Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Inuyasha series or characters or any other copy written stuff that I may have referred to or used in this story.
From Our Past
Chapter 13 Rage of Battle
Naraku watched the battle with taxed patience. His eyes scanned every window and balcony on the front of the house searching for the one thing he was not willing to leave behind. 'Where the fuck was she? She knew better then this.' His eyes fell on the silver haired demons at the front of the house that kept deflecting the attacks from Maten. When Maten fell to their joined attack he knew he would have to do something soon. Silently he watched Hiten challenge them for revenge and knew this could be it. This distraction could be just what they needed only if Hiten could keep them busy long enough. He made a quick decision and turned to find Lobo and Kagura.
"Kagura take Lobo to the back of the mansion then return here." He suddenly said shocking both of them. He turned his attention to Lobo.
"I want you to find that bitch of mine and bring her back here. We will hold them off for as long as we can. If you make it out the back then Kagura will come get you." Lobo raised an eye brow.
"I can't smell her. She is staying in stealth and she dropped her ear piece. How do you expect me to find her in there quickly?" Lobo usually didn't question Naraku's orders but this just seemed like a suicide mission.
"I have a small bond with her. I will attempt to contact her and let her know you are looking for her. Leave now." He hissed at being questioned but before he could say more Lobo and Kagura were already floating up into the darkness of the night. Naraku used his energy to calm himself before he contacted her. He knew one of those two were her mate and he needed to get her away from him before she was lost completely. After taking a deep breath he concentrated on the house in front of him. With his mind he searched for hers. Finally he found it. Her presence was a comfort and a hateful thing at the same time.
He whispered with his mind to her using simple words to keep her attention to him. 'Natai, Lobo comes for you.' Was the first. Her soft mental wave flew back at him in a panic. 'No!' It was almost painful. 'I have to find him.' He knew who she meant and that made his anger rise again. 'Now! There is no time. Come back!' He forced these words with his mental power. In return he felt the pain he caused her. 'I must protect him.' She whispered back weakly. 'I need to...' She whined but he cut her off. 'He chose another Natai. He broke the covenant of the bond. He hurt you Natai.' He soothed back to her trying to use her emotions against her. It worked some he could feel her doubt but she was always stubborn. Her resolve of steel came back to her as she replied. 'I betrayed him first with you.' He could feel her pain and disappointment in herself. Then he felt nothing. She closed the bond with his mind too easily. He knew she was strong when she wanted to be but she had never refused his mental advance.
Rage serged through his blood at her disobedience. 'How dare she refuse me.' He hissed to himself. The demon blood in him took control as he began to change. The fangs in his mouth grew longer as well as his claws extended out of his fingers tips. Forcefully his mind's energy sailed through the air toward her. If he could not reach her physically then he would attack her mentally. Natai collapsed to her knees when his mind hit hers. She fought desperately to keep him from getting into her thoughts. This time she would not give into him. Her hands flew to her head clutching it tightly as if holding it on her shoulders. An explosion outside rang out and relief quickly followed. Naraku's assault on her mind was over. But why? She stood on shaky feet and stumbled slowly toward the landing that ran around to the front of the house.
Naraku was so focused on his rage he didn't even know Kagura had returned and was standing slightly behind him. She watched the battle between Hiten and the hanyou, Inuyasha, with interest. It definitely was more entertaining then Naraku. He didn't even seem to be paying attention. The hairs stood on the back of her neck when a feral growl left his chest. She took a step back and regarded him with fear in her wide eyes. Silently she watched as he changed into his youkai form. Rage poured from his body in sickening waves that lashed out at the air around his body. Gulping she took a look at his eyes from the side. She could see the contempt they held. She was more then happy that he was focused on something besides her.
Inuyasha answered the challenge from Hiten and jumped into battle without thought or hesitation. Sesshomaru ordered a seize fire to keep any of his employees from shooting Inuyasha by mistake. Inuyasha dodged back and forth quickly to avoid the bolts with only one thought in mind and that was to keep Hiten's attention away from his brother and friends on the landing. Hiten charged at him with his lightening spear full force but Inuyasha blocked it with Tetsusaiga and shoved him back.
