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Always There
CH 15
Humans could be so overdramatic.
It was quite annoying at times.
But he had learned to deal with their exaggerated stupidity, since he allowed one to travel with him daily.
Except now with his low control on his anger, they were really starting to piss him off.
Sesshomaru tried to stay aloof and calm, mechanically rubbing Yasha's ears (an old forgotten trick when they were pups) to relax the poor hanyou, whose moans and whimpers were becoming nearly strangled. In the short times he was conscious; Inuyasha had whispered that the pain was getting worse…though not as bad as before.
The fact that there was a before…didn't serve to lighten up the tense knot in Sesshomaru's stomach.
He concentrated on breathing in deep and slow, nearly biting his tongue off to keep from growling.Which...he found...didn't really calm humans that much. He opened his eyes, having to close them to gain control, and glared at the two members of his younger brother's pack, still shouting at him to put the puppy down and to back away.
Oh please.
If he wanted to, he would have ripped their throats out by now.
But, though they were melodramatic and weak, humans tended to be quite brave…no matter the consequences they would surely face.
Like having their throats ripped out.
It would shut them up.
But he'd never hear the end of it from the dog in his arms.
Sesshomaru looked own at his brother and sniffed, alarmed by the heightening stench of demon blood emanating from him. His body temperature had raised as well, a little bundle of pulsating heat. His shivers had become feverish.
Inuyasha didn't smell sick.
But he had all the signs of it.
The only explanation the dog demon could give for the smell of youkai blood; well…if he was sick…it was there to cure him. In the ramblings a while ago, Inuyasha had said something about there was still a tiny bit of it flowing through his veins.
The reason for that…Sesshomaru didn't know.
But there was no more time for dawdling that was sure, Inuyasha needed medical attention, and soon.
It was time to deal with these pesky humans once and for all.
Now if you were searching for the reborn soul of your pack leader, someone who had tended to jump into things without fore planning and never admitted to weakness, coming out in his most hated enemy's arms…not moving…
You would have jumped to the nearest conclusion Kagome and Miroku had went to as well.
But though the two humans were in a battle ready position, arrow cocked, wind tunnel ready to suck…Sesshomaru was completely at ease.
It concerned the monk on why Inuyasha was actually allowing his despicable brother to hold him and touch his sensitive, OFF-LIMITS, ears.
Even unconscious, the hanyou was always aware of everything around him and he was always ready for battle.
But from what Miroku could see, he wasn't doing anything.
He appeared to be…sleeping.
But that wasn't possible, if Inuyasha wasn't moving or defending himself that must mean he was either in terrible trouble…like he was poisoned or something…or…held captive (the little guy wasn't that strong)…or…he was…he was…!
Miroku's melodramatic thoughts were cut off when Sesshomaru relieved his silent worries. "You're dog is not dead, nor is he injured. I have not done him no harm."
Kagome sighed in relief but didn't lower her weapon, "Then put Yasha down!"
Miroku nodded, and cracked his cursed hand's knuckles, "Yes! You put him down this instant! Or we will have to use force!"
Sesshomaru actually rolled his eyes, his voice dry and low, "I could easily kill you two. But I will not do so. I would most likely be damned by my brother's perished soul if any harm came to either of his pack members." There was a tiny chuckle from the seemingly asleep puppy. "But I ask again for both of you to step aside, your…Yasha…requires medical attention. He is ill. I found him unconscious in the forest."
That…made the two humans falter. Kagome stepped forward, eyes glassy, cheeks pale, "H-he did…?"
Sesshomaru tilted his head, "Yes…when he was conscious he told me that this has happened before?"
Kagome nodded.
Miroku flinched and unclasped the beads surrounding his cursed hand. "What do you mean 'he told you'?" If they can talk to one another…that means…Sesshomaru knows that's…Inuyasha…
The dog-demon met his gaze, and his lips twirled upward. Miroku's spine trembled.
He knew.
"Yes, monk, I can speak with him. I am a dog-demon. I do know the language quite fluently."
