Author's Note
This is a LONG chapter….longest of this story so far so I better get a lot of reviews for this! Total count of pages for this chapter at end in Author's Note.
Chapter VIII: When Everything's Made To Be Broken, I Just Want You To Know Who I Am
Kagome drove a ways away from the city, making sure to go avoid being spotted by any of the search parties as she navigated through the somewhat crowded city. Following Mia's directions, the three had made their way to an old dirt road, turning onto it they traveled about a mile and a half down it before coming to a stop in front of an old house.
The house was two stories, a faded paint coated the outside of the somewhat ancient building. The three got out of the small sports car, the kitsune promptly jumping into his adoptive mother's arms as they walked up to the porch.
Climbing the few steps that had been built to lead up to the front door, Mia went to the wooden barrier and knocked rather hard, hoping to earn the attention of the one she had come to see.
A few moments later, and no one had come.
"I guess no ones here." Kagome said, looking around to the windows that had been covered, probably to keep anyone-if they ever did- who came around from seeing what was going on inside.
"That's impossible." Mia replied, narrowing her eyes at the door which remained closed, "There's always someone here."
Knocking harder this time, she shouted, "IS ANYONE IN THERE?"
The sound of rushing feet met the group as the door was pulled open, only, who they were expecting didn't answer the door.
There before the small group was a man no more than twenty five, his black hair, tinged with a deep midnight blue, his eyes a bright cerulean. The man took a moment to register who was at his door, once he took in the sight of the hanyou standing before him, her golden eyes alit with what looked like amusement, his own eyes lit up.
"Mia." The man greeted happily, pushing open the screen door to allow the three to enter, "It's been a long time."
"Too long." Mia replied, motioning for Kagome to follow her as she made her way into the house.
"Seiji," Mia began, "This is my friend Kagome, Kagome this is Seiji."
"Nice to meet you." The young man said, holding out his hand.
"Like wise." Kagome replied, taking his hand in hers and shaking it gently.
"Well we came her to ask about a sword." Mia continued, looking towards the young man.
"Of course, follow me." Seiji said, turning and leading them through the house.
Mia smiled towards the back of the young man, her eyes growing soft.
Kagome noticed her friends actions and smiled as well.
"I think she likes him." Came the kitsune's small voice, trying to be loud enough for the mortal who carried him to hear, yet quiet for the hanyou not to.
"Me too." Kagome replied, her voice just audible, knowing that the kitsune would be able to hear her with his demon hearing.
The group came to a stop in front of a heavy wooden door, the sound of metal against metal beyond the wood.
"If you all will be so kind as to wait here for just one moment." Seiji said as he opened the door and slipped inside. With in minutes the noises stopped and the man returned, opening the door to the group, "If you would please come in."
Mia nodded, entering the cluttered room, being careful not to step on any piece of metal that may be protruding from the floor.
"I hear the granddaughter of the great demon lord is seeking a weapon." The old demon commented from his spot across the room, "And it is good to see you after so long Kagome."
"Good to see you too, Totosai." Kagome replied, giving the old demon a small bow in greeting.
Mia nodded and addressed the old demon, "Yes, I came here to request you have a sword forged."
"Well I'm sorry to say that I no longer forge weapons." Totosai said, pointing a finger towards the man standing behind the guests, "Seiji handles all of that now."
"Congratulations." Mia said, turning to speak with the young man behind her, the man in turn walked to stand near the old sword smith.
"Yes," Seiji replied, "And after 150 long years I can now proudly call my self a sword smith, one who apprenticed under the great Totosai."
"Well then, what would I have to do to have you commission me a sword?" The hanyou questioned.
"Simply give me a fang to work with and I shall have it done in no more than two days." Seiji responded, bowing his head slightly with respect, "Anything for the descendent of the great lord of the west."
"Very well." Mia said waking over towards the young man and sitting down, opening her mouth for the fang to be taken.
"I apologize in advance." The man said softly, picking up a pair of pliers and gripping one of the woman's abnormally sharp canines, giving a good strong tug, pulling the tooth out.
"Damn." The hanyou cursed, her eyes starting to water slightly, "That hurt."
"You should have seen your uncle when I needed to pull one of his fangs to repair Tetsusaiga," Totosai said, "He bawled like a baby once it'd been taken out."
Kagome couldn't help but laugh at this, "Really?"
The old demon nodded.
"I'm sorry this couldn't be a more lengthily visit Totosai." Mia apologized, standing and walking towards the door, " But I'm afraid we must take our leave."
"What for?" Seiji questioned, "You only just got here."
"We are in search of my friend." Mia explained, "You may know her more formally as the Ruler of the South. She's been kidnapped by Naraku, or at least that's what we think."
"And you're going to search for her by yourselves?" Seiji asked, his eyes widening in shock. He'd never had the "pleasure" of meeting the said demon but he'd heard enough to know that he was trouble.
"Of course." Mia replied, "Don't look so surprised, we're a lot stronger than we look."
"Just like your uncle." Totosai commented, turning his attention toward the young hanyou, "Though I'm glad you came to see us before going up against him."
"So am I." Mia replied, twisting the handle of the heavy door.
"I'll see you out." Seiji offered, showing the group the way out of the large house.
"Thank you for your services." Mia thanked the young man once they'd made it out onto the porch.
