*sighs* What a busy week I've been having . . . I've finally been able to work on this next chapter. I'm so sorry for the long update, but hey I did warn you guys about that. So let's us move on . . . ..
Winter Wonderland
Chapter Thirty-Nine
The sky darkened, and the wind started to pick up, indicating that a storm would soon be starting. Sesshoumaru and Rin stared down at them selves in the new outfits Inu-Yasha had given to them. Inu-Yasha was pulling his hair back into a ponytail, and had given Rin and Sesshoumaru and elastic to tie their hair back as well.
"And this is supposed to help us underwater?" asked Rin.
"Yes! Now can we hurry up and save Kagome and Sango please!" growled Inu-Yasha, "And tell me what the hell is going on?"
Pushing the canoe into the water, Rin and Miroku started to paddle as hard as they could. The waves began to rise higher and the wind was becoming fiercer.
"I'm afraid we'll be dealing with another enemy of our fathers," said Sesshoumaru.
"Damn he made a lot of enemies . . ." hissed Inu-Yasha.
"This will almost be the same situation as with the cat demons, they're trying to revive their dead lord, and in order to do that they need to sacrifice the lives of two maidens with child,"
Inu-Yasha was growling softly, his hand pulled tightly into a fist. Miroku sighed, "Why is it that this kind of thing always happens to us?"
"Lucky, I guess,"
Miroku looked up at Rin and smiled slightly, but still mad and scared about his wife being kidnapped.
"I can tell by the clouds Kagome and Sango aren't dead yet, however the ceremony will be starting any minute," said Sesshoumaru.
"You do realize if we leave this boat out here, it's going to be crushed by the storm?" asked Miroku.
"Do not worry, Jaken knows where we are going to be, I won't be surprised if he gathers all my ships out to these waters,"
Inu-Yasha was still growling softly, his nails digging into the wood of the boat.
"Stop here you two, we'll head into the waters now," said Sesshoumaru.
Miroku pulled his paddles into the boat and dropped the anchor.
"We'll swim along the rocks at the bottom, look for anything that looks like a tunnel," informed Sesshoumaru.
Inu-Yasha stared at his brother . . . he had never seen him like this before . . . it would sure take him awhile to get used to it.
"Where exactly do these mer people live?" asked Miroku.
"I would think in the bottom of the ocean," sighed Inu-Yasha.
"Actually they live closer to the shore . . . I'll explain why later . . . right now . . . tell me how we use this thing on our backs, feet and face," said Sesshoumaru.
Inu-Yasha sighed, "It's quite simple, the flippers help you swim better, that tank on your back is filled with air to help you breath, the wet suit is to help you swim better, the goggles to help you see, the air mask to help you breath, and the flash light beside your head so you can see into the darken water. Oh, and don't just jump into the water, you have to sit on the side of the boat and flip in backwards, understand?"
Everyone nodded and flipped over backwards into the water. Inu-Yasha and Sesshoumaru carried their swords, and Miroku his staff. The water was warm, but slightly dark since the clouds hid the sun. Miroku managed to get Rin and Sesshoumaru's attention and show how their flashlights worked. Splitting up along the rocks, they began to search for any sign of a tunnel that would lead them to the mer people's village. There were no fish, or any type of sea creature in the water, which Inu-Yasha and the others found a little suspicious. The sky started to grow darker, as did the water, meaning they would be out of light soon. Inu-Yasha was about to swim by his brother, when a sort of shimmer caught his attention in the sand from his flashlight. Curiosity and hope growing, the half demon swam towards his discovery, and his eyes widened. It was a golden locket . . . the locket he had given Kagome at Christmas. Untangling it from the reef, he raised his flashlight to a very obvious big tunnel, leading down. Waving his flashlight, he caught the others attention, all of them giving him a thumbs up before swimming into the large tunnel, keeping close together. They kept swimming and swimming, but they just kept going down. At one point the pressure was almost unbearable, but soon the tunnel started to move up, lessening the pressure a little. As they started to move up, the pressure started to lessen even more. Swimming a bit faster Inu-Yasha suddenly burst through the water. Miroku shined his flashlight to reveal a large air pocket in the rocks. The monk hesitantly removed his equipment and breathed in.
"It's okay you guys,"
As everyone else removed their gear, Miroku shinned his light on a cave near by, leading down into the ground.
"We must be getting close,"
"Why do you say that Sesshoumaru?" asked Rin.