Hiten floated above him hesitantly to size him up. Suddenly he charged at Inuyasha using a blast at the same time. The blast was too much and Tetsusaiga flew from his hands. Inuyasha stood up slowly clutching his bleeding arm. Kagome screamed his name in fear and tried to bolt to his aid but Sesshomaru was too fast and caught her around the waist before she could leave the landing. Her out burst caught Hiten's attention and he realized who she was. He smirked evilly at Inuyasha.
"Your bitch is a fine looking woman. I will take her as my final payment for killing my brother after I finish you off." He chuckled at Inuyasha's growl. "Don't worry. I will take good care of her in your absence." Inuyasha's growl became louder making Hiten laugh harder. "Who knows, if she is good enough in bed I might consider taking her as my mate. She looks like she would have strong pups." Inuyasha had enough and lost his temper. His muscles tensed as they bunched under him ready to leap at Hiten and cut him to shreds with his bare claws.
Back on the landing Sesshomaru had his hands full with a very frantic miko. She pulled and strained to get away from him to go assist her mate but he knew she would only cause more problems. He glanced at Inuyasha and even though he could not hear what Hiten was saying he knew it had to do with Kagome from the way he looked at her lustfully. Inuyasha's face betrayed his emotions and Sesshomaru had to shake his head in disappointment. All those years of training to control his anger were gone in a matter of seconds over an insult. He was so caught up in his thoughts that Kagome managed to twist out of his grasp but to his relief she ran into his study instead of out onto the battle field. With her out of danger for the moment he turned back to the battle just in time to see the blast hit Inuyasha.
Everyone shielded their eyes from the brightness. The explosion was enough to deafen everyone but the eery silence after was worse. They all focused their eyes on the spot where Inuyasha had stood. The smoke cleared painfully slow to reveal a small crater and in the middle stood Inuyasha with the sheath of Tetsusaiga clutched in his out stretched hand. The power of the sheath had protected him from the blast. Hiten stared at him in shock so Inuyasha took this opportunity to attack and sprang at him quickly. Hiten snapped out of his stupor and dodged his attack by flying to the side. His counter attack caught Inuyasha in the back as he smacked him back down to the ground using his spear staff. Inuyasha landed painfully on the cold ground with a sickening thud just inches from where Tetsusaiga had landed earlier.
Even though he was racked with pain, Inuyasha made his soar body stand. He used Tetsusaiga as a cane to lean on. Cuts and bruises littered his body from the many attacks but he was determined to keep his family and friends safe. It was true he was tired but he would not give up. He couldn't give up. Everyone depended on him.
Kagome's heart jumped in her throat when she saw Inuyasha fall from the blast. Her instincts told her to go to her fallen mate but Sesshomaru has stopped her. She watched helplessly as she watched her mate on the battle field. Her heart cried out to be with him while her mind worked on how to assist. Her more sensible side knew if she went out there she would only be in the way. She watched in horror as the demon, Hiten, moved easily out of the way of Inuyasha's attacks using his wheeled flying style. Then is when it hit her. If he lost those wheels then he wouldn't be able to avoid Inuyasha as easily. She felt Sesshomaru's hold on her slacken so she twisted out of his hold and ran back into the study where she remembered seeing something in a wall display that she could use.
As quickly as she could she pulled the bow and quiver of arrows off the wooden plaque that held them to the wall. She glanced at the brass plate below out of curiosity. 'Used in the destruction of the dread dragon Morgith by Sir Devon of Marshmoore, 1253.' She giggled, 'yeah right..' Suddenly she felt a cool disturbance in the air around her. Fear made her look around quickly. This feeling was intense but in more of a searching sort of way. It was seeking something in particular. Then it passed and she was able to relax. Her senses were still on alert incase it returned but at present she needed to help Inuyasha. To make sure it still worked she held the bow up and pulled as hard as she could on the string. It still had plenty of strength left in the aging wood and would have to do. She raced back out to the landing with the quiver over her shoulder and the bow in her hand.
