Destiny Anime VIII

The Half-Demon of the Warring States

Inuyasha is a noble fighter with the pride of his dog demon father.

He is on his lonely path when he sees his comrades under attack by the manikins.

But to him, perhaps they are not comrades at all.

They may be mere strangers, accidentally born in the same world.

Without any hesitation, he plunges into battle.

Chapter I: A Good Luck Charm

Inuyasha scowled as he sheathed his sword, while the upper half of the manikins body fell off, blood spurting from its severed waist.

"Whew! You saved our hides. Thanks!" Naruto said, as he and Allen walked towards Inuyasha. The half-demon glared at the two with his amber eyes.

"Oh. You all by yourself?" Allen asked.

"Yeah." Inuyasha said simply, folding his arms.

"Then you can come with us. Let's search for a crystals together!" Allen suggested.

Inuyasha scowled as he watched the two walk off. Why does this happen every time? he groaned.

"No offense you guys-But I'd rather be by myself." he said. Naruto and Allen stopped, and turned back.

"But don't you get... lonely sometimes?" Naruto asked. Allen shrugged.

"Well, if he wants to go off on his own... Okay, well, we're heading that way." he said, pointing north.

"We'll meet up later—after we get our crystals!" Naruto said, and hurried off. Suddenly Allen walked towards Inuyasha, reaching into the pocket of his coat.

"What do you want?" Inuyasha asked.

"I thought you should have something."

Suddenly Allen placed an item in Inuyasha's clawed hands. The half-demon stared at the small cross in his hands.

"What's this dirty-looking cross?"

"Watch your mouth! That cross isn't just an item, it's a trusted companion. Whenever I found myself in danger, it saved me." Allen explained.

Inuyasha scoffed. "This is a battlefield. It's not the place to be concerned about others." he said.

"I'm just looking out for you. I'll be alright. I got Naruto with me. Just give it back next time we meet. Promise, okay?" Allen said, and the exorcist ran off after the ninja, leaving the half-demon.

Who said anything about a promise? But, this cross... It must be important to him. But if so... Why did he give it to me? Inuyasha said, and walked off on his own, his dog ears twitching in irritation.

Chapter II: "Doing Fine."

Inuyasha leaned against the Millefiore building, staring at the cross in his hands.

"Did a friend give you that?" a voice asked. There was a sudden burst of light, and an image of Cosmos appeared next to him. Inuyasha scoffed.

"More like shoved down my throat." he corrected her. Cosmos smiled.

"I can see it on see it on your face." she said. Inuyasha turned to look away. "You regret no going with them, do you not?" she asked.

"I don't regret anything. I just... never thought anyone cared about me. Sympathy is a burden I don't need. But it wouldn't hurt to know that somebody's got my back. Perhaps... I shouldn't have turned down their invitation."

"No. You made the right decision. In order to obtain the crystal, one must face the real enemy that dwells inside his heart. That enemy must be confronted alone." Cosmos explained.

Inuyasha's eyes widened in fury. "My real enemy...Him..." he hissed.

"Yes... Naraku, the demon who seeks to control everything. Defeat him, and the crystal will be yours. It is a long and lonely road. Will you be able to maintain your lofty dedication to solitude?" she asked. Inuyasha smirked, as he flexed his clawed fingers threateningly.

"That goes without saying. Or do you want me to swear in on a cross?" he said, and walked off. Cosmos watched him for a minute. Suddenly a cold smile crossed her face, and her eyes narrowed.

"No... You're doing fine." a low cold voice came from her lips...

Chapter III: "Do Anything."

No matter how faint, when given a small clue...

There is nothing to do but accept one's fate.

Suddenly Cosmos vanished. In her place, stood Naraku. The demon's red eyes narrowed maliciously. Suddenly a cloud of sand appeared, and formed into Crocodile.

"Eliminate Cosmos, and her champions shall fall. There is no need for unnecessary risks." the pirate said. Naraku turned to look at the pirate out of the corner of his eyes.

"Do you mean to tell me you have faith in that Arrancar's scheme? Is it even possible to give Cosmos an absolute death?" Naraku asked, all three of his dragon tails twitching, while the eye in the middle of his armor sloshed around.

"...I suppose you have your own plan." Crocodile said.

"As do you. I know you have a direct link with Chaos." Naraku said. Crocodile scoffed.

Naraku smirked. "It matters not. I would do anything to witness the dragon's coming. I trust I can count on your cooperation." he said...