"Mer people can only stay away from water for less than a day, so unless I'm mistaken, the mer peoples' village should be close,"
Nodding, everyone swam to the tunnel and helped each other up. They left their scuba equipment at the entrance of the tunnel, but left their we suits on so they could make a quick get away. Grabbing their flashlights, they walked at a fast through the tunnel.
Inu-Yasha growled softly, "I hope nobody minds this . . . but I'm fed up with people and demons trying to kill my mate . . . so I'm going to be taking my frustration out on these fish people . . . at least to the ones who tick me off, I'm fed up with this mercy stuff,"
Miroku smirked, gripping his staff, "I agree,"
Sesshoumaru smiled as well, "Oh I'll have no objections . . . these creatures of broken the law our father placed on them . . . the penalty is death,"
"But . . ." whispered Rin
"Don't worry Rin, while we take care of the mer people you will find Kagome and Sango,"
Rin sighed, "I just don't really agree to all this killing,"
"It's okay Rin, we'll wait until you leave with the girls until we begin our slaughter . . . I also need to relieve some frustration,"
Rin nodded in defeat, even though she didn't agree with killing, these mer people had done an unforgivable crime.
They walked along the rocky tunnel, always making sure they were not being followed.
"Say . . . I just thought of something," said Miroku.
"What would that be?" asked Rin.
"We only have four air masks for four people, when we rescue the girls how are we going to get them to the surface?"
"Two of us will have to share a breathing mask with someone," said Inu-Yasha.
"That will take us too long to escape, I suggest that when we do rescue the girls, Inu-Yasha and I will stay and keep the mer people busy. Then when Kagome and Sango are safely on shore, Rin can come back to us, and then we'll all escape,"
Inu-Yasha nodded, "Once we get closer to the village, turn off the flash light, and then we'll take them all by surprise . . . so let's pick up the pace everyone,"
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Kagome struggled against her bonds, trying to ignore the tiredness from her body, which was demanding sleep. (Oh by the way, the name I used for the leader of the mer people . . . well that ones wrong . . . I'll change it once I'm done this chapter, but the real name of the mer peoples leader is Maru) Sango was seated beside Kagome, also struggling with her bonds, which was seaweed. Kagome tried to sit up, but her head was starting to spin, causing her to fall back against the ground.
"Kagome . . . are you alright?" whispered Sango.
"I'm okay . . . just so tired . . ."
"I know . . . so am I . . ."
Kagome was about to speak, but Tifflehoff was starting to walk towards them.
"What do you want?" growled Kagome.
"Just making sure our two sacrifices are still alive . . . we will beginning the ceremony soon . . ."
"Do you really want to be doing this? Last time an old lord was resurrected he killed his own servants . . . what if this lord of yours . . ."
"Silence! His name is Lord Maru . . . and he would not dare kill his own grandson, I am sure of it," Tifflehoff turned and returned to the other mer people.
Kagome sighed and suddenly started to glow a soft pink, "These mer people are still demons . . . if I use my miko powers . . . we can escape . . ."
"Kagome stop that!" hissed Sango.
Kagome stopped glowing, "Why . . . it could be our only chance,"
"I am aware of that . . . but if you use your powers . . . you will purify the child growing in you . . . remember it's going to be part demon, and by using your power you could kill it . . ."
The miko girl suddenly went terribly pale, "If I . . . oh no . . . I've already used my power once . . . when we were fighting those cat demons . . ."
"But you only used your arrow right?"
Kagome nodded.
"Then it's okay. When you use your arrow, your spirit energy is transferred into the arrow, but when you don't your power surges through your body,"
Kagome nodded and started to shake slightly *I . . . I could of killed my baby . . . I could have . . .*
Suddenly both girls were lifted up by both their elbows, and dragged into the crowd of mer people. Kagome and Sango struggled to get free, but their attempts were useless. They were pulled through the crowd, finally coming to a clearing were the skeleton and other remains of a tall merman, holding a gold trident in his hand. Both girls were thrown by the skeletons feet, and held down by two mer people. Tifflehoff stood behind them, his arms high in the air as he began to chant loudly. Kagome and Sango started to struggle, but the two-mer people held them down. Wind out of nowhere began to swirl around them, giving off a loud howling sound. The cave suddenly became black as night, and a soft glowing began to come from the dead lord. Kagome and Sango started to struggle harder, trying to get away. Suddenly they began to glow a soft gold color, the same as the lord. Both girls shivered as a deep voice boomed through out the cave, "Give me their blood . . ."
