Chapter 56- Befallen Darkness
Sesshomaru waited impatiently for Chiyo to signal the charge. He had no idea what she was about to do, but whatever it was, it better be quick. Shuri had appeared and it looked like things were about to turn ugly, very ugly.
Inuyasha watched with interest as a small crystal, similar to the one Machiko had used to destroy the Fire Pit Snakes, appeared in the middle of Chiyo's small palm. It glowed dark in her hand, vanquishing the light around it. In an abrupt movement, Chiyo threw the crystal into the air and it released the magic contained within it.
Miroku watched as the sun darkened in the sky until a night befell the land. "What the hell . . ."
"What is she doing?" asked Sango, lightly laying her hand on Miroku's arm.
The ground began to shake and Miroku had to brace himself on his staff to keep his balance. Then as suddenly as it began, it stopped. The Houshi glanced over to regard Shuri's expression. The Kami's face had turned distorted and incensed. Despite the darkness of the sky above, everything was as vivid as if the dark was sunlight.
Sesshomaru tensed when the magic finished settling over the battlefield. Chiyo glanced his way and gave a nod. "About fucking time," he muttered before uttering a sharp bark.
The other allying youkai acknowledged Sesshomaru's underlying command and charged.
^_^
"What the hell is that little bitch trying to pull?" Shuri muttered angrily.
"What is wrong, little brother?" whispered a voice in his ear. Shuri pulled back to glare at his sister in annoyance.
"Absinthe," growled Shuri, addressing his sister. "What the hell are you doing here? I will not share."
"That's not why I'm here," Absinthe replied, flicking her long silver hair over her shoulder. "You've been a very bad boy."
"It is my right."
"They are not yours to take. The hanyou owes us nothing. You were not even aware of it until he died in battle and was brought back to life by his Mate."
"That changes nothing," argued Shuri.
Absinthe frowned at her brother's stubborn tone and set her hands on her hips. "You will be punished for this slight, Shuri. Have no doubt of that. It is only a matter of time before he finds out, and when that happens, I will do nothing to aid you."
"I will have my prize before that happens."
"Wrong Shuri. The sands of time are few in this matter. He will feel this . . . this darkness. It is his spell. You should leave the hanyou and his Pack as they are if you value your miserable existence."
"Don't be ridiculous," the Kami replied with malice. "I will have my prize and not even he will be able to stop me."
^_^
Inuyasha growled and slashed through another youkai. Naraku had brought thousands of inferior demons. Tetsusaiga's ultimate attack had been rendered useless when the fray intermixed with the Inu Clans. Unless Inuyasha wished to kill his kinsmen, he would have to kill one fucking demon at a time.
Sesshomaru was not enjoying himself. They just kept coming. It did not matter how powerful the Clan was, they were largely outnumbered. It was only a matter of time before someone fell in battle.
Chiyo watched the battlefield below her. Naraku stood near Shuri, accompanied by another figure, one Chiyo knew very well. "Absinthe."
^_^
Kaede was talking in quiet tones to Aiko when the ground around them began to tremble. "By the Kamis . . ."
Aiko looked startled for a moment before her face brightened as if she remembered something important. "Chiyo-sama must have released a very strong spell."
Kaede was silent for a moment, using her miko powers to study the earth before replying. "Hai. I feel a large sum of magic."
Kagome opened the door to her small room just as Kaede spoke to the young ookami. "Kaede-obaasan?" she said, her voice laced with panic.
"What is it child?" the elderly miko replied.
"Something is attacking the spirit shield," Kagome replied quietly, wincing when she felt anther blow on the shield. It was being steadily broken down. They had a half-hour at the most before the shield was gone.
Kaede looked alarmed before nodding. "Alright. I'll gather the children. Have Aiko help you carry one of your pups and we shall make our way to safety." Kaede watched the young miko disappear back into the room before adding mentally, 'hopefully.'
^_^
Chiyo looked up at the tall woman with suspicion. This woman in part had caused the death of both her parents. She had taken Chiyo from her Pack. "What's your name little one?" the woman asked, smoothing down Chiyo's hair.
"Chiyo."
The woman smiled before kneeling down in front of Chiyo. "I am Absinthe. How old are you Chiyo?"
"Five."
"Do you know what I am, little pup?"
"Empty."
Absinthe's eyes blazed with rage and the light grip she had on Chiyo's shoulders tightened considerably until Chiyo had to fight to breathe. "We will see who is empty by the end of this hour."
^_^
"Naraku." Inuyasha jumped from the numerous demons and made his way to where Naraku stood. The Inuhanyou landed not ten yards from Naraku and Shuri. "Well, Inuyasha," chuckled Naraku from beneath his mask. "Are you ready to surrender?"
