Disclaimer: If I owned IY or YYH I'd so have Sesshoumaru and Yoko to myself!

Chapter 9

Storming the Castle

The day was bright and the roads were clear. The merry band of warriors marched, for the most part, comfortably down the dirt road.

"Can't you guys hurry up?" Kagome asked, frustrated with the sedate pace her companions were setting.

"I though we were going at a pretty decent pace," Yuusuke commented offhandedly, ignoring the glare Kagome shot him.

"Momma's used to traveling at a dead run. In the past it always seemed that we were rushing to one place or another. So, yeah, I guess a walk would be slow," Shippou pretended to consider. "Then again, most of the time we were rushing around because Momma managed to get herself mortally wounded some way or another,"

"Shippou..." Kagome growled, her eyebrow twitching.

"Yes Momma?" he answered sweetly.

"I am going to kill you. Slowly. If you don't shut up very soon," she threatened, holding up a glowing fist.

Shippou grinned impishly. So did Yoko. She could feel Sesshoumaru smirk and she just knew that Miroku-sama and Koga-kun were grinning. Kagome groaned inwardly wondering what it was that drove her to attach herself to so many devious and cocky men.

Shippou yelped comically when Kagome made a pathetic attempt to make good on her threat, singeing his tail. With a wounded look he scampered away, clutching his injured tail protectively.

"Momma!" He whined. Kagome just smirked.

"You're a big boy Shippou-chan, you can handle it,"

"Abusive parent,"

"Discipline, my dear son," she corrected, "Not abuse. And I want to hurry so that we can get Souta back as soon as possible,"

"Well, don't worry. We're going slow so that we can meet up a couple more of my kids, then we'll boot it over there and slaughter the creep, okay?"

Kagome grinned a little, "That's my boy. You can tell who raised you,"

"Yeah, I'm this weird, messed up composite of you and Sesshoumaru-sama with just a little Inuyasha tossed in to liven up the party," Shippou quipped, grinning as well.

"Of course," Kagome agreed.

"Oi!" Yuusuke interrupted, "When's lunch?"

"Did we even think to pack some food?" Kurama wondered, regaining control from Yoko. Everyone looked at each other, each shaking their heads.

"Aw, crap," Yuusuke moaned tragically. No food, what was going to become of him?

"Oh, grow up," Kagome sighed, "You're not the only one who's going to be hungry because of this slip up,"

"Not the point," he grumbled.

"Just remember, Yuusuke-san," Miroku said sagely, "That the mind is more powerful than the body,"

Kagome and Shippou rolled their eyes.

"You're so full of it sometime, Miroku," Shippou said. Miroku huffed indignantly.

"Well, I was only trying to be helpful,"

"You could be helpful by finding food," Yuusuke growled.

Sesshoumaru paused, halting everyone else in their tracks. His eyes narrowed as he studied the road ahead. Worried, Kagome placed her hand on his arm, letting him know that she wanted to hear his thoughts.

"Another one of Shippou's Kids is up ahead. He shall be arriving momentarily," he stated, turning to face his Master Spy.

Shippou grinned and stepped back a pace, looking at the cloudless sky. Lightning raced down from the heavens and struck the earth before the red kitsune. The lightning took the form of a tall, lean youkai on his knees before the Master Spy.

'Speak," Shippou directed.

"The fortress is walled and for the most part underground. The upper levels contain nothing more than the living quarters of guests and the rogue toushin. The sublevels contain the laboratories, scientists and the subjects,"

Kagome choked back a sob. Kurama handed control over and Yoko wrapped his arms around her in a tight, reassuring embrace. The lightning youkai continued.

"They have not pinpointed exactly what factor the two surviving subjects have in common. Currently there are only two survivors, both males in their early teens. Forgive me Shippou-sama, for I cannot tell you anything more at present,"

"It is enough," Shippou nodded, his attention on his mother. He was frowning over the fact that Yoko had dared embrace her in public, but inwardly glad the silver kitsune could offer her comfort.

"Hear that," he whispered into her hair, "Souta could still be alive,"

"Of course he's alive, "Kagome said, drawing in a shaky breath, "He's my brother. He's got to be alive. The bad things only happen to me. I protect him,"

"We'll get him back," Yoko promised, "no matter what, we'll get him back and you can train him to become a great Priest, the best Tokyo will ever see," Kagome smiled a little.

"You can be really sweet sometime, you know that?"

"I know," he grinned impishly. She smacked his arm with mock irritation.

"Humble too,"

"A regular paragon of righteousness,"

"And I'll believe that the day you turn into a woman," she snorted. Yoko arched an eyebrow.

"A woman, Kagome?"

"That I would pay to see," Shippou grinned. Yoko tossed a growl at him.

