Okay, I know this chapter is not very long, but it is better than nothing right? As for when the next chapter will be posted I don't know, but hopefully it won't take as long as this one did.
Lynns
Everlasting Love
Chapter Six
January 3rd 1553
Sesshoumaru and Rin watched silently as Inu-Yasha, Kagome, Sango, and Miroku said goodbye to their children. Today they would all be separating and seeking out allies to help them in this war. The soft footsteps of someone approaching caused the demon lord to turn his head slightly to see Akikazu approaching from down the left hall.
"Are you ready for your journey?" asked Sesshoumaru.
The general nodded, "Yes . . . it shouldn't take me too long to reach the northern kingdom,"
"Most likely then you'll be the last one to come back since you'll be going to the east as well," said Rin.
"Indeed . . . well I had better get going since I have a much longer journey than you,"
Sesshoumaru gave a small nod and watched as his general exited through the front door and out into the cold morning air. He would have offered for Akikazu to take his dragon Ah-Un, however Miroku would be riding it since the monk would not be able to keep up to him. Kagome would simply ride on Rin's back while Inu-Yasha and Sango would be riding her fire cat Kirara.
"How long will you be gone, daddy?" asked Natasha, her little claws digging into Inu-Yasha's fire rat robe.
"Not for very long . . . ten days at most," said Inu-Yasha, hugging both his son, daughter, and mate closer,"
"Is that very long?" asked Kenichi.
Kagome smiled softly, "No it isn't very long . . . now you remember how I taught you to count? Just count down ten days and then we'll be back,"
Both the pups nodded as tears slowly pooled in their eyes when Kagome and Inu-Yasha released the big family hug and stood.
"Now, go give your uncle and aunt a hug," said Kagome.
Rin knelt down onto her knees and opened her arms wide as the two pups hugged her tightly.
"Have a safe trip," whispered Natasha.
"Come back safe," said Kenichi.
"We will, don't you worry about us," replied Rin.
Sesshoumaru then knelt down to hug the pups, "Now you two be good for Jarlarg and Jaken,"
"We will, uncle," the pups replied in unison.
Inu-Yasha sighed as he watched the tender moment but was brought out of his thoughts as he felt a tug on his sleeve to see Shippo standing beside him, "Don't worry . . . I'll take good care of them,"
"I know you will . . ." said Inu-Yasha, his eyes wandering over to where Miroku and Sango were saying good bye to their four children.
"We all should be on our way now," announced Sesshoumaru.
All the adults nodded softly and said one last good bye to their children and followed Sesshoumaru outside. Kagome and Sango looked back one last time, watching their children waving good bye to them.
"I'm going to miss them very much," whispered Sango.
"Me too," replied Kagome.
Everyone was silent until they reached the front gate. The two headed dragon was already waiting for them with Jaken holding its reins. Kirara jumped off Sango's shoulder and transformed into her larger form.
Sesshoumaru finally turned to them all, "For our journeys we must travel fast and only stop when it is necessary. If you must rest do it during the day and not at night since Bunrakuken could have spies anywhere outside the western lands. Inu-Yasha and Sango . . . you two will most likely be the first ones back since your destination is closer than anyone else,"
Inu-Yasha nodded, "Alright, so here's one question I have, you sure those two servants of yours are strong enough to protect our pups?"
Sesshoumaru sighed softly, "There are guards surrounding the castle, it is most likely impossible for someone to attack them while we are away. Jarlarg and Jaken are merely watching them and taking care of them while we are gone,"
The half demon gave a small nod, "Okay then . . . so you going to make another big speech or can we get on our way here?"
"Impatient as always," sighed Miroku.
"Let's take a moment to say good bye to our loved ones and then we'll be on our way," said Sesshoumaru.
Spreading enough distance between the three couple's each took those precious few minutes to say good bye.
Inu-Yasha held Kagome close to him, his nose buried in the crook of her neck as he inhaled her scent deeply.
"Promise me you won't do anything too reckless," whispered Kagome.
