Descending Twilight Chapter 11: Honor, an inuyasha fanfic

Hello again everyone. First off, my apologies for not posting last week like I said I would back in Chapter 10. I unfortunately was rather busy all week, and when I remembered Monday, I didn't get a chance to. In reality, this has been a very busy week, so I just couldn't get it done, so my apologies. I will however post this chapter today and one next week, which should put me back on schedule, again…

So, life is rather tough the past week or so, mostly on my mate. Last Thursday, her sister ended up in the hospital due to pancreas acting up again. She'll be in for a few more days, but hopefully she'll get home soon. On top of that, my mate's aunt died early Monday morning unexpectedly. All of her family was very upset about it, especially my mate, so I took off from work to be with her. The funeral was yesterday (Wednesday). It was hard hearing the heartbreaking sobs from most of my mate's family, especially when her aunt's husband said goodbye at the end of the service. I only pray that one day I never have to do or say that with my mate. We all die, for there is no escaping that fact. Still, that doesn't make it any easier on those that survive. To compound this week, this weekend isn't looking any better. My mom is coming in Friday and staying till Monday with my grandmother, but I'm unsure if I'll get to see her. Also, it's my sister's birthday this weekend, along with Father's Day. Meh, I'm a touch irritated with my sister, since it seems she's avoiding my mom, possibly, though she denied it when I asked. They are just not getting along it seems, but I refuse to get involved, no matter how much my heart tells me I should. I've been there, done that, got burnt to a crisp by it many times with several people, so I won't do it again. It leads to nothing but hurt feelings and heartache, sadly. May be it's just me losing the will to care, I don't know. I do, but I don't want to. So annoying. At any rate, on top of everything else happening, dad has started cutting hay, so any plans I had are pretty close to out the window, maybe… We'll see.

Writing wise, I've stalled out a bit, but I'm still working on this story. I have plenty of ideas, just too many, lol. No worries, this story is still progressing. It won't be too many more chapters though.

Thank you to Kattana for writing up and sending in those 3 reviews. I really appreciated it and it feels revitalizing to see some feedback on this story. I love reviews to be completely honest. Just to know what people are thinking is great knowledge and helps me in continuing to improve upon my writing skills and style. So again, thank you Kattana.

Well, I'm done. Most likely next week, I'll post again, but then I'll be back onto my every 2 weeks post schedule until the end of the story. So until then, enjoy!

Chapter 11

Searching frantically with her eyes for the quarter demon, Orihime couldn't help but feel weak due that the thick smoke and dust hid everything that was a few feet away from her, not to mention her ability to search by scent was clogged by the foul odors. Taking a calming breath, she quietly searched for the quarter bobcat's aura, which led her to let out a small sigh of relief when she found his familiar aura, but couldn't help but frown when she noted it was different from before. Rather than it's usual comforting presence that she had come to know, she felt a touch of what she could only describe in her mind as darkness within it, making her slightly worry.

Bit by bit, the dust and smoke began to clear with the aid of a small breeze. She could soon see further and further ahead of herself and finally caught glimpse of the back of the quarter demon with his long trench coat and hair rustling in the breeze. The touch of darkness energy she had felt had ebbed away, but her worry was still visible.

"Ichigo…" she softly whispered.

Glancing over his shoulder at her, Ichigo quietly asked "Are you hurt, Orihime?"

Shaking her head, she quickly replied "No, I'm fine. So is Hiyori. She's been unconscious for a few days and has a concussion probably, but otherwise, she'll be alright. I'm already healing her."

"Good." was the simple answer that came back as the quarter demon refocused his attention on the stunned wolf demon, who stood twenty feet away. "Why did you attack Orihime and Hiyori!"

Staring back at the quarter demon with a bland expression on his face, Riku quipped "You managed to block my attack for a second time, and yet for the second time, you have not a single scratch on you. How is that possible you could do such a thing? Our attacks are even, and I know for certain you're not launching a counter attack at the last moment, so tell me how."

"Don't change the subject!" Ichigo snarled. "Answer my question!"

Glancing away with a small smirk, the wolf demon smugly remarked "Because she would have ruined my plans."

Returning his gaze back to the quarter demon, he added "I could not afford to let her take my prisoner away that had information I require."

Clenching his free hand tightly, the quarter demon lowered his eyes to beneath the shadows of his bangs and quietly asked "Do you have no honor? Are you that depraved that you'd attack someone who was healing another person?"

"Honor is such a meaningless word." Riku blandly answered as he returned his vision to the quarter demon. "It holds no meaning in these current times. No, it does not do one any good to have honor any longer."

"The thing that means anything anymore is prestige. It is used to display one's actions, showing how strong they are. That is all that matters."

Pointing at the quarter demon with his blade, the wolf demon continued on, saying "Take for instance our fight. You are the one that defeated two of The Thirteen's members. Both were powerful in their own rights, and for you to have defeated them was quite an accomplishment. When I defeat you, I will gain quite a reputation, which comes with all kinds of glory and prestige for such an accomplishment."

