So, did you all enjoy chapter 8? It was actually really long…-_-;; and it's only part one, too! Obviously, this is part II…Kathy, stop looking at the screen and reading what I'm writing!!! *sighs* What can I say? I'm writing this in Tech class. Let's do this! -- does n/e one say that n/e more? Oh well.. that's steph for ya…(commentary from the peanut gallery…aka Kathy)
BTW: Some things may be slightly OOC...AND this will be the last part of the first saga, "The Arrival of the Mysterious Hanyou". The second saga, "Misplaced Feelings", will be chapters 10+ (some of which i have planned out *snickers evilly*)
Disclaimer: The wonderful work of Inuyasha doesn't belong to me, and it never will. It will forever belong to the queen of romantic comedy, Rumiko Takahashi, but her stories will forever remain in our hearts.
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Mysterious Hanyou
Chapter Nine: For the Sake of a Sister, Part II
By: Akiko (aka steph)
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The full-blooded dog demon stared down the white-haired hanyou, his golden eyes unemotional and unrelenting. He would get his way, for Sesshoumaru always got his way. The hanyou, however, couldn't feel the confidence that his older brother did. Within his mind and heart, a flurry of confused emotions stormed about. Should he give up his father's fang? The one that had protected him for so long? Or, should he keep it, and force Sesshoumaru to aid him? Did Sesshoumaru even have a compassionate enough heart to help his own sister?
Inuyasha clenched his teeth and balled up his fists. A growl rumbled deep in his throat; there was no way the Sesshoumaru would find kindness in his heart. Hell, he probably didn't even have a heart!
'But…' His golden narrowing in fury, 'I want my sister back…'
"I'm getting my sister back, you bastard," He snarled dangerously, "NO MATTER WHAT!"
"Hmph. Try, if you must."
The hanyou leapt towards Sesshoumaru, while his friends watched on in worry. Gripping the hilt of the Tessaiga, he drew out the demonic blade, letting it transform into its full glory. With the wrath of hell gleaming in his gold eyes, he unleashed the full power of the sword…
"KAZE NO KIZU!!!"
The infuriated cry was followed by blades soaring through the air at the full-blooded dog demon. Kouga's piercing blue eyes widened; this was only the second time he had viewed this attack, and if he thought the first time he saw it was powerful…When the dust settled, five deep scars were embedded within the earth, however, there was no sign of a bloody corpse.
"WHERE THE HELL IS HE?!"
Miroku and Sango glanced about, searching for the demon and his 'lackeys'. They weren't particularly concerned for the little toad thing, but for the innocent child that was (for some odd reason) traveling with Sesshoumaru. What did he do for the child that would make her love him so?
Slowly, silently, unnoticed by the group, Sesshoumaru slid behind Inuyasha, his own demonic blade of Goshinki's fangs held up in the air. The full-blooded demon could practically feel the sword humming with joy at the fatal outcome.
Then, it was as if time slowed down. Toukijin was raised in the air, prepared to strike down the hanyou…
"INUYASHA!!!!" Kagome cried.
Inuyasha turned his head, and his golden eyes widened in horror. The blade of Toukijin was coming closer and closer to his head…any second now…
"Eh?" Sesshoumaru stared at the spot where Inuyasha was.
Apparently the hanyou had disappeared into thin air...or so it seemed.
"Damn it, dog-turd, you shouldn't be so ****in' irresponsible and careless!!" Kouga scolded, panting heavily from the quick rescue.
"WHO GAVE YOU PERMISSION TO SAVE ME ANYWAY, YOU ****IN' WOLF!?"
"WHY YOU--"
"This isn't the time to be fighting!" Sango yelled, removing Hiraikotsu from her back, preparing to throw the huge boomerang at the full-blooded dog.
"Let me take care of this," Miroku stated, his voice even and dangerous.
He plunged his staff into the earth, letting it stand on its own, as he gripped the rosary that sealed his cursed hand.
"Everyone, stand behind me."
They did as he said, and stood behind the houshi, knowing the lethal effect of the Kazaana (well, everyone except Kouga). He unwrapped the beads and held out his hand, the void beginning to suck everything in.
"Heheh, no bastard Naraku to help you huh?" sneered Inuyasha.
Sesshoumaru stood calmly, and showed no emotion as Rin and Jaken were drawn towards the cursed hand. Rin cried out in desperation for her savior, her big brown eyes filling with tears and fears.
