Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha
Warning: sad chapter =(
Chapter 6 - Goodbye
"Status report."
"Well my lord, the people of the south grow restless. They demand an explanation of the death of Inuyasha and what is to become of Kagome. Many of them refuse to accept Shippo as Lord of the Southern Realms until there is a proper funeral for the previous one."
"I see…we'll have to do something about that then…Meanwhile, I have another assignment for you."
"Yes my lord?"
"Go into the forest, no doubt you'll come across a dog youkai couple. Slay the male and don't let the woman follow you."
"My lord?"
"They are mates…but she is needed for other things"
"Very well then."
"I can't believe you told him those things, and that he has a mate himself."
"Well believe it. Can you imagine? The nerve of him assuming I would bare him a child. Why are men so stupid!?" Kuromeru cleared his throat at Hidenka's last comment, drawing a smile from her tormented face. "Well…all men except for you of course."
"Of course. Now come here, it's time we get some sleep." Hidenka gladly knelt into his arms as he laid them down on the forest floor next to their waterfall. She snuggled into his warmth as he drew her closer into his chest. Soon she could hear that his breathing had evened, and he was asleep. Smiling, she traced circles on the arms that held her as she thought about the events of the past twenty-four hours. Here she was lying in the arms of her mate, while her husband slept alone. She couldn't help but giggle at the thought that Kuromeru was her mate. She still wasn't used to the idea. True love has the effect of making a person always excited about their significant other, and she was no exception.
Hidenka finally allowed her thoughts to settle and tried to concentrate on falling asleep. She was almost there when a scent caught her nose, one foreign and unpleasant. Turning she gently shook Kuromeru to wake him up. His eyes fluttered opened and he groaned when he realized he was still dark.
"Why are you waking me up koi? It's still night."
"Don't you smell it? Something's coming, fast." Kuromeru sat up and tried to find the scent. He turned his head towards the direction it was coming from just in time to see the wind blades heading towards them. Grabbing Hidenka in his arms he leapt up and avoided the attack just in time.
"Who's there!" he called out into the darkness. Keeping one arm to his side to keep Hidenka behind him, he used his other arm to draw out his katana. Nothing was going to harm his mate.
"I'm here for you young dog. Your woman is needed for other things…" A solitary figure soon came into view. A wind sorceress stepped out into the light, fan in front of her ready for another attack.
"What is your business with my mate?" Kuromeru demanded.
"I am Kagura, the wind sorceress, and my business is none of your concern. Well, except for your death that is." Kagura leapt forward and screamed 'Dance of the Dragon' while waving her fan. Pushing Hidenka back, Kuromeru leapt forward and managed to deflect the attack with his katana. Whispering a quick spell under his breath, he created a barrier around Hidenka that allowed nothing in…or out.
"Damn you Kuromeru!! Let me out" Hidenka pounded on the barrier, but it was no use. Kuromeru was going to fight this one alone, and all she could do was watch. Kuromeru focused his attention back on Kagura as another wind attack came his way. This time he wasn't ready and was hit with most of the attack. Kagura smirked as Kuromeru was thrown back and slammed into the ground, bleeding from the newly inflicted wounds on his body. Hidenka screamed in frustration as she watched her mate be hurt. She wanted to help him, protect him, anything but sit in a bubble! Kuromeru slowly sat up, his pain restricting his movement. Kagura walked over to him and grabbed his own katana out of his hand. In one fluid moment she plunged the blade deep into his chest.
"NO!!!!!!!!!" Hidenka screamed.
"I'd say goodbye little princess…you don't have much time left." Kagura laughed and pulled a feather out of her hair. Using magic, the feather enlarged and floated up taking Kagura into the night sky with it. The barrier finally fell as Kuromeru grew weaker, and Hidenka collapsed by his side.
"Kuromeru, look at me…please be alright!" Kuromeru coughed and reached a hand up to caress her face.
"Shhh…it'll be alright koi. I'll always be yours. Nothing can ever change that. Your mark may fade, but the impression it left will always remain…"
"No Kuromeru, stay with me. I can't do this alone. I need your strength. Please don't leave me." Hidenka couldn't say anymore as she started to cry. Kuromeru reached up and pulled her to his chest. She sobbed into his chest as he stroked her hair, attempting to soothe her although he knew it was useless.
"I love you…" Hidenka looked up and saw his eyes close. She refused to get up and stayed in his arms, crying out all her pain as she succumbed to her exhaustion.
"Is it done then?"
"Yes my lord. The young prince is dead. I had no idea you were sending me for the black prince."
"That was the point Kagura. I didn't need you to have reservations beforehand."
"I understand my lord." Kagura turned to leave the chamber, assuming she had been dismissed.
"One more thing Kagura."
"Yes my lord?"
"I need you to go check on the king for me."
"As you wish."
