CHAPTER XVIII
Inu Yasha lay on the hard ground, shivering and fighting for breath, cursing the shadow and his predicament to the heavens above. His body alternated between intense convulsions and sporadic spasms, unable to obey any commands from the hanyou, even movement. He felt heavy, drained, and weak, snarling under his breath at his complete helplessness.
Every attempt to move resulted in the hanyou reduced to intense seizures and alarming disorientation. Stars floated across his vision, creating a strange view of the trees overhead. They swirled and meshed together in a sloppy mash-up of greens, browns, and yellows. As he waited for the strange sensation, curse or spell (whatever this was) to pass, he tried to ignore the vulnerability and exposure this predicament placed him in.
Helpless, much like a newborn pup, he was at the mercy of the shadow's power, the implications of the situation not lost on the hapless hanyou.
Realizing the magnitude of this strange youkai's power, the hanyou was filled with worry for those back in the place he now called home. Had this shadow attacked the village as well? Had there been any lives lost? Was Kagome okay?
A dark pit filled his gut at the last thought, worry for the inexperienced and hotheaded priestess gripping him. Her constant need to prove herself and her abilities irked him like none other. Her refusal to see that she lacked skill, let alone power, rankled. He grew angry at the thought of the foolish girl getting hurt due to her inability to accept a matter was out of her league. Putting herself on the same level of Kikyo was not only ludicrous, it was stupid.
The worry that gripped him each time Kagome entered battle never ceased or eased, the fear that he would lose someone else dear to him ever prevalent in his mind. She stood no chance against this shadow, thoughts of a dried and empty husk of the formerly vibrant and cheerful girl filled his mind.
Inu Yasha knew that Kagome would leap to the defense of anyone in trouble or danger, giving no thought or consideration for her own safety and well-being. No doubt she would face this shadow in the hopes of deterring it from attacking and killing any villagers, perhaps offering herself in their stead.
Fear and anger, frustration and dread raced through his veins with each passing second he lay there. Knowing what this thing was capable of increased his determination to race back to the village as fast as he could. Forget those here, and any others suffering at the hands of this...thing. Making sure Kagome stayed alive was all that mattered. He could not lose her.
Lost to his inner musings and fears, it took a few moments for Inu Yasha to realize his name was being called. It took another moment to realize it was Miroku and Kohaku. Panic and alarm had yet to enter their tones, but they were indeed confused, and perhaps a bit annoyed it seemed. He sneered at the thought that perhaps they assumed he had opted to go off on his own instead of keeping his promise to return. He refused to dwell on the fact that he had done that and instead made an effort to alert them to his location.
Sharp talons dug into the dirt as his anger erupted at his inability to do anything but lay there in a heap. His voice refused to cooperate, his body unwilling to obey simple commands, unable to move and react as he so desperately willed it too. He tried to flare his aura a little in hopes that they would sense it and follow the small trail he was able to emit.
It seemed his efforts paid off when he picked up the shuffle of feet dashing through tall grass. Moments later, Miroku's voice broke the silence.
"Inu Yasha, what in the world happened?" Miroku's voice grew in volume as he rushed to the hanyou's side, lifting him up slightly. "Are you alright?"
Head falling back, too drained to even manage to lift it, the hanyou grit his teeth, hissing as another spasm wracked his form. "Found...the...shadow...attacked," he managed to force through numb lips. "Did...this…"
Shock fell over Miroku's face, taking in the hanyou's appearance. Confusion and concern raced through him as he noted his skin tone, nearly translucent and white as snow. The pallor created a stark contrast to the dark circles under his eyes, sweat beading on the forehead.
He had noticed the dead body a few feet of the downed hanyou, taking in the dry shell with one fleeting glance. He knew the man was dead, having no need to search for a pulse to determine that. All that remained was skin and bone, an ugly gray pallor now gracing the man's flesh. Miroku feared that any hand placed upon the body would result in it crumbling to dust, so dry and fragile it seemed.
Taking his mind from the dead, he focused on the somewhat living. Short, raspy breaths emerged from pale lips, the body breaking down into strange convulsions the hanyou seemed unable to control. The fact that the shadow had the power to do this to Inu Yasha was not lost on the monk, and deep down he wondered how it was they would be able to stop this thing.
Forcing the concern from his mind, he helped Inu Yasha up further, making no comment on the hanyou's inability to do so, knowing his ego was bruised enough. The assistance was received grudgingly, being more a matter of necessity rather than acceptance.
Knowing they would need to carry Inu Yasha back to the hut as he was unable to move on his own, he glanced to Kohaku, noting the boy was kneeling next to the dried husk of a body an indescribable expression on his youthful countenance.
With a small sigh, the boy rose to his feet, noticing the monk's gaze upon him. "How is he?" he asked, striding toward the two.
"I'm fine," Inu Yasha gasped, daring the monk to say otherwise with flashing eyes. "Just need...to..regain my...strength."
Kohaku remained wisely silent, simply hunkering down on the other side of the hanyou so the two of them could help him to his feet. On a silent command, they rose as one, Inu Yasha dangling limply between them. An arm was braced over each of their shoulders, and he glared ahead of him in silent frustration. They all knew he was helpless to do anything else, but it didn't mean he had to like it.
Glancing briefly at the body on the ground, Miroku met the taijiya's gaze. "What shall we do about the body?" he inquired softly.
