The ultimate battle! A bunch of really pissed off youkai/hanyou/humans/dead people square off against possibly the least popular guy in all of the Sengoku Jidai! Who will triumph? Will I just kill everyone because I'm horrible like that? Will Naraku decide to change his dastardly ways and become an ice cream manufacturer instead? Will Shippo prove invaluable, striking the definitive hit? Will Rin actually stay put and not follow them into battle? Will they make it there before terror sets in and they all start screwing like bunnies, which as you can see, some of them have been pretty close to in the "prelude to doom" chapters that we just got through? What did Miroku and Sango spend the night doing? Will Kikyo's strategy work out, or will they all learn that even fool proof plans go horribly wrong all the time? Will I stop talking and get on with it? These questions mean nothing, because in the end, they are only that: questions. The answers can only tell you so much, and as you all know…
*****
Something Is Real
Part 22
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Sesshoumaru surveyed his team with no small amount of doubt. Five youkai, and yet, he was the only one who was any use in battle. Kikyo must have thought that a very funny joke. At his side, Jaken was muttering under his breath the way he did when he was exceptionally nervous. A few feet ahead, Hakkaku was surrounded by about ten wolves that were walking beside or behind him. Three more of the animals were in the back, behind even Ginta and Ayame, who seemed to think that no one could see the way they were holding hands and whispering like lovesick puppies. It was rather ridiculous.
Jaken could be counted on to hide his fear and fight for all he was worth as long as Sesshoumaru was in sight. Of course, the second the toad was out of his vision, he would likely cower and hide wherever he could. It was utterly obvious that Jaken would rather be back with Ah-Un babysitting Rin than walking at his side to battle Naraku. However, Sesshoumaru doubted he would go back even if he was given leave. A silly creature, but at least he was loyal. That much could not be doubted. And while he was not very strong, the Staff of Heads was a rather useful weapon, and even Jaken could become a formidable force as long as he had it backing him up.
Hakkaku had a lot of heart. That was about all he had. He was smart enough to know when to run, but while he clearly did not want anything to do with Naraku, he was still at the head of their little group, just as though he hadn't a fear in the world. That was definitely admirable. Idiotic, but admirable. He was reminiscent of Jaken, though Sesshoumaru granted that the wolf was more powerful. Jaken was by far the weakest member of the group, of that Sesshoumaru had no doubt. However, while Jaken had blind loyalty and the Staff of Heads, Hakkaku had only blind loyalty to avail him. Sesshoumaru doubted that would be enough. But at least he was not worried that Hakkaku would run away. He was the type to try and finish anything he seriously started. And this battle with Naraku was something that Ginta and him had been following Kouga toward for years.
Ginta also had a lot of heart. They were both much braver than Jaken, but Sesshoumaru felt that was probably slightly due to the fact that they were also less intelligent in many ways. Of course, their intelligence would mean little in the battle today. They would not be the strategists in any case, and as long as they followed orders, which they were obviously well used to, there would be no problems between any of them. The interesting thought of Ginta's loyalties struck Sesshoumaru as an amusing question at the moment. If both Kouga and Ayame needed his help, it was hard to say whom the wolf would save. Though, it seemed like the chances of Ayame needing him were much greater than the other situation, as Kouga was easily stronger than Hakkaku, Ginta, and Ayame combined. Yes, Sesshoumaru had little doubt that Kikyo was feeling rather funny at the moment.
And then, rounding out the group, was Ayame. She cared more for her hair and her friends then she did for the future of the world, but at least she had good intentions. Sesshoumaru could not understand what it was that appealed to Ginta about her, since she was utterly vapid at times, but she seemed to be a kind person. Even though she was young, and therefore foolish, she was innocent enough and not really a problematic influence on Rin, unlike Kagura.
