Inuyasha
Love's War
Chapter 13
Western Castle
April 17, 2019
Shippou pinned a demon down to the ground then looked up finding his opening that he had been searching for this whole time but before he could make a break for the opening. "If this is revenge for that Half-Breeds death boy, you're pathetic." The demon in front of him said catching Shippou's attention.
"Who's death?" Shippou asked confused as he pressed his sword down against the man's throat, there was only one half-breed he knew closely and there was no way anyone had killed Inuyasha.
The demon below him snarled up at Shippou. "That half-breed dog bastard of the West's. He was killed yesterday." He said smugly.
"There's no way Inuyasha was killed... I would have heard…" Shippou said as he looked back and forth between the man's eyes trying to determine if he was lying.
"Fox he's dead, I killed him!" the demon said with a smirk up at Shippou. "Just like I'm going to kill you, then I'll go kill the rest of you half-breed lovers. You've opened the way Kit." He said with a laugh.
"Opened the way? What the hell are you talking about?" Shippou asked angrily he was tired physically and mentally tired of this demon and his lies.
"Kit you pulled your own defensive line apart. We've already slipped behind your own forces making our way Northward towards the castle." The demon said with an evil laugh.
Shippou with a realization that he probably just royally screwed up sat up and looked back at Western border and horror crossed his face as he saw the dead and the stream of the Southern army behind the Western forces catching them on both sides.
The demon below Shippou with his captor's distraction and the lessoning of the weapon's pressure on his throat pulled a dagger from his side "You've gave us exactly what we needed kit." He said with a wicked smile on his lips "This is all your fault." He said then shoved his dagger into Shippou's side under his armor.
Shippou fell off the demon crying out in pain dropping his sword, the demon now pinning him to the ground. "You've made this war come to its conclusion kit. You're going to die now." He said yanking his dagger out of the boy. Shippou fighting back under the bigger demon dodged the next attack with the dagger.
"Oh, and after your death… if that spoiled woman won't give in to My Lords whims she'll join you in hell shortly." The demon said with a wicked laugh as he struck down at Shippou again catching the side his arm with the dagger. He reached up with his other hand and grabbed Shippou's hair to keep him from dodging again.
Shippou no longer able to move his top half rammed his knee into the back of the demon on top of him throwing him forward unfortunately the dagger caught him in the shoulder.
"GET OFF MASTER SHIPPOU!" Saito yelled as he dived across Shippou tackling the demon that was on top of him. They wrestled for a few moments before the demon got up and ran for the protection of the rest of the Army still here distracting this section of the Western army.
"Ah…" Shippou whimpered as he yanked the dagger out of his shoulder, rolled over, and pushed himself up. "Thanks Saito. Who in the hell was that anyway?" He said as he walked over to get his sword.
"That was Yagura the Half-Breed Killer. This wasn't a coordinated attack with Lord Sesshomaru and Inuyasha was it?" Saito asked accusingly as he walked over to Shippou.
"No… I was trying to break their line, but I screwed up. We have to fix this." Shippou said as he looked over at the demon's he had unintentionally betrayed.
"Had you trusted me with your true intentions I would have warned you against it for this reason." Saito said motioning to the dead that lay between them and the border.
"I didn't think about us breaking the line with the rest of the army…all this is on my hands. But if we don't stop them now, they'll make it to the Western Castle. Do you believe him that Inuyasha's dead?" Shippou asked worried as he looked over at Saito.
"I have heard rumors in our own army of that late last night. And Yagura is known for never letting a half demon slip though his fingers to live." Saito said with a frown.
"It can't be…" Shippou said as he pushed tears back out of his eyes this wasn't the time for that, and he started walking back towards the Western border intending to correct his mistake. "Come on let's gather the others and save the castle." He said picking up his discarded sword and sheathing it then he put pressure on his side trying to get it to stop hurting and bleeding.
"And just how do you plan to do that?" Saito asked curiously this young fox had the right to correct this situation but from this point on he was going to be the one to say yes or no to the plan.
