Author's Note: I am brand new to writing Inuyasha and I'm not really sure if I've got everyone personalities and characteristics in check. Let me know if anyone is terribly out of character and I'll work on fixing it.
Disclaimer: Inuyasha is of someone else's imaginative thinking. I envy the fact that someone could think up something that good.
Enjoy!
Chapter 2: The Demon Clones
"I don't hear anything." Inuyasha hissed at the flea.
"Well, milord, the voice is faint now and probably grows stronger as we approach the reflecting pool." Myouga said.
Inuyasha nodded as he approached the still waters. He could now faintly hear a voice. "I recognize singing. Is it-" He was interrupted by Myouga.
"Lady Rae-hona. Once we get near the pool, stand at the very edge and listen to the words. You'll understand what Amaya meant before." Inuyasha approached the pool slowly and began to enter into the water.
Suddenly, a scream stopped him in his tracks. "What's the matter, Lord Inuyasha?"
"That was Rae-hona's little sister, Oki." Inuyasha jumped out of the water, water droplets flying. He sniffed the air.
"Shippou's with her. She's probably in more trouble with that little guy. Let's get going." Inuyasha began to run, leaving the serenity of the forest as the scream seemed to echo in his mind.
* * *
"Is there any sign of them?" Kagome looked at the young girl anxiously.
"Why you asking me? Check the mirror. It'll begin to glow white when we're incredibly close." Amaya said, never taking her eyes off the land that lay ahead of her.
Kagome took the mirror out of the saddlebags. It was beginning to glow white. "We must be getting close."
Kagome held up the mirror for Amaya to see.
"I hope Oki is okay. We'd better speed up into a gallop. You take the lead now and the mirror will direct us." Amaya said, her voice filled with concern and worry.
Kagome nodded and nudged Sunrise into a gallop and the horse took off, the wind blowing through her hair and she heard the pounding hooves of Amaya's horse, Moonbeam.
Inuyasha, hurry. We're going to need your help. Kagome thought.
* * *
Deep in the dark forest, Rae-hona stood like a shield in front of Oki. "Get back away from me. You won't touch a hair on Oki's head."
Oki whimpered softly as this large demon stood before them.
Shippou held onto Oki's right shoulder.
The demon snarled as it took a step forward. The ground seemed to shake and tremble underneath its weight. Poisonous venom dripped from the mouth. The skin was green with a head full of black hair. The beast had fangs and claws that held a yellow glow. He stood as tall as about 3 full grown men and muscular. "Surrender, humans. You do not stand a chance against me."
Oki shook violently with fear.
"Don't worry, Oki. Rae-hona will take care of us and our troubles will be over." Shippou said encouragingly.
Oki nodded and gazed up at her sister whose eyes held no fear.
"Oki, I want you and Shippou to run when I tell you. Kagome should've been here by now. Run back towards the palace. I'll be fine." Rae-hona said in a whisper.
Oki shook her head as tears began to creep down her cheeks. She reached and held onto Rae-hona's hand. "No, I cannot obey, big sister. He'll surely kill you."
"I'm not afraid to die. As long as you are safe. That is all I care about. Now, run!" Rae-hona exclaimed desperately.
Oki let her sister's hand go. She hesitated.
"Oki, your sister can only hold him so long. We've got to get away." Shippou said, his eyes glued to the demon's movements.
"I can't just leave her." Oki mumbled.
"Your sister is willing to die for your safety. We have to do as she wishes."
Rae-hona stood firm, showing absolutely no sign of fear.
"Why do you not quiver like the other one did? Do I not scare you?"
Rae-hona glared up at the demon. "Yes, you scare me. But not because of your looks. Your energy is something to fear."
"You're right. I could crush you. Why don't I try it now?"
"Rae-hona, we're here!" The demon and Rae-hona's attention was averted to the two new arrivals.
"Toss the mirror to me, Kagome!"
Kagome nodded as she threw it. Rae-hona caught it. She sent a blast that froze the demon in his tracks and then ran to Kagome, Amaya, and Oki.
Kagome squinted at the demon. "He's got jewel shards in his right arm."
Rae-hona nodded. "I want you all to get out of here right now. None of you stand a chance. Where's Yasuo?"
"I think he's back at the palace. I wish we would have brought him. I'm sorry, Rae-hona."
"Do not fear, Amaya. But you should all leave now before-"
Rae-hona was caught off abruptly as a black and purple blast hit her in the back and she crumpled to the ground. The demon smirked as he threw three needle-like shards and they left a gash in Rae-hona's arm.