Turning the blade to point at the bobcat demoness, he added "I had intended on capturing that whore and selling her to whoever can buy her. I'm sure any high ranking member of a clan or even a demon lord would love to have her for not only her beauty, but her skills also. Female bobcat demons are sought after for their abilities to please their lover in bed and for their raw sexual desire when they are in heat. She should fetch a large price."

"As for the half breed battle demon, she will fetch quite a price also once I have gained the knowledge of where Neliel is located from her. I have no doubt she would be bred to produce powerful guards, seeing how her lineage is that of the famed battle demons. A shame that she was born a half breed, otherwise she would have been far more valuable."

Noting that the quarter demon was still remaining silent with his eyes hidden beneath the shadows of his bangs, the wolf demon smugly asked "Does what I say surprise you, quarter breed? To think that such a thing as honor still exists is laughable. Tell me that even you must realize this."

Silence filled the air for a few long moments before Ichigo raised his eyes up out of the shadow of his bangs, revealing hardened brown eyes. In a cold tone, he said "There is nothing left to talk to you about. You don't understand the first thing about fighting. That's why I have no choice but to end this fight, with one last attack."

Laughing out loud, Riku smugly replied "You think you can finish this fight in a single blow, eh? How foolish you truly are. As much as it disgusts me to say this, we are truly equal in power and speed. To finish this fight, you will need to be far stronger than you are currently."

"Yeah, I know." the quarter demon answered while raising his left hand before his face. "You wanted to know how I was blocking your attacks earlier, right? Well, I think it's only fair that I show you since this is the end of the road for you."

A dark black aura outlined with red formed over the quarter demon's face as he swiped it down in a quick diagonal move. Forming over his face instantly was a white bone mask with maroon colored stripes on the left side of it, a set of sharpened teeth over where his mouth would be, and black sclera and golden eyes. All at once, a dark black demonic aura with red licking the tips of it began leaking out from his body, causing his clothing and hair to rustle from the raw power oozing from his body. The dust on the ground itself began to scatter from the wind that surrounded him.

Taking a raspy breath, Ichigo slowly spoke in a voice that didn't quite sound like his, but more like two voices laced together and a touch gargled. "This is my true power. Sorry I didn't show you earlier, but I chose not to use it when I don't have to. Now goodbye."

Bringing his blade up so that it was raised above his body, the quarter demon sliced it cleanly through the air downwards, yelling "Getsuga Tenshō!"

Flying away from the blade with speed that had never been seen before was the familiar black crescent moon blade of energy, but this time, it's size was at least ten times greater than it was originally, with even more dark, dense power within itself.

"You are mistaken if you think I'll fall to a quarter breed." Riku grunted. Bringing his own blade up with a dark sphere on the end of it, he called out "Breaker Beam!"

Launching from the sphere of energy instantly was a black spiraling stream of energy. The energy slammed hard into the crescent moon shaped energy blade, only to be dispersed immediately rather than struggle against it like usual.

Eyes widening, the wolf demon quickly brought his blade before himself to block while crying out "Dark Shield!"

Forming before the wolf demon instantly was a black translucent half circular barrier. Coming straight at the barrier full speed, the black crescent moon blade struck the barrier, sending it along with it's master skidding backwards through the forest.

Feeling his barrier starting to collapse, Riku couldn't help but roar "Impossible! He's just trash, nothing compared to myself! How could I be defeated!"

Without warning, the wolf demon's barrier broke, allowing the black blade of energy to impact him, causing a large trench to dig itself into the ground for a mile.

Watching the dust still in the air in the distance, Orihime couldn't help but focus her attention onto the back of the quarter demon before her. Feeling her heart thundering in her chest, her lips parted, eliciting a small gasp while her eyes softly trembled.

Glancing over his shoulder back at the bobcat demoness, Ichigo heard her gasp in shock. Golden eyes scanned her face for a moment before he turned his face back ahead.

"Sorry, this frightens you, doesn't it?" he questioned with his voice a bit gurgled and mixed with another. "I know it's pointless telling you not to worry when I look like this."

Pausing for a moment, he added "But I'll tell you anyways. There's nothing to worry about."

Reaching up with his right hand, the quarter demon waved it over his face, causing the mask to turning into a black aura and fade away, revealing his face once more. Turning around once more to reveal that he no longer wore his mask, he dismissed his Bankai, causing his clothing and sword to return to their normal forms. Returning his cleaver blade sword to it's customary position on his back with the white cloth wrap securing it, he regarded the bobcat demoness for a few long moments before looking away.

"How is Hiyori?"

Waking from her stupor, the demoness glanced at the quarter demon for a few long moments before quietly replying "She'll be fine. I'm nearly done with healing her."

Biting her lower lip, she asked "How about yourself? Are you hurt?"

Still staring at the ground, the quarter demon softly said "I'm fine. He didn't manage to cut me, somehow."

Silence filled the air for a few long moments, with neither looking at the other. Opening her mouth to speak, the demoness was cut off by the sound of a low groan. Looking down, she saw that the battle hanyou's eyes were slowly cracking open, revealing weak looking amber eyes.

