Warnings for blood, mutilation, and pissy demons

"This is so much better than sleeping in the forest," Shippo sighed, glancing at the rice in his bowl before obviously deciding he could manage a few more bites. "A hot meal, a nice bath, and a warm bed!"

Inuyasha glared at him over his tea. "Well excuse me for making you sleep in the wilds all the time. Honestly, what kind of demon are you?"

Shippo sniffed delicately and licked his fingers. "Are you mad because coming here was Miroku's idea?"

"I'm not mad and it wasn't even his idea – you're the one who was whining about not wanting to sleep outside tonight!"

At Shippo's sheepish grin, Inuyasha turned back to his food. He wasn't overly chagrined at staying indoors, he just didn't see the point. It was early summer and sleeping under the stars was far from a hardship. He'd understand it more during the winter, but even then. Shippo had taken to human luxuries alarmingly quickly. He worried for the fox's development if he carried on insisting on fancy meals and bedding every few days. It didn't help that Miroku bent like a twig to the kit's every whim. But he supposed that so long as it didn't happen too often, and Miroku wasn't wasting their money on such extravagances, he couldn't begrudge them a few nice meals.

"There, that should suffice," Miroku said, placing another sutra on a wooden pillar outside the innkeeper's house. "With the last seal in place, the ominous black clouds that hover over your tavern should disappear."

The old man beamed up at him. "I am forever in your debt, good monk. My, when you told me of such evils, I almost jumped out of my skin in fear! But now I can sleep easy."

"All in a day's work for a simple monk," Miroku assured, keeping his smile firmly fixed in place. "I thank you greatly for your hospitality."

The sweet old man insisted that it was nothing, and Miroku felt guilt churning in his stomach. The sutras would work to ward of any demons or malevolent spirits – he'd made extra sure of that – but the initial lie lay heavy in his heart. Ever since Shippo began travelling with them, he'd fallen further and further back into his old habits. He only wanted to keep the little fox happy and healthy. It was bad enough that he was orphaned, without a home, and facing down danger at every turn with them. Miroku was determined to give him as much of a childhood as possible. Even if that meant bending the truth from time to time.

Shippo's dazzling smile as he rejoined him and Inuyasha in their room made it almost worthwhile. "Such bliss! I can't eat another bite." He waved onigiri at Miroku as he sat down. "How'd the exorcism go?"

"Uneventful," Miroku reported dutifully. "Now I'm ready for some relaxation."

"Hold up there, Miroku," Inuyasha drawled suspiciously. "There's something I haven't been able to figure out recently."

"Mm?" Miroku asked, taking a sip of tea and avoiding eye-contact.

"Why is it that whenever we're looking for a place to bed down, you suddenly detect an ominous cloud hanging over some tavern or mansion?"

"Ah," Miroku sighed. "Well, they say a falsehood is sometimes the expedient path. And it's not as though there's nothing ominous around – youkai of all forms are practically everywhere. The service I provide is real, regardless of how immediately it is needed."

"I can't believe it!" Inuyasha exclaimed. "I can't believe I'm travelling with a con-man. At least in that other town, you actually performed an exorcism for that lord before stealing his stuff!"

Miroku forced a glowing smile. "Partake in my share of the spoils and you opinion of me will soften."

Shippo snatched the offered basket from his hands. "Sweet, dumplings!"

"Miroku," Inuyasha growled. "You're setting a bad example for the child."

A rumbling came from high in the sky. Tremors ran along the ground and small pieces of debris began raining from the ceiling. They shot to their feet but stayed low to the ground, keeping their balance as the floor shook. Shippo jumped into Miroku's arms. "What is that?"

"Whatever it is, it's big," Inuyasha murmured, placing a hand on the hilt of Tessaiga.

"Yes, let's run," Miroku said.

Inuyasha's gaze snapped to the monk. "What? No way! You can't just eat and run!"

"We're no match for it here," Miroku argued calmly. "We need to lure it away from the tavern and the other guests here." He paused, frowning at the middle distance. "There's a Jewel shard nearby, and it's approaching very quickly."