"I will inform the village head of the matter after we return Inu Yasha to the hut," he said softly. "They can tend to the burial."
Miroku nodded silently, turning so they were facing the direction they had just come. Working together they carried the hanyou to the hut, making sure to avoid any villagers and prying eyes, considerate of the hanyou's need to appear "unbreakable".
Upon entering the hut, they assisted Inu Yasha to the closest futon, gently lowering him to the mattress. Once situated comfortably, Inu Yasha closed his eyes, finally allowing the weakness and strain to overtake him. With a long drawn out breath, he sunk into the welcoming material, slipping into a kind of trance while he waited for his body to heal/regenerate.
Miroku gazed down upon the hanyou thoughtfully, fully aware of the fact that not only had the life essence been drained from the hanyou, but his aura was weakened as well. His yoki pulsed in small and simple bursts, as if doing anything more was too taxing.
The fact this shadow could absorb more than just a person's life force was not lost on the monk, and the implications of this increased his alarm and worry further. He was aware of Kohaku slipping out absently, too absorbed in his own thoughts to take much notice.
Like the hanyou, thoughts and worries for home gripped him. If this was indeed the same shadow that Kagome, Inu Yasha, and Sesshoumaru had encountered, was it attacking the village, in the same manner, it was here? In the amount of time they had been gone, how many had been taken? He felt his gut tighten as thoughts of Sango and the children filled him.
The fact Inu Yasha was helpless against this thing meant that anyone else would be easy pickings to the shadow, even an experienced and seasoned taijiya like Sango. He sent a silent plea heavenward that his precious family would be protected and spared from this creatures dastardly intentions, determined to return home as soon as possible.
He knew his wish would not be denied, worry for his sister would spur the younger taijiya into action to return to the village. He knew Inu Yasha would readily agree as well, and determined to bring the matter to the two of them once Inu Yasha had regained his strength and Kohaku returned.
With a resigned sigh, he knew he was reduced for the time being to simply wait. And so with that thought in mind, he settled himself upon another futon, letting his mind slip away as he gave in to the soothing call of meditation.
OoOoOoOoOoOoOo
By the eve of the second day, Inu Yasha had yet to rise from the futon, still lost it seemed, to the regenerative sleep he had placed himself in. Miroku and Kohaku refused to let worry grip them when the hanyou did not stir the next morning, convincing one another that he just needed more time. Granted the more severe injuries in the past had taken more than a day, but a simple matter of regaining strength and yoki should not have taken this long. Should it?
They expressed the concern that perhaps the shadow left some strange residual energy thus making it difficult to recover from such an attack. However, any attempt to find any residual yoki or energy from the shadow could not be found.
Thankfully his complexion had improved, sporting a healthy pink pallor instead of the ghastly white of before. His breathing was deep and even, and the convulsions had ceased after the first day. While small, it was an improvement and they pushed the concern away and simply waited for their friend to open his eyes and declare himself "healed".
In the meantime, Kohaku had done as promised, taking his leave after getting Inu Yasha comfortable and informing the village head of the dead man. Even without being there, Miroku could feel the atmosphere change, a deep sadness settling upon the village.
Kohaku was a little disconcerted being unable to answer the questions spouted at him from the village head, the one able to answer currently down and out until his strength returned. He could only offer deep sorrow and sincere apologies for their inability to prevent this life from being snuffed out.
Upon hearing that Inu Yasha had suffered at the hands of the shadow, the village head had become consumed with despair and pressing worry. "If this hanyou is not immune to this youkai's attacks, it seems no one is safe," he sighed, the weight of his role pressing heavily upon his shoulders. "What can be done taijiya?"
Kohaku managed to refrain from flinching at the man's question, shaking his head with profuse regret. "It is uncertain Master Shenji," he said with reluctance. "But, we are not giving up. We will find a way to stop this youkai."
Previously relief and confidence had adorned the village heads countenance, but it was clouded with uncertainty and fear. "I hope so taijiya Kohaku," he murmured. "Not only for our villages, but others as well. Who knows how many have fallen at the hands of this monster, and how much more are yet to come."
Briefly, gone so fast he almost didn't register it, a vision filled Kohaku's mind of mangled bodies piled atop one another; torn to shreds, the land stained with blood. Stiffening, he met Master Shenji's gaze resolutely. "My friends and I have faced unbeatable odds before and overcame them. This is no different. We will stop this evil."
The tension lifted minutely from Shenji at his words and he nodded gravely. "I do hope so taijiya." He paused glancing to the door before returning his gaze to Kohaku's. "I hope your friend makes a speedy recovery and does not suffer any adverse effects from this attack."
Kohaku lowered to the tatami, his forehead resting against his hands. "Thank you Master Shenji. We hope so as well, and will keep you informed." He rose up, his hands still placed upon the floor. "Once he awakens and can answer questions we have yet to obtain, we will report back and then decide our next course of action."
Shenji nodded. "Very well. Thank you for coming to report taijiya Kohaku. You may go."
Rising to his feet, Kohaku bowed once more before turning on his heel and making his exit.
After that, the two had agreed to take turns scouting the village and searching the forest for the shadow while Inu Yasha recovered. Both were perplexed when the yoki from the shadow seemed to have disappeared, the aura fading. Although his senses were not as keen as Miroku's with his training as a monk, Kohaku was able to discern that much.