Inuyasha traveled through the Symphonia Kingdom, lost in thought. "Lofty dedication to solitude"? Makes it sound like a pretty big deal. But I am on my own. I have to proceed with caution. There must be some pattern to the way they fight. I just have to figure it out, he said silently...

Chapter IV: Bait

An unexpected challenge...

It calls forth a new source of courage in the heart of the warrior.

Diva smiled.

"I think what you need is bait." she said.

Sasuke stared at her out of the corner of his eyes. "Bait?" he asked curiously.

"The ninja would risk his life to save a friend, right? There's your answer!" Diva exclaimed.

"They travel together. He would be no easier to acquire than the prey..." Sasuke said.

"Nonsense! Haven't you noticed the loner yet? Besides, you've always hated Naraku. Why not kill two birds with one stone?" Diva suggested...

Inuyasha sheathed his sword as the manikins head rolled off its shoulder. Then he stared at the cross in his hands.

"I used to think good-luck charms were retarded. But... after having one on me for a while, I'm beginning to rethink that thought." he said.

"You won't be thinking that soon." came a cold voice. Inuyasha spun around to see Sasuke walking towards him, his long black cloak billowing in the wind.

"What do you want?" Inuyasha narrowed his amber eyes at the ninja.

"Just came to get my bait for Naruto-fishing. And a reckless, lonesome traveler like yourself is just what I needed." Sasuke replied, brushing his black hair out of his face.

"Not interested." Inuyasha said.

"Pardon?"

"Looks like Naruto has some worthless enemies." Inuyasha said, unsheathing his sword. Sasuke scowled, as the Sharingan appeared in his eyes.

"Disgusting dog! You'll be begging for mercy!" Sasuke said, drawing his own sword. Suddenly Sasuke ran forward.

"Chidori!" he shouted, and electricity encompassed his left hand. Inuyasha drew back his on sword as wind encircled it.

"Wind Scar!" he shouted, and swung the Tetsusaiga. Three waves of energy shot forward from the sword, and charged towards Sasuke.

"Like that'll stop me!" Sasuke said, and placed he left hand on the sword, which was encompassed by the lightning.

Then Sasuke swung his sword, and the electric attack struck the energy wave, culminating in an explosion. Suddenly Inuyasha and Sasuke jumped into the air. Swiftly, Sasuke created different symbols with his hands.

"Fire Style: Fire Whip Jutsu!" he shouted, puffed out his cheeks, then expelled a thin stream of fire.

Dammit! I can't use the Backlash Wave to counterattack! Inuyasha scowled. However, Sasuke ended his attack, and weaved more hand signs.

"Fire Style: Phoenix Flower Jutsu!" he shouted, and shot out giant fireballs from his mouth. Suddenly crystalline spines appeared across the Tetsusaiga.

"Adamant Barrage!" Inuyasha shouted, and swung the sword, releasing the spines. The spines collided into the fireballs and sliced straight through them, and continued towards Sasuke. Damn! I can't dodge! Sasuke gasped, and held his arms across him, grunting in pain as the crystals sliced his arms and shoulders. Then he fell to the ground in a heap. Inuyasha landed on his feet, and sheathed the Tetsusaiga, staring at Sasuke.

"Knew you were all talk." he spat as Sasuke staggered to his feet.

The ninja glared at the half-demon, then sighed as his Sharingan vanished.

"I've come to realize... that Naruto would never be interested in chasing a lone wolf like you." Suddenly Sasuke smiled. "So, I've come up with a better way to make Naruto come after me!" he said.

"Shut the hell up!" Inuyasha said, and lunged forward, raking his claws at Sasuke. However, the ninja nimbly dodged the attack. The ninja held two fingers up in front of him.

"I'm done with you. Just sit back and watch my plan unfold." Sasuke said, and vanished in a sudden cloud of white smoke. Inuyasha stared at the spot where Sasuke vanished.

Is worrying about them going to help any? Nah! Of course not...Inuyasha fell silent.

"We'll meet up later-after we get our crystals!" Naruto's last words came to the surface of the half-demon's memory.

"Promise, okay?" came Allen's words. Inuyasha stared at the cross in his hand. Then he smiled slightly, his ears twitching.

"There's something I have to do. I must... persevere." he said...

Chapter V: "On Your Own."

To others, the bonds of friendship are as light as feathers.

But he knows the weight of those chains...

Inuyasha stood in the middle of the Hidden Leaf Village, arms folded across his chest.

