Chapter Seven

Yukiomaru watched Eito, he wondered what the human would do, it wasn't likely to be anything useful against such a powerful demon as Sesshomaru but he wanted to see how Sesshomaru would handle himself. The more he learned about how he fought the better.

"What the fu-? He didn't do a damned thing!" Yukiomaru brought his fist down and broke the arm off his throne, which only made him angrier. "Worthless human, when I finish this, I'll hunt him down and skin him alive. His eyes and innards shall decorate my walls." Yukiomaru stood and tried to calm himself, no need to let Sesshomaru see him upset. He looked into the mirror and saw him standing there calmly waiting for him to arrive.

"I have no cause to worry; with this jewel shard I'm twice as powerful as that one-armed wanabe-general. I rule this village now and no one is going to over throw me." That said he sheathed his sword and walked out to face the enemy.

Sesshomaru watched as Yukiomaru walked out of mansion. He was about Sesshomaru's height but his hair was auburn. Yukiomaru also wore armor and a sword. He chose to wear red and black with some yellow on his kimono. Yukiomaru made an impressive sight but looks would not win this fight.

"So you've come out of hiding finally. Were you that afraid of me?"

"Ha, I wasn't afraid of you, just didn't want to waste my time. That's what slaves are for after all – to do my bidding." Yukiomaru crossed his arms. "Tell me why do you involve yourself in this? It is of no concern to you. It is well known that Sesshomaru cares for nothing and no one. Why come to help these people?"

"My lord does not need to explain himself to you. You who take what does not belong to you! What demon wants to rule people he has to drug in order for them to obey him? Pitiful!" There were some murmurs of agreement from the recovering dog demons that came to watch the fight. As they recognized who Lord Sesshomaru was the cheering became louder. "See they support my lord, not a nobody like you." Jaken's voice was full of contempt.

Yukiomaru was incensed, first that the little imp talked to him like that then at the other dog demons cheering for his enemy. The effects of the mist were wearing off and soon they too could join in this battle. He'd have to finish this quick and make his escape before they completely recovered.

"Looks like you have a cheering section, Sesshomaru. Do you really think that you have the power to beat me? You are not your father and you've lost an arm. Apparently there's someone else out there able to defeat you, he's cut your power in half and I shall cut you down, completely."

"You boast very well. Is it the jewel shard that gives you confidence? Don't be fooled into thinking that it will help you." Sesshomaru cocked his head and looked down on Yukiomaru.

Yukiomaru was shocked that Sesshomaru had guessed he possessed a jewel shard. No matter, he was still more powerful than the one-armed Sesshomaru. "Well, we'll just have to see about that won't we?" Intending to catch Sesshomaru off guard he pulled his sword and went on the attack.

Sesshomaru moved like lighting and was gone before Yukiomaru could get near him. Smiling Sesshomaru pulled out the Tokijin. "So you like surprise attacks? Figures, the weak use little tricks like that."

Growling Yukiomaru lunged forward again and the two swords met with a clang. Yukiomaru expected to force Sesshomaru to his knees, but he was unable to even force him back. He had one arm and yet could hold him off. He'd wanted to test his strength without calling on the power of the jewel but if he hoped to win… Yukiomaru felt the power flow through him and brought his sword down harder.

Sesshomaru could feel the extra power this time, moved back quickly but went on the attack himself. He jumped high and came down forcing Yukiomaru to stagger under the power of the blow.

It continued, the exchange of blows and both seemed to be well matched, that is until Yukiomaru took a chance to close in and attack with his claws. Sesshomaru's armor was torn away. Not to be out done, Sesshomaru's pelt grabbed at Yukiomaru's leg, flung him up and brought him down hard to the ground. Laughter rang out from the crowd of dog demons.

Yukiomaru was enraged to hear the people laughing at him when just hours ago they were bent to his will. It was too much. Once again he rushed Sesshomaru and they exchanged blows but it was still pretty much even. He backed off breathing hard while Sesshomaru just cocked an eyebrow at him.

Damnit! He's making me look like a fool, thought Yukiomaru. He stared hard at Sesshomaru and then he smiled. "It looks like I'll have to take this fight up a notch." He sheathed his sword.

"Oh? Do you think you can?" Sesshomaru just watched to see what he would do.

"Yes, by transforming which you can't do! There's no way a three-legged dog could hurt me!" Yukiomaru began laughing as he pictured it. Also by transforming he could make his escape quickly, if it came to that. He concentrated and his eyes turned red. There was a powerful energy surrounding him.

Motoko began to worry, could Sesshomaru fight him if he transformed as well. She knew he was strong but missing a leg would – at least this time put him at a disadvantage.

"Hmph, no matter what he does, he'll never beat Lord Sesshomaru." Jaken spoke bravely but inched behind Motoko's leg.

She smiled down at him and made up her mind. Her lord and lover would win and find justice for all Yukiomaru had injured. "Don't worry Jaken, he will win."

It didn't take long, the change. Yukiomaru was huge, larger than anyone had expected – the power of the sacred jewel had allowed him to do this. He growled and people moved back out of the way of the acid dripping from his mouth.