The silent worry for their family and friends back at their village increased as the aura seemed to make a steady path North. They debated on their next course of action feeling a need to pursue and yet hesitant to leave the villagers unguarded, even if they were not much of a protection against this creature.
And with Inu Yasha out of commission, they could do nothing but wait. Hope rose however when the hanyou's eyes slowly opened on the morning of the third day. They were clear and lucid, lacking any of the fog and disorientation common in one who had been unconscious for a long period of time.
Instantly his gaze zeroed in on the two. "How long?"
"Three days," Miroku replied, deciphering the question.
Inu Yasha's eyes narrowed angrily at this, pushing himself to his elbows. He growled when Miroku made a move to assist, his pride back full force. With an inaudible sigh, the monk sat back on his heels.
"Damn," Inu Yasha cursed. "That means he's got a good head start. His trail may be cold by now."
"His trail?" Kohaku repeated cocking his head. "You intend to follow him then?"
Something dangerous flashed in the hanyou's eyes, almost red as thoughts flashed through. "Yes," he hissed, sitting up fully. "We need to find out what he's planning and then stop him."
Sensing the intense rage rolling off the hanyou, Miroku studied his friend before speaking. "What happened Inu Yasha?"
Grunting, Inu Yasha shoved the sheet off of his legs, facing his companions fully. Quickly he recounted what had transpired between the shadow and himself, hands clenching tightly when he reached the point when he had been trapped in the shadow's grip. His eyes darkened as the helplessness returned full force, gritting his teeth.
"He said that Sesshoumaru had intervened to protect me," he growled, his tone conveying his disbelief. "Not to aid him. I don't believe it."
Silence reigned as Kohaku and Miroku processed his words, both grim. "And we have no idea or clue on what his true motives are then?" Miroku asked. "No motive for his attacks and draining the lives of human and youkai alike?"
Inu Yasha shook his head, his eyes narrowed to angry slits. "I get the feeling he relishes in ending a life, thrills in it, but I also get the feeling that he has to do it too." He shook his head in frustration. "Argh, it's all so confusing."
"Are you sure he is really leaving the villages and inhabitants?" Kohaku asked doubtfully, seeing the mistrust echoed on Inu Yasha's face.
"I would not bet my life on it," he said after a moment's pause. "But, I've been out three days, and even I can tell the yoki has diminished. His aura is fading. He's searching for something, and I want to find out what."
Miroku nodded, tucking his hands into his sleeves. "Well then, do we stay or do we go?"
Already anticipating the answer, Kohaku and Miroku looked to Inu Yasha to provide the answer. Determination and resolve fell upon Inu Yasha as he returned their stare.
"We go."
OoOoOoOoOoOo
When a council was requested with Shenji, it was granted without a qualm. Kohaku and Miroku entered the large hut, noting the rest of the council members kneeling on either side of Master Shenji. The stoned faced Futoshi was among the group, glaring at the two as they approached.
Inu Yasha as always had remained outside, antsy and anxious, irritable and impatient. He would lash out at anyone who questioned or looked at him the 'wrong way', ordering Kohaku and Miroku to get this over with quickly.
Although he too was anxious to trail the shadow and hopefully obtain means to defeat the monster, Miroku was a little baffled by Inu Yasha's brash behavior. He kept pacing back and forth, pausing to glance at the sky, then cursing and resuming his pacing all the while muttering under his breath. His ears were flat against his head, his hands twitching with pent-up energy and anxiety.
Unable to do anything to ease the hanyou's restlessness and anxiousness he had merely sent a silent warning to Inu Yasha to behave before entering the village heads hut with Kohaku.
"And you are sure that the youkai has left the village? And do you believe that the shadow will indeed leave our district be?" Shenji persisted, doubt and concern marring his brow.
"I understand your doubt and suspicion Master Shenji, but not only has Inu Yasha sensed the yoki fading, Kohaku and myself have as well," Miroku explained. "It seems it intends to move on. We think it best to pursue."
"I must admit I can see the wisdom in your decision, but still hesitate to agree," Shenji informed them after they had updated him. "If it returns, we stand no chance of defending ourselves or halting any attacks, let alone counterattack."
"We understand and share your concerns Master Shenji," Miroku replied. "However, as it stands, this shadow shows no apparent weakness against any attacks thrown its way and is capable of absorbing yoki. Our best course of action is to trail this shadow and see if we can garner further insight to its habits, processes and potential weakness. Also, if there is a chance of gaining knowledge of its plans, perhaps we will be able to stop it. If we stop its plans, it may be the means of stopping it."
Shenji rubbed his chin, processing the monk's words. "I see your point Miroku and concede to your decision." He glanced to Futoshi who had sat in stony silence during the whole report. "Many will not be happy with it, but it is the wisest choice."
Miroku bowed low as did Kohaku in gratitude and respect. "Thank you for understanding Master Shenji. We will report back as soon as we can, and hopefully with good tidings."
Shenji smiled tiredly. "I hope so as well monk, we all do." He glanced outside, aware that Inu Yasha waited just beyond the threshold. "How soon will you depart?"
Miroku smiled with slight embarrassment, rubbing the back of his head as he braced for the response to his next words. "Inu Yasha is most anxious to depart as soon as possible," he replied slowly. "So once we have stocked up on supplies and packed what gear we have, we will be leaving. An hour or so."
