Nocturne - Chapter Fifty-Six: Sacrifice
Rated - M (for extremely suggestive adult themes, references to harsh violence, and coarse language)
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha.
o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o
A grunt drug two bodies behind him like rag dolls. He let them loose once he had drug them to Feng, practically dripping them at his feet and rejoined the ranks of the waiting army.
Inuyasha could smell them from where he stood. Dried blood, sweat, and other bodily fluids stung at his nose, but what disturbed him more than the smell was the sight of two people he knew and cared for unconscious - or barely so - sitting near an enemy who would kill them just because they could.
Sango trembled, and Inuyasha could feel it from the grip she still had on him. "Miroku!" Her scream was jarring.
The monk struggled to sit up, possibly roused by his wife's concern, grunting with effort. He scooted close to the smaller body of his daughter, one of the twin girls, and pulled her up into his lap, cradling her shoulders in his arms. The monk looked ragged, beaten, and angry but made no move to escape. Where could he go, surrounded by enemies? In another situation, Miroku could hold his own but laden down with the unconscious form of his child; there was little he could do without risking her life.
"Sa-satori?" Sango called out to her husband. But, unfortunately, only one of their twin girls was present. Both had accompanied their father weeks prior to attend to some business in another region. Now it seemed only one had returned.
Fan walked in front of Miroku and his daughter, blocking them from view. He looked down on them, inspecting them for some strange reason. "I suppose these belong to you?" He prodded a toe at the young girl's leg.
Sango jerked forward. "Don't you touch her, you sick bastard!" She snarled.
Now it was Inuyasha's turn to stop his friend. He grabbed her arm to hold her back. This is what Fan Tsenpo wanted.
Kohaku held his sister's other arm and glared over at the enemy. They were all powerless to do anything at this moment but listen.
"My scouts found them just yesterday, I'm told." Fan crossed an arm beneath his chest. "There were what?" He looked over at Feng for confirmation, "two females?"
Feng nodded in response, and Fan shrugged. "Well, there's still one left." His callous words dug into Sango like bamboo shoots under a nail. She grabbed at both Inuyasha and Kohaku's arms for support and furrowed her brow as a silent sob racked her chest.
Inuyasha could feel her pain and felt his own amplified inside. This would need to end now. He spoke low, his lips barely moved. "Kohaku, be ready to pull them outta there fast."
The taijiya didn't look over at him; that would give their desperate plan away. Kohaku pulled his sister back, and she clutched at him weakly. Inuyasha knew it was a feint. The slayer, his friend, would die before she allowed her family to succumb to the yokai menace.
Inuyasha brought Tessaiga up and ready. "I'd tell ya how fucked up ya are, but you'd prolly take it as a compliment or some shit!"
"You have me all figured out, don't you halfbreed?" Fan laughed.
"How bout quit hiding behind some beat-up humans and your bastards and fight me like a man. Or are you fucking scared, you little pussy ass bitch?"
Fan sneered but brought up his sword, reapplying the blue yoki to the blade. "I'm obliged to accept if only to cleanse that foul mouth."
"You ain't the first, and you won't be the last to try."
Fan's face fell into a severe expression, and he stalked forward with his blade trailing the ground, acid marks scoring the earth where it touched. Inuyasha grimaced at the sight. This would be extremely difficult, and it was unlikely he would come out of this unscathed.
Inuyasha could see Miroku from his peripheral vision, still holding his daughter. He hoped that this would work to get the pair out of Fan's clutches. It had to.
He did what he did best, barrelled in with a roar, raising Tessaiga high. Inuyasha knew the bastard would dodge; he counted on it. But, he needed a distraction, and the only thing he could think to do was go all out. So, all out is precisely what he did.
Inuyasha swung Tessaiga hoping to at least graze Fan, but the youkai was swift. He side-stepped easily, bringing his sword up to knick Inuyasha's arm. Fan smiled, knowing full well what damage even a tiny cut would do.