That got the miko and monk off kilter. For different personal reasons.
Kagome shook her head, "You can…talk to him?"
Sesshomaru gave a small sound of impatience, "Yes, you silly girl, I have already established that fact."
Inuyasha glared at him with foggy eyes, "Don't be rude…that's a little weird to humans…"
Sesshomaru mumbled under his breath, "They are frustrating me…your fever has went up a few notches and your friends are wasting my time."
Yasha smirked, "Frustrating to you? At least they can understand you…" the hanyou's pupils dilated and he stared off into space. Pretty soon they drifted close and he was asleep once more.
The knot tightened.
Sesshomaru allowed the growl to spring forth. Kagome and Miroku jumped.
"Inuyasha is sick, and I know there is a village nearby. If you wish for your puppy to live…back away!"
Both of the humans' thoughts went racing.
Kagome: Did he just say…Inuyasha?
Miroku: Dammit…he does know!
Sesshomaru took the chance, when they were distracted, to continue walking. Following his nose instead of his eyes to head to the right direction, the fog had not yet lifted though the sun was surely shining behind the gray curtain.
Miroku blinked, and hurried off after him. Kagome in pursuit. But before the miko could get in ear shot, Miroku hurriedly whispered under his breath, "You do know on whom you are carrying? Correct, Sesshomaru?" the monk glanced down at his reborn friend and gulped.
Sesshomaru sighed in annoyance, "Yes, monk, and I take it you know of…Yasha's little secret as well?"
He nodded.
"Have you told anybody?"
To that, Miroku shook his head. He still hadn't had the courage.
The dog-demon looked back to a now walking Kagome, head bowed in thought, not trying to get any closer to the two.
"So…Inuyasha's mate still does not know. I would think she would need this information more than you…"
Miroku ignored the word…mate. Inuyasha might not like to know that was being discussed right above him. "No…she is still not through with her grieving. The pain is still too fresh. If I tell her that Yasha is…"
Sesshomaru nodded and turned his head forward, away from the girl, "She would most likely break…"
Miroku sighed, "Yes…even with the knowledge that Yasha could be Inuyasha's reincarnation…was too hard to bear. She has just now accepted it."
The monk's head bounced upward in shock by a chuckle. It was coming from Sesshomaru….he was smiling! In true humor!
The demon in turn ignored his wide eyes, "I don't believe you need to tell anyone about what you have learned. It would be useless."
"And why the hell is that?"
"You will know in time. Just be patient. Now…there is a physician knowledgeable of dogs in this village…correct?"
Humans really were perplexing creatures.
Whenever he thought he understood them completely, they would do something to shock him and send his previous conclusions scattered.
Like now.
He was sitting in a rank little hut, surrounded by his younger brother's pack who were staring at him with wide eyes and tense shoulders, just waiting for him to pounce or start frothing at the mouth.
Except for her.
She must have known she was the weakest of the bunch, besides the little kitsune of course, who looked about ready to throw up on having him there. And yet she showed no fear. She treated him like anybody else that must have walked through her doors.
Even though he was a despicable evil creature who had murdered hundreds just for fun.
Nope, she had even smiled at him when taking Inuyasha from his grasp.
Now she was sitting in front of him overlooking his little brother, checking his pulse and other vital signs.
Besides the pulse thing, Sesshomaru had no clue what the hell she was doing.
He watched attentively, finding himself uncomfortable and strangely self conscious by the eyes observing his every move.
Though, he must admit, it must be a tad peculiar to having your deceased friend's older brother, someone who had tried countless times to murder him, sitting civilly in their midst.
That was still no excuse to forget their manners.
Even a heartless cold bastard like himself, knew that staring was rude.
Thankfully that old woman broke the silence, and she turned up and smiled at him once more. Sesshomaru just didn't understand humans. What was she so happy about?
"I'd like to thank ye for bringing him here, Lord Sesshomaru. If ye were not there, little Yasha would most likely had not made it." The woman stroked the puppy's flank and wrapped him up in a warm toasty blanket that had been sitting by the fire.