"Huh, that's a change," Inuyasha grinned. "We've never had them bring us the Jewels before."

Miroku levelled an unamused expression at the hanyou. "And you think that's a good thing, do you?"

They ran outside, just in time to see a giant hand reaching over the crest of a hill at the edge of the town. It slammed into the ground with tremendous force, nearly knocking several of the gathered humans off their feet. Shouts of alarm came from all those who left their homes to see what was going on. The gigantic demon hauled itself up into the night, standing tall enough to block out the moon. The pale light glistened off its red skin and teeth the size of boulders. Red eyes glowed as the demon surveyed the town. It took a step toward the tavern, crushing a small store house under its foot.

Inuyasha skidded to a stop, Miroku right behind him. The demon took a few more lumbering steps toward them before stilling, turning its piercing glare onto them. It stood across a flat, rocky clearing, standing tall above the trees. Miroku could just make out a figure standing on the giant's shoulder. Inuyasha's eyes widened in disbelief as the familiar scent on the breeze confirmed what he didn't want to believe.

"Sesshomaru!"

The figure rose and jumped easily from the giant demon's shoulder, floating towards them. He raised a hand, a pale green light emanating from his palm. He landed just before them and plunged his claws into the earth, sending wisps of poison spiraling out in all directions. Miroku saw the warning signs and ran with Shippo, while Inuyasha launched himself high into the air to escape the noxious fumes. He touched down a moment later, eyes and nose stinging.

"As usual, you're slow to take action, little brother," Sesshomaru mocked coolly.

Inuyasha coughed hard, clearing the foul air from his lungs before turning a glower on his brother. "Sesshomaru! To what honour do we owe this visit?"

"Spare me the feigned innocence," Sesshomaru sniffed. "I'm here for the Tessaiga, of course."

Miroku narrowed his eyes from his position behind some boulders. He was still after the sword, but why? Why seek a sword he couldn't wield? What had changed? Beside him, Shippo was tugging on his sleeve, asking who the newcomer was. He explained quickly in hushed tones.

"You're still on that nonsense?" Inuyasha asked, unconsciously placing a hand on the hilt.

"Draw your sword, Inuyasha," Sesshomaru demanded. "Or will you surrender it now without the need for a battle?"

"No chance!" Inuyasha growled. "This time I'll take off much more than just one of your arms!"

He leapt into the air, bringing the sword down in a swing which Sesshomaru easily dodged. He danced out of the way of the next two strikes, an expression of cold disinterest on his face.

"Such a pity," he murmured. "I see that you have yet to unleash the full power of the Tessaiga."

"Oh yeah? Let's see about that!"

He charged with a shout, only for Sesshomaru to grab him by the wrist, holding tight. The skin immediately began to burn, the poison eating into his skin.

"Such pitiful swordsmanship," Sesshomaru mocked. "You can't handle a large sword."

Green light began emanating from Sesshomaru's clenched hand, escaping in wisps from Inuyasha's hand. Tessaiga shook as his grasp wavered. The skin began to peel back in stinging open wounds.

"Your wrist, or the sword?" Sesshomaru asked. "Which will be the first to drop?"

"Well it ain't gonna be the sword," Inuyasha growled, reaching up to grab the hilt with his left hand. He twisted the sword, breaking Sesshomaru's grip on his wrist and pushed forward driving his brother back. "I'll slit you in half, you sad excuse for a demon!"

"You should've surrendered," Sesshomaru hissed, leaping out of the way and into the air.

His light-whip snapped down like lightning, wrapping around the blade of the Tessaiga. It struck again, then snapped the sword out of his hands, sending it flying away across the clearing. It landed tip-first in the ground, transforming back as it did so. Sesshomaru landed lightly beside it. Inuyasha watched in shocked horror as his brother reached out and purposefully wrapped a hand around the hilt of the sword. How? It should've been impossible- Wait, when did Sesshomaru regrow his arm? Was that a new trick?

