Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha; this is only a fanfic.
Authors Notes: Hi everyone! New chapter up, but I am skeptical. You will either like this one or not. If not for the recent manga chapters, it would have been hard to write a chapter like this and doubly hard to post. Throughout the series, Sesshy has progressed and on occasion has displayed emotion. This chapter is one of those times.
Thanks again to my anon. reviewers: mishua, Blood Red Sandman, aya harushino, Z.M. and kiklover. Special thanks to those who showed concern for my created character – Mouko. Arigatou!
Warning: Lemon Themes
Chapter 10: Temptation
Taking cover behind a large tree, Kikyou watched as Sesshomaru battled the moth larvae. Careful to avoid the flying debris, she moved further into the trees. The priestess expression was stoic as the two demons clashed. There was no cause for concern; it was painfully obvious that the taiyoukai had the upper hand.
The moth larvae lashed out repeatedly, uprooting and damaging foliage. Sesshomaru appeared stationary, but dodged every attack. He never actually moved. His body seemed to teleport as he evaded his opponents' angry assault. The occasional snip with his massive jaw was part of his strategy.
Kikyou knew this and she knew the reason. The demons hide was its armor. Her sacred arrows bounced off and fell to the ground, their energy extinguished. However, all armor had a weakness; as soon as the taiyoukai discovered where it was, this fight would be over.
Sesshomaru did a swift appraisal of the moths' outer casing and then watched its movements. He noticed the body stayed low to the ground. It had attacked Kikyou by rising up and then trying to crash its head into her, but not with him.
His eyes widened a fraction as he caught a glimpse of folded tissue below the moths' clamped mouth; a crease formed between its head and body. With a gleam in his eye, Sesshomaru focused on that spot and waited.
The rear end of the moth lifted to strike and suddenly, swift as wind, the inu youkai attacked. His claw sliced up, swept the beast over on its back and before it could right itself, he bit down onto the vulnerable area.
The beast squealed as Sesshomaru pinned its body to the ground. The thought of this thing aiding Airasetsunyo, conspiring in Rin's illness and its attempt to harm Kikyou had him increasing the pressure. He experienced the same sensation that initiated his body's transformation and clamped down, viscously, with his fangs until the vertebrae snapped.
Poison spurted forth from the fatal wound. Vapor filled the air as toxins were released onto the ground and a mist formed, cloaking the battle scene.
From the shelter of the trees, Kikyou waited. Stepping back, she covered her nose with the sleeve of her keso as the vapor seemed to creep towards her.
Suddenly, a strong air current whipped through and the priestess looked up to see a swirling vortex. It appeared to draw in the toxins from the ground and air.
With the mist clearing, Kikyou watched Sesshomaru emerge from the diminishing gale without a scratch. He had reverted to his human form; his silver mane rippled in the wind, the magenta markings stood out against his cheeks and his eyes maintained that crimson gleam as he walked towards her. She noticed he had the Tensiega drawn and the sword shimmered in a blue light.
Ignoring the taiyoukai's murderous look, the priestess focused on the swords power. It was the source of wind and she could only assume it consumed the excess poisons that Shessomaru's body could not.
He was truly magnificent, Kikyou surmised as her eyes shifted back to his face. Although the battle was over and his opponent defeated, he appeared tense. His kimono was opened with the tails flapping behind in the wind and his hakamas flapped around his legs.
She knew his shoulders were broad, but she never thought his body would be so well defined. With his fluid grace and his effortless maneuvers, this was quite unexpected and Kikyou gave a shiver of awareness. As she stood waiting, his words from last night came back to haunt her.
"You are, once again, an incarnate being; it would be wise to learn to fear something… even wiser to fear me."
For the first time Kikyou realized that, she did fear him, although not for the reason one would think. She had been unknowingly fighting an attraction for him… for Sesshomaru, brother to Inuyasha and a full-fledged taiyoukai lord. How could she have allowed this to happen?
Maddening female, Sesshomaru thought angrily. His eyes stayed focused on the priestess as he moved in her direction. He could not believe the woman just stood there waiting for the demon to strike her down. She had not even flinched at the possibility of being crushed under the moths' body.