Those words brought a cold shiver to his insides. He made sure not to let it show. "Is he in danger? What is wrong with him? He has no scent of illness." Dammit, he sounded pathetic!
She then sighed. Worry finally showing on her wrinkly face, "Aye, ye are correct. He is not sick. But…I do not know what is ailing him."
His brother's mate switched her gaze to the old hag, "But he has to be sick, what else could be wrong with him? Oh, God, is he poisoned?" She tightened her fists to the point all blood drained from her fingers.
Sesshomaru frowned, "I would have smelled it. He is not poisoned."
Miroku trapped him in a cold glittering gaze, there was a hint of challenge in his voice, "You said earlier you are able to speak with him. Can you not ask him what is wrong?"
Humans could be so infuriating as well as confusing, "Yes, monk I can. And I have already questioned him." Sesshomaru turned away, "He had no answers. All he said was…the time is near…that was all."
By that piece of bewildering information, Miroku's eyes lowered as he mulled over the puzzle, "The time is near…what could In--um, Yasha mean by that?"
The other young woman, leaned muscled and stroking a three tailed neko, turned to the old woman, "Lady Kaede, do you have any theories?"
That cat met Sesshomaru's eyes, and he stiffened. He had never liked cats. But her eyes kind of…softened and she mewed, before snuggling into her master's lap.
The dog demon ripped his curious and even more confused thoughts to what the old woman (he now knew was named Kaede) was saying, "Nay, Sango, I am afraid I do not." She hung her head and lifted the dozing dog, "I would like it though, if ye would kindly stay Lord Sesshomaru."
There was a stunned silence, and Sesshomaru knew he must have looked slightly shocked. Though not as much as everyone else in the room. All the humans looked like they had been struck in the gullet.
Sesshomaru swallowed and worked his tongue, "And…why is that?"
Lady Kaede willingly stared him straight in the eye and had the nerve to give a cocky smile, Sesshomaru bristled. "Ye do not have to if it is too much of a hassle. I know of how busy your life must be. But if ye could wait here until Yasha is awake and ask him some questions for us, it would be highly appreciated." She tilted her head and the grin turned genuine, and a bit pleading, "What do ye say?"
But before Sesshomaru could give an answer, though he really wasn't quite sure of one at the time, Inuyasha suddenly stirred and struggled to free himself from the blanket trapping him. Kaede blinked and slowly released him.
Yasha sat there, shaking his head and rubbing his snout with the back of his paw, and sniffed the air. His back stiffened and his sleepy eyes widened. Then with a drugged effort, the hanyou pup sauntered over to his older brother and nearly collapsed.
Everyone in the room jumped, even Sesshomaru, but the dog caught himself.
He then sunk his teeth into Sesshomaru's pant leg and lightly tugged on it, never keeping his gaze away from his brother's face.
The demon furrowed his brows and titled his head, "What is it, little brother?"
Inuyasha's legs slipped out from under him and he slumped to his side, releasing his old on the cloth, his voice was thick and soft, "Naraku…coming…protect pack…please…"
Sesshomaru's eyes widened before they hardened into a flaming glare, without saying a word he gently picked up the dog and held him close with one hand.
Everyone's jaws in the room dropped, when they saw…it was his left arm. (Or was it the right that got chopped off...I forgot...)
The dog demon stood up and gripped his sword. He met everyone's eyes…and spoke in monotone. "Naraku is coming."
Nothing else had to be said.
As everyone quickly grabbed their weapons, hearts racing with adrenaline, Sesshomaru headed outside to wait in the street, depicting which way the bastard was coming from.
No one questioned if he was to help.
When Miroku was about to head out himself, he noticed Kaede drawing out her bow and arrow. He frowned and grabbed her shoulder, "Lady Kaede, are you sure?"
She met him face to face, determination in the age old lines, "Yes, Child. He has stolen something precious from us. I am going to make him pay along with the rest of ye."
