A dog will always be loyal to its master. If its master beats it, starves
it, and then sends it off to die, the dog will go willingly trusting in its
master completely and with love.
Chapter 5 Gozensama
His red eyes glowed in the darkness searching for the prey. His large claws dug deep into the dirt as he inched forward. Saliva dripped from his fangs, instantly killing any foliage it touched. He had been bred to kill and tonight he would finally prove himself to his master.
A successful kill meant a place at Taku's side once more. It meant honor and respect, which had long been denied him. He thought of all the nights he had spent out in the cold, alone and hungry. He longed for the comfort of a warm home again. The wind blew the fur around Gozensama's face and brought him the scent of his pray. Soon he would breathe in the scent of death.
Inuyasha sat high in the branches of a large tree, his companions sleeping below him. He looked into the night sky, one of the few things he could still recognize, the stars remained constant defying the passage of time. His mind was divided with thoughts of the children he never knew, the man who took them, and the mate that was lost to him.
Kagome, where was she tonight? He could only imagine what she must have been put through all these years. Somewhere she was locked away, alone for who knows how long, not knowing if help would ever come. How many nightmares had she had over the years? How many nights had she awakened screaming for her children or calling his name?
Inuyasha felt a tear slip from his eye and he quickly wiped it away. Crying was the last thing that would help him. He took a deep breath to compose himself and that was when he caught the scent.
A demon was somewhere in the darkness and he could tell by its scent it was hunting. He silently jumped to the ground and woke Miroku. "Wake up, something's coming."
Miroku got up and reached for his staff. He woke Sango and Shippo while Inuyasha drew the Tetsusaiga and scanned the darkness for the unseen threat. The others soon joined him, each turning there back to one another and scanning the forest around them.
Out in the forest, Gozensama stayed perfectly still, his eyes fixed on the dog demon that was his target. The others, two humans and a child, were no real threat. Nothing was going to stop him from earning back his place at his master's side. He'd kill them all if he had to. He slowly inched forward, every muscle in his body ready to attack.
Inuyasha searched the darkness for any sign of movement. The scent of the demon was all around him making it impossible to find the point of origin.
Finally the demon made its move. The huge demon beast lunged at him from the darkness. Inuyasha swung the Tetsusaiga and the demon quickly dodged. It came to rest and turned around and Inuyasha saw the beast clearly in the light of the fire.
It was one of Naraku's patrol units he had seen earlier that day. Unlike the previous units this one had no rider or armor. Its brown fur was shaggy and badly matted. For all its bulk and muscle it looked underfed and malnourished. The beast reared up, its razor sharp claws flashing in the moonlight, and let out a deafening roar.
Sango threw Hiraikotsu, aiming for the demon's chest, and connected with his shoulder as he dropped to his feet. Miroku attacked his other shoulder with his staff. With the others so close it would be unwise to use the Kazaana. The demon swiped at Miroku knocking him off his feet. He then turned and jumped at Sango who managed to roll away before being crushed underneath its giant paw.
While the demons back was turned, Inuyasha took the opportunity to attack. He swung his sword and sliced into the demons hind leg. Letting out a howl of pain, Gozensama kicked his other leg at his attacker. The kick connected with Inuyasha and he was flung back into a nearby tree.
Shippo through a few firecrackers underneath the demon and the explosion distracted him long enough for Sango to attack again. Hiraikotsu struck Gozensama in the back. He roared in pain as he lashed out at his attacker.
"Sango, watch out!" Miroku jumped in front of Sango blocking the blow with his staff.
Inuyasha jumped to his feet and stabbed the demon in the ribs. Pulling the sword from the demons chest he tried to move out of his attack range.
Gozensama whipped his head around. One of his large fangs caught Inuyasha in his side. The fang pushed through his flesh and he was lifted off the ground. With a flick of his head Inuyasha was thrown away and on to the ground.
He didn't have long to recover before Gozensama was ready to pounce on him again. Inuyasha rolled out of the way just in time. The demon's claws ripped through the ground causing a shower of dirt to erupt from underneath them. The demons attacks were coming faster now, Inuyasha could tell he was getting desperate. He needed to finish this soon, before someone got killed.
Inuyasha stood and prepared to attack. "Everyone move out of the way." The others moved behind Inuyasha so they were out of the way of his attack. He readied himself and watched as the demon once again rose to its feet. His eyes focused as the demon winds picked up and circled each other. The demon lowered its self to the ground and readied to pounce.
As the demon leapt into the air the wind scar appeared in front of Inuyasha. He swung his sword hitting the scar and causing waves of energy to rip through Gozensama's body. As he fell to the ground Gozensama's last thoughts were of his master and how he had failed him.
Sango walked over and inspected the demon. The Tetsusaiga reverted to its original form and Inuyasha put it back into its sheath. As the group recovered from their battle they were unaware that they were being watched.
*********
Taku watched the battle knowing Gozensama would die in the end. At one time it would have pained him deeply to see anything happen to his once precious pet, now he felt almost nothing. He was only interested in learning how Inuyasha fought and what weapon he used. The sword interested him greatly. When he killed Inuyasha he would have make sure he took that sword to add to his collection.
