Inuyasha
Coming of Age
((Thanks again for all the Reviews. Makes me happy people are enjoying the story. If there is someone you'd like to appear in the story from Inuyasha or if you have an idea for something feel free to e-mail me. I'll check it out and see if I can weave it into here. Also Chapter 5 is going to be a goofy chapter, something funny to lighten the mood for Kisho and the gang.
If you need my e-mail it's Skypilot0404@yahoo.com))
Chapter 4
Kisho didn't know how long he had fallen unconscious. The fight with Sessho- maru had left Kisho drained of energy. His body felt numb from the tip of his nose to the bottom of his feet. Kisho was slowly becoming conscious once again. His mind had been completely blank the entire time. He didn't dream of anyone nor did he see his inner selves, he just saw darkness. Kisho opened his eyes slowly and was only met with the sight of darkness. At first he thought he was asleep again, but as his eyes adjusted to his surroundings. He realized the place he was in was covered in darkness except for a small beam of light that shined its rays down in the middle of the area. He slowly moved his arms under him to get up, but as he did he heard a loud clank sound that rang in his ears. His arms had felt heavy and Kisho soon realized his wrists were bound in chains and so were his legs. It was the reason why he felt so heavy and numb. He was beginning to feel the cold steel of his boundings and he groaned lightly to the feeling. Kisho was still disorientated as he slowly sat up right, moving the chains the best he could out of the way. His eyes followed the cold metal steel to the wall where they were bounded. He was much to weak to even attempt to pull them out. He threw his body back against the wall as he felt like everything was against him. Hope itself was leaving his mind. Leaving him with nothing but despair and loneliness.
As Kisho rested against the wall the sounds of footsteps echoed throughout the area. Kisho didn't even bother to figure out where he was. All he knew was he was in some sort of cave that had a variety of tunnels splitting off. The sounds grew louder with each step. There was a difference in the paces to the echoing sounds, which indicated there were two people approaching. Soon the sound stop as the two figures stood before Kisho.
"So, this is the offspring of the hanyou that Naraku despises. I must say this mission was easier for as then expected. Naraku has gone to great lengths to capture him. It only took two of us, makes me wonder why he summoned all twelve of out kind in the first place," the voice said in a light tone.
"I don't see why he even cares if this one even lives. He has already caught the prizes he seeks," the other voice said in a deeper tone of voice.
"Simple, he was to eradicate the entire bloodline. His uncle will be next. Uma and Ryu said they were going to see to it."
Kisho tilted his head to the side to see the two figures. One was a woman who held an orb of some kind in her right hand. Her long brown hair flowed behind her back as the highlights lightly showed through the darkness. Her red eyes gazed at Kisho with a strong gaze. It held no emotion what so ever, but Kisho sensed something sinister about it. Her cloths were light blue and on one of her hands she wore a glove. The odd thing about her was her ears were long and slender, almost like a rabbits. Her skin was a lighter then normal human. Next to her stood a man with his arms lightly folded over his chest. His face was cat like and his ears were placed in the same position as a cat. His skin was light orange with black stripes. His hands were large and cat like as well and a long slender tail was wrapped around his body. This demon like creature seemed to represent a tiger to Kisho.
The women stepped forward towards Kisho leaving the tiger demon watching, "So little one. Tell me something."
Kisho wasn't in the mood for her games as he growled at her as she came near, "Get lost," he said in a dull tone of voice.
"I don't think you're in the position to make demands, boy. Tell me where the sword known as Tetsusaiga is at. It was your fathers sword."
Again Kisho didn't know what the hell anyone was talking about and it was aggravating him more, "Listen bitch. I don't know what the hell it looks like. So leave me alone."
The tiger demon behind her chuckled lightly and her face flushed red as her eyes narrowed at him. She made Kisho and the chains rise up into the air by just raising her hands. She made the chains wrapped around his body and neck, "Listen you pathetic mutt. I will squeeze your head off until I get that sword. Now tell me!"
Kisho could hardly breath as the chains chocked him and he manage enough to speak a little, "No!"
"Fine," She made the chains squeeze even more around.
Kisho yelled as the constricting metal that was crushing his body. He didn't bother struggling and he lost hope of living. The rabbit like demon laughed seeing his pain, but her fun was soon cut off as the tiger like demon slashed one of the chains. The metal part uncoiled itself from Kisho relieving the pressure.
"Tora! What are you doing?"
The tiger growled loudly as he stood in front of her, "We were not ordered to kill him. Release him now." "Naraku never said that entirely. I want to..."
"I said release him Usagi," Tora said in a threatening tone. Usagi immediately backed down and she released Kisho. He fell back against the ground with all the chains still around him, "One day Tora you will not be the leader of us. Your wisdom is weak."
"If I am so weak why can you not ever beat me?"
Usagi just stared at him. Her eyes filled with anger as she stomped off down one of the tunnels. Tora watched her go as his tail swayed from side to side in thought. He soon turned his attentions to Kisho. He had been watching the boy since he arrived in this land. Of course he remained hidden the entire time. Tora was curious of this boys strong will he had witness. He was determined to find his parents and always seemed to bounce back quickly from injuries. When Tora found Kisho he had a dislocated arm and now the injury was hardly noticeable. This lead Tora to believe that Kisho's body had an abnormal healing rate. As Tora watched the boy now, he seemed broken. His will was failing him and the hope of even finding his parents seemed lost.
"Kisho stand on your feet," Tora demanded.
Kisho just laid there, "Why?"
"Are you giving up that easy?"
"I'm to weak...I can't complete with all these full demons. I'm not normal nor am I strong enough to handle the power," Kisho said in a crackled tone. He didn't want to admit such a weakness, but Kisho saw this as the end. He had fallen into enemy's hands. The thoughts of his last battle flooded to him. If he'd failed in controlling his youkai half then he'd be nothing more then a deranged animal. Something he feared most.
"What is normal? Such a thing dose not exists. Every human, hanyou, demon, and people such as yourself is unique and different. I see being different as strength and not a weakness. You focus so much on what makes you weak while you should turn your weakness into your strength. If you doubt your own powers and self then you have already lost the battle before it even began. You learn more this way. I suggests you find yourself Kisho or you will be devoured within the hour," Tora turned away and disappeared down one of the tunnels Usagi went.
Kisho thought about what Tora said. His weakness was his strength? He shut his eyes some to reflect on what he meant. At first Kisho wasn't sure what exactly was his weakness, but then the vision of his dog youkai half and human half came into his sights. The conflicting sides were what have been destroying him, mentally and physically. The sides were hurting each other and himself as a whole.
Kisho has more human then youkai and he easily took over his human half to speak to his youkai half, 'We must stop this.'
The dog youkai stared at the small human at its feet, 'Why? We desire different things...'
'No, you're wrong. We both want to find Inuyasha and Kagome. Deep down you are concern for them both. We are both weak now from the fighting, but if we stop and join our powers we will be able to stop the terror across the lands. Including Naraku.'
