The Silver Demon
A/N: Tension rises on all sides as Inuyasha and his friends continue their training, but when Orion decides to leave the group for a few days, Naraku and Belenus launch an attack on them. Naraku and Belenus enter shady grounds as they attempt to attack Inuyasha for different. Has Inuyasha and his friend's trained enough to face both threats or are their days numbered? Find out in 'Chapter 10: Stolen Powers'.
Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to the Inuyasha.
*SC* = Scene Change
"Talking"
'Thoughts'
Chapter 10: Stolen Powers
In an unknown area, where dark clouds hide the ruin forest and unsanitary rivers, poison mists travel at a slow pace as numerous demons walk amongst the dead creatures. In the same area, a dark castle stands above all as the same demons surround it acting as guards. At the same time, new dark creatures begin to walk amongst the area as the poison mist moves away allowing the dark creatures to enter the area. Among the dark creatures, a man with green hair walks forward as he approaches the castle gates. He looks up towards the entrance as if waiting for someone to open it, but as time passes nothing happens forcing the man to shout.
"Naraku, I have arrived," said the green-haired man.
A few seconds later, the large castle gates open as a single figure exits the castle. His black hair waves in the low wind as his red eyes study the green-haired man in front of him. The two stay silent waiting for the other to make a move, but neither say anything for a few minutes. The stalemate finally breaks as Naraku speaks the first few words.
"Belenus, my insects tell me you confronted Sesshomaru," said Naraku. "Though, they could not travel with you, they know you were there during Sesshomaru's little visit to the Underworld."
"Wow, the first meeting in days and you are already trying to get answers," said Belenus. "Listen, I don't take orders from you. I need the Shikon Jewel and it wouldn't do me good if it is incomplete."
"Kikyo has left a strong light in Kohaku's shard," said Naraku. "Until I can eliminate the light, it is not time to collect the shard."
"Listen, I want the Shikon Jewel for one use," said Belenus. "Our deal was for me to help eliminate Kikyo in return for one use. My part of the deal is done, what about yours?"
Naraku remains quiet for a moment before he takes a tainted Shikon Jewel Shard and hands it to Belenus. The green-haired man raises an eyebrow wondering what the dark demon wants to do.
"What is this for?" asked Belenus.
"Until the Shikon Jewel is complete, I am willing to give you power," said Naraku. "Once you get the last jewel shard, you can give both back. I'll let you use the Shikon Jewel and then we will both be on our way."
Belenus narrows his eyes as he takes a good look at the tainted jewel shard. Soon, the green-haired man turns his attention to Naraku as a smirk appears on his face. Belenus begins to laugh causing Naraku to raise an eyebrow at the man's unusual behavior.
"Do you take me a fool?" asked Belenus. "The tainted jewel shard is not what I want. Plus, your control over it is something I rather not come across. I don't mind the tainted powers of the Shikon Jewel, but I need a mixture to use it properly. I will return the darkness into it, you have my word."
Naraku stares at the green-haired man for a moment before turning around and walking towards the castle. Belenus decides to follow Naraku wondering what the dark demon has in mind. Soon, Naraku stops walking and turns towards Belenus.
"I should take the words out of your own mouth," said Naraku. "I am not a fool. I know you have another motive behind the Shikon Jewel. Do you think I will simply hand you the jewel?"
"So, you reveal your true nature," said Belenus. "So should I. The Shikon Jewel must be half-pure for me to accomplish my goal. Afterwards, I don't need it. I do not need you to get in my way. Honestly, I was planning to give you the Shikon Jewel back, but since you plan on betraying me, there is no reason to help you either."
Naraku smirks as the miasma begins to move towards Belenus, but suddenly, a heavy gust of wind erupts from Belenus causing the miasma to move elsewhere.
"I could have helped you, but you made an enemy of the wrong person," said Belenus.
Suddenly, Naraku unleashes tentacles towards Belenus, who takes out his glaive swinging it three-hundred sixty degrees at a fast rate. Naraku's severed tentacles unleash miasma, but once again, Belenus' wind causes the miasma to go another direction. Naraku unleashes a powerful energy beam forcing Belenus to dodge the attack. The green-haired man smirks as he unleashes his own energy attack at Naraku forcing the dark demon to use his barrier, but Belenus' attack pierces the barrier like paper. However, Naraku's armor shell manages to withstand Belenus' attack surprising the green-haired man.