Shenji blinked in surprise, a myriad of emotions flashing across his face as he debated on what response to give to this revelation. Eventually he settled for simple resignation, sagging in slight defeat. "I see. Well then, we will not keep you further Monk Miroku. We wish you well on your journey and pray the Gods are on your side."
Miroku lowered in a humble bow. "We thank you for your encouraging words Master Shenji and accept them humbly." Slowly Kohaku and he rose to their feet, bowing once more. "We thank you for your hospitality and hope to return again soon."
"You are always welcome Miroku, and you as well taijiya Kohaku. We gladly welcome you as allies."
"Thank you," they chorused still bowing.
"We shall detain you no further," Shenji said, rising to his feet. "Good luck on your journey."
"Again, thank you," Miroku returned, offering one last bow before turning back to the door. Together he and Kohaku exited the building, aware of the eyes following them the whole time.
Inu Yasha was still pacing upon their exit, grumbling aloud, his ears twitching anxiously. Upon spotting them, he stalked over to them, eyes bright with his agitation and anticipation.
"Took you long enough," he snapped, brushing past them to head toward the hut that had been their dwelling the last few days. "We're losing daylight, get what you need and let's go."
"We'll leave as soon as we can Inu Yasha," Miroku soothed, arching a brow at the hanyou's impatience. "We have to ensure we have all we need. We only delay further if we miss something here and have to stop later. We must be prepared to take on this shadow, whatever means necessary"
Inu Yasha snorted, increasing his pace instead of slowing. "There isn't anything physical that can stop that...that thing," he growled. "We are wasting time. Just hurry up."
Shaking his head at the hanyou, glancing at Kohaku, he shrugged with resignation. "Yes, yes Inu Yasha. We'll hurry."
His only response was a twitch of an ear from Inu Yasha. Kohaku fought the smile trying to burst free at the exchange, amazed he could find humor is such a serious situation. Clearing his throat to stem the action, he focused on mentally listing all he needed to prepare and have ready for the journey ahead.
Even with the hanyou's nagging and constant tapping of an impatient foot, it took over an hour for the small band to gather all that they needed for the journey. The later the day grew the greater Inu Yasha's agitation increased.
"Hurry up," he barked, once more glancing at the sky, turning his head back and forth as he scented the air. "The scent is fading. We'll lose it if we don't move."
"Yes, yes Inu Yasha. We heard you the first dozen times," Miroku sighed, rolling his eyes as he tightened the ties of his satchel. "We are nearly ready."
Kohaku had finished long before Miroku, used to traveling simple and light, a small pack on his back. His weapons were all strapped to his body, each within easy reach for the possibility of attack. They faced the expectant hanyou, signaling they were ready. At a sign from Kohaku, Kiara gave a mighty roar, bursting into flame resulting in her larger frame.
The duo quickly mounted, unsurprised that the hanyou was already bounding away without looking back. With a small sigh, Miroku let Kiara know they were ready and she took off. Inu Yasha was long gone, the only means of following made possible by his residual aura and scent.
Knowing his pride had been severely damaged by the shadow, Miroku was still a little taken aback at the aggressiveness and impatience the hanyou was exhibiting. Something told him that more had been said to Inu Yasha that had pushed just the right buttons to set him off.
Granted, he would be lying if he said he was not worried and angered by the shadows actions and deeds, but it seemed that any means of keeping a level head had flown out the window with Inu Yasha. He knew that he would have to be the voice of reason from here on out, or risk further damage to the situation.
He wished there was some way to ascertain the status of the village, and who had been lost, if any, to this shadow. Something about this youkai seemed off to Miroku, but for the life of him he just couldn't figure out why. Why did this shadow absorb the life force of living organisms? Did it have to do so to survive, and if so, why? It certainly enjoyed the kill, that was obvious, but was killing the only motive for its actions?
Miroku's musings were cut short by the very impatient call from Inu Yasha a few meters ahead, barely glancing back at them as he continued to leap from tree to tree. Studying his friend though, Miroku wondered if the hanyou was fully back to strength as Inu Yasha had insisted or if he was pushing himself too hard, as he always did. His assumption that he was indeed pushing himself grew when he saw the hanyou lose his footing, nearly falling from the tree.
His eyes widened when Inu Yasha managed to barely catch himself by gripping an overhanging branch. He dangled for a few precarious moments before managing to pull himself onto the branch, remaining there for a moment before he was off again.
"Idiot," he muttered under his breath. "You won't do anyone any good if you aren't at your full strength Inu Yasha."
"Did you say something Miroku?" Kohaku called out, speaking louder over the rushing wind resulting from Kiara's flight.
Miroku shook his head, still glaring at Inu Yasha's back. "No."
The night was quickly approaching, the sun sinking lower and lower into the western horizon, painting the sky in brilliant shades of oranges, pinks, and purples. Considering they were on a north-eastern route, the strong rays were thankfully to the side and slightly behind them, therefore they were not blinded by intense rays.
Kohaku shifted behind him, leaning slightly to the side to scan the terrain below, his brow narrowed in thoughtful observation. His confidence and surety in remaining seated upon Kiara as he shifted, leaned and moved reminded Miroku so much of Sango he couldn't prevent the tender smile that graced his lips watching the boy.
Kohaku caught the look and cocked his head inquiringly. "What is it?"
Miroku shook his head, still smiling. "Nothing. You just remind me so much of your sister. That's all."
Flushing at the compliment, Kohaku became deeply engrossed in the view below. "Th-thanks."