Miroku swallowed and slowly smiled, though his heart hurt inside, "Yes…we'll make him pay for the pain he has wrought. This will be the day. It's going to end now."
Sango, Shippo, Kagome and Kirara walked up to meet them, hands trembling for whatever reason: fear, excitement. It didn't matter.
They all had the same thing in mind.
Revenge.
Justice.
Today was going to be the day.
The end.
They walked up the narrow street, away from the well and the Goshinboku Tree, the path they always took when starting out on another day of shard hunting…in the old days anyway…in complete silence.
Nothing had to be said.
No questions, no plans, no pep talks, no goodbyes. They were a group on a mission, a grisly gory mission; they knew may not end well.
But it was going to be the end.
Nobody said a word on as to why Sesshomaru brought Yasha with them. He could be no aid in battle, but the pack knew…Yasha wouldn't allow waiting back at the hut.
He was a dog, but a smart and stubborn one.
He would have found a way to get to this battle.
No matter what.
Kagome watched with a tiny smile on how gently Sesshomaru held the pup. The demon must have thought no one noticed, but whenever the dog whimpered, Sesshomaru would give a soft growling noise, settling Yasha back down into a peaceful sleep.
It was cute and she found herself comfortable with having Sesshomaru there with them.
He had an aura of cool strength, of honor and loyalty unbendable as steel, Inuyasha had had that too. But with more heat and fire, of passion.
Kagome looked up at the hidden sky and sent up a small prayer. Watch over us.
She didn't know what else to say.
Her mind was numb of all things, she could hardly think ahead on what would happen in this battle.
Would they win? Would someone else die?
The questions were there but they lied frozen.
Her feet moved on their own accord, her fingers fluttered over her bow with a mind of their own, lifting and pulling an arrow and sliding the string to hitch at the end. Shippo's weight on her shoulder was comforting, his warmth billowing out and caressing her clammy cheek.
Suddenly her heart ached and hiccupped on the prospect of this being his last day on Earth. He was only a little pup. A child. He shouldn't be there, watching this, participating in it. That wasn't right.
But she didn't have the courage to tell him to leave.
He had a right to be there.
He had been there since the beginning.
Eyes watched them silently from windows and doors, flower petals blew across the wind to settle at their feet. Small children huddled to their mother's bosoms, and men clung to their wives.
No words.
She felt alone.
This might be the last day of her life, she realized. Her last moment on this plane. Kagome then pictured her family back through that well. How would they know…if she died in this battle? Would they end up living their lives…waiting? Forever on, questions and pleas choking in their throats?
And what if…she was the only survivor?
That terrified her more than anything.
Sesshomaru stopped.
Everyone did in suit.
The village was left far behind.
It would be certain that the fighting did not reach there.
The grass quivered and blew hither in every direction, the fog began to lift and dissipate (as if fleeing the upcoming blood bath), storm clouds roiled and thundered angrily.
There was that hush of silence…of waiting.
Kagome could just hear a clock ticking, in time with her heartbeat.
Shippo shivered, the movement going straight down her nerve endings.
One more prayer, or more like a silent message flittered across her mind. I love you all.
She began to count.
One….
Swords were withdrawn, the field, their gravesite, reflected in the metal.
Two…
Wood cracked, arrows were aimed, ready, trembling…
Three…
Patience.
Silence.
There was asmall gasp in her left ear. Her heart answered Shippo's exclaim, the tattoo nearly flying from her chest as she heard it as well.
Laughter.
From the corner of her eye, she saw Miroku grasp the prayer beads sealing his hand. Sango sank on her knees, ready to spring. Two small ears twitched from the bundle in Sesshomaru's arms.
It became louder.
The wind howled, picked up speed.
Lightning streaked across the sky.
From before them, a huge explosion rocked the ground; they managed to cover their eyes from the smoke and flames, keeping their feet and stature.
It ended, and they blinked their eyes open, tears clinging to the corners, ears ringing from a terrible cackle filling the air.
