Inuyasha's Kin and the Son of Darkness
Author's Notes: I'm sorry I haven't been able to update in a while, but there's a fork in the road in this story, and I had to decide which way I wanted to take it. Since I have yet to really decide, I thought I'd come out with the next chapter to hold off my addicted fans. Enjoy!
The Night of the First DaySango and Miroku sat with both fox cubs and hanyous as Shaoran began to tell them something he felt was of the utmost importance. Kirara stayed at the back of the cave, sleeping with the village refugees in case Yamatsu's forces returned to finish the job.
Sesshoumaru had become more introverted than before, sitting on the edge of the cave, just staring into the night. Rin lay besides Akitoki as it was unsure if either would ever wake up. No one dared approach the demon-turned-human after what had happened to him.
Taking a deep breath, Shaoran brought forth Tetsusaiga from behind him. Everyone present gasped. "Tetsusaiga!" Sango exclaimed.
"Where did you get that, Shaoran?" Miroku asked carefully.
Shaoran raised his head and replied defiantly. "From my father."
"But Inuyasha would never let that sword out of his sight!" Shippo was equally shocked.
"Unless he had a plan." Shaoran defended. "My dad may be under Yamatsu's control, but not completely. Dad once told me that if he ever had to go away for a long time, he would give me Tetsusaiga to protect my mom and sister with."
Shiori held her shoulders with her hands. "When I saw mommy, she was so empty inside. She didn't even recognize me." She sighed and looked up at her brother. "But I guess she looked healthy, like she wasn't getting hurt or anything."
Nodding, Shaoran turned to the two veterans of the group. "My father has something planned, otherwise he wouldn't have given me his most precious possession."
Sango's eyes softened and she nodded. "Maybe you're right."
Miroku shook his head. "Inuyasha may have something up his sleeve, we'll just have to wait and see. But you're wrong about one thing."
"Eh?" Shaoran blinked in confusion.
"His more precious possessions are right here." The monk motioned to the two hanyous. "He would never want anything bad to happen to either of you or your mother. As dark of times as we seem to be in, you are the light that will continue on, no matter what happens. I think both Kagome and Inuyasha know that."
Yuuki snuggled up against Shippo, already asleep. The fox demon blushed, but slowly wrapped an arm around her to keep her warm. It was then his eyes caught sight of Shiori scooting closer towards Sesshoumaru. "Shiori!" He hissed quietly. "Don't go over there!"
Miroku patted Shippo on the head. "I don't think we have anything to fear. Let's see what happens."
As the black haired hanyou sat next to her uncle, the former dog demon had yet to acknowledge her presence. He just stayed sitting and stared out into the night.
"I miss mommy." She said, also taking up the beautiful view. "But somehow knowing she and daddy are together and safe gives me a little bit more hope."
Without moving his head, Sesshoumaru glanced at the half demon besides him.
"When I first met Rin-san, she was really nice to me. She seems to understand Uncle Sesshoumaru better than any of us do too." Pausing, she smiled. "Her bright smile reminded me a lot of mommy." Looking up at the sky, Shiori saw a shooting star. "It's like you can look into their eyes and see everything you ever wanted. Something even a shooting star can't grant you, because it can only give you one wish."
Laying her head besides her uncle, she couldn't help but feel warm against the fur he always carried with him. "Both mommy and Rin-san are very strong and care a lot about us. That's why I think we shouldn't give up hope…because they wouldn't give up on us. Don't cha think?"
Sesshoumaru's human eyes showed no emotion, but on the inside he was moved by the child's words. Rin had always been strong, even when faced with the constant danger the dog demon pulled her into. "No, we can't give up hope."
But by the time he had answered, the little hanyou was already fast asleep, snuggled up against her uncle's side. Half smiling, Sesshoumaru neither moved her closer, nor pushed her away. He seemed content with the way things were.
"Well I'll be." Sango whispered.
"A child's innocence can melt even the coldest of hearts." Miroku said with a smile, pulling Sango closer. Although it had been a long and painful journey, the worst was yet to come. But as long as they had each other, they still had a chance.
Sitting at his grand table several stories below ground, Yamatsu ate his dinner with a victorious smile. At his feet, Inuyasha had been reduced to sitting on all fours, patiently waiting for his "master" to finish eating. But in reality, Inuyasha was waiting for Yamatsu to slip up and tell them what he was up to.
Already Sesshoumaru and Rin have fallen to his evil ambitions, not to mention Kagome. I can't wait much longer or more will fall.
Across the table sat Yamatsu's queen, Lady Kagome. Although her face and eyes held no emotion, she ate as mechanically as a puppet. Inuyasha would get his revenge for her as well, he just had to be patient.
