Hi, friends. As you can probably tell from the title, this chapter reflects the "Fateful Night in Togenkyo" arc from the original Inuyasha story. I've made many changes to the arc to better fit this story, so if you see anything different when I refer to certain situations or people, just know it's different because I'm fitting it with this story. For example, Tokajin is a youkai in this story. There are other changes you will see as well.
Also, the first scene was requested by a friend who would like to remain nameless. Thank you again for the idea :)
There's one thing I would like to say. As far as SessRin goes, I do ship them, as I'm sure you all have seen if you've read my other stories. BUT I only ship them when Rin is an adult, and I mean an adult adult, not an adult by the Feudal Era's standards. I know there's a huge debate going on right now about SessRin, especially with the sequel about to premiere, so I just want to make sure everyone knows I don't condone the ship when Rin is younger (so if she's the mom...uh...let's not talk about it). That's why I've included her age in the first scene so it's absolutely clear she's an adult. So...please don't hate me!
*reposted chapter 8/23/2020 because an error was pointed out
Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha or its characters. All rights to Rumiko Takahashi.
Chapter 20: Destiny in Togenkyo
As the wind whipped through his long silver hair, Sesshomaru flew toward his next destination.
All four tribes of wolves, including Koga the Wolf Prince, ran along behind him. The wolf tribes had been the only ones that had offered to accompany him north to meet up with Inuyasha to fight Naraku. Sesshomaru had gone to try and recruit youkai to help during the impending battle, but he would never force his youkai into a confrontation.
Sesshomaru knew the final moments would come down to solely Inuyasha and Kagome, but leading up until then, especially with Naraku's reincarnations and the final Band of Seven member Inuyashsa had mentioned in his letter, Sesshomaru would try to help as much as he could.
He and the wolves were headed in the direction of the ox-tiger, hoping to pick up at least a few more youkai along the way.
Sesshomaru was not one to fear battle. He was fearless and valiant, never shying away from an enemy.
Now, as the prophecy he'd heard fifty years ago began to unravel, he felt no different than usual.
If anything, his resolve for victory had intensified.
He thought back on the moment he'd received a second letter from Inuyasha that had been attached to the small neko-youkai.
"What is that, darling?" Rin had asked him after the small cat, Kirara as Inuyasha had written was her name, delivered the letter.
Sesshomaru sat down on his throne and took a few moments to read it. "Hm. It appears Inuyasha has discovered the whereabouts of Naraku." Rin clapped her hands together happily.
"That's so good to hear," she exclaimed as she came to sit on the arm of his throne. "What will you do next?"
Sesshomaru set the letter down on his lap and reached one of his clawed hands out to rest on the small swell of Rin's stomach.
His wife, at only twenty-three-years-old, had already seen more horrors than most would see in a lifetime.
He hadn't told Inuyasha, but Rin had been dead when Sesshomaru had found her. Her entire family had been slain by thieves, but Rin's body had been the only one that hadn't been completely devoured by animals.
Sesshomaru had pulled out the Tenseiga and resurrected her, and the curiosity, awe, and surprise in her eyes had been the first thing to draw him to her.
She never feared him. She'd only loved him even from the very beginning.
Rin had been the first person on whom he had ever used the Tenseiga, and as each day with her passed, he became more and more grateful for it.
As he told Rin about the rest of what Inuyasha had discussed in the letter, she ran a gentle hand through his hair.
"You and Inuyasha are strong," she encouraged. "And with other youkai behind you, I know you'll be successful." Sesshomaru gently ran his hand over her stomach before wrapping his arms around her.
"And maybe you could talk to Inuyasha when you see him?" Rin suggested gently.
Sesshomaru frowned. "I will have to, wife, so that we may figure out how to proceed."
Rin laughed and shook her head. "Of course, husband. I mean talk to him about...well, your history, especially with the baby coming...a hanyo baby. Plus...I would like for him to know our child. I'm sure he has wisdom about being a hanyo he could share."
Sesshomaru couldn't bring himself to admit that Rin's pregnancy had begun to change him fundamentally. As he watched his hanyo child grow within Rin's womb, he wondered what the child would look like.
Oddly enough, Inuyasha's face is what would appear. Inuyasha as a young child, running around with his hanyo heritage, being ridiculed and tormented by Sesshomaru.
Perhaps it was impending fatherhood, but Sesshomaru was guilt-ridden, especially since he was now awaiting the birth of his own hanyo child.
Rin had been encouraging him to make amends for the way he'd treated Inuyasha, and as Rin's belly grew a little more each day, he found himself wanting to make those amends.
"I will, Rin," Sesshomaru finally conceded. "I only wish I didn't have to leave you to do so."
Rin shook her head. "I'm proud of you. I can only hope eradicating Naraku and the fulfillment of the prophecy will lead to a new era of peace. You're leading your youkai to victory. Even though I'll miss you dearly while you're gone."
Sesshomaru reached up to cup her cheek. "I love you," he murmured before placing a soft kiss on her lips.
