Chapter 6-Rulers of the Castle

The sound of the battle inside the castle rang through out the castle as clear as crystal as the two demon brothers attacked each other without mercy. Inuyasha however, had been toying with Sesshomorru from the very beginning due to his newly acquired power and transformed body. "What's wrong Sesshomorru? Don't tell me you've gotten sloppy while I wasaway," said Inuyasha who knew that by taunting him enemy he could bait them into an unforeseen trap.

(Kaede's village)

Sango had flown back to Kaede's village knowing that Kanna was the only true person who could help her find Inuyasha. She immediately jumped off Kilala and ran past Kaede before she could ask questions. Sango entered into the hut where Kanna and Shippo were and saw that everything was as she left it. Even the hole in he ceiling was the same after Inuyasha jumped through the ceiling to create it. "Kanna I need your help to find your master. He jumped off a waterfall and survived, but I need to know where he is and if he is all right. Kagome and the others are trying to catch up with him, but I think he can out run him till he reaches his destination. Will you help me Kanna?" said Sango hoping that Kanna would.

"Of course I will always help those to find my master because he is important to me...just as he is to you," Kanna bowing her head not seeing Sango brief blush that came across her face as her mirror glowed white for a second showing a shirtless Inuyasha, who was in a castle with his sword Tetsuigia drawn and deadlocked with another demon Sango had recognized all too well from past run ins with him...Sesshomorru.

"Oh no Inuyasha is fighting Sesshomorru and to make it even possibly more worse is he's fighting Sesshomorru in his brother's castle. We got to get over their," said Shippo frantically as Sesshomorru swung his blade down on Inuyasha who blocked the attack and counter with his own.

"Please wait and watch the mirror little one for all is not as bad as the fight would appear to originally be. Sesshomorru maybe a full blooded demon, but my master is the stronger of the two," said Kanna with a rare smile on her face that echoed confidence about the strength of Inuyasha, which convinced Sango and Shippo to stay to see how the fight would play out.

(Western Lands Castle)

Sesshomorru was clearly surprised by two clear things at this point during the fight with Inuyasha. One, Inuyasha's speed, strength and power far surpassed what any NORMAL half-demon possessed even in his transformed state. Two, Inuyasha was wielding Tetsuigia like a master swordsman in his transformed state when he shouldn't. 'Inuyasha shouldn't be able wielding Tetsuigia in his transformed state. He shouldn't even be able to control his transformed state much less beat me in it,' thought Sesshomorru as he then blocked a deadly blow from Tetsuigia that was aimed at his waist line.

"In case your wondering Sesshomorru about my transformed state and I know that you are because I can see it in your eyes. Let's just say you can thankNaraku for unknowingly granting me this incredible power I now wield and control. As for Tetsuigia...I think it accepts me because I still have people I protect with it...just not as many anymore," said Inuyasha who broke the dead lock and did a right round house spin kick in the air sending Sesshomorru into a stone pillar to his left.

Sesshomorru got up slowly knowing then that if Inuyasha had wished to end it right then and there he would have meaning Inuyasha was toying with him. Sesshomorru did not like being someone else's personal fighting toy nor did he like the opposite position since it got boring fast. However, in his current position Sesshomorru couldn't stand the hugely intense thought of loosing a fight to a half-demon in his own castle, when the half-demon was none other then his little brother. "You won't win Inuyasha...I won't allow it," said Sesshomorru as he felt his cold demeanor melting off his face and Inuyasha saw it almost immediately.

"Then show me what you got my brother and show me what it means to be a full blood demon who is the Lord of the Western Lands," said Inuyasha baiting Sesshomorru in deeper then before with a motion of his free left hand.

(Kaede's Village)

Sango was on Kilala with Shippo and Kanna as they got ready tohead to the Western Lands using a shortcut Inuyasha once told her about. He told her one night when a conversation sprung up about the Western Lands how to reach the Western Lands from Kaede's village in less then a day. "Sango do you truly believe you have to go find Inuyasha now in the Western Lands? That is very dangerous territory to enter my dear even for a demon slayer such as ye child," said Kaede worriedly.