"Think nothing of it." Seiji replied, his eyes softening, "You know I'd do anything for you."
"I know." Mia replied softly, turning towards the man, gold locking with cerulean.
"Promise me something though, will you?" he questioned.
"What?" Mia asked, curiosity getting the better of her.
"I want you to promise me that you will be careful." Seiji replied softly, his eyes soft and loving, "All of you."
"I promise." Mia said, Kagome and Shippo nodding in reply.
Seiji watched as the group made their way back to the miko's small sports car, climbed in and went back down the road, never taking his eyes off the retreating object until it was out of sight.
With a sigh, the demon went back into the sound proof house to work on the sword he'd been commissioned to make.
"He seemed nice." Kagome commented as the group went down the dirt road.
"He is." Mia replied, looking idly out the window as the car drove thought he seemingly endless woods.
"So, where do we start looking?" Kagome questioned, sparing a glance next to her towards the hanyou.
Mia's golden eyes looked ahead of them, getting a sense of déjà vu from the dirt road they now traveled on.
"When you get to the end of this road," Mia replied, "Make a right."
"But that'll take us away from the city." Kagome said, confusion evident in her features.
"I have to tell Chiri and Naito what's happened." Mia said, her eyes becoming serious, "and I know someone who can help us find Ally."
Nodding in understanding Kagome did as she was instructed.
Not more than ten minutes later was the group stopping at yet another old house, only this time it was a warn farm house.
Exiting the car, Mia ran up to the door, knocking on it gently and waiting for the residents to greet her.
A middle aged woman opened the door her cheerful face greeted by the young hanyou's serious one.
"What's happened?" She questioned, her features now mirroring the young woman's.
"We need to speak with you and Naito." Mia replied, "It's about Ally."
"Come in." The woman said, moving aside to let the three enter.
Kagome looked towards the woman apologetically, she knew this was going to be a bad conversation. She felt like the one who would come back from war to tell the family their son or brother had died, not something she wished to ever do.
"You all just have a seat in here." The woman said, waving a hand towards the chairs in the living room the group had entered upon coming into the house.
"Naito!" The woman called, requesting her mate's presence, "Come in here please."
The man walked into the room, looking curiously towards his mate, "What's the matter Chiri?"
"Something's happened." Chiri responded, taking a seat on the couch she'd sat at when Mia and Ally had last visited, "I think you should hear this."
Nodding, Naito walked over and took a seat next to his mate, turning his gaze deep brown gaze to the three before him.
Mia sat in the same seat she had when she'd last been to the house, Kagome and Shippo taken the seat Ally had sat in.
"Now explain to us what's wrong." Naito said, his eyes soft.
"Ally's been kidnapped by Naraku." Mia said, her tone calm and her features collected, "I thought you would like to know. She's been missing since yesterday and we've sent several search parties to look for her, ourselves included."
"Against your mate's wishes I gather." Naito commented, directing his comment towards Kagome.
"How did you know?" Kagome questioned, a slight blush creeping across her face.
"I just know how Mia is, and your sent is filled with nervousness as well as a blend of your mates I presume." The demon replied, "And I know if it truly is Naraku you all are after, Lord Sesshomaru would never allow Mia to go anywhere near the fight."
"Agreed." Chiri added with a nod, "We will not reveal you've come to us, should he stop to request our assistance.
"Thank you." Mia said, her form relaxing, "I do however have a question to ask."
"What is it?" Chiri replied.
"Would it be all right if we borrow Kage?" Mia questioned, desperation and pleading in her eyes, yet her voice never wavered, "I think it's the only way we'll find her in time."
"I think that's a great idea." Chiri said, looking towards the hanyou, "If he will let you near, you may. Though he isn't very keen to strangers."
"Understood." Mia replied, walking towards the back door and exiting it, the miko and kitsune following behind her.
"Who are we going to see?" Kagome questioned, confused as she watched the young woman walk down through the enclosed field, looking around for something that seemed not to be there.
"Kage." Came the hanyou's response as she took a deep breath and let a loud, high pitched whistle escape her lips.
With in moments, the ground began to tremble, the miko looking around wildly for the cause of the disturbance.
From the think line of trees came a large black horse, his crimson eyes alit with an inner fire as he charged the three that was in HIS field, small flames of fire erupting from his hooves as he ran, trying to intimidate the group.
"Move aside Kagome." Mia said calmly to the miko behind her.
"What about you?" She questioned.
"Don't worry about me." Mia replied, looking strait into the demon's crimson eyes as he continued to charge her.
Nodding, Kagome moved away from the hanyou, towards the safety of the house and stood there, waiting patiently for the outcome of the encounter.
The demon horse charged towards the hanyou, coming to a complete stop in front of her, his head no more than two inches from her own as he continued to stare at the hanyou.
"Kage." The hanyou said softly, looking into his eyes, hers' trying to convey her desperation and pleading, "Will you help us? Ally's in trouble and we know you can help us find her."
The demon horse stood unmoving, just staring the hanyou down, contemplating her request.
"Will you trust us?" Mia questioned, holding a hand up towards his face, not letting it get too close as to frighten of intimidate the demon.
Kage leaned his head into her hand, nuzzling her palm with his long nose, telling her he trusted her and he'd help her find his companion.