Rin smiled. "I would also like to know if Inuyasha and Kagome have admitted their feelings for each other. It was written all over their faces when we first met." Sesshomaru rolled his eyes.
"Rin," he replied, "you are much too romantic for your own good."
Rin laughed and kissed his cheek. "I don't see you complaining about it."
Now as he flew toward Naraku to meet up with Inuyasha and his companions, Sesshomaru's resolve grew.
The daiyoukai put his unwavering faith into the captain and the hanyo and continued on toward what he knew would be their shared destiny.
O.o.O.o.O
Kagome's heart raced as she leaned into the firm body of a certain handsome hanyo.
His claws were buried in her hair, guiding their kisses and pulling her as close as possible.
Kagome sighed against his mouth and briefly pretended they were back on the ship, tucked comfortably in their bed with all the room offered by a queen-sized mattress.
But they weren't. They were in a tree, trying to keep their balance without removing their hands from each other.
The captain had been aching for Inuyasha's touch since they'd resumed their journey to the northeast, but there were only so many opportunities to sneak away in an attempt to get their fill of each other.
It was mostly after Miroku and Sango had already fallen asleep. Kagome and Inuyasha would share a glance before getting up and silently hurrying to the tallest tree they could find.
It would start with Kagome curling up in Inuyasha's arms as he leaned against the trunk of the tree. His claws would gently run up and down her back as her hand settled on his heart.
Eventually, she would move that hand from his chest up to his neck, stroking the skin for a moment before leaning back and moving the hand to his cheek.
His smile made her melt as his claws slid up into her hair. She would lean up as he leaned down and they would fall into the same familiar embrace, kissing each other like it was the last time.
Somehow, Kagome never got tired of it, and she knew she never would, either.
His touch was too affectionate, his lips too gentle or too heated, for her to ever not want him.
As his lips moved over hers during their nights in the tree, she found herself longing for the day they could be together without any sort of impending disaster. It was one of the things she wanted most: to be with him in peace.
But for now, she would enjoy and appreciate the moments in the tree that made her heart race and blood run hot in her body.
Inuyasha pulled away suddenly, leaning his forehead against her.
"I need to tell you something," he murmured. Kagome nodded, sneaking one more kiss before leaning her head against his chest.
"What is it?" she replied, mimicking his quiet tone.
Inuyasha was silent for a moment, causing Kagome to sit up. She looked at him expectantly, but he quickly dropped his gaze. Frowning in concern, Kagome gently cupped his cheek in her hand and moved his face toward her.
"What is it?" she repeated. "Are you okay?" Inuyasha finally met her gaze.
"I just want you to know," he began, "that this, you and me, I want it...forever."
Kagome's eyes widened, wondering what had prompted his admission.
She only smiled. "So do I."
Inuyasha perked up. "Yeah?" Kagome nodded.
"Of course," she confirmed. "How could I not after all of this?"
Inuyasha smiled and moved his hands to cup her cheeks.
"I've said it before and I'll say it again...you're gonna be the death of me, woman."
Kagome laughed and pulled him back down into another kiss.
Throughout the beauty of the pleasure he brought her, she pondered what could have brought on his declaration.
Have I said anything recently to spark that? she wondered. I don't think so...but it doesn't matter. We're on the same page about everything, and that's what I care about.
They finished their alone portion of the night curled up together, basking in the sensations of each other. Kagome thrived on his touch and eagerly leaned her head into his hand as he gently ran his claws through her wild hair.
"Is there anything else you need to tell me?" she teased lightly.
Inuyasha smiled. "Uh, I love you?"
Kagome laughed and shook her head, placing a kiss on his palm before laying back against his chest.
They were quiet for a few moments, allowing the peaceful embrace to comfort them silently.
Kagome was nearly asleep when Inuyasha spoke again.
"We're getting close," Inuyasha murmured. "We should find Naraku fairly soon." Kagome nodded.
"Yeah…" she replied. "I hope this time it'll be the end. I don't know what we'll do if it's another loss."
Inuyasha tightened his arms around her. "I know, but I don't think it'll be like that again. Whatever Naraku is planning, we're going to see it when we find him. We'll get him this time. I can feel it."
Inuyasha had been testing his sword out every day since they'd parted from Totosai and Myoga, but it hadn't gotten any easier for him to wield. The frustration was obviously starting to wear on him.
They'd figured they would reach Naraku in good time, but that proved to be not quite true.
Kirara had returned shortly before they left for Totosai's home, with a note stating that Sesshomaru would meet them in a little under three weeks. According to the note he'd given Kirara, he'd managed to recruit a solid number of youkai to aid them in the coming battle.
Kagome knew that Inuyasha had already figured Koga would probably come, but seeing him listed didn't make him any less annoyed.
Or guilty after what had happened at Naraku's castle...
They weren't sure how much further they would have to travel until they reached Naraku's castle, so they didn't know how much longer Inuyasha would have to figure out how to make his sword usable again.
The closer they got, the antsier they all became.