"Did you think you're pretty little mirror could stop me? I should really destroy you now!" He approached slowly.
"Get...going...Amaya, Oki, and Shippou...Kagome, protect them..."
Kagome helped Oki and Shippou onto Sunrise. "I can't just leave you."
"You'll be in more danger here, Kagome. Just protect Oki and Amaya."
"But what about you?"
Rae-hona struggled to sit but fell back on the grass. She wrapped the fingers of her one hand around the mirror tightly and used her other hand to try and slow the blood from flowing out of the wound in her arm. She managed to push herself off the ground so she was sitting.
"Do not think I will let you other four get away." The demon warned. The demon separated himself into two evil identical entities.
Rae-hona looked at Kagome pleadingly.
"Now, Kagome! Please, you must leave me!" Kagome saw a tear of desperation run down Rae-hona's cheek. Kagome nodded as she swung up onto her horse and put an arm around Oki, holding her to herself and took the reins in the other hand. "Let's go, Amaya." Kagome commanded.
Amaya shook her head as she held the wooden bow firmly in her hand. "I can't, Kagome. I will protect my sister as she has protected me all these years." Amaya shot an arrow that glowed white as it pierced the demon's left arm.
"It glowed." Kagome murmured in shock.
"Yes, Kagome. Rae-hona sealed these arrows with her power. Now, go!"
Kagome nodded as she nudged the horse into a gallop. The demon clone turned his attention to the horse, and two girls galloping out of the forest.
"Pay attention!" Amaya shot two arrows simultaneously, both hitting the demon in the back.
"Get back, human!" He shot another blast that hit Amaya, but not directly, only enough to hurl her against the tree, knocking her unconscious. The demon clone smirked at his counterparts' doing and ran after the two girls.
"Monster." The demon turned to face the struggling Rae-hona. He strode towards her and grabbed her by the neck.
"Shall I destroy you now and end your suffering? Or, should I wait till my counterpart returns with those two girls you fought so hard to save and let you watch as I destroy your two sisters and the other girl?"
Rae-hona did not answer as a tear slid down her cheek, landing on the ground with a tiny sparkle.
* * *
"Inuyasha!"
Inuyasha looked back and saw a boy with his sword on his belt, running towards him. "Yasuo, where is your sister?"
"I was just going to ask you the same thing. My powers that I have as a half demon are weakening as I can feel my sister dying."
"Rae-hona's dying?"
"Can't you smell her blood?"
Inuyasha paused. He now could smell Rae-hona's blood and the scent was beginning to grow stronger.
"We'd better get going. Climb on my back so we can find her faster. You can sense her and I can smell her. And I can bet Kagome and the two younger ones are in on this too."
Yasuo said nothing as he grabbed onto Inuyasha's shoulders.
"You on okay?" Inuyasha asked the boy.
"Find my sister fast or I'll take my anger out on you." Yasuo threatened with his voice dangerously low.
Inuyasha snickered.
"What's so funny?" Yasuo questioned.
Inuyasha said nothing as he began running. "You couldn't beat me if you tried."
Yasuo's mouth formed a small smile. "Anger does wonders, Inuyasha."
* * *
"Oki, grab the reins. That demon is right behind us." Kagome said as the horse ran wildly through the meadow. The tall grass kept slapping against Kagome's legs.
Oki took the reins of the horse and Kagome turned around as she grabbed the bow and an arrow. She could almost feel power coursing through this bow.
"That's Rae-hona's bow and arrows. You'll hit him for sure!" Oki said with dogged determination.
Kagome smiled. "Thanks for the enthusiasm, Oki."
Please, Rae-hona, grant me your strength. I need to protect Oki for you.
Kagome released the arrow and it lodged right into the demon's chest.
The demon stumbled and fell.
"Stop the horse, Oki." Kagome commanded.
"Why?" Oki asked.
"I'm gonna finish that monster off right now." Kagome said confidently.
* * *
A smirk of satisfaction crossed over the demon's face. "Yes, I am feeling hungry now. Perhaps I'll make some stew from your bones and soul and drink it down with your blood. Or, I'll just strangle you, ground you up, and use your ashes to--"
Suddenly, the demon dropped Rae-hona to the ground. He put his hand over his chest and it was instantly covered in crimson blood. His chest had begun to bleed. "My counterpart has been injured..."
Rae-hona smirked as she struggled to stand, still covering her wound as she held the mirror in her weak arm. "That's right, lousy fool. Kagome is probably getting ready to finish him off."
The demon split into two once more. The one continued to bleed but the other was completely fine.
"Yes, I will go and avenge my brother." The demon said, mostly to himself.