Drinking down his glass of warm sake, Yamatsu sighed happily. "Two of the celestial treasures are mine at last. One more and the entire world will fall at my feet."
Inuyasha's ears perked up. Celestial Treasures?
Kagome raised a spoon of soup to her lips, but said nothing.
"First the Dark Orb of Mikaboshi, which traps the souls of even the mightiest priestess and lowliest of humans. Then the Mirror of Uzume, which our friend Sesshoumaru had the pleasure of experiencing first hand. Now he is nothing but a mere mortal human."
Inuyasha's eyes widened. Sesshoumaru? A human? As much as I would've loved to have been there to see it myself, this does complicate things. Sango and Miroku won't be able to fend off Yamatsu's armies without any demonic power on their side.
"Finally will be the treasure Amaterasu keeps closest to herself." Turning towards his "pet", Yamatsu tossed his last piece of meat and it landed on the floor before Inuyasha. "Tomorrow night, we will march to Mount Fujiyama and storm her shrine. Then the humans and demons alike will feel my wrath." His laugh echoed throughout the room, but Inuyasha merely lowered his head to eat the meat as the demon lord spoke to his queen about his plans after his conquest, as if she would ever say anything back.
You may think you have the upper hand now, but now that I know your plan, I can act! I'll break free of this stupid collar and free Kagome. Then I'm gonna kick your ass so hard, even Naraku will feel it, that ugly bastard.
Yes, tomorrow night would be the end of it all.
In his current form, Sesshoumaru felt weaker than he ever remembered being before. All his life, he had sought to increase his power by any means necessary – even challenging his brother for the demon killing blade: Tetsusaiga. His search and its purpose had always puzzled him. "Why am I now satisfied with my own power?" He once asked himself. Though he did not know the answer – he still continued his search – even to this day.
Humans were weak and nature demanded the strong survive where the weak die off. So by this logic, demons – being the stronger of the species – should rule over humans. Sesshoumaru was thankful that he had not been cursed with human blood, like his half brother had been.
But now that was no longer the case. For now he too was without his powers. With black hair and brown eyes, Sesshoumaru was as weak as the humans he despised so much.
Looking up at the setting sun, Sesshoumaru sighed. He knew such an event would come to pass and yet he still seemed unable to alter the course of his vision.
His vision.
Blinking, he barely noticed that tonight was to be the night of the first day, when the moon disappeared completely. Standing up he turned and strode back into the cave.
Miroku, Sango and Shippo – along with his female counterpart – were still awake, sitting around a small campfire. The fire cat had been sent to keep watch around the nearby forest. Shaoran and Shiori were asleep a little ways away.
Seeing the transformed demon approaching, Miroku instinctively tensed up. "Sesshoumaru." That single word brought everyone else's head up. Thankfully the humans of the village were asleep in the far back of the cave. "What is it?"
Preferring to stand up, Sesshoumaru remained on his feet. "We must leave. Now."
"What? Why?" Sango asked.
"The night of the first day is tonight. It is then we make our move. We must return to Yamatsu's lair." He paused when the present company continued to be lost. "My vision included everything up until this point, even my current state, and far into our battle with the Demon Lord. Yamatsu will depart the rest of his army towards Mount Fujiyama – the only original shrine left belonging to the guardian goddess Amaterasu. We must stop him before he acquires the third of the celestial treasures."
"Fujiyama? What is the third treasure?" Miroku asked.
"It is the sword of Amaterasu. With it 1,000 humans will fall with just one swing of its blade." Sesshoumaru replied darkly.
Everyone gasped. "Just like Tetsusaiga! Except it kills humans instead of demons!" Shippo exclaimed.
"What will happen if he acquires all three?" The taijiya asked.
Besides her, Miroku piped in. "Well think about it. He has the Dark Orb of Mikaboshi, which Kagome-sama has already fallen victim to. He has the Mirror of Uzume, which I can only assume absorbs the yoruyoku of any demon caught in its sight. With the sword, all of mankind – even those who used to be demons – will fall to his power. It would be the end of the world as we know it."
"Only those loyal to Yamatsu would survive." Yuuki spoke up.
"Then we leave immediately" Sango stood up and moved to the edge of the cave. Placing two fingers to her lips, she whistled and called Kirara to her. She and Miroku immediately mounted.
"I'm going with you." Shaoran stood up with his sister, having long woken up. "With the power of Tetsusaiga…"
"No way." Miroku said sternly. "It's too dangerous."
"But mommy and daddy need us!" Shiori exclaimed next to her brother.