"I have to keep fighting alone. If it's my mission to get the crystal as soon as possible, I have to..." he said. Suddenly he sniffed the air, his ears twitching. "I know you're there." he said, and Luffy walked out behind a building, a huge grin on his face. What an exceedingly cheerful fellow, he groaned silently. "Of great, it's the rubber boy." he said.

"You by yourself?" the pirate asked. Why does everyone ask me that? Inuyasha hissed under his breath.

"To obtain the crystal, each one of us must confront his real enemy. Cosmos told me that." he replied.

"Cosmos did?" Luffy asked.

"Isn't that why you're by yourself. too? I just want to get the crystal and get out." the half-demon explained.

Luffy sighed. "The enemy's not one, but many. They've joined forces to defeat us. Should you not join forces with somebody to watch your back?" Luffy asked. Inuyasha's eyes narrowed furiously. Don't force your thoughts on me. Just stay out of my way!

"I have only one goal. I won't allow for distractions." he said, drawing his sword and pointing it at Luffy, who stared in shock. I need that resolve to persevere.

Luffy stared sadly. "Why do you insist on fighting alone? Can you carve out your path-without the help of others? Your strong. Don't you have any intention of using that strength to protect others?" he asked. Inuyasha held out the cross in his hand.

"Fighting together's not the only way. We can help each other, even if we're apart. And whether or not I needed it, I received their support. So I'll return the favor in my own way. I have to carve out my path to change the situation." Inuyasha explained.

Luffy smiled, placing a hand and straightening his hat. "Looks like I misjudged you. I assumed you preferred to be alone because you didn't trust your companions. You should travel down this road you've chosen. Eventually, all paths become one. Don't forget. None of us are alone." Luffy said, and walked off. Inuyasha watched him, lowering the Tetsusaiga. None of us are alone, huh...

Chapter VI: Confronting the Enemy

A prideful will...

Even if his words withhold the truth, a warrior shows his light through his actions.

Inuyasha walked across the roof of the Alabasta castle. Suddenly a burst of light flashed, and an image of Cosmos appeared before him. There was a cold smile on her face.

"Take up your sword, Inuyasha." she said in a distorted voice. Suddenly a cloud of miasma began to engulf her, melting her features.

"Are you finally strong enough... to face me?" came a voice, and a figure stood where Cosmos had been.

"Naraku!" Inuyasha shouted, drawing his sword.

"Kukukukuku. I have been waiting for you... to obtain that leveles of ruthless determination." the evil half-demon said.

"Ruthless?" Inuyasha asked, slightly lowering his sword.

"Yes, the determination to stubbornly follow your own path. The merciless heart that abandons friends! That's what will lead you to your crystal."

"I abandoned my friends?" Inuyasha gasped.

"Deep in your heart, you trust no one. That's why you act alone, isn't it? By now, Sasuke should be slaughtering Naruto and Allen. And you didn't even try to go save them. Does that not prove you think nothing of them?" Naraku said, running a hand through his long black hair. Inuyasha lowered his sword, closing his eyes. "Heh. Has fear gripped your heart? I understand. I'll neither run nor hide. I shall wait for you, until the time comes." Naraku said, and vanished in a cloud of miasma.

"It's not a simple as you think." Inuyasha said softly...

Chapter VII: "I'm Not Alone"

Inuyasha sighed, his ears twitching, as he stared at a castle in feudal Japan.

"I've always had the determination. If I fail, I'll lose everything I hold dear." he said. Suddenly he narrowed his eyes in a hard squint. "I have only my strength to rely on. That's enough." he said, and ran off towards the castle...

Naraku stood in the middle of the main hall, facing outside. He smirked as footsteps sounded across the hall.

"So you've come-" he said, turning to face Inuyasha. "Having abandoned your comrades only to satisfy your own desires." the demon said.

"I only came to fulfill my promise. It's because of them, that I can't allow myself to stop." Inuyasha explained, and drew he sword, pointing it at Naraku. "I know that I'm not alone. That's why I can fight by myself!" he shouted.

Naraku smirked, his red eyes narrowing. "Interesting. Then fight you shall." he said.

Suddenly a cloud of sand appeared behind Inuyasha, and formed into Crocodile.

"Yes! Against the two of us!" the pirate exclaimed.

"Will you still... feign bravery?" Naraku asked. Inuyasha's eyes darted between the two adversaries. Then he grinned.

"This is better for me. If I can defeat both of you, then it will make it easier for the others. I'll prove it to you. We may be apart, but we still fight together!" Inuyasha exclaimed. Suddenly Crocodile grunted as he went flying through the wall. Inuyasha turned to see Naruto, standing where the pirate had been.