"SESSHOUMARU-SAMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Rin cried, the others watching on in sadness and disgust.
"DAMNIT!" Miroku cursed, rewrapping the beads around his hand. He ran towards the little girl and leapt into the air, catching Rin in his arms.
"Are you alright?"
Rin stared into Miroku's eyes, seeing the kindness in them. The same kindness she saw in Sesshoumaru's gold colored eyes...sometimes. She smiled and nodded happily.
"Houshi-sama, Rin is alright!" she chirped, knowing in her innocent heart that the monk was kind...she had the same feeling about everyone else, too...even Inuyasha.
'Wait, why is Sesshoumaru-sama fighting the dog-boy?'
A puzzled look crossed her face as she mulled over the thought. The child thought and thought and thought, but couldn't come to any (childish) logical reason. Was the dog-boy a bad guy? He couldn't be, because he was asking for the dog-girl to be saved (or something like that). It couldn't possibly be that Sesshoumaru was that bad guy...could it?
'Bad Rin!' The child thought, mentally scolding herself for even thinking such a thought. Even so, even with the risk of Sesshoumaru coming out as a bad guy, she wanted to see why everyone was fighting.
The little black-haired child scrambled out of Miroku's arms, running towards the full-inu-youkai, stepping over Jaken in the process. Colorful words were heard from the little (icky) toad thing, but stopped at the sight of a pair of emotionless gold eyes glowering at him. The little girl ran to Sesshoumaru, tugging on his silken kimono sleeve.
"Ano, Sesshoumaru-sama?"
Sesshoumaru looked down at the child, for the moment, forgetting the battle he was in. Thank the stars that houshi had saved his Rin.
'My Rin?' he mused, shocked that he had actually thought that.
He stared down, trying to intimidate the poor girl, but his expressionless face could not help but soften at the energetic curiousity the child exuded. He shook his head, earning him odd looks both from his hanyou brother and Jaken, both full well knowing that it was rare for the "Great Sesshoumaru" to appear so confused and helpless. Travelling with a human companion had truly begun to take its toll on him.
"Yes, Rin?"
Rin pointed to Inuyasha and the others, "Sesshoumaru-sama, why are you attacking them? Houshi-sama saved Rin, so shouldn't Sesshoumaru-sama be happy?"
The (other) bishounen inu sighed and closed his eyes for a moment. Did she really have to ask him that question? He wasn't really one for fantasy and this thing they call happiness, but he didn't want to crush the little girl's impression of him. But why? DAMN IT WHY DID HE WANT RIN'S APPROVAL!? Why...why did the little human child MEAN so much to him? It's not like the great dog-demon gave a particular damn about humans in general; to him, all they were were brainless, weak idiots that couldn't possibly defend themselves...He knew all that, and yet, he still chose to protect (well, not really) and care for (...Jaken actually took care of her most of the time, but it's the thought that counts...) her, even he was human.
'What is this emotion? This feeling to protect her mind, body and soul?'
Sango watched on in amazement, along with the rest of the crew, as Sesshoumaru continued to stand and think. The exterminator had never seen any full-blooded youkai (with maybe the exception of Kouga and Shippou) look so confused in explaining anything. It's almost as if...It was almost as if Sesshoumaru didn't want Rin to look at him in a bad light. The exterminator blinked at the thought. That couldn't be possible, could it? If he held any sort of feelings towards Rin, then, wouldn't he have compassion?
"That's not ****ing possible," Inuyasha murmured, echoing Sango's thoughts.
"Eh? What's not possible?" Kagome asked, holding a trembling Shippou in her arms.
"That this ****ing bastard has compassion."
"EHhH?! Do not call the Great Sesshoumaru-sama by such rude names!!! You shall pay for this!" Jaken shouted, leaping up from his 'resting' spot on the ground. He tightened his grip around his Staff of Heads, preparing to unleash the fury of hell on the group.
Kouga rolled his eyes at the toad, Inuko's body in his arms once more. Hell, he'd kick the shit out of the toad, if he weren't holding onto...
The cloth that had covered her body now lie somewhere in the battle field, torn and tattered from the powerful attacks. Her snow white hair swayed softly in the breeze, and Kouga's indigo blue eyes stared down at her. For the millionth time ever, he wished that she would come back, even if it meant a good couple kicks and punches from the hanyou.
'Just as long as she's alive...' he thought, unconsciously gathering her body closers.
