Chapter 34

The battle raged for hours and hours. Even still, it was too early and nearly impossible to tell who the victor would be. Inuyasha slashed Tetsusaiga this way and that, taking down both dragons and swarms of youkai. He used his Wind Scar to destroy many of them all at once, but it seemed ineffective with the overall massive number of the opposite side.

Though the snow was falling, it was mingled with soot from the fire of the dragons. The sun was blocked by thick black clouds, making it impossible to tell what time it was. But he wasn't so much worried about that. He was focused on fighting his opponents. He wanted to be useful in this war, not just a weak hanyou orphan. He wanted to leave his mark in this war or die trying.

He unleashed another Wind Scar attack, and though it cut through another swarm of demons, several dragons avoided it and were coming straight for him. A year or so ago he would have not been able to dodge them, but thanks to his training with Kagome and Sesshomaru, as well as the soldiers of the west, he was smarter and faster. He set his feet and allowed them to get close before attacking. But before he could, a pale blue light shot past him and pierced through the chests of two dragons. It exploded in a flash of light, disintegrating the other dragons nearby.

Inuyasha spun around and saw across the distance of the battlefield where the miko Kikyo stood, her bow pulled back, in preparation to release another glowing arrow. He grinned and dashed over to her, slicing the dragons and demons around her. Once there was a small opening, he landed near her, standing back to back.

"I didn't need your help with them, you know," he said to her.

There was a smile in her tone when she spoke. "My mistake then."

"Heh, glad you can join us."

Even as they exchanged words, they never once stopped fighting the enemy. She released another arrow. "It is my duty to purge these lands of all things evil. Also, Kagome-sama is a truly inspiring woman. She is someone I would not mind following into battle."

Inuyasha smiled with a bit of pride. "Hai, she is. She has been through hell and back and still leads with her chin high. That's why I will fight by her side until my last breath."

He peaked behind himself and realized nearly a dozen dragons were heading towards them. As one, they shot a large series of fire from their mouths. Inuyasha raised Tetsusaiga high above his head. Power surged through him. He swung his sword down, sending a Wind Scar attack towards the fire. At the same time Kikyo unleashed a bright blue arrow. Together, the combined attacks dispersed the fire and flew straight towards the dragons. Inuyasha watched in amazement as the combo ripped the dragons to shreds before vanishing into thin air.

With wide eyes, he and Kikyo looked at each other. Then, she smiled, making his heart skip a beat. "We work very well together, Inuyasha-san. Perhaps when this is all over and if you are still standing, we can meditate together again."

He smiled back at her, getting into a defensive position as more dragons and youkai headed towards them. "Keh, I'll take you up on that, Kikyo-san."

…

Kouga growled as he used his strength and speed to cut his way through swarms of youkai and dragons. It was freezing out but his blood rushing in his veins kept him warm. It also helped having wolf blood flowing through him. His body contained a series of scratches and bruises, but other than that he was still going strongly.

There was a strong gust of wind, and a woman on a feather approached from the sky, her red lips grinning maliciously. "Mangy wolf," she spat. "So we meet again."

Kouga gave a smirk of his own. "You wiped out half my tribe all those years ago. This time I will not fail to kill you."

She sneered. She held her fan up in the sky. "I'd like to see you try!" She swooped her hand down and blades of wind sharp enough to cut diamonds flew towards him. He jumped high, but then she quickly let another attack fly, and another. She was fast and relentless, but it was thanks to his superior speed he wasn't getting hit. He raised his claws to send his own attack, but then she smiled wider.

Her lips pursed, and she let out a long, low whistle. He let out a pained noise, clutching his ears as the high frequency flowed through his ear canals. He went down on a knee, his nails digging into the skin around his ears. Any longer and he felt his head would explode. There was a loud rumbling and he looked up, his eyes flying wide when a large dragon in its full form came running at him.