The Tessaiga transformed instantly, glowing with bright golden light. Sesshomaru easily pulled it from the ground, using the motion to spin the blade around his body then strike. A wave of blazing energy shot from the blade and rampaged toward him. Inuyasha leapt out of the way, but his mind was reeling. Sesshomaru shouldn't be able to touch the sword, let alone wield it like that!

"I'm the Tessaiga's true owner," Sesshomaru said. "Stand back as I demonstrate its true power." He tilted his head toward the giant demon behind him. "Jaken!"

"Yes, my lord!" the imp's voice sounded from somewhere around the demon's shoulder.

The giant shifted to the right, turning to face the large mountain in the distance. With the command of "Go forth!" from Jaken, the giant slammed its hand into the ground hard enough to make the earth shake. A pulse of energy emerged from the ground in waves before dozens of spheres rose from the trees. They soared into the sky before turning into wormlike demons. More streamed from the forest. The unearthly shriek of a hundred demons filled the air as the hoard began travelling as a pack, all heading toward the nearby town. Inuyasha tore his eyes from the oncoming wave of demons to stare at Sesshomaru. What was that bastard doing?

"Witness this," Sesshomaru commanded. "And learn from your master, Inuyasha. With one stroke, I shall slaughter one hundred demons!"

He swung the Tessaiga with a snap of his wrist, sending three lines of blazing light hurtling at the hoard. The powerful strike flew across the demons, instantly dissolving them into nothing but ash. Inuyasha froze, every muscle tensed to the breaking point. It couldn't be. How was Tessaiga so powerful? How could Sesshomaru do something like that? As the light faded, a deep scar was revealed in the earth, travelling from Sesshomaru's feet to the new ravine dug along the mountain's face, glowing with molten rock.

Miroku took an involuntary step back. He had been keeping his distance, trying to let Inuyasha deal with his brother alone. However, this was getting out of hand. Tessaiga was ten times more dangerous in Sesshomaru's hands, and Inuyasha was left unarmed. He had to figure out some way to help that didn't involve sucking in the Tessaiga or killing the brother of his friend.

"Now do you see?" Sesshomaru asked, turning back to Inuyasha. "Father's sword reigns supreme. Unfortunately, Tessaiga is incapable of choosing its owner. But perhaps now you, a mere hanyou, realize that you can never truly master it."

Miroku nudged Shippo further back behind the rocks, muttering for him to stay hidden. He crept forward, trying to get as close as possible while Sesshomaru remained focused on Inuyasha.

"Your blood shall stain this sword," Sesshomaru continued. "Truly, a fitting end for you, is it not?"

"Never!" Inuyasha spat.

Miroku stepped out beside Inuyasha, throwing his arm bearing the staff out in front of the hanyou, partially shielding him with his body. He levelled an even look at the dog demon. "Hello, Sesshomaru. How have you been?"

"You impetuous monk!" Sesshomaru snarled.

"I'm flattered that you remember me," Miroku grinned. "However, I'm afraid I can stay quiet no longer. Enough of this foolish sibling rivalry."

Inuyasha let out a low warning growl behind him. "Butt out and stay back, Miroku. I can handle this!"

"Not on your own, you can't."

Inuyasha elbowed his way roughly in front of the monk. "Shaddup and get behind me!"

"Don't be so stubborn!" Miroku chided, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Very funny, coming from you!" Inuyasha shot back, before his eyes snapped to Jaken.

"My lord!" the imp was screeching. "Allow me to finish off the monk! No sense in wasting your energy on such a feeble opponent."

From behind Inuyasha, Miroku snorted. "Oh, finish me off, huh? Like you did last time, Jaken?"

"As you wish," Sesshomaru said. "I will observe."

"Onward!" Jaken commanded, urging the giant demon forward. "Crush them all!"