"Well, Rin," Sesshoumaru started, obviously confused. How could he shatter a child's hopes and dreams? How could he ruin her sweet innocence like that?
"Can't you just bring back the dog-girl the way you brought Rin back? (AN: assuming she knows this...)" the child inquired, her brown eyes wide and pleading for an answer.
The others heard this, and their jaws just almost dropped.
"He..." Kouga started.
"brought..." Kagome blinked.
"Rin..." Sango continued, utterly surprised into silence.
"Back..." Shippou put in.
"To..." Miroku said.
"LIFE?!?!?!?!" Inuyasha exclaimed, hurting the ears of our friendly neighborhood wolf and fox.
"B-b-b-but if he brought that kid to life," the hanyou stuttered, not sure what to make of this revealing information, "t-t-then that might mean ..."
"HE ACTUALLY HAS A HEART?!" Shippou shouted, making everyone jump.
He blinked twice, his turquoise blue eyes clouded with confusion.
"What?"
They all shook their heads, slightly embarrassed that they had forgotten the kitsune's prescence at the scene.
Jaken took notice of their distraction, and decided to take full advantage of it. He smirked (as best as a toad-y thing can) and held his staff out. A red-hot flame burst out one of the heads, it's fiery fingers looking to singe human and demon flesh alike.
'Kagome!'
Inuyasha tackled Kagome to the ground, covering her body with his own. His fire-rat kimono could stand up to the heat, but her flimsy, foreign garments would probably burn off in a second, leaving her only in...
He smacked his forehead at the thought. NOW was *NOT* the time to be Miroku.
Sango pushed Miroku away, as he took her arms and dragged the exterminator forcefully to the ground. They landed rather roughly, or rather Miroku did, and Sango had a rather...nice landing. She soon realized that she wasn't laying on the cool dirt as she expected, but she was actually on top of a very concerned houshi.
"Sango (does Miroku add an honorific to Sango's name?), are you alright?" He asked, his eyes filled with concern for her.
"I'M FINE!" She yelled, standing up. Damn she needed some stress relief.
Kouga had moved to the side, was now growling at the green toad, ready to tear him up. Inuyasha moved to slice him in half, but Sango's arm stopped him from proceeding any further.
"Let me take care of this."
"...?"
Kagome threw a confused look towards Sango, and mouthed 'Why?' The female taiji-ya (isn't that right...?) just smirked and mouthed back 'Stress' and turned back to concentrate on beating Jaken into a bloody pulp.
*BAAAM* *THUNK THUNK*
"HIRAIKOTSU!!!!"
*thud*
Sango dusted her hands off, and returned Hiraikotsu to her back. Her face held an extremely triumphant, smug look as she walked away from a bloody, unconscious Jaken.
Even in this situation, Kagome couldn't help but smile. It was just too funny!
'Dammit. We should stop screwing around.'
Kouga was fed up with all these games and all the waiting. He wanted Inuko back and he wanted her back NOW.
"Oi, Sesshou-whatever your name is!" Kouga called out, catching the white-haired demon's attention.
"..."
Rin cringed a bit at the determined, angry look in Kouga's piercing eyes, and decided to hide behind one of Sesshoumaru's sleeves.
"Use your damned sword to bring her back."
"Oh, you really think I would?"
"Hell yes. If you don't, I'll tear you up."
"Then you won't get her back."
"At the very least, your ass will be grass."
"..."
Sesshoumaru stared at the wolf before him. He truly carried an air of arrogance with him, even rivaling the confidence of his little brother. The dog's heart was a heart of stone, nevertheless, as he gazed upon the his sister's corpse, he couldn't help but feel a twinge deep in his chest. It was a feeling of ... pain? No, more like a deep sorrow for his sister. They had not stayed together long, but in those early years they were a family...By no means, did that mean he enjoyed it. He hated Inuyasha for being a hanyou. He hated Inuko the same way. He hated their mother for 'seducing' his father, and he hated his father for being so vulnerable. His mother wasn't any better, setting horrible examples for her child. She was always cruel and untouchable, never letting anyone into her inner thoughts. Sesshoumaru learned to close himself off from everyone; he learned it from his mother-dearest. Yet now, when he looked at it, he had already let his defenses down, since Rin had been with him. Slowly, he could feel the emotions he had locked away creep up on him, sometimes when Rin was near, and sometimes when he was off in a forest, all by himself. The feelings of the past haunted him, but they weren't really all feelings of resentment, hate and sorrow. There were happy feelings and memories, too.