The one who was injured began to head off, leaving a trail of blood behind him.
The one who was fine fired a shot at Rae-hona, hurling her against a tree. It strode towards her. "You fragile humans. I often forget how you injure so easily." He sneered.
Rae-hona pushed herself off the ground. "I may only be mostly a half-breed but my magic is more than enough to destroy you." She said indignantly.
The monster smirked as it held up her mirror and Rae-hona gasped as it glowed brilliantly. Rae-hona felt numb without feeling as her soul was pulled into the mirror's surface and her body lay lifeless on the ground.
* * *
The demon slowly rose once more, looking rather grotesque, as he seemed to rise out of the grass on his hands and knee. He reached out a bloody hand for Oki.
As he stood and slowly approached the horse, Oki tugged on Kagome's arm. "I don't like the way he's looking at me, Kagome." Oki squeaked.
The demon's eyes were out of focus. It continued its chant. "Human blood... fresh delicious flesh... crushed bones to season my stews with... come to me, child... give me your jewel, there is no escape-"
"Shut your mouth!" A blade slashed through the demon and it disintegrated, a Shikon shard falling to the ground. Yasuo landed on his feet softly. He picked up the jewel and walked swiftly to the horse, picking up his sister. "You okay, Oki? That demon didn't hurt you, did he?" Yasuo questioned.
"Kagome!" Inuyasha shouted as he landed.
Kagome dismounted off the horse. "Where have you been?! Rae-hona's in danger and so is Amaya."
Yasuo glared at Inuyasha. "He insisted we check on you first. If my sister dies from her injuries, I'll be sure to avenge my sister's death and take it out on you, Inuyasha!"
"If I recall correctly, both you and Rae-hona are half demon. I'm sure she'll be fine." Inuyasha said nonchalantly. He turned and saw something approaching slowly. It had the exact same scent the beast Yasuo had just slain had.
"Prepare to die, feeble humans!" The new beast bellowed.
Inuyasha smirked. "You're the feeble one." His hand went immediately to his sword and it transformed as he drew it.
"Wait, Inuyasha, the beast may have my sisters' whereabouts." Yasuo interrupted.
Inuyasha pointed the sword at the demon. "Where are the two girls that were in the forest? What did you do to them?"
The demon smiled. "Hopefully, my brother finished off your petty friends."
"Damn you!" Inuyasha slashed through the demon and another shard fell to the ground. Inuyasha went to pick it up but it flew straight into Yasuo's hand.
"Hey, what the hell was that for?" Inuyasha growled.
"You aren't the only one collecting the shards. Rae-hona is trying to purify them after they've been tampered with." Kagome looked at Yasuo.
"We'd better hurry and find them." Kagome said.
Yasuo nodded and Inuyasha agreed.
Kagome climbed up on Inuyasha's back and Yasuo climbed up onto the horse, putting Oki and Shippou securely in front of him.
They took off for the forest. They didn't see the two fallen bodies of the demon begin to move and just as they had, they disintegrated into the wind.
* * *
The demon sensed another shard from the Shikon no Tama in the forest and his eyes darted back and forth from tree to tree, searching for the source of where the energy of the Shikon no Tama was coming from. His eyes fell on the girl, crumpled near the tree and picked her up by the arm.
The girl struggled to open her eyes. "I demand you put me down." Amaya said hoarsely.
The demon laughed. "Am I suppose to listen to you? You're alone now. No one to protect you."
Amaya's eyes widened as she saw Rae-hona, looking lifeless, as she lay sprawled out near the tree. "Rae-hona!" She cried.
"Why bother, girl? You can't talk to a corpse." The demon sneered.
Amaya said nothing as she turned to her face away, fighting tears.
"Look at me, girl!" The demon pulled Amaya's hair, jerking her face upward. "Have you nothing to say? Beg me to spare your pathetic life and perhaps I shall show mercy."
Amaya swiftly took the arrow that was hidden from view from behind her back and speared it into the demon's eye. He shouted in pain as he instantly dropped Amaya. She scrambled to her feet and quickly went to Rae-hona.
"You wretch." The demon separated into two identical entities. Except for the fact one's eye was bloody with an arrowhead sticking slightly out of the back of his skull while the other one was unharmed.
"Now, two will destroy you." The one whose eyes were intact fired 10 needle like blasts, pinning Amaya to the tree. The other's (with the eye missing) claws began to glow.
"I think I would like to see you suffer. The poison will kill you slowly as it works through your veins. But, first-" He paused as he ran wildly towards the tree. "I'll put my claws through your stomach!"