Both Kagome and Sango gave off a small scream and started to fight back harder. Tifflehoff nodded to his great-grandfather, "Yes . . . I shall spill their blood for you," Grabbing a knife from his side, the young lord walked towards the two girls. Grabbing Sango by the hair, he tilted her head back, bearing her neck out.
"Sango No!" screamed Kagome.
Tifflehoff smiled, "Now die!" bringing the knife up, he swiped it down.
TBC . . .
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Did you really think I'd keep a chapter this short? Man you guys really don't know me do you? Tee hee, I was in a good mood . . . so let's continue shall we?
Kagome closed her eyes; she couldn't watch her friend being killed. Blood splattered onto the miko's face and feeling a body fall against hers. Tears streaming down her face, she looked down, staring into the life less eyes of . . . Tifflehoff. Giving off a small gasp, she looked to her side to see Sango still alive, and Sesshoumaru and Rin standing before them in black wet suits. Screams and begs of mercy came from behind them as Inu-Yasha and Miroku attacked the creatures which had caused them so much trouble.
"Where did you two come from?" asked Sango.
"We'll explain later," said Sesshoumaru, cutting their binds, "Rin and Miroku will get you safely to shore, while Inu-Yasha and I will take care of these mer people!"
Before either girl could say a word, they were being lifted up by Rin, and heading towards one of the caves.
"Not so fast . . ."
The ground began to shake beneath everyone's feet, causing them to all fall down to their knees. Bright light started to shine from the dead lord, his arms moving slightly. Rin made sure that Kagome and Sango were far enough away so they couldn't be reached.
Sesshoumaru stood by his brother's side while Miroku made his way over to Sango and Kagome.
"You two . . . you are the son's of the demon dog . . . who killed me . . ."
"Feh . . . so? What of it?" asked Inu-Yasha.
"You will pay . . . I will get my revenge for my death . . . and the death of my grandson!"
The cave stared to shake again, causing everyone to fall to their knees again.
"Miroku! Get Kagome and Sango out of here!" screamed Inu-Yasha.
The monk didn't need to be told twice as he grabbed Sango and began to head to the exit with Kagome and Rin at their heels.
"You will not escape!" cried Maru, a blast coming from the trident, heading right towards Rin and Kagome.
"KAGOME!" screamed Inu-Yasha.
"RIN!"
A blinding flash caused everyone to cover their eyes. Inu-Yasha opened his eyes and almost fell to his knees at the sight before him. Rin and Kagome lay face up on the rocks, but unconscious from the attack. Small cuts and bruises all over their bodies, but what caught Inu-Yasha's attention was the large cut and bruise on Kagome's stomach. Dropping his sword, he ran to his mate's side, and Sesshoumaru doing the same. Miroku set Sango down and kept the mer people back to give Sesshoumaru and Inu-Yasha to check on their mates. Inu-Yasha pulled Kagome into his arms, his ear pressed against her. Sighing with relief he could here her heart beat . . . it was a little weak but still strong. Sniffing in the junction between her neck and shoulder, he wanted to make sure she wasn't sick.
"Inu-Yasha! How is Kagome?" asked Miroku.
Sesshoumaru glanced at his brother, noticing that he was shaking uncontrollably, "Inu-Yasha?"
Rin slowly sat up, rubbing her head, looking at the half demon. Sango slowly crawled over to the half demon and miko, "Inu-Yasha . . . what's wrong?"
"G . . .go . . .gone . . . the babies . . ."
Sango gasped, tears welling up in her eyes. Sesshoumaru ran to his brothers side and sniffed the girl in his arms, "It . . . it can't be . . ."
As Miroku fought off the remaining mer people, he swore fluently under his breath, trying to keep his concentration in tact.
Inu-Yasha shook his head, "No . . . no . . .no!" Burying his face into the crook of Kagome's neck, he began to cry softly, not bothering to hide his tears this time. Sesshoumaru growled softly, "Miroku, grab the Tetsusaiga . . . give it to Inu-Yasha . . . and then get out of here . . ."
"But . . ."
"Just do it!" screamed the lord of the western lands.
Miroku nodded and grabbed the Tetsusaiga. Sesshoumaru helped Rin to her feet and waited for Miroku to pass him before he spoke.
"I've had enough of this . . ." His eyes began to glow a dark red, "You have broken my fathers law . . . and now . . . my future mate and I . . . will show you no mercy . . ."