Inuyasha growled and held up Tetsusaiga menacingly. "No fucking way, bastard."
Naraku's smiled only grew. "Perhaps if you knew your Mate was under attack as we speak you would change your mind."
Inuyasha froze and his eyes widened. "Kagura should be finished destroying that pitiful spirit shield now," Naraku continued, not noticing Shuri's darkening eyes. "So what will it be, hanyou? My death or your Mate?"
Inuyasha didn't hesitate as he turned and started back towards the mountain, only to watch in disbelief as the mountain was destroyed before his very eyes in an explosion that left his ears ringing. "No . . ." He turned back to see Shuri smiling, the Kami's hand lifted just slightly in the air.
"Now you must finish what you started hanyou," said Shuri.
^_^
"Why are you letting me live?"
Absinthe looked at the little inuhanyou sadly before shaking her head. "I can't kill you."
"Can't or won't?"
"Both. I can't bring myself to do it."
"You're weak."
Absinthe's eyes widened slightly. "While that may be the case, little Chiyo, I will not kill you."
"Then where will I find release from this flesh that cages me?"
Absinthe's surprise only lengthened. 'What exactly happened when she was stripped of her soul?' "Only a Kami of my House can kill you."
"And how do I kill a Kami?" Chiyo chuckled at Absinthe's face.
The Kami shook her head, silently reviewing her people's laws. 'I cannot lie. It is forbidden. And I must answer, such as we are bound to our House.' "You cannot. There is only one mortal that could ever defeat a Kami, and he will not be born for many youkai life times over."
"How will I know him?"
Absinthe cursed herself for not fleeing this strange child when she had the chance. But she was bound, she had to answer. "Bound by honor, bound by blood and bound by soul. He will lead both youkai and human to the light."
The Kami turned abruptly to leave when yet another question stopped her. "What will his name be?"
"Inuyasha."
^_^
"YOU BASTARD!" screamed Inuyasha, charging Shuri.
Shuri barely sidestepped Tetsusaiga's blade before jumping a few feet back and awaiting the hanyou's next attack. Inuyasha was breathing heavily, not from exertion but from anger.
Naraku's eyes narrowed when he saw the Kami barely miss Tetsusaiga. Perhaps he was destructible? The evil hanyou shrugged before turning back to the larger battle. "Time to liven things up."
^_^
"Miroku, look out!" yelled Sango, throwing Hiraikotsu. Miroku ducked as the giant boomerang flew above his head before slicing one of Naraku's puppets in half. The houshi took a deep breath and moved to stand beside the Taijiya. "This isn't good."
Sango snorted. "Quite obviously."
"We need to destroy Naraku. He's the one controlling the youkai. We kill him, they'll scatter."
Sango nodded. "Kirara!"
^_^
"Quickly now, children," urged Kaede.
Kagome held Kaemon close to her chest when she felt the spirit shield shudder. Aiko stood close beside her, holding Reiha. "Kagome-sama?" said the little pup. "We need to go now."
The miko nodded and followed the others out of the cavern, waiting for Kaede and Shippou before hurrying down the dark tunnel. The children had paused up ahead at a fork in the tunnels. "What is it?" Kaede asked anxiously.
"We need to go right," Aiko told them and they starting moving.
"Where does the left tunnel lead?" asked Kagome, her brows lowering in thought.
"Up to the battlefield."
"Come now," Kaede prodded.
Kagome nodded and continued on. She didn't get far before she paused. "Kagome?" Shippou asked, concerned.
Kagome cursed herself before looking down at the pup in her arms. "Take him, Kaede," she said, thrusting the pup into the old miko's arms.
"Kagome!" yelled Shippou when she turned back down the tunnel.
"I can't go any farther," Kagome explained. "Just go. Please. Keep my pups safe."
Kaede's face registered in understanding, before nodding solemnly. "Hai. Nothing will happen to your pups, Kagome-sama."
Kagome gave them both a brief smile before turning back and retracing her steps.
^_^
Feint, block, punch, attack . . . dammit block. Inuyasha repeated the words over and over in his head like a prayer. Shuri did not seem to be wearing down at all. The Kami still wore the infuriating smile he had when he destroyed the mountain.
At least Kagome is still alive. I would know if she were dead, Inuyasha reassured himself. The hanyou was violently snapped from his thoughts when Shuri succeeded in invading his defenses, delivering a very powerful punch to his stomach.
Inuyasha flew back, many inferior demons breaking his fall. He opened his eyes when he felt the ground and looked up to see Kouga standing over him. "Are you taking a nap or something?"