"Now boys," Kagome warned, stepping between the kitsune, "be nice,"

"But momma!" Shippou whined, "I was just saying that a female Yoko would be an interesting sight to see, wouldn't you agree?"

Kagome considered, eyeing Yoko from head to toe. She was silent and soon an guiltily amused smile gave her thoughts away.

"Thank you Kagome," Yoko groaned, "That is such a help for my masculine pride,"

"Anytime," She giggled, 'But you have to admit that you'd make a sexy woman,"

"Of course I would," he sniffed, "But that's not the point,"

"You're right," Kagome relented, "I'm sorry. It was wrong of me to even entertain such thoughts,"

"Shall we proceed?" Sesshoumaru asked impatiently.

"Let's" Miroku agreed.

"By all means," Kagome nodded, "The sooner we get a move on the sooner I can purify this freak-job and rescue Souta,"


They traveled for a full two days before they were intercepted by another one of Shippou's Kids. This one was an abnormally average looking rabbit youkai. She seemed quite soft spoken and jumpy but delivered a flawless report.

According to her report the fortress the sought was not two hours away. To get to the sublevels they would have to get through not just the border guards, a small army of low and mid-level youkai but also a group of elite specialty fighters, mercenaries there only for the money. When they got past them – and she was sure they would because Sesshoumaru-sama could not lose – they would be in the labs. The head doctor was being held there against his will and would do just about anything to gain his freedom. He knows nothing about the pending assault but she was certain he could be of use.

But perhaps the most joyous news she brought was a description of one of the surviving subjects that matched Souta. The little rabbit youkai warned her though that through he was alive the experimentation had changed him drastically.

"But he's alive," Shippou reassured his mother, "And he's still Souta," Kagome nodded.

"So onwards and upwards for a couple more hours and let's dive headfirst into a bloodbath," she said, fingering fumetsu's hilt.

"Finally," Yuusuke grinned wickedly. Hiei smirked, his crimson eyes twinkling.

"It has been far too long," he agreed.

Sure enough, not even an hour later they encountered the first of the border guards. Hiei and Yuusuke quickly dispatched the groups of mid-class youkai with little resistance and much split blood on the victim's parts. Kagome was almost disappointed with how shoddy the outer defenses were.

The gates of the walled fortress stood at least three stories high. Sesshoumaru directed Kouga to break them down. The wolf did, executing a perfectly placed spinning side kick and knocking them clean off their hinges. An alarm sounded inside, but none of the invading group paid it heed. Swords were drawn, whips brought to fore, every weapon of choice appearing. Yuusuke's hair grew out and dark tattoos covered his face, chest and arms. Kagome watched out of the corner of her eye, feeling his youki spike. So this was the toushin, she thought.

They cut through the army like a knife. Blood and body parts flew through the air. Sesshoumaru directed Kagome to take Shippou and Yoko and go on ahead while they took care of matters here. Kagome nodded and dragged the kitsune through the deadly mob. She sliced through the army mercilessly, staining fumetsu with youkai blood. Two whips lashed out on either side of her, reducing their opponents to diced meat chunks.

"How are you holding up, Momma?" Shippou called above the screaming.

"Been worse off," She grimaced, "It's disgusting. Flying body parts! I think I'm going to have to scrub my hair for a week just to get the blood out!"

"At least your hair is black," Yoko grimaced.

"Point taken," Kagome grinned, laughing at his sour expression.

They found a locked door, soon unlocked thanks to Yoko. Shippou led them through the halls and Yoko took the rear with Kagome sandwiched between them.

"Well, well," said an amused voice. Shippou froze, halting Kagome and Yoko as well, "What do we have here? Two kitsune and a human. Strange threesome, but who can account for taste,"

Shippou lunged forwards without a word of warning. The youkai dodged, barely escaping.

"Slow!" he taunted. Shippou whipped around, his whip gone, replaced with a pair of wicked looking kodachi and neatly bisected the offending youkai. Kagome wondered briefly where he had hidden those but had no time to dwell. Shippou was already pressing forwards again.

They came across another youkai standing in their way. This one Yoko dispatched with calm abandon. Blood sprayed against the wall and their clothing, staining them more than they already were.

"Momma's going to hate me for this," Kagome commented, "She hates having to wash blood out of my clothes,"

"Well, remind her that it was all to get Souta back and I think she'll forgive you," Yoko said, grinning.

"If you offer to help with the washing," Shippou tossed in with a laugh.

"Any of you feel like helping?" she asked sarcastically, slightly annoyed at their attitudes. They shut up.

The third youkai they encountered looked like a chiseled boulder. Yoko groaned when they watched him sink into the stone floor.

"What is it?"