Did the fool still have a death wish? The way he felt right now, he would gladly fulfill it for her. Had she not learned anything? The woman had thrice cheated purgatory. One would think she would spend her time preserving the life bestowed and pursuing any harboring goals or dreams from before.
Sheathing the Tenseiga, he stopped in front of her. His anger evaporating as he saw her take a step back. That was the first time he had experienced a reaction of that sort and it surprised him. Normally she held her ground.
He tried to look into her eyes, but she kept her head lowered. The priestess seemed suddenly wary of him. Had his transformation frightened her? Had she finally heeded his words? Good, he thought with a sneer, she should fear him.
"Are you injured?"
Kikyou responded with a shake of her head, but kept her eyes lowered.
"What was that?" Sesshomaru leaned forward.
The priestess mumbled something unintelligible.
"Speak up, woman! Am I expected to hear your head rattle? Are you injured?"
Raising her head slowly, Kikyou pinned him with a hostile glare. "No," she spoke calmly, but through clenched teeth. "I-am-fine," she emphasized.
"Liar," stated Sesshomaru, inwardly amused that her fear was short-lived.
Kikyou gasped and stared speechless at him as a hand automatically went to her side. "If you knew I was hurt, then why did you ask?"
"Why did you lie?"
She had no answer. Maybe she thought he would attend her as he did before. With her revealed feelings, it was the last thing she needed or wanted at this time. Not knowing what to say, she simply stood examining her feet.
"Hmph! Nothing to say?" The taiyoukai smirked. "You must be injured," he taunted as he looked down on her bent head. "Come, let's have your wounds attended."
It took every ounce of Kikyou's willpower not to respond. Clamping her lips tight together, she fell in step behind him. So deep in thought, she did not notice that she did not walk beside him as she normally did. However, Sesshomaru noticed.
xXxXx
Back at the castle, Jadoku and Idzuna strolled casually to the stables. They stood in the entrance looking over the grooms attending their duties. The kitsune's eyes lit upon the one who had delivered the message to Kikyou earlier. Pointing him out to Jadoku, they both approached.
"Suku-san," Jadoku addressed the groom. "Have you seen Lady Kikyou this afternoon?"
The young demon turned with a smile and answered, "No, Master Jadoku, not since this morning and Master Jaken's departure."
The snake youkai did not sense any deceit in the statement. Looking down at Idzuna, he waited to see if she sensed anything. The child's ears were wiggling, but she turned to him and shook her head.
"Sorry to bother you, Suku-san," Jadoku said. Taking the kitsune's hand, they exited the stable.
"I assume you detected a scent," the snake asked once outside.
"I sure did," Idzuna said fanning her hands over her nose. "Suku-san really needs a bath. He was not the one that visited Lady Kikyou today."
The corners of Jadoku's mouth quivered to suppress a smile; the child was amusing. How odd to be teamed with such a partner. He watched as the kitsune lifted her head to the sky and inhaled deep to cleanse her nostrils. Turning to him, she smiled.
"What now, Jadoku-sama?"
"Come," he instructed. "Let's find the one less offensive to your senses."
xXxXx
Following quietly behind Sesshomaru, it was not until Kikyou lifted her head that she realized they were not headed to the castle. Taking in her surroundings, she assumed they were moving in the opposite direction.
"Where are we going?"
Sesshomaru did not respond, but continued walking without glancing her way. Kikyou decided to be just as stubborn and not ask again.
A short distance ahead, she noticed what looked like a wall of hanging vines. As they moved closer, Sesshomaru waved his hand, the twisted roots parted and an opening appeared. The taiyoukai entered and, intrigued, Kikyou followed.
They walked into an earthen tunnel and proceeded to the light at the end. Passing through, the tunnel opened into a small canyon. The place was miniature oasis with heavy foliage and a small stream running through it.
Kikyou was unaware she had moved ahead of Sesshomaru as she drank in the beauty of the place. Some plants she recognized and some were foreign to her. It appeared an ideal spot to relax and unwind.
Walking to the stream, Kikyou kneeled, cupped her hands and dipped them into the water for a drink. Her brow furrowed; the water was not cool as she expected, but warm. Turning to Sesshomaru, she asked, "Is this connected to a hot spring?"
