Disclaimer: As I have said before, I do not own InuYasha. Sango, Miroku, take it in the other room please!

What the Future Holds

Chapter 9

"Did you hear that?" asked Shippo as he turned towards the scream that he heard.

"Hear what?" asked Miroku, as he cocked his head to hear what the kitsune heard.

"You're a human," Kouga said haughtily, "So you didn't hear the scream."

"It sounded like it came from the East," InuYasha replied.

"That's not very far from here, and I can smell Sesshoumaru and the twins!" Kagome said and ran towards the familiar scents, hoping that she was in time to save her children from…

***

Naraku threw the twins against the wall, chuckling evilly as he did so. They were strong, yes, but not strong enough to defeat him, the fools. The two of them shakily rose to their feet and prepared to face off Naraku once again. Sakura and Ryuujin both were out of breath and exhausted, bruised and bloodied, while Naraku only had a few minor scratches on his face where he had allowed the twins to hit him.

"Bastard," Ryuujin growled, "Doesn't even fight fair. What a fucking dick."

"Ryuujin, watch your language!" Sakura laughed, "Besides, at least you aren't dressed like a baboon who wears make-up!"

"Are you two back to that taunt again?" asked Naraku with impatience, "If you are, it is getting rather old."

"Should we do it? Or should we wait a little bit longer?" Ryuujin asked his twin, a malicious grin spreading across his face. Sakura gave him an identical grin, but then said, "Nah. I think we should wait."

"You should wait, and let me handle this," said a cool voice from the cavern's mouth. Naraku spun around, surprised that Sesshoumaru had appeared there.

"Lord Sesshoumaru," Naraku said with a bow, "What a pleasant surprise." He must have caught the scent of the twins, fuck!

"Enough games Naraku," replied Sesshoumaru, drawing the Tensusaiga, "Now you die." Sesshoumaru lunged at his enemy with amazing speed, but Naraku merely laughed at the demon lord as he easily dodged him. Sesshoumaru growled as he missed his target and took aim again, only this time, Naraku slashed his chest, exposing his flesh and blood.

"Lord Sesshoumaru!" cried Rin and Jakken together.

"Uncle!" yelled Ryuujin as Sakura covered her eyes with her hands, crying softly. Suddenly, everything seemed to play in slow motion. The spectators watched in horror as Naraku's hand pierced Sesshoumaru's torso, and broke through to the other side. Sesshoumaru's eyes widened in shock as Naraku laughed in his ear, telling him that his life was forfeit to him. Rin screamed as Jakken fell to his knees in anguish. Sesshoumaru's body fell slowly to the ground, his silver hair catching the sunlight making it shimmer with its natural beauty. He did not utter a sound as he hit the smooth floor of the cavern. Sesshoumaru looked at his loyal followers and then his gaze fell onto his family members. They stared back at him as their images became blurry and unclear.

"Brother!" yelled InuYasha as he entered the cavern with the others of his group. He ran towards him, gently cradling his older brother in his arms. Even though they never saw eye to eye, Sesshoumaru was still a part of his family and InuYasha was not one to hold a grudge when someone was about to die. Kagome kneeled next to her mate and looked down at the demon lord, who's golden eyes were steadily becoming unfocused. Rin and Jakken went to Sesshoumaru's other side, crying bitterly for him.

"I-Inu-InuYasha," muttered Sesshoumaru, coughing, "It seems that I am leaving this world. How sad, that I would die at the hands of someone I hated more than you. Truly, this world is strange."

"Sesshoumaru," InuYasha said softly.

"Take care of Rin and Jakken for me; they will have no other place to go to. Don't cry Rin, Jakken. I'll see you two another day."

"Yes mi lord," Jakken said as he wiped his eyes.

"Lord Sesshoumaru, don't leave Rin. Please don't leave me," Rin whispered as a tear fell from her eye and landed on her lord's lips. He gently cupped the girl's cheek with his claw and smiled at her. Sakura and Ryuujin came over and looked down at their Uncle's dying flesh. There had to be something that they could do, but, a wound like this seemed to be beyond their abilities. Ryuujin looked at Sakura who looked back at him and nodded. They both reached up to the back of their necks, and pulled at something there. In each claw lay two shards of the Shikon no Tama, all four pieces glowing with a peaceful light. The knelt next to their Uncle, and laid the pieces over his chest.

To be continued…