He growled at Kouga's poor attempt at a joke, or at least poor in his opinion, before taking the ookami's outstretched hand. Kouga jerked Inuyasha to his feet and turned back to see what had attacked the hanyou.
"You're taking on the Kami all by your fucking self?" Kouga asked in disbelief.
Inuyasha emitted another growl at the disbelief and foolishness Kouga directed at him. "I can fucking take him," Inuyasha defended himself.
Kouga's face turned serious as he regarded Inuyasha. "Are you sure?"
Inuyasha's anger evaporated as he solemnly considered Kouga's question. Inuyasha had seen Shuri fight, had felt the power behind each attack. "Yes. I am sure I can beat him."
Kouga nodded at Inuyasha's answer before smirking. "Alright then. You fucking kick that bastard's ass and I'll make sure no one interferes."
"You're on," the hanyou replied, smiling sincerely.
^_^
Kagome stopped to brace herself on the tunnel wall when the ground shuddered again. The spirit shield, it's completely gone. The young miko could sense someone coming through the debris that had once been the cavern. She had to stop them now before they reached the other children.
Kagura emerged through the tunnel and stood before Kagome. The wind youkai looked amused to see the miko standing defensively before her. "Heh, foolish mortal. You believe you are a match for me?"
Kagome shook her head to clear her scattered thoughts before looking at Kagura. "I can't allow you to go any farther."
The wind youkai raised an eyebrow at the girl's tone. "Alright then."
Kagura attacked.
^_^
Rin watched the battle, her hands clenching and unclenching around a small crystal necklace Machiko had given her. She had lost sight of her Sesshomaru-sama again. She had no idea where Jaken had gotten to, and the only other people she noticed were Niichan and Kouga-sama talking in the fray of inferior demons.
She had not wanted to hide underground with the other children. Machiko had summoned Aiko when Sesshomaru had left her in the cavern. It had been a simple matter to sneak out when the old miko's attention had been focused on some of the other children.
Rin absently wondered if her Sesshomaru-sama would be upset with her for disobeying him before her thoughts centered on the said Inuyoukai. The demons were beginning to gain up on him. Rin barely registered her feet running towards him when she spotted one of Naraku's puppets come up behind Sesshomaru.
"No! SESSHOMARU-SAMA!"
Sesshomaru waited impatiently for Chiyo to signal the charge. He had no idea what she was about to do, but whatever it was, it better be quick. Shuri had appeared and it looked like things were about to turn ugly, very ugly.
Inuyasha watched with interest as a small crystal, similar to the one Machiko had used to destroy the Fire Pit Snakes, appeared in the middle of Chiyo's small palm. It glowed dark in her hand, vanquishing the light around it. In an abrupt movement, Chiyo threw the crystal into the air and it released the magic contained within it.
Miroku watched as the sun darkened in the sky until a night befell the land. "What the hell . . ."
"What is she doing?" asked Sango, lightly laying her hand on Miroku's arm.
The ground began to shake and Miroku had to brace himself on his staff to keep his balance. Then as suddenly as it began, it stopped. The Houshi glanced over to regard Shuri's expression. The Kami's face had turned distorted and incensed. Despite the darkness of the sky above, everything was as vivid as if the dark was sunlight.
Sesshomaru tensed when the magic finished settling over the battlefield. Chiyo glanced his way and gave a nod. "About fucking time," he muttered before uttering a sharp bark.
The other allying youkai acknowledged Sesshomaru's underlying command and charged.
^_^
"What the hell is that little bitch trying to pull?" Shuri muttered angrily.
"What is wrong, little brother?" whispered a voice in his ear. Shuri pulled back to glare at his sister in annoyance.
"Absinthe," growled Shuri, addressing his sister. "What the hell are you doing here? I will not share."
"That's not why I'm here," Absinthe replied, flicking her long silver hair over her shoulder. "You've been a very bad boy."
"It is my right."
"They are not yours to take. The hanyou owes us nothing. You were not even aware of it until he died in battle and was brought back to life by his Mate."
"That changes nothing," argued Shuri.
Absinthe frowned at her brother's stubborn tone and set her hands on her hips. "You will be punished for this slight, Shuri. Have no doubt of that. It is only a matter of time before he finds out, and when that happens, I will do nothing to aid you."
"I will have my prize before that happens."
"Wrong Shuri. The sands of time are few in this matter. He will feel this . . . this darkness. It is his spell. You should leave the hanyou and his Pack as they are if you value your miserable existence."
"Don't be ridiculous," the Kami replied with malice. "I will have my prize and not even he will be able to stop me."