We just need to make sure we get there when Sesshomaru said to meet him.
Traveling was fairly quiet, and Kagome could tell they were all playing through every possible scenario in their own minds.
Eight days after setting off from Totosai's home, Kagome picked up on another aura.
"There's a youkai nearby," Kagome quietly announced to the group. Inuyasha nodded from her side.
"I feel it, too," he replied. "Should we go see them?"
Kagome looked at Sango and Miroku, silently asking if they would mind. At their affirmative nods, Kagome felt out the aura and determined the exact location.
As they approached the aura, Kagome felt an odd twinge within it. It was almost...human, but not quite.
"Do you think it's a hanyo?" Kagome asked, figuring Inuyasha would have sensed the abnormality.
Inuyasha frowned. "No, but there's definitely something weird about it."
Before Kagome could answer, a giant...thing appeared, grabbed Inuyasha, and disappeared.
"What the-Inuyasha?" Kagome called before looking to Miroku and Sango. "Did you guys see that?"
"Yeah, I could smell it, too," Miroku said as he waved his hand in front of his nose to disperse the odor. "What was that thing?"
Kagome frowned. "Some sort of youkai, and it took Inuyasha. We have to find him."
"Can either of you sense him nearby?" Sango asked. Kagome closed her eyes and searched out Inuyasha's aura as well as the strange one she'd felt before he disappeared.
The barest hint of it was there, so Kagome decided it was their best bet to follow it.
"Yes," Kagome confirmed. "Do you, Miroku?" Miroku half-shrugged.
"A bit," he replied. "Let's go."
They began to head in the direction of Inuyasha's aura as well as the strange one they'd felt.
Something is definitely not right here...
O.o.O.o.O
Inuyasha nearly gagged at the putrid odor that assaulted his senses.
Some strange being had grabbed him and transported him somewhere else before he even realized what was happening
Now he was in an odd dark sort of room. He was alone, with only the stench to keep him company.
He looked around for any sort of light or presence of anyone else, but found none.
"Oi!" he shouted. "Show yourself!"
No answer.
Inuyasha huffed and tried to figure out what his next move should be.
Suddenly, light filled the room and the smell grew even stronger. Inuyasha had to stifle a gag as he looked toward the source of the light.
"I apologize for the sudden recruitment," a rather sincere and friendly voice said. "I saw you walking and figured you would be perfect to help me."
"How about you turn the lights on first," Inuyasha demanded. "Then we'll see."
"Oh, of course," the voice said. The lights flicked on, causing Inuyasha to wince at the sudden brightness.
When he was able to see, his eyes widened at the sight before him.
It was a huge youkai, barreling several feet taller than Inuyasha and built like a boulder and smelling fouler than anything Inuyasha had ever smelled.
"I see you have the notable silver hair and golden eyes," the youkai commented. "There's some human in your aura, though...does that mean you definitely are Inuyasha?"
Inuyasha frowned. "Yes," he confirmed. "Who's asking?"
The youkai bowed. "I am Tokajin. You have my condolences for the loss of the inu-youkai from several months ago. That was a terrible loss for our community."
Inuyasha was puzzled. I've never heard of a Tokajin. I wonder if Sesshomaru has…
"Yeah, it sucked," Inuyasha replied flatly. "Now what do you want with me?"
Tokajin turned to leave the room, beckoning Inuyasha to follow him.
"Come with me, my lord," he requested. "I'll show you."
Uncertain of what exactly was happening, Inuyasha followed the youkai.
Normally it's great when two youkai cross paths, Inuyasha mused. But this guy just seems strange.
Tokajin led Inuyasha through a long corridor. Looking around as they walked, Inuyasha saw many items adorning the walls.
There were kimonos, weapons, hair ribbons, shoes, and many other common items.
"What's with all this stuff on the walls?" Inuyasha asked. "You collect antiques or something?"
Tokajin chuckled. "Or something, my lord." Inuyasha made a sour face.
"Drop the 'my lord' crap. I don't live at the palace. I ain't a lord."
Tokajin shook his head. "I was a loyal subject to Lord Toga. You are his son; therefore, you are my lord."
Yuck. That just sounds weird.
"Whatever," Inuyasha said. "Where are we going?"
"You'll see," Tokajin replied. "It's right up here. I want to show you my collection."
Raising an eyebrow, Inuyasha wondered how much more of these random items Tokajin could possibly have in his "collection."
O.o.O.o.O
Kagome and Miroku stayed on high-alert as they followed the strange aura. There was a lingering odor that Kagome knew she could only smell due to her youkai senses, so she used that as a way to guide them as well.
"It was a youkai, right?" Sango asked. Kagome nodded.
"Yes, so Inuyasha should be safe," she replied. "It's just odd how he disappeared."
Suspicious is more like it, Kagome pondered. If the youkai were looking for other youkai, why wouldn't he have taken me as well? She frowned. This is starting to get really weird.
They continued walking for a few more minutes until Kagome felt an odd sensation on her skin.