"Priestess Kaede please understand I have to go because Kagome and the others could still attack Inuyasha while he is distracted by Sesshomorru and could kill them both. I care for Inuyasha and I don't want to see them hurt him," said Sango as Kilala took to the air to the Western Lands.

Kaede sighed as she saw the group head to the Western Lands to catch up with Inuyasha and the others that wanted to kill him. "To be in love I truly fear is a crime in itself if not a sake' barrel full of irony," said Kaede who feared for them all.

(Western Lands Castle)

Sesshomorru leaped at Inuyasha and swung his blade at Inuyasha deflected the attack with his sword while holding it with one hand while then kneeing the demon lord before knocking him down with his free left hand. The two blows devastating blows were too powerful for Inuyasha's brother to recover from and both had effectively help defeat Sesshomorru. At that moment Rin had run into the throne room and saw Inuyasha now standing over Sesshomorru with the tip of his blade over her lord's throat. "No! Lord Sesshomorru! Please don't kill him mister. He's...he's all Rin has and...Rin is absolutely nothing without him. Rin will be nothing without him," said Rin after she ran desperately to Sesshomorru's side crying tears of sorrow that moved Inuyasha's heart.

"You care for Sesshomorru like a father don't you little one?" said Inuyasha as he moved his blade from Sesshomorru's neck to Rin's innocent looking face.

"Y...yes sir. Rin is alive because of Lord Sesshomorru brought Rin back to life after Rin died for what seemed so long. Rin owes Sesshomorru Rin's life now and forever," said Rin whose voice spoke fluidly at first after the brief stutter despite having a blade near her face.

"I see. So my brother is not as cold heart one might let one believe. Interesting to say the least when it comes to someone like Sesshomorru. However, just as you owe your life to my demon brother...Rin. My brother now owes his life to me till I see fit to release him of that burden or till I die at the hands of my enemies. Right Sesshomorru?" said Inuyasha who knew Sesshomorru's response before it left his lips.

"Yes Inuyasha you are correct. As per our earlier wager for this fight I hereby allow you to live in this castle as long as you like and recognize you as an equal in our family and clan," said Sesshomorru who saw Inuyasha smile when he said that and put the blade that was Tetsuigia away into its sheathe.

"Good because soon a group of uninvited guests that want me dead will becoming here and I need your helpas well as want your support to drive them away," said Inuyasha as the demon Lord of the Western Lands that was Sesshomorru got up from the ground with Rin's kind assistance and put Tokijin back by his waist.

"Who?" said Sesshomorru who was both curious and suspicious about Inuyasha's words about a group of people wanting him dead since it seemed...unnatural.

"Let's just say that they areold acquaintances of mine I once trusted with my life. Now they are my enemies who have betrayed that trust and wish my life to end," said Inuyasha whose voice sounded sad and hurt when he spoke.

"That girl Kagome and your fellow allies that you traveled with to fight and kill Naraku have betrayed you. They wanted youdead because you were half-demon and they hated you despite all the good you did for them and all the times you saved them from death," said Sesshomorru surmised.

"Yes. However, there were a select few in the group who do want me dead that are also searching for me. But knowing her she will try a different approach to find me," said Inuyasha whose heart seemed to lighten when he was speaking about those who cared for him.

"She?" said Sesshomorru curiously.

"Sango the demon slayer, her faithful cat demon Kilala, the lovable demon fox of a child Shippo are all loyal to me, and Kanna of the mirror," said Inuyasha who felt the comfort he had wanted for so long when he said those names.

"Kanna! Naraku's incarnation serves you! Why?" said Sesshomorru who found it quite surprising that the most loyal of Naraku's incarnation would join his brother.

"Because of Kagura who was killed by Naraku by being absorbed back into Naraku's body and Kanna fears she may in fact be next. She knows I am more powerful then her former master and will gladly serve me loyally for protection against Naraku," said Inuyasha who saw Sesshomorru think about it for a moment before nodding as he nearly shuddered at the thought of being absorbed into Naraku.

Before more discussion could be brought to this matter with Naraku a certain group of people entered the room of the castle looking quite angry at Inuyasha. "Time to die mutt," said Koga as Kagome, Kikyo, and Miroku came up from behind him.