Hair stood on end, fingers tightened, teeth grinded, and they glared at the despicable creature before them; tentacles dancing over the crater the blast had created.
It pulled its slimy body over and raised its head. The baboon mask met them with hollow eyes, and its white fur ruffled in the storm's winds.
Another bout of laughter, and a sick greasy voice, low, deep, graveled with humor, tightend the air, "Well, well, well….hello. I have so missed you all. How have your lives been while I've been away?"
Kagome stomped her foot and shot her arrow, narrowly missing the half man's smirking and concealed face. "Shut the hell up, Naraku! And get ready to pay for what you've done!"
Naraku howld and shook his head, the earth still rumbling from the noise of his mirth, "Silly girl, you are no match for me. If I was able to destroy your precious Inuyasha, I will have no trouble ringing the life from all of you." He turned his head and grinned, "Ah, Sesshomaru, I see you have come to join the fun as well. How delightful."
Rage flickered in the dog demon's golden eyes, but his voice was cool as ever, "I am going to rip you to pieces Naraku. That…is a promise."
"Oh, Sesshomaru, are you not happy for what I have done for you? Your younger brother is finally gone from this world. Should you not be thanking me?"
Sesshomaru growled and tightened his arm, hiding Yasha's view, "You bastard! I—"
"What, Sesshomaru? Don't tell me you miss your little Inuyasha? Why, I thought you wanted to kill him? What has become of the cold heartless demon that used to ravage these lands?" Naraku lowered himself, spreading out his many tentacles. From behind him, on a huge snow white feather, watched Kagura and Kanna, merely enjoying the spectacle.
Sesshoamru walked forward and placed himself in front of Kagome, Shippo and the rest of Inuyasha's pack. That proved to be quite hilarious to the disgusting bastard readying for battle.
"Now this is just grand. Inuyasha I hope you are watching this from hell as we speak. For your loyal friends, have already replaced you with your older brother! This is proving to be fairly entertaining." His whole body shook with his amusement.
And it didn't end there, but the laughter got even more loud and abrasive when Yasha leapt out in front of Sesshoamru and growled, showing off his puny fangs.
Naraku could hardly speak, his voice half strangled, "My, my, is that to be your secret weapon? Are you to destroy me with a little…puppy?"
Heat flushed everyone's cheeks and Yasha's hair stood on end, ears laid back.
You Goddamn bastard! I'm going to make you eat your wor—Inuyasha's vision of Naraku suddenly distorted and fuzzed. His throat blocked off and white exploded before his eyes. Wha--?
Son. It is time.
Gravity left him. And fire spurted through his veins. Inuyasha, blind and immobile, could hardly think through the pain.
Fa…ther…ahh!
Yes, son, it is me. You have done well. I am very proud of you. You have been quite patient…and now…the wait is over.
His throat vibrated with a howl, but no sound reached his ears.
I apologize for the pain earlier, my boy, I'm afraid it won't be going away any time soon.
What are you…do you mean…?
Yes, son. Your body is done and ready for you.
Now? You people have rotten…ugh...timing!
A chuckle distracted him momentarily from another burst of lacing pain.
That is true, I suppose. We tried to do it while you were safe in the present but…complications arose. Your body was not fully…capable of holding your soul. It still needed a few adjustments. Sorry about that.
Inuyasha writhed and swallowed back screams, floundering around trying to pierce the white cloak surrounding him. He couldn't see, he could hardly move.
This really…isn't the best, ah, time! If you didn't notice…Naraku—
We know son, do not fret. You'll be fine. By the way, your mate Kagome has seemed to have forgotten your sword. Luckily, we have means of transportation. It'll be waiting for you when you awaken.
Father, I—
Shush, son. Go to sleep, if you stay conscious the pain will be excruciating. Now stop arguing. And be sure to kick that bastard's ass for all of us up here. Your momma says she loves you and good luck. Make us proud, boy.