"Ow, my head…" Hiyori whimpered. Closing her eyes and placing her hand onto her forehead, she muttered "It feels like someone is driving a nail straight through my skull."

Weakly smiling at the young woman, Orihime softly asked "Hiyori, are you alright?"

Lightly growling, the hanyou remarked "I just said I feel like crap, so let me be."

"You're lucky you weren't seriously hurt, brat." Ichigo stated as he approached the pair.

Eyes snapping open, the battle hanyou quickly tried to sit up, only to instantly grimace in pain and placed her hands onto her head. "Damn it, look what you made me do, strawberry!"

Rolling his eyes, the quarter demon coolly quipped "You should have thought of that before you tried to act all big and bad."

Growling, the hanyou began to reply, but was cut off by the quarter demon asking in a serious tone "Hiyori, what happened?"

Letting out a small grunt, Hiyori took a deep breath and slowly opened her eyes to stare up at the evening sky. Finally, she slowly asked "How long have I been missing?"

"You left seven days ago." the bobcat demoness softly answered.

Nodding her head, the battle hanyou remained silent. Irritated, the quarter demon began to yell at her, but she suddenly began to speak.

"I was on my way to see Kisuke seven days ago to have him do my usual maintenance on my sword. I hate being around him in general, just so you both know."

"Noted." the quarter bobcat commented. "Go on."

Irritated, the hanyou threw a glare at the quarter demon and was about to respond to his words, but stopped herself. Sighing, she said "Things were going well on the trip. I ran all night and was getting close to where he lived when I ran into a silver haired wolf demon. His name was Riku, I believe."

"He seemed nice enough, but he asked if I knew Lady Neliel, in which I made a snotty comment that I didn't. He didn't show any signs of being angry or anything, which was kind of creepy to me at the time, but I didn't dwell on it. After that, he left and I hurried on to Kisuke's."

Pausing for a moment, she added "Kisuke did a rush job like always for me and I left on the evening of the third day. On my way back on the fourth day, I heard something and stopped to figure it out, but I was knocked out from behind. Before I lost consciousness, I picked up the scent of that bastard, Riku. Then nothing but darkness…"

"Apparently you've been out for three days." the quarter demon informed with his arms crossed over his chest. "Riku was holding you as a prisoner to question for the location of Neliel."

"Where is that asshole! I want to kick his ass!" Hiyori declared as she pumped a fist into the air.

"You're too late. He's already dead." the quarter demon nonchalantly answered.

Looking away, the battle hanyou muttered "Figures. I bet it was you that killed him too."

"Don't sound so dejected about it. Be thankful we saved your unconscious ass!" the quarter demon heatedly spat.

Throwing a heated glare at the quarter demon, the hanyou shot back "I didn't ask for your help!"

"Fucking hell Hiyori, do you have to be so damn ungrateful about everything!" the quarter fired back. "It was Neliel that sent us out after you! She was worried about you!"

Quieting and looking down, the hanyou clenched and unclenched her hands for a few moments before murmuring something nearly inaudible.

Frowning at what he thought he heard, Ichigo asked "What was that?"

Not receiving a response immediately, the quarter demon smirked and teasingly asked "You said 'Thank you', didn't you?"

"Just leave me the hell alone, strawberry!" Hiyori roared in defiance.

Lightly chuckling and shaking her head, Orihime softly said "Well, we should head back. Your wounds are healed Hiyori, but you still need some rest. Ichigo, why don't you carry her on your back?"

Gawking at the bobcat demoness, the quarter demon looked away, grunting out "Why in the seven hells would I carry that runt!"

Without warning, a sandal slapped him in the face with tremendous force. Taking several steps backwards, he peeled it from his face, revealing a nice impression. Glaring at the hanyou on the ground, the quarter demon stamped to before her and threw the sandal at her chest.

"YOU DAMN BRAT! WHY THE FUCK DO YOU KEEP DOING THAT!"

Sneering, Hiyroi replied "Because you're a jackass. Now be a good jackass and get down here so I can load up."

"Why you…"

"Ichigo, just carry her. And Hiyori, please be a bit kinder to him." the bobcat mage said, if not ordered with a stern face.

"Get down here jackass so we can get going." the battle hanyou commanded.

Vein popping out on his forehead while clenching a fist and his eyes, Ichigo muttered "You'll pay for this, I swear it, brat."

000

Eyes snapping open, Sasuke regarded the two figures entering into the room he sat within. He calmly stood up from his seat and moved towards the two, flanked by his general.

All four bowed to one another, with the two lords rising up sooner than the others. In a cool tone, the Eastern Lord said "Lord Aikamaru."

"Lord Sasuke." Aikamaru greeted.

Moving to the low table where the Eastern Lord had been sitting, the four sat down onto the cushions on the floor. Two servants entered into the room, carrying a tray each. One contained a sake bottle with saucers for drinking, while the other held the mixings for tea. Setting down the trays and preparing to serve the contents, the two were waved away by the Southern Lord. Nodding and stopping themselves from pouring out the refreshments, the two bowed deeply and quickly left the room.

