Chapter Four – Phantom's Puppet
Inutaisho ducked as Sesshoumaru's sword swiped forward "Kagome RUN!" He shouted as he knocked Sesshoumaru back
"You will not take what is mine!" Sesshoumaru growled as he hit his father so hard that he flew out of the door and into the hallway where Totosai, Miroku, Inuyasha and Sango now resided
"My Lord" Totosai gapped. He looked from the King to Sesshoumaru as he neared them "Prince Sesshoumaru what are you doing?" Sesshoumaru gave an evil smile as he looked down at his father
"Pathetic" Sesshoumaru's voice seemed to be combined with another's "You forgot one thing my dear brother, I hold this pup's blood in my possession"
"Phantom?!" Inutaisho gasped "But...how? You're locked in the cellar below us"
"You do not remember? No I didn't think you would, after all when I told you of this knowledge you were too busy trying to save your human wench and your half breed brat"
"What are you talking about? Explain!" Inutaisho growled as he stood. Inuyasha ran up beside him and unsheathed his Tetsusaiga just in case
"Do not point that sword at me you disgusting half breed" Sesshoumaru/Phantom growled. He then looked up at Inutaisho and continued "Remember..."
Flashback
Inutaisho was in his humanoid form and was angry when his eldest stormed off on him after he told him of his plan, but he couldn't blame Sesshoumaru all he wanted to do was to prevent him from getting killed. Inutaisho was about to run to his beloved when Phantom appeared before him laughing "I don't have time for you Phantom. I already lost one mate to you and I won't let you prevent me from saving another"
"Oh?" Phantom smirked "You're going to orphan your pup? To leave him in my hands? How kind of you little brother"
"Be quiet"
"I wonder how Sesshoumaru must be feeling, to have his own father abandon him for a mere wench. Oh wait I just asked him" Phantom then lifted his hand to reveal it drenched in Sesshoumaru's blood "He didn't even resist me" He then began to laugh
"How dare you touch my son" He growled. He then saw smoke fly up from his lover's palace "Izayoi!"
"Pay attention Inutaisho, I shall use this blood to possess your pup whenever I wish"
"I don't have time for you!" Inutaisho then ran in direction of the flaming palace "IZAYOI"
End Flashback
"No..." Inutaisho fell to his knees "How could you?"
"How could I? Dear brother you are the one who abandoned your pup at his time of need, you left him before he fully matured. Orphaned and made to rule Japan without any guidance, I awaited the day I had reinforcements so that I could return to the Western lands and take what was rightfully mine" He smirked "I can feel the pain and betrayal in his soul, this pup was practically dead until he met the miko" Kagome slowly left the room where his mother was
"That's enough" Inutaisho shouted "Leave my son's body immediately"
"What you care now?" He laughed "Trying to made amends?" His eyes then glazed over with sorrow and began to speak with just Sesshoumaru's voice "I still cannot believe you left me for your woman, you told me you'd always be there for me. Were they just lies?"
"Sesshoumaru...I..."
"Die!" Sesshoumaru voice screamed with Phantom's "Return to the grave you worthless whelp" Sesshoumaru then pointed his sword forward "DRAGON STRIKE"
"Sesshoumaru NO" Kagome screamed. Inutaisho and Inuyasha were engulfed by the blast as Kagome screamed for him to stop. When the blast dissipated both Inuyasha and Inutaisho were laying upon the floor unconscious
"Tetsusaiga's barrier protected them" Sesshoumaru stated as he held his sword towards Miroku, Totosai and Sango "If you do not wish for your comrades to die drop your weapons and stay on your knees" All three of them grumbled as they dropped their weapons and kneeled. Sesshoumaru then clicked his fingers and Naraku appeared with Kagura, Hakudoushi, Kanna, Kohaku and a mass of humanoid youkai "Naraku your minions along with Hakudoushi and Kagura will subdue all the servants and guards who resist in the palace, they will also make sure these pests will not interfere with anything" He said as he pointed towards Inutaisho and Co. "The miko is mine do not touch her or my control over Sesshoumaru will weaken, if his beast gets angry I will not be able to control him much longer"
"So you're Phantom?" Sesshoumaru nodded "How do you managed to control him?"