The dog youkai growled in hearing the name Naraku, 'For once we both agree about destroying Naraku. I agree then. My power is yours and your power is mine.'
Kisho nodded to his youkai half as he began to leave his subconscious mind. He looked back to the youkai dog and saw it fading away, "Good job Kisho. You have passed the first path in controlling your power."
All of a sudden there was an explosion of light and Kisho woke up. He was still entangled in all the chains. He must have fallen asleep again when he was lying there. His will to live had been renewed and he slowly began to the long process of untangling himself from the chains.
Meanwhile as Kisho worked at freeing himself Tora was sitting on one of the rocks in the cave. His eyes were closed in thought and his tail swayed from side to side. Usagi was walking towards some with her orb in hand still, "Tora, I have word from Naraku."
"What is it?" He said, not even looking up.
"He wants us to interrogate Kisho more. He also says he wants to see Kisho for himself."
Tora was silent for a moment as he opened his eyes slowly. His ears flickered lightly, "You can go interrogate him all you want. I have something to take care of."
"What would that be?"
"None of your business," Tora said as he walked away from her. Usagi mumbled under her breath, "Your time is almost up, Tora."
Usagi walked back to where Kisho was being held. The boy was on his feet again leaning against the wall. His left foot was free since Tora had sliced through the chain earlier. Usagi noticed a different look to his eyes. He seemed more alert and focused now. There was also the return of his mischief twinkle in his eyes. He tilted his head some, "Come to bother me some more cottontail."
"Listen mutt, I have a name."
"As do I."
"You're the prisoner, you are not in the position to give me commands and to act like a smart-ass."
"What are you going to do if I do make a demand? Lock me up and chain me. I think we've past that punishment," Kisho said with a smirk.
Usagi was getting angry and she made the chains rise again except this time Kisho was ready for it. He had tied one around a rock and as he lifted up he pushed off against the wall and swung through the air, kicked Usagi right in the face. The tighten chain on his arm had helped him make a quick circle in the air, increasing the force of his kick.
Usagi was shocked as she fell backwards the sting on her face fueling her rage even more. Not to long ago he was down for the count and now he was fighting back. Where did he get the confidents again? Then she realized Tora was the last in the room. 'That traitor!' She said as he rotated her body around to catch her fall.
Kisho was surprise she was so quick and the orb she had been carrying was floating in mid air now. She got back upright to her feet and ran her hand through her hair, "You want to know what this is?" She said as she ran her hand over her orb lightly. Her voice was different again and it made Kisho feel uncomfortable, he shifted his weight a bit nervously
Kisho shook his head, "Not really," Kisho replied in a steady tone to mask his uneasy feeling.
"Oh? But it's a really neat trick," She ran her hand over the orb again and this time the ball began to spin. Sparks shot out of the round object. The cave ceiling was filling with dark clouds that rumbled and roared. Kisho backed up against the wall some.
Usagi's eyes glowed a bright red as the orb began to create a thunderstorm above him. Kisho watched the orb and then the sky as the lightning began to increase, "Why do I have a feeling this is going to hurt real bad."
"Because it is!" Usagi released a rain of lightning down on Kisho the bolts struck him easily in the small cave. The electric power ran through him and it felt like being stabbed a million times. He cried out in pain as one after another bolts of lightning came crashing down against his body. Kisho never felt anything so painful in his life and he fell down to his hands and knees.
Usagi stood over him, "That's it bow down before me. I'll stop once you tell me where Tetsusaiga is."
Kisho growled some as he his vision began to blur. He was on the verge of passing out again from the pain, "I don't know where it is for the last time!"
"Then I guess I won't stop."
Kisho dug his hands into the dirt as he bit down on his lip to a point that a small trickle of blood dripped down past his chin. He suddenly got to his feet again surprising the hell out of Usagi, "That's impossible someone of your power shouldn't be able to move."
Kisho smirked lightly, "That only shows how little of my power you know!"
Kisho lifted his hand up into the hair and it transformed into his claws. He swung his hand down on the orb in one powerful blow. At first it seemed like his attack did nothing, but all of a sudden a load crack echoed into the caves and the lighting storm stopped. The orb fell against then ground shattered into two. Kisho fell back to his knees panting as his eyes stared at Usagi. She trembled with fear not knowing how Kisho managed to do that. She turned quickly and ran away down one of the many tunnels. Kisho watched her go and he let himself fall back against the wall. His hands were burned severely from the lightning and around his eyes seemed to be burned as well. As Kisho stared at his hands some he saw some of the burnt skin began to heal instantly, "Wow, I can heal pretty fast."
"I expected for some time that you can," Tora said.
Kisho looked up, but he didn't see him there, "Tora?"
As Kisho looked around he saw part of the rock wall move and it soon transformed into Tora's tall figure.
"Whoa, were you there the entire time?"
Tora nodded as he walked over to him, "I am a master at camouflage. How's your hand?"
"Oh fine," Kisho dismissed Tora's odd power, "They'll be as good as new in a few hours. Don't mind me asking Tora, but who's side are you on anyways, you keep helping me?"
"No ones. I just wish to see what both sides are trying to do. I don't pledge my loyalty to anyone."
Kisho nodded as he rested his head against his knee, "Typical cat, eh?"
Tora looked at him, "I'm not a cat am a-"
"It's a joke Tora, lighten up."
Tora blinked lightly to him not understanding it much, but he smiled lightly. The first time he had done in a long time. Kisho smiled back to him, his face bright and soft by his youth. Kisho was back to his normal self and it was surprising to Tora that he could change to fast. He wondered how Kisho was able to do some of the things he does. He didn't understand how Kisho kept his bright personality sometimes and he had a rare wittiness when Kisho actually let things get to him. Tora stared at him some with his clear cat like eyes until Kisho caught his glance, "Something wrong?"
Tora jerked his head back some a bit caught off guard by his thoughts wandering like that. He quickly shook his head, "No, I'm only thinking. Here give my your hands."
Kisho obeyed and held his hands out with his palms up. Tora placed his hand under his and a small light began to shine. Kisho tilted his head as he watched. The light felt warm and pleasing in his hands. As he watched his wounds completely closed up, "You have healing powers?"
Tora nodded lightly as he pulled his hands away, "I do kind of...you can control the speed of your own healing powers once you learn. I'm sure you have many talents that are barried in you."
Kisho was never really power hungry and the thought of other powers never had crossed his mind. Though he found his gifts more as a curse. Kisho's face became a bit forlorn, but he looked to Tora with a clear series look, "I'd like you learn how to use them."
Kisho may think of these powers as cures, but he'd do what ever he could to save his parents.
"In time you will."
Kisho was about to say something when the cold dark feeling from before came over him. It irritated him and a small growl creeped out of his throat. Naraku's presents was being felt in the cavern and Tora was also alert to the heighten power.
Tora was worried about Kisho's safety if Naraku was already there. The tiger youkai turned around quickly with his claws raised and they sliced through all the chains that bounded him.
