Sesshoumaru saunters over to B-M.
Sesshoumaru: (whispering in her ear) You know I really love the way you called me your Sesshoumaru at the end of last chapter.
B-M: (Blushes) Really? Oh that's good.
Sesshoumaru: And the way you think I'm devastatingly handsome and masculine.
B-M: (Giggling nervously) Oh umm
Inuyasha: Hey!!! Bastard!!! What do you think you're doing?
Sesshoumaru: Why Inuyasha, I am merely speaking with B-M.
Inuyasha: Bullshit asshole! You won't be happy until you got every fucking female runnin after you on heat!!
B-M: Why Inuyasha, I didn't know you cared.
Inuyasha: (Frowning) I don't you bitch. I just sick of him the big hero all the time.
B-M: Oh don't worry. You're gonna be really handsome and manly too.
Inuyasha: Keh, if I ever wake up that is.
B-M: Oh brother, you sound like a broken record. (Goes back to her typing.) I don't have time for this. The readers are waiting.
Chapter 8: Justice Is Served
Silence sat between the two people in the tower room. They stared at each other for several minutes before either could find words.
"I do not understand."
Kagome smiled. "It's very simple, you are the new king of Earth."
"But how is this possible? You must be mistaken."
Kagome looked at him for a moment, frowning. She was actually surprised at the fact that he doubted the decision made by the higher powers. With his usual air of arrogance and his self-assurance, she would have thought he would expect this.
"I assure you my Lord, I'm not. All the evidence is here." With that she handed him the two swords. As soon as they touched his hands, they surged with awesome power. Suddenly, a belt appeared around his waist holding a sheath on either side. Sesshoumaru stared down at them in amazement, before looking back at Kagome. She was smiling at him.
"That definitely would not have happened if you weren't the rightful king. These swords were made to respond to no other. And the mere fact that I was called to you is yet another sign. Believe me, there is no mistake."
He looked again at the two swords, before slowly sheathing them, "What is the power of these swords?"
When no reply came, he looked at her questioningly. She was frowning as she stared at nothing, as if in concentration. Her face suddenly cleared and she focused on him.
"There is much to explain, but at the moment I have a strong feeling that I should visit the boy from the dungeon." She started walking toward the door, not waiting for a reply. Sesshoumaru could feel irritation growing inside him. He released a low growl as he watched her move further away from him, annoyed that she chose to depart without permission. She stopped upon hearing the sound and turned to him in surprise.
"What's the matter?" she asked, baffled by his anger.
"I do not recall dismissing you." His reply was terse as he stared at her, his irritation plain to see
"Please, do not be angry. I must go; this feeling is quite persistent. It would bade us ill to ignore it." There was silence as she looked at him, hoping that he would accept and relent.
"Very well. I will accompany you."
Before leaving the room she asked him to return the swords to their original place, explaining that he would need proper instruction on their use before attempting to handle them, and that they would be safer there until such time. He unsheathed the two swords, sliding them back into the shining rock face before placing the belt on a hook above. They turned and made their way out of the tower. Both lost to their thoughts as they headed toward the West Wing, where the boy had been temporarily placed. Sesshoumaru's mind was reeling with the magnitude of the information relayed to him. He was the King of Earth? How would the other governing Lords take this news? He could not imagine Lord Naraku giving up his throne without a fight but then resigned himself to the fact that there would be one regardless. He had heard the rumours of an impending war, and he knew that the Eastern Lord would not stop with the South. For now though, he had much more to worry about.
Once inside the small room that housed the boy, they stood looking down upon his sleeping form. His features were visible now that he was clean. Kagome guessed him to around nine or ten years old. His head was covered with a thick mass of red hair that ran halfway down his back. As she stared at him she realised that he was also what they termed as Youkai. She sat on the bed beside him, gently brushing away a lock of hair that fell across his face. This seemed to rouse him from his slumber. He stirred before turning his head and opening his large green eyes to look at her.
"The angel," he breathed, staring at her beautiful face. 'Am I in heaven?' He decided he must be as his gaze turned to fix on another beautiful angel, a male one. They were totally opposite in looks, one being dark and the other white, but both as ethereal. 'Yes,' his tired mind decided, 'I have died and gone to heaven.'
