Between Borders
Bodies laid scattered on the ground, blood soaked through the soil and the stench of death lingered through the air. The horde was large, but killing them was extremely easy. Sesshomaru surveyed the area. Why would Naraku plan the horde to attack the wall with no protection? The fact that Sesshomaru had no idea what that half demon was planning was irritating. Koga walked up to him, he was just as annoyed.
The young wolf demon crossed him arms, "There is no sign of Naraku. Where the hell is that bastard?"
He looked as his tribemates was ripping through the corpses trying to find anything of value. It has been a week now and Sesshomaru and the wolves had destroy many hordes like this, including the one closes to the walls, only because they were in their way and not because he thought of Rin tears as she begged for them to help.
"My lord," A dog demon much older than him bowed at his feet.
"What is it?"
"My men have checked the surrounding areas and could not find this demon or the other lords that are conspiring with him."
This dog demon was once loyal to his father which made him loyal to Sesshomaru. Many loyal demons appeared within the week. Those that were loyal to his father came to his aid as soon as possible. He honestly could care less for these demons, but he would be a fool to not accept adequate help. The reason these hordes were quick to eliminate was because of the multitude of demons fanning out to rid of them. Was Naraku sudden disappearance an unexpectant help that aided Sesshomaru or is it because this really wasn't his complete plan?
"Continue your search until the sun rises," Sesshomaru ordered.
The older dog demon nodded, "Yes my lord."
"Smart. Keep them occupy so they wouldn't notice the scent," Koga said as he watched the dog demon clan leave the area.
"Naraku believe he is cunning. Having noses to follow him is all I am concern with."
Koga chuckled, "And it's not because tonight is the new moon."
Sesshomaru pointily ignored him and walked into the forest. Koga was right behind him.
The cave was not far off, but hidden well enough. The trees and vines wrapped around it that only a small opening was notice if someone was looking for it.
"Why the hell am I being a prisoner for!?"
Sesshomaru could easily hear the annoyance in Inuyasha voice.
"Has he been giving you a hard time Ayame?" Koga looked down on his mate. She was sitting on the ground, her legs were stretched out as her back leaned against the wall.
She smiled as she looked up at her mate, "Not anymore then he normally would have."
Inuyasha scoffed, "If you weren't in your condition, I would have forced my way out."
"Even in my condition I would still beat you," She said as she rubbed her swollen belly.
"Enough Inuyasha," Sesshomaru didn't feel like handling his younger brother temper tantrum.
Inuyasha shot up to his feet and glared at his older brother, "Forcing me in here like I'm a puppy and having a wolf guard over me is not my idea of a good time."
Sesshomaru growled. Inuyasha was really testing his patience, "You are weak. Your human form cannot handle much hardship. If I let you do as you please you would be dead."
Many demons that are aiding them knew of Inuyasha. He was no secret, they knew he was a product of their father love for the human race. Many of them hated Inuyasha for that. Even though they still respected their father. If they knew of his weakest moment, they would love to kill. It would be extremely easy, even the weakest of them all could accomplish that. Sesshomaru wasn't in the mood for any unnecessary conflicts.
"Behave yourself puppy. Once the sun rises you will be able to stretch your legs and run to your little heart desire," Koga mocked.
"What was that?!"
"Leave us," Sesshomaru ordered the two wolves, he was not in the mood for their juvenile antiques. Both wolves nodded and left without much resistance. They were relief to be away from him, Sesshomaru has been a bit more moody and everybody noticed it.
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"Sitting around hiding will not get us closer to Naraku," Inuyasha said irritably.
"There would be nothing for you to do in that form little brother."
Inuyasha scoffed, he knew Sesshomaru was mocking him. Sesshomaru hated this form of Inuyasha. Not like he could control it. Just like any other demon Sesshomaru could have rid of him many years ago. Sesshomaru wouldn't fight anyone unarmed, it was due to his pride. He would be unsatisfied in gaining a weak victory. Inuyasha was no fool Sesshomaru was one of the most powerful demons in the lands and because of this Sesshomaru hardly ever felt a need to fight as most were as he called it beneath him. This attitude always annoyed Inuyasha but he had to admit that it was what also kept him alive in his weaken state.
"I feel like Naraku is playing us. You do realize that?" It was a risk, but Sesshomaru should know this.
"I am no fool. Naraku is trying to lure us away."
This caught his attention, "Away? From where?"
"Your lack of awareness is astonishing."
Leave it to Sesshomaru to put in a blow like that, "I get it okay! Now what is the problem?"
"The demons are driving us away from the human border. An obvious lure."