Miroku shoved Inuyasha back with a firm hand on his chest. He planted his feet and grasped the mala beads. "Get back!" he shouted over his shoulder before opening the wind tunnel. He saw Sesshomaru's eyes widen as he jumped back, digging Tessaiga into the earth and clinging on. Miroku kept an eye on him even as he aimed his hand at the giant demon. He knew that Sesshomaru was the biggest threat there, but he wouldn't suck in Inuyasha's brother if he could avoid it. The giant demon was another matter entirely. The uncomfortable stretch he'd felt from the wind tunnel after the ink-demons a few days prior had faded, but his hand was still a little tender. And he'd never attempted to draw in anything nearly as large as the behemoth before him. The total weight of the demon wouldn't be so much of a problem, but the thought of his hand tearing filled him with icy dread.

The giant demon's hand, once reaching for the pair, was now being sucked into the wind tunnel. The demon was fighting to stand his ground, pulling back with its considerable strength, but slowly it was being drawn in. Miroku grimaced, feeling the icy burn creeping up his arm as more and more air rushed into the vortex of his palm. It was already longer than he usually kept the wind tunnel open, and he could feel his muscles clenching in response.

"You show him, Miroku!" Shippo's voice cheered from far behind him.

"You got this," Inuyasha encouraged, just loud enough for him to hear.

He could hear Jaken screeching as he fled to the demon's back for safety. The giant was on its knees, its right hand already gone into Miroku's. Inuyasha kept his gaze fixed firmly on Sesshomaru, waiting to see what his brother would do next. His nose and ears were kept on Miroku, though, tracing the hammering heart and increasingly stressed scent. Sesshomaru reached into his robes and pulled out a rough brown sphere, patchy and layered, almost like the hive of some insect. He stared at it for a moment before tossing it into the air. As Inuyasha watched, dozens of insects burst from the sphere. They looked like giant hornets but more than ten times the size. Soon they were caught up in Miroku's wind tunnel, disappearing into his hand. Inuyasha tried to decipher why his instincts were screaming at him that this was bad.

Miroku pulled back slightly but didn't close the wind tunnel. Whatever Sesshomaru had been planning, it didn't appear to be working too well. A jolt ran through him as he realized that the insects weren't being sucked in – they were flying at him. Panic began seeping into the corners of his mind as he fought over what to do. He couldn't close the wind tunnel, not with the giant demon half-way inside of it, but something was off- Wrong! What were they? What-

Pain.

Searing, excruciating pain slammed into him, lacing up his arm, setting the skin alight and instantly bringing him to his knees. The air was punched from his lungs, a scream frozen in his throat. The overfull hollowness that came from overusing his wind tunnel crashed into him, almost knocking him off his feet. Black spots danced in his vision and his head swam. He knew with an overwhelming urgency that he needed the wind tunnel to be closed now. His movements were jerky and uncoordinated with raw panic as he pulled his hand away, retrieving something from his wind tunnel for the first time in his life. The moment giant demon's head and arm re-emerged – though the demon was long dead, and slumped to the ground – Miroku wrapped the mala around his hand and fell back. He collided with Inuyasha's chest and strong arms wrapped around him, clinging to him as much as steadying him.

"Inuyasha," he gasped out. "You'll have to take over."

"Miroku?" Inuyasha's voice was sharp with fear. "What'd they do to you?"

More of the insects were buzzing towards them. Inuyasha swore quietly, laid Miroku on the ground and rushed forward, claws bared. "Iron Reaver, Soul Stealer!"

He was surprised at how easily they were destroyed with a single swipe of his claws. Then again, he wasn't their intended target.

"Miroku!" Shippo cried, darting to his side. "Are you gonna be alright?"

"The venom…" Miroku gasped, another wave of pain washing over him.

A cluster of the insects flew at them. Shippo squeaked, grasping on tighter to Miroku's staff with one hand and jumping into the air. "Foxfire!"

"Careful!" Miroku warned, though the insects flew away from the heat.

"Don't worry," the fox assured. "I can handle them!"

He then let out a shriek as a few more flew at him. He turned and ran, dragging the staff behind him.

"Shippo!" Miroku cried out.