"Sound Retreat tell our people to escape, then sound Assembly the army will withdraw and regroup at our position, we will send word to the Southern Border Garrison to gather everyone here as well then we will chase these bastards down." Shippou said angrily as he glared at the Southern army working their way around the exposed end of the Western Army.
"Good plan, but they will reach the castle before we can catch them." Saito warned then waved his second in command over to them.
"I know we just have to have faith they can hold out until we get there." Shippou said as he looked over at Saito with a determined look in his eyes. He was going to make this right if it was the last thing he did, then he would beg forgiveness from both his surrogate parents.
"Sound Retreat pause for a moment then sound Assemble do the same with our flags." Saito said when his second reached them. After a brief pause the man nodded then began issuing orders in quick succession.
A horn blew three long notes and two short, as a set of red and white flags were waving off to the right of Shippou's vision two short white waves just above the flag bearer's head and three red long all the way across the body waves. After a brief pause the horn bleared again three short notes and three long notes again the flags began waving three short red flag waves just as before then three long white waves signaling those who were retreating on where to go. The process repeated two more times until it was clear that the Western army had the message and was retreating to their position.
"Alright send the messenger." Shippou said as he watched the progress of the Western army heading for them and made his way towards the front of the men and women he had led into battle.
Saito sent off the messenger then quickly returned to Shippou's side. "They should be here within the next couple of hours or so." He said as he watched a commander of the battalion that was stationed above his along the border storming over to them obviously injured with blood streaming down his face and arm.
"After we tend to the wounded, we'll leave a man here to tell them to catch up to us. We'll go ahead and start towards the castle we will be moving slower with so many wounded." Shippou said watching the same man as Saito.
"What in the hell were you thinking Saito! You left me and my men there to die you bastard!" the demon said angrily as he reached out and grabbed Saito's shirt and dragging him into his face as he glared death into Saito's eyes.
"I ordered him to move out." Shippou said dragging the angry demon's attention to him.
The demon let go of Saito glared at Shippou for a long moment then punched him across the face as hard as he could knocking Shippou to the ground. "You'll pay for that then." He said angrily and went to reach for his sword.
Saito hooked his arms under both of the other mans and clipped his hands together behind the man's head to keep him from pulling his sword and killing Shippou. "Enough Hajame you've made your point. That's our Lords surrogate." Saito said as he held the man in place.
Shippou propped up on his good arm whipped blood that had leaked out of the corner of his mouth as he looked up at Saito and Hajame. "I screwed up ok, I know that I was trying to break their line and I broke ours instead. But now we need to come together and go save the castle, save my family!" he said then he stood up hissing in pain as he put his hand back on the wound on his side. "Now let's see to your wounded and get going."
Hajame looked at the boy in front of him for the first time taking in his wounds, this boy had fought on the front lines and then saved his men with a retreat. Now this boy wants to treat his men's wounds then march on the castle to save his family.
~*~*~*~ Western Castle ~*~*~*~
Sesshomaru and Inuyasha watched the enemy all night long as they sat up defensive positions and a camp. After the first couple hours of no attack Himeko had finally convinced Kagome to at least go sit inside the castle at the bottom of the stairs and rest. But now it was almost dawn and Kagome now returned outside putting her bow across her back like her arrows.
Kagome walked down the stairs much to the disapproval of Himeko and Tsubaki. Once in the middle of the courtyard Kagome put her hands together in a prayer position for several moments with her eyes closed. When she opened her eyes, she shoved her hands away from her body both left and right with palms facing outwards pushing a barrier out from her body to encompass the whole castle. She sat down crossed her legs put her hands together face up her knuckles together then closed her eyes to concentrate on the barrier. Himeko and Tsubaki took up guard positions to protect the Lady of the West.
"That woman…" Sesshomaru growled over to Inuyasha with a huff and a slight sagging of his shoulders. She was hopeless no matter the circumstances she did what she wanted when she wanted and put herself in danger to do it.