"Such rude guests have entered our home my brother wouldn't agree? (Sesshomorru stays silent and just nods) Let's show themwhat it meansto enter ones castle uninvited and threaten the owners in such a stupid way," said Inuyasha who smiles as Sesshomorru shifts his position slightly to shield Rin from the intruders of the castle.

"You want them to die or just have them thrown out? After all my brother...they are or rather were your former friends," said Sesshomorru as Rin realizing the danger that was in front of her ran and hid behind Sesshomorru's throne.

"After their on the ground beaten and defeated I will decide their fate then...not now," said Inuyasha who stood up straight waiting for them to attack.

"What this? Your not going to even get ready to fight and just stand their? This is going to be easier then I thought," said Koga who charged at Inuyasha at full speed while Kikyo and Kagome readied their bows with arrows at him.

"I guess that means that you're a simple minded fool then wolf cub," said Inuyasha who dodged the attack with ease and swung a leg out that Koga in the back sending him flying into a stone pillar that shattered from the impact.

Kagome seeing her opportunity fired her sacred arrow at Inuyasha who just shifted to the left side ever so slightly and missed being hit by the sacred arrow, but the arrow stopped at the wall near the throne where Rin was hiding. Sesshomorru seeing that Rin's life was in possible jeopardy acted upon this and moved with his own speed and sliced Kagome's bow into two. "You should be more careful of where you aim little priestess," said a very angry Sesshomorru who then knocked Kagome into Miroku who was sent to the ground from the add force from Kagome's weight.

Kikyo understood what Sesshomorru meant and lowered her bow and arrow as she then watched Inuyasha deliver several punches and kicks to Koga's struggling body. Before Koga knew what was happening Inuyasha leaped into the air and sent a diving kick at Koga's head sending him into the floor...hard. To Inuyasha such an impact would have killed anyone who wasn't strong, but miraculously Koga was still alive...barely. "Well I'll say this for you Koga, you sure are the most stubborn and hard headed person I ever met in my life," said Inuyasha who picked up Koga and threw him on top of Kagome who was still on top of Miroku.

"What now that they are defeated?" said Sesshomorru who kept an eye on Kikyo who remained silent the entire time of the fight with her bow and arrow still lowered.

"These three will be thrown out (point to Koga, Miroku, and Kagome) while Kikyo who knew better then to intervene in on the fight will stay...if she wants," said Inuyasha who caught both Kikyo and Sesshomorru by surprise.

"Why her? I thought you said they wanted you dead," said Sesshomorru curiously not really understanding the reason for Inuyasha's decision.

"Simple my brother. Out of every one of them here...she was the only one, who was not trying to kill me, but merely injure me in order to slow me down. She did that so I could give her answers she seeks to questions she does not understand about my behavior.However, I believe she knows so she poses no threat to me," said Inuyasha who looked at Kikyo who merely nodded in agreement.

Sesshomorru understood and nodded as well before summoning several guards to his throne room and they saw the damaged that had been done. "See that THESE three here get taken some place away from here then send a master builder in here to repair my throne room," said Sesshomorru who saw the guards bow their heads and proceeded to do what their lord asked of them.

After the guards left Rin came running out from behind the throne smiling as she then proceeded to run up to Sesshomorru and hugged his leg. "Lord Sesshomorru you and your brother are all right now yes? Rin was worried when the lady in the weird clothing shot the arrow that almosthit Rin, but Rin is okay now thanks to you and your brother," said Rin in a happy voice as she hugged Sesshomorru tighter.

Sesshomorru respectfully patted Rin on the head to comfort her and as an unknown sign for her to let go of his leg. "Your welcome Rin now go find Jaken and bring him here for I must speak with him of an important matter," said Sesshomorru who saw Rin bow her head and run off to find the toad.

When Rin was out of sight Kikyo decided to speak while she had a chance since she never really said whether or not she would stay in the castle with Inuyasha. "Inuyasha...I wish to stay with you in this castle with you to assist in protecting you from those who would do you harm," said Kikyo who found herself showing so much emotion in her voice when she spoke.