Without any thought she reached back and drew and arrow just as she had so many times before. The feel of the bow in her hands was like returning to a pleasant place from long ago. She could feel the miko power she kept tucked away in her soul fight to get out as if eager to do its job. No thought was given to her actions as she placed the arrow on the string and took aim. The purifying power seeped from her body down her arm and into the arrow as she pulled the string taught. Everyone watched as a sudden pink stream of pure energy flew forth and hit one of Hiten's wheels. The surprise on his face was timeless as he plummeted to the ground. Three stunned faces turned toward her with mouths open. "What?" Kagome looked at each with innocence.
"That fucking bitch is a miko!" Hiten fumed as he pulled himself off the ground. He took a quick glance at the shattered pieces of his mystical wheel then narrowed his eyes. "No matter. It will only make it more fun to break her spirit before I kill her." He spit blood from his mouth then turned his attention back to Inuyasha who looked over at his mate smiling. To some it didn't seem like much help but it was enough to put them on more even ground and that was enough for him. "What the hell are you smiling at hanyou?" Hiten sneered at him.
"The likes of you could never break her." Inuyasha looked back at his adversary grinning. A new serge of energy filled his body as the pride he felt toward his mate consumed him. "Besides you still have to finish me off before you even try and I'm not ready to quit just yet." Without hesitation Inuyasha attacked Hiten with a flurry of swings forcing him back. The lightening demon was hard pressed to avoid the slashes and thrusts. Feverishly he worked to avoid the hanyou's swings looking for any opening he could take advantage of. A sudden flash of energy from behind him took him by surprise causing his concentration to slip. Inuyasha took advantage of his distraction and in mid swing he spun on one foot to change the direction the blade was heading. Hiten was too slow to recover and realized too late his mistake as the fang blade sliced him from his right shoulder to his left hip.
Kagome watched with pride as Inuyasha attacked with renewed vigor. The last thing she expected was to feel the increase of youkai ki and that psychic disturbance again but this time it was more forceful. She felt an intense pain like nothing she could even imagine. It was hateful and full of spite. With all the might she could, she pushed back the pain to search out the source of such power. Her eyes shed tears from the pain but she finally had some sort of idea. Again she raised the bow with an arrow notched in the string. Her mind screamed for release from the torment making it hard for her to concentrate her energy. It angered her to feel so weak. Using the anger to fuel her energy she forced it into the arrow and released it into the directions she thought contained the maddening power.
She didn't see anything besides the explosion that was caused when her energy hit the psychic power directly. She didn't see her mate kill the distracted Hiten nor the shocked looks on her companions' faces. The last thing she did see was the dark figure of a man with blood rage in his eyes that was replaced with surprise at her attack. Then she slipped into the darkness of unconsciousness. Miroku caught her before she hit the ground and gently laid her down while a worried Sango began to check her vital signs. Relief washed over both when she felt a pulse from her wrist.
Naraku was shocked when the energy arrow hit his psychic attack on Natai. He barely had time to shield his eyes with his hand. He stepped back and turned on instinct to protect himself bumping into Kagura. The energy never reached him but instead seamed to be concentrated on his mental wave that he had sent toward the house. This small set back only fueled his temper and he needed to find out where this new threat was coming from. He stood quickly and scanned the landing. There he saw the two humans hovering over another. A bow was still lightly grasped in her limp hand. He could still see the residue of miko energy fluxing off her. That had to be the one who interrupted his attack.
"Kagura, kill that bitch." He ordered coldly. Without hesitation Kagura flipped her fan open and began her dance. Twirling on her toes and weaving her hands in an intricate design as the air around her began to blow upon her command shifting the air to form white strips of condensed matter in swirls around her that was beautiful to see to those who didn't know better but was very deadly.
Inuyasha began to limp as quickly as he could back to his group worried about his fallen mate and did not notice the wind youkai preparing her attack. Sesshomaru was as concerned as Miroku and Sango who all hovered over the unconscious Kagome. He had little time to react when he heard someone yell "NO!" before he met the ground face first while the area around them exploded.