"Thank you." Mia whispered, turning towards Kagome. "Okay, you can come over now."
Hesitantly, Kagome treaded across the field, looking wearily towards the demon horse, intimidating the young miko by it's size. The demon was at least seven feet tall, that's his head to his hooves. Thinking about it, she'd seen horses his size somewhere before, maybe from America? She couldn't remember.
Reaching a hand out tentatively towards the demon, she waited for him to acknowledge her and trust her before she would touch him.
Kage, repeating the same action he had with Mia, raised his nose slightly and nuzzled the young woman's palm.
Laughing gently Kagome questioned, "So what now."
"Now," Mia replied, a smile crossing her face, "We fly."
Puzzled, Kagome asked, "What do you mean?"
Saying nothing, the hanyou nodded towards the demon, who in turn lowered himself so the three could climb onto his back.
Mia, mounting the large demon, turned towards the miko, "Coming?"
"You mean we're going to ride him?" Kagome questioned, looking uneasily towards the large demon.
"Well duh." Mia replied, rolling her eyes, "Come on you sissy."
Narrowing her eyes towards her friend she said, "I'm no sissy. I just don't like heights."
"Unless it's InuYasha who's carrying you." Mia said slyly extending a hand towards the young woman, laughing as a blush engulfed the miko's face like wild fire, "Come on it's no different than riding Kirara."
"Okay." She said uneasily, taking the young woman's hand as she helped her atop the large horse, Shippo moving to sit in between the two women.
"Now hand on tight." Mia advised, gently kicking the horse's sides and he turned around and started to pick up speed.
Kagome clutch onto the woman in front of her for dear life, trying not to squish the kitsune in between them who was currently burring his face in her stomach.
With in a few moments of the horse's drastic speed increase, the large demon began to glow a florescent red, his aura surrounding him and moving to form two large wings off to his sides. With in moments, two giant wings of fire had materialized at the horse's sides. Running a bit farther down the field, treating it like a runway for a plane, he jumped, landing on the ground a few times before he became airborne.
Once in the air, he began to scout the area, he'd help his new companions find the one he was suppose to protect, the last of the royal line to the south.
The two brothers walked along the outskirts of the city, close to the place Totosai now resided.
The hanyou looked over towards his brother and asked, "Sense anything Sesshomaru?"
"No." Sesshomaru replied looking towards his brother. They had called a truce, living under the same house was trying most days but they'd get through it, "You know your mate will not obey you InuYasha."
"What do you mean?" InuYasha questioned, curiosity getting him like the cat.
"She seemed to be hiding something." Sesshomaru explained, "I think she plans on going after Naraku herself, to track him down on her own."
"I never said she couldn't." InuYasha replied, looking towards his brother, a smirk on his face, "I said she had to stay with Mia. It's you who said she wasn't to leave the apartment not me."
Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes towards the hanyou, "Why did you say that?"
"Because I know Kagome." InuYasha sighed, shrugging his shoulders, "I figured she was going to go after the pup anyway so why make her feel guilty about it."
Sesshomaru sighed, shaking his head, a light winter breeze blowing past them, the two unaffected by the decrease in temperature.
With the wind though, came the sense of a strong, unfamiliar aura, accompanying it however was a familiar sent, three to be precise.
"Smell that." InuYasha commented, raising his nose higher to pinpoint where the source was.
"Above you half-breed." Sesshomaru said, pointing towards the flaming object now above the two.
The two watched as the large demon horse flew across the sky, darting in between the cloud cover.
"Seems you were right about your mate." The demon lord commented, catching the sent of the woman along with his daughter.
"Told you." InuYasha said smartly, turning to follow the demon, "Coming?"
"I suppose we better follow them then." Sesshomaru suggested, following his brother as they stuck close to the two above them, making sure there were there if anything should go wrong.
The assassin looked downward towards her captives, her crystal eyes which gave her the illusion of innocence mocked the couple before her, her partner standing off to the side; a bystander of sorts.
"You only have one shot girl." Suisei taunted, "And your arm is still bound, what are you ever going to do?"
"What ever is necessary." The woman replied, puffing herself up to look as intimidating as she could, however that was a stretch for her seeing as how her blouse and skirt had been torn, and she looked down right pitiful.
"Analyze your options." Came the voice of the healer in the back of the young woman's mind, "Map out your course of action and strike."
That had never worked out in the past, she was no good at materializing weapons, all she could ever muster was a single black feather, though why that kept appearing she didn't know, what could she do? Tickle her to death? Sharpen the point like a quill and throw it at her? If she had an arrow shaft she could make fletching and then she'd have an arrow shaft with feathers…no good.
The young woman began to concentrate, a white aura surrounding her as she tried once again to muster up a sword or a dagger. After moments of trying the only thing she was able to produce was yet again a single black feather.
"Damn." She cursed, narrowing her eyes at the failed attempt at a lethal weapon…at least she going for something with a point, preferably sharp.
The young man before her turned, locking ginger with violet. He followed the woman's gaze and noticed the feather. Leaning over, he plucked it from the ground and turned around facing the woman who threatened the their lives, and towards his brother who betrayed him.
The man concentrated, his aura flickering from a dark black-blue to blazing red. Soon the feather the man held in his hand transformed into a long katana, it's blade so sharp it would slice, dice and even chop if need be.