Chuckling, Miroku turned his attention forward, giving Kohaku the chance to gain his composure. However, he frowned as he noticed that the scenery ahead was minus a hanyou.
"Such an impatient hanyou," he sighed, searching for the familiar aura to garner a course. He grew baffled when he noticed that the aura was alternating course, heading west, which lead into a large grouping of trees.
"What is he doing?" he pondered aloud.
"What is it Miroku?" Kohaku asked, glancing in the direction Miroku was looking. "Why is Inu Yasha heading that way?"
"I don't know," he answered, signaling Kiara to change her course. "Guess we better find out."
Kiara shifted without protest, easily adjusting without jostling her riders. She hissed a few moments later as they approached the forest, her hackles rising.
"What's the matter, Kiara? What do you smell?" Kohaku asked sharply, acutely aware of the nekomata's temperament.
"Perhaps the same thing that caused Inu Yasha to dash in this direction," Miroku surmised, scanning the terrain, searching for aura's.
What he sensed raised his alarm slightly and he glanced back at Kohaku to see if he had noticed it as well. Based on the dark frown on the teen's lips, he did.
"Youkai."
Miroku narrowed his eyes as a distinctive sense fell over him, coming from the direction the yoki pulsed. "That's not the only thing," he said. "Can you sense the other aura's?"
Kohaku's brow furrowed in concentration before clearing. "Spiritual auras."
"Can't be a good thing if the two are together in the same place," he said gravely. "A battle is sure to erupt."
"True," Kohaku nodded, spurring Kiara to go faster. "And you add Inu Yasha to the mix and we'll have devastation for miles."
"Let's go, Kiara," Miroku urged the nekomata.
With a loud roar, Kiara increased her speed, the force of the wind causing Kohaku and Miroku to shield their eyes. Suddenly she veered to the side, decreasing her altitude with each passing second.
Opening, his eyes a crack, Miroku blinked at what lay below. To, say it was something other than a battlefield would have done the scene below little justice. Monk's and youkai alike engaged in a bloody and intense massacre. Cries, screams, shrieks, snarls and roars rent the air, echoed by the telltale echo of claws meeting flesh, spells being cast and bodies falling to the ground.
Neither showed any sign of stopping or showing mercy to the other, seeing the act of surrender a sign of weakness and worse, defeat. Through all the melee, Miroku was unable to locate Inu Yasha. With a weapon as large as tessaiga he should have been easy to spot, but the hanyou was nowhere to be found.
The level of reiki and yoki swirling and colliding in the air was thick, nearly tangible in its magnitude. Power crackled and sparked across the setting as the youkai and monks lunged for each other with the intent to kill. The youkai below were not mere low-class level youkai either, not all of them anyway. While not Daiyoukai, their levels easily maxed out to medium-high. They were not easy opponents, even for the most skilled man of the cloth.
Watching the battle progress atop Kiara, Miroku noted the almost weak and pathetic use of mantras, seals, and spells the monks cast upon the youkai. While managing to kill some, it seemed that they were only using the spells to urge the youkai into attacking, angering them beyond reason. His confusion mounted as the same attacks continued to be used, even as their numbers were slowly diminishing.
"They are clearly outmatched, and yet they continue to engage," Kohaku murmured, echoing the monk's thoughts. "I wonder why."
"Pride? Orders?" Miroku surmised with a shake of his head. "Who can know for sure."
"Do we intervene?" Kohaku asked scanning the terrain below with a skilled and practiced eye.
"With who?" Miroku asked. "If we attempt to aid the youkai, they will turn on us. If we aid the monk's we align ourselves to a cause we don't agree to." He gestured to the monk's attire, already aware of who they were. "Those are the monk's that Inu Yasha and I told you about. They wish to eradicate all youkai."
Kohaku nodded, gritting his teethsunsetas the battle continued to wage.
"Any sign of Lord Inu Yasha?" Kohaku inquired, still scanning the masses below.
Miroku was about to respond when a voice rent the air; a very familiar voice.
"You think that will work on me, idiot."
Both shared a knowing look as Kiara adjusted her projectory toward the voice.
The battle paused at her cry, glancing up to determine who approached. The lull gave Miroku the opportunity needed to finally locate Inu Yasha. He had his back to a female youkai who was clutching at her arm, the odd angle it hung from the socket a clear indication it had been dislocated or possibly broken. Long light blue hair cascaded down her back, held from her face by a simply tie. She was dressed for battle, the markings on her cheeks indicating she was of the Inu. Whether an Inu from Sesshoumaru's region or not was unable to be determined.
She did not look pleased with the defense if her stiff stance was anything to go off of, and she glared daggers at the back in front of her, snarling.
Miroku noted that tessaiga was still within its sheath on the hanyou's hip, opting, it seemed, to use his claws and fists instead. Considering the group he faced were human, it made sense. The tessaiga had no effect on humans.
The monks eyed the new arrivals as the nekomata landed a few feet from the fuming hanyou. He didn't take his eyes off the monk's, merely shifted slightly in his stance so he could glance at them.
"What took you so long?" he barked, rubbing at a fist that was bloody and bruised. Miroku arched a brow at this, wondering how many punches had been thrown to cause that kind of damage to the hanyou.
Knowing the question was rhetorical, he ignored the hanyou and faced the monks. He couldn't contain the slight jolt of surprise when his gaze was met with open hostility and disgust on their faces. Lips curled in wicked sneers as they eyed the new arrivals.