"Hey, do you guys feel that-"
She cut herself off when she turned around.
Miroku and Sango had disappeared, leaving only Kagome and Kirara.
Kagome glanced down at the neko-youkai. "What do you think just happened?"
Kirara mewed, obviously confused as well.
Looking around, Kagome figured that they'd walked through a barrier; that must have been the odd sensation she'd felt on her skin.
It must have been, for she now felt not only Inuyasha's aura, but also the aura of another youkai.
It feels like there might be humans here, too, she realized. But...why? How? Their auras feel so...small.
"Do you want to go with me, Kirara?" Kagome asked. "If you want to go back through the barrier with Sango and Miroku, that's okay." Kirara mewed affirmatively, which Kagome had been expecting. She figured Kirara wouldn't want to leave Sango somewhere strange just in case something happened.
Kagome smiled. Kirara is so protective of Sango. I'm glad they have each other.
"I'll bring Inuyasha back," Kagome promised. "We'll meet up with you all soon."
Kirara nodded and scurried off. She disappeared a moment later, having made it through the barrier and back to the other side.
Kagome turned and resumed walking in the direction of Inuyasha's aura.
There's definitely something strange going on here. But what?
Increasing her pace, Kagome quickly continued on.
There was a large mountain up ahead that she hadn't seen before crossing the barrier.
That must be where they are. I can feel many auras coming from there.
There was also a large, looming tree with branches hanging over the edge of a cliff on the mountain. There was something eerie about it, but Kagome pressed on, focusing on finding Inuyasha and figuring out what kind of youkai had taken him.
O.o.O.o.O
"So tell me, Inuyasha," Tokajin said as he led Inuyasha to a large door. "What do you think of humans?"
Inuyasha frowned. "What do you mean?" Tokajin grabbed a key from his pocket and stuck it in the lock.
"Do you like humans?" Tokajin asked as he twisted the key.
"For the most part," Inuyasha replied. "The good ones. Why do you ask?"
Tokajin hummed. "There are so many bad ones, though, wouldn't you say?" Inuyasha didn't respond; he just waited for Tokajin to finally open the door.
Once the door had swung open, Inuyasha felt an assault of auras hit him like a wave.
There were easily a hundred human auras in the room, but all he saw was a rather large box in the middle of the room.
"Where are all those human auras coming from?" Inuyasha asked. "Do you have humans here?"
Tokajin put the key back into his pocket and sighed in contentment.
"I do," he confirmed. "Unlike you, I believe that all humans are bad. Think about it, Inuyasha. Their ancestors slaughtered our kind. They all deserve to suffer the same fate."
Inuyasha's eyes widened. "What do you mean? What are you doing to the humans you have? Where are they?" Tokajin nodded toward the box in the middle of the room.
Inuyasha rushed over to it and saw that there was no lid. He peeked inside and saw what looked like a meadow with dozens of humans, tiny humans, some running around and others sitting in the grass motionless.
"What is this?" Inuyasha asked in horror. "Are those real humans or some sort of weird enchantment?"
Tokajin laughed. "They're real. Would you like to see?"
Before Inuyasha could shout a loud heck no, Tokajin was reaching into the box and grabbing one of the humans.
Inuyasha's eyes widened at the small form no bigger than Tokajin's hand. He heard quiet screaming from the human and saw the trepidation in his eyes.
"What are you doing with these humans?" Inuyasha asked. "Let them go!"
Tokajin tossed the human back into the box and wiped his hand on his pant leg.
"Inuyasha, my lord," he began, "humans have been killing our kind for over fifty years. They slaughtered us during the war and destroyed the peace we had. Our population has only continued to dwindle since then."
Inuyasha frowned. "Yeah, so what does that have to do with these humans?"
Tokajin sighed and ran a hand over the edge of the box.
"I want them to pay," he said simply. "I want them to understand how we youkai feel."
Inuyasha's eyes widened. "You...you're going to kill them?"
Tokajin smiled. "Yes, and you're going to help me."
O.o.O.o.O
Kagome continued her trek toward the auras and began to feel many other human ones, but there was something peculiar about them.
It was as if they were far away, but even that didn't quite seem to explain the odd sensation. It was like they were tiny. The auras all felt small.
What kind of a place is this? Kagome wondered. What is a youkai doing with so many humans?
Kagome made quick work of climbing the mountain when she reached it. Once she'd pulled herself up on the cliff, she got a better look at the looming tree.
There was fruit hanging from the branches, but it didn't look like any fruit she'd ever seen before. Upon closer inspection, she realized the fruit had a human-like shape to it; it was as if human heads were hanging from the tree.
Yeah, there's definitely something disturbing happening here.
Walking past the tree, Kagome continued on until she found a large mansion. All of the auras she felt were coming from the mansion, including Inuyasha's.
The captain eagerly scanned the sides of the mansion for some sort of entrance, but it seemed like there weren't any. She couldn't even find any windows.
What kind of place is this?