"Soshi, how did you?" The woman questioned, staring wide eyed at the man's back.
"You need to concentrate Ally." Soshi replied, "It's a matter of what you want your aura to bend it to. Take your power and bind it to that object and envision what you want to happen."
Nodding, Ally thought about getting free from the wall, trying to think of something to get her free, then it came to her. She'd simply pick the lock with the small needle and use the rest of her energy for the offensive.
"Can you stall her?" Ally whispered, barely audible to mortal hearing range as she began to pick the lock.
Nodding, Soshi stood up, his legs shaky but he stood, eyes narrowed towards the woman before him.
"Brave are we?" Suisei questioned, bringing her sword into a offensive stance, "Lets see how much fun you are now."
Soshi placed his sword in the position to parry, blocking the oncoming assault easily.
"Not bad." Suisei commented, "But can you block this?"
The demon brought her sword around, had the man not ducked it would have taken his head clear off.
Ally saw this, hurrying her attempts at freeing herself she took a few more moments of picking and finally got the chains around her wrist unlocked. Pulling her arm down, she rubbed he now raw area with her free hand, trying to numb the pain that now came from the irritated skin.
The man before her was having a lot of difficulty blocking the woman at this point. She had to do something.
Concentrating once more, her aura swirling around her, she was able to produce a sword as well, now she was ready.
"Soshi duck." Ally called as she ran towards the man swinging her sword towards the demon's chest.
Nimbly Suisei jumped back, landing on the heels of her feet.
"Now I'm growing tired of this game." Suisei admitted, standing to her full height and facing off towards the couple.
"I'm afraid I have to halt your progress once more Suisei." Came the cold voice from the door way.
"Why now Naraku?" Suisei said, annoyance clearly evident in her tone.
"The hanyou and miko are coming, and I request your assistance." Naraku replied, stepping into the room, "Toshi, I have a job for you."
The young man nodded, his jade eyes looking towards the demon, "What do you request of me?"
"I need you to change form and attack the group." Naraku said, "Have them fall into a false sense of security and attack."
"Understood." Toshi replied, closing his eyes, his dark aura surrounding him as he changed form.
"That will do." Naraku commented, looking over the young man's new look.
Nodding, Toshi took his leave to await the arrival of the group heading his way.
"Come Suisei." Naraku ordered, narrowing his eyes towards the young woman, "They'll still be here when you get back."
The woman sighed, clearly annoyed that she was unable to complete her job. Releasing the sword, it disappeared the moment it hit the floor, the young woman following the demon. Naraku closed the door behind him and the three made their way towards the front entrance.
"I don't think so." Ally said, looking around the room for any other possible exit, "I won't be here when you get back, I'm getting out of this hell hole."
The young woman noticed the man swaying on his feet, running over towards him she wrapped an arm around his waist, pulling his arm over her shoulder, keeping him upright.
"Thanks." The young man whispered, trying to walk with the aid of the young woman.
"Any time." Ally replied, slowly moving towards the door and pulled.
Nothing.
She pushed.
Nothing.
"It's locked." Soshi said, looking towards the door with annoyance.
"Well thank you captain obvious." the woman replied sarcastically, raising a needle and began to pick the lock. This one took her much longer to break but managed to finally get it open.
Gently pushing open the heavy door, Ally poked her head out, peering around the corner. Seeing that the coast was clear, she began to aid her companion out of the room, making their way to some where they could exit the house.
"Do you have any idea where we're going?" Soshi questioned the woman aiding him.
"No, but I have a good feeling this will lead us out." Ally replied, taking a right at the end of a rather long corridor. Reaching the end, ally pressed her ear against the door, listening to the quietness that came from beyond the wooden barrier, the soft chirping of a bird catching her attention.
"I hear birds." Ally said, looking towards the man beside her.
"Could be a trap." he offered, "But there's only one way to find out."
The young woman opened the door, thankful that it was unlocked and swung it open, having to cover her eyes as the assault of the sun invaded her violet eyes. Having been kept in the dark for so long hurt them when having to be forced into an area with such harsh light.
"We made it." Soshi sighed.
"Yes," Ally agreed, hurriedly walking out of the house and into the surrounding brush, "We made it."
Naraku led the two through the house and out to the front yard. He stopped upon reaching the front door.
"Do you both understand what it is you are to do?" The demon questioned.
"Yes." The two replied in unison, the male stepping forward.
"I'll go first and await the arrival of the group. When I see the puppet I am to be prepared." Toshi repeated the instructions he'd been given.
"Very good." Naraku replied, turning his crimson gaze to scan between the two, "Know that if you should fail, you will only get one more try. In the event that you do fail, retreat back into the building, from there we will escape. Do I make my self clear?"
The two nodded, Toshi putting a hand on the door knob and turned, making his way outside.
"Toshi." Suisei said from behind the man.
"What?" He questioned.
"Don't screw this up." She replied, narrowing her eyes towards the man.
"Don't worry, I won't." Toshi replied, exiting the house and closing the door behind him, making the final preparations for the battle with the group he was about to start.
The three atop the demon horse looked around their surroundings, taking in the dense forest beneath them and looking out for anything that may cause them harm.
"Do you sense anything?" Mia asked, glancing behind her towards the miko and kitsune that traveled with her.
