Author's Note: Yes, this chapter is short. Why? Because I only got a few reviews. I know you're out there! Review… I'm watching you. Remember, stop reviewing, and I stop writing (or stunt my writing in this case) Okay, fine… The truth is that this was just the best place to stop. Perhaps if I had had a few more reviews I would have wracked my brain to write further beyond this point. But since I didn't have that many… I wasn't compelled to do so. Alright, enough of my ranting. Enjoy the chapter!
Disclaimer: Let's see… I have an InuYasha poster, and six of the mangas… But so far I haven't been able to find the actual thing on ebay. Anybody know of a seller?
Way Worn
Chapter 12: A Wicked Smile
He was tall, and with one sniff of the air Dayu could tell that he was youkai. His long, silver hair waved gently around him, it's ends brushing against his beautiful kimono. One hand rested on a fluffy white boa wrapped around his shoulder and touching the side of his face, which held the familiar red youkai stripes, and a blue half moon on his forehead. Dark, amber eyes regarded them coldly as the group stepped forward.
The Sword Master.
"Lor— I mean Sword Master!" Jakken did his best to act formal, "I have brought you a few who ask your assistance in a matter of healing." The green toad demon ran over to the youkai, sweating profusely.
"Of course…" The voice was icy cold and emotionless, "But I will ask a favor that will be carried out before I perform the healing. Understand, hanyou?" He turned his gaze to glare at Dayu. The male hanyou nodded quickly.
"First, what is it that you want me to do?" He stood still, expecting Dayu to walk over to him rather than vice versa. With slightly shaky steps, Dayu gripped Nikomi tighter and stepped forward towards the sword master. He felt Nikomi's claws gripping his arms through his kimono.
"Please help us," the male hanyou bowed slightly, "My friend here, Nikomi, she's dying. Please save her and I'll do anything…"
"Dayu…" Nikomi spoke to stop him from going any further. There was something about this demon that was strange… She didn't trust what he was telling them anymore than she trusted the toad demon. With amber eyes, she looked up at the sword master defiantly.
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Sesshomaru was pleased by Jakken's work. For once the creature hadn't messed something up. Everything would go according to plan now, just as long as the male hanyou did what was asked of him.
Suddenly, though, the female had dared to look him straight in the eyes. Sesshomaru was slightly taken aback by this. How dare such an insolent creature look at him so boldly! And then he realized; this was his daughter. No wonder she was so foolhardy.
For a moment, fatherly pride rose inside of the youkai, but he did not understand the feeling. With a glare towards the girl, he forced the unwanted emotion down, and continued to bait his new minions.
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"What the hell do you think you're doing?" InuYasha growled at the monk, "I told Sango and Kagome that I'd find them. I don't need you tagging along."
Miroku scowled at the hanyou, "She's my daughter, and I intend to help find her. Besides, you know well, InuYasha, that I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself." The monk raised an eyebrow at him.
InuYasha took a deep breath to keep himself under control. It had been a long time since this… human had beaten him. But the monk had saved his life more than once, and he had shoved the foolish hanyou pride to the back of his mind. Now, though, the old emotions were resurfacing. The teenage, hormonal driven anger was coming back full force.
"Listen, Miroku. I can do this by myself. I don't need you helping me!" He growled, laying his ears flat against his silver hair. His hand drifted to the hilt of Tetsusaiga, but he managed to stop himself from drawing it.
Miroku shook his head, "Stop this. I'm coming with you, and that's that."
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"You're task is simple," Sesshomaru told them in his even, emotionless voice, "When you bring me what I ask, I will heal your friend."
"You see! I told you that the sword master would help you! He's generous and—"
Jakken earned himself a toss through the air, landing in a nearby pond. "… And he's oh so forgiving!" The toad demon sputtered out when he came to the surface.
Sesshomaru paid little attention to the nuisance. Watching the two carefully, he watched as the female winced in pain and slumped back onto the male's shoulder.
Yes… He had them right where he wanted them.
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"Nikomi?" Dayu felt her go limp in his arms, and panic struck him quickly. The sword master had to help her. She didn't have much time left. "Please," He begged as he bent slowly down to his knees in order to lower the unconscious Nikomi onto the ground, "Please tell me what I have to do."
The youkai's mouth curved into a wicked smile.
"Kill InuYasha, and bring me Tetsusaiga."
Extra Author's Note: What will happen now?? Will Nikomi die? Will InuYasha? Review to find out!