Papa…
But before he could utter another word, black exploded in the white and draped down before his eyes, wrapping around him like warm vines and dragging him down…down, down, down…he wasn't even aware of when consciousness left him.
Once he was in a deep slumber, the transformation took place.
What in the name of the seven hells was going on?
One moment, Naraku was quivering with laughter at the growling pup in front of him…and then all of sudden; a bright light engulfed the area.
In his dazed mind, when blinking his vision clear, Sesshomaru had thought that bastard had done another blast. And it terrified him when he looked at the place where Inuyasha was a moment ago…to find him gone…
But with some odd stroke of subconscious he tilted his head upward, squinting his eyes on seeing a glowing sphere circling above them.
Deep within the ball of light was a shadow, a figure distorted and hovering in midair. It seemed to bend and pull, spinning in dizzying circles.
A small voice whispered in his mind.
It was Inuyasha.
The time is now.
Sesshomaru then became aware of a ghostly howl ringing low and strong, a wolf's call, a dog's shriek of pain. It became higher, more human, losing the canine quality until…it was his brother's voice, that scream he had heard many times before during battle calls or when injured.
His eyes widened, his brother was gaining his body back.
Well, what a stroke of luck.
And perfect timing.
Without thinking he walked forward, sheathed his sword and called forth air and water, to create a cloud at his feet. He never kept his eyes off the shadowed light when he floated up towards it. When he grew closer, the figure of his little brother's: body back arched, head flung back, arms and legs stretched outward, became clearer.
Sesshomaru became level with him, and took off the outer thick layer of his kimono, reaching and draping it over Inuyasha's hazy chest. He shielded his eyes, and quickly tied the cloth in place, noting how it nearly engulfed the smaller demon boy. When it covered him and was tied securely, it was like someone had snapped their fingers. The light snuffed out and gravity took hold.
Inuyasha, human…hanyou…paw-less, snout-less, and tail-less, slumped into Sesshomaru's arms.
His head flung uselessly, arms flopped without control, and the older demon saw with baited breath…that his chest was not rising.
He moved him into a comfortable position, supporting the hanyou's neck and knees, and waited…Sesshomaru counted his, own, heartbeats, willing air into his brother's lungs.
Another snap of someone's fingers and out of nowhere Inuyasha arched, eyes popped open, and he gasped for his first breathe. Sesshomaru smiled when a furious heartbeat reached his ears, and he tightened his hold on his younger brother when he thrashed, eyes tearing, mouth gaping, gulping hungrily at oxygen.
The hanyou then slowly calmed, and closed his eyes, drinking in air and starting to shiver, snuggling into Sesshomaru's kimono, warm with his body heat.
His breathing was the next thing to slow, growing deep as sleep started to invade. Sesshomaru started to head back down to earth.
But before his feet met ground, the forgotten Naraku struck at him with a snarl of rage, "NO! You're supposed to be dead! Why in the hell are you still alive? I saw you die, I killed you myself, what is going on?"
Sesshomaru, in a flash, supported Inuyasha with one arm, and blocked the attack with his unsheathed sword with the other. He growled, eyes flaring red, and dodged another fling of those tentacles. Naraku continued to rant and scream.
"You let him go this instant! Let me kill him, I'll be certain to do it right this time! AAAGGGHHH!" Sesshomaru had successfully dismantled one of his many arms, green ooze smearing the dog-demon's cheek.
"You will not, Naraku. I will not allow you to kill him again." He jumped, spun, and released a brilliant arc of energy, electricity and flaming power smacking Naraku across the chest.
As he waited for Naraku to recover, a whimper caught his attention and he looked down at Inuyasha trying to awaken. "Do not rise, little brother. There is no need."
The hanyou answered in the canine tongue, "Have to…protect…ugh…why am I so sore?"
Sesshomaru chuckled, "Why do you not try speaking Inuyasha, I believe you shall find your voice. As for your soreness…well…that is to be expected, I suppose."