"Not bad, but that armor won't do you good for long," said Belenus as a bat shadow monster appears next to him.
Belenus looks at the shadow monster before turning his head towards the dark demon. He sighs while placing his glaive on his back.
"Our fight must be cut short," said Belenus. "However, the next time our forces meet, we will be enemies. This day, you shall regret."
Belenus raises his right hand up causing a massive amount of wind to erupt around him. Soon, the wind clears up leaving no trace of Belenus or his shadow monsters.
"No, today you will start heading towards your own demise," said Naraku as his miasma begins to surround him.
*SC*
Orion remains standing as he watches Inuyasha, Kagome, Miroku, and Sango continue their training. Standing next to him are Shippo and Kirara as they watch their friends train. Sweat drips down Inuyasha's face as he tries to concentrate on unleashing his demonic powers. His Tessaiga continues to pulse as he unleashes his demonic powers at higher levels. Orion turns towards Inuyasha before walking towards the demon. He can feel the Inuyasha's aura emit from the demon as every step closes the range between them. Soon, Inuyasha lands on his knees breathing heavily while still trying to catch his breath.
"Inuyasha, control it," said Orion. "You are half demon, but you are also half human. Allow the two sides to even out. You have demonic powers, but you only use so little. Use your full powers."
Inuyasha shouts in pain as his eyes begin to change colors again, but this time Orion intervenes stopping Inuyasha with a touch on the back of his neck. The half-demon grunts in pain before falling over barely able to stay conscious. The white-gray hair man catches Inuyasha before placing the half-demon onto the ground. Kagome, who was practicing in increasing her spiritual powers, runs towards Inuyasha with a concern look. For the past few days, Inuyasha has been pushing himself beyond his limits. Even if it is for the sake of battling Naraku and Belenus, she knows he still has his limits.
"Is he okay?" asked Miroku as he and Sango approach the group. "Orion, are you sure he has to unleash his demonic powers at maximum. Demonic powers are not easy to control for someone who is half breed."
"He must if wants to stand up against Belenus," replied Orion. "It will also help against Naraku. Demonic powers might release dark energy, but it all depends on the person controlling it."
Orion closes his eyes as he sighs a bit. This whole training is not going well with Inuyasha. Something is holding him back and he is unable to figure out the issue. Orion opens his eyes and tells the three remaining trainees to continue their training. A few hours later, Orion tells everyone to stop as Inuyasha wakes up from his slumber. The half-demon grunts in annoyance as he stares at everyone, especially Kagome. He notices her tired form as she approaches Inuyasha.
"Inuyasha," started Kagome.
"Lost control again," interrupted Inuyasha. "I'll try again. I'll find a way to control myself."
Kagome's expression softens as she notices Inuyasha's inner struggle. Ever since Kikyo's death, he has been so determined to achieve higher power, but it seems like he is losing something during this process. Tears build up in her eyes, but she refuses to let them fall as she places her hands on Inuyasha's shoulders.
"You are not alone," said Kagome. "Let us help you."
Inuyasha stares at Kagome for a moment before sighing. He knows she is trying to help, but his demonic powers are too dangerous for him to expose to her. Inuyasha clenches his hands causing them to bleed a bit, but he softens them the moment he feels Kagome's hands on his hands.
"Calm down," said Kagome. "Don't make me say the 'S' word."
Inuyasha smiles, "Please don't. I rather not have a sore face."
Kagome smiles back as she stands up while keeping her gaze on Inuyasha. She lowers her right hand to him as the half-demon smiles back taking her hand in the process. They stand up and begin to head towards the others. Orion watches the interaction and notices the change in Inuyasha's demeanor.
'She might help,' thought Orion, as he feels energy emit from somewhere.
He looks up towards the sky as if looking for something. He stares at the blue abyss while catching the attention of Inuyasha's group. Miroku approaches the elder man wondering what is going through Orion's mind.
"Orion is there something wrong?" asked Miroku.
"I have to go," said Orion surprising everyone.
"Wait, why?" asked Sango.
"Don't worry, I'll be back, but something has caught my attention," replied Orion. "This has to do with the battle against Belenus. I have to check it. You guys have to stay here and fight against Belenus and Naraku."