Pouring himself a saucer of sake, the Southern Lord coolly said "I have heard that the emissary you sent into the North has vanished."

In a calm tone, the hawk demon answered "Yes, he has. Riku is more than likely dead since he has yet to report back. However, his last report did give us a more generalized area to search for the whereabouts of Kisuke Urahara and Neliel Tu Oderschvank."

"I still think it's a waste of time to scout out a simple sword smith." Grimmjow grunted out as he folded his arms over his chest. "We should be focusing more on Neliel. I know you agree with me, bat."

Evenly, Ulquiorra remarked "You still fail to see the grand scheme of things, Grimmjow. Our master taught you better than that."

Earning a low growl from the panther demon, the emerald eyed bat demon added "Kisuke Urahara is far more than meets the eye. He is capable of creating powerful swords, but he is also a strong and capable warrior. As well, over the years, he has been one of the better information gathers in Japan. His aide would be most beneficial to our cause, though persuading him to join may be difficult, seeing how he prefers to stay out of the affairs of the Four Lands."

"Neliel is a higher priority." the blue haired panther quipped. "Her skills, combined with ours would make the Eastern and Southern Lands unstoppable!"

Pouring himself some tea and taking a sip, the black haired bat demon mumbled "Her skills are far more than likely to put you to shame. Remember, she was the better of the three of us."

"WHY YOU…" the panther demon haughtily ground out while starting to stand.

"Enough." Sasuke icily declared while casting his now crimson colored eyes towards the panther demon. Looking away quickly, the panther calmed and sat back down. "Both Kisuke Urahara and Neliel Tu Oderschvank are important, but we can make do without them."

"Agreed." Aikamaru spoke up.

An eerie silence filled the room, only to be broken by the Southern Lord. "My spies in the West have sent information that Nemu was coerced into giving up information on who sent her to kill that half breed. It seems all went as according to plan."

"Indeed." the hawk demon commented. "With the West looking towards the North, they are now off kilter and too busy to pay more attention to ourselves. They are no doubt troubled over the mere thought that the Northern Lands are possibly betraying them. I have no doubt they will continue to monitor them far more closely than our lands."

"We should proceed with caution." Ulquiorra advised. "To act rashly at this point and time would jeopardize all that we have worked for over the past two years."

Nodding his head in agreement, the hawk demon remarked "Thus far, the West has been relatively unaware of what we plan. However, Ulquiorra is right, we must proceed with caution. They are only suspicious due to our patrols being spotted, but that shall be a minimal concern compared to their worries over the North."

Sneering, Grimmjow smartly asked "Do those mongrels from that one village intend to help us?"

"Do not speak so disrespectfully to Lord Sasuke, Grimmjow." the emerald eyed bat demon reprimanded in a calm tone.

Casting a glare at the bat demon, the panther demon began to lash out at him, but suddenly felt the eyes of his Lord upon him, along with an accompanying chill in the air. "Grimmjow, you will learn to control your tongue, or I shall remove it. Do I make myself clear?"

Bowing his head and slightly nodding, the panther demon turned his head away quickly once he had received a confirming nod from the Southern Lord.

Clearing his throat, Sasuke coolly said "The Army of The Thirteen has promised their aide. I do intend to take all of it that they offer with hopes of depleting any hopes they had of overthrowing us."

"They still dream of such an impossible dream?" Aikamaru questioned.

In a calm tone, the hawk demon replied "Yes, they do. They foolishly believe that their strength alone is enough to defeat all Four Lands. It's utter nonsense."

"We should not take them too lightly." the bat demon commented. "The Thirteen were thought to be nothing more than a nuisance once, but they proved to be quite capable of doing damage when they wished to do so."

"That woman, does she still supply you with information?" the Southern Lord asked.

Nodding his head, the Eastern Lord smirked, saying "She tells me anything I wish to know. It is so troublesome to have to bed with her, but her information is important. If only her village knew that she willingly became a whore and betrayed their most closely guarded secrets, they would have her executed instantly."

"Chikako Senju is still important, for now." Ulquiorra remarked. "She will eventually gain top position within that village. Once she has, that village will be completely under our command."

"That's if she can get rid of it's current leader." Grimmjow stated. "Unless he does something careless, or is killed, I doubt they'll be able to remove him."

Silence filled the room for a few moments till finally the bat demon began to speak again, only to be interrupted by a loud ruckus outside of the room the group sat in. Eyeing the doorway warily for a moment, the two demon lords let out small sighs.

Chuckling with a sinister grin on his face, the panther demon commented "They're at it again."

000

"You're a disgrace to your family line, Cloud." Sephiroth blandly stated.

Charging towards the silver haired demon with his sword held out to his right side, Cloud snarled in response "Shut your damn mouth!"

Slamming his large halberd into the sword that the silver haired demon held out defensively before his body, the lion demon drew it back once more and began slamming his sword repeatedly into his opponents, sending sparks and the sound of steel clashing into the air.