Finally, she stumbled upon a door after walking around almost the entire mansion. She kicked it in, more focused on finding Inuyasha quickly than being quiet about her entrance.
She assumed a fighting stance when she entered the dark mansion, but no one appeared.
Keeping her guard up, Kagome moved forward. She soon found herself in a long corridor with several doors on each side.
As she hurried through the long hallway, she peeked in each door she walked past but found them all empty.
It's like this place is completely empty, she mused as she continued. If it weren't for all the auras I feel, I would have thought this place was totally abandoned. It's so dark and creepy.
The aura she'd felt appear before Inuyasha had been taken suddenly flared nearby.
Kagome opened the next door down the corridor and was met by a foul stench and a disturbing aura.
It was a giant youkai with its back to the door and its massive hands clasped behind its back.
"Hello?" she called. "Who are you?"
The youkai turned around and smiled.
"Welcome," the youkai greeted. "You have quite an interesting aura. You're youkai, yes? But human, as well...more human than youkai."
Kagome frowned. "That's correct. I'm looking for someone you took. Where is he?"
Tokajin nodded. "You must mean Inuyasha." Kagome nodded firmly.
"Yes," she confirmed. "I felt your aura appear for a moment, take Inuyasha, then disappear with him. I want you to release him to me."
Tokajin peered at her for a moment. "How fascinating. You're in love with him. It's written all over your face."
He's right, Kagome thought to herself. But there's something odd in the way he said it. Something...predatory.
"Have you done something to him?" Kagome demanded. "Where is he?"
Tokajin smiled. "Tell me something. What is your name?"
Kagome hesitated. "It's Kagome. Now where is Inuyasha?" Tokajin hummed.
"I must say, Kagome," he began, "if it weren't for the repulsive amount of human in your aura, I might want to have you as my own. But I suppose we can't control what aura we receive at birth. What a shame."
Alarms bells began to ring all throughout Kagome's head. This youkai...he obviously hated humans.
But if he hates humans, why does he have so many here?
It only took a moment to realize.
Eyes widening, Kagome began to back away from Tokajin. "What are you doing with all the humans you have here? Are you harming them?"
Tokajin sighed. "You're so defensive of them, just like Inuyasha. With so much human in your heritage, I understand why. Inuyasha is only half-human, yet he was just as horrified when I explained to him what my plans are. Would you like for me to tell you, too?"
Kagome growled. "Are you planning to harm the humans?"
Tokajin turned his back on Kagome again, his back radiating the angst he was obviously feeling.
"Humans are the reason the youkai population has decreased so rapidly during the last several decades," Tokajin explained. "It's time for humans to pay for what they've done."
Kagome's eyes widened. "So you want to kill them? Why?"
Tokajin turned back to face her, his eyes flashing. "How dare you ask me why? You, who bear the blood of a youkai tainted by so much human. There is still youkai in your heritage. Are you not proud enough of that heritage that you can't see why humans deserve to die just as our kind has died?"
Kagome shook her head. "You're crazy! Killing humans won't make up for all the youkai that have died."
Tokajin scoffed. "I should have figured you wouldn't understand. I'll reunite you with Inuyasha. How does that sound? You're both traitors to the youkai race for not joining me. You'll die with the rest of the humans."
He moved to pull a sword from his side, but Kagome was quicker.
She shot a large blast of spiritual energy from her hand, effectively stunning Tokajin and knocking the lumbering youkai onto his back.
Ignoring his shouts of pain, Kagome immediately ran from the room in search of Inuyasha.
"Inuyasha!" she screamed as she ran down the corridor. "Inuyasha, can you hear me?"
She raced through the corridor until she reached a door at the end of it.
Kagome didn't hesitate in throwing the door open and rushing into the room. She instantly felt Inuyasha's aura, as well as the other human ones.
The room was empty, save for a box in the middle of it.
All of the auras are radiating from that box, she realized. How is that possible?
She approached the box hesitantly, uncertain of what she might find in it.
When she looked into it, she gasped.
O.o.O.o.O
Inuyasha growled, albeit very humanly, and looked around for a way to escape the box.
He'd felt himself start to shrink as soon as Tokajin had pushed him into it, but the worst part was that Tokajin had somehow managed to rip his youkai power from him.
"You don't deserve to yield such power in your aura!" Tokajin had shouted as he shoved Inuyasha into the box. "You will become a human and I will devour you just like the others!"
Now here Inuyasha was: trapped in a box as a tiny human.
There were dozens of other humans with him, so he ran to the first one he saw.
"Oi!" he called. "What kind of place is this?"
The human nodded to him. "Tokajin kidnapped us all and put us in here. We are just awaiting death now."
Inuyasha frowned. The man seemed so...peaceful. It was as if he knew his fate and no longer feared it.
"He said he wants to kill humans," Inuyasha replied. "How does he do it? Why are you all in this box instead of, well, in his stomach?"
The man shook his head. "When he has eaten all the fruit on the tree, he will use us in the soil. Our souls will grow as fruit on the tree, and he will eat them. He put us here to wait for that time."