"No," he answered. "This is a healing stream, I brought you here bathe your wounds."
"A healing spring?" She turned to him fully. "Really? How did you find it?"
"I've known about it for quite some time now," he sniffed. "This is my home, after all."
"Are you usually in such foul-temper following a battle?" she inquired, turned and dipped her hands again, intent to have a warm drink. Before Kikyou could bring it to her lips, Sesshomaru snatched her hands and spilled the water back into the stream.
"Why did you do that?" She glared. "I only wanted a drink."
"I believe I mentioned this was a 'healing spring'; did I not?"
Kikyou continued to glare.
Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed at her obstinacy before elaborating. "To put it simply, priestess, the water is to be applied to your wounds and not consumed."
"Why? What would happen?"
"I would suggest that you speak with the last human who consumed the waters of the healing spring. As that person is dead; there is no point."
Kikyou gasped. "From the spring water?"
"From 'drinking' the spring water." Sesshomaru corrected.
"Hm…"
Was her only response as she turned back to the stream. Sesshomaru noticed she was in her pensive state again. He watched her tuck a strand of hair behind her ear as she surveyed her surroundings and he took the opportunity to survey her profile.
Kikyou was a natural beauty. She had no need to decorate herself in fine clothes, powder her face or rouge her lips. Her dark tresses fell long and straight, refusing to curl. If he had his way, he would rid her of that annoying ribbon and let her hair float freely.
Her skin was smooth as porcelain, but warm to touch. On the few occasions that they had made physical contact, he found her skin to be soft and supple.
"This is the reason you did not bring Rin here to be healed," Kikyou said softly as she turned to him. "Her illness was internal; this stream must only cure external injuries."
"Once again, you are correct." Sesshomaru was brusque in his reply. He was more annoyed with himself and his thoughts than he was with the priestess. "As you were brought here for that purpose, I suggest you commence to doing just that. You have wasted quite enough of my time today."
Ignoring him, Kikyou removed her sandals and stepped into the water. She waded out until the water came just below her knees. Looking over her shoulder at the taiyoukai, she said, "There is no need for you to stay, Sesshomaru. I can easily find my way back to the castle."
"Hmph!" He sniffed elegantly. "That may be, priestess," the taiyoukai said. "However, with your capacity for mishaps, I shall decline your request and remain here."
Kikyou did not respond, she bent and smoothed the warm water over her injured knee. She looked on as the bruised area faded before her eyes. While walking, the knee had begun to ache terribly; however, the water reduced the soreness. Although she had masked her pain and managed to keep from hobbling in front of Sesshomaru, somehow, he was aware.
Kneeling, Kikyou saturated her arms and then lowered the collar of her keso. She began splashing her shoulders and trying to reach her upper back. Realizing she may either return later to cover her body or ask Sesshomaru to leave while she undressed. Turning, the request froze on her lips as he stood directly above her.
Sesshomaru stood and faced the entrance as Kikyou stepped into the water. He heard the water splash behind him as she bathed in the healing water. She seemed to be taking her time, he thought angrily. He turned to inform her to hurry and noticed the bruises on her shoulders.
Trancelike, he found himself moving forward. Soundlessly, he joined her in the middle of the stream and stood over her staring down at the bruised flesh. Seeing her beautiful skin this way, only made him angrier.
He saw Kikyou's eyes widen in alarm and she clutched at her keso. He had invaded her privacy, but he did not care. He only wanted to erase the bruises and the discomfort he knew she suffered.
Kikyou moved to stand, but Sesshomaru placed a hand on her shoulder and held her in place.
"Stay still," he ordered and moved behind her in the stream. Crouching behind, he peeled the keso to her waist and let his hands skim over the injured area. Removing her keso, he tossed it to the side.
Gasping, Kikyou's arms instinctively moved to her bound breast. She again tired to move away, but this time Sesshomaru's arm snaked around her waist and drew her back against him.
"What are you doing?" Kikyou struggled. "Let go of me!"
"Be quiet!" he hissed in her ear. "Focus on keeping yourself covered, woman." With that said he tilted her over his arm, supporting her head as he lowered her back into the stream.