"I don't." Kagome replied, though she knew that would be obvious seeing as how her powers had declined greatly.
"I don't either." Shippo replied, "Though I think we're down wind so I wouldn't' be able to pick anything up anyway."
Nodding, Mia turned her attention ahead of her once more, "I just feel like we're being followed."
"You don't think InuYasha and your father found us do you?" Kagome questioned, looking towards the ground to see if she could spot a flash of silver among the dark green of the forest.
"Possibly." Mia replied, "Though this feels different than father or uncle Inu. It feels…dark."
"Could it be Naraku?" The kitsune questioned, his voice wavering slightly.
"Maybe." The hanyou replied, leaning forward to get closer to the demon's head.
"Are we close?" she whispered to the demon.
Kage nodded, starting to lower towards the ground.
The group landed gently on the ground and dismounted, not knowing that not far ahead of them was a large house to which Naraku was residing.
Kagome looked around, trying to find anything out of place. She had a feeling they were being followed now also, though she figured you didn't need to be a miko to be paranoid.
A flash of white caught her eye and she asked, "Did you see that?"
"See what?" the hanyou replied, following the miko's gaze.
Then the object stopped, resting on a near by branch, it's concealed figure hidden by the baboon skin it adorned.
"It's been awhile hasn't it?" The cloaked figure questioned.
"Naraku." Kagome seethed, narrowing her eyes towards the demon, mentally scolding her self for coming out her unarmed. Though, now that she thought about it, what good would ordinary arrows do against the demon anyway.
The hanyou's thoughts were along the same lines as the miko's, having come practically unarmed as well, the three were considerably out numbered. That sounded strange when you thought about it, 3 to 1, the odds were in their favor. However when you have a powerless miko, a hanyou and a small kitsune the odds aren't so great.
The two had found them selves in a staring contest when two flashes of silver moved in front of them, Sesshomaru standing protectively in front of Mia, and InuYasha Kagome and Shippo.
"So nice of you to join us." Naraku said towards the demon and hanyou.
"Back to your old ways Naraku?" InuYasha taunted, narrowing his golden gaze at the demon, "Sending a puppet to do your dirty work."
"Why waste my time with you all when I have better things to occupy my time." the puppet replied, "Like entertaining the young Ally."
"What have you done to her?" Mia shouted towards the puppet.
"Nothing as of yet." he replied.
"InuYasha, push your button." Sesshomaru whispered as he launched himself towards the puppet, trying to destroy it.
Nodding, the hanyou pulled the small object from his pocket and pressed the small button, hoping that their comrades would get there in time to help.
One Naraku puppet was clearly easy to handle, Sesshomaru could do it by himself, however, if they had to fight Naraku himself, or even his minions, they would need all the help they could get.
The two humans continued their search through the city. They had taken the area close to the young Lord's house, though still well with in the city.
"I don't think we're going to find her here." The woman replied, looking towards the man beside her, her feline companion nestled contently in her arms.
"I believe you're right Sango." The man replied, turning his violet gaze to lock unto her hazel one, "Shall we go and search somewhere else?"
"Yes." Sango replied, turning around and starting to head in the opposite direction of the young lord's house.
Suddenly, the twin tail began to mew rather loudly, attempting to get down from the slayer's grasp.
"What do you thinks wrong with Kirara Miroku?" Sango questioned.
"I don't know." The monk replied, looking towards the demon with a confused expression.
The two watched as the demon tried to get into the monk's pocket.
Reaching into the pocket, Miroku pulled out the small object Sesshomaru had given him, the red button flashing and sending out an inaudible sound, one only demon's could hear.
"I think they found something." Miroku said, looking towards the woman beside him.
"Let's go get our weapons and Kirara will take us to them." Sango suggested, running down the dirt path that led to the demon lord's house.
"We need to grab Tetsusaiga as well." Miroku commented as he ran after the slayer.
"Yes, I'll grab our weapons and you get his sword." Sango shouted to the man behind her, "Grab Mia's as well."
"Will do." The monk replied as they neared the house and ventured in to get the needed objects they required.
The four demons who walked down the street jumped slightly in surprise.
"What's that noise." Artemis questioned, digging around in her pocket.
"Sesshomaru's warning signal thingy?" Bakari offered, looking towards her mate who was doing much the same thing.
"I think they've found something." Kane replied, looking towards the wolf demon, "Are you two going to go back to your place and get your weapons?"
"I think that would be a good idea." Koji said, "Good thing we decided to search together for a while."
"Yeah." The eastern lord responded, turning to his mate, "We better head home quick."
"If one of us gets to Sesshomaru first, before the other group," Artemis began, "Let him know the other's on the way."
"Understood." Kane said, his mate nodding as they ran at inhuman speeds down the streets of Tokyo.
"Come, we are needed else where." Koji said to his mate in a mock heroic tone.
"Yet we must carry out the mission agent 007." Artemis replied sarcastically, rolling her grey eyes at her mate's antics.
"Once we finish this one," Koji informed, "We have a secret 'under-covers' assignment to begin."
The Lunar wolf raised her hand and smacked her mate upside the back of his head, "Koji this is no time for your perverted games."
The two made their way to their apartment, grabbing their swords and Artemis' bow and arrow.