Unaffected by the series of strikes that the lion demon made, the silver haired demon coolly asked "Is this all the power you have?"

"Why you!"

Swinging wide, the sandy haired demon found his blade parried by his opponent's. Growling at this, he drew back his sword, but suddenly found his opponent's sword's point thrusting straight at his head. Dodging it, the lion demon had no time to recover as the silver haired demon started performing a series of high speed thrusts. Blocking the thrusts the best he could with his sword, the lion demon was forced backwards.

Dryly, Sephiroth asked "Is this all you can do, Cloud? I expected better of someone from the Strife Clan. Such a disappointment."

Growling with irritation, the lion demon suddenly slid to a stop and leapt into the air, causing his opponent to follow after him. Spinning around while drawing his halberd over his head, the lion demon swung downwards with all his strength behind his blade, only to be displeased when his the silver haired demon parried his attack.

Vanishing suddenly, the silver haired demon reappeared behind the lion demon and prepared to plunge his sword within his back, only to have his blade stopped by the broad side of the lion demon's sword. Gasping softly, the silver haired demon fell back to the ground, along with the lion demon, with both putting a small amount of distance between themselves.

"Surprised Sephiroth?" Cloud cockily asked with a smirk plastered to his face. "You'd be amazed at the things I've learned since our last encounter. I think you'll find me to be more of a challenge than last time."

Regaining his composure, Sephiroth drew his blade up horizontally to his shoulder and charged forward at a slow pace at first, only to increase his speed rapidly. Vanishing in a flash, he quickly reappeared behind the still smirking lion demon. Thrusting his sword forward, the stoic demon couldn't help but feel irked when he was once more blocked by his opponent, but even more so due that the lion demon had his back to him and simply had repositioned his sword to block the attack.

"Maybe I should clarify things for you, since you aren't listening." the lion demon stated in a serious tone with his back still to his opponent. "The advantage you once had over me in speed no longer applies. My body has caught up with my eyes ability to see your high speed movements. You can no longer battle me in such a manner."

Jumping backwards and regarding the lion demon for a few moments while the lion demon turned to face him, the silver haired demon smirked coldly, saying "At last, you have improved, but do not think that means you can beat me."

"By all means, I don't think it does mean that." Cloud answered. Placing his sword onto his right shoulder, he added "But don't think it means you're still going to beat me either."

"Perhaps I should take you more seriously then." Sephiroth quirked while bringing his blade before his body.

Drawing his own sword off of his shoulder and before himself straight out, the lion demon responded with "Then maybe it's time we upped the ante."

Gripping their blades more tightly, the two demons stared one another down intently, neither flinching. Both of their demonic auras flared to life as they moved their blades a little further out from their bodies.

"Assassinate…"

"Burst…"

"Both of you stop this now." a voice ordered.

Awoken from their thoughts by the voice of the Eastern Lord, the pair turned towards him to see that his eyes were a crimson color. Dismissing their demonic auras, the pair bowed humbly and each voiced their apologies.

Eyeing the two, Sasuke icily remarked "Do not disturb our meeting again."

Both bodyguards bowed once more and replied in unison "We will not, Lord Sasuke."

000

Quietly walking through a pathway leading between two rocky cliffs, with numerous trees edged against it, the Eastern Lord, with his bodyguard leading the way, and general following behind him, cast his eyes along the mountain. Coming to an abrupt stop, the demon lord's dark coal eyes closed momentarily before reopening to reveal crimson orbs.

"You sense it too, don't you, Ulquiorra?"

Turning towards the demon lord, the bat demon quipped "I do, Lord Sasuke. There is a murderous intent in the air, along with the scent of blood lust. No doubt, we are being stalked."

"Stay close, my Lord." Cloud stated while reaching up to take hold of his sword's hilt.

Waving off the lion demon, Sasuke moved past his bodyguard and calmly said "Whoever you are that is hiding out there, come out. You cannot hide that insatiable lust for killing from us. Come out on your own, or we shall come in after you and drag you out."

Leaping out from the trees that were on the left side of the pathway was a tall figure wearing a large black cloak that covered everything but his head and his feet. Fastened across from his right shoulder to below his waist was a large strap that supported a bandage wrapped sword on his back that was as long as his body and at least a foot wide. He wore a headband that had a rectangular metal plate with four straight diagonal marks cut into it, but a large cut mark going the length of the plate. His dark blue, almost black, hair stood straight up, but his most noticeable features were his faint light blue skin, beady coal eyes, and what looked a set of fish gills adorning his cheeks. Sandals could be seen on his feet, with white cloth wrapping going up into his long draping cloak.

Sneering at the three, the light blue colored man mockingly asked "So, you knew I was here, eh?"

"Anyone with half a brain and senses could." Ulquiorra retorted.

Eyeing the bat demon for a few long moments, the dark haired figure remarked "I think I'll kill you first."

"You shall find that is a difficult task." the bat demon stated.

"State who you are and your business." Cloud spoke up, earning him the interest of the light blue skinned demon.

