AN: Yeah! I love updating! It makes me feel so fuzzy warm inside. And I
love writing AN's! yeah! One more review for this chapter and we cleared
250! You guys rock! ^_^ You stayed with us through it all, and you're
almost at the end.
( With a heavy accent on the almost!)
To all those wanting a happy ending: Um.. Yeah...
Drake220: Yes, Sesshy is nuts. I like nuts Sesshy. But he's not quite that insane. Just ruthless and. ah. dominating. ^_^ I keep giggling over the "bleeding all of the deck" comment from chapter two. And as for the horny Sango.. Only with Miroku, note. If she was really that bad, she would be clamoring all over Inuyasha and Kouga and stuff too. And why can't she enjoy having sex with Miroku and want to do it
often? ^_^ I would write what I would do if I were Sango here. but that would give people proof and they can't have proof. *creeps away slowly*
Esther: That's "jolly good story WOMEN". And an adult Rin as punishment. can't we just have Inuyasha kill him?
Dark Star: You are sweet. Hopefully, the rest of the story will have the same effect.
KougasMyMan: You just like the idea of Kouga having a handcuff fetish. Come on. Admit it. ^_^ *giggles* Kouga.. He's so cool. *finally got to meet Kouga's
character last week*
Storymind: But what if Inuyasha came to save you? I think I could deal with it if Inuyasha came to save me.
Tsuki: Oh! I like having Sesshy getting eaten by sharks. But.. wouldn't that give them indigestion?
ENJOY!! ^_^
Inuyasha smiled at Kagome and tilted his neck so that he could gently kiss the still sore-looking area of her neck, his lips as gentle as his breath. He could feel that there was a dopey grin on his face as he thought of spending the rest of his life with Kagome.
The future had never looked so good.
Kissing her mouth gently, he wondered when he had last been so certain of anything. "Kagome... yes. Yes, I'm sure."
Some time later....
The urge to pace was difficult to hold back. Inuyasha thought that the only reason why he wasn't wearing a track in the floor was because he was sitting on the bed with Kagome leaning against him. It was nice, he was discovering, even like this: not saying anything, not kissing, just sitting besides each other and enjoying each other's simple company. 'Twenty minutes before my shift starts. How many seconds is that?' he wondered. Twenty minutes to his shift, two hours to the island, and then maybe an hour for the revolution and he could spend the rest of his life with Kagome.
"Kagome?"
"You need to be getting ready." Kagome said nodding with understanding, slowly and not without regret pulling away from him. "I know." Kagome said turning to face him and smiling softly at him. Pulling out of bed, Kagome brought over his jacket and held it out to him. "Last time to back out." Kagome offered his last chance of escape.
He slid off the bed, and accepted his jacket with a red face. Somehow her acting like that really did make him feel like they were husband and wife. He shook his head with a smile. He hadn't meant to point out how long they had left. "Kagome, do you think you could do me a favor?" Inuyasha took her hand. "Help me pray."
Kagome stared at him for a moment, before smiling softly and taking his hands in her own. Sitting with him, Kagome prayed and watched him through slit eyes. Reaching out, Kagome playfully bowed his head and continued. When they finished, she looked over at him again. "Anything else?" Kagome asked, feeling her Priestess qualities that she had forgot about begin to return to her, the purifying power that came with her blood boiling and growing.
"Nope," he answered before leaning over and giving her a shy kiss. He grinned at her. "For good luck."
Kagome blushed and reached out for him when he got up. "I want to ask for a favor too."
Inuyasha smiled at her and knelt back down. "Name it and if it's within my power, it's yours." He knew, of course, that worrying and complaining over things that had happened in the past were pointless things to do, but sometimes when he looked at her and he thought of her wounds still healing under her clothes, he damned himself for not being able to help sooner.
"You won't take him on. If anything goes wrong, you won't take him on." Kagome said her finger nails digging into his skin. "He's too powerful. If he finds out, you do what you can to survive, I want that to be your first and foremost concern." Kagome demanded, then softened her tone and released her nails. "You will be careful, won't you?"
"Ow, woman," he growled with a playful smile. "You've got a grip like mine." He felt another pang of guilt. Inuyasha had screwed up a lot, and he refused to do that again. "I promise you that I won't take on Sesshomaru, Kagome. And I'm always careful, aren't I?"
Kagome threw him a bland look. "I shot you twice, didn't I?"
He winced. "Point taken. All right, I'll be more careful." His kiss filled with tender promises, he unwound his wrist from his grip and headed for the door, pausing only twice. The first was to pick up his sword, the second was to look back at her. He wouldn't let her down again. "You and Sango be careful, okay?" he said, his hand on the doorknob.
Kagome nodded proudly. "Just remember to ring the bell when we dock." Kagome told him as she stood up and watched him go off. Feeling like this was the last time she'd see him, and not liking that feeling at all.
Miroku looked down at himself. When was the last time he had worn these clothes? He wondered. Or when was the last time he held his staff in his hands? Shaking his head, he pulled the costume off and dressed in his pirate clothes. No use to tip anyone off. Working the buckle of his belt, Miroku turned to Sango. "You know, that last move, was not in the book." He scolded playfully. "Remember our plans?" Miroku asked feeling that he had to go over it again.
"No, Miroku, I don't," she said sarcastically. "And if that move wasn't in your precious scrolls than maybe you and I should sit down one day and rewrite it." She pulled her hair back up into a ponytail, feeling his eyes on her as she did so. He always liked it better down. But then, didn't most guys? "Bell rings, we wait a little bit, and then we go kick some ass. There. Is that a good enough repetition of our plan?"
"Sango!" Miroku shouted then lowered his head, watching the bulge of his knuckles as he clenched his fists. "This isn't a laughing matter." Miroku warned, knowing full well what type of a demon killer she was. He had, after all, watched her his whole time on the island. But he also knew that Sesshomaru was the demon she had talked about and that if the two met- Miroku ignored that thought and then remembered all the other demons on this ship. "If you get into any trouble, Sango, you call out." Miroku said, flexing the fingers of his wind funnel hand. "Now again, the plan."
She sighed. "Inuyasha will ring the bell when we reach the island. Three quarters of the crew will be going with him, yourself included, that way you can open up the portal. All that will be left here are the nameless buffoons, because all the really important ones will go to witness your captain's moment of triumph as he finds a way to return home. We wait twenty minutes after hearing the bell, let the girls go free, head to the armory and arm ourselves to the teeth, and then mutiny and take over the ship. We're not supposed to hurt Shippo, or the one called Kouga if he's on board, although if Jaken's on he's free game." Sango stopped. She didn't think she had missed anything. Except that Inuyasha and Miroku still hadn't said how they were going to get back on the ship as it sailed away. "Did anybody ever tell you that you look pretty damn hot in those old robes of yours?"