This confused Inuyasha. Why would Naraku put such an effort and make it obvious? At that moment Inuyasha felt his body pulse. Finally daylight is coming. The feeling of getting his powers back was always a relief.
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Once Inuyasha was back to his original form Sesshomaru left. Naraku should know now that Sesshomaru knew this to be a trick. Even if Naraku knew he would still play it out. He loves his games.
Inuyasha quickly left to search for any sign of Naraku. He was never comfortable around many that wanted him dead. If it wasn't for Sesshomaru they would have try to kill him by now. A buzzing drew Sesshomaru attention to the sky. The saimyosho was buzzing above before flying off. Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes. Looks like Naraku wanted him to follow them an obvious trap, but this is an opportunity that don't come often. He wouldn't waste his time alerting the others, he was going to deal with this quickly.
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The constant talk of a possible demon invasion was getting boring. It has been a week and still no constant threat. There was a few small hordes, but they were easily taken care of by the priestesses, priests, and the demon hunters. Rin was mostly amazed by the demon hunters, they did not use sutras or arrows. They were the first to enter the fight. She have come to understand that all their weapons were made from demon bones, no other humans can forged weapons from demon bones. She had wanted to help, but of course her brothers became over protective, both in their own way. Jiro hardly ever left her side and Shuichi would always have her far away from the commotion. She had try to state that she was 15 and could be helpful. She even explained some of the demon slayers were her age and was in the front line. Shuichi of course had to be the voice of reason and stated that they were bred for this.
After her failed argument she decided to entrust A-Un to Kohaku who was a few years older then her. She didn't want A-Un to remained coop up and they seemed to have taken a liking to the slayers. Kohaku have been a good second companion to the dragon. He also have been a good friend to her as he didn't judge and was a good listener. He didn't even pressured her about her time on the demon land. Everyone was curious and many try to get her to explain, but she couldn't. It was painful, but not in the way they think. She was worry about Sesshomaru and Inuyasha. What was Sesshomaru going through now? Did he know she left? Was he angry with her?
A hand touched her shoulder which made her jumped. She turned around to find Takemaru looking at her with concern. He too was worried about her well-being as he believed she was scar at her time in the demon land. She tried to assured him and stated that she didn't have to be his concern and of course he stated it was his job as her future husband. That statement left a bad taste in her mouth, but she kept quiet.
"Takemaru, how can I help you?"
"It is not safe for you to be wondering alone Rin."
"I think this is a safe place for me. Demons haven't penetrated the wall yet."
"That may be, but it is my responsibility to make sure you are safe."
Rin felt uncomfortable when he said that, but nodded anyway.
Takemaru smiled, "You father has just arrived."
Rin was shocked. Her father? Many things have happened, but she did admit that she had miss him dearly.
Tears were forming, "Take me to him."
Takemaru happily complied.
Once she have reached the tent that she was reciting in she could easily feel the tension. She saw Jiro standing on one end, while her father and Shuichi was on the other end. No one spoke. All tension broke when they spotted Rin. Her father looked like he hadn't eaten much in weeks. He has grown quiet thin and there were bags under his eyes as if he hadn't slept for just as long.
The man who was pale in comparison to what she was use to ran up to her and hugged her tightly, even in his fragile state he had a strong hold.
"Oh how I've miss you my dear girl."
Rin haven't felt like a child for so long, but now that was all she felt. She hugged him back, "I have miss you too."
He released her to examined her, "You look well. Takemaru and Shuichi have been caring for you well."
She couldn't help but say, "Jiro has also been are huge help."
"Him helping was mere coincidence. He had arrived here with the demon slayers."
"Only to get revenge for Rin!"
Shuichi stepped forward his hand on the hilt of his sword, "How dare you show such disrespect!"
"Please no fighting. I don't understand how it got this bad between you guys?"
This was something Rin had to know. It couldn't just be her absence that drove them to this.
"This is a family matter. I will take my leave," Takemaru bowed and was ready to head out.
"No. You will be part of the family soon," Her father said.
"Look, Rin shouldn't marry someone she doesn't want to!" Jiro intervened.
Her father looked back at Jiro, "This is all for her benefit. I am doing what is best. You only ever care about yourself."
This was getting out of hand, "Please stop. What have happen to make this all happen?"
"Jiro is irresponsible. He was the reason that you disappear. I cannot bare to loose you again," She saw her fathers tears and felt guilty. She cannot let this false information go on.
"You're wrong. I secretly left the village. I just wanted to rid myself of doubt and I thought a walk would help."
"Still Jiro was around he could have stop you," Shuichi retorted.
"Jiro knew my feelings. He understood I needed this. Jiro always had my best interest at heart. So why are you treating him as such?"
"Rin dear I understand that you want to see your brother as someone good and kind, but he was always irresponsible and that led to this situation now."