The water felt wonderful against her skin. The priestess could feel its healing powers working as they ebbed away the ache. She closed her eyes and relaxed; her hair fanned out creating an aquatic halo. Was it the water or the warmth of Sesshomaru's arms, she knew not. However, she was blissfully content.
Above her, Sesshomaru watched the pleasure on Kikyou's face as her body healed. His eyes skimmed her creamy features; soft lips, the long graceful lines of her neck and well endowed breast barely covered by the bindings. Tearing his eyes from her, he pinpointed a spot in the trees and focused there.
"Thank you for saving me today." Kikyou kept her eyes closed as a she spoke.
Sesshomaru did not respond and the priestess continued.
"This is the second time you have come to my rescue, I feel so… honored." Her husky laugh filled the cavern. "I am quite sure that does not happen very often."
Clamping his jaws tight, the taiyoukai refrained from responding, his gaze fixed on the designated spot.
"I believe I am healed now," Kikyou said and moved to sit up. Sesshomaru lifted her in the circle of his arm, pushed her wet hair forward and turned her to look at her back.
"Better?" she asked, looking over her shoulder.
No answer.
Kikyou stiffened as she felt his fingers skim lightly down the center of her back, just above her bindings. Tilting her head back, their eyes met.
The taiyoukai's golden orbs had darkened to burnished amber and his stare was more intense than usual. Time seemed to stop and Kikyou was sure she forgot to breath. The arm around her waist tightened and Sesshomaru slowly pulled her back against him.
She inhaled sharply and her hand closed over his at her waist.
"Are you afraid, priestess?" Sesshomaru's deep voice vibrated in her ear.
"Why?" Kikyou asked, her ire rising to mask the other feeling. He was doing this deliberately; he wanted to scare her. "Is that what you want, Sesshomaru; you want me to fear you?"
"You witnessed my transformation…"he began, only to be interrupted.
Turning abruptly in his arms, Kikyou's eyes gleamed. "I did not see the actual transformation; however, the end result was impressive."
Sesshomaru looked down on her with a frown. Although she had complimented him and her expression was one of interest, she appeared to be examining him as if she would like to dissect him. Almost as if she wanted to crack him, open to find out how he functioned. He did not like it, especially when he was observing her in an entirely different light.
"The transformation did not frighten you?"
"No," Kikyou answered readily. "Was it supposed to?"
Unable to answer, the taiyoukai simply stared into her wide earnest eyes. Did he actually want her afraid of him and if so… why? Would he prefer that she cower each time he appeared? No… he decided, that was not what he wanted. He admired her inner strength and respected her courage. He found himself taking an interest in her thoughts as well as desiring her body.
Shifting her in his arms, he supported her back with one arm and slid the other under her knees. Lifting her, he turned and headed back to shore.
His action surprised the priestess and she realized that he never answered her question. Kikyou assumed he would not. However, she did not expect him to redirect the query back to her.
"What do you fear, priestess?" She heard him say.
xXxXx
The lands of the southern realm were extensive plains with dense trees and foliage. Jaken had no trouble locating Shishi's castle. It was almost as large as the inu youkai's domain, but not as elegant. However, one could not deny it held a rustic appeal.
Ah-un landed at the castle gates and before Jaken could dismount, armed guards surrounded them. The demon toad looked around nervously as the guardsmen advanced. They approached with weapons drawn, unsettling Ah-un.
Swallowing his fear, Jaken spoke in a clear, commanding tone. "I am vassal to the great Lord Sesshomaru of the Westernlands. I have been sent to deliver a message to Lord Shishi!"
The guards paused and looked to each other. Suddenly, they burst out laughing. "Vassal to Lord Sesshomaru; you say?" one of the guards sputtered. "That is a foolish tale to spin, little one."
Jaken was so speechless with indignation, he momentarily forgot his fear. "Are you mad?" the demon toad spat. "I-am-Jaken! Subordinate to Lord Sesshomaru and I demand to be taken to Lord Shishi!"
His venomous speech swept the smiles from their faces and put them instantly on guard again. Repositioning their weapons, they again advanced.
"Halt!"
Immediately, the guards responded to the order. They relaxed and stood at attention as Lord Shishi walked into their midst.