"Trying to take the spotlight, huh?" the ninja asked.

"Naruto! Why are you here?" Inuyasha asked. Naruto grinned.

"What? Do I need a reason to help someone? Why don't you leave him to me!" Naruto said, turning to face Crocodile. Inuyasha sighed. He just doesn't get it...

"But... I can live with that." Inuyasha turned to face Naraku. "Thanks for waiting. So-" Inuyasha shouldered his sword. Naraku smirked, and the flesh on his hands bubbled, then formed into long, blade-like claws.

"Let us settle this, half-demon." Naraku replied...

Inuyasha swung his sword through Naraku, who exploded in a cloud of miasma, then reappeared again. Inuyasha struck again and again, and each time, Naraku exploded in a cloud of miasma and reformed. Suddenly wind encircled Inuyasha's sword.

"How's this!" he shouted. Suddenly Naraku's eyes flashed, and Inuyasha's body froze. Damn! Can't move...

Naraku smirked as he walked towards Inuyasha.

"Foolish boy. Everything is an illusion." Naraku said, and long, insect legs erupted out of his back, pointing towards Inuyasha's throat. "Your hopes... Your friends... Your life itself shall fade!" Naraku shouted, and his eyes flashed again, and Inuyasha stumbled as Naraku's insect legs surged towards him. Instantly, Inuyasha rightened himself, and swung his sword, slashing the legs in half. Naraku smiled coldly. "So... you would rather die hard." he said.

"I promise you... I shall persevere!" Inuyasha shouted, drawing back his sword. Naraku leaped into the air, as tentacles shout from his fingertips. "Wind Scar!" Inuyasha shouted, swinging the sword, and the three energy waves shot from the blade, ripping through the tendrils.

"Insolent half-breed." Naraku snarled. Inuyasha drew back his sword, and a black glow surrounded it. "No way! Not yet!" Naraku shouted.

"Meidou Zangetsuha!" Inuyasha shouted, and swung his sword. A black hole appeared in the middle of the room. Unearthly moaning sounded from the portal. "You know what this is, Naraku! This portal will send you straight to the bowels of hell!" Inuyasha grinned. Suddenly Naraku shouted furiously, a shockwave erupting from hi mouth and striking the meidou.

"I refuse to go to hell yet." he said. Suddenly the eye in the middle of his armor began to glow. This is it! Inuyasha gasped.

"DIE!" Naraku shouted, and a wave of demonic energy erupted from the eye, towards Inuyasha.

"Backlash Wave!" Inuyasha shouted, and six Wind Scars encircled Naraku's attack, charging towards him.

"No!" Naraku screamed as the two attack ripped through his body, shattering it. As his head fell to the ground, Naraku's body began to discorporate into miasma. Naraku's head glared at Inuyasha. "Someday, you too will know. The truth of this world, that can never be reclaimed." he said, and vanished.

"Inuyasha!" Naruto called, running towards the half-demon.

"I owe you one." Inuyasha said.

"It's okay!" Naruto grinned. Suddenly his eyes widened and his grin fell. "Wait a minute! Nothing's okay! We got trouble! Big trouble!" he gasped.

Inuyasha groaned. I can't imagine bigger trouble than you...

"Allen! Allen got caught! It was a trap! We gotta go find him! Now!" Naruto said.

"Alright. Let's go." Inuyasha said.

"Wha-Really?" Naruto gasped.

Inuyasha held out the cross. "Gotta give this back to him." Inuyasha explained.

"Is that why?" Naruto asked.

Inuyasha shook his head. "He's also... my friend." he said.

"Yeah!" Naruto grinned. Suddenly and orb of light appeared before Inuyasha, and formed into a small, pink jewel.

"The crystal..." he said. Suddenly light engulfed the cross, and shot off towards the west.

"That light... You think it's pointing towards Allen?" Naruto asked.

Inuyasha nodded. "Let's go..." he said...

Fighting for his friends-

even from a distance, even if alone.

It was his resolve to fight alone that brought him the crystal.

Its brilliance shines the way to his friend in distress.

They hurry under the light, to save their comrade's precious life...

Epilogue: "Your Princess."

Some hold fast to their faith.

Some adapt and move forward.

For each who has found his crystal, there comes a brief respite...

Ichigo exhaled slowly. "The hair pin... I guess that's... that's my one and only answer." he said.

Naruto scratched the side of his head in confusion. "That's what you call your princess?" he asked. Ichigo smiled softly...