Miroku laughed. Sitting on the bed beside her, Miroku allowed his wondering hand to caress the curve of her derriere. "No, they're busier yelling at me that I am a corrupt monk, asking them if they'll have my child." Miroku joked then leaned over pressing her back and kissing her. "To think I found someone as perverted as me and willing to bare my children..." Miroku said then smirked. "Which reminds me, once we're off and on our own way- You're not drinking anymore of that stuff you take." Miroku added, looking quite smug with himself. "Oh yes, I know about the contraceptive."
Sango's cheeks were burning. Argh! How infuriating! How did Miroku know about everything that went on in her life? She'd figure out his secret one day! Just as playful as him, she pouted. "But then I'll get pregnant and I won't have you all to myself. Besides, what ever will you think of me when I'm fat and bitchy as I carry your child?"
"That you are the most beautiful woman in the world. That you are the mother of my children, and that our make up sex will be amazing." Miroku sweet-talked her, getting a taste of the tart that would come along with her pregnancy. "I suppose, that till we're safe though and away from the demons though, that you can continue using it. I wouldn't want to leave a wife and a baby alone." Miroku grinned at her pout. "Imagine all the fun time we'll have writing our own book while you're pregnant, so that after you give birth we can try it all out." Miroku once again attempted the sweet talk of sweet nothings in her ear.
Finding his murmurings delicious, she leaned against his chest and closed her eyes. If anybody ever called her husband soulless, she'd have words with them. "I can see it now. Sango and Miroku's Guide to Great Sex for Dummies." She sighed, but knew that her husband could take care of himself, though she wished she could be there with him. "Come back to me, quickly, Miroku."
"Sango..." Miroku said her name as though it was a sweet caress, allowing his hands to get a firmer grip of her. Five minutes was all he needed. Just five minutes and for her to sip that damn Sake. Just five minutes and he'd show her just how much he wanted to come back to her. Five minutes and he show her-
"Hey! Miroku! What's taking so long?" Miroku heard Inuyasha's all-of-the- sudden-annoying voice calling through the door leading out to the hall. Groaning, Miroku buried his face in the crook of Sango's neck, his hands stopping where they were. "I'll come back." Miroku promised and stood up, adjusting the suddenly too-damn-tight pants over his crotch. "You watch out for Kagome and those girls, but don't forget about yourself." Miroku warned and left for the door.
Pulling it open, Miroku glared at Inuyasha. Looking like a very desperate man, you would never be able to tell just how much Miroku enjoyed the company in his wife's bed by the death look he was now throwing his friend. "You have the worst timing in the world."
"What's your problem?" Inuyasha demanded.
Miroku stared at Inuyasha with a look that could turn a man to stone. "You really don't get laid enough. Do you?" Miroku asked closing the door behind him.
Inuyasha grinned proudly. "I think I've lost count. At least five times in the past day and a half. Nowhere near as much as you and Sango, I'll admit, but still fairly impressive in my books." His smile grew as he recalled some of the finer moments of the past two days. He found it hard to believe that in forty-eight hours he'd had such a radical change of heart, but, the proof was right there, beating under his skin. "You know, there was something I was going to ask you about, but for the life of me I can't recall what now."
"Oh, I'm sure I know: How to get the stupid 'I just got laid' glow off of your face?" Miroku teased with a wicked grin. No way he could ever pull off the holy monk act off with that grin.
Rolling his eyes, Inuyasha ignored Miroku and his comments. Maybe he could casually knock the other man overboard. He was sure the cold water might take some of the energy out of him. Stepping on deck, Inuyasha caught a glimpse of his brother as he disappeared into his cabin. Sesshomaru could practically feel the gold eyes crawl on his skin, and he smiled at Inuyasha, his expression oddly smug but familiarly cruel.
Shippo bounced up the stairs behind him. "You remember what I told you, Shippo?" The small demon nodded, holding himself proudly for the first time in ages, and showing off the black eye he had gotten in the kitchen like it was a badge of honour. "Good."
With a sigh, Inuyasha threw himself into his work, painfully aware of the dark cloud over his brother's room, Jakotsu shooting threats at him from the riggings, and Miroku's worry over Sango. 'Only two hours to go.'
Delivering a message from the scout in front to the helmsman in the back, Kouga ran from the front deck to the back deck and stopped at the center, right in front of Inuyasha, "Yo."
Inuyasha smiled at his other companion. Although friends, Inuyasha had decided not to tell Kouga about the plan. No doubt Sesshomaru would be out to get Kouga for disobeying him, so why incriminate the poor wolf demon further by making him part of a mutiny? "What news?"
"Whimpy dog." Kouga muttered scratching the nape of his neck under his ponytail. "Nah, nothing. They are getting ready for the ceremony. Sesshomaru killed off a miner level weasel demon, he couldn't keep his hands off of one of the sacrifice-" Kouga stopped and looked uncomfortable, shifting his feet around the deck. Wow, Shippo really did keep it clean, Kouga thought trying to keep the creepy memory of how Sesshomaru went after Inuyasha's mate out of his mind. Among the dog-wolf demons, this was one of the worst offences. "We weren't as knocked off course as we thought, the island's right ahead."
"Damned mutt," Inuyasha said, returning the friendly banter. "Remember for me to give you a cookie later. Miroku!" The other demon nodded. Looking back at Kouga, Inuyasha was curious. "Are you staying on board with the others or are you going?" he asked before he started yelling at Jakotsu to close the main sail.
Leaping out of the way of the edge of Jakotsu's blade, Kouga looked curiously at Inuyasha. "Oi, I was going to ask earlier - What happened that Jakotsu's as pissed as a female in heat at you?" Kouga asked glaring up at Jakotsu and cursing at him. Kouga looked disgusted when Jakotsu complimented his gorgeous legs. 'Maybe I should start wearing pants.' Kouga thought. "Staying top deck, why?" Kouga asked suspiciously.
"Kagome's wearing his kimono when he thought that I was going to start cross dressing with him," he said in a bored voice. Inuyasha was glad to see Jakotsu was hitting on somebody other than himself, for a change. Maybe this meant the bloodthirsty demon might finally get over Inuyasha! Inuyasha shrugged as he ordered for some of the stronger men to start putting down the anchor and to ready the boats for departure. "Shippo! Ring the bell! Let's get the others up here! I was just curious. I'm sorry, Kouga. You'll understand why in time." Then again, maybe it was possible for Kouga to understand already. He might think Inuyasha was apologizing for getting his demon companion tied up in the whole mess with Kagome.
The bell started to clang.
Kagome strapped the quiver of arrows to her back and picked up her bow. Looking at Sango, Kagome didn't look any longer like the young naive girl she had before, but she looked cold and powerful now. "Are you ready? That bell is for us."