Pain lanced through his arm, flaring up and into his chest. The acid spread like poison, burning out his nerve endings and wreaking havoc with his pain response. Anger fueled him in a way only the reaction to pain could make one lash out with swift retribution. Inuyasha used that fuel to hurl Tessaiga as far away as possible. He gripped the hilt like a javelin and thrust with all his might. It sailed an incredible distance, disappearing from view.
Fan halted and beheld Inuyasha in perplexion. Inuyasha smirked. "I only need these to take care of ya." He brought his claws up, flexing them in and out.
"Well, if you are so inclined, half breed," Fan acknowledged, "but I am certain you won't mind if I keep hold of mine."
Pain racked up his arm, causing him to wince outwardly, but it was a means to an end. "Keh." He scoffed nonchalantly.
o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o
It seemed that everything had gone eerily quiet. Kagome slowed down to a walk as she neared the clearing. She could see from between the houses that there was some kind of showdown taking place in her line of view.
She made her way through the loose crowd of taijiya and villagers, some who tended to wounded comrades, and others stared blatantly ahead as if their fate rested on the outcome of the spectacle ahead. It very likely did, from her experience at least. No one stopped her, and only a couple recognized her as she made her way closer to the clearing.
Kagome could see Sesshomaru from a distance. He was in his true form, and even from far away, he was gigantic, monstrous, and beautiful. It had been so long since she had seen him in this form and not once since they had consummated a tumultuous relationship. She could not recall him being so large. He seemed like a sitting duck and likely was since he was lying on the ground and struggling to move.
Panic crept up her chest like icy tendrils that gripped at her reasoning skills. Kagome tightened her grip on her bow. It was likely she would need it soon. If Sesshomaru was out of commission, then what was happening?
She got closer and saw the red of Inuyasha's fire rat robes billowing in the breeze. She heard his cocky yell and watched as the idiot threw his sword away, probably the only thing that would have stood a chance against Fan. Kami! What kind of shit show had she stumbled into now? Why would Inuyasha lob Tessaiga so far out of reach? He didn't always have the most tactful approach, and he wasn't as skilled in the art of swordsmanship as Sesshomaru, but he wasn't always devoid of practical senses.
Finally, she was close enough and saw Fan standing in front of his assembled army, ready to battle. She froze and wished she hadn't come. Her recent tortures quickly broke from under the lock shed placed on the traumatic memory section of her mind and tore to the forefront. As if sensing her terror, her humiliation, and dread, Fan caught a glimpse of her, and a wicked grin spread on his face.
Fan's wordless reaction did not go unnoticed, and Inuyasha turned his head briefly. His eyes were on fire with determination, and once they locked on Kagome, those amber eyes softened a fraction, resolve flooding through.
He could not know her innermost thoughts or why Fan leered at her, yet perhaps somewhere, on some level, he did. The whites of his eyes began to bleed with red, and his canines grew to jut outside his lips. His yoki was everywhere, and Kagome knew at that moment why he had rid himself of his weapon-to allow his yokai blood to run freely.
Fan felt the transformation and turned to regard Inuyasha in his full yokai glory. He looked astounded for a second, clearing his confusion and readjusting the smug smirk he routinely wore. "My, my, my. How very interesting. I wonder if my army can do this as well?"
Inuyasha lowered his head, his eyes barely visible from his bangs as he stared at Fan with an evil smirk of his own. "Doubtful, Fan Tsenpo. I guess you're not as powerful as you thought."
The smug look dropped into a sneer. "So be it, half-breed. You are still no match for me." He snarled and whipped around in an elegant circle, closing the distance and bringing his sword around to strike.