Kisho leaped forward to pull away from his restraints and he was soon shaking free from the chains. He was amazed how strong Tora was if he could slice through the chain like that.
"Kisho, follow that tunnel down and it will lead you the way out," Tora said as he directed Kisho towards the tunnel with the point of his claw.
Kisho nodded but then turned to Tora, "What about you?"
"I'll stall Naraku some. Now go!"
Tora turned down the opposite tunnel leaving Kisho standing there watching the noble tiger leave. As he watched something caught the corner of his eye.
Within the darkness in one of the other tunnels were the menacing red eyes of Usagi. The rabbit youkai saw her chance in eliminating their powerful leader. Tora had his back turned to her, completely oblivious to what was being plotted.
"Traitor...the tiger will fall by my hands! I will be the leader of us now!"
Usagi pointed her finger at him and behind him shot out several more chains except these chains were armed with spear like heads at the ends. They shot out at Tora like whips snapping and coiling like snakes, closing in on its helpless prey.
Kisho saw the whole thing unfold before his eyes. His eyes were widened in fear, "Tora!"
Tora heard his name and he turned around to respond. As he did his eyes saw the deadly chains to claim his body. They were to close for him to react and he was only able to take a step back. Tora didn't know what to do as he waited for his fate to hit him.
Before the chains reached him he felt a hand push him in the chest. Everything was moving in slow motion and standing in front of him was Kisho. His white and black hairs were pushed to the side as he skidded to a stop in order to push Tora away. He stood in front of all the chains and all Tora could do was watch as the boy took his place. Before the chains hit him his eyes met with Tora with no fear or regret and then time resumed back to normal.
By the time Tora had hit the ground the spear heads perieced through Kisho's body in several places. One went through his shoulder another went through his gut. The spearheads rested against the ground behind Kisho while the chains hung out of his body. There was a moment of silence before Kisho fell against the ground lifeless. Tora's eyes were stricken in shock for the first time. He quickly scrambled to his feet and rushed to Kisho's side. The boy was slumped against the dirty ground no sign of life. Tora's hand lifted his chin up lightly and he got no reponse. Tears formed in Toras' eyes as he stared at Kisho. Tora never knew the feeling of someone being a true friend. It was an unknown feeling that made him confused. Kisho hardly knew Tora and was willing to give his life in saving him. Tora could remember still Kisho's clear eyes gazing at him before the chains struck him. This act brought a new sort of wisdom and feeling to the tiger. As he mourned his fallen friend Usagi approached.
"Well I missed, but I manage to hurt you either way," Usagi sneered.
Tora was silent as Usagi kept talking. His eyes shielded from her view, "How does it feel now, weakling? Your own confidence killed him you know?"
Tora looked at Kisho once last time before he stood up to face Usagi. His face showed no emotion, but his eyes were now clear of his confused thoughts and he knew what he must do, "Weakling? You know nothing of me Usagi," Tora moved around Kisho's body his eyes still locked on Usagi, "As the tiger I possess great power and I also possess its anger."
Tora's eyes glowed a deep red as his youkai powers began to surge, "As a rabbit you should know the tigers furry."
Usagi hissed lightly and she threw a punch at Tora. The tiger caught her blow and he swung his large claw like hand across her face knocking her back in a mighty blow. She braced herself for the hit and only was pushed back a few feet. She rubbed her face lightly, but she really didn't have long to as Tora moved for an attack again. His eyes still glowed their fierce red color as he swung left then right. She dodged each and then countered back with her own swings. Tora was quick and agile as he avoided each swing by leaping high into the air, back flipping over her as he did. As he twisted his body around his claws swiped down hard against her shoulders. The force of the hit was hard and it knocked her down to her knees. While she tried to recover from the hit Tora spun around and sweeped kicked her to the ground. She was easily tripped and her back rested flat against the ground. She was amazed at how fast Tora wanted to end the fight. He wasted no time in getting her down. His tiger ears laid flat against his skull in an aggressive manner. He held his right claw up, flexing it as he stood before her.
"Last words?"
"You would strike your own comrade down? You think you are upholding justice, but you are no better then I am."
Tora smiled lightly, "Up holding justice? I have youkai blood in me...such a thing doesn't appeal to me. My claws and fangs seek revenge, which means your blood will be spilled at whatever the cost. You attempted to destroy me so maybe I am no better then you, but I don't really care."
Tora leaped into the air with his claw raised, "Tiger Claws!" The tip of his claws glowed with his youkai power as he brought them down on the injured rabbit. As his attack grew closer, Tora realized he made a careless mistake. He had forgotten about Narakus presents. Before Toras attack could reach Usagi Narakus sharp spear like hand periced through his shoulder knocking him back against the wall. Usagi laid against the ground relived as she sat up. Naraku stood just behind her with a steady stance. His face as always beamed with pleasure witnessing the emotional struggle of the fight.
"My dear Tora. You dare defy this Naraku?"
Tora gripped his shoulder as he got back to his feet, "I do what I wish."
Naraku chuckled lately, "It's not wise to betray me. You, the leader of your clan allowed yourself to be corrupted. A weakness you have always held."
Tora growled, as he had nothing to say. Maybe his weakness was that. Tora never knew how things were played out. Sure he was wise in making guesses, but he could never take inaccount peoples emotions. Naraku laughed in seeing Tora's face, "A weak hanyou you are."
Usagi's face lit up with the surprise of this news, "He's a hanyou?"
"Of course. He has learned to hide it well. He can separate his powers. His youkai half comes out more then his human half, giving off a more youkai like scent, but such tricks don't deceive me."
Usagi felt anger boil in her. She had trusted Tora from the start and he had never said anything about being a hanyou. Tora felt a bit vulnerable now that his secret was revealed. He thought Naraku was complelly oblivious to him, but Tora had greatly underestimated him. Tora's concentration was slipping as well. He was allowing Naraku's words get to him.
Naraku looked over to Kisho's body, "Usagi, retrieve the body. There's still much use for it."
Usagi nodded as she began to rush over. She was closer to Kisho then Tora was, but something had spiked into Toras mind as he watched her move towards Kisho. Usagi was only two steps away, but before she reached Kisho Tora had moved for an attack at great speeds. Even Naraku couldn't catch the ferious tigers speed. Tora was suddenly right next to Usagi his dominant hand out for his Tiger Claw attack. His claw ripped right through her body in a great display of speed and power. In a blink of an eye he had sliced through her. She didn't even realize what happened into the last moment of her life.
"I must say, Tora. Your power increase each time you find that boy introuble. Yet he is dead. Is their some motive?" Naraku said not paying any attention to Usagis defeat.
Tora smirked, "I'm sentimental I guess. This tiger won't let you take him," Tora said shaking the blood from his claws.
Naraku's face turned stern. No one denied him anything, "Your words will soon be regretted."