Miroku fell into step beside Inuyasha as they docked and were lowered into the shallow waters in a boat. They both sat in front while the others rowed. Miroku glanced behind them then looked ahead towards the skeleton like island. "Well, here it all begins."
"Begins... or ends?" he pessimistically asked, smiling.
Back on board, Sango counted to ten before she nodded and they burst out of the room, Kagome's bow drawn and Kagome's hidden daggers ready for use. When they saw the hallway was empty, they bolted to the stairs, taking them three or even four at a time, though they moved with a stealth that would have made their husbands beam with pride. When they reached the level where the girls were hidden, Sango's heart stopped and she swore. She had never imagined....!
All in all, there were slightly over a hundred girls held in a cage that stretched for most of the length of the ship. Many of them looked perfectly healthy, but the ones that looked abused made Sango want to capture their captain and throw him in there so that they could take revenge themselves. The ones who were the worst were bruised and bleeding, their eyes hollow.
The single guard awoke when he heard Sango swear. She effectively silenced him in a single movement, before she grabbed the keys from his belt and tossed them to Kagome. "It's your plan. You do the honours."
Grabbing the keys, Kagome quickly ran to the locks and began unlocking them running from one door to the next. The girls from her village whispered her title as 'Priestess' and thanked her. Others just looked on at Sango and herself suspiciously before rushing out of the cages and stopping. "What are you doing? We're in the middle of no where!" Some of the women began to whine.
"We won't be if we can get this ship moving!" Sango snapped. "Now keep quiet, will you? Do you want to get thrown back in there already?" She helped a young girl who was limping, all but carrying her as she let them down the hallway, leaving Kagome to cover their rear. All the girls were young and good looking. Damn demons were so fucking superficial! When she reached the armory, she grabbed a sword and a few more daggers, tucking them away for later. "We're going to have to fight our way out of here. If anybody has a problem with that right now, then you can march straight back into the cage, because you're useless to us!"
Kagome was about to reprimand Sango for her harsh words, but after a moment of hesitation Kagome could practically feel the bravery, courage and stand fast decision in the girls souls build up as they rushed past her towards the armory, picking up whatever they could. "Hey! Leave me some arrows!" Kagome shouted, then turned to the wounded still in the cells.
Running back to them, Kagome placed her hand over them and began pouring purifying energy into the impure wounds, healing them. It was stupid wasting so much power, but she had to. It would be against her nature to leave the wounded. When a young girl, barely a woman opened her eyes and smiled, her deep gashes healing, Kagome knew that no matter what happened from here on, they did right.
"Can you watch the others while we go take control?" Kagome asked the young girl, who despite her gruesome wound, was probably the most capable of protecting the other injured.
"Yes." She said softly, and Kagome recognized the potential of a Priestess in her. Smiling, Kagome stood up and took off Inuyasha's jacket handing it to her, covering her torn up dress. "We'll be safe soon." She promised and then ran back to Sango and the other women. Inuyasha's white shirt flapping at the sleeves as she ran. Reaching them, Kagome strung her bow.
"It's time." Kagome said then looked at Sango, falling in step beside her. "We'll lead the way, when we give you the signal you pour all over the ships deck. Don't be afraid to use the weapons." Kagome called out sternly then with a final look, she and Sango both turned on their heals and ran up the stairs. Spotting a snake demon who leapt at them, Kagome released her arrow, it shattered the snakes jaw and flew through his body, slicing him in half, the energy burning away his remains. "That was too easy."
Shippo had been waiting, hiding on the very top of the mast. It was wrong for a fox-demon to be in such a high spot, but nobody knew he was up there. There was barely anybody on deck, and those that were talked amongst themselves, complaining at how they had been left behind. When he saw Kagome walk out, he leapt into action. Inuyasha had given him a special job. He knew that Jakotsu would be left behind. Sesshomaru disliked the cross dressing demon. Kagome would not be able to take him and still fight others on the ship, and the scent of blood would only make Jakotsu all the more enticed to fight. But a little demon, on the other hand? Jakotsu would never see it coming, as he would never pay attention to Shippo in the first place.
He landed squarely on Jakotsu's head, and promptly blinded the demon. Jakotsu howled in rage, but Shippo was far to quick for his roaming hands. The wound would heal, but not soon enough. And Jakotsu was probably too pissed or in too much pain to realize that it was all an illusion. Shippo giggled childishly as he wrapped a rope around Jakotsu's waist, using a knot that he knew the demon would never be able to get done. Lord Inuyasha had often yelled at him for using such impossible knots.
He bit down on Jakotsu's hand when he reached for his weapon. Practically racing into the demon's shirt, he grabbed it and threw it to the ground, then jumped off as he grabbed the other end of the rope and pulled, tying it off to the main mast. Jakotsu was pulled off the riggings as the rope tightened, and splashed into the sea below. Still laughing as Jokutsu bobbed up and down in the ocean, Shippo wished that there were some hungry sharks around and started heading back down, ready to carry out stage two of his Lord's plan.
Sango cursed. She'd hoped it would be lighter outside, but apparently she had forgotten how dark midnight was. Running back inside, she grabbed a torch of the wall, not bother to wonder why a ship would use fire, she indicated for some of the girls to do the same and then ran into battle, with her torch in one hand to light the way and her sword in the other.
Kouga leapt in front of Sango and caught her wrist, twisting it. Growling, Kouga kicked a woman who attacked him back and resumed glaring at Sango. This was Miroku's wife. "What the hell is going on here?" Kouga demanded.
"It's a rebellion, idiot!" she snapped, kicking him right where it would hurt the most. That was the thing about fur skirts: not that much protection. "That'll teach you to kick people!" Sango was about to stab him with the torch, when a small demon landed on her head.
"Let her go, Kouga!" Shippo warned. "Just walk away right now and you won't be held responsible for anything that goes on! Lord Inuyasha wanted it that way, because he didn't want you getting hurt, so don't go looking a gift horse in the mouth, otherwise you'll end up like the rest of them!" he said, indicating that other demons.
Kagome ran over to Kouga and held her hand out to him. "Help us."
Kouga slapped her hand away then glared at both women and small fox demon. "Idiots!" Kouga yelled and leapt up, glaring at Sango especially. "I should kill you for that..." Kouga warned, then looked over the deck most of the demons were killed. "You won't make it!" Kouga warned more then threatened. 'Shit, Inuyasha, Miroku, what the fuck!?'
"Better than waiting for you to kill us. You should be glad that your friend asked us to spare you because if it were up to me, I wouldn't have made any distinction between Miroku's or Inuyasha's companions! People need to be avenged!" She spun on him and looked over at the island. Something slender and white moved about the trees, and only a fool would have missed the feeling of power that came from it.
Shippo stayed on her head where it was safe. "What cha looking at?" He looked around and sighed at the state of his floors. He was going to have a lot of cleaning to do.