Natai trotted around the house quickly watching carefully for any who might stop her. She could feel him now and needed to be near him. Her soul called out a warning to her that he was in danger and there was nothing that could stand in her way. She came around the corner just as Kagura was making her last spin. As if in slow motion Natai watched the scene unfold before her. The wind youkai's fan held high poised in a strike position. Natai followed Kagura's line of sight to where the attack would land to see her mate and two others looking down at another female that appeared to be unconscious on the landing. A silver haired man limped frantically toward them. She saw Hiten and Maten's lifeless bodies lying on the grass. Natai turned her eyes back to Kagura once again. With a smooth fluid swing of her arm the fan came down into the swirling winds that surrounded her body and blew the arched blade like matter toward the people standing on the landing a few yards from her. Her feet were moving before she realized it.
"NO!" She screamed as she flung herself over her mate tackling him to the ground putting her body between him and the wind blade attack. Several blades cut mercilessly into her back and thighs. Pain shot through her body from the energy that accompanied them. Her mind was in a world of pain that balanced between the darkness of unconsciousness and light of wakefulness. She remembered feeling strong arms cradling her and looking into worried amber eyes. Muffled voices kept her partially conscious but her thoughts were a scramble of mixed feelings. Somewhere she could hear her name being called. She tried to answer but could only gurgle a warm liquid that made her skin tingle as it ran from the corner of her mouth. Breathing was another thing that she found to be hard. It hurt terribly but she forced air in and out unwilling to give up.
Inuyasha barely dodged the attack by throwing himself on the ground. The attack left minor cuts across his back but the adrenaline kicked in again when fear for his mate's life caught a hold of his heart. As soon as the dust began to settle he was on his feet quickly and landed next to the others in two leaps. He had caught sight of the dark figure as it dashed across the landing to knock the others down. Thankfully his instincts had told him that he needed to get down too. Carefully he lifted the bleeding figure of a woman off his brother and flipped her over to see who she was. Sesshomaru was slow getting up but managed to lift himself off of Kagome while inspecting her quickly for any injuries. He turned from her when he heard Inuyasha's questioning gasp. "Natai?"
Kagura's wind blades were devastating to the ancient castle. Chunks of masonry lay all over the ground in front of the doors. Pieces of the walls and front step had been blown up upon impact. Many of the guards and servants that had managed to avoid being killed or injured in the attack were now huddled inside or behind something they thought might protect them.
Naraku stood in fixed horror as he watched Natai willingly throw herself into the path of the wind blades. He quickly grabbed Kagura's arms to prevent her from sending any more attacks at them. His heart was filled with jealous rage when he realized which of the silver haired brothers she was protecting. So now he knew who her mate was. Yes he knew who he was as well. No one could live as long as he had and not know The Great Lord of the Western Lands on sight. In all these years it just never dawned on him why things happened the way they did. He always assumed it was because of the war his father had assisted in was why the Western Lord had come to the Northern lands with such a vengeance. Now it all made sense. The taiyoukai was looking for his mate that had been taken from the village he thought was a safe haven for her. Naraku chuckled darkly. If he had only known sooner he could have manipulated the Great Lord into doing his bidding. Now Natai was in his arms again.
A black clad figure Naraku recognized walked cautiously down the landing toward the group on the landing with another woman held tightly in front of him. 'Well things may be looking up after all. As long as the bitch didn't get herself killed.' He mused and let go of Kagura to make his way forward slowly. With a wave of a hand he indicated that he expected her to follow him.
Inuyasha willingly let his brother take Natai from his arms. He could see the pain in the older inuyoukai's eyes. It was something he had not seen in many centuries. Quickly he turned his attention to his own mate. With one sniff he could tell she was unharmed just unconscious and nothing else seemed to be wrong with her. He and the others watched Sesshomaru closely to see what he was going to do. He could be very dangerous if he lost control of his youki and they all knew it. They all sighed in relief when she opened her eyes and looked at him. His youki settled down to a controllable level relieving the friction in the air.
Sesshomaru stared into the face of his mate. So many emotions ran through him he was having trouble controlling his anger. Red would flash in front of his eyes as the heat of it serged through his blood. His instinct to kill was filling his mind quickly but then she gasped and opened her eyes slightly. He felt some relief but she was still incoherent and didn't respond to her name. Gently he nuzzled her cheek as he tucked a loose stand of hair behind her ear.