Naraku's long slender fingers turned into sharp like spears again. He extended them out to claim Tora's life. Tora leaped into the air to avoid them some. His claws blocked the ones that tried to hit him. He used his feet to kick away a few as well. There were just to many for him to block through. As they whizzed by his body and face they manage to slice a bit of his skin. Tora pushed off against the wall to gain a bit more distance over them, but they were to fast. Tora kept on fighting as much as he could. He skidded across the ground and swung his right hand again. His shoulder was bothering him on the other side making it useless in this fight. Naraku had taken note to this weakness at the attacks began coming more on his left side. Tora manage to keep blocked and slashing for a little while longer, but he finally tripped up. His leg gave out from all the gashes and he hit the ground with a thud.
Naraku called back his attacks and he picked up the orb Kisho had sliced when he fought Usagi, "As much as it would please me to see you destroyed. Suffering is what satisfies me more."
He forged the orb together with his own powers and made the orb spin like Usagi had done before. The scent of lightning hung in the air as the orb charged with an electrical charge, "This was one of my favorite attacks from Usagi. To bad you destroyed her, but I think my version is done well. Its also ten times stronger."
Tora was trying to get up, but he found it was no use. Before Tora knew it the orb was charged enough and a whip like lightening back struck down on his body. The current was strong and mind blowing. Tora couldn't even yell in pain. His chest tightened while his muscles ached as the current ran through his body. Tora threw his head against the ground. It felt like his body would explode.
Was this because he finally followed something he believed in? As a hanyou he found it hard to reveal much, yet as he watched Kisho the boy seemed happy with himself and he was less like a youkai then he was. Tora had always wanted the power of a youkai, yet Kisho just wanted his parents. How could he not want power? Tora didn't understand. He didn't understand anything.
'Why? Why does it end this way? I wanted to follow my heart instead of my mind...why?'
'Tora...you have to lighten up.'
Tora heard a voice in his head his eyes widen to the familiar sound of the voice.
'Things aren't handed to you. I should know. Power isn't everything right? Come on turn that weakness into your strength. Don't be afraid to reveal what you want.'
Tora lifted his head slowly up from the ground. His mind was blurring, but he knew what he wanted. He had almost forgotten his own wisdom. 'He needs to live. He's the only one to stop this madness.'
"What I want...right now is for," Tora choked, "-is for...Kisho to wake up!"
Naraku laughed, "You want help from a dead, reject of life? You must be close to death."
Tora's voice echoed in the cave like a ringing bell and all of a sudden a pulse of energy blew through the cave. The lightning current that was hitting Tora was being sucked up somewhere else. With the pain lifted from Tora he could finally see straight. He summoned his energy and got to his feet fully. Naraku growled under his breath and was shocked to find out what was sucking the energy, "It can't be-"
Tora looked to the see what it was as well, "Its-"
Kisho's eyes suddenly opened. His eyes glowed in a bright yellow color, "Its Tetsusaiga
Naraku looked at the very much alive Kisho. The chains were still in his body as he stood up, but a bright aura was surrounding him. Tetsusaiga floated in mid air as it absorbed all the lightning power from the orb. Tora took his chances and he used what energy had had left to leap out and snatched Tetsusaiga. The agile Tora gripped the base of the cover of the sword as he flipped back around to the ground. Tetsusaiga was easy for Tora to carry since he himself was a hanyou. Naraku swung his hands out at Tora again and the tiger quickly threw Tetsusaiga to Kisho just as Naraku's long hands wrapped around Tora's body.
Kisho stood there for a moment before his power surged enough for the chains to shatter. His hands reached out to grab Tetsusaiga as it came to him.
Naraku had Tora in his grips now and he stared at the nearly revived Kisho, "Tell me boy how did you achieve this feat?"
Kisho was silent for a moment as he stood there. Tora was in the tightening grips of Naraku and manage to catch a clear sight of Kisho. The boy's youkai powers had woken up again to help him except this time he wasn't some deranged animal. He looked similar to his father. His hair was pure white that flowed to his shoulders. His eyes were a rich wheat yellow color that glowed lightly in the darkness and ontop of his head were a pair of dog-ears.
"He has more control over his youkai self-"Tora gasped for air as Naraku's gripped tighten all of sudden.
"Silence," Naraku commanded.
Kisho bent down to leap, but Tora manage to speak up, "Get out of here Kisho. I got this one."
Kisho hesitated for a moment, "Tora..."
Tora winked to him, "Trust me."
Kisho weakly smiled to him as he turned and ran off. Naraku smirked as he watched the boy ran off leaving Tora behind, "Desperate?"
Tora laughed as his eyes glittered, "Hardly. I will take care of this, even if I must sacrifice something!"
Tora's body began to glow in a bright light, causing Naraku to shield his eyes some. Tora was summoning his tiger spirit to come out. The bright light danced within the darkness of the walls until it formed a flaming Tiger of light. It hovered above both Tora and Naraku roaring in anger. It was all Tora's anger he held over the years, fueled with his tainted past he had to go through. His eyes looked at Naraku straight through his soul, "I may not be able to defeat you, but I can buy some time for everyone."
Tora released the Tigers furry on Naraku and the creature came crashing down against him. The attack caused Naraku to fling Tora away as he tried to defend against this power. The power was so great that it was causing the entire cave to cave in.
Tora stumbled along the paths helplessly, leaving Naraku to what ever fate he had awaiting him. The attack had drained Tora of all his powers. He was completely human. He had given up his powers to buy time for Kisho. Tora knew that he had to give up something he wanted for so long to know that he was really committed to fighting on Kisho's side and this proved it to him. His blond hair fell over his human face. His hands were no longer clawed and his tail was gone. He looked like an everyday human. He leaned against the wall as rocks and debris fell around him. It was only a matter of time before the entire cave system came down. Tora closed his eyes some as he waited for his fate to come.
"Hey! I come all this way to see you sleeping?" Tora opened his eyes fully to see the young Kisho there. He put his arm around Tora to help support him, "Come on, Tora. Don't give up so damn easy! Someone as smart as you should figure this out by now."
Tora looked at him blankly for a moment. He was shocked to see Kisho there before him again, "I-...can't. I can't move Kisho, I'm drained entirely."
Kisho sighed as he looked around at all the rocks falling, "Alright I'll carry you then."
Kisho bent down on all fours as he lifted Tora on his back. At first Tora thought Kisho was going to stand up again, but instead he took off running on all fours. Tora gripped Kisho lightly as he wondered what the hell he was doing, "Kisho! What the hell are you doing?"
"Can't help it! I just have it in me. Plus my injuries can't support your weight if I stand up fully."
Kisho said as he continued to run with bliss. Tora had no idea how this boy could be enjoying this. Kisho ran like this until the reached the entrance. He leaped through the air just as the cave entrance collapsed.
Kisho couldn't really land and the two ended up hitting the ground hard. They rolled across the rich grass slowly until the finally came to a stop.
"I had enough of avoiding death today," Tora said between breaths as he laid there.
"Pretty fun, eh?" Kisho said with amusement.
Tora smacked his head with his hand, he hoped he made the right choice in picking Kisho's side. He had a feeling he was going to be the inu's babysitter now.