He tried to stand to his feet, but the sound from the witch had increased, making his body go weak.

'Damn,' he growled inside his head. 'I can't move.' He clenched his teeth at the pain, watching as the dragon drew nearer and nearer.

In the distance, there was a collected sound of howling. The noise was so great that it overpowered the whistling Kagura was doing. With a triumphant smile, he stood to his feet, wiping away the blood that dripped out of his ears.

"What-"

Kagura was cut off what there was a loud "Hiiiiiiiyaaahhhhh!"

A foot encased in white fur shin guards slammed into the large dragon's head, sending it crashing into the earth, causing a large crater to form. Furthermore its head was completely caved in, rendering the creature dead. A lone figure stood up, brushing dust off of herself. Her red-orange hair was pulled into two high ponytails. She wore armor encased in the white fur of her tribe. Pretty amber green eyes blinked over at him. She smiled sweetly.

"Hey, babe!"

Kouga grinned at her, raising to his full height. "Ayame, love, that was quite an entrance."

Three other members of the Southern Wolf Tribe appeared in front of him in a small tornado wind. Two females with black hair and green eyes and one male with red-orange hair and bright blue eyes. They were dressed similar to Ayame, taking on battle stances.

"Hey pops," the male said nonchalantly. "You are looking a little rusty over there."

Kouga chuckled. "Don't get cocky, son. I can still beat your ass any day."

He looked up at Kagura, who was glaring angrily down at them. "How cute," she said with disgust. "Now there's a whole family of fleabags for me to kill."

Always the hot-tempered woman he fell in love with, Ayame fumed. She pointed an angry finger at Kagura. "Listen here, lady. This bag of fleas is about to rip your head off. Bring it on!"

Kagura bristled. She outstretched her hand. "Go!" Suddenly, a large black swarm of youkai flew towards them.

Kouga, still grinning, pulled the katana out of the sash at his side. "You'll regret the day you ever decided to pick a fight with the wolf clan."

With that, he ran towards the swarm, with his family behind him.

…..

Sesshomaru gracefully cut down any and every opponent who came across him. There was no mercy for any of them. Even the dragons who were fully transformed were no match for him. As Lord of the West, he lived up to his reputation. On the battlefield he was not an opponent to take lightly. He refused to die at anyone's hands. Kagome, Shizuka, Rin, Inuyasha…all of the western lands. He had so much to fight for. He could never peacefully cross over to the Otherside or Hell before knowing they were safe and happy. It was his greatest desire.

And so he fought for them.

Though never once allowing himself to become distracted, he watched as Kagome cut through her own enemies so effortlessly. Dressed as a warrior and swinging her sword to and fro, she very much looked like a battle goddess. A woman who was as beautiful as she was deadly. Pride filled him, giving him even more energy than he already had. Kamis, he loved that woman so much. She was everything he needed and more.

Her sword was glowing bright pink and he admired the graceful way she swung it in an arc, purifying hundreds of dragons at once. They were no match for her.

Unexpectedly, a large spear was thrown at her. She dodged, but it certainly caught her attention. What looked like a mere child dressed in white and purple floated towards her, grinning evilly. The spear circled back around, and the boy caught it, his dull purple eyes narrowed on her. Sesshomaru had never seen the child before, but given the dark aura around him, it had to be one of Naraku's incarnations.

Sesshomaru was about to go to her side when a ball of flames soared towards him. He stopped, turning a glare on the powerful dragon who stood several yards away from him. The cold, hate-filled red eyes and red-black hair were familiar to him, but it was the blue marking lining the right side of the man's face and the single horn protruding form his forehead that let Sesshomaru know exactly who he was.

He turned to fully face the man, his own eyes sending a cold glare. "Takemaru," he growled.

Takemaru, the dragon lord of the east, carried an air of confidence around himself, his dark power swirling dangerously in the air. Sesshomaru allowed his own powers to come forth, sending icy blasts towards anyone around him.

