Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha. Inuyasha belongs to Rumiko Takahashi.

A/N: Do you know my favourite part in writing this chapter? It's when Sesshoumaru helps Inuyasha... even though he doesn't admit it. :D

Chapter 11:

Old Enemy

Faster than Inuyasha's mind could even register, Sesshoumaru and Mouretsu had already launched towards each other. A strong wind blew at his direction due to the two demons' fast movements. The breeze sent Inuyasha's hair swaying violently behind him, and he had to cover his eyes with his arm from the dust particles that were flying at his face. When he lowered his arm to get a better view, Mouretsu's face already had a few burnt marks, and a green whip was visibly coming out from Sesshoumaru's hand.

Mouretsu touched the part where the flesh on his face stung. "Damn... Always hated that whip of yours."

"It is unfortunate then," Sesshoumaru simply replied and swung his hand, moving his whip at Mouretsu's face for the second time.

Mouretsu foresaw the attack and leapt out of harm's way, and continued to do so as the inu-daiyoukai kept sending the poisonous whip. He smirked, liking this challenge. He had always loved the battle with Sesshoumaru, and was glad the fight with the demon lord was his last... before he was placed under a seal. Even when he was in his slumber, he couldn't stop thinking about the battle with Sesshoumaru. Sesshoumaru may have beat him, but that doesn't mean he had lost. The fact that he was here, fighting Sesshoumaru again, proves himself that he was not fully defeated by the demon lord. And this time, he was determined to change the outcome. He was going to defeat Sesshoumaru, and earn the title of defeating the so-called overpowered inu-daiyoukai.

But the blissful thinking lasted only for a few seconds. Mouretsu frowned when Sesshoumaru continously aimed his whip at him. If they were going to battle like this before he is able to use his... ability, then Sesshoumaru might be able to defeat him first. Sesshoumaru's whip could be used in a long range, meanwhile, the only attack he could use on Sesshoumaru was with his sword. He had been able to withstand Sesshoumaru's whip centuries ago, but that was only because he had the Mistress to assist him in buying time to charge his power. But now... It seemed that he would have to make Sesshoumaru draw out his sword, even if he had to use... dirty tactics. If Sesshoumaru uses his sword, then he could buy himself some time, and have the chance to use his power once it's ready.

Mouretsu landed a few meters away from Sesshoumaru, and placed a hand on the hilt of the sword at his hip. He withdrew his sword and pointed it towards Sesshoumaru. "Let's fight with our swords, Sesshoumaru. For old times sake."

Sesshoumaru stared at him for a while, his face a cold mask. "This Sesshoumaru will fight however he wishes to."

"Come on, Sesshoumaru. I can tell that your sword is different than the one you used before. It has a strong aura," Mouretsu said and sighed. "Don't make me force you, Sesshoumaru," he said and his eyes landed on Inuyasha.

What is he— before Inuyasha could finish his thought, a hand slammed his head to the ground. For a moment, he could see a flashing white, before stars were dancing in his line of vision.

Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes. "You are willing to hurt a defenseless person in order to get this Sesshoumaru to do as you wish? It is unbecoming for a warrior of your calibre, Mouretsu."

But Sesshoumaru was internally weighing his options. If Inuyasha were to receive another hit, he would most likely pass out. Worst case scenario, Inuyasha dies from the injuries, depending on how hard they hurt him. His brother's death was something he wouldn't allow. Even if he hated the whole of Inuyasha's existence, and had threatened to kill the half-breed a few times, that doesn't mean he would allow some lowly youkai to do it. Inuyasha's life was in his hands, and that means he would decide whether to end it or not. Allowing the hanyou to die by another would not be an option.

He could grab his brother and throw him somewhere away from the enemy's reach, but the problem was that the youkai guarding Inuyasha, and the hanyou himself, was standing behind Mouretsu. No matter how fast he could be, Mouretsu's speed was something he couldn't take lightly. By the time he was halfway to reach his brother, Mouretsu will see his plan and stop him. At last, he descarded the idea of getting his brother away from the enemy.