"You dare to stand on the side of the youkai, monk?" one of the men barked, the revulsion clear in his tone. The responding snarls from the youkai were not unnoticed.
"I stand on the side of innocent parties," he countered boldly, ignoring the disbelieving snort behind him. "I do not condone massacre."
"Massacre," another mocked. "This is a cleansing. Either join us or you die with them."
Miroku glanced at Kohaku and Inu Yasha
"What reason do you have for this attack?" he called to the group.
"What reason do they need to attack us except the fact we are youkai?" a feminine voice snapped behind Miroku. "That's all the reason they need."
"Silence filth," one of the men snarled already raising his hands in readiness to launch an attack. The female Inu crouched readying to counter but stopped short when suddenly all the monks stiffened and began to convulse.
"What the-" Inu Yasha barked as the monks began to fall one by one to the ground a strange liquid emitting from their open mouths. They made no sound as they collapsed and lay still.
A stunned silence fell as the battle was suddenly over, but the winning side did not seem jubilant. The remaining youkai glanced amongst one another, trying to determine who had cast this strange spell on the monk's and how, and if it would come for them.
Miroku studied the corpses, sensing a strange aura radiating off the bodies.
Inu Yasha was cursing, stalking toward the downed monk's, shaking the corpse. "I'm not finished with you," he snarled. "I want answers."
Shaking his head, Miroku approached the hanyou on hesitant feet. "It's no use Inu Yasha, he's dead. You will get no answers from him."
Inu Yasha cursed throwing the body harshly to the ground, leaping into the air landing amongst the dead monks, searching for life. His curses, anger, and agitation grew with each dead body he encountered. "BLAST IT!"
Removing his attention from Inu Yasha, he locked gazes with a hostile glare from the injured Inu. Her gaze shifted, to Kohaku who had yet to move from Kiara's side, eying the cluster of youkai with tense readiness.
"What do you want, Monk?" she spat, crouched in a ready position to attack. "You didn't die with your companions, but it doesn't mean you walk away unscathed."
Miroku held up placating hands, letting off his most charming smile. "You misunderstand Miss," he said calmly. "I am not associated with the monk's you were engaged in. I have no intent to attack you," he took in the group of youkai watching the exchange. "Any of you." He paused, raising his staff slightly. "Unless it is in order to defend myself."
"What reason do we have to believe you?" a bull youkai growled, flanking the injured Inu. She glanced at the bull briefly before returning her gaze to Miroku's.
"None, actually," Miroku conceded. "But I assure you we did not come here to fight."
The second her lips parted with a retort the loud, angry and very panicked voice of Inu Yasha cut through the air.
"I want answers monk. And I'm going to get them. Why do you have Kagome's scent on you?!"
This jolted Miroku and he whirled around toward the direction of Inu Yasha's voice. The hanyou was leaning down over one of the monk's, his face mere inches from the other man's, eyes red with rage. Without giving it a second thought both Kohaku and he were racing toward the two, realizing that Inu Yasha was on the brink of losing control.
They managed to catch the raspy, gurgled laugh of the dying man as he stared defiantly up at Inu Yasha. The strange foam dribbled from pale lips, the light slowly draining from his eyes. His death was moments away, but it did nothing to stem the mad glint on his face, the twisted smile widening as he had the audacity to laugh at Inu Yasha.
"It's too late, too late," he choked out, bubbles forming with each word. "Much too late. My master has her now and soon his plans will be accomplished. You all will face... the wrath of M-Masssster…"
The name never left his lips as his head fell back, death finally claiming him. Inu Yasha's hands tightened on the man's robes, knuckles white and trembling with suppressed emotions. With a wild snarl, he tossed the body aside, his face contorted with rage and, dare Miroku say, fear.
"He has her, he has her," he raged, snarling, his claws growing with his agitation. Suddenly he crouched low to the ground, the intent evident that he was about to bound off.
"Wait, Inu Yasha," Miroku called, effectively bringing the enraged hanyou's gaze to his own. "Stop. You are not thinking clearly. And you aren't making any sense. What happened? You mentioned Kagome's name. What does she have to do with this?"
At Kagome's name, Inu Yasha hissed, glaring down at the dead monk with abject loathing. "He has Kagome's scent on him. It's old, but there. He's been around Kagome and I wanted to know why. He's one of those monk's after Kiyoshi. If he smells like her then it's possible-"
"They succeeded in capturing the poor fellow," Miroku surmised, eying the hanyou with caution. "I understand your anger Inu Yasha, but you do no good bounding off chasing a blind trail."
"It's better than sitting here doing nothing," he snapped, his tone accusatory. "We're wasting time standing around debating this."
"And if you leap off without a course of action or plan, you may end up causing more harm than good to Lady Kagome and Kiyoshi," Miroku warned, his hands held up. "What would that accomplish?"
Inu Yasha growled low, his hands twitching with his growing agitation. He had yet to leave though, and Miroku considered that a good sign. Taking a small step forward, he kept his voice soft and calming.
"Take a moment to collect yourself and let's analyze this a little better, okay?"
Inu Yasha's eyes slammed shut, his hands knotting into fists as he tried to do as Miroku suggested. His body was coiled tight, his yoki fairly crackling in his anger. Little by little, second by second, the tension and anger slowly drained away, muscles relaxing as he let out a breath. When his eyes opened, they were clear and lucid, but still swirling with anger and worry.