Rin nodded, her eyes glowing a dark red as well. In a blinding flash of white light, Sesshoumaru and Rin disappeared. Miroku ran to Sango's side holding her tightly. As the light disappeared, the monk gasped at the sight before him. Two dogs stood before his very eyes, one a gigantic white one with a crescent moon on it's forehead . . . the other was smaller, and black. Inu-Yasha raised his head and watched as Sesshoumaru made the first attack, crushing Maru beneath his claws, the trident breaking in half. Rin began to attack the mer people. Screams echoed through out the cave, blood splattering everywhere . . . bodies crumpling to the ground, guts and limbs flying everywhere. Sesshoumaru and Rin stopped their killing for a moment. Twelve mer people remained standing, covered in blood and guts from the others. Sesshoumaru almost looked red with white spots, and blood dripped from Rin's fur as well. Inu-Yasha slowly lay Kagome down and approached his brother, "Sesshoumaru!"
The lord of the western lands turned his head.
"Allow me to take care of the rest . . ." growled Inu-Yasha flexing his claws.
Sesshoumaru nodded and reverted back to his smaller self with Rin doing the same.
"Make sure Kagome and Sango get safely out of here . . . I . . . need to get rid of some . . . frustration . . ."
Sesshoumaru nodded and headed over to the monk with Rin at his heels. Rin picked up Kagome and followed Sesshoumaru through the exit with Miroku and Sango right behind them.
"So . . . are we just going to leave him?" asked Miroku, gripping Sango tighter.
"No . . . I will stay behind and make sure he is alright . . . damn it! I knew I should have brought Tenseiga along . . ."
"Don't blame yourself Sesshoumaru . . ." whispered Rin.
"There was nothing that could be done . . ." sighed Sango.
Miroku simply nodded, not knowing what to say.
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Sesshoumaru shifted his position on the rock ledge, and stared into the darken water. The screams from the cave had just ended, and he couldn't hear the sound of blood dripping and ripping flesh. His ears twitching slightly, he could hear footsteps coming towards him. Turning his head slightly, he caught sight of his brother. The half demons head was covered in blood, so was his claws, and his entire body.
"I take it you took your time killing them?"
Inu-Yasha said nothing . . .his eyes looking at the ground.
"I know what your thinking . . . it's written all over your face . . ."
The half demon's eyes glanced to his brothers.
"You are surprised with yourself . . . that you have killed demons to deal with your frustration,"
Inu-Yasha nodded and Sesshoumaru smiled, "It is alright brother . . . the death penalty is what they all deserved . . . they broke our fathers law . . ."
"But . . . I . . ."
"Do not hold regrets . . . they all wanted to kill Kagome and Sango at any cost . . ."
"I know . . ."
Sesshoumaru sighed and bit his lip slightly. Standing up, he approached Inu-Yasha and gave him a hug, "I'm sorry about losing your unborn child . . ."
Inu-Yasha wanted to push his brother away, but he allowed the hug to last a little longer, "Alright . . . enough with the mushy stuff,"
"Good," said Sesshoumaru, immediately letting go.
Inu-Yasha allowed himself to smile a little.
"It will be alright . . . she is still alive,"
The half demon was about to speak, but the splashing of water caught both their attention as Rin swam towards them, holding up their air tanks and masks.
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The moonlight danced in and out of the clouds . . . the wind blowing softly through the medium sized window in Kagome's room. Two figures sat on the small pink bed, both lost in their own thoughts as they held onto each other, letting the tears freely flow from their eyes.
"I'm . . . I'm sorry Kagome . . . I . . . couldn't protect you . . ." Inu-Yasha managed to whisper.
Kagome lifted her head from her mates chest, "Don't blame yourself . . . there was nothing that could be done . . ."
Inu-Yasha held onto Kagome tighter, burying his face in the crook of her neck. After the incident at the beach, Inu-Yasha had insisted that Kagome and Sango be taken to the modern era so doctors could look at them both. Sango seemed fine with a few cuts and bruises, and her and the monk's baby was fine. However his and Kagome's wasn't so lucky . . .
Kagome smiled softly and kissed her mates cheek, "Besides . . . it's not like we can't try again . . ."
Inu-Yasha nodded and held Kagome in a tight embrace, the wind blowing softly through his silver hair.
TBC . . .
Okay, this is the real ending people. *ducks all flying objects* Anyways, is this story done? Well no not quite . . . the next chapter will be a jump ahead to around November . . . and I'm so so so so sorry for the long long update.