Inuysha's eyes widened. "And you're okay with that?" he shouted. "No way am I turning into fruit and getting eaten! We have to find a way to get out of here."
The man sighed. "We've tried. There is no way."
Inuyasha huffed. "What's your name?"
"Enishi," the man replied. Inuyasha nodded.
"Well, Enishi, my name is Inuyasha and I'm pretty good at getting out of troublesome situations. I'm fairly certain I can get us all out of this one."
Enishi's eyes widened. "How?"
Inuyasha smiled. "I'm one half of a power-couple."
O.o.O.o.O
Kagome was horrified at the sight she saw in the box.
It was full of humans. They were milling around, trapped in the box like a miniature society.
"Hello?" Kagome said. "Can you all hear me?"
Only one human turned to answer her.
Tiny brown eyes met her blue ones, and Kagome barely managed to pick out the faintest shout of her name.
"Inuyasha?" she shrieked.
Her hanyo was in his human form despite the new moon's absence from the sky. He was just as tiny as all of the other humans; Kagome figured this was what Tokajin had meant.
"What should I do?" Kagome asked, keeping her eyes on the mini-Inuyasha.
He was shouting something back, but she couldn't make out the words.
Daring to try something, Kagome reached her hand down into the box and gently grabbed Inuyasha in her hand.
"What do you think you're doing?"
Kagome jumped and nearly dropped Inuyasha as Tokajin barrelled into the room, shouting at the top of his lungs.
"You're sick!" Kagome shouted. "You're keeping these people in a box like your own personal dollhouse? What's wrong with you?"
Tokajin charged her, but Kagome jumped out of the way before he could hit her.
Instead of Kagome, Tokajin ran straight into the box, knocking it over onto its side.
The box began to emit a bright light, and the tiny humans began to pour out before growing back into human-like sizes. Inuyasha jumped from Kagome's hand as he began to grow as well.
"No!" Tokajin shouted. "How dare you?!"
When the humans were finally at their full height, they took one look at Tokajin, screamed in fear, and ran out of the room.
"You can't escape!" Tokajin shouted. "The barrier will keep you in! I will devour you!"
The only one that remained in the room was Inuyasha, although he was still in his human form.
A clawless hand grabbed Kagome's as he pulled her out of the room.
"Let's go!" he shouted as they ran back down the corridor.
"Get back here!" Tokajin bellowed.
"Why are you a human?" Kagome asked Inuyasha as they ran. Inuyasha shook his head.
"He told me I didn't deserve to be youkai," he replied, "because I sympathize with humans. He turned me human so he could eat me, too. He has some sort of weird magic...I can't explain it."
Kagome glanced at him as they hurried to exit the building.
"We'll find a way to change you back," Kagome promised. "Let's just get out of here first."
Inuyasha couldn't help but smile at her. "I knew you'd come." Kagome laughed.
"Of course I came, silly," she replied. "I can't let you have all the fun."
Tokajin was still after them when they made it outside.
Just as the massive youkai had said, the humans were stuck nearby, unable to even get off of the cliff near the mansion.
"He must have a second barrier for the humans here," Kagome announced as she and Inuyasha came to a halt.
"We're going to just have to fight him," Inuyasha said as he assumed a fighting stance. "We can take him."
Kagome shook her head. "Let me do this," she insisted. "You're strong, but you're also human. If something were to happen to you...just let me do this."
Inuyasha frowned at her. "We're in this together, woman. You can't get rid of me that easily."
Before she could argue further, Tokajin burst from the mansion and lunged for them.
Kagome shoved Inuyasha out of the way before launching herself at Tokajin. She charged her hands full of spiritual power and blasted him.
"What should I do, Inuyasha?" she asked. "I can't kill him. He's youkai!"
Inuyasha growled. "I know...there has to be another way!"
Tokajin stole Kagome's attention as he threw another punch at her.
O.o.O.o.O
Inuyasha watched in horror as Kagome fought off Tokajin.
He'd hoped he would have returned to his hanyo form after being released from the box, but so far, he'd had no such luck.
With every groan of effort that came from Kagome's mouth, Inuyasha grew angrier and angrier.
What am I supposed to do when I'm like this? he wondered. I don't have any claws and the Tessaiga is still heavy!
He huffed in frustration.
I can't just stand here! he shouted internally. I have to at least try to do something.
In an act of pure desperation, he pulled out the Tessaiga and aimed at Tokajin, who was still preoccupied with fighting Kagome, so Inuyasha figured he would at least have the element of surprise on his side.
But the Tessaiga didn't transform at all.
He waited a moment, then another moment, then another, but nothing happened.
"So you don't work when I'm human?" he shouted at the sword. He growled at the rusty katana, but he figured it was better than nothing.
Inuyasha waited until Tokajin was recoiling from a hit from Kagome. Then he moved.
Releasing a fierce battle cry, Inuyasha aimed the Tessaiga at Tokajin's heart and lunged.
Barely a scratch.