And looking at his lifeless little sister brought back good memories when the three of them had played together, all too young and innocent to really hate each other. Those were the memories Sesshoumaru kept confined in the dark recesses of his mind. He realized then, that the reason he hated humans so much was not because they were simply human, but because one had taken his father away from him. The same one that had taken his siblings to a better place when his own mother began to harass them.
Sesshoumaru realized all of this, and of course, wouldn't do single damned thing with this turning point. Okay, so maybe he would do a single damned thing.
He strode over to where Kouga stood, Inuko in his arms, and returned Toukijin to its sheathe. Everyone held their breath as Sesshoumaru began to draw another sword...
And that sword was the life-giving sword, Tenseiga.
Kouga stared at the sword, feeling its power. It nearly hypnotized the wolf, making him feel ... odd. All he knew, was that Inuko was coming back. He could feel it in his bones, he could sense it in his mind. It was as if he could hear her breathing, and not the loud ruckus Rin was making.
Kagome smiled in happiness, thought the smile was slightly strained and tight. Sure, Inuko might be returning to the world of the living, but what if...what if she ended up crazy and deranged like the miko Kikyou? Or, what if something went wrong? She held her smile as Sesshoumaru raised the sword, as if to slash at something.
Miroku, Sango, and Shippou observed quietly, each feeling a growing anxiousness rising up within them. There were feelings of happiness, relief and distrust, but those were as prominent as the nervousness they now felt. Would Sesshoumaru really help them this one time...?
Said dog demon squinted his eyes, seeing the messengers from the other world. One, two, three...Three in all. He slashed at them, getting them all in one strike, but not all of his concentration was focused on it. The almost-careless way he swung the sword showed that his mind was wandering elsewhere; thoughts of the past, present and future was where the demon's mind was, and not at the task at hand...
'What the?!'
For once in his demonic life, Sesshoumaru was taken by complete and utter surprise. Another messenger remained, and yet Inuko was starting to breathe again, all wounds from her last battle already erased. Her eyelids slowly opened, bit by bit, revealing blank golden eyes. Sesshoumaru gathered his wits, and slashed at the remaining messenger.
The wolf turned his bright blue eyes to the awakening hanyou lying within his strong arms. Warmth flooded her body, and Kouga's eyes began to cloud with tears…tears of happiness for the return of his…no, not his, of Inuko. He held her closer, burying his face into her snow white hair, undoubtedly enjoying the return of her sweet scent…but…
"Something's wrong…" Inuyasha murmured, catching the attention of his companions. Puzzled eyes turned to hanyou-boy, asking what he meant.
"What do you mean, 'something's wrong'?" Kagome asked, her voice low and concerned.
"What I mean is this: She's scared," He stated, keeping his golden eyes trained on his siblings and his rival in front of him.
"Scared…?" Miroku echoed, "Why would Inuko be scared of us?"
"…"
Little-fox Shippou thought hard for a moment, when he suddenly realized something…Didn't Sesshoumaru strike twice? Knowing Sesshoumaru's personality, wouldn't he have gotten whatever the hell he was aiming for in one strike…?
That scene played over and over within the kitsune cubs head, trying to bring a logical reason to everything that was going on. He hopped onto Inuyasha's shoulder, and mumbled in the hanyou's furry white ears.
"Didn't Sesshoumaru slash twice?"
Realization dawned on Inuyasha's face; that might actually have a connection to whatever the hell was happening. First off, Sesshoumaru was caught off guard and was completely surprised, before having to strike again. Now…now his sister was frightened out of her mind. Fear radiated off of her, and he could hear her heart pounding. If Kouga didn't hear that…
He rolled his eyes, 'Kouga must be a *COMPLETE* idiot.'
However, Inuyasha was wrong. Kouga did feel her fear, he did hear her heart pounding away in her chest…he did feel her urge to escape; he just held her close trying to comfort her. He tried to convey the feelings he couldn't confess, the apologies he never made, the connection he felt with her…
Too bad Inuko didn't feel the same way.
With a fearful cry, she stomped on Kouga's foot, sending wave after wave of pain through the wolf youkai. Her panicked golden eyes looked everywhere; there was no escape. There were too many people around her, and she had to get out…
"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING!?!?" Kouga yelled, making her wince in pain.
With a shout, she punched him in the jaw with all her demonic strength, sending him flying into a tree.
'Got…to…get…out,' her panic stricken mind cried.