Orion digs into his pocket as he takes out four scrolls and hands it to Miroku. The elder man tells the monk the scrolls contain information for Inuyasha, Kagome, Sango, and himself. The first scroll is to teach Inuyasha proper sword skills, while the second scroll is for Kagome's bo staff training. The third scroll is for Miroku's wind techniques without the need of the Wind Tunnel. When Sango does not hear the explanation for her scroll, she turns her attention to Orion asking him about the scroll.
"Ah, yes," said Orion. "Yours is a bit special. I need to talk to you in private."
Orion and Sango walk away from the group as Miroku turns his attention to Inuyasha and Kagome. He has notice the change between the two friends. It is nothing bad, but it is something strong. Inuyasha and Kagome always had a complicated bond. Numerous adventures have tested this very same bond with Inuyasha and Kagome always coming on top. Regardless, something about this bond has changed since Kikyo's passing. It could be a good thing or it could be bad, he has yet to determine it. Regardless, he hopes it strengthens their relationship.
Later that night, Inuyasha and his friends stay inside a cabin as they attempt to fall asleep. Orion already left earlier in the day leaving the group at the training ground. Sango reads the scroll Orion has given her leaving her out of any possible conversations. Meanwhile, Kagome massages Kirara's ears causing the cat to purr. Kagome stares into the fire the group made to keep them warm. Even though she should be warm, she still feels cold. Perhaps, it is the darkness surrounding them or it could be the events of the past few days. Happiness has not been strong in the group as of late due to the numerous enemies appearing around them. Kagome turns her attention to the scroll to her right. Miroku stares at his right hand while turning his attention to the scroll in his left hand. There is a large amount of detail in the scroll and it gives him enough information regarding wind techniques. Despite the situation they are in, there is still as chance to win. Inuyasha stares at the scroll in his hand; this scroll provides him numerous stances of swordsmanship. Sure, Inuyasha has never been good at using a sword and learning how to use one will help in future battles. However, that is not his concern. Right now, he is more worried about using his demonic powers. He always uses demonic powers in battle, but he never allows it to consume him. If he loses control, he might harm his friends. He cannot allow that.
Suddenly, Inuyasha feels something poking at him causing the half-demon to turn towards the source of annoyance. His right eyebrow twitches as he notices Shippo staring him. He has half a mind to strike the little demon, but decides against it.
"What do you want?" asked Inuyasha.
"You know," started Shippo. "I prefer when you are the arrogant prick. At least that way, you would be active and truly determined."
"What did you say?" asked Inuyasha.
Miroku, Sango, and Kagome wake up as they turn their attention to Inuyasha and Shippo. Sango is about to speak up as Miroku stops her.
"I know Kikyo was someone important to you," said Shippo. "But she wouldn't want you to stop moving on, right?"
Shippo waits for Inuyasha to answer back, but he does not say anything causing Shippo to huff in annoyance and then turn back to the fire. He hoped to get something out of the half-demon, but Inuyasha has disappointed him.
"You know," started Inuyasha causing Shippo to turn around again. "I think you're right. She wouldn't want me to continue moping."
Inuyasha smirks as he turns to Shippo, then slamming his fist into the demon fox's had.
"Hey!" shouted Shippo.
"Thanks Shippo," said Inuyasha as he smacks Shippo again.
"Ow, Kagome!" exclaimed Shippo.
"Sit boy!" shouted Kagome causing Inuyasha to slam into the ground due to his necklace.
The next day, Kagome wakes up as she sits up stretching her muscles. She looks around noticing Inuyasha already awake. She raises an eyebrow while exiting her bedroll. As Kagome stands up, Inuyasha turns his attention to the young girl. He is about to say something to her when he stops suddenly. Kagome notices Inuyasha's sudden change in demeanor causing her a bit of concern.
"Is there something wrong?" asked Kagome.
"Naraku's scent is approaching us," said Inuyasha. "Miroku! Sango! Wake up!"
Miroku sits up as he turns towards Inuyasha. Before he has a chance to say anything, he senses the darkness approaching as Sango changes grabs her armor. Inuyasha, Miroku, and Shippo exit the cabin as they look around the area searching for signs of Naraku. Soon, the other three occupants inside the cabin finally exit. Kagome, Sango, and Kirara look around the area searching any signs of life, soon something answers. A giant man made of mirrors appears from the trees surprising the group as they begin to take a few steps back. Kanna appears next to the creature as Inuyasha steps forward.
"So, Naraku has sent you," said Inuyasha as he draws out Tessaiga.