"Sango!" Kagome yelled as a cloud of demons attacked from the sea around the ship. Shooting her arrows off as quickly as she could, Kagome killed as many as possible, her powers flaring stronger with every shot. "Where did they come from?" Kagome yelled then stood astounded as Kouga took out the rest with a few perfect kicks, and rightly aimed slashes.
Grabbing Kagome's bow he tossed it to the side. "Don't use your arrows! Idiot!" Kouga screamed and looked out to where Sango was looking. "You'll catch his attention."
She swung her sword into action, protecting her side with the torch as she hacked off limbs without even so much as a second thought. Her response was half drowned out by screams and pain and death threats from the attackers. "I don't have a clue!" Recalling the tall silver body, her fighting grew even fiercer. "It must be a trap! You said the captain knew about you and Inuyasha, so maybe this is the same thing! Maybe he knew! Argh! Get the fuck off of me you pile of shit!" She dropped her sword when somebody threw an arm over her shoulder and she had to throw him off her back. Scooping it back up, her kill was quick. Just because demons let people suffer it didn't mean she had to sink down to their level.
Sesshomaru was silent and collected, like a marble statue as he appeared as though forming from shadows behind Inuyasha. "Inuyasha," Sesshomaru's monotone voice spoke out. "I remember our agreement, you would kill the Priestess when you were done using her." Sesshomaru reminded then turned to look off of the shore towards the ship. "Apparently helping spill her blood didn't help, because I can feel the power coming from the ship." Sesshomaru commented, not really caring what happened to the ship. They were going to open the portal and he was going to reclaim his throne. "What is this plan of yours?" Sesshomaru asked in a carefree voice.
Inuyasha froze before he whipped around and stared at the ship. He had never incorporated Kagome's power as part of the plan! That had been a stupid and careless mistake. His mouth was tight as he kept walking, telling himself that Kagome could take care of herself. "Nothing involving you, Sesshomaru," he spat the name out, disgusted both at the captain and himself. "She's going to free all the other hostages and then sail back home. After all, you're going back home now. You have no need for it, and if you eat any more human flesh, you're going to make yourself fat, so why should you care what a single human girl does?"
"Because one of them was branded into my lineage." Sesshomaru said coolly. "You stupid boy." Sesshomaru mocked, Inuyasha's insults rolling off of him like water off of a ducks back. "Why do you think I tried to rip your filthy mark off?" Sesshomaru asked, the cruelly and malice shining in his eyes without compare. "There is a reason poisons don't work on me, Inuyasha." Sesshomaru reminded the younger half sibling. "It's because I am poison." Sesshomaru said his face lighting up from the firework show going on his ship. "I don't care what you do with them." Sesshomaru said blandly, really not caring about the hostages. "But the others might."
His grin was reckless, and slightly relieved. Inuyasha had worried that Sesshomaru might pose a threat, but it seemed he wanted no part in any of it. Inuyasha's fingers tapped the hilt of his sword. "Yeah, I'm well aware of that. If they do, they can fight through me to get there." As of to demonstrate, he tripped a demon as he ran back to the ship, deserting his ranks. Glaring at the rest of them, those that hadn't gotten by him or Miroku continued marching forward. And now the mystery of why Sesshomaru had attacked Kagome was clear. He could feel his muscles tightening with anger as he thought of walking in that room and finding his brother kneeling over her body. "Why don't you just erase every trace of human blood from the tree, then? Erase all traces of my mother, and I'll stay here, letting your rule as you will and not having to worry about a half breed like me taking the throne when you get killed off early!"
Sesshomaru's smile was pure venom. "Kill me off early? You rule?" Sesshomaru's smile took on a mocking tone. "You pathetic little boy. I'd think my fathers insistence on your schooling would've developed some mind in that puny skull of yours. The human blood truly does dilute your wits." Sesshomaru said, not bothering to hide anymore the full disgust he felt for this so-called brother. "I am Sesshomaru! I cannot be killed. And no half breed will ever succeed me." Sesshomaru said then reached out to grasp Inuyasha's throat. His steel fingers closing around it. "Stay here, that is what you want, isn't it? Mate with your wife and bring children into this world, be happy, live a dream." Sesshomaru cast out at Inuyasha, throwing him up in the air for his whip to follow. "You will die. And then I will kill her, whatever seed you left in her will die out with her corpse as well, you two can feed the others." Sesshomaru said coldly. "You don't get it. Do you Inuyasha? I do not fear you. I am simply disgusted by you. And must erase my father's mistake."
The weightlessness he briefly experienced was nothing compared to the hollow feeling in his stomach, or the rage in his heart. He barely felt it as the whip struck his vulnerable ribs. He glanced at Miroku, shooting the monk a look that warned him not to interfere. Twisting as he fell back to the ground, he managed to land on his feet, his feline agility surprising his brother. He refused to let his brother win, but he knew that he was not strong enough to win in a fight. He drew his sword, his hair looking like a silver halo under the full moon's light. "I won't let you hurt Kagome. You can threaten me all you like, but you went too far when you touched her." He charged at his brother, hoping to distract him as Miroku carried out the rest of their plan. Give them what they want: open the damned portal and they'd throw Sesshomaru in.
Sesshomaru deflected Inuyasha's attack with ease. "You never did master that sword." He commented dryly. Pulling out his own sword, Sesshomaru slashed at Inuyasha, slicing through the air with ease. So his brother had agility and speed, but he was no full demon. "Noble. You want to protect her, and yet, you didn't. You weren't even there when her body reacted to my touch." Sesshomaru said, his sword hitting Inuyasha's.
His whole arm went numb from the attack, but he still pressed. As long as he could keep Sesshomaru entertained and keep away from his blade, Inuyasha could hold out. His brother, damn him, knew just the right buttons to press. "I can't believe you did that," he snarled. His fingers were shaking with anger, and he was glad that Kagome wasn't there. If she saw him now, he doubted that she would ever be able to see him as anything else but a demon. "I should be asking for your head on a platter right now. Human or not, she's still my wife. For life. You don't go raping your brother's wife, Sesshomaru!" He took the opportunity to charge again, and found his arm buckling as he came body-to-body with Sesshomaru.
Sesshomaru looked down at Inuyasha with amusement. "Such valor and pride. For a woman." He paused. "How pathetic." Sesshomaru stated. His eyes lost of their sleepy quality as they widened, the smell around Inuyasha was changing. It was becoming demonic. The foul human smell was being shoved aside. Well, wasn't that interesting. "When a female reacts to touch, it means her body is interested and willing. That is not rape." Sesshomaru told Inuyasha dismissingly, twisting about his sword and stabbing at Inuyasha. "You have a twisted want for these females. Did Kikyo teach you nothing? Just like you couldn't save her, you won't save this one." Sesshomaru said then leapt up into the air, aiming his sword to slash Inuyasha straight down through the middle. "It is time to get rid of you, half-breed."