He sighed internally. He hated doing as Mouretsu had told, because he knew what the youkai was planning, and it would give the youkai an advantage. But he was the Lord of the West, and losing wasn't a choice. No matter how he fights, he will still find a way to win. Sure, doing as he was told was something that wasn't in his character, but losing wasn't either. So, having to swallow a bit of his pride, he retreated his whip back into his hand and unsheathed Tokijin. It earned him a pleased grin by the youkai in front of him—much to his disgust.

"Wise choice," Mouretsu said glanced at Inuyasha, who was just about to push himself up into a sitting position. "Maybe I'm wrong, but it seems that you do care for your brother."

Sesshoumaru didn't answer. But in his head, he was planning to give Mouretsu a slow, torturous death for his impudence.

Without even a single indication that they should start their battle, the two of them leapt forward, clashing swords and creating another strong wind.

By now, the stars in Inuyasha's vision had disappeared, and he was now witnessing Sesshoumaru battling Mouretsu with his sword. He blinked in confusion. What the hell happened after he got knocked on the head? The last thing he remembered was Mouretsu asking for Sesshoumaru to draw his sword and—

He stopped thinking the moment a wave of nausea hit him. He lurched forward, covering his mouth in an attempt to stop himself from vomitting. Luckily for him, he was able to prevent himself from throwing up... for now. He leaned back and took deep breaths, trying to push the contents of his stomach down where it belongs. This was not the time to become sick. Sesshoumaru was fighting, and he was sitting here acting all weak. He had to do something. He could try and use Blades of Blood at the youkai guarding him, but he doubt that the attack would do more than a scratch. He had to wait until he has enough strength to form a stronger attack that would actually do damage.

While Sesshoumaru was swinging his sword, he caught the scent of vomit threatening to escape Inuyasha's lips. He looked at the hanyou through the corner of his eye, while some of his attention was still on the youkai in front of him. Inuyasha had become a lot paler and the smell of death was stronger than before. Not that he cares about the half-breed, but if he allowed his brother to die in his presence, then it would mean he had failed Father.

Mouretsu must've noticed that his full concentration wasn't on him, because he paused for a moment and glanced at Inuyasha. A smirk tugged at his face, "What's wrong, Sesshoumaru? Worried?"

Sesshoumaru's cold exterior was the only thing keeping himself from snarling at the insolent demon. Mouretsu was the one that requested him to use his sword, and even tried to harm Inuyasha in hopes to get him to do it. And now, he had the audacity to taunt him. It was truly unforgivable.

"You will face the consequences for your actions, Mouretsu," Sesshoumaru said.

Mouretsu was caught off guard by Sesshoumaru's change of speed. The next thing he knew was that Sesshoumaru had already landed his sword on him at several places. Blood gushed out of his arm, thigh, cheek, and his abdomen. He had to create some kind of distance between Sesshoumaru in order to stop his body from receiving any more damage. If he allows this to keep up, there was no way he was going to survive.

He looked at Sesshoumaru, and realised that the demon lord's youki was flaring. For some reason, Sesshoumaru was pissed at him. Could it be that Sesshoumaru does care about Inuyasha? If he does, then he has a good way of hiding it, because he couldn't tell a thing by the impassive mask he was displaying.

Mouretsu's eyes widened when he felt it. Finally. He scanned his body, and let out a chuckle. All of a sudden, the injuries that he received from Sesshoumaru were starting to fade. He had bought himself enough time to finally use the ability.

Sesshoumaru scowled at the youkai in front of him, knowing too well what it meant. He had known that using his sword to fight Mouretsu would've allowed the youkai to do this, but he could care less. The only reason why the youkai was still breathing until now was because of that irritating ability. Besides, if he had been able to beat him back then, the result would still be the same for now. Still, it would mean things had become very troublesome.

"I've lost once, even though I was able to use this power," Mouretsu said and inspected his now healed injuries. "But that was because I was careless."

Inuyasha watched in confusion. Even when he felt light-headed, he still heard Mouretsu's statement. His eyes then fell onto Sesshoumaru, who looked like his patience had run thin. Man, and he thought his existence was the only thing that annoyed Sesshoumaru to no end. He could feel his brother's youki crackling, and it was in a matter of time before he transforms.

