Author's Notes: Okay, I know it has been a while, but I have been doing a little research on the side. After this chapter will be a few notes on locations of places, and about how I don't read the manga (I don't have that kind of money). So, for those of you who read the manga, you will notice discrepancies, but that's why it's fanfiction. :D Oh, and I did notice a big boo-boo on my part. I forgot that towards the end of the anime that Kagura gives Sesshomaru one of Gakusanjin's aura crystals ... my bad. Please forgive me!
Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha, you know the drill, don't sue me. :)
Chapter Twenty: Another Shard Gone
Trees shivered and the ground rattled as Sesshomaru charged across the rolling hillside following Kagome's scent on the wind. The scent of her breath carried and so Sesshomaru knew that his mate still lived – for now, because the scents of Kagura and Moryoumaru made the fur along his spine stand on end. If they harm her, so help me I will make them suffer … disembowelment will seem a tickle in comparison. As Sesshomaru pursued his quarry, his thoughts drifted into dark, terrible places, imagining a thousand horrifying scenarios that may await him, and every new thought unsettled him more than the last. His paws thundered along the countryside and his claws left deep trenches gouged in their wake. A dark shape appeared on the horizon. Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed and a menacing growl rumbled from the back of his throat as he recognized the loathsome shape of Moryoumaru.
Sesshomaru urged his legs to carry him faster. With the extra burst of speed he gained on Moryoumaru swiftly. Moryoumaru's wings beat rhythmically as he tracked Kagura's progress, watching her dutifully. Sesshomaru drew closer and closer to his target, finally seeing that the enormous lavender-haired demon did not hold Kagome hostage. However, Moryoumaru went into an unanticipated dive and Sesshomaru, as cool and calculating as always, seized the opportunity. He sprung, leaping gloriously, and howled in fury. Moryoumaru twisted in mid-air to meet the assault. His mouth dropped half open and emitted naught but perpetual silence despite the surprise. Sesshomaru's front paws contacted with Moryoumaru's chest as momentum and gravity finished the job. Moryoumaru was tackled to the ground with a resounding "BOOM!" Sesshomaru, overcome with rage and an acute sense of vengeance, wasted no time. He quickly leaped backward, and in mid-air began to shrink back into his more human-like form. Regardless of the drastic alteration of his appearance, Sesshomaru's eyes remained a dangerous shade of vivid, glowing red.
Moryoumaru regained his bearings and arose to meet the infuriated dog demon. Sesshomaru watched the massive winged demon rise as his mind raced. This one – Moryoumaru, I believe – does not speak. Interrogating him will do no good, but exterminating him will leave Naraku one less puppet to throw at us.
Moryoumaru's eyes darted across the skies, searching for something.
Sesshomaru spoke coldly to the demon as his feet softly contacted the earth beneath, landing quietly, "Hakudoushi will not be able to protect you from me. I have killed him."
Moryoumaru's brows contracted ever so slightly. The demon spread his wings to their fullest and then beat them together violently, sending a gust of wind at Lord Sesshomaru.
Sesshomaru never blinked or flinched as the burst of air howled past. His hair and torn garments fluttered in the wind, which was all Moryoumaru's scare tactic achieved. "You cannot intimidate me," Sesshomaru said blandly, as if this were an insignificant moment like discussing the weather. Now I shall resume what I was trying earlier, before the attack, before sending Sakura back to her grave … Sesshomaru's right hand was steady as it reached for the hilt of the Tetsusaiga at his hip. His face never belied the anxiety beneath as his fingers came within millimeters of the tattered handle. The pads of his fingers grazed the woebegone wrapping on the sword and then laced themselves almost lovingly around the hilt. With the tiniest smirk of satisfaction and celebration upon his lips, Sesshomaru drew the Tetsusaiga from its sheath.
The blade blazed forth as the deadly Phantom Sword. The Fang of Destruction had come willingly to Lord Sesshomaru. The sword pulsed in his grasp, almost as if it were reminding him of his duty to protect. He could already smell the Wind Scar scraping just ahead of him. Moryoumaru's eyes were transfixed with Sesshomaru and the sword, and he was petrified to the spot. Fear coursed over Moryoumaru as he saw the demon lord wielding a sword he supposedly could not touch. Moryoumaru knew there was no escape from this demon's wrath.
Sesshomaru raised the blade carefully, precisely, and focused his vision upon the Wind Scar undulating before him. He spun once, gathering momentum, and swung the blade into the heart of the Wind Scar. There was no scream from Lord Sesshomaru, no command, only the sheer power of the Tetsusaiga.