"It is simple, I took blood from him when he was a child and concealed it in a sacred stone which lets me control him"
"I see" Naraku began to laugh "You took the King's weakness and used it as your own host"
"Do not be fooled Naraku I have merely possessed Sesshoumaru, I am really in the cellar below. Come kill the guards and free me, I shall reward you with jewel shards and the pleasure of killing Inuyasha"
"You wait Phantom, Inutaisho and Sesshoumaru will destroy you!" Kagome snapped "They would never fall to such a disgusting youkai like you" Sesshoumaru then turned to Kagome
"You're lucky that I cannot kill you woman" He then closed his eyes and smirked "But that does not mean I cannot punish you" He then raised his hand and backhanded Kagome resulting in throwing her to the ground "Naraku go!" The crimson left Sesshoumaru's eyes as he fell to the floor rendered unconscious
"As you wish" He then turned to Kagura "If the Prince starts to stir knock him out into further unconsciousness, fail me and it will result in your death" Kagura nodded and watched as Naraku headed towards the cellar "You all have your orders" All of Naraku's minions then dispersed and did as ordered
Kagome ran to Sesshoumaru's side and pulled his head to lay in her lap "Sesshoumaru..." She kissed his forehead but had to move her head back when Hakudoushi held his blade to her throat
"Do not do that Kagome, for all we know you may be chanting a spell into his head" He smirked
"I'm a miko not a witch" She growled "And don't order me around you're only a kid"
"Heh this kid can easily end your pathetic life"
"But you can't under strict orders" Kagome's hands then began to glow pink "I can easily purify you and take back my friends"
"Do that and I'll kill Sesshoumaru" Kagome looked up and met Phantom's stern gaze "I am serious" The glow in her hands subsided as she scowled at the dreaded youkai "Sesshoumaru awaken" Phantom clicked his fingers and Sesshoumaru's eyes snapped open. They were gold but dull, there was no life in his eyes and that could only mean one thing...he was once again possessed but it was also different, Phantom was no longer in his body. Sesshoumaru moved from Kagome's lap and stood "Sesshoumaru all the good in your heart I taint it and let your evil out. Allow all of the pain and anger in your heart take control and we shall both get your revenge on your father" He then took a jewel shard and shoved it in Sesshoumaru's crescent moon "Your heart shall be as black as mine, I will give you your free will only that you obey me in return"
"Done" Sesshoumaru's eyes turned blood red once more and an evil grin crossed his features "I must say uncle that is very generous of you"
"Anything for my nephew" He smirked "Let us end your pathetic father's life"
"It will be more enjoyable when he is awake" Sesshoumaru then looked down at Kagome and pulled her to her feet "None of you are to touch my mate" He warned Phantom, Naraku and minions "She is mine"
"That is agreeable" Phantom nodded "Just make sure she doesn't try anything funny"
"Kagura take everyone to the cellars and lock them up, make sure Inutaisho is in a separate one of his own" Naraku ordered
"What about Inuyasha's Tetsusaiga?" Kagura asked "None of us can pick it up" Sesshoumaru then looked at Kagome and smirked
"Kagome take the Tetsusaiga from Inuyasha"
"No" Without noticing Myouga jumped onto Kagome's shoulder and began to whisper into her ear
"Listen well Kagome. Sesshoumaru will take you to his room and will treat you as nothing more than a common whore, he may even beat you. Take Tetsusaiga from Inuyasha and lock yourself in the nearest room, use the sword to stab the door making a barrier so that neither Sesshoumaru, Naraku nor anyone can get to you" She gave a short nod to show she understood.
"Get the sword or I will kill Inuyasha right here and now" He growled
"Fine you jerk" Kagome then walked over to Inuyasha's motionless form and took the Tetsusaiga in her grasp
"RUN" Myouga cried. Kagome then kneed Sesshoumaru where it hurt and ran into the medical suite, she then barricaded the door just as Myouga said. Everyone was banging at the door which only resulting in them getting shocked by Tetsusaiga's barrier "We're safe for at least an hour or two"
"What?" Kagome gasped "You could have told me the barrier wouldn't hold out long otherwise I wouldn't have done it, now when they get through they're going to beat me to death" Myouga had ignored Kagome's scolding as his gaze was too focused on Sesshoumaru's lifeless mother
"My Queen..." Myouga gasped "How is this possible? How is her body in perfect condition?" Kagome turned to look at Sesshoumaru's mother and sighed
"She's very beautiful" She then felt a wave of energy as the great miko Midoriko appeared before her "Oh my..."