The two of them attacked each other again, and clashed swords. Inuyasha watched as Mouretsu begin swinging his sword towards Sesshoumaru, and his brother dodged it swiftly. But there was something wrong here that Inuyasha could detect, even in his weakened state. He might've been imagining it, but his brother had become slightly slower, and Mouretsu all of a sudden was becoming faster. He really wanted to have more thought on this, but the condition of his head wasn't allowing him to.

"So, how do you feel, Sesshoumaru?" Mouretsu asked in a mocking tone, not noticing the fury expression that had momentarily slipped out of Sesshoumaru's facade. "I have to say... you have gotten stronger. Even if I had started stealing your youki, you're still able to catch up to me."

Mouretsu was too quick for even Sesshoumaru to realise that the youkai had swung his sword towards his only arm, sending blood splattering on the ground. Sesshoumaru landed gracefully, away from the youkai, and examined his injury. It was something that he could ignore, though, he felt distasteful that his pristine white robes were now covered with his own blood.

Inuyasha had just blinked and the next thing he knew was that Sesshoumaru's blood was already on the ground. What just happened? More importantly, was what Mouretsu said was true? Was he really stealing youki from Sesshoumaru? If it was true, then this was going to be a problem. Sesshoumaru's youki was... well... he could say that it was unlimited. Sesshoumaru was probably the strongest being to exist after their father died, and knowing that a youkai has the ability to steal other's youki, that's not good.

The hanyou flinched a little when Sesshoumaru's eyes landed on him. The inu-daiyoukai was sending him a weird look. He may have not been able to read his brother's emotions ninety percent of the time, but right now, it seemed that his brother was saying; stand back. Okay, so maybe his fever was getting to him and making him see things. Nonetheless, he forced himself to move a little further away from the two battling demons. The youkai who was suppose to guard him—now standing beside him—doesn't seem to notice that he was moving. The guy was just staring at Sesshoumaru and Mouretsu, captivated in their battle.

Sesshoumaru's head turned to face Mouretsu, and he lifted his Tokijin. "Sou'ryuuha."

A blue light appeared, before thunder was sent down onto the earth. Mouretsu cried in agony as Sesshoumaru's attack hit him, drawing blood from parts of his flesh. The youkai who was standing beside Inuyasha had to take a step back, afraid that the attack would also hit him. Luckily for him, it seemed the attack was only directed to Mouretsu, because all the lightning landed solely on him.

The blue light disappeared, and Mouretsu fell to his knees. His armour was chipped because of the lightning, and he was panting due to the multiple injuries he had received. But even with the attack from Tokijin, he was still able to stand up, wiping blood that rolled down at the side of his lips.

A mirthful chuckle escaped from Mouretsu. "Man... That sword is way stronger than the one you used on me last time," he said, and grinned when all of his injuries, once again, disappeared. "Unfortunately, you're just wasting your energy on me. In fact, I'm surprised you can still manage to form that kind of attack even when your youki is slowly draining. You truly are the son of Inu no Taisho."

Sesshoumaru visibly exhaled. As much as he hated to admit it, Mouretsu was right. He felt himself starting to become weary, and he had no idea how much attacks he could form before his demon side would be forced to take control of him. Even when his youki was getting stolen, his youkai would still react and take over when it realises that his youki was too low. And at that moment, Mouretsu wouldn't stand a chance, because his youkai was merciless, and it would only take a few seconds to end him. But shifting into that form—because his life was in danger—has its consequences. His youkai may be strong, but it wouldn't be able to tell the difference between enemy and foe, and Inuyasha might end up getting killed. And that would make all of his efforts useless.

Sesshoumaru interally shook his head out of his thoughts. He decided to pay no attention to Mouretsu's words, and continued to attack him. Inuyasha could tell that his brother was running out of time. He had to do something. He slowly turned his head to the youkai that was supposed to guard him. The youkai was too distracted to notice that he was even looking at him. Inuyasha flicked his fingers. Now was the time to attack. Even if only a little of his strength had returned, his attack would be strong enough to kill the youkai.

With the slightest movements, Inuyasha crept closer to the youkai, his eyes always paying attention to the youkai's face in case the youkai had noticed. Once he had gotten the closest distance he could manage, Inuyasha dug his claws into his own shoulder, drawing blood, and throwing crimson blades at the unsuspecting youkai, "Hijin Tessou!"

Mouretsu was aware that Inuyasha had moved closer, and tried to warn the youkai, but it was too late by the time he shouted, "Yasei—!"