Jets of yellow light shot across the ground, speeding with great force towards the fear-stricken Moryoumaru. The immense demon watched in horror, his eyes dilating as the blood drained from his face, as the attack drew nearer. Moryoumaru drew a sharp breath, possibly to scream, but the Wind Scar overtook him, obliterating the ever silent demon. Smoke and dust soon rose lazily from Moryoumaru's final resting place as Sesshomaru's initial blind rage began to subside. His eyes faded from their furious red to their usual lustrous gold, yet his face – still the impassive battle mask – did not yield the secret rapture beneath. Kagome lives, and must be in the custody of Kagura, one of the few who loathe Naraku as much as we. And with the Tetsusaiga in my grasp, nothing can prevent Naraku's downfall. The sword reverted back to his battered state as Sesshomaru moved to return it to its sheath as Kagome's scent struck him. It was close, yet also faint upon the air. Sesshomaru sheathed Tetsusaiga mechanically while his eyes lively scanned the ground, hoping to find some clue, some morsel of information. Finally he spotted something. Beyond the wake of the Wind Scar's attack lay a small white object. He began to walk towards it, and with every step the stronger Kagome's scent became. However, Kagura's scent was mingled with it. Still, he had to investigate. Sesshomaru broke into a light sprint – for a demon – and in a blink was standing over an ivory scallop shell no larger than a cat's paw that had a thin note wrapped about it. Sesshomaru lifted the shell carefully, not fully trusting Kagura's scent upon it. The note was secured to the parcel by a single strand of Kagome's hair. He cautiously removed the hair and unraveled the note. It was not written by Kagome's hand, that much he was sure of. The note read:
I will keep her safe as long as I can. Be swift! You now have all that you need.
This must be from Kagura, Sesshomaru thought, and that is why Moryoumaru dove. He saw her cast it aside. She was hoping that in my rage I would finish off one or both of her watchers. Lucky for her … Sesshomaru opened the scallop shell and again could not hold back a small triumphant smirk.
Sango grimaced as she tightened her hold on Miroku's wrist, hating what she knew she had to do. "Quickly, Sango!" Miroku groaned as he bit down on a twisted cloth, anxiously waiting for Sango to set the broken bones in his left arm.
Sango took a deep breath and steeled herself. "Okay … now!" she said swiftly as she pulled roughly and felt the bones slide into place.
Miroku let out a muffled screech, and then sighed from relief.
"I'm sorry," whispered Sango mournfully as she reached for the sticks she gathered to fashion a splint for his arm.
Miroku spit out the now drool sodden cloth and said, "Don't be sorry. It had to be done." He watched Sango carefully construct the splint around his arm and wrap it with long, thick bandages that she had found in Kagome's pack. Suddenly she winced from twisting her torso wrong and instinctively shot a hand to her tender and also bandaged ribs. "Do I need to re-wrap them for you?" Miroku asked with concern.
"No," Sango insisted. "I just moved too quickly." She finished wrapping up his broken arm and reached for Kagome's battle-worn yellow backpack again. "I think she has something in here we can use for a sling," she rambled while rummaging through the bag. "It's a good thing that you landed on your left arm. I know that you hate the Wind Tunnel, but it's pretty handy in a fight."
Miroku could tell that she was talking to keep herself from worrying, and he silently forgave her for it. His eyes followed her every movement, from finding and old ratty shirt that was once one of Kagome's school uniforms to tearing it up for a sling (while also muttering for Kagome to forgive her for destroying her clothes). Sango continued to mutter about nonsensical things while trying to tie the sling behind Miroku's neck. He listened, agreeing or disagreeing where needed, but he was more interested in the softness of her hair on his cheek and how sweet her voice sounded. She had begun to retreat when a sudden impulse seized Miroku. He reached out with his right hand and caressed her face. Sango gasped and the next thing she knew was that Miroku's lips were tenderly pressing against hers. She could have slapped him, called him a lecher, all the usual treatment, but she also knew that they may not survive facing Naraku – and there was the small fact of him showing his affection without groping her. Sango returned the kiss as tenderly and as honestly as Miroku kissed her.
They broke away slightly breathless, and this time Miroku spoke. "I wanted to do that at least once before I die."
"Don't talk like that," whispered Sango.
"But it's true. However, I meant what I said to you, Sango. If we survive this, I want you to be my wife and the mother of my children. There is no one in my heart but you, Sango."