He tried to get to his feet, or even just pull out some sutras, but he couldn't seem to let go of his arm. It was as though by clamping down hard on his forearm, he could somehow stem the flow of venom creeping into his body. Rationally, he knew it was far too late. Whatever part of him was connected to what he sucked up through the wind tunnel, it was on fire with the insects' poison.

Inuyasha landed between Miroku and Sesshomaru, another dozen insects dead at his feet. After sparing a glance at his brother, just making sure he was keeping his distance, he turned back to the monk. He did not look good. He was pale and sweaty, tremors racking through his body and agony in his scent. "Miroku?"

"Sorry, Inuyasha," he smiled a little ruefully. "The venom's gotten to me."

The mask slipped for a heartbeat as pain flashed across his face. The pale-grey of his skin made Inuyasha suck in a strong breath. As much as the pain, the fear creeping into Miroku's scent terrified him. He heard Sesshomaru moving and didn't bother to look before digging his claws into his wrist for "Blades of Blood!"

Sesshomaru lifted the Tessaiga and easily blocked the attack. That was alright – Inuyasha only needed it as a distraction, anyway. He hoisted Miroku's arm over his shoulder and set off around the fallen demon, looking for some shred of cover. His breathing hitched as he realized that Miroku was barely taking any of his own weight. The monk was almost limp in his arms, and the tremors from before were interspersed with violent shudders.

"You owe me big time for this one, Miroku!" he snapped, but his ears were trained on the rapid heartbeat and rasping breaths which grew increasingly laboured. Miroku was going to be okay, wasn't he? His gut curled at the pained expression which no longer held even the pretense of a smile. Panic started to well up inside him.

Shippo let out a gasp and scampered to his side, still clutching Miroku's staff. "He's coming!"

Inuyasha's eyes darted around for a way out of this mess. He ground his teeth as sweat dripped from his brow. Now what? They were trapped on this side of the demon with no way to escape without Sesshomaru finding them. One swing of the Tessaiga would do them all in.

"This is the end for you," Sesshomaru's voice sounded from the other side of the demon's head. "Die."

Miroku's eyes snapped open and he threw his weight onto Inuyasha, knocking the surprised hanyou over. He grabbed his staff from Shippo and held it out, forming a weak barrier just before the blast from Tessaiga washed over them. The barrier dissolved almost instantly and they were showered with bits of demon. Inuyasha grabbed Shippo and tossed him to the side to keep the kit from being buried, then hooked his hands under Miroku's arms and dragged him from the carnage. The monk's face was even paler than before.

Inuyasha clambered back over the pile of demon parts to face Sesshomaru, ears pinned to his head and snarling viciously. His brother chuckled, unfazed. "You stupidity knows no bounds. Run and hide while you can. That, and only that, is the only choice left to you." He smirked slightly. "Then again, perhaps you should stand and face your death. At least you would die with honour."

"Blah, blah, blah," Inuyasha drawled. "Suddenly you're a preacher. Let me give you a piece of advice now that I have your attention – if you're gonna kill someone, do it right the first time! 'Cause otherwise they have a nasty way of coming back to make you regret it." He threw himself toward Sesshomaru, claws bared. "Like this!"

His claws glanced off Tessaiga's blade, sending sparks flying through the air. A small frown tugged at Sesshomaru's lips as he flew into the air, lifting Tessaiga far above his head. "Silence!" he hissed. "I have heard enough!"

Inuyasha barely had time to pull the Tessaiga's sheath from his side to block the blow. Pink energy crackled along the wood. His teeth bared in a feral grin at the confused anger on Sesshomaru's face. He was starting to crack.

Every breath was an effort. Miroku had to concentrate hard to keep from falling over. The pain was fading slightly – or maybe he was just getting used to it – but his body felt weaker with every heartbeat that spread the venom through him. He was startled from his reverie by the frantic mutterings of Sesshomaru's imp.

"Lord Sesshomaru nearly killed me!" he was saying as he emerged from the pile of debris. "His servant! With his own blow! My future may not be in good hands."