Sesshoumaru found it amusing that the boy considered her an angel. A humourless laugh played in his mind as he mused over this thought. He would be more inclined to call her devil. 'Yes, a she-devil is more fitting.' The thought ended there as he heard a voice speaking to him. Dehndir stood at the door bowing.
"What is it Dehndir?" he asked his loyal retainer.
"Sire there is a messenger in the Great Hall. He rides from the South with a most urgent letter for your Lordship."
"I was expecting this," he followed Dehndir from the room.
Kagome watched the expressions crossing the boys face as he watched Sesshoumaru leave the room. He looked slightly baffled and turned his eyes to her.
"Where...am I?" he asked in a hesitant voice that filled with worry. He suddenly had the feeling that this was not heaven after all.
"You are in the King's Castle of The Western Lands."
The boy's face crumpled into a look of misery as tears started rolling down his cheeks. Kagome pulled his shaking body into her arms, her heart aching for him. He was so young to experience such despair.
"Where are your parents little one?" she asked, a feeling of fear sitting on her chest. His body shook as tears flowed faster down his cheeks. Kagome's heart fell. She waited for the answer she knew was forthcoming.
"I failed them and now they're dead." He became more distraught by the minute. She applied some of her healing energy calm him then waited until his body relaxed before continuing to speak.
"What is your name little one?"
"Shippou," he managed to get out through his stiff and tired lips.
"Why do you think that you are to blame Shippou?"
The grief Kagome saw in the eyes that rose to hers tore at her soul. She wished that she could do something to take away his pain, but knew there was nothing to be done. Only time would heal such wounds. Besides, she also knew that each experience was necessary in the development of every soul. She would have to let the boy mend as nature intended. All she could do was be there for him and help him through the challenging time ahead.
"They would be alive if I had taken the talisman back on time." The boy's sobs intensified. Kagome was trying to make sense of this.
"I don't understand Shippou, what did the talisman have to do with your parents?"
It seemed an age before the boy could work himself up to answer. He took a deep steadying breath and then began.
"It was the only way to get them back."
Kagome looked at him for a moment before asking, "Shippou, could you explain to me exactly what has happened to you and your parents?"
The boy nodded before replying, "Several days... ago our village was attacked by a huge pack of youkai. There were so many of them... Everyone was killed, the women and children too... My father was the chief of our tribe. They took us to a castle... They told me that I had to find this talisman and bring it back within three days... or my parents would die. To prove that they were serious they... killed my sister in front of us. They... they ripped her heart... out of her chest while she lived..."
He broke down sobbing again, unable to go on. Kagome was numb with shock as she realized the horror the boy had endured. How could anyone do this? Her heart sat heavily as she thought of the slaughter of these poor people and the gruesome death of a young girl at the hands of monsters. The injustice of it roiled in her belly, making her feel ill. She wanted to storm this place that held the monsters and brandish her own punishment upon them. She breathed deeply to contain the rage that suddenly filled her. When she was finally in control, she asked him,
"Are you sure that your parents no longer live little one?"
"Yes" he replied in a defeated tone. "They gave me three days only, and it was the third day that I was captured. I have no idea of how long it has been since then. Besides," he continued in a barely audible whisper, despair once again overwhelming him, "I cannot feel them anymore. If they were alive I would."
Kagome stayed with the boy for several minutes, ensuring that he slept peacefully before heading with determined strides toward the Shiiyon Temple. Rage filled her at the thought of all the suffering inflicted on an entire race at evil's vile hands. She had created a mind link with the boy once he slumbered, delving into his dreams to discover the identity of the one responsible for such atrocities. She had been sickened to the depths of her soul by the images she had seen from his memories. The cruel death that had been inflicted upon his people was shocking. Even the countless years she had lived and all she had experienced had not prepared her for such heartless cruelty. She managed to discover the location of the loathsome creatures. Now justice would be served.