Coming of Age
((Thanks again for all the Reviews. Makes me happy people are enjoying the story. If there is someone you'd like to appear in the story from Inuyasha or if you have an idea for something feel free to e-mail me. I'll check it out and see if I can weave it into here. Also Chapter 5 is going to be a goofy chapter, something funny to lighten the mood for Kisho and the gang.
If you need my e-mail it's Skypilot0404@yahoo.com))
Chapter 4
Kisho didn't know how long he had fallen unconscious. The fight with Sessho- maru had left Kisho drained of energy. His body felt numb from the tip of his nose to the bottom of his feet. Kisho was slowly becoming conscious once again. His mind had been completely blank the entire time. He didn't dream of anyone nor did he see his inner selves, he just saw darkness. Kisho opened his eyes slowly and was only met with the sight of darkness. At first he thought he was asleep again, but as his eyes adjusted to his surroundings. He realized the place he was in was covered in darkness except for a small beam of light that shined its rays down in the middle of the area. He slowly moved his arms under him to get up, but as he did he heard a loud clank sound that rang in his ears. His arms had felt heavy and Kisho soon realized his wrists were bound in chains and so were his legs. It was the reason why he felt so heavy and numb. He was beginning to feel the cold steel of his boundings and he groaned lightly to the feeling. Kisho was still disorientated as he slowly sat up right, moving the chains the best he could out of the way. His eyes followed the cold metal steel to the wall where they were bounded. He was much to weak to even attempt to pull them out. He threw his body back against the wall as he felt like everything was against him. Hope itself was leaving his mind. Leaving him with nothing but despair and loneliness.
As Kisho rested against the wall the sounds of footsteps echoed throughout the area. Kisho didn't even bother to figure out where he was. All he knew was he was in some sort of cave that had a variety of tunnels splitting off. The sounds grew louder with each step. There was a difference in the paces to the echoing sounds, which indicated there were two people approaching. Soon the sound stop as the two figures stood before Kisho.
"So, this is the offspring of the hanyou that Naraku despises. I must say this mission was easier for as then expected. Naraku has gone to great lengths to capture him. It only took two of us, makes me wonder why he summoned all twelve of out kind in the first place," the voice said in a light tone.
"I don't see why he even cares if this one even lives. He has already caught the prizes he seeks," the other voice said in a deeper tone of voice.
"Simple, he was to eradicate the entire bloodline. His uncle will be next. Uma and Ryu said they were going to see to it."
Kisho tilted his head to the side to see the two figures. One was a woman who held an orb of some kind in her right hand. Her long brown hair flowed behind her back as the highlights lightly showed through the darkness. Her red eyes gazed at Kisho with a strong gaze. It held no emotion what so ever, but Kisho sensed something sinister about it. Her cloths were light blue and on one of her hands she wore a glove. The odd thing about her was her ears were long and slender, almost like a rabbits. Her skin was a lighter then normal human. Next to her stood a man with his arms lightly folded over his chest. His face was cat like and his ears were placed in the same position as a cat. His skin was light orange with black stripes. His hands were large and cat like as well and a long slender tail was wrapped around his body. This demon like creature seemed to represent a tiger to Kisho.
The women stepped forward towards Kisho leaving the tiger demon watching, "So little one. Tell me something."
Kisho wasn't in the mood for her games as he growled at her as she came near, "Get lost," he said in a dull tone of voice.
"I don't think you're in the position to make demands, boy. Tell me where the sword known as Tetsusaiga is at. It was your fathers sword."
Again Kisho didn't know what the hell anyone was talking about and it was aggravating him more, "Listen bitch. I don't know what the hell it looks like. So leave me alone."
The tiger demon behind her chuckled lightly and her face flushed red as her eyes narrowed at him. She made Kisho and the chains rise up into the air by just raising her hands. She made the chains wrapped around his body and neck, "Listen you pathetic mutt. I will squeeze your head off until I get that sword. Now tell me!"
Kisho could hardly breath as the chains chocked him and he manage enough to speak a little, "No!"
"Fine," She made the chains squeeze even more around.
Kisho yelled as the constricting metal that was crushing his body. He didn't bother struggling and he lost hope of living. The rabbit like demon laughed seeing his pain, but her fun was soon cut off as the tiger like demon slashed one of the chains. The metal part uncoiled itself from Kisho relieving the pressure.
"Tora! What are you doing?"
The tiger growled loudly as he stood in front of her, "We were not ordered to kill him. Release him now." "Naraku never said that entirely. I want to..."
"I said release him Usagi," Tora said in a threatening tone. Usagi immediately backed down and she released Kisho. He fell back against the ground with all the chains still around him, "One day Tora you will not be the leader of us. Your wisdom is weak."
"If I am so weak why can you not ever beat me?"
Usagi just stared at him. Her eyes filled with anger as she stomped off down one of the tunnels. Tora watched her go as his tail swayed from side to side in thought. He soon turned his attentions to Kisho. He had been watching the boy since he arrived in this land. Of course he remained hidden the entire time. Tora was curious of this boys strong will he had witness. He was determined to find his parents and always seemed to bounce back quickly from injuries. When Tora found Kisho he had a dislocated arm and now the injury was hardly noticeable. This lead Tora to believe that Kisho's body had an abnormal healing rate. As Tora watched the boy now, he seemed broken. His will was failing him and the hope of even finding his parents seemed lost.
"Kisho stand on your feet," Tora demanded.
Kisho just laid there, "Why?"
"Are you giving up that easy?"
"I'm to weak...I can't complete with all these full demons. I'm not normal nor am I strong enough to handle the power," Kisho said in a crackled tone. He didn't want to admit such a weakness, but Kisho saw this as the end. He had fallen into enemy's hands. The thoughts of his last battle flooded to him. If he'd failed in controlling his youkai half then he'd be nothing more then a deranged animal. Something he feared most.
"What is normal? Such a thing dose not exists. Every human, hanyou, demon, and people such as yourself is unique and different. I see being different as strength and not a weakness. You focus so much on what makes you weak while you should turn your weakness into your strength. If you doubt your own powers and self then you have already lost the battle before it even began. You learn more this way. I suggests you find yourself Kisho or you will be devoured within the hour," Tora turned away and disappeared down one of the tunnels Usagi went.
Kisho thought about what Tora said. His weakness was his strength? He shut his eyes some to reflect on what he meant. At first Kisho wasn't sure what exactly was his weakness, but then the vision of his dog youkai half and human half came into his sights. The conflicting sides were what have been destroying him, mentally and physically. The sides were hurting each other and himself as a whole.
Kisho has more human then youkai and he easily took over his human half to speak to his youkai half, 'We must stop this.'
The dog youkai stared at the small human at its feet, 'Why? We desire different things...'
'No, you're wrong. We both want to find Inuyasha and Kagome. Deep down you are concern for them both. We are both weak now from the fighting, but if we stop and join our powers we will be able to stop the terror across the lands. Including Naraku.'
