers would fight.

"How do we know it will last though," he pointed out that possibility.

"She purified their taint, it is completely gone," he responded with certainty. "We are retreating for now; the priestess needs rest."

Yes, she does, she can agree with that but why is he still holding on to her? The power within him is almost frightening, his body dwarfs her petite body and his masculine scent was dizzying, mind becoming hazy. Distantly she registered the small soothing rumbles that continued to pull her into a sense of ease and comfort, the tension in her frame melting. One moment she was still part of the conscious world and the next she fell into slumber under his efforts to lull her there with the added effect of her physical and mental exhaustion.

This group he could see has been practically walking on eggshells, they are so strung out with stress that it took presence in their physical features, from bags under the eyes of the humans and irritated eyes to the constant presence of the more instinctual sides of the demons, or at least his sons. Yes, he has realized this must be InuYasha before him, his youngest that he died to protect and now he will live again to protect him. This resurrection might be more of a blessing than a curse if it means he can help them, possibly tip the scales in their favor. "We should depart then, I want to learn much," he maneuvered her limp body to rest along his arms setting the others a bit on edge as they must not really trust him to not harm the priestess while in such a defenseless state.

With a nod Sesshoumaru led the way towards a cavern he couldn't see at first through the thick foliage and vines climbing up around it. A volcano in the distance gave a rumbling quake to the ground as steam rose from it, making him aware that it is still very much so an active volcano. Still less than ten miles from it they became situated in the cavern, moisture in the air from the springs further back. Settling down against the wall across from his eldest, still keeping a hold on the priestess for reasons he has yet to discover, he gave him a nod, "Now begin."

Annoyance flickered in his gaze but he pushed past it. "We have had many enemies in a short time, even some of yours to fight," he started in. "Though they were defeated we also had a jewel to destroy, one the priestess had been guardian of. In our supposed victory the enemy managed to influence its pawn, our other enemy, to make a wish on the future. None of us were aware it had happened, she made the correct wish that brought the destruction of the jewel but now years later when we were convinced of this possible lasting peace, our enemies came back with a vengeance. Somehow they formed an alliance to rid themselves of us and we have been at the disadvantage."

"So this is likely a very long story," he inquired and looked them all over, seeing it in the eyes of the man and woman holding on to their small family.

Giving a small jingle of his staff as he set it down, Miroku looked down at his wife and kids while they rested against Kirara. "Inu no Taishou of the West, I am the Monk Miroku," he addressed him, not sure what else to call him.

"Mattaki," he supplied.

"Mattaki," he restated seeing it pleased the formerly dead demon Lord. "How about I speak for everyone as I know much about everything," he offered and could see they were all in agreeance while he still felt nervous about his friend slumbering on this male. "I will sum it up for the sake of time to get the important details out, anything else you will have to learn over time as we don't usually have a long reprieve."

So it is like he gathered, this group has been stressed near their max and he vowed to give them the time they need to rest. Erecting a strong barrier around the cave entrance he could see that his action had been firmly communicated. He will keep them safe behind this barrier while they recovered. With their forms easing up more he patiently listened as this Miroku detailed different events and enemies, working them into what their life had been at different times and how it is now. Somehow, likely because they work as a group, they have survived thus far, his sons' looking past any hatred for each other. It remained a relief that they are now so agreeable with one another because the lives of their packs depended upon it. It showed honor and responsibility. They are fierce protectors, of that much he is sure.

Learning of each of them had been easy… minus the priestess. She was more so shrouded in mystery as they were the least forthcoming when it came to sharing what should be such simple things. The monk had no issue disclosing where some of them hailed from and their lives during this peace but such things were left out when it came to her. Taking a studying look at the woman he had to wonder why it is she was not spoken of in some instances but he decided for now he will just let it be, it could be nothing or it could really be a secret worth hiding.

"Oi," InuYasha pushed away from where he leaned against the wall, "you can hand her over, old man or not."

Eyes barely acknowledging him he merely adjusted his hold on her. "I would think this is comfier and preferable than a dirt cave floor."

InuYasha let out an annoyed growl while Sesshoumaru became a silent observer.

Kagome was completely unaware that she is snuggled up to the legendary beast she has heard tales of. InuYasha was uncomfortable knowing this is his Father cuddling his best friend. What more, his half-brother has yet to voice a single complaint the whole time and that bugged him since obviously he has something on his mind that he isn't sharing right this moment. Rin got up from by the dragon and moved to Sesshoumaru's side seeking the comfort of having his presence closer to her even though she is curious of this demon.