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Sesshoumaru was standing in the courtyard finalising the arrangements with General Himari and Captain Tiyaku for the troops to aid the South. He had expected the plea for assistance as soon as he had heard the rumours of the impending war. They had just sent the messenger on his way with a letter confirming their acceptance of an alliance. Sesshoumaru had no intention of letting Naraku gain more power than he already had. The man was becoming more dangerous with time. He greatly regretted the fact that he had not dealt with the troublesome lord long ago when he had the opportunity. Now he would have to work harder to contain the threat that the man now posed.
He stopped mid-thought as he spied a familiar figure striding with purpose towards the tower. He watched curiously, wondering at her look of anger and determination.
"What now?" he questioned out loud, earning curious glances from the two officers at his side.
"Sire?" asked Tiyaku, curiously.
"The wench is up to something again. I best find out what it is."
He started toward the tower in pursuit of the distracted Kagome, with Tiyaku and Himari hot on his heals. They entered, to discover the Shiiyon warrior standing amidst the great array of weaponry that aligned the new section of the room. She moved forward, removing a magnificent silver sword that had a silver blue hilt covered with dark blue patterns. She sheathed the sword before moving towards two small but deadly knives. She grabbed them from their niche and slid them into two slits on either side of her armour. Next, she removed a large crossbow from its place and strapped it to her leg. In amazement the three youkai watched as the bow disappeared from sight. The last item she lifted from the wall was a long black whip. This she placed on the back of her right shoulder. When she turned to face them all that was visible to their sight was the sword that hung at her side, the rest appearing to be nowhere on her person. They all wondered at this magic. She seemed aware of their presence, looking not all surprised upon spying them when she turned. Without a word, she walked past the three stunned men but stopped as a firm hand grabbed her arm, stilling her movements. She looked at the hand in irritation, before her eyes rose to Sesshoumaru's. She was no mood for another run-in with him.
"What exactly, are you doing?" It was obvious to him that she was prepared for battle.
"My job" was her only reply as she snatched her arm from his grasp before he had time to react.
She ran down the tower steps as fast as her legs would take her. She heard their footsteps not far behind. Ignoring Sesshoumaru's commanding voice, she concentrated on the spell to summon a portal. She could see it forming across the courtyard. The footsteps sounded closer, causing her pace to quicken. Just as a hand brushed her arm, she hurled herself forward into the enveloping darkness of the void, lost to the sight of all.
"Quickly!" Sesshoumaru yelled urgently to the stunned officers that had gathered in the courtyard. As well as Himari and Tiyaku there were eight of his imperial guards, who were currently patrolling the grounds. "We must follow before it closes!"
With great speed, the youkai rushed through the portal, fearing for the safety of their Shiiyon warrior. When they stepped through, they all stopped abruptly at her side. She stared intently at the darkly forbidding castle some distance from away. The sinister energy coming from within touched all their souls, sending shivers of dread down their spines. What was contained within those walls that would emanate such evil?
"What are we doing here?" Sesshoumaru asked the woman, his eyes held fast to the sight before him.
"The boy told me that he stole the talisman because he was forced to. His village was attacked and destroyed, leaving everyone but his family dead. They were held here with the promise of death if he did not return with the artefact. To prove their point, they ripped sister's heart from her living body while he was forced to watch." She paused as she watched the looks of horror that appeared on the faces of the men surrounding her. As hard and battle worn as they were they had honour, and to them this was something that was below their dignified behaviour. She continued,
"I melded my mind to his in order to see what he had experienced and I discovered something that disturbed me greatly. These creatures are not natural, or rather they were not born to this earth in the manner all creatures are. They were created, for the single purpose of evil. They hold no heart and are capable of naught but death, destruction and great cruelty. We have before us, an army of hell's soldiers."
"Who is responsible for this?" Sesshoumaru asked, looking at her for the first time.
If this was true then the situation was far worse than he had originally thought. She turned her head, opening her mouth to respond, but was silenced by huge deafening roar that came from within the depths of the dark palace. Kagome and the youkai stiffened as more deafening roars joined the first. They drew their swords and stood waiting, eyes alertly trained on the iron gate that groaned in protest, as it swung open. Kagome reached her hand down and released the bow from her leg, making it visible. She raised it and held it in position as she started whispering. Immediately it glowed with a bright white light and an arrow appeared notched in place glowing a deadly red. She waited until she saw several grotesque figures fill the opening of the castle. As they rushed forward in a mass she released the arrow. It flew through the air in deadly precision, finding its mark. Upon impact the arrow exploded with such force, it engulfed the pack of youkai instantly, leaving nothing, not even dust. Kagome lowered her bow, returning it to its hidden spot and unsheathed her sword before racing for the entrance. Sesshoumaru cursed the fact that he was unarmed. He had dressed for formal duties this morning and held no weapon other than his claws, which were now extended and ready.