He watched as the youkai, Yasei, collapsed to the ground. He let out a disappointed sigh. That youkai had one job, and it was to watch the pup, not watch him battle.

Inuyasha felt another wave of nausea hit him the moment he sent his attack. Great, his shoulder was bleeding, and his strength was close to zero. He wouldn't be surprised if the next thing he knew was that he had blacked out. He looked up, and found himself staring at Mouretsu dumbly, as the youkai was approaching him. His mind was yelling him to move from danger, but his limbs wouldn't obey. He could only watch as Mouretsu extended his arm, and he had to close his eyes to brace whatever the hell the youkai was going to do to him.

He expected for Mouretsu to grab his hair or kill him or something, but it never came. He lifted his eyelids and found Sesshoumaru swinging Tokijin at the youkai, and Mouretsu narrowly dodging it. He hated, yet secretly grateful, that his brother had somewhat saved him—even though he knew that his brother didn't do it for his sake. He wished he could at least attack Mouretsu and not being so useless, but his body wouldn't make it possible.

His head lolled forward as he felt himself slowly starting to lose consciousness, and the next thing he knew, he was already lying on the ground.

He blinked a few times, laying still. He scolded his body for not moving, and tried to get up. But at one point, he was already facing darkness.

As much as Sesshoumaru wished that he could lie down like his brother, he couldn't. His body had become incredibly slow, and it was in a matter of time before his youkai takes over. His eyes flickered to the ground covered in red. The reduce in his speed had given Mouretsu the opportunity to land a few hits on him, and now, the whole ground was layered with mostly his blood.

"Just give it up, Sesshoumaru," Mouretsu said with a smug and held his sword over his shoulder, deciding to end the inu-daiyoukai first, then handle the pup. "I had always been stronger than you. You were just lucky on our previous fight. But now, it seems your luck ran out."

Sesshoumaru knelt onto one knee, and he closed his eyes as he felt his youkai roaring to assist him. He hated when his youkai takes over, because, one, that means he would not be in control, and two, that also meant he had received severe injuries. His eyes then travelled to Inuyasha's lying form. If he were to allow his youkai to take over, then there's a chance that Inuyasha might get killed. He wanted to just rub his temple in frustration at having to figure out another solution.

There was one thing he could try. After his youkai had killed Mouretsu, he would have to immediately take over again. He wasn't sure if it would be possible, but that was the only thing he could come up with.

Mouretsu, who wasn't aware of the inner turmoil Sesshoumaru was facing, misinterpreted that Sesshoumaru's position right now was something that admitted defeat. A broad grin took over his lips and he lifted his sword over Sesshoumaru's head. "It had been a pleasure battling with you, Sesshoumaru-sama, but I win."

All of a sudden, Mouretsu was overwhelmed by the sudden burst of youki flowing out from Sesshoumaru's body. He took a step back and stared in disbelief. Impossible! Sesshoumaru's youki should've been down the drain right now, but that wasn't the case for this situation. His eyes widened when there was crimson in Sesshoumaru's eyes. Could it be that Sesshoumaru allowed his youkai to take control? Even if his assumptions was true, how did Sesshoumaru still have youki left?

Mouretsu didn't have time to fully comprehend the situation, before he felt his blood splattering out of his torso. He clutched his chest and finally realised that Sesshoumaru was already right in front of him, swinging his claws. Sesshoumaru's speed right now was on a whole new level, because he didn't even see the daiyoukai moving.

He had to do something, and fast. His ability could suck in more of Sesshoumaru's youki, but it would take a long time before it weakens Sesshoumaru. Besides, there was too much youki flowing out of the inu-youkai, that his ability couldn't possibly suck all at once. This was bad. He couldn't die. He had given a second chance to finally defeat Sesshoumaru, and this was how it was going to end?!

No, he couldn't die.

He had to win.

He had to—

His vision blurred, and suddenly, the world tilted and he no longer sees a thing.

Sesshoumaru had detached Mouretsu's head.

His enemy had never been as strong as him. If he had transformed a century ago, Mouretsu would've died the moment he landed his eyes on him.