"I'll try not to,"
"And make sure Sango does most of the talking . . . since you'll probably make the prince mad if you say anything,"
Inu-Yasha chuckled softly, "I won't . . . and you be safe too, make sure Kouga doesn't put any moves on you,"
Kagome lightly nudged him with her elbow, "I don't think he will, after all he and Ayame have four pups already," Smiling softly down at his mate Inu-Yasha took the chance to kiss her.
Miroku was still locked in a tight embrace with Sango with her back pressed tightly against his chest, his hands lightly rubbing over her stomach.
"I don't want you doing too much fighting . . . leave most of it to Inu-Yasha okay?" advised Miroku.
"I won't . . . and don't worry . . . we'll be back before you know it,"
"You sure you can convince him to join with us?"
"You're not the only one who has a few tricks up their sleeves,"
Miroku couldn't help but laugh, "I'm sure you've learned a few from me as well,"
As for Sesshoumaru and Rin words were not exchanged between the two. Them simply held each other in a tight embrace and let their actions speak louder then the words they could not find.
After a few more moments, brief good byes were exchanged among them all before heading their separate directions, each looking back the odd time for one last glance at their loved one until they couldn't see them no more.
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Jarlarg and Jaken watched silently from the window as the group of six split up, going their separate directions. Once they could no longer be seen, the two demons headed back into the main hall where the children were currently playing a game of hide and seek.
"Do you really think the allies we discussed are going to join us?" asked Jaken.
"All we can do is wait and see, imp . . . it's hard to tell . . . but since this war is going to affect everyone . . . I have no doubt in my mind that they will join,"
"How can you be so certain? I know the panther demon tribe would be very helpful, but I doubt that they will help,"
"Because if they side with us their land will not be taken,"
"What?" asked Jaken, "Where on earth did you hear that?"
"Isn't it obvious? If Bunrakuken takes over these lands, he will definitely be after the panther demon tribe's lands. So if they side with us, they won't lose them,"
Jaken sighed softly, "I guess you have a point,"
"Besides . . . Bunrakuken is being a coward about this whole war. All the dog demon armies in the north, south, east and west are supposed to have the same amount of demons in their army . . . he's attacking Sesshoumaru now since are number of soldiers are low,"
"Which in his eyes is a perfect time to strike," commented Jaken.
"Unfortunately yes . . . however the other leaders in the north and east aren't cowards like him. Hopefully Akikazu can convince them to join us,"
"We can only hope . . ."
Jarlarg simply nodded as they continued on their way to the throne room, however unknown to the two demons they were being watched by someone who was undoubtedly unwelcome in the castle. Hikozaemon watched silently from his position in the main garden, hiding himself in the trees, his eyes momentarily glancing down at the robe that had kept him hidden for the past week. Passed down to him by his father, the cloak hid his demonic aura, scent and not to mention blended you into your surroundings. Not even Sesshoumaru had sensed his presence. 'Either he really has gone weak . . . or he just didn't think anyone would do something so stupid in enemy territory' thought the young demon lord. Sighing softly Hikozaemon returned his eyes to the castle, watching as the old demon and the imp made their way to the main hall . . . where the pups were playing . . . the pups he had been ordered to kill. His father had come up with the idea . . . however, he did not agree with it at all. For one thing it would only anger Sesshoumaru more and show every demon through out Japan how much a coward his father really was. To kill six children and two servants did not seem important in this time of war. He had to agree with the old demon and the imp that his father was indeed a coward . . . yet he was a strong coward and so was his army. Ever since his father had found out about the betrayer in Sesshoumaru's army, he had strengthened his ten fold. Then three years ago they were going to attack, but his sister had suggested a less violent way with her marrying the lord.
Sighing again he debated on whether to carry out the order or not to murder the children. If he did he would make his father proud . . . but then again it would go against himself. . . even if the pups were mortal humans and half breeds . . . it was still killing an innocent child.
Sitting back against the tree he continued to contemplate . . . and would make his decision in five days . . . since Inu-Yasha and Sango would return in six . . . .
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Inu-Yasha growled, trying to keep his temper in control as he and Sango stood outside of Kuranosuke's kingdom. Sango had been almost pleading with the guards for about an hour, trying to get an audience with the lord. Perhaps coming at night hadn't been the best idea, but since both of them wanted to get back to the Sesshoumaru's castle as soon as possible, waiting for sunrise was just out of the question.