"Natai?" He whispered soothingly to her. "Look at me my love. Open your eyes again." He cooed trying to get her to respond. Her lips parted but her voice didn't come. Only dribbles of blood were forced out from the air she used. "Please Natai. You can hold on." He choked out and nuzzled her neck again. He ran trembling fingers along her jaw line as if memorizing it then placed a soft kiss on her bloody lips. The feeling of despair was consuming him again but he was fighting for all he was worth. He knew he had to fight it for her.
"She could have died you know." A male's voice said coldly from in front of them. They all turned and looked at the speaker. Sesshomaru and Inuyasha both growled deep in their chests when they realized just how close Naraku was to them without them noticing. "No need to become...violent." He smirked at their reaction. His red eyes glittered evilly in the light. Sesshomaru growled louder and bared his fangs threateningly.
"I should kill you where you stand hanyou for all the things you have done." Sesshomaru snarled at him. Instinctively he pulled Natai closer to his chest protectively. Naraku raised an eyebrow and smirked showing one fang.
"That would be a mistake Sesshomaru-sama." His smile became wider at the shock on the inuyoukai's face. "Yes I know who you are but it wasn't until now that I found out who her mate was. A pity it is so late in the game. We could have made great partners if I had only known before now." Sesshomaru snarled viciously at him.
"Me be partners with the likes of you? Never!" He snapped.
"Its a shame you feel that way. At any rate as I said before it would be a mistake for you to 'kill' me. I may be the only one who can save her at this point." Naraku replied dejectedly. "Now give me my property and I will be on my way." He sneered and held his arms out. Sesshomaru edged back away from him and narrowed his eyes. A feral growl rumbled from deep in his chest.
"She isn't yours. She is my mate and you can't have her. She only needs me!" Sesshomaru's eyes flashed red for a moment as his grip on his temper began to slip.
"I beg to differ with you." Naraku began calmly. His eyes never leaving Sesshomaru. "You left her unprotected two hundred years ago in a village not far from the eastern borders. She, along with many other women, were taken into bondage during the take over of said village. By rights of ancient war she was at that time considered pillaged goods. I in turn inherited her from my father when he met his demise. So by all rights she is mine. My property and I want her now thank you." Naraku's calm demeanor was even ticking Miroku off. The sheer nerve of him was upsetting.
"You can't just claim a life based on those standards. They don't apply today and..." Miroku started to protest but Sesshomaru cut him off.
"He is right." Sesshomaru looked down frowning at Natai. "I was foolish and left her behind. I knew there was the chance the village would be over ran but we all considered it a slim chance. One we were all willing to take. We were wrong. The Northern forces over ran our troops with the help of the Mongolians. Our ranks broke into small skirmishes that were spread out so far none had a chance of survival. I would have parished with the humans if not for my youkai heritage and the sword my father gave me. Inuyasha found me and brought me back to health. That is when I began to track down who took her but when we arrived she was not at the Northern castle. You had already taken her and fled." Sesshomaru looked at Naraku accusingly. "You sold your own father out for wealth. How disappointed he must have been in you." Sesshomaru hissed. Naraku laughed almost sheepishly.
"On the contrary. It was I who was disappointed. My father was a failure as a leader so I simply relieved him of his position. I only wanted one thing from him at the time and you are holding her in your arms. Of course at the time I had no idea just how special she was but after the first 50 years and she didn't age like other humans I knew there was something more to her. I never dreamed it was a youkai mate. You hid your mark well and for good reason I am sure. When I did find out I was very surprised and angry. I am afraid I took my anger out on her for betraying me. I assure you that she was not willing but that didn't matter she deserved her punishment." He grinned spitefully at the guilt in Sesshomaru's eyes. His smile was triumphant as he began to indulge more.
"So you see even though she may be an 'object' to me at least I never hurt her with out reason. So if you would be so kind as to hand...." He jumped back suddenly as Sesshomaru lunged at him with poisonous claws.
"You will never get her back you bastard. I won't let her go again so easily. There is nothing you can do to make me give her up accept kill me." Sesshomaru hissed. Inuyasha stood and drew his sword ready to assist his brother to the death if that is what it took. But surprise filled his face when Naraku started to laugh. The confusion only fueled Sesshomaur's anger more and he started to growl louder. Naraku seeing that they still didn't get the jest of the situation just had to tell him. He cleared his throat and smiled dryly at the angry inuyoukai.