Sesshoumaru turned his head to the last youkai breathing—which was a hanyou. His mind craved for more blood to be spilt, so the half-breed would have to do. As he stepped closer towards the unconscious form, he felt his dominant planning to take over him once again. He wouldn't allow it... not until he killed the last one.

He reached the hanyou's body and stared at it for a while. He was craving to shed more blood, but there was something wrong at the idea of killing this hanyou. He took a few sniffs and found out that this hanyou was his kin. He mentally shook his head at the idea of ending this hanyou's life. The inu-youkai clan were close to extinction, and there was no need to speed up its process.

His crimson eyes widened when he heard the faintest whimper coming out of the hanyou. The sound was so low, that it would've been inaudible to those without enhanced hearing. When he took in the hanyou's scent again, he realised that the pup was sick. He growled in disapproval.

Pup is sick.

Yes, he heard his dominant answer inside his head. Now, you will allow this Sesshoumaru to take over again.

You will heal pup?

He received a very hesitant, Yes.

The youkai inside Sesshoumaru gave a pleased growl and allowed his dominant to take over. Slowly, Sesshoumaru could feel himself gaining control, and soon, he was no longer swimming in the vision of red. He stared down at his brother and gave a look of repugnance. It seemed that he has to bring his brother back to the village.

Reluctantly, Sesshoumaru used his only arm to lift Inuyasha. Now that Mouretsu wasn't stealing his youki anymore, his strength returned and he had enough to hold the hanyou up with only one arm. His eyes widened slightly as he felt Inuyasha's body radiating immense heat. This was bad. The fever had worsened while he was battling Mouretsu, which means Inuyasha's human side would be taking over very soon.

Before Sesshoumaru could leave, he heard the bushes rustle, and out came the sorceress he had not seen for a long time. He narrowed his eyes. He had no time in dealing with another in his brother's critical state.

Noticing the hostility coming out of Sesshoumaru, Himitsu said, "Calm down, Sesshoumaru. I am not here to fight."

"Then what is your purpose here?"

"I have come to return your brother's sword," Himitsu said, and to prove her point, she called a servant.

A young female came and showed Sesshoumaru his brother's sword. She was aware that full-blooded demons couldn't touch it, so she asked, "I... W-Where shall I place it?"

"In its scabbard," Sesshoumaru said and turned his head to look at Tessaiga's sheath at Inuyasha's hip.

"Y-Yes..."

Taking only a small amount of time, the female was able to place Tessaiga back into it's sheath. She then took a few steps back, until she was right beside Himitsu.

"You are dismissed," Himitsu said and the servant bowed, before she disappeared. Himitsu looked at Sesshoumaru and a small smile appeared under her hood, which Sesshoumaru couldn't see. "My actions does not mean we are no longer enemies, but it is useless to keep a sword that we could not use."

"But it would be wiser to keep the sword in order to prevent your enemy from using its power," Sesshoumaru said, his voice hinting suspicion.

"Trust me, that sword would not be able to defeat what comes next," Himitsu simply said and tilted her head in order to inspect the unconscious hanyou. "Unless it is the Inu no Taisho that wields it."

Sesshoumaru didn't respond.

Himitsu sighed and looked at the hanyou in Sesshoumaru's arms. "Are you not going to treat his wounds? He is dying."

Sesshoumaru took a few seconds to stare at his brother before answering, "This is not over."

"You're right, it's not," Himitsu said and turned around. "Expect a few days of peace. After that, you will either finish your father's battle, or the Western Lands shall fall."

Knowing that Himitsu doesn't go against her word, Sesshoumaru decided that now was the time to leave. Using his energy, Sesshoumaru created a green sphere around his body, and soon, his brother and himself were in the air, flying at a rapid speed back towards Kaede's village.

A/N: I feel so relieved to finally finish writing this chapter. The battle scenes were hard to write, and I tried to keep details at its minimum, because for me, I would prefer seeing the battle in pictures than in words lol. Anyway, sorry for delaying this chapter a bit. I had writer's block and was stuck somewhere. But no worries, I was still able to finish it.

- Replies -

Wfest: Haha, I'm glad I was able to build up the suspense.

Skighler: Ah, I'm happy that you're enjoying this story!

roseeyes: I hope this chapter satisfies you. :-)

Guest: No problem, and thank you for reading it this far!