Inuyasha jumped up, his knees high and his arms protracted with claws coated in blood and ready to slice anything in his path. Fan Tsenpo was unprepared for such an unrestrained barrage of attacks. The yokai played on the defensive now and struggled to maintain an unperturbed visage. He couldn't have anyone know that a mere hanyo was capable of bringing him down or even landing a blow. That would not sit well with an army of hanyo that were likely given little slack on their leash. To demonstrate that a half breed could conquer their leader would set a horrible precedent indeed.
A sheen of sweat had broken on Fan's forehead. Tendrils of silver hair clung to the sides of his head, demonstrating the effort he was putting into fighting a full-blooded Inuyasha off. All attention was on the pair from both sides now.
Kagome finally noticed that a lone hanyo guarded a pair of humans huddled on the ground. She gasped, bringing her hand to her mouth when she recognized her friend and daughter.
Sango was just ahead, looking distraught and clinging to Kohaku's arm. Kagome rushed to them. "Sango!"
The taijiya woman turned with a grieved expression. "Kagome…" she called out softly, acknowledging her friend. That was all she could afford, looking back with desperate eyes towards her family sitting in the enemy's clutches.
Kohaku nodded in greeting. "It's fortunate you are well, Lady Kagome." He had most definitely noticed her change of clothes but said nothing.
"As well as one can be." She squeezed Sango's arm. "It seems Inuyasha plans to pull everyone's attention to himself."
"The situation is very touch and go." Kohaku relinquished hold of his sister and pulled his weapon out and ready. "I'm waiting on Miroku's signal now." His eyes focused on the monk, who even from afar had a fierce look in his eyes.
Miroku finally had an opening. Inuyasha had Fan far enough, and the man guarding was distracted. The monk rose, leaving his daughter on the ground, and rammed his shoulder into the hanyo, knocking him off balance. The hanyo wobbled and turned around only to meet the full force of Miroku's laced fists coming up in a swinging motion that took the man under his chin. The blow took him off his feet several inches and knocked him nearly unconscious. Without losing a beat, Miroku scooped the girl up and dashed across the field towards the village.
They had nearly made it when Fan noticed the attempt. He snapped his fingers, and a swarm of men and women hanyo alike rushed to cut Miroku off.
Kohaku was ready; he threw his weapon out like a lasso whipping the sickle blade down so that it lodged into the ground near Miroku. The monk grabbed the chain near the sickle in his hand, hoisting his daughter onto his shoulder. Kohaku yanked back on his chain the second he saw Miroku had a grip, pulling the two closer than they could have possibly made it unaided.
They landed with a thud at Kohaku's feet while Sango gripped at her husband and daughter. She pulled the girl away and ran her hand over her face. "Why is she unconscious?"
Miroku used Kohaku's help to rise on wobbly legs. "She was hit over the head."
Kagome knelt and peeled the girl's eyelid open, looking for some response. "She will be fine."
The many enemies that had swarmed after Miroku to cut him off all stopped as if some invisible force compelled them back. They looked like a swarm of angry bees that buzzed and writhed within themselves. Finally, the leader, Feng, stepped to the forefront of the group and motioned the mob back. It seemed that Fan Tsenpo had ultimate control over his army, which was a good thing for the moment, granting the fighters a welcome reprieve.
A roar came from Fan Tsenpo as he twirled around with his sword in an elegant motion, flinging acid globs into the air around him and hitting Inuyasha in various places. The acid was probably unbearably painful, but Inuyasha took it in stride in his current state. It was a testament to the powers his demonic blood afforded to him when not mixed with human tendencies. As a result, the pain was not felt as keenly while all other senses heightened exponentially. Nevertheless, his bloodlust would not be quelled easily as he raged against Fan.
As if noticing that his captives had escaped, Fan Tsenpo brought the fight close to their group. Inuyasha seemed to still be on the offensive, but Fans quick smirk proved otherwise. A backflip with the sword still in hand landed him directly in front of where Kagome stood.
He was much too close, taunting her silently. Tears welled up in her eyes and spilled up over unbidden. How dare he get so close to her after what he had done. As if he could be allowed to get away with it.