The dog youkai growled in hearing the name Naraku, 'For once we both agree about destroying Naraku. I agree then. My power is yours and your power is mine.'
Kisho nodded to his youkai half as he began to leave his subconscious mind. He looked back to the youkai dog and saw it fading away, "Good job Kisho. You have passed the first path in controlling your power."
All of a sudden there was an explosion of light and Kisho woke up. He was still entangled in all the chains. He must have fallen asleep again when he was lying there. His will to live had been renewed and he slowly began to the long process of untangling himself from the chains.
Meanwhile as Kisho worked at freeing himself Tora was sitting on one of the rocks in the cave. His eyes were closed in thought and his tail swayed from side to side. Usagi was walking towards some with her orb in hand still, "Tora, I have word from Naraku."
"What is it?" He said, not even looking up.
"He wants us to interrogate Kisho more. He also says he wants to see Kisho for himself."
Tora was silent for a moment as he opened his eyes slowly. His ears flickered lightly, "You can go interrogate him all you want. I have something to take care of."
"What would that be?"
"None of your business," Tora said as he walked away from her. Usagi mumbled under her breath, "Your time is almost up, Tora."
Usagi walked back to where Kisho was being held. The boy was on his feet again leaning against the wall. His left foot was free since Tora had sliced through the chain earlier. Usagi noticed a different look to his eyes. He seemed more alert and focused now. There was also the return of his mischief twinkle in his eyes. He tilted his head some, "Come to bother me some more cottontail."
"Listen mutt, I have a name."
"As do I."
"You're the prisoner, you are not in the position to give me commands and to act like a smart-ass."
"What are you going to do if I do make a demand? Lock me up and chain me. I think we've past that punishment," Kisho said with a smirk.
Usagi was getting angry and she made the chains rise again except this time Kisho was ready for it. He had tied one around a rock and as he lifted up he pushed off against the wall and swung through the air, kicked Usagi right in the face. The tighten chain on his arm had helped him make a quick circle in the air, increasing the force of his kick.
Usagi was shocked as she fell backwards the sting on her face fueling her rage even more. Not to long ago he was down for the count and now he was fighting back. Where did he get the confidents again? Then she realized Tora was the last in the room. 'That traitor!' She said as he rotated her body around to catch her fall.
Kisho was surprise she was so quick and the orb she had been carrying was floating in mid air now. She got back upright to her feet and ran her hand through her hair, "You want to know what this is?" She said as she ran her hand over her orb lightly. Her voice was different again and it made Kisho feel uncomfortable, he shifted his weight a bit nervously
Kisho shook his head, "Not really," Kisho replied in a steady tone to mask his uneasy feeling.
"Oh? But it's a really neat trick," She ran her hand over the orb again and this time the ball began to spin. Sparks shot out of the round object. The cave ceiling was filling with dark clouds that rumbled and roared. Kisho backed up against the wall some.
Usagi's eyes glowed a bright red as the orb began to create a thunderstorm above him. Kisho watched the orb and then the sky as the lightning began to increase, "Why do I have a feeling this is going to hurt real bad."
"Because it is!" Usagi released a rain of lightning down on Kisho the bolts struck him easily in the small cave. The electric power ran through him and it felt like being stabbed a million times. He cried out in pain as one after another bolts of lightning came crashing down against his body. Kisho never felt anything so painful in his life and he fell down to his hands and knees.
Usagi stood over him, "That's it bow down before me. I'll stop once you tell me where Tetsusaiga is."
Kisho growled some as he his vision began to blur. He was on the verge of passing out again from the pain, "I don't know where it is for the last time!"
"Then I guess I won't stop."
Kisho dug his hands into the dirt as he bit down on his lip to a point that a small trickle of blood dripped down past his chin. He suddenly got to his feet again surprising the hell out of Usagi, "That's impossible someone of your power shouldn't be able to move."
Kisho smirked lightly, "That only shows how little of my power you know!"
Kisho lifted his hand up into the hair and it transformed into his claws. He swung his hand down on the orb in one powerful blow. At first it seemed like his attack did nothing, but all of a sudden a load crack echoed into the caves and the lighting storm stopped. The orb fell against then ground shattered into two. Kisho fell back to his knees panting as his eyes stared at Usagi. She trembled with fear not knowing how Kisho managed to do that. She turned quickly and ran away down one of the many tunnels. Kisho watched her go and he let himself fall back against the wall. His hands were burned severely from the lightning and around his eyes seemed to be burned as well. As Kisho stared at his hands some he saw some of the burnt skin began to heal instantly, "Wow, I can heal pretty fast."
"I expected for some time that you can," Tora said.
Kisho looked up, but he didn't see him there, "Tora?"
As Kisho looked around he saw part of the rock wall move and it soon transformed into Tora's tall figure.
"Whoa, were you there the entire time?"
Tora nodded as he walked over to him, "I am a master at camouflage. How's your hand?"
"Oh fine," Kisho dismissed Tora's odd power, "They'll be as good as new in a few hours. Don't mind me asking Tora, but who's side are you on anyways, you keep helping me?"
"No ones. I just wish to see what both sides are trying to do. I don't pledge my loyalty to anyone."
Kisho nodded as he rested his head against his knee, "Typical cat, eh?"
Tora looked at him, "I'm not a cat am a-"
"It's a joke Tora, lighten up."
Tora blinked lightly to him not understanding it much, but he smiled lightly. The first time he had done in a long time. Kisho smiled back to him, his face bright and soft by his youth. Kisho was back to his normal self and it was surprising to Tora that he could change to fast. He wondered how Kisho was able to do some of the things he does. He didn't understand how Kisho kept his bright personality sometimes and he had a rare wittiness when Kisho actually let things get to him. Tora stared at him some with his clear cat like eyes until Kisho caught his glance, "Something wrong?"
Tora jerked his head back some a bit caught off guard by his thoughts wandering like that. He quickly shook his head, "No, I'm only thinking. Here give my your hands."
Kisho obeyed and held his hands out with his palms up. Tora placed his hand under his and a small light began to shine. Kisho tilted his head as he watched. The light felt warm and pleasing in his hands. As he watched his wounds completely closed up, "You have healing powers?"
Tora nodded lightly as he pulled his hands away, "I do kind of...you can control the speed of your own healing powers once you learn. I'm sure you have many talents that are barried in you."
Kisho was never really power hungry and the thought of other powers never had crossed his mind. Though he found his gifts more as a curse. Kisho's face became a bit forlorn, but he looked to Tora with a clear series look, "I'd like you learn how to use them."
Kisho may think of these powers as cures, but he'd do what ever he could to save his parents.
"In time you will."
Kisho was about to say something when the cold dark feeling from before came over him. It irritated him and a small growl creeped out of his throat. Naraku's presents was being felt in the cavern and Tora was also alert to the heighten power.
Tora was worried about Kisho's safety if Naraku was already there. The tiger youkai turned around quickly with his claws raised and they sliced through all the chains that bounded him.