Of course, Kagura was not in his group. He felt it was ridiculous that the strongest youkai other than himself were both in Kikyo's group. It was extreme injustice. Of course, they had to deal with Kohaku and the rather weak Kanna, whose only real asset was her ability to reflect attacks. But then, that was still more than the wolves in his group could do. Ayame had some leaf attacks, but she still wasn't much to see, and in the end, Ginta was actually stronger than her, though just barely. It seemed that all of the groups had at least one very powerful fighter, but he still found it unfair that his brother's group only had one really weak fighter, and Shippo was still stronger than Jaken, and he was extremely clever for such a young kitsune. Since he was a fox, Sesshoumaru figured that was another inherent trait, but he did not dwell on it. It would not do to dwell on things, that day. If he did, he might become distracted, and then he might fail Rin.
Not that Rin was the reason he was killing Naraku. He just couldn't bear the thought of her growing up without him to protect her and watch over her. She was still so young, and it would be horrible for her to grow up alone. Of course, Ah-Un would watch over her forever, if that was what was needed. If worse came to worse, and Sesshoumaru and Jaken were both killed, Ah-Un would always care for her. It was hardly the same thing, though. She was a human. She needed friends.
Sesshoumaru-sama would never leave me, would he?
Was he her friend? It wasn't like that…not really. He liked her. He cared for her deeply. He would risk himself to save her. She was…unique. Inspiring. She could make the sun seem to shine brighter, the flowers bloom more swiftly. She did not seem fazed by anything. But last night, at the thought of him gone…
Where would you go?
I don't know.
And her parents were dead. Of course, that made sense. She had seemed very alone when he met her. Immediately clinging to him even though most children would cower and run away. Maybe that was what fascinated him so much. What had she seen that had made her decide to try and help him, to feed him and nurse him back to health? She had not been any help, but it had been nice seeing her every day. He had hoped to glimpse her before he left with Jaken, but things had gone differently than he had expected. And now, they were all together. He could not imagine life without Rin. It was a strange thing, how the human heart worked. It seemed to carry emotions that were so strong that they could spill over and affect him as well. That was an odd way to think, but it seemed true.
I love you, Sesshoumaru-sama.
I love you best of all.
Those words…they were oddly warm inside of him. It was a strange thing, to be so attached to such foolish emotions.
Why should it be so important?
What use does she serve except as a weakness?
Jaken had been correct, of course. Rin served very little purpose in battle. Her main role was in hiding or becoming a hostage. It was the same sort of liability he would have one day criticized Inuyasha for having toward Kagome. However, Kagome was much more of a fighter than Rin. Which left the question as to why he cared so much. Perhaps…
I love you best of all
Those words…maybe her love had spilled over, and he had found himself loving her as well? Like a daughter, perhaps. But that was wrong…she could never be a daughter to him, even though she was still so young. It was something he could not fully define, and that bothered him. He would fight to forget about it.
And to return to Rin, of course.
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"I was talking with Kanna last night." Kagura had been quiet for much of walk, so far. It made Kouga feel better to hear her voice. "She told me some pretty interesting things."
"Like what?" he asked, wondering vaguely if it was a good idea to have Kohaku and Kanna in the front of their group. They were easily the weakest fighters in the team. Kikyo was behind them, being creepy and silent as always.
"We talked about you, for a while." She offered him a small smile, to let him know she hadn't said anything that would be a breach of trust. Not that he could think of many things she could say that would bother him.
"And what's the verdict?" he asked, his tone teasing and serious all at once.
"I told her…you said that everyone's looking for something. She said that you are looking for lots of things." Kagura explained. "Lots of things that you thought you needed."
"She's right, I guess." Kouga admitted. "I'm looking for revenge for my comrades, right now. Obviously." He listed. "I'm looking for a way to build the tribe back up after all we've been through. Something that will give everyone heart. I'm looking for a mate, too."
"A mate?" Kagura felt herself flush deep red. "Like…like Ayame or someone like that?" Ayame's feelings for Kouga were no secret in the group.
"Someone." Kouga mused. "I thought maybe Kagome…but you know, she loves Inuyasha. I think he loves her, too. I can see when I've lost and bow out with some dignity left over."
"Well then," Kagura felt embarrassed to ask about it, but it was interesting, in its own way. "Who do you think?"
"It could have been Ayame." Kouga admitted. "She's a wolf, so no problems there. Not like I really care what the others say. I just want…someone who I can feel. Someone who can see my soul, and who understands me. Who doesn't think I'm spoiled."