The Lord of the Southernlands was not what Jaken had expected. He had anticipated an impressive figure like his master, Sesshomaru. However, the great Lord Shishi looked like a sickly adolescent.
The lion youkai was frail with dark circles under his eyes, his skin was pale compared to his guards as if he did not get out enough into the warm climate. He also lacked the muscular physique of his men.
"Welcome, Jaken-san," Shishi said and turned to his guards. "Would you please find housing for his transport," he informed them and then turned back to the demon toad. "Follow me," he announced imperiously.
Stunned by current revelations, Jaken forgot he was still atop Ah-un, stepped forward and tumbled to the ground. Lying flat on his face, the demon toad heard more laughter as he pushed himself to his knees. What he did not expect was the figure standing over him. Smiling from ear to ear, Lord Shishi extended a hand to help him to his feet.
xXxXx
It was a strange question coming from him, Kikyou thought and she hesitated. How did one answer that? What were her fears?
Stepping from the water, Sesshomaru felt the arm she had unconsciously draped across his shoulder tighten. He watched her other hand lift and tuck a strand of wet hair behind her ear as she thought. Although back on shore, he made no move to release her.
Was she lonely? No… Kikyou thought, other than Kaede, she had been lonely most of her life. Was it death? Although she had died before, death was not one of her fears.
"Your sword," Sesshomaru spoke. "The Shoushou no Tsurugi. Where is it?"
"Hm." Pulled from her musings, the priestess looked up into the taiyoukai's eyes. "I have it hidden… and sealed it within a barrier."
"Good," he said simply. "Now… have you yet determined what your fears are?"
"Well… I would have to say… none," Kikyou told him.
"Most unwise, priestess." Sesshomaru smirked. "I see you paid no heed to my warning."
"Why do you adamantly pursue this subject?" He was making her angry again. "Put me down," Kikyou snapped.
"Answer and I will release you."
Kikyou opened her mouth and then closed it again. He was mocking her, she was sure of it. She would not struggle uselessly in his hold; she would not give him the satisfaction. Narrowing her eyes, she decided to turn the tables.
"Actually, I do have a fear." The priestess watched as he raised an eyebrow. "I have a fear that your contempt for humans will eventually have an effect on your relationship with Rin."
"That is not your concern," he said calmly enough, but his arms tightened, pulling her close. "Don't change the subject, priestess, we were discussing you."
Sesshomaru watched her eyes widen and decided to test a theory. "Are you afraid of intimacy, priestess?" Her saw her brow crease as she stared at him. "Why would a woman such as you remain alone? In this new life, you maintain the role of a priestess, yet you desire children. Don't deny it," he said roughly as she made to speak. "I have seen you with Rin, Idzuna and even the boy, Kohaku."
"Why deny yourself? Surely there are enough human males with whom you could mate."
How dare he... Kikyou was incensed, but like him, she responded stoically. "That… is not your concern," she reiterated. "Humans first form a connection and… then feelings develop. For us, it is more complicated."
"Waste of time," he stated emphatically. "So… it is due to this lack of feeling that you have not found a mate."
"That is too personal a question, my lord," Kikyou said with sarcasm, but blushed. "I must ask you again to release me."
"Not just yet," Sesshomaru said and his tone made Kikyou wary. "Is it lack of stimulation, priestess?"
Her eyes flew to his and Kikyou saw a look of determination in his. Her small hands balled into fist and pushed at his chest. "What are you about, Sesshomaru?" she gasped. "You wouldn't…" That was as far as she got before his mouth covered hers in a slow seductive kiss.
Her struggles and attempts to resist were futile and with a sigh, she melted under his expertise. The arm around her back pressed her closer; his tongue teased the corners of her lips before demanding entry. Kikyou relaxed in his hold and a strangled moan escaped her throat at his possession.
This was only a test, Sesshomaru tried to remind himself. However, his body responded to her innocence. Gently probing, her inexperience only urged him on. Her satisfied moan sent vibrations through his body and he deepened their kiss.