He gave the orders for his soldiers to follow as he raced after the girl. She had reached the gate just as another pack of soulless youkai surged forward, surrounding her. She lifted her sword to counter the first attack then spun, embedding it deeply in the chest of the youkai that was about to strike her from behind, before pulling it out and spinning in a rapid circle beheading several that pressed in on her. Sesshoumaru slashed his way through the bodies, tearing throats and chests open in his desperate attempt to reach Kagome's side. All he could see was her small frame swarmed by the large vile creatures and his heart hammered in his throat with the force of his fear. He made a path through the mass of evil until he stood at her side, keeping her back protected. They fought side-by-side, slashing and slicing at the bodies that constantly appeared. Himari and three soldiers fought at the rear slowly making their way through the pack toward their leader, while Tiyaku and the rest of the officers now fought close to the gate, slowing the string of youkai that emerged from within. The minutes dragged as bodies piled on the ground in a grotesque formation of death, the stench of their vile blood poisoning the air. On the soldiers of the West fought, their swords cleaving heads and puncturing hearts.
The mass suddenly died, leaving Kagome, Sesshoumaru and his soldiers standing amid the carnage. Kagome sheathed her sword and reached to her right shoulder, removing the whip that suddenly appeared under her hand. Without saying a word she walked toward the inner courtyard, prepared for further attack. The others followed her silently, all alert. The silence was deafening. They had not long to wait though before an earth shattering cry filled the quadrant, as another mass of youkai, this time much larger and more sinister than the first suddenly appeared in all directions. The Western soldiers formed a circle, swords held ready. Kagome raised herself in the air above them, extending her whip, a cold smile upon her face. Her anger raged at these heartless monsters for their cruelty and for the first time in her life she felt no guilt at taking a life. Not that she considered these creatures as living beings for they were no more than empty vessels of destruction. It was definitely fitting that they should meet their demise this day. With that, she swung her whip in large circular motions, a bright light shining along its length. It sparkled with electric energy as it made contact with the first line of creatures, disintegrating them on impact. The next line rushed forward at the soldiers on the ground, meeting with their swords as Kagome continued to wipe out handfuls at a time with each swing of her mighty whip. The battle raged on for an age before the youkai numbers thinned. On the ground, she noticed that the soldiers were successfully making short work of the rabid creatures. The contorted expressions that passed on their hideous faces as the swords drove the life out of them, gave Kagome a sense of satisfaction. She settled back to the ground replacing her whip with the two small knives embedded in her armour. As soon as her feet touched the ground she was in motion, slicing at the large creature that rushed her. She dodged its thrashing sword and plunged her knife into its chest causing the creature to disappear with a small explosion. She turned quickly as another advanced on her, dropping to the floor with her leg sweeping out to knock it off its feet, before piercing its heart with her blade. Above her Sesshoumaru slashed at a youkai that was about to land a savage blow on her head. His claws ripped open the chest of the monster as he stared coldly into its shocked eyes. They fought for several moments before the thinning line completely disappeared.
An audible sigh of relief escaped from Kagome as she turned to inspect the soldiers around her. She noted thankfully that none was hurt; bar some minor cuts and bruises. She focused her attention on the interior of the dark castle, noting the presence of several more sinister beasts. Echoing her thoughts Sesshoumaru spoke,
"There are still more within."