"I've waited three centuries for this day," the dragon called out. He pulled his sword out, a long katana glowing red. "I will end you and your bastard brother just as I did your pathetic father."

Sesshomaru kept his detached mask in place. "Inu no Taisho was the greatest warrior to ever walk these lands."

Takemaru snorted dryly. "A great warrior who fell to his death for some weak ningen onna."

"Nai, a warrior who protected his mate and child with his very life. It takes strength and courage far greater than anything you're capable of to do such a thing."

Takemaru rolled his eyes. "Such soft words from a man who spent a lifetime building the reputation of an icy lord. Tell me, Sesshomaru, what has changed? Could it be that you yourself have fallen victim to the same feelings as your weakling of a father?"

Sesshomaru said nothing. The dragon continued his taunting. "Ahh, so there is a woman. Is it the little ningen girl you have been rumored to take under your wing? Or…perhaps it's someone from your past who has enchanted you." Slowly, the male's eyes slid over to where Kagome was fighting the child. Sesshomaru felt his rage creep up. "Oh-ho, it is her, isn't it?" The dragon laughed heartily. Then, he licked his lips, his gaze turning thoughtful. "Hai, she is quite delicious, isn't she? Such a fiery woman. I prefer them more submissive and gentle, but the passion within the lady made it all the more satisfying once she's broken. You have good taste indeed."

Sesshomaru growled, taking a threatening step towards the dragon. "You will not speak of her in such a way, filthy lizard."

Takemaru didn't bat an eye. "You're certainly possessive, little Sesshomaru. Why is that? You do not carry the mark of a mated inu. Wait…" He tilted his head, his eyes zoning in closely on Kagome for several moments. His brows furrowed, his nostrils flaring slightly. "I don't believe it," he said, laughing maniacally. "So there is a new edition to the Taisho-Higurashi bloodline. How wonderful! No matter. Once I do away with you two I'll find the brat and-"

With a roar, Sesshomaru used his speed and dashed forward, his Tokijin held tightly in his hands. "I will destroy you!"

The dragon raised his own sword. The two blades clashed. They were both strong. They both held immense power. Takemaru was a worthy opponent, but Sesshomaru had no respect for the bastard. He would end him today.

The fiery blast of power combined with Sesshomaru's icy power clashed with every strike of the swords. Every time one of them made a move, the other would block, and vice versa. Sesshomaru charged his aura into his sword and unleashed a powerful attack. It struck Takemaru but appeared to do little to no damage.

With every one of Sesshomaru's attacks, his enemy would emerge unscathed. Not even a scratch on him.

They ran at each other again and when their swords clashed, Sesshomaru's eyes went wide when he felt a powerful pulse coming from the glowing red sword. There was something unusual about it.

Takemaru chuckled, using only one hand to hold his sword steady against Sesshomaru's strength. "As strong as you and your sword are, Sesshomaru, you are no match for So'unga. Your error was underestimating its skill."

Sesshomaru glared at the other man. "A sword is just a sword. It is only as strong as its wielder."

The dragon gave a sly smile. He then pushed at Sesshomaru, enough force to send him flying backwards. Sesshomaru landed on his feet, doing his best to hide the way his legs wobbled a bit. He took a moment to study Takemaru. Like himself, the old dragon wasn't someone to take lightly. Sesshomaru had learned long ago not to underestimate any opponent, but this…something about that sword didn't sit right with him.

Takemaru took a step towards him. He raised his sword and dashed towards him. Sesshomaru stood defensively, but in a flash, the dragon disappeared. He paused, then felt his presence behind himself. He swung, but the dragon had disappeared again, reappearing beside Sesshomaru. Before he could move he felt a blade slice his side, cutting through his clothing. Another slice caught him in the upper arm, and then another on his upper thigh. Sesshomaru growled as the attacks came back to back. The dragon moved too fast for him to keep up.