"She just might buy us some time to come up with a better strategy than standing here waiting for them to move." Inuyasha said with a shrug, full day break was fast approaching and with the minimum guards on hand to do normal duties he wasn't looking forward to this battle.
"I'll remember you always siding with her when Himeko's with pup…" Sesshomaru said with a frown as he looked over at Inuyasha.
"Himeko can take care of herself…" Inuyasha said turning red looking away from Sesshomaru back to the enemy now stirring in their makeshift camp.
"Uhm huh." Sesshomaru said with a shake of his head knowing Inuyasha would be going crazy with her out here if she was with pup but saying no more on the subject. Inuyasha was correct if nothing else Kagome would be buying them time but also creating herself to be a huge target.
There was a thunderous roar from behind the enemy which caused Sesshomaru and Inuyasha to change their vantage point to see the rear of the enemy better. Sounds of fighting broke out after several long moments. "Our forces regrouped?" Inuyasha asked curiously as he looked at the fighting that had begun.
"You are correct Inuyasha. And if I'm not mistaken Shippou is with them." Sesshomaru with a slight twitch of annoyance crossing his face for a brief moment. "Tell Kagome to lower her barrier and we will attack on both fronts." He said as he watched the progress of his army at the enemy's rear.
"I'll not be dropping the barrier, our people can come and go but the enemy can't touch it." Kagome said from right behind Sesshomaru up on the wall.
Sesshomaru growled out in annoyance the woman had slipped up behind him when his attention was directed at the fighting. How was he supposed to divide his attention between the battle and her? "Kagome get back to the castle." He growled out at her annoyed his eyes catching hers out of the corner of his.
"Sesshomaru do what you need to." Kagome said with a dismissive wave towards the enemy.
Sesshomaru growled a warning at her irritated by her. "I know my duties woman now get back to the castle like I told you." He said then began using his aura to lift off the castle wall ready to attack the enemy.
"Be careful Sesshomaru." Kagome yelled out cheerfully as she waved up at him exaggeratedly with a huge smile on her face.
"You do live dangerously Kagome." Inuyasha laughed when his brother shot away angrily and red faced, she had definitely embarrassed him. "ATTACK!" he yelled motioning the rest of the guards off the wall to charge the enemy. He stopped and looked down at Kagome curiously since she had reached out and grabbed his hand lightly.
"You too Inuyasha. Protect each other." Kagome said as she looked up at him worried.
Inuyasha smiled softly she had always been this way always worried about everyone else's safety. "We'll be alright." He said and gave her hand a gentle squeeze before shaking off her hand and jumping down into the fray just outside of the barrier.
The battle raged on for several minutes before the Southern forces realizing they were outmatched and out flanked so they fled towards the East trying to regather with their forces hold up at the Norther portion of their border against the Northern Army. Sesshomaru ordered the fastest runner to get ahead of them and warn his troops along the Northern Border to get out of their way let the North deal with them while the West regrouped.
Shippou injured as he was slowly made his way to his father figure his head held low, he could feel Sesshomaru's gaze on him, but he refused to look up. "In the castle with you." He heard Sesshomaru growl out at him and he changed his direction of travel to the gates. He walked past Kagome looking up at her sadly as she came down the stairs to meet him. He didn't speak he just kept walking across the court yard into the castle and down the hall to Sesshomaru's study.
"My Lord we have some serious injuries to attend to before we return to the border." Saito said as he kneeled down in front of Sesshomaru who was watching Shippou curiously he had an idea this whole mess was the boy's fault.
"Inuyasha send for Dr. Tadashi." Sesshomaru said over to his half brother then looked down at Saito an old warrior who had never let him down before. "Explain." He said gruffly.
"My Lord, Master Shippou fought bravely…" Saito began then was cut off by Sesshomaru.
"I don't care about that Saito, tell me how this happened." Sesshomaru growled out warningly at the old-line commander.
"Of course, My Lord. Master Shippou arrived yesterday morning and laid out a plan that was a joint assault with you and Lord Inuyasha at points farther up the line. We were to break the Southern Army and get to the Southern Palace as quickly as possible." Saito said silently whishing he didn't have to blame the young kit, but he wasn't about to take the fall. The boy wouldn't be killed he was sure of that just severely punished for his actions where as he himself would more than likely be put to death.