Why can't they understand? Whatever happen that night was Rin fault they shouldn't blame it on Jiro.
Before Rin could respond her father continued, "I have come to an agreement with Takemaru. You will marry him as early as tomorrow."
"What…" Rin was to stunned to even form much.
"Hell no!" She vaguely heard Jiro from the background. Some noises she could only think of was punches were heard. She slowly saw her brothers fighting, but she didn't have the energy to intervened.
Ignoring his sons her father continued, "I understand this is a shock, but it is best for you. Takemaru will take leave after the ceremony for awhile and bring you to his estate so you can settle in. Where you can have a family."
This broke her from her foggy mind, "I don't want that…"
"I understand this is hard," Takemaru said at last, "but I swear you will be taken well care for. You do not need to worry."
Just then she thought of a certain aloof and powerful demon. How the moonlight makes him seem to glow where to her appeared more angel then demon. The tender in his golden eyes was such a privilege as it was only for her. No one else ever saw that side of him. She had come to realized that her heart belonged to him and no one else. How can she make them understand that.
She saw Jiro on the floor, kneeling in front of Shuichi. He wiped the side of his face where it was bleeding. Before she could respond either to reject the proposal or stopped her brothers she didn't know someone burst in the tent.
Takemaru stood straight eyes narrowed, "What is it?"
The young soldier was gasping for breath. Look like he ran all the way here from quiet a distance, "emergency… lots… of… demons."
Before anyone could respond they heard commotion from outside.
Takemaru started to give orders, "Rin stay here with your father. Shuichi lets go."
"Yes sir," He said running out the tent leaving Jiro kneeling.
She barely heard him whispered, "Bastard."
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It happened fast. Demons appeared out of nowhere. They didn't sense nor saw them before they have gotten close to attack. Sango jumped on Kirara. Demons were everyone. This was odd, demon of this caliber should not be able to accomplish something this advance. A few serpent demons charged at her and she swung her hiraikotsu. The boomerang easily destroyed them, even so they were a lot and she knew not everyone could handle a large amount of demons. She looked around and saw demons attacking the soldiers on the wall, many was so fearful they ran which led to some being eaten. A lot of their weapons didn't even phase the demons. There weapons were not meant to slay demons. Monks and priestesses was a little better off, but not by much. She spotted Miroku using his staff to decapitate those that was getting close to him, but he was starting to be outnumbered.
"Kirara over there," she guided her feline companion.
Sango swung hiraikotsu. The demon closes to the monk perished. She stuck out her hand and Miroku understood. He grabbed it and hoisted himself on Kirara's back. Kirara flew far enough away that Sango boomerang easily dealt with them.
"This is unusual. Demons like these should not have the capacity to coordinate."
Miroku was right, "My thoughts exactly. There must be another demon. One far more powerful and very intelligent."
Miroku nodded, "Yes, but the question is where is it?"
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Sesshomaru ran towards the saimyosho. Naraku surely was leading him somewhere. Regardless if this was a trap he was going to end him. The insects vanished a short distance ahead.
A barrier? No wonder he couldn't be found. He saw the barrier rippled, an invitation. Naraku is going to regret that.
Sesshomaru stopped once he entered the miasma.
"Hiding is useless."
"Ah, Sesshomaru as impatient as ever," Naraku appeared before him.
"Guiding me here was a mistake," Sesshomaru stated as he withdrew his sword.
"Is it now?"
The smirk was annoying him. He was acting as if he had won. He charged forward, demons appeared from the miasma to block him from his target. Sesshomaru didn't care to deal with these weaklings. He swung once and destroyed them.
"Is that the best you can offer?" His composure remained.
"Sesshomaru I'll admit you are powerful. A perfect demon."
Sesshomaru smirked, "Flattery will not save you," he swung down releasing powerful demonic energy. In the last moment a horde of demons blocked its path.
"Hiding behind your hordes will not save you."
Naraku smirked, "Such power, but yet mis-directed. If we work together we can control both demons and humans. No one will question us."
Sesshomaru growled, "You dare think I will ever form an allegiance with a half-breed like you."
Sesshomaru was ready for another attack.
"Before you go and attack me I would wonder where is that human girl you and your brother have tagging along," The momentary shock was brief but Naraku caught it, "I believe you had her hiding. It would be suicide to expose her to demons that would love nothing more than to eat her."
"Hmph, you really think I would care for a human. I am not my brother," He swung and this time hit his mark, but it did not make physical contact as he burst into miasma.
"If that is the case then you would not care to know that your hated enemies the panther tribe is hunting her down since she is still a weakness to one of the great dog demon sons. They will relish in torture, before ending her," his voice slowly faded towards the end.