Inuyasha's brows lowered into a 'v', and he slowly opened his eyes a tiny miniscule fraction, he blinked and terror clouded the pale orbs. "I…I can't see…"
Sesshomaru frowned and jumped back as a flying ball of miasma flew through the air, "I would not worry, Inuyasha. I believe you are just not yet fully equipped to your new body. Give it time."
"Uhh….n-new body?"
"Yes, little brother. Welcome back." Sesshomaru smiled and spun to the side, spouting out another electrical strike of his sword. He was feeling mighty….light and chipper at the moment. Now why could that be?
The hanyou swallowed a few times, his mouth dry and sore, and slowly….trying to squash his hope, foolishly trying to rise…spoke. "Big…brother…?" His throat contracted in pain, raw, and raspy with disuse. But it soon grew less troublesome, and his lips stretched into a grin. "Oh, damn…it's my voice…I can talk! Thank God!" he laughed gently, but the mirth dissipated when his ears (the ringing that filled them, starting to edge off) twitched with another one of Naraku's battle cry, laced in increasing frustration.
The black curtain over his vision started to fuzz gray and then colors spun into view. Inuyasha blinked, groaning by how lightheaded and dizzy it was making him feel to try to focus. "Sessho…what the…hell is going on?" His body was going to take its own sweet time to gain his eyesight back.
Damn.
Well, at least he could hear.
Sesshomaru's voice was calm, normal, but it had a warm undertone to it that Inuyasha couldn't really explain. He was…a little tired, slow in thinking, but not like before. "There is one person who is not very happy on your return, I'm afraid."
Inuyasha smirked, "Let me just guess…" His words cut off when Sesshomaru was too slow on dodging an attack and groaned by a slash in his side. The smell of blood plugged Inuyasha's nostrils. He growled and with blind eyes, looked in all possible directions, "Are you alright?"
His brother's response was tense, "Fine, now shut up. You're distracting me."
Inuyasha ground his teeth, "No, put me down. I need to get my sword."
Sesshomaru twisted around and slashed another attack before answering, "I'm afraid not, little brother. If you have forgotten, you are blind and unable to move. I don't suppose you can even walk."
"I could walk just fine. Now dammit, put me down and let me help you. You can't defeat Naraku while carrying me!"
"I can very well do anything, Inuyasha! Now quit with your futile works on an argument and lay still!" Sesshomaru growled and bore his fangs down at the bleary eyed hanyou. It was faint, but Inuyasha could almost see the gleaming points of his teeth.
Grudgingly he settled down, and relaxed his muscles. Gritting his teeth in frustration, Inuyasha waited impatiently for his soul to "get in one" with his new body.
New body. Damn! It was good to be back. But he'd celebrate later.
With salty tears cleaning out his eye sockets, Inuyasha mumbled under his breath, feeling the answering aura of power and strength tingling in his heart and sword hand, "Tetsusaiga, come to me now."
His entire body sung with calling, a magnet to the spirit of his trusty sword, unbeknownst to the hanyou, but which was flying low in the grass towards him in record speed.
Where it had been, or how it had gotten there, was Tetsusaiga's little secret.
It hummed in satisfaction and greeting when it landed in Inuyasha's outstretched hand.
"It's good to see you two," and with ignoring his brother's protest, Inuyasha back flipped and landed on the ground…wobbling a bit when his leg muscles tingled from the exertion. The hanyou hurriedly wiped his eyes, rubbing them for good measure and was awarded with bright clear vision, a pissed off Naraku being the first thing he saw.
The demon snarled once more, "Why are you still alive? You're supposed to be dead!"
Inuyasha smirked and stepped forward, being sure to keep his steps straight and unwavering. His older brother watched him in fascination and surprise and….Inuyasha wasn't sure…but…pride? He shook his head and concentrated on the bastard before him, lifting up his sword, he laughed with malicious intent, "Well, Naraku I guess that shows you can never get rid of me…even in death. Oh…and by the way…hell has a special spot…just for you! Say hi to Satan for me!"