"Lady Kagome it is not my time to appear before you yet I could not sit idly by and watch as the only man you trust beat you to death, the woman who is laying before you is as you know your lover's mother. She is a great youkai and will be able to save the palace from Naraku's and Phantom's destruction"
"But she's dead"
"That is true" Midoriko smiled "To save you, the chosen one. I shall revive her Ladyship" She then placed her two fingers over the Queen's crescent moon and a bright pink glow erupted from her and into the Queen. She then moved her fingers away and the Queen's golden gaze opened "I have restored your life my Queen" Midoriko then placed her hands on Kagome's shoulder as the Queen sat up "This is Lady Kagome. The young miko who is in charge of the Shikon no Tama and you pup's mate, she shall tell you what is happening for I must leave" She then released Kagome and bowed to her "You will be safe now" And with that she disappeared. The Queen got off the small bed she was sitting at and neared Kagome
"So you are the owner of the Shikon no Tama, forgive me but I do not see you wearing a miko's attire"
"I'm from the future, 500 years to be exact"
"But you have come here" She stated "Is Midoriko speaking the truth? Are you mated to my Sesshoumaru?" Kagome nodded and bowed, the Queen smiled at this "So I have the daughter I always wanted. Forgive me my name is Jen"
"An honour your majesty"
"Just call me Jen and I shall call you Kagome" Kagome nodded at this "So why is it that there is banging on this door and why is Tetsusaiga protecting us in my own palace?" Kagome told Jen everything that had happen since this morning, she seemed to take the information well even when Kagome told her slight details of who Inuyasha was and that Inutaisho had mated a human...who was now dead of course "I see, so my son had been possessed by that monster. I guess I shall have to put an end to all of this"
"Not that I'm trying to call you weak of anything but both Inutaisho and Inuyasha tried to stop Sesshoumaru and didn't succeed"
"Don't worry Kagome I don't intend to use force against my own son, I will reason with him and so shall you. Phantom has tainted his heart with evil and has placed a jewel shard in him to make the hatred stronger, when he sees me the spell should weaken slightly and I will remove the shard somehow from my son's forehead"
"Queen Jen what if they have already killed King Inutaisho?" Myouga cried as he jumped onto her shoulder
"Do not fear old friend I can sense him, he still has not been moved...no one has" Kagome then pulled the sword from the door "Stand aside Kagome" She did so as the door flung open to reveal Naraku's minions. She raised the pendent from her neck and aimed it at them "Meidou" The youkai then all flew into her necklace which led to hell itself "Hmm I guess Inutaisho got me a useful anniversary present after all, and here's me thinking he was just being cheap" She then took Kagome's hand as they left the suite
Sesshoumaru had his back to them as he held his now conscious father by the throat and began to beat him senseless, Jen stepped forward and smirked as Phantom went pale at her appearance. Inutaisho somehow looked past Sesshoumaru and caught Jen's soft gaze "Jen..." He gagged. Sesshoumaru threw him to the floor and turned to see his mate and mother, he immediately went eye wide and Jen felt the spell weaken slightly
"Mother..." Jen smiled and stepped forward
"Hello Sesshoumaru" She looked down at Inutaisho and shook her head playfully at him "I can't believe you cheated on me" He coughed up some blood and smirked lazily at her
"What can I say? You know what I'm like with women" Jen met Sesshoumaru's gaze once again and sighed
"Why can I feel all this sadness and anger in your heart Sesshoumaru? Where is my bright and happy pup?"
"Don't try it Jen" Phantom snarled as he stood beside him "Sesshoumaru and I will get our revenge on Inutaisho"
"Why do any of you seek revenge?"
