Welcome to Chapter 10! Thanks to everyone who reviewed. It's much appreciated. We are nearing the end. The next chapter shall be the last, and then I'm out for the summer, unless I work on Believer. I can't type this at home sadly, because won't update it from my computer correctly. It's complicated.
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha, X-Men, or any other Marvel related issues or creations. I only own my original characters. (Jarato, Jareto, Chariel, & Risha.)
An Unexpected Trip
Chapter 10: Showdown: Inuyasha Vs. Brand
Inuyasha charged at the dragon demon. He swung at the monster. Jaws snapped shut around his sword, shaking him back and forth. It let go, sending the demon and his katana flying into the wall. He sprung to his feet and attacked.
"Iron Rever, Soul Stealer!"
He attack slashed out at the dragon and reflected off its metallic yellow scales. It shook off the attack as if it was nothing. It roared, shooting bolts of lightning at Chariel. He stabbed at the dragon with his sword, each blow being reflected with ease. Hiraikotsu even bounced off the demon's thick hide.
'Damn. Every attack bounces back. It'll take a lot more power than a Wind Scar to destroy it.' thought Inuyasha as he squared of for his next attack.
The young fox demon, Shippo, stood over Logan's maimed body in disbelief. He couldn't believe what way lying in front of his very feet. He clenched his tiny fists in anger, nails digging into his palms. Spinning around, he faced the lightning dragon youkai. He growled and swiftly darted towards the demon. A blue foxfire shot from his hand, catching the dragon off guard, hitting it in the eyes. It snarled in pain and attacked. Inuyasha saw his chance. He swung the Tetsusaiga.
"Backlash Wave!"
The monster's own energy ripped through its body, tearing and shredding layers of scales and flesh. With a roar the dragon stumbled, its weight slamming against the wall as it tried to support itself. He growled pitifully and then its body fell to the ground with a thump, blood streaming from its wound and settling in pools.
"Ha! Got it. Good distraction, Shippo." celebrated Inuyasha. "To bad it killed Logan..."
"Killed who?" said a voice from behind them. They spun around to see Logan, fully recovered, yet still slightly charred.
"You're ok. But, how? You appeared dead before..." Sango stuttered, picking up Hiraikotsu and slinging it over her back.
Chariel put his sword back in its sheath. He looked angry. He turned to Logan.
"This creature was specifically designed to be your demise. Apparently you pose a threat to Jarato. He must have tried to use the metal that coats your bones to his advantage. Luckily you have regenerative abilities. I feel we are getting closer to him. Let's keep going."
Chariel led the group further into the tunnel. Finally, they reached the end. Evenly carved, stone stairs led up a dark passage. Beside the entrance were four burning touches. He picked them up and handed one to Logan, Miroku, and Sango. He kept the last for himself, only because the demon-boy refused to take it. He stepped into the passage and began to ascend the stairs. No one spoke a word to one another as they climbed.
A glow appeared at the tip of the stairs. They had reached the top. Stepping out of the stairwell they found themselves in a large lit chamber, much like the one they had entered on the ground floor. On the other side of the room stood a harpy; Brand. His black hair covered one eye. He toyed with his forearm blades, black eyes looking them over.
"Ahh, so Denkou did not destroy you. Pity. Lord Jarato will not be pleased." he said to himself. "Perhaps...I will destroy you myself. I do suppose you have come for the priestess? She belongs to my master now. She will serve his purpose well. If not...she will die."
"He won't touch her. If he does I'll kill him!" Inuyasha growled. The hanyou drew the Tetsusaiga and stepped toward the harpy.
"Hmm." thought the demon, out loud. "You dare to challenge my master and myself? So be it. You have chosen death, fool."
Brand rose from his seat, hair still falling in front of his eye. He scraped his fore-arm blades against each other, making a sharp slice. Logan, Chariel, and Sango began to follow the hanyou, but Miroku stopped them.
"Stay. This is Inuyasha's fight. Do not interfere."