( With a heavy accent on the almost!)
To all those wanting a happy ending: Um.. Yeah...
Drake220: Yes, Sesshy is nuts. I like nuts Sesshy. But he's not quite that insane. Just ruthless and. ah. dominating. ^_^ I keep giggling over the "bleeding all of the deck" comment from chapter two. And as for the horny Sango.. Only with Miroku, note. If she was really that bad, she would be clamoring all over Inuyasha and Kouga and stuff too. And why can't she enjoy having sex with Miroku and want to do it
often? ^_^ I would write what I would do if I were Sango here. but that would give people proof and they can't have proof. *creeps away slowly*
Esther: That's "jolly good story WOMEN". And an adult Rin as punishment. can't we just have Inuyasha kill him?
Dark Star: You are sweet. Hopefully, the rest of the story will have the same effect.
KougasMyMan: You just like the idea of Kouga having a handcuff fetish. Come on. Admit it. ^_^ *giggles* Kouga.. He's so cool. *finally got to meet Kouga's
character last week*
Storymind: But what if Inuyasha came to save you? I think I could deal with it if Inuyasha came to save me.
Tsuki: Oh! I like having Sesshy getting eaten by sharks. But.. wouldn't that give them indigestion?
ENJOY!! ^_^
Inuyasha smiled at Kagome and tilted his neck so that he could gently kiss the still sore-looking area of her neck, his lips as gentle as his breath. He could feel that there was a dopey grin on his face as he thought of spending the rest of his life with Kagome.
The future had never looked so good.
Kissing her mouth gently, he wondered when he had last been so certain of anything. "Kagome... yes. Yes, I'm sure."
Some time later....
The urge to pace was difficult to hold back. Inuyasha thought that the only reason why he wasn't wearing a track in the floor was because he was sitting on the bed with Kagome leaning against him. It was nice, he was discovering, even like this: not saying anything, not kissing, just sitting besides each other and enjoying each other's simple company. 'Twenty minutes before my shift starts. How many seconds is that?' he wondered. Twenty minutes to his shift, two hours to the island, and then maybe an hour for the revolution and he could spend the rest of his life with Kagome.
"Kagome?"
"You need to be getting ready." Kagome said nodding with understanding, slowly and not without regret pulling away from him. "I know." Kagome said turning to face him and smiling softly at him. Pulling out of bed, Kagome brought over his jacket and held it out to him. "Last time to back out." Kagome offered his last chance of escape.
He slid off the bed, and accepted his jacket with a red face. Somehow her acting like that really did make him feel like they were husband and wife. He shook his head with a smile. He hadn't meant to point out how long they had left. "Kagome, do you think you could do me a favor?" Inuyasha took her hand. "Help me pray."
Kagome stared at him for a moment, before smiling softly and taking his hands in her own. Sitting with him, Kagome prayed and watched him through slit eyes. Reaching out, Kagome playfully bowed his head and continued. When they finished, she looked over at him again. "Anything else?" Kagome asked, feeling her Priestess qualities that she had forgot about begin to return to her, the purifying power that came with her blood boiling and growing.
"Nope," he answered before leaning over and giving her a shy kiss. He grinned at her. "For good luck."
Kagome blushed and reached out for him when he got up. "I want to ask for a favor too."
Inuyasha smiled at her and knelt back down. "Name it and if it's within my power, it's yours." He knew, of course, that worrying and complaining over things that had happened in the past were pointless things to do, but sometimes when he looked at her and he thought of her wounds still healing under her clothes, he damned himself for not being able to help sooner.
"You won't take him on. If anything goes wrong, you won't take him on." Kagome said her finger nails digging into his skin. "He's too powerful. If he finds out, you do what you can to survive, I want that to be your first and foremost concern." Kagome demanded, then softened her tone and released her nails. "You will be careful, won't you?"
"Ow, woman," he growled with a playful smile. "You've got a grip like mine." He felt another pang of guilt. Inuyasha had screwed up a lot, and he refused to do that again. "I promise you that I won't take on Sesshomaru, Kagome. And I'm always careful, aren't I?"
Kagome threw him a bland look. "I shot you twice, didn't I?"
He winced. "Point taken. All right, I'll be more careful." His kiss filled with tender promises, he unwound his wrist from his grip and headed for the door, pausing only twice. The first was to pick up his sword, the second was to look back at her. He wouldn't let her down again. "You and Sango be careful, okay?" he said, his hand on the doorknob.
Kagome nodded proudly. "Just remember to ring the bell when we dock." Kagome told him as she stood up and watched him go off. Feeling like this was the last time she'd see him, and not liking that feeling at all.
Miroku looked down at himself. When was the last time he had worn these clothes? He wondered. Or when was the last time he held his staff in his hands? Shaking his head, he pulled the costume off and dressed in his pirate clothes. No use to tip anyone off. Working the buckle of his belt, Miroku turned to Sango. "You know, that last move, was not in the book." He scolded playfully. "Remember our plans?" Miroku asked feeling that he had to go over it again.
"No, Miroku, I don't," she said sarcastically. "And if that move wasn't in your precious scrolls than maybe you and I should sit down one day and rewrite it." She pulled her hair back up into a ponytail, feeling his eyes on her as she did so. He always liked it better down. But then, didn't most guys? "Bell rings, we wait a little bit, and then we go kick some ass. There. Is that a good enough repetition of our plan?"
"Sango!" Miroku shouted then lowered his head, watching the bulge of his knuckles as he clenched his fists. "This isn't a laughing matter." Miroku warned, knowing full well what type of a demon killer she was. He had, after all, watched her his whole time on the island. But he also knew that Sesshomaru was the demon she had talked about and that if the two met- Miroku ignored that thought and then remembered all the other demons on this ship. "If you get into any trouble, Sango, you call out." Miroku said, flexing the fingers of his wind funnel hand. "Now again, the plan."
She sighed. "Inuyasha will ring the bell when we reach the island. Three quarters of the crew will be going with him, yourself included, that way you can open up the portal. All that will be left here are the nameless buffoons, because all the really important ones will go to witness your captain's moment of triumph as he finds a way to return home. We wait twenty minutes after hearing the bell, let the girls go free, head to the armory and arm ourselves to the teeth, and then mutiny and take over the ship. We're not supposed to hurt Shippo, or the one called Kouga if he's on board, although if Jaken's on he's free game." Sango stopped. She didn't think she had missed anything. Except that Inuyasha and Miroku still hadn't said how they were going to get back on the ship as it sailed away. "Did anybody ever tell you that you look pretty damn hot in those old robes of yours?"