Sango's eyes began to well up with tears. "Oh, Miroku. I want that, too."
"I know," he said softly. He took her by the hand and carefully stood up. "Now, let's find Sesshomaru and rescue Kagome."
Sango stood and looked at Miroku utterly perplexed. "But how are we going to find him? He could be miles from here by now!"
Miroku sighed. "Sango … honestly …" He pointed in the direction Sesshomaru had left in pursuit of Kagome. The path was littered with fallen trees, trampled undergrowth, and enormous paw prints.
Kagura twisted her neck around awkwardly as she searched the skies behind them. "I wonder what has happened. I don't see Moryoumaru behind us any longer."
Kagome looked to the dart protruding from her shoulder as Kagura was preoccupied with the lack of company. She cautiously reached for the dart and grasped it firmly. Kagome bit her bottom lip and swiftly pulled the needle from her shoulder. A tiny red stain appeared on her sleeve, but she ignored it and covertly stowed the small missile up her sleeve. "Why should we care if Moryoumaru follows us?"
"Because Naraku will be twice as suspicious of me that they're dead and I'm not. But, it's good news in the sense that Sesshomaru and your friends are not far behind." Kagura took a deep, nervous breath and said, "The swifter they are, the greater my chances of living through this."
Kagome looked to Kagura and saw how heavy worry lay upon her. "Kagura," Kagome began to speak softly, "where is Naraku's heart?"
"I do not know for sure. Naraku is too afraid of me knowing because I want him dead as badly as his enemies. But, I have two suspicions." Kagura looked behind them again nervously before continuing. "For the past two or three weeks Naraku has sent Hakudoushi and Moryoumaru on a very close guarded mission – I'm not sure if tailing InuYasha was their only duty. You know how Naraku works; nothing is usually what it seems. What troubles me more is that he sent Kanna and Kohaku to a small island out to sea, and I have never seen them again."
"How long ago was this?" Kagome asked.
"A month ago. What grabbed my curiosity is that he sent Kohaku. I usually am placed in charge of him."
Kagome felt a knot of worry of her own begin to coil in her stomach. "Have you heard anything about Kohaku recently?"
"Nothing," stated Kagura gravely.
Kagome's eyebrows contracted into a serious frown and she said, "Kagura, you have to tell me where this island is. I have to know how to find it. It may be our only shot."
"I don't seriously think that Naraku hid Akago there," Kagura muttered.
"Akago?"
"The other half of Hakudoushi … the baby. The heart remains within that infant. He originally planned on hiding him within Moryoumaru, but I found out about that plan and so he scrapped it. The infant, Akago, was sent into hiding and I don't know where."
"But you just said you suspected the island?! Why the change of heart?" Kagome growled at her would-be captor.
"Because the island can be reached quickly from Naraku's new hiding place!" Kagura snorted, "Why would he hide it so close to himself?"
"But why else send Kanna? Of all his incarnations she seems the most loyal," countered Kagome.
"I don't know, you silly girl!" Kagura snapped. "Hakudoushi and Moryoumaru could have hidden Akago anywhere while following InuYasha, and keeping his heart with Kanna seems too clumsy! I don't know! That's why I dropped an aura crystal for Sesshomaru!"
Sesshomaru held the large sliver of crystal between his thumb and index finger. The slight greenish glow indicated that a demonic aura was present, and therefore Naraku's heart was not near. However, he was still quite pleased with the acquisition. Kagura was slightly right, but I do not have all that I need. Kagome is still in danger. However, she is more capable of defending herself than Kagura realizes. He sighed despite himself. Hang on, Kagome. I'm coming. Sesshomaru brought the crystal into the palm of his hand and grasped it firmly. He looked to the horizon where he last caught Kagome's scent. As he made to resume the chase, Sesshomaru heard the cry of a feline demon. Turning away from his target reluctantly he saw Sango and Miroku approaching atop Kilala. They had gathered Kagome's fallen belongings and seemed to be making good time to have caught up with Sesshomaru this fast. Sesshomaru contemplated leaving without them and moving on to find Kagome, leaving them to catch up on their own, but rather than sever ties that were paramount to Kagome's happiness he summoned his demonic cloud and glided to them swiftly.
"Is there any sign of Kagome?" Miroku called out to the demon lord.
"Kagura has taken her toward the sea. We must hurry," answered Sesshomaru. "I fear that time is short."
"What has become of Moryoumaru?" asked Miroku.
"I dispatched him with the Tetsusaiga."