He stood and walked back to the window. "That is all I needed Kanna you may go now." The girl nodded and left the room.
Taku stared out into the night. In his mind he replayed Inuyasha's every move. The battle had been too short. The move Inuyasha used to kill Gozensama was very powerful indeed. Did he have more moves like this? He needed to know how strong Inuyasha was before attempting to fight him but that would mean more battles and more tests. Inuyasha would soon reach the western land and Taku was running out of time. He had to stop Inuyasha now. How was he going to do that?
Bouken rose to his feet. "Is there anything else I can do for you my lord?" Taku waved his hand at him. "We are done for the evening. I'll call you again when I need you." Bouken bowed. "As you wish my lord." he left the room and closed the door behind him.
Bouken had expected Kagura to be waiting outside the door demanding to know what was going on. The surprise he felt in finding that she wasn't there quickly died when he spotted her walking down the hall following Kanna, no doubt trying to get information from the speechless girl. Kagura was not trusted by anyone. Her words seldom matched her actions. She would claim loyalty to Naraku and then disappear for days at a time. No one knew exactly where she went or why, not even Naraku himself.
But he had better things to think about now then that witch. Taku was acting strangely. The fact that he was so worried about one man was odd enough, but to do what he did to Gozensama. ? Even though Gozensama was a Gunyouken he never acted like one. Gunyouken were dogs bread by Naraku to be viscous killers, and made specifically to carry solders into battle. Their natural weapons were claws as sharp as knives, and elongated fangs made for impaling enemies and their mounts.
Gozensama was more a pet than a killer. He had a kind and gentle nature and was as loyal to Taku as any one creature could be. It was his inability to be viscous that led to his banishment. Gozensama lost in a fight with a very young, inexperienced demon. The loss embarrassed Taku to no end and from that day forward he would have nothing to do with him.
Bouken always thought that one day Taku would forgive the beast and take him in again. He never imagined that Taku would send the dog to his death for little more than a test. This just wasn't like Taku at all. Something was definitely wrong.
Kagura followed Kanna down the dark hall. "Kanna what did Taku want with Bouken?" Kanna did not stop and gave no indication that she even heard her sister. "Kanna everyone else might think you've lost your mind but I know better. This whole mute thing is just a big act and I know it. Just talk to me and tell me what is going on."
Kanna continued walking. Kagura was about to grab the girl and shake her when a hand was placed on her shoulder. "Leave her alone and come with me."
Kagura froze and Kanna just kept walking.
Naraku was home.
Name note
Gunyouken - war dogs
Chapter 5 Gozensama
His red eyes glowed in the darkness searching for the prey. His large claws dug deep into the dirt as he inched forward. Saliva dripped from his fangs, instantly killing any foliage it touched. He had been bred to kill and tonight he would finally prove himself to his master.
A successful kill meant a place at Taku's side once more. It meant honor and respect, which had long been denied him. He thought of all the nights he had spent out in the cold, alone and hungry. He longed for the comfort of a warm home again. The wind blew the fur around Gozensama's face and brought him the scent of his pray. Soon he would breathe in the scent of death.
Inuyasha sat high in the branches of a large tree, his companions sleeping below him. He looked into the night sky, one of the few things he could still recognize, the stars remained constant defying the passage of time. His mind was divided with thoughts of the children he never knew, the man who took them, and the mate that was lost to him.
Kagome, where was she tonight? He could only imagine what she must have been put through all these years. Somewhere she was locked away, alone for who knows how long, not knowing if help would ever come. How many nightmares had she had over the years? How many nights had she awakened screaming for her children or calling his name?
Inuyasha felt a tear slip from his eye and he quickly wiped it away. Crying was the last thing that would help him. He took a deep breath to compose himself and that was when he caught the scent.
A demon was somewhere in the darkness and he could tell by its scent it was hunting. He silently jumped to the ground and woke Miroku. "Wake up, something's coming."
Miroku got up and reached for his staff. He woke Sango and Shippo while Inuyasha drew the Tetsusaiga and scanned the darkness for the unseen threat. The others soon joined him, each turning there back to one another and scanning the forest around them.
Out in the forest, Gozensama stayed perfectly still, his eyes fixed on the dog demon that was his target. The others, two humans and a child, were no real threat. Nothing was going to stop him from earning back his place at his master's side. He'd kill them all if he had to. He slowly inched forward, every muscle in his body ready to attack.
Inuyasha searched the darkness for any sign of movement. The scent of the demon was all around him making it impossible to find the point of origin.
Finally the demon made its move. The huge demon beast lunged at him from the darkness. Inuyasha swung the Tetsusaiga and the demon quickly dodged. It came to rest and turned around and Inuyasha saw the beast clearly in the light of the fire.
It was one of Naraku's patrol units he had seen earlier that day. Unlike the previous units this one had no rider or armor. Its brown fur was shaggy and badly matted. For all its bulk and muscle it looked underfed and malnourished. The beast reared up, its razor sharp claws flashing in the moonlight, and let out a deafening roar.