Well, that was true. Miroku clamped his hand over the imp's head, pinning him there as he dragged his body closer. Jaken paled as he turned to look on his attacker. "You! You're still alive?"

"Imp!" Miroku wheezed. "How is it that you blocked my wind tunnel?"

"We did?" Jaken asked innocently. "Oh, yes. Well…err…"

"Look out!"

Shippo's warning cry was all that saved him from a face full of flames. Jaken's Human Head Staff spat enough fire to send Miroku tumbling down the pile of demon parts. He landed hard, unable to catch his breath. Shippo darted to his side, glaring back at the imp with blazing eyes. Jaken laughed.

"A weak monk and a puny fox-child. I am powerful enough to take you both on at once!"

"Our history says otherwise!" Miroku shot back, leaning on bravado and nothing else. He tried his best to disguise the fact that, now lying on the ground, he couldn't get up again.

Shippo sprang into the air, throwing all his knickknacks and tricks at Jaken. The imp batted them away easily with his staff, fighting back with shrill taunts. Shippo hurled the giant spinning top at him, but Jaken knocked it out of the air. Shippo landed back next to Miroku, nonplussed more than scared. "I don't get it. That one always works!"

"Save yourself, Shippo," Miroku gasped, barely bracing himself with his forearms against the ground. "Don't worry about me!"

"I'm staying!" Shippo retorted firmly, but Miroku could see the fear in his eyes. They both knew that this was a bad situation. A wall of fire cascaded down the mount of demon flesh from Jaken's staff. Miroku moved without thinking, rolling to his feet and following Shippo as he ran. As they moved out from behind the pile, Miroku caught sight of Inuyasha, desperately trying to keep Sesshomaru at bay.

"Please," Sesshomaru sneered, pressing the sword harder against Inuyasha's grasp. "Trying to resist my Tessaiga with a sheath?"

"This is no ordinary sheath!" Inuyasha growled. "You'll change your mind soon enough, when I use it to crack open that head of yours."

"That will kill me?" Sesshomaru asked, amused. "Let's see you prove it."

He shoved Inuyasha away and swung Tessaiga, barely missing him. Inuyasha leapt back, barely landing before Sesshomaru was hurtling after him. He blocked the first strike on instinct, just catching it with the sheath before the next attack. The sheath went flying from his hand, landing on the ground with a light clatter.

"One strike," Sesshomaru commented dryly. "One more strike and it's over."

Miroku's eyes widened, seeing the cold death in Sesshomaru's eyes. He ripped a sutra from his robes, slapped it onto the head of his staff and threw it at Tessaiga. The metal head collided with the blade with an awful screech, sending sparks flying, but the sword transformed back. Miroku almost smirked to himself. What a shot! Instead he stumbled to his feet, a firm gaze on Sesshomaru as he lifted his right hand, grasping the mala beads with his left.

"Drop the sword," he said, slowly and evenly. "Unless you want to be sucked in!"

Sesshomaru's eyes were hard and calculating. Inuyasha's widened. "Miroku, what're you doing?"

"Inuyasha, make your escape!" Miroku commanded, pulling the beads slowly from his hand. "Hurry!"

They stood there, frozen in time, no one willing to move. Inuyasha's eyes shifted from his brother to Miroku, trying to assess the situation. Sesshomaru was pissed and cocky, but he'd seen what the wind tunnel could do. Miroku's bluff might just be enough to get him to back down. But was it even a bluff? The insects still lurked around, waiting for the moment the wind tunnel opened again. Inuyasha knew that Miroku couldn't handle any more venom. He could smell the strain the monk's body was under even now. But Miroku was desperate. He may even believe he was done for. There was a distinct possibility that Miroku was planning on going out and taking Sesshomaru with him.

And there was no way Inuyasha was going to let that happen.

I was looking through my plans for future episodes and realized that if I continue with my one-a-week upload schedule, this will only take three and a half years to complete! …So from now on, expect the occasional extra uploads. I'll stick to one a week minimum, but I'm going to try to get out two or more from time to time, particularly if it's two-parters like this one.