"Grab the extra bow and quiver with arrows in it for me." Artemis said upon exiting the two's bedroom.
"Why?" Koji questioned, knowing full well his mate would not need them.
"I'm sure Kagome is unarmed." Artemis replied.
"She's suppose to be at her place with Mia and the kitsune." Koji countered, confusion in his azure eyes.
"Do you honestly think she's going to stay put?" The wolf questioned.
"No." Her mate sighed, "I guess not."
"Thank you." Artemis said, walking to the door, "Hurry we need to go"
A high pitched sound echoed through the small one floored house, it's occupants currently sitting in their living room.
"What is that noise?" the female wolf demon questioned, looking towards her mate.
"I don't' know." he said, standing up and making his way to their bed room.
He walked into the room, his tail swishing behind him, expressing how annoyed he was at the interruption. His blue gaze landing on a small object atop a table next to the bed, the small red button embedded with in the plastic flashing chaotically.
"I think Sesshomaru needs help." The man replied, walking back into the living room, carrying the small object.
"Should we go?" The woman questioned.
"He wouldn't have pushed it if he didn't need help." The man reasoned, turning to his mate, "You can stay here."
"No." She replied, her green eyes alighting with fire, her red hair up in pigtails, "I'm coming."
Nodding, the man went to a small side room off of their hallway. Opening the door he pulled out two swords, well kept but obviously hadn't been used in a while.
"Then lets go"
The group stood and watched as the Inu-youkai went after the demon puppet of their enemy.
The hanyou turned to his mate, the small kitsune having retreated with the demon horse to a safer place, "Why did you go?"
"I couldn't stand around and do nothing InuYasha." Kagome replied, her eyes showing how guilty she felt, "Sorry."
"For what." He questioned, looking into the woman's deep brown eyes.
"For breaking my promise." she said, averting her eyes from her mate's irresistible golden gaze.
"You didn't break your promise." InuYasha reassured her, "You stayed with Mia and that's what I wanted you to do."
"But.." Kagome tried to say but was cut off.
"No 'buts' Kagome." The hanyou interrupted, "I knew you were going to search for your friend so I thought it would be better if you didn't feel guilty about it afterwards."
"Thank you." Kagome said, her mood lightening at the thought of not have broken her promise to her mate.
Wrapping her arms around the hanyou she said, "I love you."
"I love you too Kagome." InuYasha said softly, wrapping his strong arms around the young woman's waist, "I don't want anything to happen to you so if I tell you to do something, you need to listen to me this time all right."
Nodding, Kagome buried her face deep into the man's chest.
"No matter what happens." InuYasha added, his tone soft, yet conveyed the seriousness of the request.
The young woman looked up into the man's face, he could tell she was arguing with herself, trying to find some way out of his request.
Finally she responded, "I will."
"Good." InuYasha said softly, gently kissing the top of the woman's head, "I have to go help Sesshomaru."
"Okay, I'll stick with Mia." Kagome replied, pulling away from the man.
InuYasha hearing this and feeling the so welcomed warmth start to leave him, he pulled the woman back gently, leaning his head down to meet hers and pressed his lips softly to hers.
"You better wench." The hanyou smirked as he pulled away from the woman, his eyes alit with mirth and amusement.
Kagome smiled at him, despite the nickname, she knew the hanyou had said it to toy with her.
Successfully pulling away from her mate's protective grasp, she made her way towards the other hanyou standing idly off to the side.
"I have a feeling I'm in for one hell of a 'talking to' when he gets done." the hanyou commented, pointing a finger towards the demon in combat.
"I don't think so." Kagome replied, "I'm not hurt, neither are you. Nothing went wrong."
Mia looked skeptically towards the young woman, "You don't know him like I do."
"True." Kagome said, watching as her mate slashed at the demon puppet, "But I know under his stern exterior he cares for you and he doesn't want anything to happen to you. He may be harsh, but not very."
Mia sighed, looking on as the two brothers continued to fight with the puppet.
"If you wish a real test of skills Sesshomaru," The puppet offered, "Then follow me to the house and test your skills against real fighters."
The puppet never got the chance to make good on his offer however as a large boomerang came flying thought he air and sliced the puppet in half; two broken pieces of wood falling to the ground.
The first members of the group had arrived, the slayer and monk adorned in their combat attire landed gracefully on the ground, the monk quickly running towards his companion.
"I think you'll need this." He said, holding out a hand which clutched the fabled steel fang.
"Thanks." InuYasha replied, taking the sword from the monk, tying it to his waist and ran after his brother.
"I'm glad you're okay Kagome." Sango said as she made her way towards her friend, the twin tail now in her small kitten form.
"Why wouldn't I be?" The said miko questioned.
"I just had a feeling you were going to go off on your own and well, we all know you have a tendency to get into danger." Sango said honestly.
The miko narrowed her eyes towards her friend, "I do not."
"Yes you do Kagome." Came the female voice of the lunar wolf.
"Not you too Artemis." Kagome sighed, looking towards the group that had now shown up.
"I have to agree with Artemis on this one." Koji agreed.
"Now's not the time to start an argument." Kane said from behind the couple.
"Yes, we have a demon's ass to kick." Koji added, breaking out into a run to catch up with the dog demons.
The rest of the group followed closely behind the headstrong wolf, staying close and following his lead.