There was a powerful blow to his back and his knees buckled, sending him to the ground. He was bleeding from several different areas on his body. And yet the attacks continued. Sesshomaru felt frustration bubble inside him. The dragon wasn't just fast. He was actually teleporting, something no other dragon he'd come across had been able to do.

There was a loud grunt and the attacks stopped. A different aura washed over him and Sesshomaru looked up to see his brother's back. Inuyasha was standing protectively in front of him, his Tetsusaiga pointed at Takemaru, who had retreated several feet away. Sesshomaru didn't allow his expression to change, but he rose to his feet, standing next to his brother.

"Don't try to tell me to leave," Inuyasha growled. "I've heard enough about this bastard and I want his blood to spill."

"Hn," was all Sesshomaru said. He knew his brother wouldn't leave even if he asked. Inuyasha was as stubborn as Sesshomaru himself. Once he set his mind on something there was no stopping him.

Takemaru still had a smug grin as he stood several yards away. "Ahh, both of InuTaisho's brats are here. Just my luck that I can kill you both at once."

"Yeah, yeah," Inuyasha remarked snidely. "Let me tell ya, better than you have tried."

"Inuyasha," Sesshomaru said lowly. "Tread carefully. This dragon is far stronger than the others. And his sword…it isn't normal."

Inuyasha looked at him out the corner of his eyes. "What do you mean it isn't normal?"

"I do not know exactly. I believe it is giving him more power than he actually has."

"Very good, Sesshomaru," Takemaru praised snidely. "I'll let you in on a little secret of mine. So'unga is indeed no ordinary sword. Unlike any other demonic weapon, it contains the spirit of the ancient dragon by the name of Ryokotsusei. Sounds familiar, hai? It was thanks to him I was able to finally defeat that pitiful father of yours. So'unga is able to grant me power unlike anything this world has ever seen. Allow me to show you another demonstration."

There was a sickening sound of bones being rearranged and two large veiny black wings sprouted from his back. With a flap, he went flying towards them with a blinding speed. Sesshomaru stood at Inuyasha's back. Together, they were able to keep up with the dragon's attacks, though there were moments when he managed to land a blow on them. The scent of Inuyasha's blood hit him, making him even angrier.

He and Inuyasha attacked Takemaru over and over. As the time passed however, it was evident they did not have the upper hand.

'That sword is giving him this kind of power,' Sesshomaru thought to himself. 'I have to destroy it. But none of Tokijin's attacks are affective."

"Sesshomaru," Inuyasha huffed, never taking his narrowed eyes off the dragon. "He said his sword contains a dragon's spirit. Who is Ryokot-whatever?"

Sesshomaru kept his expression neutral, but he could feel his injuries were weighing him down. Normally his wounds would stitch themselves closed in just a few minutes thanks to his youkai blood. But whatever that cursed sword was made with made his wounds stay open. And so he continued bleeding from the areas he was struck.

"It is said that thousands of years ago," he responded, "before the lands were divided into four, there was only one ruler, an evil dragon named Ryokotsusei. There was chaos and death under his rule. He was so incredibly powerful that even the kamis bowed to him. Eventually our great grandfather and three others rose up against him and together they defeated him. Afterwards, the four of them divided Japan into the four cardinal areas, each of them ruling a section to restore balance and order among the lands. It is how the world today has come to be."

"Tch, if that's true, then how can the dragon's spirit be caught within a sword?"

That was the question Sesshomaru wondered as well. He had assumed the dragon was lying, but the longer they fought, the more Sesshomaru wondered if it was true. Takemaru had such an immense amount of power that it shouldn't have even been possible.

"It's simple, really, hanyou," Takemaru said, smirking. He raised his red sword again. "Though that is the tale of how the four lands came to be, there is more to the story. See, what many do not know, Ryokotsusei was never killed. A dragon who was even stronger than the gods could not be so easily demolished by a mere few youkai, no matter how strong. They managed to seal him in place long enough for the kamis to use a spell to convert his soul into that of a sword. Unable to decide what to do with such a dangerous creation, it was decided that So'unga would be sealed away, forever hidden from both humans and demons."