"Good," Miroku praised with a small nod of his head. "Now, take a moment to smell them again. Is there anything else you smell on these men? Anything at all to clue us to their origin or where they possibly came from?"
Breathing deeply for calm, Inu Yasha closed his eyes and nodded.
A few moments of silence passed as the hanyou took the time to break down and sort through the different scents on the monk's, separating and noting anything familiar and foreign to his nose.
During this exchange between Miroku and Inu Yasha, Kohaku had returned to Kiara's side by the remaining youkai, keeping them in sight as he waited for Inu Yasha to finish. He was tense and poised ready to attack if the need arose. However, the youkai did not seem inclined to do so, even though moments ago they had been attacking with ferocity and rage against the now dead monks.
Now only slight suspicion and curiosity adorned their faces as they watched the hanyou and monk speak together, congenially.
The injured female youkai cocked her head to the side, narrowing her eyes. "They speak as equals, friends even," she observed, her tone dubious and doubtful. She snapped her gaze to Kohaku. "And you, taijiya, is your clan not dead?"
The teens gaze snapped to hers, narrowing at the mention of his former life. "Yes," he said briskly.
"I had heard that they all perished," the bull rumbled, eying the lad suspiciously. "Yet you wear the garb of them, along with the crest. Were the rumors false?"
Something flashed in Kohaku's eyes before it was shuttered from sight. "No, the rumors were true. All but my sister and I perished from a youkai attack." The words were still bitter to form on his lips, even after all this time. It was a painful memory that would forever haunt him
When he was sure that his face could maintain a cool detachment, he brought his gaze back the youkai. "I was not aware the knowledge of the taijiya traveled this far south, yet you seem familiar with us."
The female inu youkai glanced back at the group of youkai. "Some of us are not from these territories," she said after a moment. "I myself come from...elsewhere."
Kohaku nodded but did not question further. He was aware that youkai were very territorial and rarely traveled beyond their borders unless circumstances dictated so. Considering this female inu youkai was out of her clan's location was strange, but he was not one to question it.
"I see." Was all he said, turning his attention back to Inu Yasha and Miroku when the hanyou cursed again, stomping over to one of the dead monk's, leaning close to sniff his robes.
"What do you smell Inu Yasha?" Miroku had been trailing the hanyou, his face calm and patient as the hanyou worked through the various scents. The hanyou's face alighted with excitement as he sniffed the monk's robes, ignoring the smell of death that was already permeating the bodies he was clustered in.
"They came from the north," he called to the monk, who kept a respectful distance from the dead. "But I'm not sure how far. There are smells that I recognize, but can't remember where I smelled them. And they passed by the village, that's for sure." His eyes darkened slightly at the words. "Perhaps they just passed through."
"Would that explain Kagome's scent being on them?" Miroku had to ask, even though he already knew the answer.
Inu Yasha growled. "No, he would have to had contact in some way with her for the smell to linger as it has." The gold darkened to deep amber as anger boiled in his gut. "They met her, I'm sure of it. I just don't know what happened after that."
"You don't smell blood do you?" Miroku asked, concern for the priestess filling him. He could not contain his slight relief when the hanyou shook his head. "That is good at least. She was not harmed then."
"Not by him at least," Inu Yasha grumbled, letting the body plop to the ground uncaring. "And there isn't any of her scent on any of the others either, just this one." He nudged the man's leg with his own, glaring down at the monk who had not given him the answers he wanted.
"Inu Yasha," Miroku scolded, tapping the hanyou on the head with his staff. "Enemy or not, do not disrespect the dead."
"Humph." Inu Yasha turned away, making a sweep of all the bodies, even those slain by the youkai to hopefully gain further insight. He was disappointed that there were no other smells he could discern to give him an idea on where the monk's had come and returned to Miroku and Kohaku.
The youkai had dispersed, eying the band of humans with distrust and suspicion, growling and snarling as they merged into the forest. Only the inu youkai and bull youkai remained, along with a tiny lizard youkai that was constantly skittering around their legs, speaking too rapidly for anyone to make out what it was saying. Both of them looked angry and a little put out that they were there, but seemed determined to do so, nonetheless.
Miroku had been going through the bodies, praying over them and assisting them to the afterlife. A burial would have been the proper and respectful thing to do, but they neither had the means or time to do it.
Realizing the monk had every intention of praying over all the dead bodies, Inu Yasha let out a frustrated growl, looming over the monk.
"There isn't time for that," Inu Yasha snapped, glaring at the remaining youkai, the two mirroring the look. "Just let them rot where they fell. We have more important matters to worry about. We need to follow that scent."
Without waiting for a response, the hanyou bounded away, disappearing into a cluster of trees.
Night was nearly upon them, the last rays of light vanishing as the hanyou rushed into the brush. Miroku shook his head at his wayward friend, sympathetic for his anxiousness to get to the village and get the needed answers, but disappointed at the lack of manners the hanyou normally exhibited.
With a small sigh, he completed his prayers, rising to his feet, noting with surprise that the female inu youkai was still there. She looked annoyed, uncomfortable and irritable, but something kept her from leaving. Kohaku was eying her, his hand casually resting close to his sickle, just in case.
As Miroku approached, the female brought her gaze to his, frowning darkly with each step he took. He wasn't sure what to make of the look, and since his means of transport stood by her, he continued on.