"Kurama has been up against a youkai like this," he explained as they dodged an attack that seemingly came out of nowhere, "the youkai is of stone and can move freely in rock of any kind,"

"Well," Kagome said, thinking, "Then let me take care of this," she slammed fumetsu into the floor, the demonblade slicing through easily, and filled it with her mikoki. The mikoki rushed through the blade and into their surroundings. A tortured wail echoed throughout the halls as the stone youkai died.

"Well, that was simple," Shippou commented.

"Let's get going,"


"Well, I don't know if I should be honored or distressed that Sesshoumaru-sama didn't see fit to be here himself," said a man sitting on a grand throne.

"Oh Sesshoumaru's here," Kagome reassured, "He's just delegating the unworthy to others," she smirked when the man's expression darkened.

"You tread on dangerous grounds, human," he warned. Kagome growled, stepping past Yoko and Shippou.

"No, you tread on dangerous grounds. Who do you think you are, experimenting on human subjects?"

"Rightful ruler of Makai, of course," he said flippantly.

"Rightful ruler, my behind," Kagome laughed contemptuously, "That title belongs to Sesshoumaru and no one else until he decides to step down. Meanwhile, what have you done with my little brother?"

"Your little brother? I have no idea,"

"Liar! Your magician kidnapped him and you have him here!" She screamed.

"Is that so?" he asked slowly, suddenly on guard, "Well, why don't we find out together? Tejinashi, come here,"

A tall man entered from a side door and knelt before the toushin. Kagome stiffened, recognizing the youki.

"That him? Shippou whispered. She nodded.

"Milord?" the youkai asked.

"Have you any idea, Tejinashi, what this human is talking about when she accuses you of absconding with her brother?"

"None, milord," he replied, not even glancing back.

"Don't lie to a miko," Kagome warned, stepping closer, "I recognize your aura, you filth," she started sparking pink. The magician looked up, startled. "What? Didn't think that the miko of that shrine knew how to get to the Makai? I created the Makai, you fool! I created the Three Worlds!"

"You!" he gasped out, scooting backwards. Kagome snarled, baring teeth.

"Yes, me. You took my little brother, you turned him over for experimentation and now you are going face the wrath of…" she grinned, "my son,"

"What!" Shippou exclaimed, surprised. Kagome looked over her shoulder for a second.

"Don't you want to sharpen your claws on him, Shippou?"

"Shippou?" the magician whimpered, recognizing the name.

"Well," Shippou relented easily, "if you insist, Momma,"

"Good. Cuz I want a piece of this scum," she said, turning to the toushin, "He's the reason Souta's here after all,"

"You? You think that you can fight me, little human?" he asked, standing. He towered over her by at least three feet, but Kagome refused to be daunted. It was not like he was much taller than Sesshoumaru, after all.

"Bring it on, you pathetic excuse for a toushin," she taunted holding fumetsu before her in a guard position. The toushin drew a wicked looking sword from where it hung on his throne.

"Kagome," Yoko started.

"This is mine, Yoko," Kagome replied, stopping him before he said too much.

"If it looks like he's beating you I will step in," he promised fervently. Kagome nodded.

"Thank you. If anything happens to me-"

"It won't!" he interrupted vehemently. Kagome continued anyways.

"But if anything does, please get Souta and the other survivor and get out of here,"

"Kagome…" Yoko pled desperately, "Nothing will happen to you. You will win," Kagome smirked.

"Of course I will. But this is just in case,"

"Are you ready to die little human?"

"Shippou," Kagome called, "Don't bother with distance. He's weak up close,"

"Thanks, Momma," he called back and rushed in, claws poised for rending.

Kagome studied her opponent closely. He was tall, well muscled, moved like a cat. His eyes never left hers and she was suddenly reminded of Naraku. She pushed her fear down violently.

"Bring it on," she taunted.

Yoko watched as Kagome launched herself into battle with a toushin. He felt helpless. He wanted to protect her from everything, he wanted to help her with this fight. But she had asked him to stay back and allow her this battle.

:If she is harmed I swear that I will not rest until that filth's head is on a stake: he promised.

Calm down, Yoko, Kurama advised, Kagome trained under Sesshoumaru. She has to be competent.

:Not the point:

Just give her a chance. You promised not to intervene unless it looked like she was loosing. If she can hold her own against Sesshoumaru, an unchartable S-superior, then an A-class should not be something to worry over.

:But she's thinking of her brother, not the battle:

Kurama was silent for a second. Point taken. Watch her closely. I don't need you going insane on me.

Yoko's attention was glued to the miko and the toushin. He hardly registered when Shippou tore the magician's heart out and dropped the lifeless corpse to the floor. Kagome fought sword-to-sword, not hesitating to throw sutras at her opponent whenever she could. Fair battles were for sparring sessions and tournaments. This was business and there was no way she was going to loose this fight without pulling out all the stops.