"The Tetsusaiga?" Sango and Miroku exclaimed in unison.
"There is no time to get into details here. We must go. I can explain along the way."
Sango recomposed herself and nodded. She urged Kilala on with a simple command of, "Let's go, Kilala. Follow Sesshomaru's lead."
The party turned to the east and maintained that direction for the most part. They followed Kagome's scent on the air currents, bearing east and slightly south. As they traveled Sesshomaru relayed his side of recent events, beginning with his intentions to test the Tetsusaiga and Sakura's appearance in the woods. He spoke quickly and succinctly of Sakura's warning and of sending her back to the Afterlife, of his rage upon discovering Kagome gone, the pursuit of Moryoumaru, and of his testing the Tetsusaiga. "As soon as my fingers grasped the hilt without pain, I knew I had finally earned the sword's allegiance, and I used the Wind Scar to dispatch Moryoumaru. Upon destroying him I finally saw why he dove. Kagura dropped us a peace offering." He held the aura crystal up for Sango and Miroku to see.
"Gakusanjin's aura crystal!" the pair exclaimed in unison.
"Indeed," Sesshomaru said, "She also left a note warning us to hurry. She said she would protect Kagome as long as she can, but Kagura is unaware of Kagome's progress in self-defense." Sesshomaru stowed the shard in his sash and began to peel off the shredded remnants of his haori as he continued to speak. "With Hakudoushi and Moryoumaru gone, we definitely have the upper hand against Naraku. All that remains is his heart, and the aura crystal adds advantage there as well." He threw the demolished haori aside and pulled the cracked portions of his armor off. Sesshomaru discarded his broken armor as well and was soon bare from the waist up with the exception of his fur pelt.
"Do you think Kagura will really try to keep Kagome safe?" asked Sango.
Sesshomaru's face became – if possible – even more serious as he answered, "If she desires to live she will."
After Sesshomaru's grave oath they flew in silence for some time. Kagome's scent became stronger on the air, as did the scent of the sea, and the smell of death began to invade Sesshomaru's senses. The stench became more pronounced with every passing mile, but on the wind Sesshomaru could still smell Kagome's breath. The lingering funk that permeated the wind could only be old death and the foul rotting air of decay. Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed and he descended with Miroku and Sango in tow. The ground landed beside the tail end of a wooded area, the last remnants of forest before the grasses gave way to sand and sea and rock.
"Can you smell Kagome?" asked Sango. "Is she near?"
"No. There is something else," answered Sesshomaru. He gave the slayer a long, appraising look and then said, "Miroku, come with me."
Miroku's expression became curious and concerned as he carefully dismounted from Kilala. Sango twisted to join him and Sesshomaru quickly shot an arm out signaling her to stop.
"No. Stay here."
Sango frowned. "What's going on?"
"Just stay here," Sesshomaru insisted.
Miroku walked to Sesshomaru's side and without another word the white-haired demon strode into the trees, backtracking the way they came. Miroku followed, cautiously pushing branches out of his path with his staff. Once they were well past Sango's earshot Miroku advanced to Sesshomaru's side again and stated heatedly, "I don't supposed that you would tell me what this little detour is all about."
Sesshomaru trudged on, tracking the nauseating scent of death and rot, but answered the monk all the same. "Sango may not like what we find ahead. You may handle it better."
"What do you mean 'Sango may not like' it? What are we looking for?" Miroku asked as they stepped into a small clearing amidst the trees.
"That," said Sesshomaru as he pointed to the opposite end of the clearing. The light of the moon was feeble as dawn approached, however Miroku could discern a body in the shadows. The pair approached the corpse, Miroku more slowly than the demon, and saw that it was a boy of about twelve or thirteen. The body was left on its stomach, and it seemed that the cause of death was a gaping hole in its chest about the diameter of an apple. But the closer they drew, the more detail leaped out at them. Miroku stopped in his tracks as he saw what had been clutched in the boy's hands upon his death: a small hand-scythe with a long chain. The monk began to pray against all odds that the bloodied tunic and weapon belonged to anyone except who he feared lay dead before him. Sesshomaru arrived beside the corpse and reached down to turn it over.