"How is it that the sword has come into your possession," Sesshomaru demanded. He had heard several rumors about the sword's existence, but his father had never mentioned it to him. And no doubt he kept it to himself out of fear that Sesshomaru would search for the sword himself.

"Since you will soon die by my hands, there is no need for me to keep this a secret any longer," Takemaru said. "Several years before I killed Touga, the half-breed Naraku came to me with a proposition. He'd said he knew where So'unga was hidden and with his help it would become mine. Of course, at the time Naraku had created a name for himself, and his head was wanted by each of the other rulers. There was no reason to trust him or work with him. However, my desire for revenge on the other lands was so great I joined forces with him. And in return all he asked for was to hide within the eastern lands. It was a tedious request, but to actually possess So'unga, it was certainly worth it.

"The day I finished off the great Inu no Taisho was the greatest day of my life, though my mission was far from over. However, before I could even kill the other two lords, I was sealed in the eastern lands. But it was due to Naraku's immaculate planning and patience that I am now free. Though it has been three hundred years, I will continue on this path until I wipe out every last creature containing the blood of the ancient lords. Then all four lands will be mine and mine alone!"

He raised So'unga high into the sky. It glowed a dark, bloodred color. "Now, witness true power. So'unga's greatest attack. Gokuryuha!"

"What the hell!" Inuyasha shouted.

Sesshomaru's eyes grew wide with disbelief as a massive purple/black tornado emerged from the sword. Takemaru swung the So'unga at them, thus causing the tornado to create a path of destruction towards them. Sesshomaru dodged, but he glanced over the see Inuyasha stuck in place, his eyes impossibly wide as he watched the tornado grow closer.

"Inuyasha, run!" Sesshomaru shouted. At the same time, he leapt, pushing his brother out of harm's way. He then jumped to dodge the tornado, just as it soared past. However, he wasn't quite fast enough. The air rippling around the dangerous twister whipped around Sesshomaru, sending sharp blades of wind about his body. He cried out in pain, feeling as if his limbs were being torn apart. The tornado soon dispersed, but Sesshomaru fell to his knees, blood pouring from his wounds. He huffed, gritting his teeth against the pain.

Inuyasha growled, running at Takemaru in rage. "Die, you bastard!"

Sesshomaru stood shakily to his feet. 'Damn,' he snarled in his mind. If he had been just a few feet closer to the tornado he would have surely been ripped to shreds. He watched as Inuyasha battled Takemaru, who was still grinning. But it was like watching an ant fight a bee. Takemaru was simply too fast, teleporting each time Inuyasha was close to landing a blow, So'unga in its sheath.

Sesshomaru huffed, doing his best to ignore the pain throbbing throughout his body. He searched for some form of inner strength to continue fighting.

Suddenly, Takemaru grabbed Inuyasha by his neck, raising him to where his feet dangled from the ground. In a swift move, he rammed his free fist into Inuyasha's gut, sending him flying. He landed on the ground next to Sesshomaru. Inuyasha rose to his hands and knees, coughing up blood. He was wheezing, sucking in huge gasps of air.

Sesshomaru studied Takemaru once more. Even with his full strength the dragon was stronger, thanks to that damnable sword. He had taken it out again. His eyes were narrowed as he continued to smile triumphantly. Sesshomaru growled lowly. "I will not die by a low-life dragon."

Inuyasha rose to his feet as well. He held Tetsusaiga in one hand, while the other clutched at his stomach. He wiped blood out of the corner of his mouth. Takemaru raised So'unga, and once again it glowed dark red. "And now, to finish you dogs off."

Inuyasha gripped Tetsusaiga with both hands. "I spent nearly my entire life alone, fighting for myself, surviving by myself."