"So Sesshoumaru, have you found something to protect," he asked him the very same question before his death, seeing the answer for himself. Stubbornly he didn't respond, refusing to say such out loud even though a small human girl looks to him for comfort.

"We need a plan," Sango cut in and looked at the group. "We have barely been getting by as it is, we can't go on much longer and expect to still have this good of fortune."

"And what do you think we are going to do," InuYasha responded feeling frustrated, "frankly I don't completely believe he is on our side. They could still have some sort of hold on him and apparently they are done toying around with us." Arms crossing, he leaned back against the cave wall and gave his Father a suspicious glare. "We have to defeat each of them."

"InuYasha is right," Miroku chimed back in, "and so is Sango, we have to figure out a way to take each of them out. If not for the fact that they were revived stronger than before then it wouldn't be nearly such a problem. Individually we could pick them off," he went into his thinking pose and shut his eyes as he thought over this tactic.

"Maybe for now it is best you eat and get some rest," Mattaki suggested as he heard rumbling stomachs. There was a silent agreeance to that statement and with little sound Sesshoumaru stood and swiftly left the cave to presumably hunt.

Though irked, InuYasha followed when his half-brother's eyes connected with his from over his shoulder. It is likely they will talk away from the group; he must have something to say to him. On the way out he grabbed their water pouches and bottles to fill up. "Keh," he glared at his old man looking so youthful and at ease holding his best friend. It disturbed him.

Quietly they weaved through the trees and away from the cavern, getting out of earshot. When they came to a small clearing with an old log covered in moss and small flowers they stopped. "Father is free of their influence."

"Feh, still doesn't mean I want him all over Kagome like that," InuYasha folded his arms as he understood this is where they will talk. The increase of enemy attacks had calmed him down some, put a damper on his temper and was what the brothers needed to finally get along and act like a unit.

"I question why but when his instincts should have demanded that he kills her," he paused as he reflected on it again, "she was instead the one he grabbed and used to keep his rational mind. She had the power to do it but her scent called to him in some way and as inu we need to acknowledge that."

"So you're telling me to just deal with it basically," he grumbled and glared at his back.

"Precisely."

InuYasha growled low, not liking this. Turning his heated eyes to the forest he still remained alert.

"With Father we stand a higher chance, he will be what we need to finally turn the tide on our enemies," he turned around with his ever serious gaze. "We might have done well had this been before but now we have many young to protect while fighting against their efforts to divide us up. Their mistake will be our way to finally defeat them."

"I know," he flattened his ears. Having been dead for over two centuries their Father still came back and kicked their butts, at least in his dog form. "We should get hunting," he mumbled and knew Sesshoumaru would understand his unvoiced agreement.

They came back in after they took down a couple deer and skinned them. The meat would be good for their bodies to help recover. Sango had gone out with Kohaku to forage around and came up with berries that the kids are snacking on. She made a spit for them to use over the decent fire, the meat began roasting on it and water was passed around. With a small lull of conversation, the kids demanded a nice story, something to help them sleep better at night after their tummies are full. It was nothing like the days of past but at least smiles could still be brought to the faces of the children.

Mattaki felt angry to see that both of his sons have fallen on hard times. Them constantly looking like they might transform or InuYasha lose himself to his demon blood had taken time for him to adjust to, even put him a bit on edge. They have both grown to become powerful and still they are struggling but he could also see why as he noticed all the young. When the young girl and fox kit became absorbed in a story being told by the monk he inquired to his sons, "Where are the parents of the two older ones?"

InuYasha looked over at them before deciding to answer, "They were both orphans when we took them in years ago. Rin is Sesshoumaru's ward and Shippo is like a little brother to our group."

"I see," he looked the two over again and was pleased to see this is how his sons have turned out.

Kagome ended up being the only one to not eat that night, she wouldn't stir the drain on her just too much so Mattaki decided rest would be more important for her right now. He still gained varying looks from the others as he continued to hold on to her but not one bothered him. With his barrier and silent vigil, they all fell into slumber. With occasional deeper breaths he took in stronger whiffs of her natural scent finding it more pleasing than anything else he has ever smelled in both lifetimes. 'She smells exquisite,' he took a lock of hair up to his nose to breath in her scent more while the others remained sleeping and unaware.