"Are you sure you're going to be warm enough in that Sango?" Kagome questioned concerned for her friend. The snow had yet to begin to melt, the air still a clear reminder of what season it was.
"I'm fine, don't worry about me Kagome." Sango said reassuring her friend as they rode atop the twin tailed cat.
The only one who seemed unprepared for the weather in his attire was Miroku. He'd changed into his sandals, probably figuring it would be strange to wear modern shoes with his robes, but his feet would now freeze from the little amount of protection the objects provided.
InuYasha followed his brother, wanting to end this before it got too dangerous.
The two stopped before the large house, a man standing before them. He looked strange, his cloths appearing to be from a foreign country; some where farther from the continent the was sure.
Toshi stood before the brothers, watching as the rest of the group caught up, his weapon concealed beneath the jacket he wore. He'd changed his appearance, taking on the look of a tourist from Australia, the clothes and accent to match. The demon had never had any strong offensive powers, the only one he'd perfected and fine tuned was his shape shifting ability, that had proved to aid him the most in the past.
"Where's Naraku?" The hanyou questioned.
"I'm not allowed to disclose that information." The demon replied, his voice heavy with the foreign accent.
The hanyou narrowed his eyes at the demon, "Why you…"
"Who are you." Sesshomaru asked the demon, cutting off his brother.
"I am a demon employed by Naraku to stop you." Toshi replied, watching behind the two dog demons as the group came to a stop, the Northern and Eastern leaders moving to stand next to the two who'd confronted him.
"Oi, she-la," Toshi said, pointing towards the slayer's weapon, "Where did you get that? In my land they much smaller."
Sango remained silent.
"Leave them alone." Kane barked, "Your apparent fight is with us."
"Is it now?" Toshi questioned, looking uninterestedly towards the demons and hanyou before him, "I feel as if you are no competition."
"Do you now." Koji replied, "I'm sorry you feel that way."
They stood scattered throughout the yard, the odds looking good for the group, 11 to 1.
"Let me suck him up InuYasha." Miroku suggested, walking to stand with eh others in front.
Just as the monk said that, the sound of buzzing entered the grounds as Naraku's poisonous insects filled the area, daring the monk to open the lethal wind tunnel.
"Well, scratch that plan." Miroku muttered, eyeing the bugs.
"You all get rid of the damn bugs while we handle this guy." InuYasha ordered as they started their attack on the shape shifter.
"Here Kagome." Artemis said, handing the miko a bow and quiver of arrows.
"Thanks." Kagome said to her friend, "I forgot to get mine out of the car."
"No problem." Artemis said, pulling an arrow of her own and knocking it.
"Does anyone else feel segregated?" Mia questioned, the slayer having given her the weapon she'd left behind.
"What do you mean?" Kagome replied, turning towards the hanyou.
"Do they not think we're capable of handling that bastard?" Mia explained, "The woman get stuck with this stupid excuse of a fight while they get to go after the real fight."
"Men." Bakari sighed, slaying several insects as they tried to sting her, her two swords coming together as she slashed, forming a red x attack as they disengaged.
"It's something that needs to be done I suppose." Artemis offered, shooting at several demons.
"But why'd it have to be us?" Mia whined.
Kagome knocked an arrow, hesitating afterwards. Did she really want to shoot at the insects and give away the severity of her condition? Would they all keep her out of the fight if they knew she had no powers?
Kagome smiled when she saw Mia move closer towards her, providing back up to the weakened miko, should she need it.
"Thanks." Kagome whispered.
Mia nodded, slashing at a couple of demon insects as they attempted to strike the two.
The women would get rid of the small demons while the men went after the main threat. The scenario seemed unfair but their mates only wanted them to be safe, so time and time again they'd put themselves in harms way, only to protect the ones they loved.
Sesshomaru sent his whip towards the demon, succeeding in distracting him while his brother and northern comrade attacked him with their swords.
"Who the hell are you?" InuYasha barked, tired of the demon's games.
"You don't recognize me?" Toshi said jokingly, "I'm hurt."
"Damn you." InuYasha shot, having to jump back in order for Kane to attack, the demon's two-handed sword missing it's target, flames shooting from the sword as it hit the ground.
"Shit." Kane cursed under his breath, "Missed."
"I thought you would have recognized me half-breed." Toshi said, his image flickering and morphing to his normal form.
The hanyou's eyes narrowed at the name the demon had called him by, and at the remembrance of the demon before him, "You were in Kagome's class."
"Correct." Toshi replied, "I'm also the one who sealed your mate's powers."
InuYasha growled, rushing forward, sword held high as he brought it down upon the demon only to miss him completely when he dodges the onslaught.
"Too slow I'm afraid." The demon taunted.
They had continued to attack the demon for a long while, none of them seeming to be able to lay a hand, much less get a hit in on him; the group now beginning to tire.
"Seems you all are getting tired." Toshi commented, halting his movements and watched the group in front of him.
"Miroku you can suck him up now." Came the shout of the slayer behind the men, the group behind the front line having destroyed all the demon insects.
Nodding, the monk went to open the wind tunnel, yet had to stop his attack as the hanyou jumped in front of him to attack.
"This bastards mine." The hanyou sneered, releasing the wind scar towards the demon only to have him once again dodge it, only proving to destroy almost a whole wall of the building.