"You want to know?" Sesshoumaru then walked over to Inuyasha and dragged him up by his hair (yes he is now conscious) "My father left me to save this half breed filth and his human wench, he orphaned me and made me take over Japan with no knowledge of what I was doing"
"And you seek revenge?" She raised an eyebrow "I know it must hurt but how could you seek revenge? If Kagome was giving birth and was in danger you'd do anything to save her. Yes your father left you but you were strong enough to care for yourself whereas your brother wasn't" Jen took another step forward "I know I did not raise you to be heartless and cold" Sesshoumaru growled and threw Inuyasha to the floor. Kagome ran to his side and placed Tetsusaiga in his hand
"This should protect you" She whispered into his ear
"And what do you seek revenge for?" Jen asked as she met Phantom's dark gaze "And don't even use the throne as an excuse. If anything it is Inutaisho who should be getting revenge on you. What Kagome has told me you have tried to kill my son twice and you succeeded in ending my life"
"I did not mean to end your life Jen" Phantom grumbled "You knew how much I loved you yet you still went to my brother and birthed him an heir. If anything it is Sesshoumaru's fault for your death"
"And how did you arrive at that decision? What because I jumped in the way of the attack? You think I would have just sat there and let you murder my 10 year old pup? What after that, did you think I was going to run away with you?"
"That's enough!" Phantom growled. Kagome stood and took Sesshoumaru's hand causing him to meet her gaze
"Sessh can't you see you're on the wrong side?"
"Kagome..." Suddenly Sesshoumaru fell to his knees holding his head in agony
"His beast is trying to fight the evil that has tainted his soul" Jen shouted "Kagome remove the shard" Kagome reached up to grab the shard but Sesshoumaru grabbed Kagome's wrist
"Sesshoumaru let me help you" He clawed across her face and she screamed out in agony
"Kagome" His beast growled as it fought the shard. Kagome didn't give up she moved towards him once again but used a different strategy
"Sesshoumaru..." She wrapped her arms around his neck and felt his claws dig into her sides and drag around her back, she stifled a cry as she met his lips with hers. She closed her eyes and let her one hand reach up and pull the shard from his birth mark
Immediately Sesshoumaru felt his control return, his eyes were once again gold and all hold on revenge and anger left him instantly "Kagome" He wrapped his arms around her waist and stood with her. He then pulled away from her hold when he heard Naraku's laughter
"Foolish girl. You've risked your own life just to save his soul"
"Sesshoumaru I guess we're not so different after all. Both of our claws are tainted with our loved one's blood" Phantom smirked. Sesshoumaru looked down at his hands to find them covered in Kagome's blood, he looked up at Kagome eye wide
"Kagome..."
"I'm fine Sesshoumaru" She smiled "You didn't know what was going on, I don't blame you" Her blouse was drenched in her own blood and her face held three claws marks, he had slight memories of harming her and it was killing him. Sesshoumaru unsheathed Tokijen and faced Phantom and Naraku
"You'll regret this day"
"Feh you honestly believe that we will fight you when your heart is full or rage?" Naraku smirked
"Your beast is trying to take you over and I refuse to fight your vicious side again" They both then clicked their fingers and they disappeared along with their minions
"Inuyasha!" Sango ran to Inuyasha and pulled him into her lap "Are you alright?"
"Yeah...I'm fine" He gave a weak smile "Are you?" She nodded as she began to fill up "Sango?"
"I thought I was going to lose you" He reached up and wiped the tears from her eyes
"You can't get rid of me that easily" He then took her hand in his and kissed it. He tried to sit up but she pulled him back down
"Don't you'll strain yourself" Sango then looked to Miroku who then went to her side and began to see to Inuyasha's wounds. Sesshoumaru then sheathed his sword and kneeled beside his father
"Sesshoumaru...are you alright?"