Smirking sinisterly, the light blue skinned demon replied "My name is Kisame Hoshigaki. As for my business, I'm here for a good fight. You three look like just the kind of opponents I've been looking for. I can sense each of you are high caliber demons."

Regarding the light blue demon for a moment, the demon lord smirked. "You're a shark demon."

Raising an eyebrow as he shifted into a battle stance and reached up to take hold of his sword's hilt, Kisame retorted "Very sharp. I can tell you're probably the strongest of the group."

"Perhaps." the hawk demon said. "Tell me, why do you wish to fight with us? Do you not know who you ask to do battle with?"

Let out a barking laugh, the shark demon grinned, revealing an entire mouth full of sharpened white teeth. "I know that that lion demon is your bodyguard. He's more protective of you than that bat demon, meaning you're probably a clan leader, or if I'm even more lucky, a lord."

"So, you wish to fight someone strong?" the demon lord questioned.

Once more grinning maliciously, Kisame answered "Indeed I do. I was about to be banished from my home for the fact that I desired to do nothing but fight strong opponents. None could best me, so I decided to find someone who could actually challenge my skills. Perhaps I've found the ones to test them on."

Returning the grin with a cruel smirk, the Eastern Lord replied "Perhaps you are right, but why bother with the supposed third strongest lord of the Four Lands? Why not go for the one that is said to be the strongest?"

Brow rising, the shark demon asked "And who pray tell is this strongest demon you talk of?"

"That would be the Lord of the Western Lands, Sesshomaru Taisho." Sasuke stated. "Of the Four Lords, he is said to be by far the strongest among us."

Noting the shark demon was pondering on his words, the demon lord asked "How about we make a deal?"

"What kind of deal?"

In a calm voice, the hawk demon smoothly said "If you can kill the Lord of the West, along with the two heirs to it, I will talk to the Lord of the South and guarantee that you can fight with whomever you wish throughout our lands without any repercussions. You can choose to fight both myself and the Southern Lord if you wish with no danger of punishment."

Standing in silence, Kisame close his eyes shut and bowed his head slightly. A minute passed before he grinned wide and opened his eyes.

"You make an interesting proposition. One too good to pass up; I accept. I will fight this Lord of the West. Tell me, where is he so I can go fight him now."

000

Watching the retreating form of the shark demon, Sasuke couldn't help but sneer. "I ponder how the Lord of the West shall fare."

"Do you think it was wise to send him after Lord Sesshomaru?" Ulquiorra questioned.

Glancing over his shoulder at the bat demon, the demon lord coolly answered "He did not seem to be the type to talk. I trust that he won't."

Silently regarding the hawk demon for a few moments, the emerald eyed demon nodded his head before moving onwards down the pathway once more.

"Let us return to the Eastern Palace. We have much to do." Sasuke commanded.

000

"Once more Lilly!"

Panting heavily and hunched over with her hands resting on her knees, Lilly whined "Can't we take a break?"

Rolling her eyes, Yoshe stood up and smoothed out her kimono before walking towards the neko hanyou. "You asked me to train you and I am doing so."

"I know, but I've been at it for the last three hours, and I'm no closer to hitting that target than I was then." the neko darkly muttered. "Besides, lunch will be soon and I'm sure you need to feed Yumi also."

Glancing back at a basket sitting on the rock where she had been that contained her young daughter, the ice demoness replied "Yumi is still sleeping. As for lunch, the servants will come and get us when it is prepared. In the meantime, concentrate on learning how to focus your power. I told you four months ago when you asked me to teach you Kidō that it wouldn't be easy, and now you know why."

"Some days I wish I had never asked…" the neko grumbled. "This is so infuriating. You're such a hard teacher."

Smirking, the Lady of the West smartly remarked "I'm nowhere near as bad as Sesshomaru."

Pondering on the words of the ice demoness for a moment, the neko commented "True, he was a much rougher teacher, I suppose."

"See?"

Rolling her eyes, the neko let out a heavy sigh and slid her emerald eyes shut. "How did I ever get myself into this mess?"

Memories of the day she had asked to learn Kidō flashed into her mind, making her mumble "Oh yeah, that's right, I asked for it."

000

Sitting on a bench and staring out at the koi pond before her, the neko's ears twitched when she heard footsteps approaching her. Senses kicking up a notch, she sniffed the air and quickly settled when she identified the scent easily.

Standing up and smoothing out her kimono, Lilly couldn't help but frown when she found a few wrinkles. "And this is why I wear the clothes Iya gave me so often… At least they don't wrinkle up easily as these kimonos."

Pushing the irritation to the back of her mind, she turned and smiled at the Lady of the West beside of herself. Running her eyes over her form, she saw that the demoness was in the final stages of her pregnancy, with a very visible bulge where her stomach lay. Still, like always, the demoness had a kind expression on her face, and the pregnancy seemed to multiply her beauty in some ways the neko noted.

Smiling kindly at the neko, Yoshe warmly said "It's good to see you again, Lilly. I was beginning to worry about you and Iya when the two of you were late in returning to the Western Stronghold."