"I don't think so!" Inuyasha exclaimed, with his Tetsusaiga raised. He sliced right through the demon, whose claws had been only inches away from Amaya. The other demon snuck up behind Inuyasha.
"Look out!" Kagome exclaimed.
Inuyasha didn't turn fast enough as he was punched in the face and kicked in the stomach, hurling him through a tree.
The demon approached the rest slowly.
Yasuo stepped quickly in front of Kagome and Oki, blade drawn. "Come any closer, and I'll slay you." Yasuo threatened.
"You can't. I will just form another clone. And after I am destroyed, my clone will form anther clone. You will never defeat me!" The demon suddenly turned, catching Inuyasha by the foot. He turned him upside down. "You have shards for me, don't you?"
Kagome's eyes widened. She quickly picked up Amaya's bow and an arrow. "Let him go!" Kagome exclaimed as she fired an arrow at the demon's arm.
The demon stepped out of the way easily with Inuyasha still dangling upside down and the arrow was now headed straight for Amaya. The girl screamed, as she had no escape since she was still pinned to the tree.
"Oh no!" Kagome gasped.
The demon laughed. "I told you that you'd meet your fate, child!"
Yasuo shouted, "No!!" The boy ran and before their eyes, changed effortlessly into a cat like human, long ebony hair with a blue crescent moon on his forehead with a white tail that separated into two parts. He sliced the arrow with his claws and landed effortlessly on his feet. Yasuo then changed back to his human form. He drew his blade again and cut through the demon's arm, freeing Inuyasha. "Inuyasha, slice through him, from head right down. If we destroy his heart, he can't copy himself again."
Inuyasha nodded and sliced the demon down the middle. The two halves crumpled down but the halves continued to move.
"Kagome, quickly, locate the jewel shards." Yasuo ordered. Kagome found and removed three glowing shards.
The solidified needle blasts disappeared and Inuyasha effortlessly caught Amaya and placed her back on the ground. Inuyasha froze as he saw Rae-hona on the ground. He knelt and reached to touch her face hesitantly. It felt incredibly cold to his touch. He looked up at Kagome, the sadness overwhelming her in his amber eyes.
Yasuo knelt beside Inuyasha and took his sister's hand into his own. Amaya stood beside her brother.
Oki held Kagome's hand tightly as Shippou sat perched upon Oki's other arm.
"She's dead, isn't she?" Kagome asked softly.
Yasuo said nothing as he averted his gaze, his hair falling over his face, shadowing his eyes.
Amaya hid her face in her hands in attempts to muffle her sobs.
Inuyasha said nothing as he stood. He walked from the scene, ignoring the calls from Kagome.
"Yasha?" A voice called.
For a moment, Inuyasha felt as if he were a little child again as he heard Rae-hona's nickname for him.
A small hand tugged on Inuyasha's red kimono. "Yasha, you didn't let my sister die, did you?"
Inuyasha turned to look down into the innocent eyes of the little girl. He couldn't say anything, let alone lie to this little soul. He collapsed on his knees and fell onto his hands.
"Yasha?" Oki asked hesitantly. Inuyasha looked at her. She patted him on the head. "I forgive you." The little child said with a smile.
"Oki?" Inuyasha whispered.
"Yes, Yasha?" Oki asked, eyes unblinking.
"You are indeed a living image of Rae-hona." Inuyasha said softly.
Oki smiled and kissed the half-demon's cheek.
Inuyasha stood, smiling down at the little girl. She took his hand and they walked back to the others.
When they returned, Kagome was on Sunrise, Shippou perched on his usual place at her shoulder. Amaya had climbed aboard Moonbeam; remains of tears were still in her eyes. Yasuo had Rae-hona in his own arms, struggling slightly to hold her. The weight was instantly taken from his arms and Inuyasha cradled her in his arms. Yasuo picked up Rae-hona's mirror and went towards Moonbeam.
"Oki, come on, you're riding with me." Kagome said. Oki quickly went to Kagome and Kagome helped her onto the horse.
Yasuo nodded at Inuyasha and climbed in front of Amaya. "Let's head to the forest." Yasuo said.
Inuyasha hesitated. "Your sister told me that humans couldn't see the forest." Yasuo nodded.
"That's partially true, Inuyasha. But, actually, only humans and demons that seek the forest will find it. So as long as Kagome, Amaya, and Oki are with us, they will see it."
Author's note: So, what do you think? Only constructive criticism (if any, which you probably will have) is my request. Otherwise, do as you wish. The next couple chapters are done at the moment, so, when I get some feedback on this, I'll post the next chapter. Thanks for reading.