"Father I'm deeply sorry" Sesshoumaru bowed his head
"No Sesshoumaru I'm sorry" Inutaisho managed to sit up "Everything Phantom said I hated but it was true" He then pulled Sesshoumaru into his embrace "I am so sorry pup" Jen kneeled beside them with a medic kit and turned to Sesshoumaru
"Sesshoumaru take Kagome to your room and see to her wounds, they are not as bad as your father's and brother's but they cannot be left untreated" The young Prince nodded and stood
"Kagome" He beckoned his hand to her half believing she wouldn't take it but she did, she took his hand and gave it a light squeeze
"Come on Sessh, you can pamper me" As they made their way upstairs Rin and Shippo left Rin's room "Where have you two been? I've been so worried"
"We've been asleep" Shippo replied
"Yeah we were up all night telling each other ghost stories"
"Oh...well go and play in the gardens ok" The two infants both nodded and ran off to play "How on earth did they sleep through all that?" Shrugging it off she followed Sesshoumaru into their chambers and stretched "Room sweet room" She giggled
"Do they hurt?" She looked at him and shook her head "Liar" He then walked over to her and pulled her top off, he winced at the deep scram marks down her sides. He lightly traced them with his fingers causing her to flinch, what had he done to her? How could he do this to her? "Kagome" He lowered his head so that his bangs covered his eyes "I'm sorry"
"Sesshoumaru..." He went to his knees before her causing her to gasp
"I'll heal your wounds and then I'll leave you be"
"I don't want to be alone...without you" He placed his hands on her hips "Don't leave me" He then closed his eyes and licked her wounds 'Oh yeah inuyoukai saliva heals wounds' She bit back the temptation to moan as he continued "Well at least there's an upside here, you've seen me topless" She felt him give a small smile and smiled back. She then threw her head back and sighed in contentment. When he finished her one side the wound was completely gone, he switched sides and repeated the same thing. This time she did moan as her fingers slid through his silken strands "Sessh I won't be able to stand now" She felt his grip tightened on her waist as he quickly finished up. He then pulled away and the wounds on her sides were gone and scar free, he then stood where Kagome then wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him tenderly. He wasn't responding. She pulled back to find his gaze fixed on her wounded cheek "Umm Sesshoumaru?" He pulled her over to the bed
"Sit down Kagome" She complied and he sat next to her. He then leaned over and licked her cheek over and over until the wound had completely disappeared
"Thanks" She smiled and kissed his cheek "Come lay with me, you look exhausted" She practically had to pull him down with her as he just stared at her with confusion. She pushed him onto his back, folded her arms and leaned on his chest "What?"
"How can you be around me? Don't you feel any fear for me?"
"Nope" She then kissed his nose "I have nothing to fear you for"
"I am the one who wounded you"
"It is not like you did it willingly" She shrugged "And even if you did it wouldn't make me stop loving you"
"Kagome..." He wrapped his arms around her and closed his eyes "You're so forgiving" She smiled and settled into his embrace
"I could never hold a grudge against you Sesshoumaru" She kissed his neck and sat up "Shall we go see how your father and Inuyasha are doing?" Sesshoumaru nodded and stood with her. Kagome then wrapped one of Sesshoumaru's outer haoris around her as her shirt was ruined
"My father has forgiven me" He smirked "I doubt Inuyasha will be that easy" They then left the bedroom and made their way to the lounge
"Does it bother you if he does?"
"Surprisingly yes" Kagome gapped at her mate's reply, she never thought Sesshoumaru would care about Inuyasha's opinion. They arrived just outside the lounge where they had left everyone. Inutaisho was restored to his old self (thanks to Jen) except for the odd cut or bruise but Inuyasha was still not fairing well 'Did I hurt him that much?' Inutaisho saw the couple approaching and smiled
"Kagome I'm glad to see that you are well...and wearing my son's haori" Kagome blushed and gave a short nod
"How are you fairing your highness?"
"I am fine thank you" He smiled but then cringed when Jen backhanded him "Hey what was that for?"
"She is your daughter in-law yet you have her address you by your title" She folded her arms and huffed "Then again I had to address you by your title until I was pregnant with Sesshoumaru" Inutaisho gave a nervous laugh and rubbed the back of his head
"Now calm down dear, we must set a good example for the children" Rin and Shippo just looked at them and shrugged. Jen rolled her eyes and approached her son
"I must say Sesshoumaru you've done a great job with healing Kagome's wounds" Sesshoumaru nodded. He then gently pushed past his mother and kneeled in front of Inuyasha who was currently on his own since Sango and Miroku went to get some medical supplies
"Inuyasha" The hanyou looked up at his brother and gave a small grin
"Hey Sessh, I see Kagome is ok"
"Yes" He then wiped some blood from Inuyasha's chin "I'm sorry little brother" Inuyasha gapped at his brother's apology "I almost killed you today"
"Hey it wasn't your fault" Inuyasha weakly placed his hand on Sesshoumaru's shoulder "We'll get them" Sesshoumaru gave a small smile and nodded, it soon faded when Inuyasha gave a small yelp in pain
"Inuyasha!" Sesshoumaru pulled Inuyasha against him and examined his wounds "You've lost too much blood" Kagome then ran over to them and untied Inuyasha's haori
"Kagome?" He gapped
"Heh you wish" She poked her tongue out. She then placed her hands over his chest and healed all of his deep wounds, she couldn't heal them completely as she was only a miko in training and didn't know how to use her powers fully yet
"Thanks" She gave a nod and tied his haori back up
"You need to get some rest Inuyasha otherwise your wounds won't heal completely" She was about to leave them when Inuyasha grabbed her wrist
"Kagome. Sango is badly beaten up too, she won't let anyone see to her wounds as she's too busy worrying about me..."