A silent look passed between them before they turned and walked through the large wooden doors. The air of evil was so thick inside that it suffocated them all. They stood a moment trying to compose themselves before proceeding toward the source of the evil energy, preparing once again for the oncoming encounter. They entered a massive room at the end of a long narrow corridor. Inside stood ten of the most hideous beasts they had ever seen. The size of them alone was enough to shock the Western soldiers. They stood ten feet in the air, their bodies covered with foul smelling skin that was grey and looked to be decayed. Their faces held no features bar dead black eyes that sat directly above two holes, which served as nostrils. The most hideous sight by far, was the large mouth that bared rows of long jagged teeth, dripping with a poisonous looking substance. Their collective roars rang out as they dashed forward with weapons raised. The battle raged once more. Swords clashed in deadly duels. Sesshoumaru dodged another attack as he slashed with both his hands into the chest of the vile youkai. No matter how many blows he landed the creature kept coming. He noticed his soldiers experiencing the same difficulties. Even outnumbered these beasts were unstoppable.
Kagome raised her leg and sent the youkai, attacking Sesshoumaru flying across the room to smash into the opposite wall. She turned, handing him one of her small knives.
"These are made from a special metal from Shiiyon," she managed breathlessly. "They hold powerful magical energies that will destroy anything on contact."
Sesshoumaru nodded, turning the blade in his hand and testing its weight as he watched the youkai extracting itself from the wall. It advanced on them with great fury, its gaze fixed on Kagome. Before the thing could reach her Sesshoumaru sprang into action, lunging forward so swiftly, the creature had no time to react. He thrust the knife deep into its chest, twisting it to make certain the damage was effective. The creature glowed with in a bright light and disintegrated instantly. Kagome and Sesshoumaru set about attacking each creature with precision, until the last one disappeared in a final blast. The Western soldiers stood gasping, trying to catch their breaths, all thanking the Gods for their survival. For never had they fought beasts so fierce. The experience had shaken them, leaving all with a sense of dread for the future.
An unknown force impelled Kagome and she walked to the far end of the room, where the creatures had stood when they first entered. She found a small cabinet made from a mahogany wood, with intricate designs on the door. She pulled the handle but found that it was locked. Closing her eyes, she breathed out a spell that immediately released the catch. She opened it and pulled out a brown leather pouch.
"So, I am sent for more than one reason, it seems." She spoke to herself as she studied the pouch, which she knew contained the next piece of the scroll.
Sesshoumaru came to her side, inspecting the object in her hand. He spoke quietly to her. "We should leave this place as soon as possible. I have a very bad feeling that something is about to happen."
Kagome nodded, stuffing the pouch beneath her armour. They turned and followed the soldiers from the room. They were all worried as they traversed the narrow passageway. Something was not right. All hands were on swords as they carefully stepped into the courtyard, looking about them for possible danger. They all stood close together, some taking position at the rear to guard against attack. Suddenly, a strange whistling sound penetrated the silence. Kagome turned in horror, crying out as she saw an arrow racing from the top of the battlement. It landed with a sick thud in the chest of General Himari, felling him instantly. Sesshoumaru tensed in shock as he caught the body of his friend, lowering him gently to the ground. He looked up at the sound of an enraged cry and saw Kagome take flight, rushing at the soldiers that were hailing more arrows on their group. She unsheathed her sword swing it left, decapitating one head then swinging right to slice completely through a beastly body. Sesshoumaru watched in awe as she sliced her way through the line before any had a chance to respond. She was back on the ground, kneeling beside them to examine the fallen soldier.
"He's dead." Sesshoumaru could barely get the words out as he tried to contain the grief that ripped through his body. Kagome was paying him no heed. She stood; a firm look upon her face.
"Pick him up. We need to move quickly, while he is still within our grasp. The weapons they use are laced with poisons that are lethally fatal. If we don't hurry it will be too late."
"But he is already dead. What could possibly be done now?" Sesshoumaru could not shake the grief and felt confusion at her words.
"I don't have time to explain. Just bring him." She looked at his questioning eyes, holding a look of uncertainty in their depths. "Trust me."
Despite his doubts, he realised that somehow he did trust her. He broke of the arrow and picked up his friend, slinging him over his shoulder before following her. She summoned another portal as she led the solemn procession through the woods towards it.
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Back At The OfficeFinally folks it's done. Sorry about the delay, it's been a crazy week. Also I did have the need to go and do some reading and reviewing of my own. It's been a while since I've been able to and it was good to catch up with some of my favourite stories. Anyway I hope you enjoy it. Well, it's time for me to go. See you next chapter.
Bye, Babs