Unsheathing the rusty sword, Shaoran stared at his own reflection on the blade's smooth surface. "I will return this to my father." Then he shot his head up. "Otherwise he doesn't stand a chance against Yamatsu!"
Sango and Miroku exchanged looks but said nothing.
Stepping up, Yuuki nodded. "If things get too heated, get out of sight, okay?"
Shippo gasped. "Yuuki…"
"Shippo, you and I should understand where they're coming from better then anyone." Yuuki cut him off, having long been told about the demise of his father. "You couldn't stay here if it was your parents out there, could you?"
"Well…" Shippo hesitated.
"Thank you!" Yuuki jumped up and gave him a peck on the cheek. Then she turned to the children. "Hop on!" Pulling out a leaf from her pocket, she transformed herself into a little horse with a pink bow on top.
Shiori giggled and climbed aboard. "I won't fall off, right?"
"I wouldn't letcha!" Yuuki winked.
"There's no way I'm riding a horse with a pink bow." Shaoran said stubbornly as he strapped Tetsusaiga to his back.
Sighing, Shippo performed the same maneuver and walked over to Shaoran in his own horse form. "Get on, but I'm warning you: Pull my hair and I'll kick you right off."
"Deal." Shaoran got on and nodded to Sango and Miroku.
"Well, I guess that's decided." Sango said with a sweatdropped.
"Somehow anyways…" Miroku replied equally baffled.
"If you are all finished, let's go. We don't have much time." Sesshoumaru took off into the night.
"Hey wait!" The gang shouted and struggled to follow his speed.
Sesshoumaru knew it was risky to leave Rin behind, but there was little he could do. Bringing her to the battle would only put her in greater danger. Narrowing his eyes, Sesshoumaru looked in the distance towards Yamatsu's hidden headquarters. Well Brother? Will you be ready by the time we get there? If you're not, then you will truly have to say goodbye to your love, once and for all.
Sitting in his room, Inuyasha contemplated how he would indeed break the power of the collar and rescue Kagome. Although he still had control over his thoughts, he didn't in fact have much control over his body. Were Yamatsu to command it, he would slay even Kagome and there'd be no way to stop himself. The very thought made him shiver. Can't think about the worst-case scenario. Gotta figure a way outta here.
Unknown to our captured canine demon, the sun was setting. But on this night, no silver glowing orb would take its place.
Now pacing back and forth, Inuyasha was beginning to get frustrated. He had been thinking for days – a record for him – and still had yet to find a plausible solution.
While he moved from one side of his room to the other – with only a few steps in between – he suddenly felt his energy leave him.
Gasping for breath, Inuyasha fell to his knees and held his stomach. Never before had he felt such a separation from his half form before. W-what's wrong with me?
Slowly his hair turned to black, his fangs retracted and his nails reverted to that of a human's. His ears also disappeared, reappearing on the sides of his head instead. As his eyes turned from gold to a dark brown, he steadied his breathing and focused his vision. "W-what just happened?"
A clank was heard and when Inuyasha looked down, he was shocked to see the black collar lying on the stone ground – its defiled Shikon no Tama jewels loosing their hellish glow. "The collar?"
In a sudden realization, Inuyasha understood everything. The collar drew upon a demon's yoruyoku to take control of its host. On the night of the first day, Inuyasha lost all his demonic powers, changing into a human if only for a few hours. So without my yoruyoku…the collar's powerless! Yes!
Ironically enough, since Yamatsu thought he had complete control over Inuyasha, he didn't lock him up in a cell of any kind every night. Now it would be his downfall. Leaving his room, Inuyasha ran on all fours (force of habit) and took off down the hallway. He had to find Yamatsu and end this…now.
"General Inuyasha!" A voice called out, making him skid to a halt. A rather dark colored oni ran over and saluted…looking over the once hanyou suspiciously. When Inuyasha glared at him, he gulped and continued with his report. "Lord Yamatsu sent me to get you, but it appears he already had Lady Kagome send you the message."
Deciding to go along with it, Inuyasha crossed his arms. "Of course. You're dismissed."
"Yes, sir." The demon turned and ran back down the passageway.
Breathing a sigh of relief, Inuyasha continued running down the hallway. When he entered the main cavern – which connected all the other passageways together – he froze.
Yamatsu's entire army was gathered around, waiting for their leader's orders.
Yamatsu's himself stood at the base of the gathering, "Lady Kagome" by his side. Upon seeing Inuyasha, the head demon nodded. "I do hope your current appearance does not hinder tonight's operation." Because of Inuyasha's now black hair, the Demon Lord didn't notice the collar missing.