"I'm begging you . . . please let us see Lord Kuranosuke . . . he knows who I am," begged Sango.
"The lord is not seeing anyone tonight! So get out of here! How many times do we have to tell you that?" argued the head guard, gripping his spear tighter.
Inu-Yasha clenched his hand into a fist, 'This is starting to get really annoying . . . we're practically in the middle of a war and these bastards are wasting our fucking time. I need to get back to the castle and protect the pups' he thought angrily.
Sango continued to try to get through to the guards using her words, but it was just a useless battle. Finally having enough, Inu-Yasha nodded his head to Kirara as he jumped over the castle wall while the fire cat grabbed onto Sango and lifted her up into the air.
"Hey! Get back here! After them!" cried the guard.
"Inu-Yasha! Now we're going to look like were trying to kill the lord!" cried Sango, lifting up Hiraikotsu and blocking a few arrows.
"I don't care what those bastards think we need to talk to him now! I'm not waiting for the fucking sun to rise!" growled Inu-Yasha.
Sango simply sighed and this time blocked three spears that were about to take off her head, "So what do you plan to do now Inu-Yasha?"
The half demon landed on the roof of the castle and sniffed the air, trying to find out which room Kuranosuke was in, "Damn it . . . with the wind and snow I can't tell where he is right now,"
"What if we go inside?"
"That will definitely help,"
Landing beside Inu-Yasha on the roof, Sango climbed of Kirara to join him.
"Kirara . . . distract the guards while Sango and I find Kuranosuke," said Inu-Yasha.
The fire cat nodded and leaped back into the air, drawing most of the guards after her.
"That should buy us some time," said Inu-Yasha, looking down to find the nearest window.
"This is not what I expected to happen once we arrived," said Sango, keeping a watchful eye in case someone spotted them.
"Yeah well shit happens. Not to mention those guards were really stressing you out and as Kaede always says stress is bad for the baby," said Inu-Yasha.
"I'm only four month's pregnant now Inu-Yasha, I think I'll be alright,"
The half demon chuckled, finally spotting a near by window, "Climb on my back,"
Sango didn't say anything as she climbed on Inu-Yasha's back before he jumped off the roof and with his quick reflexes grabbed on the window sill and pulling both of them into the dark hallway. He quickly sniffed in both directions, "Is the coast clear?"
Inu-Yasha nodded, "Yeah, and Kuranosuke's room is just at the end of this hall,"
Sango smiled softly as the both of them made their way down the dark hall way, "Isn't it strange though? Shouldn't the guards be warning him by now?"
"Not yet . . . I can hear them two levels below us . . . so we're good for now," hissed Inu-Yasha as they reached the end of the hall.
"So how are we going to do this? We'll probably scare him to death if we just barge in,"
Inu-Yasha nodded, "Well do you have any bright ideas? And you better think of something quick because we don't have much time,"
Sango sighed and simply knocked on the shoji door, "Kuranosuke! Are you awake?"
"Get down Sango!" cried Inu-Yasha, pushing her to the floor as three arrows just barely missed their heads.
"Damn it we missed them!" cried a voice.
"We must protect the lord from these demons!"
"Hey who are you calling a demon!" asked Sango.
"So you bastards want to fight huh? Well bring it on!" cried Inu-Yasha, drawing his sword.
"Do you really think that's a good idea! How the hell did I end up getting paired with you?" asked Sango.
"You'll have to ask Sesshoumaru that when we get back but right now we have these bastards to deal with," cried Inu-Yasha, charging towards the guards.
"Wait you idiot! Don't kill them!" screamed Sango.
"What is going on here?" asked a sleepy voice.
Sango and Inu-Yasha turned around to see Kuranosuke wearing a white yukata.
"Lord Kuranosuke," whispered Sango.
"I thought we told you two to get out of here and return in the morning!" cried the guard, "A thousand apologies my lord,"
Kuranosuke chuckled softly, "It is alright . . . you couldn't have stopped them if you wanted to do. But enough joking aside, why are you here Sango?"