Miroku laughed. Sitting on the bed beside her, Miroku allowed his wondering hand to caress the curve of her derriere. "No, they're busier yelling at me that I am a corrupt monk, asking them if they'll have my child." Miroku joked then leaned over pressing her back and kissing her. "To think I found someone as perverted as me and willing to bare my children..." Miroku said then smirked. "Which reminds me, once we're off and on our own way- You're not drinking anymore of that stuff you take." Miroku added, looking quite smug with himself. "Oh yes, I know about the contraceptive."
Sango's cheeks were burning. Argh! How infuriating! How did Miroku know about everything that went on in her life? She'd figure out his secret one day! Just as playful as him, she pouted. "But then I'll get pregnant and I won't have you all to myself. Besides, what ever will you think of me when I'm fat and bitchy as I carry your child?"
"That you are the most beautiful woman in the world. That you are the mother of my children, and that our make up sex will be amazing." Miroku sweet-talked her, getting a taste of the tart that would come along with her pregnancy. "I suppose, that till we're safe though and away from the demons though, that you can continue using it. I wouldn't want to leave a wife and a baby alone." Miroku grinned at her pout. "Imagine all the fun time we'll have writing our own book while you're pregnant, so that after you give birth we can try it all out." Miroku once again attempted the sweet talk of sweet nothings in her ear.
Finding his murmurings delicious, she leaned against his chest and closed her eyes. If anybody ever called her husband soulless, she'd have words with them. "I can see it now. Sango and Miroku's Guide to Great Sex for Dummies." She sighed, but knew that her husband could take care of himself, though she wished she could be there with him. "Come back to me, quickly, Miroku."
"Sango..." Miroku said her name as though it was a sweet caress, allowing his hands to get a firmer grip of her. Five minutes was all he needed. Just five minutes and for her to sip that damn Sake. Just five minutes and he'd show her just how much he wanted to come back to her. Five minutes and he show her-
"Hey! Miroku! What's taking so long?" Miroku heard Inuyasha's all-of-the- sudden-annoying voice calling through the door leading out to the hall. Groaning, Miroku buried his face in the crook of Sango's neck, his hands stopping where they were. "I'll come back." Miroku promised and stood up, adjusting the suddenly too-damn-tight pants over his crotch. "You watch out for Kagome and those girls, but don't forget about yourself." Miroku warned and left for the door.
Pulling it open, Miroku glared at Inuyasha. Looking like a very desperate man, you would never be able to tell just how much Miroku enjoyed the company in his wife's bed by the death look he was now throwing his friend. "You have the worst timing in the world."
"What's your problem?" Inuyasha demanded.
Miroku stared at Inuyasha with a look that could turn a man to stone. "You really don't get laid enough. Do you?" Miroku asked closing the door behind him.
Inuyasha grinned proudly. "I think I've lost count. At least five times in the past day and a half. Nowhere near as much as you and Sango, I'll admit, but still fairly impressive in my books." His smile grew as he recalled some of the finer moments of the past two days. He found it hard to believe that in forty-eight hours he'd had such a radical change of heart, but, the proof was right there, beating under his skin. "You know, there was something I was going to ask you about, but for the life of me I can't recall what now."
"Oh, I'm sure I know: How to get the stupid 'I just got laid' glow off of your face?" Miroku teased with a wicked grin. No way he could ever pull off the holy monk act off with that grin.
Rolling his eyes, Inuyasha ignored Miroku and his comments. Maybe he could casually knock the other man overboard. He was sure the cold water might take some of the energy out of him. Stepping on deck, Inuyasha caught a glimpse of his brother as he disappeared into his cabin. Sesshomaru could practically feel the gold eyes crawl on his skin, and he smiled at Inuyasha, his expression oddly smug but familiarly cruel.
Shippo bounced up the stairs behind him. "You remember what I told you, Shippo?" The small demon nodded, holding himself proudly for the first time in ages, and showing off the black eye he had gotten in the kitchen like it was a badge of honour. "Good."
With a sigh, Inuyasha threw himself into his work, painfully aware of the dark cloud over his brother's room, Jakotsu shooting threats at him from the riggings, and Miroku's worry over Sango. 'Only two hours to go.'
Delivering a message from the scout in front to the helmsman in the back, Kouga ran from the front deck to the back deck and stopped at the center, right in front of Inuyasha, "Yo."
Inuyasha smiled at his other companion. Although friends, Inuyasha had decided not to tell Kouga about the plan. No doubt Sesshomaru would be out to get Kouga for disobeying him, so why incriminate the poor wolf demon further by making him part of a mutiny? "What news?"
"Whimpy dog." Kouga muttered scratching the nape of his neck under his ponytail. "Nah, nothing. They are getting ready for the ceremony. Sesshomaru killed off a miner level weasel demon, he couldn't keep his hands off of one of the sacrifice-" Kouga stopped and looked uncomfortable, shifting his feet around the deck. Wow, Shippo really did keep it clean, Kouga thought trying to keep the creepy memory of how Sesshomaru went after Inuyasha's mate out of his mind. Among the dog-wolf demons, this was one of the worst offences. "We weren't as knocked off course as we thought, the island's right ahead."
"Damned mutt," Inuyasha said, returning the friendly banter. "Remember for me to give you a cookie later. Miroku!" The other demon nodded. Looking back at Kouga, Inuyasha was curious. "Are you staying on board with the others or are you going?" he asked before he started yelling at Jakotsu to close the main sail.
Leaping out of the way of the edge of Jakotsu's blade, Kouga looked curiously at Inuyasha. "Oi, I was going to ask earlier - What happened that Jakotsu's as pissed as a female in heat at you?" Kouga asked glaring up at Jakotsu and cursing at him. Kouga looked disgusted when Jakotsu complimented his gorgeous legs. 'Maybe I should start wearing pants.' Kouga thought. "Staying top deck, why?" Kouga asked suspiciously.
"Kagome's wearing his kimono when he thought that I was going to start cross dressing with him," he said in a bored voice. Inuyasha was glad to see Jakotsu was hitting on somebody other than himself, for a change. Maybe this meant the bloodthirsty demon might finally get over Inuyasha! Inuyasha shrugged as he ordered for some of the stronger men to start putting down the anchor and to ready the boats for departure. "Shippo! Ring the bell! Let's get the others up here! I was just curious. I'm sorry, Kouga. You'll understand why in time." Then again, maybe it was possible for Kouga to understand already. He might think Inuyasha was apologizing for getting his demon companion tied up in the whole mess with Kagome.
The bell started to clang.
Kagome strapped the quiver of arrows to her back and picked up her bow. Looking at Sango, Kagome didn't look any longer like the young naive girl she had before, but she looked cold and powerful now. "Are you ready? That bell is for us."
Miroku fell into step beside Inuyasha as they docked and were lowered into the shallow waters in a boat. They both sat in front while the others rowed. Miroku glanced behind them then looked ahead towards the skeleton like island. "Well, here it all begins."