"I understand Inuyasha" Sango then re-entered holding bandages with Miroku "Sango can I look at your wounds?"
"I'm alright Kagome" She smiled as she kneeled in front of Inuyasha and found him mostly healed "Kagome did you do this?" She nodded "Your powers are improving"
"Sango let Kagome heal you" Inuyasha breathed
"I will in a moment Inuyasha but first I must bandage your wounds up"
"No" He growled firmly "Your wounds are more serious than mine"
"I don't care" Sango snapped back "You need to stop any infections getting into your system"
"Feh I'm a hanyou you need those bandages more than me" Inutaisho heard the arguing and watched on in amusement
"Just because I'm human doesn't make you stronger than me, now stay still whilst I bandage you"
"No you're going to get some medical attention first" Inuyasha leaned closer to her face as he shouted at her
"No I'm not" Sango did the exactly same thing
"Yes you are!" Closer
"No you are!" Even more closer
"Stop being so stubborn and get better" Inches away
"Ha me being stubborn you're the one..." She was cut off when Inuyasha's lips were pressed softly against hers. Kagome gapped at her best friend's forwardness whilst Sesshoumaru just hated the fact that he was holding Inuyasha whom was lip locking with the demon slayer
"Awe that's so cute" They quickly broke away and blushed at Inutaisho's comment
"Inutaisho!" Jen elbowed him in the gut "Way to ruin a moment like"
"Had to be said my dear" He smirked "Right I shall take Inuyasha to his chambers and see to his injuries and Kagome you take Sango to her room and do the same" Kagome nodded and helped Sango to her feet "I suggest everyone else should go to bed and get some rest"
"I agree" Jen then stepped forward and took the children's hands "I shall take these pups to bed and shall find myself a suitable guest room"
"Well there's always space in my bed if you get cold" Inutaisho winked as he pulled Inuyasha from Sesshoumaru's arms and into his own. Sesshoumaru then looked towards his mate who seemed to be struggling with her friend, he gave a quiet sigh and mentally cursed himself. He then walked over to them and lifted Sango bridal style
"Umm..." Sango began
"Your leg is still wounded is it not? It may no longer be broken but you're still in pain" Sango nodded "Kagome I shall put her in her chambers and you can heal her"
"Alright love" Sesshoumaru then did as he said, once that was done he went on ahead to his bed chambers and awaited his mate's return...
About a half hour later Kagome entered her bed chambers exhausted "I overdid it" She moaned as she sat on the edge of the bed where her mate was currently laying in "I feel so drained"
"What do you expect?" Sesshoumaru sat up and pulled Kagome into his hold "You healed my brother and his mate"
"They're not mates...yet" She smirked "Awe what he did to her was so romantic though, it is like something you'd watch in a movie"
"A movie?"
"Oh never mind" She then slid out of his arms, stripped and threw on a nightdress. Once she was ready for bed she made her way back over to her mate and lay on top of him
"A whole double bed yet you decide to sleep upon me? Kagome Higurashi you are a mystery"
"My name is Kagome Taisho" She corrected as she buried herself into the crook of his neck and closed her eyes "Don't make that mistake again my dear"
"My apologies mate" He felt her smirk against his neck and smiled. He pulled the covers over them and let sleep claim them for this was the last night they would remain in a safely guarded area, once they started travelling there would be no longer any deep sleeps or warm beds...
Hope you enjoyed it
Reviews please!
Inuyashasesshy4eva