Sango threw Hiraikotsu, aiming for the demon's chest, and connected with his shoulder as he dropped to his feet. Miroku attacked his other shoulder with his staff. With the others so close it would be unwise to use the Kazaana. The demon swiped at Miroku knocking him off his feet. He then turned and jumped at Sango who managed to roll away before being crushed underneath its giant paw.
While the demons back was turned, Inuyasha took the opportunity to attack. He swung his sword and sliced into the demons hind leg. Letting out a howl of pain, Gozensama kicked his other leg at his attacker. The kick connected with Inuyasha and he was flung back into a nearby tree.
Shippo through a few firecrackers underneath the demon and the explosion distracted him long enough for Sango to attack again. Hiraikotsu struck Gozensama in the back. He roared in pain as he lashed out at his attacker.
"Sango, watch out!" Miroku jumped in front of Sango blocking the blow with his staff.
Inuyasha jumped to his feet and stabbed the demon in the ribs. Pulling the sword from the demons chest he tried to move out of his attack range.
Gozensama whipped his head around. One of his large fangs caught Inuyasha in his side. The fang pushed through his flesh and he was lifted off the ground. With a flick of his head Inuyasha was thrown away and on to the ground.
He didn't have long to recover before Gozensama was ready to pounce on him again. Inuyasha rolled out of the way just in time. The demon's claws ripped through the ground causing a shower of dirt to erupt from underneath them. The demons attacks were coming faster now, Inuyasha could tell he was getting desperate. He needed to finish this soon, before someone got killed.
Inuyasha stood and prepared to attack. "Everyone move out of the way." The others moved behind Inuyasha so they were out of the way of his attack. He readied himself and watched as the demon once again rose to its feet. His eyes focused as the demon winds picked up and circled each other. The demon lowered its self to the ground and readied to pounce.
As the demon leapt into the air the wind scar appeared in front of Inuyasha. He swung his sword hitting the scar and causing waves of energy to rip through Gozensama's body. As he fell to the ground Gozensama's last thoughts were of his master and how he had failed him.
Sango walked over and inspected the demon. The Tetsusaiga reverted to its original form and Inuyasha put it back into its sheath. As the group recovered from their battle they were unaware that they were being watched.
*********
Taku watched the battle knowing Gozensama would die in the end. At one time it would have pained him deeply to see anything happen to his once precious pet, now he felt almost nothing. He was only interested in learning how Inuyasha fought and what weapon he used. The sword interested him greatly. When he killed Inuyasha he would have make sure he took that sword to add to his collection.
He stood and walked back to the window. "That is all I needed Kanna you may go now." The girl nodded and left the room.
Taku stared out into the night. In his mind he replayed Inuyasha's every move. The battle had been too short. The move Inuyasha used to kill Gozensama was very powerful indeed. Did he have more moves like this? He needed to know how strong Inuyasha was before attempting to fight him but that would mean more battles and more tests. Inuyasha would soon reach the western land and Taku was running out of time. He had to stop Inuyasha now. How was he going to do that?
Bouken rose to his feet. "Is there anything else I can do for you my lord?" Taku waved his hand at him. "We are done for the evening. I'll call you again when I need you." Bouken bowed. "As you wish my lord." he left the room and closed the door behind him.
Bouken had expected Kagura to be waiting outside the door demanding to know what was going on. The surprise he felt in finding that she wasn't there quickly died when he spotted her walking down the hall following Kanna, no doubt trying to get information from the speechless girl. Kagura was not trusted by anyone. Her words seldom matched her actions. She would claim loyalty to Naraku and then disappear for days at a time. No one knew exactly where she went or why, not even Naraku himself.
But he had better things to think about now then that witch. Taku was acting strangely. The fact that he was so worried about one man was odd enough, but to do what he did to Gozensama. ? Even though Gozensama was a Gunyouken he never acted like one. Gunyouken were dogs bread by Naraku to be viscous killers, and made specifically to carry solders into battle. Their natural weapons were claws as sharp as knives, and elongated fangs made for impaling enemies and their mounts.
Gozensama was more a pet than a killer. He had a kind and gentle nature and was as loyal to Taku as any one creature could be. It was his inability to be viscous that led to his banishment. Gozensama lost in a fight with a very young, inexperienced demon. The loss embarrassed Taku to no end and from that day forward he would have nothing to do with him.
Bouken always thought that one day Taku would forgive the beast and take him in again. He never imagined that Taku would send the dog to his death for little more than a test. This just wasn't like Taku at all. Something was definitely wrong.
Kagura followed Kanna down the dark hall. "Kanna what did Taku want with Bouken?" Kanna did not stop and gave no indication that she even heard her sister. "Kanna everyone else might think you've lost your mind but I know better. This whole mute thing is just a big act and I know it. Just talk to me and tell me what is going on."
Kanna continued walking. Kagura was about to grab the girl and shake her when a hand was placed on her shoulder. "Leave her alone and come with me."
Kagura froze and Kanna just kept walking.
Naraku was home.
Name note
Gunyouken - war dogs