"As I thought." Sesshomaru growled to himself then he turned and began making his way into the gate heading towards the castle.
"As I said My Lord, Master Shippou fought bravely to correct his mistake ending up seriously wounded himself in the process." Saito said quickly before his Lord could get too far away from him.
"See to your men I'll tend to my Kit." Sesshomaru said when he glanced back at Saito then continued on his way striding past his mate.
Kagome could feel his anger and irritation through their link together and it was centered around Shippou, so she followed quickly behind her mate. They walked into Sesshomaru's study to find Shippou standing there in front of Sesshomaru's chair with his hands folded behind his back just above his tail as he looked at the floor sadly.
"Shippou explain yourself and quickly." Sesshomaru said as he walked around his desk and sat down staring up at the boy.
"There is no explanation." Shippou said finally looking up at his father figure.
"I'm sure there isn't how about you humor me. Tell me why you betrayed us." Sesshomaru growled out angrily his aura seeping out to show his displeasure.
Shippou heard Kagome gasp beside him and he glanced over at her, his eyes showing her his sorrow. "I betrayed your trust in me My Lord, but please understand it wasn't an easy choice to make. And I meant no harm to anyone in the castle." He said returning his attention to Sesshomaru.
"Not good enough Kit, not by a long shot." Sesshomaru growled out as he stood up bracing his arms on his desk and glaring over at Shippou. "You put my Mate and our unborn pups in grave danger. You will answer for that I assure you." He growled out pushing himself to his full height.
"I understand and am fully prepared to take whatever punishment you decide my actions deserve. I was trying to break the Southern line so that I could get to the Southern Palace to free my intended. I put my family in danger and damaged the Western Army's ability to defend our great Lands and it's people." Shippou said as he stood there stiff as a board looking straight ahead but focusing on nothing.
"Shippou Inuyasha died night of the new moon, we couldn't have moved against the South after reviving him and healing him none of us had any energy left to fight with." Kagome said softly as she leaned against Sesshomaru's desk trying to get Shippou to look at her.
"I had no knowledge of that mother until I was pinned down and nearly killed by Yagura in the South yesterday evening. He intends on killing me and our entire family." Shippou said refusing to glance over at her or his emotions would begin to spill from his eyes he was sure of that. "Father whatever your punishment is for me please let me protect our family." He begged focusing on Sesshomaru for the first time since arriving back here at the castle.
"Would you give up your intended for that cause?" Sesshomaru asked curiously as he watched the boy's eyes closely.
"Sesshomaru…no you can't…" Kagome said shocked as she turned to give him a piece of her mind to see him holding up a hand just below his waist to silence her.
Shippou thought for a moment. "I would give up my intended, my future, and my life to protect my family." He said standing as straight as possible staring Sesshomaru straight in the eyes without blinking and squaring his shoulders to show his fullest intentions.
"My mate and I shall discuss your punishment. You are to see to the men outside, then get your own wounds treated. Return to my study once that is completed dismissed." Sesshomaru said with a dismissive wave of the boy.
"Yes, My Lord." Shippou said bowing his head to Sesshomaru then turned and left the room.
"Sesshomaru you can't be thinking…" Kagome started but was aging silence by Sesshomaru.
"No my mate, I just wanted to see how far he would go to protect our family. He needs to stew over his actions for a while and worry about his punishment." Sesshomaru said as he turned from her and began looking out of his study's window, like he always does when he's trying to think of a solution to a perplexing problem.
"What are you planning for his punishment then?" Kagome asked curiously as she walked up behind him then stood there waiting.
"I have no idea my mate. Before you he would have been put to death for treason immediately. But you would never forgive me for that, and I just can't bring myself to do it anyway. I've grown soft and weak." Sesshomaru said with a frown using one of his fangs to bite his bottom lip as he glared out at the training grounds where he had given Shippou so many lessons.