The harpy yawned and rolled his eyes, teasing the dog-eared boy. Inuyasha growled. He charged the bird-man, slashing out at him with lightning speed. Brand darted out of the way. His gloved fist collided with the back of Inuyasha's skull. The demon-boy's feet barely touched the ground as he darted back up at Brand. He stabbed out with the Tetsusaiga. The harpy dodged the attack again.
"He's fast." he thought. "Stupid feather-brain already knows all my attacks."
Inuyasha charged Brand. In one hand he held the Tetsusaiga. The other was pulled back into a fist. He swung at the harpy, and he dodged to the side. Inuyasha was ready. With his other hand he stabbed out at the bird-man, striking his right in the chest. The demon's claws penetrated the leather, entering his body. The hanyou ripped his hand back. Blood dripped from his claws and flowed steadily from his enemy's wound.
"Gotcha."
"Damn you, hanyou." Brand inhaled swiftly, his breath coming in sharp gasps. "I'll kill you for this!"
Fore-arm blades ready, he ran at Inuyasha. He had only been toying with him before. It was time to get serious. He stabbed at Inuyasha, furiously. The demon dodged back and forth avoiding each onslaught of stabs. Brand's eyes were clouded with rage. The hanyou's back connected with the wall, and he realized he had no place left to run. Brand's blade entered Inuyasha's shoulder, pinning him against the wall.
"Are you ready to die, half-breed?" he smirked, clearly proud of himself.
"No, are you?"
Brand gasped as the demon's claws entered his chest. Cold fingers wrapped around the harpy's heart, claws stabbing in without hesitation. The light faded from his cold onyx eyes. He grew limp and fell to the floor with a thud; his blade slipping out of Inuyasha's shoulder. Blood leaked from the wound, staining his already crimson haori.
"Inuyasha, are you ok?" Miroku asked as he approached the dog-eared boy." You're bleeding pretty badly."
"I'm fine. Don't touch me."
"Let's go. I took the key to the tower from Brand's body." said Chariel. "Jarato intended for you to kill him. He just hoped the bird injured you first. Jarato's a sneaky bastard."
Chariel approached the nearest door.
"How do you know that's the right door?" Logan asked.
"I just know."
"Fine. I guess we have to trust that you know. There's not many other choices." the mutant mumbled, following the stranger.
Chariel turned the key, locks snapping open. He pushed open the wooden door to reveal more stairs. 'Great. More climbing.' Logan thought as he stepped inside the new passageway. Chariel led them up the stairs. Soon they came to a large landing that could fit the entire company. He turned to them.
"Jarato is on the other side of this door. He's incredibly strong. I will fight him. Do not assist me."
"Look, bub. I've had enough of this. You can't beat Jarato alone." argued Logan. "You need our help and we are helping whether you want us to or not. While we are on the subject; how do you know so much about this place? First, you opened the gate like you had done it a thousand times, screaming in some weird language. Second, you know everything Jarato is thinking. Third, you know how to navigate through this place like you used to live here! Who are you?"
"I'm Chariel Usotsuki."
He pushed the door open and stepped into the room. Logan could do nothing but follow, hoping his questions would soon be answered.
End Chapter
Well, I hope you liked this chapter. The next chapter will be the last, unless I decide to drag Logan's departure out. I'm sorry if it isn't a very long running story. I just hope you all enjoyed it.
Reviewers
Dmitri Cassidy: Awesome chapter for Crimson Kiss. I can't remember if I reviewed or not. It's pretty cool for being a shounen-ai. I guess they aren't always respected well. I can't wait for an update. School does keep me busy, and plus I'm writing my book. It takes up lots of time. E-mail me if you get bored.
Taeniaea: Thank you so much for reviewing! The next chapter will be the last! I hope you stick around for some of my other stories. I do have a good idea for another Inuyasha fan fiction, thanks to Dmitri! He gave me a good idea. Hope you enjoyed this!
Omansuoniwabanshi: Yeah. I thought the perfect thing to fight Logan with was electricity. Yeah he's pretty tough, but I know if I had a metal bones and got shock…well…that'd hurt! Thanks for sticking with my story!
Review Please!