"I'm sorry about that." Lilly apologetically replied. "We were delayed."

Nodding her head and taking a seat onto the bench the neko had been on previously, the ice demoness kindly said "I have heard. I'm glad that both of you made it back. Tell me, how was Inuyasha's family?"

Wrapping her tail around her hips and taking a seat herself, the neko smiled and softly said "His family was doing pretty good. Kagome is training Rin still to become a miko, and Inuyasha hasn't changed at all. Their kids were happy to see both Iya and me, as were Sango and Miroku's."

Thinking for a moment, the neko added "Sango is pregnant again. It'll be her and Miroku's fifth child. She was about four months along while we were there."

"She's about halfway then, since their child is human."

Nodding her head, the neko answered "Yes, she's halfway through. She seemed happy, but at the same time a little bit at her wits end due to their eldest children; the twins."

Chuckling lightly, the ice demoness replied "I could understand why. A pair of hanyou children would easily be able to wear out two humans, then add into the mix the other two children, well, it would make things interesting."

"That's to say the least." Lilly commented with a small giggle. "But they love all of them regardless of what they are. That's what matters."

"True."

A comfortable silence engulfed the pair as they watched the sinking sun reflecting off of the pond and several of the koi swimming about the top of it.

"Lady Yoshe…" Lilly began, only to be interrupted.

"Ugh, stop with the formality, please."

Letting out a small chuckle, the neko nodded her head, sheepishly saying "Sorry about that. It's a habit I got into while here and it's hard to break."

Sighing, the ice demoness muttered "I have my mate to thank for that I'm sure."

Rubbing the back of her head, Lilly softly chuckled, saying "Yeah, more or less, but it was Iya's fault also. Five years of proper etiquette is hard to ignore."

"At least you've only had to endure it for five years." Yoshe commented with a grin. "I've dealt with it my entire life and will continue to do so for years to come."

Nodding her head, the neko couldn't help but smile. "Hopefully around Iya and me, at the least, you'll not have to suffer it too much."

"If you can remember to drop the formalities." the ice demoness deadpanned, but allowed a small smile to cross her face. "Now then, I know something is on your mind, else you wouldn't have asked for me to come out here and meet with you."

"Am I that transparent?"

Softly chuckling, the demoness remarked "Not really, but I had a feeling you wished to talk for some reason or another."

Wryly smiling, the neko replied "I suppose so."

Taking a deep breath, the neko's face became a bit more serious, along with the tone of her voice. "I asked you here Yoshe to ask a favor of you."

"A favor?"

Nodding her head, Lilly softly said "As you have heard, Iya and I were in a battle while we were gone. Before it began, we were attacked in the rain by a lightning demon. Iya took care of him easily enough, but he was concerned about me fighting in the rain."

"Afraid you may get wet?" the ice demoness cheekily questioned.

Remaining serious, the neko shook her head and drew her sword within it's sheath from her obi and set it into her lap. "It wasn't that. You see, my zanpakutō is rather unique. When I unleash it's Shikai form, the blade dissolves into a cloud of ash that I can control with my mind. Naturally, in the rain, that ability would be compromised. Iya was worried that I'd be at a disadvantage due that he thought I mainly use Kimi's Shikai form primarily."

"The problem is, in all actuality, I would have been fine in a battle within the rain, but I got to thinking about it and realized my skills are kind of limited. Should I have to fight in the rain, I would be forced to rely on my swordsmanship skills alone, which are at a level above average since I learned from Iya, Ichigo, and Sesshomaru."

Sighing lightly, the neko added "But if I'm faced with an opponent who I cannot confront head on, I'll be in trouble. That's why I wanted to ask a favor of you."

"I'm not exactly following." the ice demoness commented.

Biting her lower lip, the neko quietly said "I know that you have the ability to use spells called Kidō. I was wondering if you could possibly teach me how to use it."

Rolling the words of her sister-in-law's words within her mind for a few moments, Yoshe slowly replied "I could teach you, but only if you have the gift for it. Kidō isn't something you can learn overnight. It takes a lot of practice to be able to use it, let alone learn to use it in a battle."

Letting out a heavy sigh, the ice demoness let a small smirk play on her face as she added "I'll make a deal with you. Tomorrow, I'll give you a test to see if you have any ability in learning Kidō. If you succeed at it, then I'll teach you, but you must do something in return for me."

"Alright, what is it?"

Standing up and looking at the neko with her light blue eyes, the white haired demoness slyly responded "I want you to train me in kenjutsu."

Brow furrowing, the neko asked "Wouldn't Sesshomaru be a better pick to do that?"

Waving her hand through the air, the ice demoness answered "He's a stick in the mud. I could no doubt get him to teach me, but rumor has it you're pretty good yourself. You're supposedly third best here in the Stronghold, only bested by Iya and Sesshomaru."

"They were my teachers is probably why…" Lilly murmured. "Are you sure you would want me to teach you? Besides, aren't you already capable of wielding a sword?"