Her head was spinning; she had never experienced sensations such as these. What other secret pleasures, Kikyou wondered, had her body withheld? She yearned for… something. So enraptured, she was oblivious to her hands creeping around the taiyoukai's neck and sliding into his silver locks. Pulling him close, she timidly parried the thrusts of his tongue against hers.
Feelings that had long lay dormant now assailed Sesshomaru. He could not recall becoming so aroused by a mere encounter. For the first time in a long time, the taiyoukai allowed himself to be overwhelmed. His desire for the human was so strong, against his better judgment, he found himself lowering her to the bed of leaves.
Kikyou inhaled sharply, feeling the ground beneath her. She gave a whimper of protest as Sesshomaru's lips left hers, but sighed with delight as they swept across her cheekbones, around the shell of her ear and then moved slowly down the column of her neck.
Her skin was like silk, the taiyoukai thought. In this heightened state, her scent was intoxicating and he ran his nose across the rapidly beating pulse at the base of her throat. In his mind, he whispered her name. That was the only way; he would never say it aloud.
Sesshomaru's assault left Kikyou breathless and precipitated her ascent to the heavens. She marveled at his combined gentle aggression and reveled in feel of his breath on her skin. It was not until she felt her bindings loosen, that rational returned.
Cupping his face in her hands, she lifted his head from the valley of her exposed breast. "Sesshomaru," she whispered throatily, "we mustn't; it… it's forbidden."
Her plea stopped him. She was right; a union, of any sort, between them was unacceptable. However, as his eyes roamed over her exposed flesh, he could not leave either of them unfulfilled.
Staring into her mahogany orbs, his voice was rich, his words almost reasonable. "I don't plan to take you, priestess, only awaken you the pleasures of the flesh."
Surprise registered on Kikyou's face, but was replaced by desire as Sesshomaru captured both ivory mounds in his hands. His touch was tender, but demanded a response that had her thrusting upward and writhing under his administrations. With a sharp hiss, her fingers moved up to fondle the pointed tips of his ears. Neither knew the impact this would have.
A volt of lightening shot through Sesshomaru. No one, demon or human, had ever touched him there. Growling low in his throat, the taiyoukai lowered his head to her breast and drew a taut peak into his mouth.
It was Kikyou's turn to explode. Her hands left his ears and clamped down on his wrist, but she threw her head back and arched into him. Kaleidoscopes of colors burst beneath her closed lids as each suckle left a tightening, coiling sensation in the pit of her stomach.
His fingers replaced his lips as Sesshomaru left a hot, moist trail from one firm crest to pay homage to the other. The soft mewling sounds coming from Kikyou's throat only enhanced his ardor.
With maddening slowness, the Lord of the Westernlands slowly undressed her. His hands wandered, explored and tantalized; his mouth tasted, nibbled and teased. He took her to the edge of her desire and back again, but still left her chaste.
Sometime later, a sated and exhausted Kikyou, collapsed onto the bed of leaves. Eyes closed, she sensed Sesshomaru looming above her as her breathing returned to normal. Neither spoke.
"Open your eyes, priestess," the taiyoukai murmured in a thick voice.
Giving in, Kikyou finally opened them to find the taiyoukai looking down on her. His golden orbs glittered with intensity. Leaning on his hands, his silver mane fell forward creating a curtain shielding them from the outer world.
Although her sensed reeled from what just occurred, she lifted her chin and gazed back defiantly. What was going on in his mind? What was behind that intense gaze and most of all… what were his thoughts of her now? If only he would speak that, she could respond. When he did speak, it was so sudden it startled her.
"This priestess garb is wasted on you." Sesshomaru said as he reached for her keso. "The Shikon jewel is in safekeeping and Naraku is no more. There is no need to deny yourself a normal life."
His eyes did a swift appraisal of her charms before pulling her to a sitting position and draping the keso around her shoulders. "Find a human mate, woman," he informed her and added for his own peace of mind. "I suggest you do so, at once."
xXxXx
Idzuna ran like the wind. She never knew the snake youkai could move so swiftly. Still, she was able to keep up with Jadoku as they pursued Airasetsunyo's accomplice through the forest.
She and Jadoku had scoured the grounds and the castle; had spoken to the staff, but nothing. The culprit had unknowingly revealed himself as the two passed through the pantry; the acrid scent from the familiar poison had filled her nostrils.