Kohaku's cold, dead brown eyes gazed to the heavens, seeing nothing, and Sesshomaru sighed. Miroku tried to scream from the shock, but bile rose in his throat swiftly. Before he could stop himself, Miroku vomited. As the monk gagged and spewed Sesshomaru returned Kohaku to his original position, and in doing so the demon lord noticed that the boy's clothes had been slashed down the center of his back. Sesshomaru opened the tear of the cloth with a single claw and saw a small, precise wound that was inflicted posthumously upon a scar on Kohaku's back. Sesshomaru's brow contracted with rage as he thought That bastard slaughtered the boy just to reclaim the Shikon Jewel shard …
Sango waited anxiously on the edge of the forest for Miroku and Sesshomaru to return. She paced upon the soft springy grass as the sky began to lighten with the ascent of dawn. Kilala had lain in the grass, still in her large form, with her head resting on her front paws. The two-tail's eyes watched her companion track back and forth upon the grass. Sango looked to the eastern horizon, already cerulean and cream, and hoped for Kagome's continued safety. But what are we doing here if Kagome is in danger? It doesn't seem like Sesshomaru to postpone rescuing her. What is going on? Sango wondered. She rubbed at her bandaged ribs and then lifted the Hiraikotsu. Sango made a face at the initial discomfort in her ribs, but after a few twists and swings of her weapon determined that she would not be completely useless in a fight. She carefully leaned the Hiraikotsu against a nearby moss covered tree stump and resumed her irritable pacing.
The rosy hues of the rising sun began to glow in the east as Kilala mewed, announcing the return of their comrades. Sesshomaru and Miroku strode from the forest solemnly. Miroku's head hung slightly, as if, thought Sango, he had an unbearable weight upon his shoulders. Sesshomaru walked with cold, unwavering determination. Sango could not move as she watched the two continue to march towards her. As the two drew closer, Sango saw something cradled in Miroku's broken arm; a bundle holding an object wrapped out of sight. Sesshomaru glanced carefully to Miroku and put on a quick burst of speed. He reached Sango before Miroku and carefully placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Sango, no matter what you hear, you must remember that time is of the essence and your friend, my mate, still needs your help," he said softly. Sesshomaru reached his other hand to his sash and produced the shard of Gakusanjin's aura crystal. He took her hand and placed the crystal into it. "Do not forget, and be strong. We are counting on you."
With those cryptic words, Sesshomaru wrapped himself in his demonic aura and became naught but a ball of bright blue energy. He rose into the air and shot eastward. Sango put the shard safely into a pouch behind her wrist armor and tore her eyes from the horizon. She now saw that Miroku stood just feet before her.
"Miroku, what did you find?" asked Sango in a weak voice. Do I want to know?
Miroku could not speak. He could not find the words. He grabbed the parcel with his good arm and held it out towards Sango slowly. Miroku's head hung lower, and Sango saw a tear lingering on his cheek.
Sango's hands moved through the air as if it had the viscosity of cold honey, for she forced her limbs to reach out for the bundle awaiting her. She felt the weight of it, that metal lay beneath, and her stomach knotted hard. Fear crept up her chest and throat, and her hands began to tremble. Sango slowly peeled back the fabric, and a long chain escaped their bonds and clanked, coiling itself at Sango's feet. "No," whispered Sango feebly. Tears blurred her vision as she let the remainder of fabric fall away to reveal the confirmation her deepest fear: Kohaku's weapon.
"NO!" Sango shrieked. She fell straight to her knees, dangerously hugging the scythe to her chest. "KOHAKU!" She sobbed and sobbed, screaming her brother's name and feeling as if there would never be pain like this again for as long as she lived. The pain paralyzed her. The sorrow consumed her. And the agony threatened to devour her alive.
Miroku knelt beside her and wrapped his uninjured arm around her waist, tethering her to the world which still loved and cherished her. "Do not give in to sorrow, Sango."
Sango continued to cry, but at Miroku's words a new passion consumed her, burned her like fire. Fury poured over Sango as she began to growl between her tears. "Damn you, Naraku! Damn you into the blackest pits of hell!" Sango wiped her tears away with the backs of her hands and vowed to the heavens, "Kohaku, I will avenge you!"
Author's Notes Continued: Okay, now that we have reached the end of the chapter, after looking at a map of Japan, I estimate Sesshomaru's estate to be located somewhere around Matsumoto near a river (I believe it's called Shinohara, but I've lost the paper I wrote it down on). This was an ideal location considering the traveling of key characters - human and demon alike. Now, Naraku's hideout would be somewhere on the peninsula around Chiba. Google maps should show you all that you need to get a better bearing on this story. :) Enjoy!
Now, as to concerns about the manga, as I said before, I don't have that kind of money. I only recently discovered some things that contradict my story, but just bear everything in mind as if you were watching the anime and were left hanging ... like me. :D