"I beg to differ with you yet again Sesshomaru-sama." He spit the name out with venom in his voice. "You see I still hold something dear to you. Perhaps you would reconsider your refusal." Naraku looked past him and gave a motion with his hand for something or someone to come forward. They all turned to see a wolf youkai coming toward them with a frightened Rita trapped in his grasp. His claws dug dangerously deep into her throat and upper arm. One wrong move and he could tear her throat out easily. Sesshomaru swallowed slowly. He had made a promise to keep her safe and now look what happened. He failed not only Natai but Rita as well.
He stared into Rita's scared eyes and could see the fear she was holding. The confusion in her eyes revealed just how fragile she was. There was pain and sorrow. So many emotions ran through her eyes he couldn't keep up with them all but the one that stuck with him the most was fear. Fear of what he was not sure. Death? Betrayal? They were both possibilities but it didn't matter to his youkai blood. It desired his soul mate and she was in his arms. His mind fought to keep control of his more rational side. Chance was Naraku wouldn't kill Natai but only punish her again. Could he with stand another assault like before? He didn't know. A squeak from Rita brought him out of his thoughts. He looked at her as if he wanted to apologize but just as he started to open his mouth he felt Natai's hand move to his cheek. He looked down at her clear blue eyes that held unshed tears.
"You have to give me back Sesshomaru." She whispered so low he almost couldn't hear her. A tear rolled from the corner of her eye onto his sleeve. Her eyes wandered toward the scared female in Lobo's arms and she knew what had to be done. Gritting her teeth she pushed her pain wracked body out of his grasp. "For her. Keep her safe." Her voice whispered as she fell back. Naraku stepped forward and caught her easily. He stared into her tear streaked face with concern. But looked up and stepped back when Sesshomaru stood up to his full height. His eyes glowed red and the wind began to whip around his body tossing his hair around his body. Desperate to keep control of the situation Naraku shook Natai to get her attention. The pain caused from the rough treatment caused her to open her eyes and gasp.
"Lobo!" The wolf didn't need any instructions. He dug his claws into Rita's arm causing her to yelp from pain and jumped forward so he held her directly in front of the angry taiyoukai. Rita looked at Sesshomaru's changing body with a fear that was nearing insanity. The look in her eyes softened his raging heart some but he could still see Naraku trying to get Natai to respond to his rough treatment.
The turmoil in his heart was breaking him down. Confusion and indecision were giving his youkai the advantage over his logical thoughts. His concealment spell fell revealing the strips on his cheeks and the crescent moon on his forehead. He was losing the struggle quickly.
"Sesshomaru stop." Her soft voice spoke out as loud as she could through the pain that wracked her body. Somewhere in the back of his predator's mind he recognized her voice and stopped growling to listen. With support from Naraku she stepped forward and gently removed Lobo's claws from the shaking woman's arm. A heavy sigh escaped her as she shivered from the pain the coursed down her legs but she shoved it to the back of her mind. "Lobo let her go." She whispered to her long time companion. He did as she requested but never took his eyes from Sesshomaru. Painfully slow she pulled and pushed Rita until the scared woman was out of Lobo's arms. Finally Rita took the hint and began to walk forward toward Sesshomaru unsure if she should get any closer to him. This was a side of him she had never seen before and if truth be told never wanted to see again. Natai lifted her lazy eyes to meet the fierce gaze of her love and mate. This would be the hardest thing she ever had to do but it needed to be done. Swallowing a couple of times she leaned her back heavily into Naraku's chest to help stay on her feet. She took a deep breath so she could speak more clearly and make sure he understood.
"You made your choice. We are no longer mates!" She hissed out. "Be good to her. Don't risk her life for mine like this. I am not worth it. Life is more important. I have been dead to you for too long let it stay as such." She then began to step back forcing Naraku and the others away. Her eyes held his for as long as she could with out blinking. When she felt herself being lifted from the ground and could no longer see him ahead of her she let herself slip into the welcome darkness of unconsciousness.