The kitsune's sneeze had alerted the culprit to their presence. Idzuna noticed the familiar form of the food deliverer, before he bolted for the exit. Now she and Jadoku were chasing the demon through the forest.
They were not far from the castle when the demon entered a clearing and then turned to face them. Panting heavily, the fox child was the last to arrive. Looking up, she noticed that several figures had joined them.
"What is this?" Idzuna asked. Several of Sesshomaru's staff stood in the clearing and the child turned to a questioning glance to Jadoku.
"Illusions, Idzuna-chan," he said, surveying each individual. "He is projecting these images to confuse us," he told the child. "Do you still have his scent?"
"Yes," the kitsune answered readily.
"Then he is still here."
Jadoku slowly moved forward. As he moved forward, the images and the culprit moved back. With each step, the snake youkai would turn in the direction of each image and the image would step away. Suddenly, swift as lightening, Jadoku's body coiled and lashed out like a whip. In the blink of an eye, Idzuna saw the snake wrapped himself around the body of one of the images and squeeze.
The other images, instantly disappeared as Jadoku imprisoned the real body. However, much to the kitsune's concern, Jadoku continued to apply pressure to his captive.
"Do you have to do that, Jadoku-sama?" Idzuna asked. "That looks painful."
The snake youkai did not answer right away, but continued to squeeze until his prey went limp in his hold. Unwinding his body, the unconscious demon slid to the ground and Jadoku finally turned to the fox child.
"I apologize, Idzuna-chan, but I assure you, it was necessary," he told her. "I had to render him powerless to create more images or we would be here all night."
"How did you know that he was the real one?" the child asked, puzzled.
"Vibrations," he said simply, but proceeded to explain. "An image cannot produce vibrations because it does not exist," he informed Idzuna. "Therefore, the only footfalls were from the actual body."
"Oh… I see," she said and then shouted happily. "We did it, Jadoku-sama! Lord Sesshomaru will be pleased."
"Yes," the snake said. "I will be sure to inform him that I could not have found him without you."
"We make a good team; don't we? Wait until I tell Rin, Jaken and lady Kikyou."
"Yes," Jadoku agreed again, while lifting his captive from the ground and slinging him over his shoulder. "Let's take him in for questioning and Sesshomaru-san's return."
"Will we work together again, Master Jadoku? Mouko-sama is going to be so jealous!"
"That he will," Jadoku gave his version of a smile and headed towards the castle.
xXxXx
Massive talons embed in the ground and sleek muscles strained as Mouko clawed upward. Reaching the top of the cliff, it took every ounce of his strength to haul himself over the top.
Lying face down, the tiger reverted to his human form before rolling over on his back. He stared up at the sky as he mentally assessed his injuries. They were not serious; a few broken ribs, a jagged scar on his right thigh and bruises on his back from the boulder. He was confident he would heal completely by morning.
Holding up his hand, he noticed a dislocated finger. Tearing fabric from keso, he snapped the limb back in place, joined it with another finger and tied them together to set.
Rising, Mouko searched the cliffs for his 'Kenshiko' kodachi's. His progress slowed due to the leg injury. Locating his weapons, he retrieved and returned them to their sheaths. Standing still, the tiger felt something was not right.
Replaying the fight with Kurokuma in his head, his eyes shifted to the last spot the bear youkai stood before they transformed. Suddenly, it dawned on him; Kurokuma's axe blade was gone.
Lifting his nose in the air, Mouko could only detect a light scent. It seemed the bear youkai had survived the fall, returned for his weapon and was now gone.
Although injured, Mouko followed the faint scent that led to a river. Kurokuma's trail ended there. Turning in the opposite direction, the tiger was sure the two would cross paths again. The bears' misguided vengeance directed to Sesshomaru would not dissolve that easily. They would definitely see Kurokuma again.
Smiling to himself, Mouko looked forward to finishing the battle between them. Stretching his arms overhead, he began the long trek back to the Westernlands.
To be continued…
Authors Notes: For all you Mouko lovers, I would not kill my favorite character… yet. :sinister laugh:
Thanks for reading and please leave a review.