Kagome stares at the mirror demon before turning her attention Kanna. She looks into the eyes of the incarnation of Naraku as she notices something odd about the girl. She is about to say something, but the Mirror Demon attacks Inuyasha stopping the young girl's thoughts. Inuyasha swings his Tessaiga as he hits the Mirror Demon only for the creature to appear undamaged.
"What?" questioned Inuyasha as he notices the Mirror Demon's weapon. "It can't be."
The Mirror Demon reveals the Tessaiga in its hands as Inuyasha narrows his eyes. He charges forward attempting to strike the demon only for it to defend itself.
"How is this possible?" questioned Inuyasha.
"My Mirror Demon can copy any techniques I want it to," replied Kanna. "Your sword is its power."
"Damn it," replied Inuyasha as an arrow strikes the Mirror Demon.
"It didn't work," said Kagome as Miroku and Sango charge forward.
Kanna notices the increase strength of the group as she takes a few steps back into the forest.
'They got stronger,' thought Kanna.
The Mirror Demon swings its newly acquired sword nearly striking Inuyasha, but he manages to dodge at the last second. Inuyasha grumbles as he raises his sword.
"Wind Scar!" shouted Inuyasha, but nothing happens. "What?"
"Wind Scar," said Kanna in a calm demeanor.
The Mirror Demon swings its sword as it successfully creates the Wind Scar technique surprising everyone. Inuyasha and his friends manage to dodge the attack as a shock Inuyasha realizes the Mirror Demon stole his powers.
"Fine, how about this!" shouted Inuyasha. "Adamant Barrage!"
Once again, nothing happens after Inuyasha swings his Tessaiga. His eyes widen as the Mirror Demon's sword changes into a diamond form weapon.
"Adamant Barrage," said Kanna as the Mirror Demon swings its sword creating numerous diamond shape crystals.
The attack heads towards Inuyasha and his friends as Shippo intervenes with his army of mushrooms. The attacks collide while Inuyasha and his friends retreat into the forest.
"I don't understand," said Inuyasha. "Didn't we just train?"
"It doesn't matter if our opponent steals our powers. We will only make them stronger," replied Miroku.
As the group continues to run, something steps out in front of them surprising them. Inuyasha clenches his hands the moment he realizes the enemy in front of him. Why would the shadow monsters appear now?
"Just what we needed," said Inuyasha sarcastically.
Shadow lions and bears appear from the forest as they begin to walk towards Inuyasha and his group. Meanwhile, the Mirror Demon appears from the rear as it walks towards Inuyasha and company. Kanna also appears from the forest as she looks towards the shadow monsters.
"This is not your fight," said Kanna as another shadow monster appears from the forest.
"Oh, it certainly is," said Abela as the shadow tiger walks in front of the other shadow monsters.
Just as Abela finishes its sentence, a shadow monster attacks the Mirror Demon further surprising Inuyasha and his friends. None of them understands what is going on. They could have sworn Naraku and Belenus are allies, yet here they are fighting each other. The Mirror Demon swings around striking the shadow monster. The Mirror Demon takes down some of the shadow monsters, but many continue to fight.
"Inuyasha, we should get away now," said Miroku to the half-demon.
Inuyasha clenches his sword as he makes his decision. He agrees to Miroku's suggestion as the group take off from the battlefield. Despite their training, they are not ready to confront any of their enemies. Fortunately, luck seems to be on their side. They do not know what happened, but it seems like their enemies are now fighting amongst themselves.
"We knew Naraku would betray Lord Belenus," said Abela. "Now you shall pay for your master's mistake!"
*SC*
Inuyasha and his friends manage to find a cave deeper in the forest as the sounds of battle become farther. However, everyone knows it is only a matter of time before the enemies catch up. As much as Inuyasha and his friends want to run, their tired bodies will not allow them. Sure, they had a decent amount of sleep, but the training has left them tired tremendously. It will take time for them to rest up, but they hope to be ready.
"I'll create a barrier," said Inuyasha as he places the sheath of the Tessaiga onto the ground.
Just as he creates a barrier, another large explosion occurs as the sounds of battle come closer. A few seconds later, a few shadow monsters appear from the forest as they head towards the barrier. Inuyasha growls a bit as he prepares to add more power to the barrier. Everyone else gathers their weapons as they hope their enemies will tire themselves out before they join the battle. Suddenly, the Mirror Demon appears as the battlefield is now set.
*SC*
A/N: This is the end of chapter 10. Thanks for reading and please review.