She leapt back when the toushin managed to land a blow to her side. Yoko and Shippou cried out.

"Back!" Kagome warned, stilling them. She darted forward again. Swords rang loudly as they struck each other. The metallic screams resounded throughout the walls of the hall.

"Give it up, little human," the toushin smirked. Kagome growled, her aura flaring brightly around her, forcing him back or be purified into dust.

"I don't think so. Do you honestly think that you can win against me?" she taunted. The toushin narrowed his eyes dangerously.

"You're nothing but a human,"

He swung his sword in a wide arc. Kagome dodged desperately as a thousand lightning bolts raced towards her. She managed to avoid most but the few that connected picked her up and threw her into a wall. Blood trickled out of the corner of her mouth as she slid to the floor in a boneless heap.

"Kagome!" Yoko howled, his eyes starting to bleed red. Shippou held him back, but his attention was glued on his mother's body.

Kagome stirred, pushing herself upright. The toushin was stalking forwards, his sword ready for another lightning attack.

She had no hope of avoiding that strike.

Her scream echoed throughout the fortress. It reverberated through Yoko's bones right down to his core. His control snapped and he tossed Shippou away from him. In a haze of hot blood and tearing claws the silver kitsune ripped through the youkai who dared harm his future mate. He shredded the offending toushin, scattering bone and flesh around the room in an effort to destroy him utterly and entirely. When the toushin was suitably dead the plantmaster planted a seed in his corpse and pushed it to full maturation. A vicious tree sprouted and devoured the toushin's remains.

His work finished, Yoko hurried to Kagome's side. Shippou held onto her as she pulled herself back into consciousness.

"Kagome," Yoko whispered desperately.

"Yoko. Thank you," she smiled up at him, disregarding the pain she was in. "Now let's find Souta and get out of this place. It reminds me too much of Naraku's palace,"


They made their way through the sublevels, dispatching guards and picking their way through locked doors. Shippou met up with one of his planted spies and they followed him through the maze of laboratories and hallways.

"Here's where they keep the survivors," he said, "The head Doc should be here about this time unless they've evacuated,"

They broke through the door and stepped into another lab. Kagome glanced quickly around. It looked like something from out of the movies to the point where she was almost rolling her eyes. She took note, her stomach clenching, that the doctors had all been killed. Blood covered the walls and floor and the bodies were left where they had fallen. It was gruesome but what stopped her was what was floating in tanks filled with liquid.

"Souta!" She gasped, rushing forwards.

It was Souta all right but…different, like they had turned him youkai. She watched as he floated, unaware of his surroundings, in the tank. His hair had grown since she had last seen him a few days ago, he had claws and stripes decorated his face and arms.

"What happened?" she whispered, her heart bleeding for her brother. Her brother who was no longer human.

Shippou smashed the other tank. The liquid rushed out, mixing with the glass, bringing the other boy with it into the red kitsune's waiting arms. He quickly detached the wires and tubing. Yoko moved Kagome aside so he could do the same for Souta.

As soon as Souta was free from the tank and machine hookups Kagome rushed forwards, her hands glowing, making sure he was healthy. Nothing seemed wrong, other than his change in species. She did the same for the other boy. Same situation.

"Okay," Shippou said, taking control, "Let's get these guys out of here. The sooner the better. Yoko, you take Momma and these two and meet up with Sesshoumaru-sama. Taro and I will case this place for anything useful information wise. Momma, go with Yoko. I don't like him," he admitted, "But he'll protect you with his life. I don't like him, but I'll trust him,"

Kagome nodded. She settled Souta on her back, wincing when her wounds protested. "Be safe, Shippou-chan," She said. Shippou tossed her a grin.

"Don't worry about me. Get Souta-ji-san­ back to the shrine and wait for me there,"

Kagome followed Yoko back through the sublevels. Sesshoumaru met them in the hall were the Death Tree still snapped threateningly.

"What happened to them?" Yuusuke demanded, still in his toushin form.

"If I knew that then I wouldn't be asking the same thing," Kagome snapped, "Here, take Souta, he's heavy," Yuusuke obligingly shouldered his cousin.

"Are you alright, Kagome?" he asked when he had gotten a look at her and noticed that some of the blood was hers. Kagome shrugged.

"I've had worse,"

"Kagome!" Kouga cried rushing forward, "You made it out!"

"Of course I did, Kouga. Where's everyone else?"

"Ayame was wounded and that short fire youkai is still hacking people to bits,"

Kagome turned to Sesshoumaru, "My place or yours for the clean up? Shippou's going to meet me at the shrine once he's done combing this place for interesting documents,"

"Yours," Sesshoumaru decided. Kagome nodded.

"Then let's go get the others, else they'll be left behind,"