The demon exterminator stood up off the floor and bowed to the lord, "I need to ask a favor of you,"
"Why don't we discuss it in my main chambers," His response was more a statement than a question.
Once the guards were calmed down most of them headed back to their posts while the general, Kuranosuke, Sango, Kirara and Inu-Yasha headed towards the main chamber. Before anything was discussed at all, the lord insisted that tea would be served. Inu-Yasha grumbled and growled the entire time, but was soon quiet after a good smack over the head with Hiraikotsu. Once the tea was placed on the table did Kuranosuke speak, "You look well Sango . . . so what brings you and your friend here so late in the night?"
"Well . . . like I said before I need to ask you favor,"
"What kind of favor?"
"Well I remember last time we saw each other . . . you told me if there was anything I needed from you, all I had to do was ask,"
"Yes that is true,"
"Have you heard of the war starting between the western and southern lands?"
Kuranosuke's face paled slightly as he set his cup of tea down, "Yes . . . I have heard that a war is starting . . ."
"And . . . are you aware that the Lord of the Western lands, Sesshoumaru . . . is Inu-Yasha's older brother?"
The lord turned his eyes towards the half demon before shifting them back to her, "No . . . I did not know that . . . so you are saying . . . that you and your friends are mixed up in this war,"
Sango nodded softly, "Yes . . . unfortunately we are," She paused for a moment, "Which is the reason I have come to ask for your help,"
"What kind of help?"
"What kind of help do you think we want? Sesshoumaru requires your assistance in battle," said Inu-Yasha.
"Are you telling me Sesshoumaru wants to use a human army against a demon one? Has he gone completely mad? All of my soldiers will be killed!" shouted Kuranosuke as he stood abruptly.
Sango stood as well, "Wait! You haven't heard everything we have to say yet,"
"Well speak then, because I will not send my soldiers into a death trap," hissed Kuranosuke.
"You really think Sesshoumaru is that heartless? Sending a bunch of weak humans to battle for him when he knows they'll be killed?" asked Inu-Yasha.
Kuranosuke seemed to calm down a little by Inu-Yasha's words and sat back down in his seat, "No . . . I suppose he wouldn't . . . which of course means . . . he has a plan?"
Sango nodded softly, "Yes . . . at least he thinks he does . . . first he has to get the panther demon tribe to join with us,"
The lord sighed deeply, "Well . . . unless I know what his plan is, I can say neither accept nor refuse this request."
"That's fine, as long as you'll come listen to what he has to say. Will you come back with us?"
Kuranosuke was silent for a moment, "I suppose I could . . . but I cannot stay away too long,"
"Well we managed to reach her in about three days without resting which really should have taken us four," said Sango.
"However Sesshoumaru won't be back that soon, he'll at least be another two days since the Panther demon tribe is farther away," informed Inu-Yasha.
"I will stay at the most a week in the western lands then . . . but if his plan is not something that I like . . . I will refuse,"
"Have it your way . . . just remember if Sesshoumaru loses, the southern lands will be trying to take over everywhere else,"
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Shippo sighed softly from his perch in the open window as he watched all the children playing a game of tag. Jaken and Jarlarg were somewhere in the castle talking and that didn't calm the fox's nerves at all. With Inu-Yasha and the others gone for at least another two days, he was still scared that someone would attack the castle at any moment and try to kill them all.
"Uncle Shippo . . ."
The fox looked down to see Kenichi standing beside him, his little silver ears were drooped and it looked like he had lost his favorite toy.
"When are mommy and daddy going to be back?"
Shippo smiled, trying to push all his nervousness back, "Really soon . . . your dad should be back in two days,"
The small pup nodded softly and went back to join in the game of tag. Shippo sighed again and glanced back out the window. 'Something isn't right . . . it's making my fur stand up on end . . . it's like were being watched . . . and yet . . . I don't see or smell anyone . . . am I really just that much of a coward?' thought the fox. Deciding to join in with the pups, he jumped down from his perch in the window.
Golden eyes followed the fox's movements as he played the young pups . . . still debating whether or not to kill them . . .
'Two more nights . . . I will make my decision . . .' thought Hikozaemon, his claws flexing as he wondered if they would be covered in blood soon . . .
TBC . . .