Inuyasha smiled a gentle smile, but before he could answer her, Inuyasha was interrupted as the room was entered once more. However, this time it was by a much different group of people that the half-demon knew and cared for. "Hello Kanna, Kilala, Shippo, and my dear sweet Sango for you have come at the most opportune time," said Inuyasha who had turned to face the group who entered the throne room.

Sango looked confused for a moment before noticing Kikyo with her bow and arrow still in her hands and readied her boomerang to fight her. However, she was stopped by none other then Inuyasha who stepped between the two ladies shaking his head. "Inuyasha are you all right? We saw Kagome, Miroku, and Koga thrown out by some soldiers as we snuck into the castle. What happened?" said Sango as she stared at Kikyo carefully as the undead priestess did the same.

"It's a long story Sango, but I'll tell you later since right now we have more important things to attend to," said Inuyasha as Rin and Jaken appeared.

"You called me Lord Sesshomorru?" said Jaken whose vision was temporarily damaged because of Rin treating him like a small horse.

"Yes Jaken I want you to have rooms prepared for our guests for they will be staying in the castle with us for as long as they see fit," said Sesshomorru who ignored their clearly surprised expressions as well as Rin's happy one.

"Yes my lord," said Jaken as he limped away with the help of his Staff of Two Heads for support as he left the room.

"Lord Sesshomorru does that mean Rin will have more friends to play with?" said Rinin a very happy voice.

This time Inuyasha spoke to Rin instead of Sesshomorru who was relieved because he really didn't want to answer her question. "More then that little one. In fact I think Kikyo here could use a potential apprentice like you," said Inuyasha who received looks from everyone including Sesshomorru.

"What do you mean an apprentice?" said Kikyo not sure why Inuyasha would make such a statement.

"Think about it Kikyo. You can't stay an undead priestess forever and someone has to at least carry on the teachings and skills you learned when you were young. Besides, I sense there is more to this child then anyone else could imagine. In fact Kikyo, right now I can sense immense spiritual power sleeping within the girl that I believe with your guidance could become more powerful then yours," said Inuyasha as he saw the undead priestesses look, which was full of shock and surprise.

Sesshomorru realized that Tenseiga had saved Rin for that reason among others he had yet to understand, but the end result was still the same. "She would be most helpful in the future if she were strong with spiritual powers. All right then Rin will be trained in such ways by Kikyo giving her all the more reason for her to stay in the castle," said a neutral voiced Sesshomorru and saw Rin's eyes light up with glee.

"Really Lord Sesshomorru? Rin is going to be a priestess like the beautiful lady here?" said Rin in a happy voice she was so used to speaking with.

"Yes," said Sesshomorru who found Rin now clinging to his leg yet again in another one of her hugs.

"Now that that's taken care of I would like to take Sango as well as the others on a tour around the castle with me. But first, I think I need a tailor since being without a shirt on is kind of making me feel a little...exposed," said Inuyasha making Sango and Kikyo blush at the sight of him now that everything for what seemed like a long time settled down.

"Of course we will takecare of that right now as well as get the rest of you some other clothes for you. Follow me please," said Sesshomorru noticing this as well as the two women's blushing reaction towards his brothers words as began leading them through the rooms to the one with the tailor.

(Somewhere at night in a distant forest)

Kagome, Miroku, and Koga awoke finding themselves on the grass with several bruises, headaches, and wounded pride to boot. They had failed again to kill Inuyasha and what made things worse was Sesshomorru was now on his side. To make matters worse they didn't know what happened to Kikyo, who for they knew could have finally been killed by either Inuyasha or Sesshomorru. "What are we going to do? Now were weaker then we were before?" said Kagome who was pouting and throwing an angry fit that Koga clearly hated as did the others when she had thrown others in the past.

"That's where I come in my dear and if you help I not only give you the jewel, but I'll also help you kill that foolish half-breed Inuyasha along with all of the others who stand by him," said a familiar voice that they all recognized and hated as much as Inuyasha.

"Naraku," said Miroku in disgust as the figure in Baboon fur and pelt with poison insects flying everywhere.

(A/N: HA! Never saw that one coming did you? I am the master of suspense. The king of white knuckles. The count of monticliftos. The...well you get the idea. Don't forget to review.