Sitting down once more, Yoshe folded her hands within her lap before finally saying "I have some skill with a sword, but I'm a long way from being any good with it. Due that I'm an ice demon, my skills are more towards ranged attacks, hence why I tend to rely more on Kidō than using a sword. Because of that, I've kind of left myself a bit vulnerable in close range combat. Like yourself, I want to expand my options and make it so I have fewer weaknesses."

Mutely nodding with understanding, the neko softly replied "I see. Then I agree, I'll teach you kenjutsu, even if I can't learn Kidō. How does that sound?"

"I'd like that."

Sighing, the neko added "Of course, we can't begin your kenjutsu training until after you give birth. If I hurt you in any way, Sesshomaru would behead me and serve it on a silver platter to Iya."

Both women began laughing at the comment, with the two's laughter growing louder.

000

"Are you going to fire off a shot sometime today?"

Growling at as she opened her eyes to see it was the ice demoness who had woken her from her memories, Lilly snapped back "I am! Just let me concentrate!"

"There is no way an enemy will let you do that in the middle of battle." Yoshe deadpanned.

"Give it a rest already!" the neko roared. "I'm doing the best I can here and all you can do is keep egging me on about how I'm not hitting a target!"

Returning her focus onto the target fifteen feet away, the neko began charging up demonic energy within her right hand's index and middle fingers.

"Sometime today."

Vein popping out of her head in anger, the neko spun around and turned her right palm towards the demoness. Concentrating her energy once again, a golden glow began to form within her hand, but before she could do or say anything, the demoness beat her to the punch.

"Bakudō 4: Hainawa."

Flicking from the ice demoness's wrist in a flash was a yellow glowing ribbon of energy. The energy quickly wrapped tightly around the neko's body, effectively tying her arms to her sides.

An eruption of wailing and loud crying filled the air within moments of this from the basket next to the demoness. Seeing her daughter drawing her hands up near her face and crying loudly, the ice demoness reached into the basket with one hand while maintaining her hold on the golden ribbon of energy that held the neko at bay.

Looking down at the young baby that had soft silver hair, pointed ears, and icy blue eyes, the demoness softly cooed to it, saying "There, there Yumi, I'm here."

Receiving a wail as a response, the demoness balanced the child on her hip and looked back at the neko and ground out "You woke Yumi."

"You're the one who began this whole thing!" the neko countered.

Evenly, Yoshe replied "But you are the one yelling like a raving lunatic."

About to fire back a snappy response, Lilly bit her tongue and let out a heavy sigh. Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, she opened her emerald eyes to see that the ice demoness was smirking at her. Unable to help from smiling herself, the neko let out a small chuckle.

"I hope this was a good test for stress on the battlefield, Lilly." the ice demoness playfully commented.

Rolling her eyes, the neko grunted back "I would welcome the battlefield compared to being trained by you at times…"

"You could always quit."

Eyes fluttering shut, the neko's demonic aura suddenly flared to life as she ripped the golden rope apart. Revealing determination within her eyes, she smirked, saying "I never give up."

Flashing a fanged smile back at the neko, the ice demoness sat back down onto the rock she had previously been resting on. "I'm glad to hear that. I would hate to lose my prized student."

"More like you'd hate to lose your kenjutsu teacher…" the neko remarked with an annoyed look.

"That too."

Bursting out loud laughing, the two women never even heard the small green imp demon dressed in a brown outfit nearby muttering "They are so strange…"

000

Sitting under a waterfall on top of a flat rock in a black pants, hair unbound, eyes closed, and sword within it's sheath sitting neatly in his lap, Iya took a deep breath and felt his mind slowly slipping into a serene state.

"Ketsaiga, show me the power you have. Help me understand how to bring out more of your power so that I can continue to protect those I love."

Without warning, the sword in his hands pulsated, causing frosty steam to begin pouring off of itself and the hanyou. The hanyou's entire body soon pulsated in correspondence to the sword, causing his light blue demonic aura to flare to life. What was once a beautiful flowing waterfall slowly became iced over, making it look like a beautiful ice sculpture.

Feeling the ice surrounding himself, the hanyou remained still with his eyes closed, not letting the bitter cold affect him in the least. Images of the people he cared for greatly flashed through his mind, causing his resolve to harden even more.

"I don't care what happens to me! I don't need anything!"

Hearing the said words ringing within his mind, the hanyou clutched his sword tightly, feeling his body growing even colder. "Ichigo was right. I don't care what happens to me. All that I wish is for the power to be able to protect each and every one of them. Nothing else matters."

The sword in his grasp pulsated once more, causing the hanyou's body to also. In his mind, he called back "I am prepared to do whatever I must to protect them. Hesitation only dims my blade. I must not be afraid."

"I will honor the oath I took when I received you, Ketsaiga. It was a promise to gain the power to protect everyone. I will always honor that oath, no matter the cost. I will also honor the promise I gave to my mate, that I will protect her with everything that I have."

All at once, the ice coating the waterfall increased by tenfold, encasing the hanyou in what looked like an eternal tomb of pure ice. He remained calm, but to an outside observer, it would appear that he was stuck within the tomb forever.