Kisho leaped forward to pull away from his restraints and he was soon shaking free from the chains. He was amazed how strong Tora was if he could slice through the chain like that.
"Kisho, follow that tunnel down and it will lead you the way out," Tora said as he directed Kisho towards the tunnel with the point of his claw.
Kisho nodded but then turned to Tora, "What about you?"
"I'll stall Naraku some. Now go!"
Tora turned down the opposite tunnel leaving Kisho standing there watching the noble tiger leave. As he watched something caught the corner of his eye.
Within the darkness in one of the other tunnels were the menacing red eyes of Usagi. The rabbit youkai saw her chance in eliminating their powerful leader. Tora had his back turned to her, completely oblivious to what was being plotted.
"Traitor...the tiger will fall by my hands! I will be the leader of us now!"
Usagi pointed her finger at him and behind him shot out several more chains except these chains were armed with spear like heads at the ends. They shot out at Tora like whips snapping and coiling like snakes, closing in on its helpless prey.
Kisho saw the whole thing unfold before his eyes. His eyes were widened in fear, "Tora!"
Tora heard his name and he turned around to respond. As he did his eyes saw the deadly chains to claim his body. They were to close for him to react and he was only able to take a step back. Tora didn't know what to do as he waited for his fate to hit him.
Before the chains reached him he felt a hand push him in the chest. Everything was moving in slow motion and standing in front of him was Kisho. His white and black hairs were pushed to the side as he skidded to a stop in order to push Tora away. He stood in front of all the chains and all Tora could do was watch as the boy took his place. Before the chains hit him his eyes met with Tora with no fear or regret and then time resumed back to normal.
By the time Tora had hit the ground the spear heads perieced through Kisho's body in several places. One went through his shoulder another went through his gut. The spearheads rested against the ground behind Kisho while the chains hung out of his body. There was a moment of silence before Kisho fell against the ground lifeless. Tora's eyes were stricken in shock for the first time. He quickly scrambled to his feet and rushed to Kisho's side. The boy was slumped against the dirty ground no sign of life. Tora's hand lifted his chin up lightly and he got no reponse. Tears formed in Toras' eyes as he stared at Kisho. Tora never knew the feeling of someone being a true friend. It was an unknown feeling that made him confused. Kisho hardly knew Tora and was willing to give his life in saving him. Tora could remember still Kisho's clear eyes gazing at him before the chains struck him. This act brought a new sort of wisdom and feeling to the tiger. As he mourned his fallen friend Usagi approached.
"Well I missed, but I manage to hurt you either way," Usagi sneered.
Tora was silent as Usagi kept talking. His eyes shielded from her view, "How does it feel now, weakling? Your own confidence killed him you know?"
Tora looked at Kisho once last time before he stood up to face Usagi. His face showed no emotion, but his eyes were now clear of his confused thoughts and he knew what he must do, "Weakling? You know nothing of me Usagi," Tora moved around Kisho's body his eyes still locked on Usagi, "As the tiger I possess great power and I also possess its anger."
Tora's eyes glowed a deep red as his youkai powers began to surge, "As a rabbit you should know the tigers furry."
Usagi hissed lightly and she threw a punch at Tora. The tiger caught her blow and he swung his large claw like hand across her face knocking her back in a mighty blow. She braced herself for the hit and only was pushed back a few feet. She rubbed her face lightly, but she really didn't have long to as Tora moved for an attack again. His eyes still glowed their fierce red color as he swung left then right. She dodged each and then countered back with her own swings. Tora was quick and agile as he avoided each swing by leaping high into the air, back flipping over her as he did. As he twisted his body around his claws swiped down hard against her shoulders. The force of the hit was hard and it knocked her down to her knees. While she tried to recover from the hit Tora spun around and sweeped kicked her to the ground. She was easily tripped and her back rested flat against the ground. She was amazed at how fast Tora wanted to end the fight. He wasted no time in getting her down. His tiger ears laid flat against his skull in an aggressive manner. He held his right claw up, flexing it as he stood before her.
"Last words?"
"You would strike your own comrade down? You think you are upholding justice, but you are no better then I am."
Tora smiled lightly, "Up holding justice? I have youkai blood in me...such a thing doesn't appeal to me. My claws and fangs seek revenge, which means your blood will be spilled at whatever the cost. You attempted to destroy me so maybe I am no better then you, but I don't really care."
Tora leaped into the air with his claw raised, "Tiger Claws!" The tip of his claws glowed with his youkai power as he brought them down on the injured rabbit. As his attack grew closer, Tora realized he made a careless mistake. He had forgotten about Narakus presents. Before Toras attack could reach Usagi Narakus sharp spear like hand periced through his shoulder knocking him back against the wall. Usagi laid against the ground relived as she sat up. Naraku stood just behind her with a steady stance. His face as always beamed with pleasure witnessing the emotional struggle of the fight.
"My dear Tora. You dare defy this Naraku?"
Tora gripped his shoulder as he got back to his feet, "I do what I wish."
Naraku chuckled lately, "It's not wise to betray me. You, the leader of your clan allowed yourself to be corrupted. A weakness you have always held."
Tora growled, as he had nothing to say. Maybe his weakness was that. Tora never knew how things were played out. Sure he was wise in making guesses, but he could never take inaccount peoples emotions. Naraku laughed in seeing Tora's face, "A weak hanyou you are."
Usagi's face lit up with the surprise of this news, "He's a hanyou?"
"Of course. He has learned to hide it well. He can separate his powers. His youkai half comes out more then his human half, giving off a more youkai like scent, but such tricks don't deceive me."
Usagi felt anger boil in her. She had trusted Tora from the start and he had never said anything about being a hanyou. Tora felt a bit vulnerable now that his secret was revealed. He thought Naraku was complelly oblivious to him, but Tora had greatly underestimated him. Tora's concentration was slipping as well. He was allowing Naraku's words get to him.
Naraku looked over to Kisho's body, "Usagi, retrieve the body. There's still much use for it."
Usagi nodded as she began to rush over. She was closer to Kisho then Tora was, but something had spiked into Toras mind as he watched her move towards Kisho. Usagi was only two steps away, but before she reached Kisho Tora had moved for an attack at great speeds. Even Naraku couldn't catch the ferious tigers speed. Tora was suddenly right next to Usagi his dominant hand out for his Tiger Claw attack. His claw ripped right through her body in a great display of speed and power. In a blink of an eye he had sliced through her. She didn't even realize what happened into the last moment of her life.
"I must say, Tora. Your power increase each time you find that boy introuble. Yet he is dead. Is their some motive?" Naraku said not paying any attention to Usagis defeat.
Tora smirked, "I'm sentimental I guess. This tiger won't let you take him," Tora said shaking the blood from his claws.
Naraku's face turned stern. No one denied him anything, "Your words will soon be regretted."