The realization hit him hard. It was a trap, but not for him… for Rin. He rushed towards where he had left her.
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The blast from the wind scar annihilated all the demons in the area. Still Inuyasha wasn't feeling any better. Naraku let loose all these demons and he himself was nowhere to be found. Inuyasha decided it was best to continue on his own. Sesshomaru didn't care if he did. It just so happened that the new moon appear just when he was in the area and Sesshomaru basically shoved him in a cave with a pregnant wolf as a guard. Sesshomaru treating him as a weakling was annoying, but he did admit that Sesshomaru did at least kept his secret, only very few knew his secret. According to Sesshomaru he didn't care what Inuyasha did on his own, but it would be a disgrace if a lowly demon killed him. The half-demon who have father blood in his vain. Sesshomaru had an obnoxious pride of his lineage, something he would let Inuyasha know on occasion.
The wind picked up. His ears twitched, a scent caught his attention, Kagura's scent. He quickly ran to the owner of this scent. If she was here then Naraku has to be close by. His eyes caught the one he was tracking. A fan was in front of her face. Upon looking at him she snapped it shut, resting it over her shoulder.
She smirked, "So you came, like a good dog."
Inuyasha growled, "Where is Naraku?!"
"Who knows. He does not tell me his whereabouts. He only comes to me if he needs something."
He withdrew tetsusaiga, "Then you are no good to me."
"Cute, you think killing me will help?"
"I don't care, but at least you won't be around any longer," He swung his sword and released the wind scar.
Kagura quickly snapped her fan opened, "Dance of the dead!" a small horde erupted from the lake behind her. Ogres appear in front of her preventing the wind scar from touching her.
Inuyasha growled, "Damn it."
"You are too rash. Instead of putting all your attention on me. You should focus on that helpless human that you have."
This caught his attention, "What did you say?"
"You and Sesshomaru are either too arrogant or overconfident. Did you really believe your human pet would be safe without your protection?"
He didn't like where this conversation was going. Before he could respond a gust of wind made him close his eyes briefly. "Hey where do you think you are going?!"
"I wonder who will be broken the most? You or your brother?"
She was too far off for the wind scar to touched her. That didn't matter now. Rin was in danger. He ran off to where she was left.
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Jaken paced back and forth. He was trying to come up with an excuse for Rin absence. It had been about a week with no luck of knowing where she had gone. With A-Un she could be anywhere! He couldn't believe that his great and powerful master would ever bowed to a human, especially an annoying female.
"My lord it wasn't my fault. The human girl trick me with the help of the little fox demon. I was outnumbered," He had rehearsed a few times. He was trying to find ways to make it seem like her fault instead of blaming him.
"Jaken," The imp jumped at the voice of his master.
"Lord Sesshomaru, you're back," he bowed as low as he could go. It was time to explained but he froze.
"Where is Rin?"
"Well you see my lord…" He looked up and saw his master glaring at him. He pressed his forehead to the ground, "Sorry my lord I try to stop her, but she pushed me aside and left with the fox! It was not my fault. I was outnumbered!"
Before Sesshomaru could replied or possibly hit him his attention drifted somewhere else.
Footsteps came towards them. Jaken looked up to see Inuyasha stopped in front of them, "Sesshomaru!"
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He looked around, "Where is Rin?"
"It appears she is not here," His brother stated calmly.
"What?!" He quickly stomped over to Jaken and grabbed him by his head.
"HOW DARE YOU TOUCH ME!" Jaken squawked.
"Where is she?"
"I don't know!"
Inuyasha shook Jaken around, "It was your job to keep an eye on her."
"Enough Inuyasha," Sesshomaru ordered.
"Why? It's this imp fault."
"I know where she is."
Inuyasha stopped his abuse on Jaken and saw that Sesshomaru was staring at the wall. Of course! She expressed her concern for the people there.
He saw Sesshomaru slightly floating up. He was going to fly there. Which would not be good, it could easily be a blood bath if those humans decided to attack him. Before Inuyasha could stop him Sesshomaru left.
"Damn him."
"How dare you speak to lord Sesshomaru that way!"
He glared at Jaken, "Oh, shut up," He dropped Jaken on the ground before running after his brother.
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Heyyyy I'm back. Thank you all for your support. I'm sorry it took longer then intended. The tablet I've use for fanfiction crash. It wouldn't turn on so I've lost my fanfiction stories… It was a little depressing, but I did have a laptop I do not use and decided to write it here. Yay for backups!
I would like to thank Hikariko93, thereceiv3r,WildHeart44, 677, &Yunaff28. I really appreciate any reviews you guys bring me.