And with that, Inuyasha jumped high into the air and brought down his sword, right smack dab between Naraku's eyeballs, the Wind Scar rushed and swirled all across the valley, mixing with the final disturbing shriek…of that mangy bastard.
When the wind and light dissipated, long fork grooves, a mile long, marred the earth in every direction. And where Naraku had once been, was a big pile of soot and ash.There was nothing left….except…
For a mangled puppet, wooden pieces scattered around the dirt and smoldering flames.
In disappointment, Inuyasha landed on the ground and sheathed his sword, tying the hilt around his waist. He sighed and meshed his bangs, "Ah, dammit! Why is it always a puppet! He actually killed me with one of those stupid things! When did they get so strong?" He crossed his arms with a pout and glared at the ground. "Dammit to hell. I was hoping I finally killed him. That would have been so sweet, perfect pay back!"
He jumped by a sudden chuckle and a slap on the shoulder, "Do not be too disappointed, little brother, you'll get him sooner or later. Now I must say, for only being in your normal body for a good ten minutes, you did that Wind Scar flawlessly."
An extremely big understatement…but Inuyasha was shocked.
A grin slowly spread across his face, "Really? Thanks!" suddenly light headedness overtook him and he bobbed to and fro, "Oh…but I think I might have done too much too soon….ah, shit…" before he hit the ground, hands grabbed him, and Sesshomaru took one of his arms and pulled it across the back of his neck, supporting Inuyasha to his shaky feet. He smiled, eyelids drooping, "Uh, thanks…"
Sesshomaru frowned and straightened, before answering, a small lift to the corner of his mouth, "Your welcome." Slowly he turned and helped Inuyasha walk back…to frozen pack members. Their eyes were huge, glassy with unshed tears, mouths were gaping, and their legs appeared ready to collapse beneath them.
Inuyasha bit his lip, "Ah, man…I got a lot of work ahead of me don't I?"
Sesshomaru seemed confused at first before glancing over to his brother's shocked stupor friends, he nodded, "I'm afraid so…it will take some time for them to…accept this. Humans are….quite fragile creatures."
Inuyasha snorted, "You have no idea. It took me forever just to get them to stop crying."
Sesshomaru smirked, "That must have been uncomfortable for you."
The hanyou smiled and shook his head, "At first I guess, but now I'm used to it. Good thing to….I think there's going to be….a lot of crying pretty soon."
The older demon sighed, a slight exaggeration, Inuyasha laughed. "You don't have to stay you know. I'm a little shocked you're helping me in the first place."
"Well…since you have already died….it would be…hmm…stupid, I suppose could be the word, to do so again. So…what else am I to do?"
Inuyasha blinked, a little stunned by how Sesshomaru was acting, and even more stunned…by how quickly he was getting used to it. He found himself smiling, "Well…grab your companions, that creepy toad thing and I think….Rin, right? That cute little human girl that follows you around?"
He laughed harder by the almost unnoticeable blush tingeing Sesshomaru's pale cheeks.
"Yeah, Rin, that's right. Go find her, and head back to the village. I have been stuck eating dog food for weeks, I need Ramen and maybe a deer! We'll have a celebration!" When they neared closer to his pack, Kaede fell to her knees, and Sango gripped to Miroku like a life line. Kagome looked about ready to run for it.
Inuyasha sighed, "But I guess…I have some stuff to do before then."
He removed his arm and Sesshomaru released him to stand on his own two feet.
The hanyou took one step forward and crossed his arms, giving a full blown cocky smirk.
"And what the hell is wrong with you guys? You all look like you've just seen a ghost."
I know that's a bit OOC, but come ON people...it's ME!
And now...time to party! YES! YES! YES!
I DID IT! I did it, I did it, I...DID...IT!
HE HAS HIS BODY BACK! YEAH! It took...FOREVER!
But...I DID IT!
Now, I order you all...TO REVIEW!
And to check out my bud's forums.
JA NE!
Pause...
Takes deep breath
I DID IT!