The youkai that had suffered death lay scattered behind the female inu youkai, the numbers clearly in the double digits. Regret and sorrow filled Miroku's heart at the sight, wondering why such battles had to keep occurring. With a regretful shake of his head, he once more met the females suspicious gaze.
"It's not normally done, but I would offer a prayer for your companions if you would like," he offered kindly when he had came a halt beside Kohaku.
The offer took the Inu by surprise, her eyes widening marginally before the look was wiped away. "We don't need prayers from humans," she scoffed, turning her face away.
Miroku did not press the matter and merely nodded once in acquiesce.
Together the taijiya and he turned to return to Kiara, intent to chase after their stubborn friend.
"The hanyou." Her voice halted them however and they turned their heads to eye her questioningly. "His is enemies with these monks?"
It was not what they had expected, and turned to face her.
"We all are," Kohaku finally answered, his tone stiff.
Noting the tone the inu narrowed her gaze at the taijiya. "Humans enemies to monk's," she scoffed. "They eradicate the very beings that plague your kind. Why would you be against them?"
"Our reasons are our own," Miroku replied smoothly, eying the youkai thoughtfully. "But, we are not in league or supportive of their actions."
She studied him for a moment, gaze intent and contemplative. She must have seen the truth to his words for she nodded once briskly. "The monks came from a region far north," she finally said, her eyes clouding with some emotion. "They attacked my village. Few survived." She shook her head to clear the memories. "Many were forced to flee as the monk's had with them a man who could kill any youkai that crossed his path. None survived his attack. They travel from region to region, killing any and all youkai they encounter, regardless of age."
Miroku nodded, already aware of their actions, having heard it from Kagome and Kaede. However, the fact that the plans were already in force worried and saddened the monk. Humans and youkai alike were dying at the hands of two forces bent, it seemed, on complete destruction.
"We have heard," he commented softly, the sympathy apparent.
The tone seemed to anger the youkai, receiving sympathy from a human rubbing wrong. "I have no need for your pity," she snarled, lips parting to reveal her fangs within.
Miroku merely held up his hands in a gesture of peace, shaking his head. "It is only sorrow that fills my heart at your plight, not pity." He changed the subject lest he incurs further wrath from the female. "Do you know what region they hail from?"
She nodded once, eyes dark with rage and pain. "Yes."
"Would you tell us?" he pressed kindly.
A sardonic smile rose to her lips as she locked her gaze on the monk. "I'll tell the hanyou, not you."
Miroku could not prevent the sag of disappointment that fell across his frame at her words, nodding with resignation. "I see."
With another sigh, he turned to Kohaku. "Let's go get him, shall we?"
Kohaku glanced once more at the inu youkai before returning to the monk. "Yes."
The two turned to the waiting nekomata, climbing aboard and with a signal, she was off. The youkai watched them take off, something flashing in her gaze as they rose higher and higher.
The two searched for the familiar aura of their wayward friend, wondering how far he had gone while they conversed with the youkai. They were surprised, to say the least when they realized he had only gone a few miles before stopping. Glancing at one another in silent communication, they let Kiara race toward the hanyou, wondering if the female inu would follow them or not.
By the time they found their friend, night had fallen completely and millions of diamonds twinkled cheerfully from above. As they drew closer, Miroku noted something off with Inu Yasha's aura, the normal flare of yoki...nowhere to be found.
This confused the monk for a moment until his eyes alighted on the sky. Then it hit him.
"Oh, my, this does pose a problem," he chuckled softly, shaking his head.
Kohaku glanced back at Miroku as Kiara alighted onto the ground some feet from the hanyou who was leaning against a tree, his back to them, hidden deep within the shadows.
"It certainly explains your impatience to leave, Inu Yasha," Miroku continued, sliding from Kiara's back. "Must you always push yourself to the limit like this?"
"Shut up," Inu Yasha growled, his back still to them. "I knew what I was doing."
"As you always do," the monk mocked, glancing at Kohaku. "It seems we stop here for the night Kohaku."
Kohaku seemed confused by his comment, even more so when the hanyou didn't protest the statement. "Alright." His tone was unsure, and beyond confused.
Miroku chuckled once more approaching a very stiff hanyou. "You're lucky no one saw you after the sun set," he scolded, plopping down next to the silent hanyou. "Then your secret would have been found."
"Keh, I knew what I was doing," he repeated, still not turning around.
"Sure, sure," Miroku seemed unconvinced, still grinning widely. "Thankfully you didn't suffer any severe injuries before you changed. We would have been in trouble had that been the case."
It hit Kohaku then what was going on. Glancing up, he noted the absence of a moon rising into the sky as was normally present, bringing his gaze back to the two men by the tree.
Miroku met his gaze knowingly, noting the comprehension on the youth's face.
"You've guessed it Kohaku," he praised. "Inu Yasha has turned human."
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I am SO sorry this has taken so long to get posted. Thank you for sticking with me and all the reviews and story favorites. It means so much to me.
Also, thank you for much for the well wishes for my family member who had the medical emergency. They are doing well, and on the road to recovery. Your thoughts were greatly appreciated.
Thanks for reading the latest chapter. To be honest, I am not happy with the overall turnout, so will probably come back and rewrite the whole thing. For the time being, I hope you enjoy. And for those who have been asking, Sesshy and Kagome will return soon. ^_^