"Begins... or ends?" he pessimistically asked, smiling.
Back on board, Sango counted to ten before she nodded and they burst out of the room, Kagome's bow drawn and Kagome's hidden daggers ready for use. When they saw the hallway was empty, they bolted to the stairs, taking them three or even four at a time, though they moved with a stealth that would have made their husbands beam with pride. When they reached the level where the girls were hidden, Sango's heart stopped and she swore. She had never imagined....!
All in all, there were slightly over a hundred girls held in a cage that stretched for most of the length of the ship. Many of them looked perfectly healthy, but the ones that looked abused made Sango want to capture their captain and throw him in there so that they could take revenge themselves. The ones who were the worst were bruised and bleeding, their eyes hollow.
The single guard awoke when he heard Sango swear. She effectively silenced him in a single movement, before she grabbed the keys from his belt and tossed them to Kagome. "It's your plan. You do the honours."
Grabbing the keys, Kagome quickly ran to the locks and began unlocking them running from one door to the next. The girls from her village whispered her title as 'Priestess' and thanked her. Others just looked on at Sango and herself suspiciously before rushing out of the cages and stopping. "What are you doing? We're in the middle of no where!" Some of the women began to whine.
"We won't be if we can get this ship moving!" Sango snapped. "Now keep quiet, will you? Do you want to get thrown back in there already?" She helped a young girl who was limping, all but carrying her as she let them down the hallway, leaving Kagome to cover their rear. All the girls were young and good looking. Damn demons were so fucking superficial! When she reached the armory, she grabbed a sword and a few more daggers, tucking them away for later. "We're going to have to fight our way out of here. If anybody has a problem with that right now, then you can march straight back into the cage, because you're useless to us!"
Kagome was about to reprimand Sango for her harsh words, but after a moment of hesitation Kagome could practically feel the bravery, courage and stand fast decision in the girls souls build up as they rushed past her towards the armory, picking up whatever they could. "Hey! Leave me some arrows!" Kagome shouted, then turned to the wounded still in the cells.
Running back to them, Kagome placed her hand over them and began pouring purifying energy into the impure wounds, healing them. It was stupid wasting so much power, but she had to. It would be against her nature to leave the wounded. When a young girl, barely a woman opened her eyes and smiled, her deep gashes healing, Kagome knew that no matter what happened from here on, they did right.
"Can you watch the others while we go take control?" Kagome asked the young girl, who despite her gruesome wound, was probably the most capable of protecting the other injured.
"Yes." She said softly, and Kagome recognized the potential of a Priestess in her. Smiling, Kagome stood up and took off Inuyasha's jacket handing it to her, covering her torn up dress. "We'll be safe soon." She promised and then ran back to Sango and the other women. Inuyasha's white shirt flapping at the sleeves as she ran. Reaching them, Kagome strung her bow.
"It's time." Kagome said then looked at Sango, falling in step beside her. "We'll lead the way, when we give you the signal you pour all over the ships deck. Don't be afraid to use the weapons." Kagome called out sternly then with a final look, she and Sango both turned on their heals and ran up the stairs. Spotting a snake demon who leapt at them, Kagome released her arrow, it shattered the snakes jaw and flew through his body, slicing him in half, the energy burning away his remains. "That was too easy."
Shippo had been waiting, hiding on the very top of the mast. It was wrong for a fox-demon to be in such a high spot, but nobody knew he was up there. There was barely anybody on deck, and those that were talked amongst themselves, complaining at how they had been left behind. When he saw Kagome walk out, he leapt into action. Inuyasha had given him a special job. He knew that Jakotsu would be left behind. Sesshomaru disliked the cross dressing demon. Kagome would not be able to take him and still fight others on the ship, and the scent of blood would only make Jakotsu all the more enticed to fight. But a little demon, on the other hand? Jakotsu would never see it coming, as he would never pay attention to Shippo in the first place.
He landed squarely on Jakotsu's head, and promptly blinded the demon. Jakotsu howled in rage, but Shippo was far to quick for his roaming hands. The wound would heal, but not soon enough. And Jakotsu was probably too pissed or in too much pain to realize that it was all an illusion. Shippo giggled childishly as he wrapped a rope around Jakotsu's waist, using a knot that he knew the demon would never be able to get done. Lord Inuyasha had often yelled at him for using such impossible knots.
He bit down on Jakotsu's hand when he reached for his weapon. Practically racing into the demon's shirt, he grabbed it and threw it to the ground, then jumped off as he grabbed the other end of the rope and pulled, tying it off to the main mast. Jakotsu was pulled off the riggings as the rope tightened, and splashed into the sea below. Still laughing as Jokutsu bobbed up and down in the ocean, Shippo wished that there were some hungry sharks around and started heading back down, ready to carry out stage two of his Lord's plan.
Sango cursed. She'd hoped it would be lighter outside, but apparently she had forgotten how dark midnight was. Running back inside, she grabbed a torch of the wall, not bother to wonder why a ship would use fire, she indicated for some of the girls to do the same and then ran into battle, with her torch in one hand to light the way and her sword in the other.
Kouga leapt in front of Sango and caught her wrist, twisting it. Growling, Kouga kicked a woman who attacked him back and resumed glaring at Sango. This was Miroku's wife. "What the hell is going on here?" Kouga demanded.
"It's a rebellion, idiot!" she snapped, kicking him right where it would hurt the most. That was the thing about fur skirts: not that much protection. "That'll teach you to kick people!" Sango was about to stab him with the torch, when a small demon landed on her head.
"Let her go, Kouga!" Shippo warned. "Just walk away right now and you won't be held responsible for anything that goes on! Lord Inuyasha wanted it that way, because he didn't want you getting hurt, so don't go looking a gift horse in the mouth, otherwise you'll end up like the rest of them!" he said, indicating that other demons.
Kagome ran over to Kouga and held her hand out to him. "Help us."
Kouga slapped her hand away then glared at both women and small fox demon. "Idiots!" Kouga yelled and leapt up, glaring at Sango especially. "I should kill you for that..." Kouga warned, then looked over the deck most of the demons were killed. "You won't make it!" Kouga warned more then threatened. 'Shit, Inuyasha, Miroku, what the fuck!?'
"Better than waiting for you to kill us. You should be glad that your friend asked us to spare you because if it were up to me, I wouldn't have made any distinction between Miroku's or Inuyasha's companions! People need to be avenged!" She spun on him and looked over at the island. Something slender and white moved about the trees, and only a fool would have missed the feeling of power that came from it.
Shippo stayed on her head where it was safe. "What cha looking at?" He looked around and sighed at the state of his floors. He was going to have a lot of cleaning to do.