"Inuko," Kagome called softly. "Inuko-chan, please, calm down…"
Her frenzied golden eyes clashed with Kagome's warm, worried eyes.
'Those eyes…'
An image flashed in her mind; it was one of kind little miko girl, smiling and playing with her.
"K-Kikyou…?" Inuko mumbled, lost in the memory.
The white-haired demon girl shook her head, and fled to the forest, with all the speed she could muster up. What the hell was that memory anyway? Why was she there, in that wolf demon's arms? Why was that girl worried about her…?
She stopped in a clearing not too far from the battlefield, and screamed out her frustrations.
"WHAT THE **** IS GOING ON HERE?!?"
Birds preparing to rest for the day flew into the sky, disturbed by Inuko's unearthly howl. She grabbed her head and thrashed about, memory upon memory unfolding into her hazy hanyou brain. Were…were all of these her memories? Who were these people…?
'I…I have…a brother…' She thought, collapsing onto the forest ground.
'I…have someone I care about…'
Images flew by her mind's eye.
A human girl, a fox cub, a houshi and an exterminator, a wise old miko…A hanyou, just like her…
…and…
A wolf demon with striking, bright blue eyes that seemed to pierce the depth of her soul. She felt like she had known this person forever…
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Kouga slowly stood, rubbing his very sore jaw. Damn it! Why'd she have to be a hanyou who could hit hard?!
"WHAT THE HELL DID YOU DO TO HER, YOU BASTARD?!" Inuyasha snarled, drawing out Tessaiga.
"I…didn't do anything."
Sesshoumaru's vulnerable, honest answer caught everyone by surprise. Even Rin and Jaken were flabbergasted by their master's answer. Never before had he seemed so…utterly lost. What had gone wrong…? Couldn't he even save his own sister? He stood there, eyes distant and confused, the breeze blowing through his silky white hair.
"We should go after her," Sango suggested, worried for Inuko's safety.
"I agree. But, where would she be?" Houshi-boy asked.
"I'll find her."
They all turned to Kouga, who had a determined gleam in his eyes. He'd be the one to bring her back, and he wouldn't take no for an answer.
"I don't think so, wolf. She's *my* sister, and I'll be the one to bring her back," Inuyasha stated, his voice steely and cold.
"Oh. So, you just plan on leaving Kagome with this bastard, Sessho…whatever the hell that damned dog's called?!" Kouga retorted.
"…"
"So, it's settled."
The wolf turned around and sniffed out Inuko's scent, taking off in a flash, leaving a mini-tornado in his wake. He urged his legs faster, needing more speed to find the missing hanyou.
'Who knows what that crazy dog will do…'
It wasn't long before her scent grew stronger and stronger within his youkai nostrils. He slowed down, sensing the other demon's presence. She was around here somewhere…The wolf came to a complete halt, seeing the hanyou curled up into a ball, her red kimono standing out in the green of the lush forest. He approached her slowly, not wanting to alarm her.
"…Inuko?"
Her white ears twitched at the familiar voice calling her name. A well-known scent also made its appearance with the calling of her name…Who was it? Who was that was there?
She slowly lifted her head, her golden eyes focusing in on the figure before her…Black hair, piercing blue eyes, wolf fur…Armor, headband and a sword. Who…
Then it hit her.
Inuko smiled at the discovery, glad that there was at least one person she remembered. She ran at Kouga, tackling him in a bear-hug, hiding her face in his chest. How she missed him so much…
"Huh?"
Kouga blinked a few times, and still couldn't figure what just happened. Did…Inuko just hug him? He blinked again, and in spite of his struggle against the impulse to blush…he did. He blushed a bright, crimson red. Too bad Inuyasha wasn't there to see it, because he'd be laughing his ass off at the wolf's wide-eyed, completely flabbergasted look.
"I'm glad that you're here!" Inuko exclaimed cheerfully, staring into Kouga's eyes.
He stared into her tear-filled eyes, and wondered why she was so happy. At the puzzled look on his face, she just grinned wider.
"I missed you…
onii-chan…"
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MUAHAHAHAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *laughs evilly* Chapter Nine has been completed on 3/11/2002 at 10:48:04 PM. YESS! I bet you're all going "what the HELL!?" *grins* Let's just put it this way…
It's time to start Saga II, "Misplaced Feelings"
Heh…heh.
I know Katie gets it. …-_-;
I have this feeling Kathy's going to hit me when she reads this…