^_^
Inuyasha growled and slashed through another youkai. Naraku had brought thousands of inferior demons. Tetsusaiga's ultimate attack had been rendered useless when the fray intermixed with the Inu Clans. Unless Inuyasha wished to kill his kinsmen, he would have to kill one fucking demon at a time.
Sesshomaru was not enjoying himself. They just kept coming. It did not matter how powerful the Clan was, they were largely outnumbered. It was only a matter of time before someone fell in battle.
Chiyo watched the battlefield below her. Naraku stood near Shuri, accompanied by another figure, one Chiyo knew very well. "Absinthe."
^_^
Kaede was talking in quiet tones to Aiko when the ground around them began to tremble. "By the Kamis . . ."
Aiko looked startled for a moment before her face brightened as if she remembered something important. "Chiyo-sama must have released a very strong spell."
Kaede was silent for a moment, using her miko powers to study the earth before replying. "Hai. I feel a large sum of magic."
Kagome opened the door to her small room just as Kaede spoke to the young ookami. "Kaede-obaasan?" she said, her voice laced with panic.
"What is it child?" the elderly miko replied.
"Something is attacking the spirit shield," Kagome replied quietly, wincing when she felt anther blow on the shield. It was being steadily broken down. They had a half-hour at the most before the shield was gone.
Kaede looked alarmed before nodding. "Alright. I'll gather the children. Have Aiko help you carry one of your pups and we shall make our way to safety." Kaede watched the young miko disappear back into the room before adding mentally, 'hopefully.'
^_^
Chiyo looked up at the tall woman with suspicion. This woman in part had caused the death of both her parents. She had taken Chiyo from her Pack. "What's your name little one?" the woman asked, smoothing down Chiyo's hair.
"Chiyo."
The woman smiled before kneeling down in front of Chiyo. "I am Absinthe. How old are you Chiyo?"
"Five."
"Do you know what I am, little pup?"
"Empty."
Absinthe's eyes blazed with rage and the light grip she had on Chiyo's shoulders tightened considerably until Chiyo had to fight to breathe. "We will see who is empty by the end of this hour."
^_^
"Naraku." Inuyasha jumped from the numerous demons and made his way to where Naraku stood. The Inuhanyou landed not ten yards from Naraku and Shuri. "Well, Inuyasha," chuckled Naraku from beneath his mask. "Are you ready to surrender?"
Inuyasha growled and held up Tetsusaiga menacingly. "No fucking way, bastard."
Naraku's smiled only grew. "Perhaps if you knew your Mate was under attack as we speak you would change your mind."
Inuyasha froze and his eyes widened. "Kagura should be finished destroying that pitiful spirit shield now," Naraku continued, not noticing Shuri's darkening eyes. "So what will it be, hanyou? My death or your Mate?"
Inuyasha didn't hesitate as he turned and started back towards the mountain, only to watch in disbelief as the mountain was destroyed before his very eyes in an explosion that left his ears ringing. "No . . ." He turned back to see Shuri smiling, the Kami's hand lifted just slightly in the air.
"Now you must finish what you started hanyou," said Shuri.
^_^
"Why are you letting me live?"
Absinthe looked at the little inuhanyou sadly before shaking her head. "I can't kill you."
"Can't or won't?"
"Both. I can't bring myself to do it."
"You're weak."
Absinthe's eyes widened slightly. "While that may be the case, little Chiyo, I will not kill you."
"Then where will I find release from this flesh that cages me?"
Absinthe's surprise only lengthened. 'What exactly happened when she was stripped of her soul?' "Only a Kami of my House can kill you."
"And how do I kill a Kami?" Chiyo chuckled at Absinthe's face.
The Kami shook her head, silently reviewing her people's laws. 'I cannot lie. It is forbidden. And I must answer, such as we are bound to our House.' "You cannot. There is only one mortal that could ever defeat a Kami, and he will not be born for many youkai life times over."
"How will I know him?"
Absinthe cursed herself for not fleeing this strange child when she had the chance. But she was bound, she had to answer. "Bound by honor, bound by blood and bound by soul. He will lead both youkai and human to the light."
The Kami turned abruptly to leave when yet another question stopped her. "What will his name be?"
"Inuyasha."
^_^
"YOU BASTARD!" screamed Inuyasha, charging Shuri.
Shuri barely sidestepped Tetsusaiga's blade before jumping a few feet back and awaiting the hanyou's next attack. Inuyasha was breathing heavily, not from exertion but from anger.
Naraku's eyes narrowed when he saw the Kami barely miss Tetsusaiga. Perhaps he was destructible? The evil hanyou shrugged before turning back to the larger battle. "Time to liven things up."