One arrow was left from those she had salvaged, and Kagome wasted no time to let it fly, charging it with some spiritual power. She aimed right at his face, envisioning multiple gruesome scenarios.
The arrow flew straight towards Fan's unguarded chest, and for a moment, Kagome thought it would hit. However, the moment was short-lived, and Fan gave her a side-eyed glance, deflecting her shot with ease.
Inuyasha used the opportunity to jump close, slashing with his claws in a downward swipe. Fan, not even looking, arced his sword up, cutting through Inuyashas clothes and into his flesh, causing dark blood to spill out.
"The bastard was just toying with him...putting on a show!" Kohaku grimaced with dire realization.
Inuyasha snarled and pulled back. His arm covered the nasty gash in his middle.
Fan took a step towards Inuyasha. "I did try to warn you."
Inuyasha snarled, overcome with his bloodlust, and lashed out despite his egregious wounds. He had only taken a few steps before the acid began to slow him and allowed Fan to flip and strike again with his sword, slicing across Inuyasha's neck. His red eyes went wide with surprise, before fading to their usual amber.
A scream erupted over collective gasps and shouts, but it hadn't occurred to Kagome that the shrill cry originated from her. As much as she had wanted to run to Inuyasha's side, she couldn't. Not with Fan standing over his body, gloating like a fool.
A part of her heart crumbled inside her chest. Despite moving on and falling in love with Sesshomaru, Kagome still held love for Inuyasha. They had a special bond, built on years of companionship that had suffered many trials and tribulations. So to watch him die in front of her eyes was another horror altogether. She hadn't ever dreamed he could die. He'd been close to death many times before and had pulled through, but this time...this time, he had paid the ultimate price to help save his friends. She knew that's why he had thrown Tessaiga to the side; to sacrifice himself for them.
"And I've brought your warrior Inuyasha down! Now, too, shall I slay the mighty Sesshomaru!" Fan announced to his army and was met with an approving silence, some smiling and raising fists in the air, whereas others just watched on.
Fan strode over to Sesshomaru, still in his true form. The large daiyokai growled deep in his chest, shaking the ground beneath him. "I have taken all you hold dear, Lord Sesshomaru." He raised his sword, poised to strike the final blow.
Kagome knew sense had abandoned her, but she could not stand idly by and watch another person she loved die. She dashed madly across the field, and even her friends could not stop her in time. She threw herself in front of Sesshomaru, both arms outstretched to take the hit in his place. It didn't seem he would kill her yet. Not while he was trying to humiliate Sesshomaru.
Fans swing came short, and he eyed her critically. "Coming to the rescue now, are you?" He grabbed her by her silk hankimono robes and pulled her close. "Did I not make it clear that I am not above using force to put you into your place?"
His breath was harsh and his tone fierce. He threw her on the ground in front of Sesshomaru with a small bit of the force he had threatened. Kagome looked up at Sesshomaru into his red eyes. She could see her reflection in those eyes, and she hoped he could understand her. Why he hadn't reverted to his humanoid form, she didn't know. Maybe he was stuck like Inuyasha had been in his demonic form until her intervention.
She scooted close to him, knowing Fan wouldn't get too close to Sesshomaru's functioning jaws. "Come back to me...please." She whispered. He growled at her as well but did not attack. Instinctively, he knew she was not to be harmed, but he behaved like a cornered animal, snarling at savior and foe alike. Finally, Kagome risked it, grabbing the blood-mottled mane, still luxuriously soft, and pulled herself to him. She closed her eyes and willed whatever gift she had to him.
A/N: Sorry for the late post, but I got busy with life *cough and playing Genshin Impact cough*. This time of year is always pretty busy, but I'm excited about next week since I'll have a four-day weekend! I hope to keep writing through the week and maybe wrap the story up in the next couple or few chapters. We'll see.
As always, thank you for reading and to those of you that have taken the time to review! I'm happy to see those thoughts.