"Why don't you attack us." InuYasha questioned, jumping back to prepare for another attack.
"Because I don't need to attack you." Toshi replied, his eyes darkening as he pulled a metal object from inside his jacket, "I can hurt you in ways you would wish I'd attacked you. That proves to inflict the most damage."
"What do you mean?" The hanyou questioned, his eyes narrowing as he let Tetsusaiga fall slightly to the ground, planting the end of the blade into the ground as he took a short break, though never letting his guard down.
"Mental torture hanyou." Toshi said simply, aiming the metal object towards the hanyou, "To kill what's most precious to you, that would do more damage to you then cutting your chest or injuring an arm wouldn't it? Yes, to have you live you constantly live thinking, 'I could have done something, anything to save her.' That would do you the most damage, to take something away from you that you can't live with out."
After his little speech, Toshi pulled back on a small lever on the object, earning a soft click from the weapon.
The hanyou's eyes widened at what the demon was saying. He'd take his mate away. That would do the most damage to him, or to any one for that matter.
"No." InuYasha said softly, almost disbelievingly.
"Oh yes hanyou." Toshi said, aiming the weapon for the hanyou, then adjusting it slightly to his right, "Oh yes."
With that, Toshi pulled the trigger, the small metal ball whizzing through the air and past the hanyou, colliding with it's intended target; the area going silent as their comrade was hit and fell to the ground motionless.
The house echoed with the sound of pounding metal, the demon hard at work in completing the weapon he'd been commissioned to forge.
The man stopped half way through, a strange feeling overcoming him.
"Do you feel that?" he asked the old sword smith next to him.
"I do." Totosai replied, turning to the demon he'd apprenticed, "I'll finish this up, you hurry and go aid them."
"Are you sure." The demon questioned.
Nodding the sword smith said, "I suggest you transform or you'll never get there in time, but be careful Seiji."
"I will." Seiji assured the man as he set the sharpened steel down and took off the apron he'd been wearing. The demon ran down the hallway and out of the house he'd stayed at for hundreds of years.
He made his way through the woods, following his instincts, knowing they would lead him to where he needed to be.
Concentrating, a deep blue aura began to surround him, his form shifting and changing as he ran. Soon, the man no longer ran on two legs, but four fur covered ones, his paws pounding stridently as he ran at top speed. The dog demon's true form would get him to the battle field in no time, he only hoped he wasn't already too late.
All was silent, the young woman lay motionless, blood seeping through her sweater, staining the already red material a dark crimson. The pure snow that coated the ground, now stained with the blood the woman had lost.
The man stood there, shock having a firm grip on his senses. He gazed, unseeingly towards the fallen form of the woman he'd sworn to protect, his chest heaving, trying to get his lungs to take in the air they so very much needed.
The hanyou ran to the woman's side, gently lifting her up to his chest, pressing her tightly against him. The woman's head resting against his chest as he shook her gently.
"Kagome… Kagome wake up." The hanyou begged to the silent woman who remained unmoving in his arms, unable to see in his grief stricken state, the slow labored movements of the woman's chest.
"Kagome…no…" The hanyou whispered, resting his head against the woman's, a few tears falling from his golden eyes.
"No." he growled, gently laying the woman back onto the ground. Standing up his back facing the shape shifter, a deep menacing growl vibrating from the hanyou's chest, his claws elongated to a lethal length, he turned around to face the demon who'd injured his mate. The hanyou locked eyes with the demon, two jagged purple stripes blazing on each cheek, his eyes a glowing crimson.
The hanyou had given himself up to his demonic side, the grief of loosing his mate was unbearable. It would have been more so if the hanyou had known what the woman carried with in her, the legacy she would have continued.
Author's Note
Phew.…25 pages…:dodges knives and other sharp pointy objects: you guys wouldn't kill the author would you?…InuYasha and the gang showed up…Mia's getting a weapon and they found Naraku's hide out right? Everything's good? Do you honestly think I'd kill her off so soon? And before she found out what her little night time fun had produced…I'm bad but not that bad….or am I? I better get some good reviews from you guys. Or poor Inu will be so sad..: evil smile :types notes to kill off characters: anywho, hope you all enjoyed it...I think it was a rather long chappie…longest one yet I think. But anywho…5 Reviews or No update! And bro…Toshi's Australian persona goes out to you! He thought of it and I thought it would be funny to add. I will be posting chapter nine this Thursday (March 2nd) which will be a present to you all for my Birthday…yay big 1-6! I better get a lot of reviews for that:smiles sweetly at readers: anywho enough of my chit chat….read and review!
Sammy-Sama
P.S- If you haven't already, check out my new story titled: Deep In The Darkest of Nights; The Future Unfolds….okay?
Chapter IX: Cave Canem
(Latin To English: Beware of Dog)
Who are the two who are going to help the group fight Naraku? Will Ally and Soshi reach the grounds in time to help? Will Seiji arrive too late to help Mia? Was Toshi's shot lethal? Has the miko now passed on, taking the life she carried unknowingly with her? Will Naraku catch up with the Inu gang? Will The Inu-gang find Naraku's hide out? And will they be able to stop the killing machine that the hanyou has now turned into? Find out next time in You Are Everything To Me.