"That'd be nice." Kagura sighed deeply. It was a wonderful idea, but no one would ever think of her that way. Not when they really knew her. "Is there…a ceremony for that sort of thing?"
"For mates?" Kouga blinked at her. "Oh, you mean like…that human thing…what's it called?"
"Marriage." Kagura answered. Obviously she was spending more time than was strictly healthy with Kagome and Sango. Stupid girls and their girly ideas, infecting her and making her turn all…girly.
"Oh, yeah, that's it." Kouga nodded. "Well, it's sorta…eh, I don't think I can really talk about it. There's lots of…private stuff that happens. And then you're mates!"
"Oh." Kagura had an idea what that was about. "So…when you guys…you and your mate, I mean. Will your son get to be heir to the tribe?"
"Yeah, if he can handle it." Kouga told her. "It's about a lot more than blood, you know. You have to be strong. Smart."
"How'd you get it, then?" she teased.
"Funny." He snorted at her and reached over, actually ruffling her hair. She was torn between righteous fury and blushing embarrassment at that. "Well, anyway, my son would be trained from the beginning to be a good leader, and to take care of the tribe. To be strong, and to care about the whole tribe above himself."
"Like you." Kagura prompted.
"Yeah, I guess." He sighed ruefully. "Kinda like me."
"You know, it wasn't your fault." She began.
"It wasn't yours, either." He told her.
"That hardly makes sense, if you just think—"
"I don't think, I know." He grabbed her shoulder and squeezed it. "I know you, Kagura. I trust you, and I don't care what happened in the past. You would never do that, now."
"No, I wouldn't."
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"Hey, Miroku." Sango edged slightly closer to her extremely smug looking companion. "Do you think something's up with Kagome and Inuyasha?"
"Mm, perhaps." He smiled brightly at her and took her hand in his, kissing the knuckles. "Maybe they had a talk."
"Like…like we did?" Sango flushed deeply to think of what had happened the night before. Then she blanched as she realized that anyone could see she was holding Miroku's hand. When she realized that it hardly mattered at this point, she relaxed and squeezed his hand lightly.
"Probably not that productive." Miroku was so unbelievably pleased with himself, she couldn't decide whether she should be angry or flattered or just annoyed. "But they seem to be getting along well enough." The pair in question was walking close enough for their hands to brush against each other and talking in hushed whispers.
"What do you think they're talking about?" Sango wondered, her own voice lowered so that only Miroku would hear her. Well…she assumed only he would hear. Inuyasha did have very good ears, and even though they were trained on whatever Kagome was saying at the moment, they could likely pick her own voice up if she wasn't careful. Shippo had some pretty good ears, as well, but he was taking advantage of the ride he was getting on Kirara's back, just behind them, to take a good nap.
"Maybe they are second-guessing their choice to wait for so long to…solidify their union." Miroku suggested, his grin leaving no doubts as to what he meant.
"I seriously doubt that." Sango sighed deeply. Would he ever learn when to be serious? "Not all of us are obsessed with sex, Miroku."
"Think how depressing it would be if they died without ever learning the great love that their bodies can share." Miroku told her, his voice full of sympathy.
"Miroku," she pulled a face. "You are so disgusting sometimes."
"You did not think so last night." And then the smug grin was back. Sango had decided she wanted to smack him.
But she wouldn't. After all, she loved him. She didn't want to go into this with him doubting her feelings.
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"And so, it comes to this." Naraku murmured, letting the bee that had just delivered its message fly away from him. "Five are coming…but how many will leave?" The bee had spotted five travelers that were now extremely close to his location. Inuyasha and his usual companions. How boring. He had hoped that in the end, alliances would be forged between the enemies that shared only a hate for him. He could have exploited those weak relationships and trusts to his own advantage, and then maybe killed all or most of his opposition at once. But he could do it a little at a time.
And while the others held little interest for him, Inuyasha could help him, in the end.
He would help him.
"Soon," he sighed and stood up slowly. "Soon, all will be seen."
*****
The End (Of Part 22, That Is)