Out the corner of his eyes, Sesshomaru watched in astonishment as Tetsusaiga pulsed once. Twice. Inuyasha, through clenched teeth, continued, "Kagome, my nieces, Kikyo, even my baka brother…These are the ones I want to protect the most. And I will not lose no matter what!"

Tetsusaiga pulsed again, and Sesshomaru felt warmth spread throughout his body. He raised Tokijin as well. Takemaru unleashed another tornado. Instead of dodging it, they stayed put. Inuyasha shouted, "Bakuryuha!" Several large blue-gray twisters erupted from the tip of the sword. At the same time Sesshomaru released a dragon strike. His blue dragon swirled around Inuyasha's attack.

The three men stood watching as the trio of attacks met in the middle. Takemaru's attack was then pushed backwards, heading towards him. Unable to move, Takemaru watched in shock as his own tornado and Inuyasha and Sesshomaru's combined attacks rushed towards him at blinding speed. Takemaru attempted a teleportation at the last minute, but the three charges absorbed him. The blast was so bright Sesshomaru and Inuyasha both shielded their eyes, though they could hear Takemaru's agonized screams as he was incinerated. When the attacks dispersed, all that was left was the fallen red sword.

"Whoa," Inuyasha whispered.

"That was quite a move, Inuyasha. But do not celebrate so early. The war is far from over," Sesshomaru reminded him.

He looked over just in time to see Kagome slice the demon child in half. His purple eyes were wide as his body disintegrated from her purification. She stood back, her chest heaving as she breathed hard. Their eyes met, and from across the distance he could see them filled with determination. She was injured, blood belonging to her and her enemies staining her clothes and skin. She quickly made her way over to them.

"Kagome," a female called out. They looked up at the sky to see Sango and a male monk riding atop Kirara. They landed on the ground, and both jumped off. On the other side, Kouga ran towards them, with several other members of the wolf tribe following behind.

There was a loud, malicious chuckle. Everyone was soon stood defensively. They watched as a cloud of black smoke formed several yards away around the area where Takemaru dropped his sword.

"No!" Sesshomaru barked.

But it was too late. Naraku soon stood before them. He'd gotten rid of the bamboo costume and was now dressed in a purple haori top with matching hakamas, with the top opened to expose his chest. He reached down to pick up So'unga. His grin was wide, his red eyes gazing up and down the sword with appreciation. "At last, my time has come," he said. Holding the sword in one hand, he used his other hand to produce a black bead.

"The Shikon no Tama," Kikyo whispered, moving to stand beside them. "So long as he possesses that jewel, he will unstoppable."

"The sword as well," Inuyasha growled.

Kikyo released a glowing arrow, but it was useless. Naraku had a barrier around himself. They were helpless as they watched him. He placed the black jewel on the large red ball at So'unga's tail. He then placed the sword flat on his chest. They watched in trepidation as his pale exposed skin absorbed the sword and jewel completely.

He laughed maniacally all the while as his body began to distort, the sound of bones and flesh being torn loud and clear. Everyone took multiple steps back. Even the dragons and remaining evil youkai had stopped their fighting to watch as Naraku underwent a transformation. His body grew, stretching high into the sky. Several long black arms emerged from his sides, his face contorted into reptilian features. His face elongated, a snout forming above a large mouth with several rows of large sharp teeth. Two giant grey wings sprouted from his back. In just a matter of seconds he'd transformed into a 100ft tall, grotesque spider-serpentine greyish creature.

He was colossal and hideous with the most powerful, menacing aura Sesshomaru had ever come across in his life. What was worse, the dragon hybrid before him very much resembled a painting of the first ruler of Japan. He'd merged his body with an ancient being that not even the most powerful beings in existence could kill.

"Ryokotsusei," he whispered. For the first time in several hundred years, Sesshomaru felt true terror slide through him.