Glaring at his "superior officer", Inuyasha crossed his arms again. "Just make sure I have enough men and the treasure's as good as yours."
"Excellent." Yamatsu turned to his queen. "Move the troops to the surface. If any of your former friends show up, finish them off." He commanded.
Kagome nodded and slowly the demons with black collars out the passageways towards the surface. Those who were willingly following Yamatsu went along afterwards.
Inuyasha looked down at his love. He hated seeing Kagome like this, but until he got that jewel away from Yamatsu, she would continue to be lost to him. Hang on, Kagome. Soon this will all be just a bad nightmare.
On the surface, Yamatsu's forces lined up and made ready to march towards Mount Fujiyama, already visible in the distance. Yamatsu walked out proudly, his complete confidence in his as of yet unseen victory, blinded him to what would really happen. Kagome stood by his side, the jewels on the side of her head glowing with more power as she commanded such a massive amount of troops all at once.
Inuyasha stood behind the troops, waiting for the ideal moment. He would not let Yamatsu make it to the third treasure. Yamatsu, son of Naraku and his most hated enemy, would die here tonight.
(A?N: Building enough suspense yet? Alright, I'll get on with the action…)
"Yamatsu!" Appearing on Kirara, Sango, armed with only her short sword (seeing as hiraikotsu had yet to be repaired), and Miroku appeared before the massive demonic army. Behind them, the two fox demons ran in with the hanyou children.
Inuyasha's eyes widened when he saw his son wielding Tetsusaiga. Good, then he got my message. Inside, Inuyasha felt pride for his hanyou son.
"Oh, so you didn't learn your lesson last time? More of you have come to sacrifice yourself to my jewel?" The Demon Lord said cockily.
"The only one who will fall is you!" From behind Yamatsu, Sesshoumaru drew Tokijin from its sheath and went into battle with the one responsible for Rin's downfall.
Reacting quickly, Yamatsu unsheathed his massive no-dachi and blocked the preemptive strike. "Come to exact revenge for the Fallen One, eh?"
"She has a name!" Sesshoumaru attacked with a ferociousness Inuyasha didn't remember him ever showing while in his demon form. But then again, even Inuyasha found it harder to control his emotions while in his human state. "And her name is Rin!"
Acting automatically, Kagome sent the demons after Sango and Miroku.
"Kirara, stay here and protect the children!" Sango shouted before running into battle with Miroku right by her side.
Yuuki's eyes surveyed the battlefield, demons already falling down to Sango and Miroku's efforts, until she saw the one demon that stood out more than any of the others. "Niichan…"
Shippo gasped when he saw Yuuki run out into the fight and called out after her. "Yuuki! Wait!" Gasping, he saw her run towards a large fox demon wielding an axe. Cursing, he ran off after her.
"Brother!" Yuuki called up at the demon who was so familiar yet so foreign to her right now. "It's me! Yuuki!"
Roaring, the demon didn't respond and instead raised its axe above the little demon's head.
"Kokoro no Kizu!" Shippo came running in and jumped on the fox demon's back, biting down as hard as he could on its neck.
The demon stopped his swing and trashed back and forth, trying to throw the pest off him.
"Don't hurt him, Shippo!" Yuuki pleaded with tears in her eyes. "He's my brother!"
"Eh?" Momentarily distracted, Shippo released his grip.
Running his elbow back, Yuuki's brother smashed Shippo's face back and the fox cub was thrown back into the dirt.
"Stop it! This isn't like you!" But as Yuuki said this, she could see the black collar around his neck. "No…"
Walking purposefully towards Yamatsu, Inuyasha watched his brother battle the demon lord. Already covered in sweat and blood, Sesshoumaru was far from the prideful demon he always kept himself up to be.
Finally done with toying with him, Yamatsu slashed downwards with his sword, ripping open Sesshoumaru's chest and throwing him back.
Landing hard, Sesshoumaru had trouble getting up, but if he still had Tokijin in his hand, then he stood a chance. "T-this isn't over…"
"Looks pretty done to me."
Spinning around, Yamatsu was face to face with his general. Before he could react, Inuyasha smashed his face in with a good right punch. Being thrown to the floor, Yamatsu used his sword to get back to his feet. "What's the meaning of this?"
Looking at his brother, beaten and bloody on the floor, Inuyasha smirked. "Man you looked fucked up."
Glaring at his brother in return, Sesshoumaru whipped the blood that trickled down his mouth but said nothing.
Shrugging, Inuyasha cracked his knuckles and got into a fighting stance. "Okay, have it your way. Now it's my turn."
Frowning, Yamatsu pointed at the now human general. "The collar's been taken off."