"Inuyasha, get out of the way!" Kagome shouted. "What are you doing?"
"I'm trying to-" Inuyasha's shout was cut off by a fierce punch from Tokajin.
The breath was knocked from his lungs as he was propelled harshly onto the ground. The Tessaiga fell from his hand, clattering to the ground at his side.
He heard Kagome call his name, but he could hardly move from where he'd been thrown.
The sounds of the continued altercation between Kagome and Tokajin rang out in the air, but Inuyasha found he couldn't move.
There was something swirling around in the pit of his stomach as his eyes could do nothing but remain locked on the sky above him.
"Inuyasha!"
Kagome's voice sounded far away and hazy, but it finally started bringing Inuyasha back from the daze into which he'd fallen.
It happened in an instant, but seemed to move in slow-motion.
Inuyasha sat up to find Kagome moving toward him, her attention locked on him.
Tokajin came up behind her with the sword from his side raised, ready to strike Kagome in her back.
No…
As if no longer in control of his body, Inuyasha moved.
Without pausing to think, he pushed Kagome out of the way as he jumped up, grabbing the Tessaiga and launching himself at Tokajin.
Gone was the heaviness of the Tessaiga. As Inuyasha raised it over his head to strike at Tokajin, the sword had transformed and returned to its normal sensation of simply being an extension of his arm.
He swung it, and a power unlike anything he'd ever felt with Tessaiga before erupted from his body.
Large beams of light shot from the sword, hitting Tokajin head-on and illuminating him with bright flashes of power.
When the light finally faded, Tokajin was lying motionless on the ground, unconscious to the world.
Inuyasha's eyes widened as he looked at the Tessaiga. The transformed fang looked the same as if always did, but it felt completely different.
I've mastered it as my own, he realized in awe. Tessaiga...it's really mine now.
He noticed his hands around the hilt had claws on them as he felt his dog ears return to the top of his head. Silver hair hung down his back, still swinging a bit from the impact of the attack.
"Inuyasha!" Kagome called as she ran to his side. She kissed him quickly before motioning to the Tessaiga.
"What was that?" she asked. "I've never seen anything like it."
Inuyasha looked at the blade. "Kaze no Kizu," he replied, the name of the attack coming to his mind almost on instinct. "The Wind Scar."
Kagome smiled. "It was amazing. Does this mean you've mastered the sword?" Inuyasha nodded and put it back in its sheath.
Protecting Kagome...how it always goes. I wouldn't want it any other way.
He and Kagome walked over to the unconscious Tokajin still sprawled on the ground.
"What should we do with him?" Kagome asked.
Inuyasha shook his head. "I don't know. I don't want to kill him. There has to be something else we can do."
Before either of them could speak again, Tokajin began to glow. A faint light emitted from his body, engulfing him in a soft glow.
"What's happening?" Kagome asked.
The light of Tokajin's body began to fade, leaving a new body in its wake.
Instead of looking like a giant, lumbering youkai, Tokajin had transformed into a smaller turtle youkai.
"Uh, Tokajin?" Inuyasha said. Tokajin sat up carefully, meeting Inuyasha's gaze.
"What did you do to me?" he asked, his voice calm and serene. "What happened to my body?"
Kagome walked over to kneel in front of him. "I think this must be your true form. Tell me, what happened to you? How did you become that way?"
Tokajin took in a shallow breath, his strength obviously beginning to drain from his body.
"I was angry and full of hate," he explained weakly. "The youkai community...we've been abused and killed for so many years. It ate away at me until I became...what you saw."
Inuyasha shook his head. "All of that will end soon. I promise you."
Tokajin closed his eyes. "I only wish I could see it."
His body began to glow again for a moment.
Inuyasha heard him sigh quietly before the light faded.
Tokajin was gone.
"I think he's at peace now," Kagome said quietly. "Your Wind Scar must have destroyed the evil in him." Inuyasha nodded before reaching out to take her hand.
"Yeah," he agreed.
He turned to look at the humans still gathered nearby.
Their gazes were full of fear as they watched Kagome and Inuyasha.
"You all are safe now," Inuyasha announced. "You should go back home."
Enishi was the first human to step up. "You're a youkai?"
Inuyasha nodded. "I am. So is Kagome here."
Enishi paused for a moment. "You were so kind to me, Inuyasha, and you both saved us...does this mean you're not going to kill us?"
Inuyasha and Kagome shook their heads.
"No," Kagome assured him. "We're not going to harm you in any way. Can we help you get back to your homes?"
Enishi looked at them in awe. "Why wouldn't you kill us like Tokajin wanted to?"
"Youkai don't want to kill humans," Inuyasha explained. "Tokajin was rare, but you saw him. His bitterness about the death of our kind warped him into someone he wasn't. Youkai don't want to kill humans. We are not a danger to you."
All of the humans exchanged silent glances.
"We've always been taught that youkai want to kill us," Enishi replied. "We've been taught they don't want peace."