"Sango!" Kagome yelled as a cloud of demons attacked from the sea around the ship. Shooting her arrows off as quickly as she could, Kagome killed as many as possible, her powers flaring stronger with every shot. "Where did they come from?" Kagome yelled then stood astounded as Kouga took out the rest with a few perfect kicks, and rightly aimed slashes.
Grabbing Kagome's bow he tossed it to the side. "Don't use your arrows! Idiot!" Kouga screamed and looked out to where Sango was looking. "You'll catch his attention."
She swung her sword into action, protecting her side with the torch as she hacked off limbs without even so much as a second thought. Her response was half drowned out by screams and pain and death threats from the attackers. "I don't have a clue!" Recalling the tall silver body, her fighting grew even fiercer. "It must be a trap! You said the captain knew about you and Inuyasha, so maybe this is the same thing! Maybe he knew! Argh! Get the fuck off of me you pile of shit!" She dropped her sword when somebody threw an arm over her shoulder and she had to throw him off her back. Scooping it back up, her kill was quick. Just because demons let people suffer it didn't mean she had to sink down to their level.
Sesshomaru was silent and collected, like a marble statue as he appeared as though forming from shadows behind Inuyasha. "Inuyasha," Sesshomaru's monotone voice spoke out. "I remember our agreement, you would kill the Priestess when you were done using her." Sesshomaru reminded then turned to look off of the shore towards the ship. "Apparently helping spill her blood didn't help, because I can feel the power coming from the ship." Sesshomaru commented, not really caring what happened to the ship. They were going to open the portal and he was going to reclaim his throne. "What is this plan of yours?" Sesshomaru asked in a carefree voice.
Inuyasha froze before he whipped around and stared at the ship. He had never incorporated Kagome's power as part of the plan! That had been a stupid and careless mistake. His mouth was tight as he kept walking, telling himself that Kagome could take care of herself. "Nothing involving you, Sesshomaru," he spat the name out, disgusted both at the captain and himself. "She's going to free all the other hostages and then sail back home. After all, you're going back home now. You have no need for it, and if you eat any more human flesh, you're going to make yourself fat, so why should you care what a single human girl does?"
"Because one of them was branded into my lineage." Sesshomaru said coolly. "You stupid boy." Sesshomaru mocked, Inuyasha's insults rolling off of him like water off of a ducks back. "Why do you think I tried to rip your filthy mark off?" Sesshomaru asked, the cruelly and malice shining in his eyes without compare. "There is a reason poisons don't work on me, Inuyasha." Sesshomaru reminded the younger half sibling. "It's because I am poison." Sesshomaru said his face lighting up from the firework show going on his ship. "I don't care what you do with them." Sesshomaru said blandly, really not caring about the hostages. "But the others might."
His grin was reckless, and slightly relieved. Inuyasha had worried that Sesshomaru might pose a threat, but it seemed he wanted no part in any of it. Inuyasha's fingers tapped the hilt of his sword. "Yeah, I'm well aware of that. If they do, they can fight through me to get there." As of to demonstrate, he tripped a demon as he ran back to the ship, deserting his ranks. Glaring at the rest of them, those that hadn't gotten by him or Miroku continued marching forward. And now the mystery of why Sesshomaru had attacked Kagome was clear. He could feel his muscles tightening with anger as he thought of walking in that room and finding his brother kneeling over her body. "Why don't you just erase every trace of human blood from the tree, then? Erase all traces of my mother, and I'll stay here, letting your rule as you will and not having to worry about a half breed like me taking the throne when you get killed off early!"
Sesshomaru's smile was pure venom. "Kill me off early? You rule?" Sesshomaru's smile took on a mocking tone. "You pathetic little boy. I'd think my fathers insistence on your schooling would've developed some mind in that puny skull of yours. The human blood truly does dilute your wits." Sesshomaru said, not bothering to hide anymore the full disgust he felt for this so-called brother. "I am Sesshomaru! I cannot be killed. And no half breed will ever succeed me." Sesshomaru said then reached out to grasp Inuyasha's throat. His steel fingers closing around it. "Stay here, that is what you want, isn't it? Mate with your wife and bring children into this world, be happy, live a dream." Sesshomaru cast out at Inuyasha, throwing him up in the air for his whip to follow. "You will die. And then I will kill her, whatever seed you left in her will die out with her corpse as well, you two can feed the others." Sesshomaru said coldly. "You don't get it. Do you Inuyasha? I do not fear you. I am simply disgusted by you. And must erase my father's mistake."
The weightlessness he briefly experienced was nothing compared to the hollow feeling in his stomach, or the rage in his heart. He barely felt it as the whip struck his vulnerable ribs. He glanced at Miroku, shooting the monk a look that warned him not to interfere. Twisting as he fell back to the ground, he managed to land on his feet, his feline agility surprising his brother. He refused to let his brother win, but he knew that he was not strong enough to win in a fight. He drew his sword, his hair looking like a silver halo under the full moon's light. "I won't let you hurt Kagome. You can threaten me all you like, but you went too far when you touched her." He charged at his brother, hoping to distract him as Miroku carried out the rest of their plan. Give them what they want: open the damned portal and they'd throw Sesshomaru in.
Sesshomaru deflected Inuyasha's attack with ease. "You never did master that sword." He commented dryly. Pulling out his own sword, Sesshomaru slashed at Inuyasha, slicing through the air with ease. So his brother had agility and speed, but he was no full demon. "Noble. You want to protect her, and yet, you didn't. You weren't even there when her body reacted to my touch." Sesshomaru said, his sword hitting Inuyasha's.
His whole arm went numb from the attack, but he still pressed. As long as he could keep Sesshomaru entertained and keep away from his blade, Inuyasha could hold out. His brother, damn him, knew just the right buttons to press. "I can't believe you did that," he snarled. His fingers were shaking with anger, and he was glad that Kagome wasn't there. If she saw him now, he doubted that she would ever be able to see him as anything else but a demon. "I should be asking for your head on a platter right now. Human or not, she's still my wife. For life. You don't go raping your brother's wife, Sesshomaru!" He took the opportunity to charge again, and found his arm buckling as he came body-to-body with Sesshomaru.
Sesshomaru looked down at Inuyasha with amusement. "Such valor and pride. For a woman." He paused. "How pathetic." Sesshomaru stated. His eyes lost of their sleepy quality as they widened, the smell around Inuyasha was changing. It was becoming demonic. The foul human smell was being shoved aside. Well, wasn't that interesting. "When a female reacts to touch, it means her body is interested and willing. That is not rape." Sesshomaru told Inuyasha dismissingly, twisting about his sword and stabbing at Inuyasha. "You have a twisted want for these females. Did Kikyo teach you nothing? Just like you couldn't save her, you won't save this one." Sesshomaru said then leapt up into the air, aiming his sword to slash Inuyasha straight down through the middle. "It is time to get rid of you, half-breed."