"Yeah, it's a funny thing. Once I lost my powers and turned into a human, it lost its power over me too." Forgetting any more explanation, Inuyasha dove at Yamatsu, using his weight to pin the cocky demon to the ground. Yamatsu's no-dachi was useless in a hand-to-hand fight, so he released it and tried to keep the filthy creature off him.
The two rolled around in the dirt, punching at each other, but Inuyasha – having trained harder than Yamatsu in hand to hand combat, and having more field experience – easily won the upper hand against his opponent.
Raising his legs, Yamatsu kicked Inuyasha off him and got to his feet. "Mangy beast. You'll regret this course of action." Digging into his robes, Yamatsu searched for the Dark Orb of Mikaboshi.
"Looking for this?" Inuyasha held up the black jewel and smirked. "Slight of hand. A little trick a monk once showed me." Looking over at his brother, Inuyasha juggled the orb in his hand. "Here, Sesshoumaru."
When the hanyou-turned-human threw the orb at Sesshoumaru, the former dog demon had only to raise Tokijin and the jewel shattered upon impact.
"NO!" Yamatsu cried out. "Without all three, I can't summon My Lord to this plane!" Growling, Yamatsu pulled out the Mirror of Uzume.
"Sorry, but we don't have any yoruyoku for you to take away." Inuyasha said. "We're human already, remember?"
"Who said anything about your powers?" Getting ready to aim the mirror at the surrounding demons on the battlefield, Yamatsu grinned. "There's more than enough power here to take care of two mangy dogs."
Without any energy to get up, Sesshoumaru looked around and found a simple rock on the ground. Picking it up, he threw it as hard as he could at the prideful demon.
It hit its mark and the Mirror of Uzume's reflective surface shattered into pieces.
Yamatsu was shocked.
"That's seven years of bad luck, ya know." Inuyasha said with a smirk.
Slowly, Sesshoumaru's yoruyoku returned to him and he stood up with more energy than before, though his wounds had yet to heal. Glaring at the still unresponsive Demon Lord, Sesshoumaru said. "Unsatisfactory in your own power was your weakness." He knew that from experience. "Now Rin and the others will return to normal."
Gasping, Inuyasha looked around, but couldn't see Kagome anywhere. "Kagome?"
"Do not go to her, Inuyasha." Sesshoumaru said sternly.
"But how do I know she's alright!?" His younger brother exclaimed.
Golden eyes met brown eyes and Sesshoumaru shook his head. "Leave it be or you will feel a greater pain than you ever thought possible."
Gasping, Inuyasha took off to find her. "Kagome!"
Sesshoumaru sighed and slowly walked over to his opponent, pointing the tip of Tokijin to Yamatsu's throat. "This will be for a little human girl whom you deemed worthless. But I tell you now, she is stronger than you will ever be." He raised his sword to strike down the demon, but Yamatsu rolled out of the way and lunged for his no-dachi at the last minute.
"Not today, puppy. Not today." Then he turned and ran into his underground headquarters.
Blinking in confusion, Kagome finally noticed where she was and looked down to see the headpiece she had been wearing broken into two pieces. "W-where am I?" Looking around, she saw Sango and Miroku fighting Yamatsu's demons. Both were injured and exhausted from battle.
These were demons that were usually peaceful. Ones that didn't want to hurt anybody, but because of Yamatsu's collars and synthetic defiled Shikon no Tama they had been force into hatred.
"I have to do something." Turning around, Kagome got up on a rock and looked over the battlefield with sad eyes. She knew what happened next might cost her her life, but she knew it was the right thing to do. I'm sorry Inuyasha, Shaoran and Shiori. You'll have to live on without me. I must undo what I have done.
Inuyasha skidded to a halt and saw Kagome's sad expression as she climbed up onto of the boulder. "Kagome?"
Closing her eyes, Kagome dove deep within her and called forth a power she had never used, but one her predecessor, Midoriko, had. Her body glowed a bright pink, bringing everyone's attention on the battlefield to her.
Finally catching on to what she was planning on doing, Inuyasha's blood ran cold. "No! Kagome!"
Hearing his voice only made what Kagome had to do more painful. A tear fell from her eye as she finished the spell. Goodbye…Inuyasha…
Somehow both Shaoran and Shiori caught the thought and ran off towards their mother.
There was a bright flash and for a moment, nobody could see a thing. But for that instant, Inuyasha knew his life, though it would go on, ended at that moment. "KAGOME!!!!"
A/N: Oh, cliffhanger, sorry! This chapter was long enough and I have to get some sleep! I've got chemistry tomorrow! Hope you enjoyed it!