"That's all we want," Inuyasha corrected. "We're fighting for peace. We want to end the tensions between humans and youkai. We will end the tensions."
"We will tell everyone of this," Enishi promised. "What you've done for us...how you saved us all...we will not keep it quiet."
Inuyasha and Kagome bowed to them.
"Thank you," Kagome said, her voice shaky. Inuyasha could smell the tears she was trying to keep from falling.
The humans departed from the mansion, now free without the barrier trapping them in.
Once alone, Inuyasha and Kagome turned toward each other.
Without hesitation, Kagome threw herself into Inuyasha's arms, and he wasted no time in holding her fervently.
"Kagome," he murmured, "it's started. The peace we're destined to bring...it's coming. First Jinenji, now this...it's hope."
Kagome laughed happily. "I know. Finally."
"We need to cut down this tree, though," Inuyasha said as they pulled away. "Human souls are trapped in the fruit. Tokajin had been eating them and using their souls to strengthen him. Once we cut down the tree, the souls should be free to pass on in peace."
Kagome nodded. "I can't believe what happened to Tokajin. It's all so crazy."
Inuyasha pulled out the Tessaiga and aimed it at the trunk of the tree. "I know, but changes are happening. The world is evolving."
Inuyasha hacked away at the wood until the tree had fallen down. Before it could even hit the ground, the fruits began to glow before drifting up and regaining their forms as human souls. In a wave of peace, they soared off into the sky.
"Well, that's over," Inuyasha said as he sheathed the Tessaiga. "Let's get out of here. We have a prophecy to fulfill."
Kagome smiled and took his hand as they began to head back to their friends.
It took them a while to reach Miroku, Sango, and Kirara, and when they were finally in sight, Inuyasha and Kagome smiled.
"Kagome!" Sango shouted as she ran toward her. The two women embraced quickly before Sango pulled away to make sure Inuyasha and Kagome were alright.
"You guys were gone for over a week!" she exclaimed. "What happened?"
Inuyasha's stomach dropped.
"What are you talking about?" Kagome asked. "We were only gone for a little more than two hours."
Miroku shook his head. "Kagome, it's been nine days. What happened to you?"
Inuyasha met Kagome's gaze and saw his confusion reflected in her eyes.
"Time must have passed differently beyond the barrier," Inuyasha said. "It must have been part of Toakjin's power."
"Who is Tokajin?" Miroku cut in. "Did he harm you?"
Kagome shook her head. "It's a long story, but we're fine. We were really gone for nine days?"
Sango nodded. "Yes, which means we only have a few days to make it to where Naraku is. Sesshomaru's note said he'd be there in five days. We need to hurry."
Inuyasha and Kagome nodded firmly.
"Let's do it," Kagome announced.
The group set off as Kagome began to explain what had happened with Tokajin. They all agreed that destiny was evolving the era into one of peace between humans and youkai. Inuyasha was relieved, but he was also saddened that Tokajin had died before he got to see it.
Kagome took his hand and squeezed it encouragingly, reading his mind just like she always did.
He smiled at her, taking in the sight of the small woman he loved so dearly.
We're so close, he mused. I can feel it.
O.o.O.o.O
Naraku smirked.
The witch had finally started cooperating. It had taken days of torture, but Naraku had finally managed to break her.
"Now, Urasue," he boomed. "You will do what I ask."
Urasue, covered in blood and unable to get up from where she was kneeling, nodded weakly.
"Give it to me," she requested. "I'll do what you want. But I've told you before: it won't work with something so small." Naraku patted her head and handed her the small portion of Kagome's soul.
"I imagine they will be here soon," Naraku replied. "Do what you can until then. You have the reputation of the most powerful witch in the world. I'm certain there's something you can do."
Urasue's shoulders dropped, but she nodded and held the portion of the soul in her palms before closing her eyes.
Leaving her to do what she needed, Naraku exited the cave to find Kagura and Kanna.
"Go find the captain and the hanyo," he ordered. "I want to know where they are and how long we have until they arrive." Kagura, in her usual defiant manner, just rolled her eyes and transformed her feather.
Kanna silently mounted the feather with her, and they soon flew off to search out Kagome and Inuyasha.
Naraku smiled and went back into the cave to make sure Urasue continued her task swiftly. He wanted everything to be ready by the time destiny came knocking on his door.
Everything is turning out perfectly, he mused. I once wanted to use the jewel to turn into a full-youkai, but this will be so much better. I must say, I'm pleased that the jewel didn't grant me my wish. Such serendipity. Now I will get what I've always wanted.
To be continued…
This chapter was super fun to plan but SO hard to write omg. That's why I missed my weekly update *smiles sheepishly* I do hope you all enjoyed.
So here's some sad news...we only have a couple more chapters left in this story. I only see maybe three more, give or take. I'll be so sad when this is over! Thank you all so much for reading and leaving so many kind reviews. This is my absolute favorite story that I've ever written and it's been so fun seeing you all react to it as I've been writing. I never expected it to be this long or in-depth, but here we are!
Much love.