Naraku's long slender fingers turned into sharp like spears again. He extended them out to claim Tora's life. Tora leaped into the air to avoid them some. His claws blocked the ones that tried to hit him. He used his feet to kick away a few as well. There were just to many for him to block through. As they whizzed by his body and face they manage to slice a bit of his skin. Tora pushed off against the wall to gain a bit more distance over them, but they were to fast. Tora kept on fighting as much as he could. He skidded across the ground and swung his right hand again. His shoulder was bothering him on the other side making it useless in this fight. Naraku had taken note to this weakness at the attacks began coming more on his left side. Tora manage to keep blocked and slashing for a little while longer, but he finally tripped up. His leg gave out from all the gashes and he hit the ground with a thud.
Naraku called back his attacks and he picked up the orb Kisho had sliced when he fought Usagi, "As much as it would please me to see you destroyed. Suffering is what satisfies me more."
He forged the orb together with his own powers and made the orb spin like Usagi had done before. The scent of lightning hung in the air as the orb charged with an electrical charge, "This was one of my favorite attacks from Usagi. To bad you destroyed her, but I think my version is done well. Its also ten times stronger."
Tora was trying to get up, but he found it was no use. Before Tora knew it the orb was charged enough and a whip like lightening back struck down on his body. The current was strong and mind blowing. Tora couldn't even yell in pain. His chest tightened while his muscles ached as the current ran through his body. Tora threw his head against the ground. It felt like his body would explode.
Was this because he finally followed something he believed in? As a hanyou he found it hard to reveal much, yet as he watched Kisho the boy seemed happy with himself and he was less like a youkai then he was. Tora had always wanted the power of a youkai, yet Kisho just wanted his parents. How could he not want power? Tora didn't understand. He didn't understand anything.
'Why? Why does it end this way? I wanted to follow my heart instead of my mind...why?'
'Tora...you have to lighten up.'
Tora heard a voice in his head his eyes widen to the familiar sound of the voice.
'Things aren't handed to you. I should know. Power isn't everything right? Come on turn that weakness into your strength. Don't be afraid to reveal what you want.'
Tora lifted his head slowly up from the ground. His mind was blurring, but he knew what he wanted. He had almost forgotten his own wisdom. 'He needs to live. He's the only one to stop this madness.'
"What I want...right now is for," Tora choked, "-is for...Kisho to wake up!"
Naraku laughed, "You want help from a dead, reject of life? You must be close to death."
Tora's voice echoed in the cave like a ringing bell and all of a sudden a pulse of energy blew through the cave. The lightning current that was hitting Tora was being sucked up somewhere else. With the pain lifted from Tora he could finally see straight. He summoned his energy and got to his feet fully. Naraku growled under his breath and was shocked to find out what was sucking the energy, "It can't be-"
Tora looked to the see what it was as well, "Its-"
Kisho's eyes suddenly opened. His eyes glowed in a bright yellow color, "Its Tetsusaiga
Naraku looked at the very much alive Kisho. The chains were still in his body as he stood up, but a bright aura was surrounding him. Tetsusaiga floated in mid air as it absorbed all the lightning power from the orb. Tora took his chances and he used what energy had had left to leap out and snatched Tetsusaiga. The agile Tora gripped the base of the cover of the sword as he flipped back around to the ground. Tetsusaiga was easy for Tora to carry since he himself was a hanyou. Naraku swung his hands out at Tora again and the tiger quickly threw Tetsusaiga to Kisho just as Naraku's long hands wrapped around Tora's body.
Kisho stood there for a moment before his power surged enough for the chains to shatter. His hands reached out to grab Tetsusaiga as it came to him.
Naraku had Tora in his grips now and he stared at the nearly revived Kisho, "Tell me boy how did you achieve this feat?"
Kisho was silent for a moment as he stood there. Tora was in the tightening grips of Naraku and manage to catch a clear sight of Kisho. The boy's youkai powers had woken up again to help him except this time he wasn't some deranged animal. He looked similar to his father. His hair was pure white that flowed to his shoulders. His eyes were a rich wheat yellow color that glowed lightly in the darkness and ontop of his head were a pair of dog-ears.
"He has more control over his youkai self-"Tora gasped for air as Naraku's gripped tighten all of sudden.
"Silence," Naraku commanded.
Kisho bent down to leap, but Tora manage to speak up, "Get out of here Kisho. I got this one."
Kisho hesitated for a moment, "Tora..."
Tora winked to him, "Trust me."
Kisho weakly smiled to him as he turned and ran off. Naraku smirked as he watched the boy ran off leaving Tora behind, "Desperate?"
Tora laughed as his eyes glittered, "Hardly. I will take care of this, even if I must sacrifice something!"
Tora's body began to glow in a bright light, causing Naraku to shield his eyes some. Tora was summoning his tiger spirit to come out. The bright light danced within the darkness of the walls until it formed a flaming Tiger of light. It hovered above both Tora and Naraku roaring in anger. It was all Tora's anger he held over the years, fueled with his tainted past he had to go through. His eyes looked at Naraku straight through his soul, "I may not be able to defeat you, but I can buy some time for everyone."
Tora released the Tigers furry on Naraku and the creature came crashing down against him. The attack caused Naraku to fling Tora away as he tried to defend against this power. The power was so great that it was causing the entire cave to cave in.
Tora stumbled along the paths helplessly, leaving Naraku to what ever fate he had awaiting him. The attack had drained Tora of all his powers. He was completely human. He had given up his powers to buy time for Kisho. Tora knew that he had to give up something he wanted for so long to know that he was really committed to fighting on Kisho's side and this proved it to him. His blond hair fell over his human face. His hands were no longer clawed and his tail was gone. He looked like an everyday human. He leaned against the wall as rocks and debris fell around him. It was only a matter of time before the entire cave system came down. Tora closed his eyes some as he waited for his fate to come.
"Hey! I come all this way to see you sleeping?" Tora opened his eyes fully to see the young Kisho there. He put his arm around Tora to help support him, "Come on, Tora. Don't give up so damn easy! Someone as smart as you should figure this out by now."
Tora looked at him blankly for a moment. He was shocked to see Kisho there before him again, "I-...can't. I can't move Kisho, I'm drained entirely."
Kisho sighed as he looked around at all the rocks falling, "Alright I'll carry you then."
Kisho bent down on all fours as he lifted Tora on his back. At first Tora thought Kisho was going to stand up again, but instead he took off running on all fours. Tora gripped Kisho lightly as he wondered what the hell he was doing, "Kisho! What the hell are you doing?"
"Can't help it! I just have it in me. Plus my injuries can't support your weight if I stand up fully."
Kisho said as he continued to run with bliss. Tora had no idea how this boy could be enjoying this. Kisho ran like this until the reached the entrance. He leaped through the air just as the cave entrance collapsed.
Kisho couldn't really land and the two ended up hitting the ground hard. They rolled across the rich grass slowly until the finally came to a stop.
"I had enough of avoiding death today," Tora said between breaths as he laid there.
"Pretty fun, eh?" Kisho said with amusement.
Tora smacked his head with his hand, he hoped he made the right choice in picking Kisho's side. He had a feeling he was going to be the inu's babysitter now.