^_^
"Miroku, look out!" yelled Sango, throwing Hiraikotsu. Miroku ducked as the giant boomerang flew above his head before slicing one of Naraku's puppets in half. The houshi took a deep breath and moved to stand beside the Taijiya. "This isn't good."
Sango snorted. "Quite obviously."
"We need to destroy Naraku. He's the one controlling the youkai. We kill him, they'll scatter."
Sango nodded. "Kirara!"
^_^
"Quickly now, children," urged Kaede.
Kagome held Kaemon close to her chest when she felt the spirit shield shudder. Aiko stood close beside her, holding Reiha. "Kagome-sama?" said the little pup. "We need to go now."
The miko nodded and followed the others out of the cavern, waiting for Kaede and Shippou before hurrying down the dark tunnel. The children had paused up ahead at a fork in the tunnels. "What is it?" Kaede asked anxiously.
"We need to go right," Aiko told them and they starting moving.
"Where does the left tunnel lead?" asked Kagome, her brows lowering in thought.
"Up to the battlefield."
"Come now," Kaede prodded.
Kagome nodded and continued on. She didn't get far before she paused. "Kagome?" Shippou asked, concerned.
Kagome cursed herself before looking down at the pup in her arms. "Take him, Kaede," she said, thrusting the pup into the old miko's arms.
"Kagome!" yelled Shippou when she turned back down the tunnel.
"I can't go any farther," Kagome explained. "Just go. Please. Keep my pups safe."
Kaede's face registered in understanding, before nodding solemnly. "Hai. Nothing will happen to your pups, Kagome-sama."
Kagome gave them both a brief smile before turning back and retracing her steps.
^_^
Feint, block, punch, attack . . . dammit block. Inuyasha repeated the words over and over in his head like a prayer. Shuri did not seem to be wearing down at all. The Kami still wore the infuriating smile he had when he destroyed the mountain.
At least Kagome is still alive. I would know if she were dead, Inuyasha reassured himself. The hanyou was violently snapped from his thoughts when Shuri succeeded in invading his defenses, delivering a very powerful punch to his stomach.
Inuyasha flew back, many inferior demons breaking his fall. He opened his eyes when he felt the ground and looked up to see Kouga standing over him. "Are you taking a nap or something?"
He growled at Kouga's poor attempt at a joke, or at least poor in his opinion, before taking the ookami's outstretched hand. Kouga jerked Inuyasha to his feet and turned back to see what had attacked the hanyou.
"You're taking on the Kami all by your fucking self?" Kouga asked in disbelief.
Inuyasha emitted another growl at the disbelief and foolishness Kouga directed at him. "I can fucking take him," Inuyasha defended himself.
Kouga's face turned serious as he regarded Inuyasha. "Are you sure?"
Inuyasha's anger evaporated as he solemnly considered Kouga's question. Inuyasha had seen Shuri fight, had felt the power behind each attack. "Yes. I am sure I can beat him."
Kouga nodded at Inuyasha's answer before smirking. "Alright then. You fucking kick that bastard's ass and I'll make sure no one interferes."
"You're on," the hanyou replied, smiling sincerely.
^_^
Kagome stopped to brace herself on the tunnel wall when the ground shuddered again. The spirit shield, it's completely gone. The young miko could sense someone coming through the debris that had once been the cavern. She had to stop them now before they reached the other children.
Kagura emerged through the tunnel and stood before Kagome. The wind youkai looked amused to see the miko standing defensively before her. "Heh, foolish mortal. You believe you are a match for me?"
Kagome shook her head to clear her scattered thoughts before looking at Kagura. "I can't allow you to go any farther."
The wind youkai raised an eyebrow at the girl's tone. "Alright then."
Kagura attacked.
^_^
Rin watched the battle, her hands clenching and unclenching around a small crystal necklace Machiko had given her. She had lost sight of her Sesshomaru-sama again. She had no idea where Jaken had gotten to, and the only other people she noticed were Niichan and Kouga-sama talking in the fray of inferior demons.
She had not wanted to hide underground with the other children. Machiko had summoned Aiko when Sesshomaru had left her in the cavern. It had been a simple matter to sneak out when the old miko's attention had been focused on some of the other children.
Rin absently wondered if her Sesshomaru-sama would be upset with her for disobeying him before her thoughts centered on the said Inuyoukai. The demons were beginning to gain up on him. Rin barely registered her feet running towards him when she spotted one of Naraku's puppets come up behind Sesshomaru.
"No! SESSHOMARU-SAMA!"