Chapter Nine: Dog Fight
Golden eyes watched gently over the young, sleep face. Her body curled up into a tight ball that huddled and clenched over the long white fur that wrapped around her.
Sesshomaru had placed Rin at his side for the night. It was the warmest and most comfortable for her. But it would also give him peace of mind to have her right next to him.
Jaken had taken lodgings at the base of another tree, not wanting to provoke the dominant lord in any way. It was unethical to have a commoner (less a human) strapped to his side, but Sesshomaru was hardly one for tradition. He always went his own way, never caring about the consequences.
A sudden jerking caused his eyes to dart back to the young girl. She let out a slight whimper as she clenched the fur tighter, her eyes squeezed shut and her breathing labored.
'Just like a human' he thought 'So afraid of the dark that they always have bad dreams.'
Without hesitation, he extended his long, muscular arm and scooped up the small child. Gently, he pulled her over onto his lap and adjusted her so that her small head was resting against his shoulder and the rest of her fit snuggly against him. He pulled the remainder of his fur around her, providing maximum warmth and comfort.
Seconds later, her body visibly relaxed and the tender hold brought a sweet smile in her sleep.
Leaning his head back against the tree, Sesshomaru inhaled deeply. Her scent was so calming that it nearly brought him to the brink of sleep…that was until a very disturbing scent crossed him.
Opening his eyes he looked to the side. They sat in a small clearing, nothing but a few trees and soft blades of grass stood. But at the tree-line to the forest, his eyes locked in on a hateful glare.
Twin golden orders stared into him, he stood firmly with one clawed hand on Tetsusaiga and the other a clutching fist. Sesshomaru eyed the sword for a moment. He once wanted it desperately, and now couldn't care less about the old relic. His Bakusaiga was far superior in power.
Slowly, as not to wake the sleeping child, Sesshomaru stood. Leaving Rin wrapped in the warmth of his furs.
He wasn't concerned about her being attacked since she was completely covered in his scent. No demons would dare approach her as long as she bared some form of his mark.
Without any hesitation, he walked across the grassy meadow, approaching his appoint. While, Inuyasha stood tall, waiting patiently for Sesshomaru. He drew him away from the girl to make sure she wouldn't be involved in their pending fight.
Sesshomaru now stood only a few passes from Inuyasha. They were engulfed in silence, neither uttered a single word, they only stared harshly at one another.
A few more tensed seconds past before Inuyasha turned. He stepped to the side while his eyes remained connected with the elder demon's. Sesshomaru gave a lifeless expression as he began moving forward.
He walked directly past his younger brother and headed into the forest. Inuyasha followed directly after. It was an unspoken request that they moved their 'activities' some place out of Rin's view.
Inuyasha burned holes into the back of Sesshomaru's scull. He was barely holding himself back from leaping at him and digging his claws deep into the bastard's skin. He could see his vision blurring red with anticipation.
Then, Kagome's words came back to him before he left her behind.
—
"YOU ARE NOT LEAVING ME HERE!" She shrieked, grabbing his arm and preventing him from vanishing into the night.
Inuyasha let out a frustrated growl as he turned back to his hot-lidded mate. "Like hell, I'm letting you get within a mile of that asshole!" "And I am not letting you fight him alone!" She shot back with equal volume.
Inuyasha's eyes narrowed and turned towards her, she relaxed her stance slightly as he brought his hands on either shoulder. He leaned in as he strictly stated "Kagome…I can't fight knowing that you are so close to the man that nearly killed you."
Kagome stared with her eyes shimmering towards him. His love and care for her cascaded over his impulsiveness and made her heart flutter. She lifted her hands to cover his much larger one.
"Oh Inu…" she signed "we're stronger together. Besides, I don't want you to fight with him."
Inuyasha blinked at her sudden words. He felt his fangs enlarge in his mouth as he held back a roar "How could you even think I'd let him live for what he's done!"
"Inuyasha I'm not dead!" She hissed
"Thank God for that!" He barked back. She cooled slightly knowing that Inuyasha's heart was in the right place. Gently, she placed her hands on his chest and pulled close to him.
She stroked his robe and grazed her fingers over his racing heartbeat. Slowly she looked back up to his eyes. They were fixated on her with a mixture of emotions as his own hand lifted into her soft hair.
"Inuyasha…the idea is to find Rin. If Sesshomaru is killed then she'll never forgive me and we need her. Please, you can't kill him yet, not until Rin is safe."
Inuyasha growled, half from irritation and half from his lack of control over the pending situation. Sesshomaru wouldn't stop until Rin was under his wing.
"Kagome, I can't promise you something like that."
He was speaking truthfully. All he was able to imagine for the past half-hour was ripping off his head and emptying its content, which he would then use as a bowl for his ramen.
Kagome's arms wrapped around him as she brought him into a tight embrace. "Inuyasha…Rin is our future. If you do this…then we'll never be together."
Inuyasha went ridged is his at her words. He quickly returned her hug and sweetly nuzzled his way into her hair. "I'm sorry…" he said involuntarily. The thought of such a thing placed him under extreme distress. "I won't kill him…I'll just beat the living shit out of him until he's half-dead."
Kagome gave an amused smirk before leaning back to see his face. Gently, she whispered, "We'll work on it."
—
He ended up leaping towards Sesshomaru's scent with Kagome screaming after him to come back. He didn't want to leave her, but he also knew that his previous statement was true. Kagome shouldn't be anywhere near Sesshomaru.
Looking back at his opponent he knew exactly what had to go down.
On Que., Sesshomaru's slow walk came to a halt. Inuyasha stopped a few feet away from him. The wind suddenly picked up and blew across them, carrying both long heads of hair against the breeze.
Slowly turning around, Sesshomaru gave a cold glare at his half-brother before asking "What brings you here little brother?" The word dripping with snide disposition.
Inuyasha growled angrily as he bit out "I'm here to pound your face into the ground and take back that little girl you abducted."
The corner of Sesshomaru's mouth twitched in irritation. His hand instantly went to the sword on his hip, silent fury fuelling his actions. Inuyasha reciprocated in full by ripping his Tetsusaiga from its sheath.
Sesshomaru didn't dignify him with any formal words. His only communication was the narrowing of his haunting gold eyes…then he was gone.
Without hesitation, Inuyasha's eyes closed. He'd seen this trick before. In a flash, he would appear where his opponent wasn't looking (the same technique he used on Kagome not two hours before).
But Inuyasha knew better. Having seen and been on the receiving end of this attack before. He closed off his visual senses and allowed his hearing and sense of smell to find Sesshomaru before his keen sight would be able to.
Seconds later, his Tetsusaiga lifted above his head and hit the blade of Bakusaiga. Sesshomaru was thrown back at Inuyasha's thrust. His feet skidding to a stop, regaining his balance immediately before he looked back with a look of frustrated anger.
Inuyasha smirked "How sloppy Sesshomaru. Plucked a nerve have I?" He asked tauntingly, thoroughly enjoying the emotion he was able to push out of his stoic like brother.
At the back of his head, he asked himself how the great and powerful demon who had always been as hard as stone, was flaunting at a mere comment.
Sesshomaru gripped the hilt of Bakusaiga aggressively as he lunged himself forward. Inuyasha easily side-stepped his attack as their swords again clashed. Harsh sparks of electricity flew through the air.
With great strength, Sesshomaru pushed Inuyasha back as their blades smacked against one another's. They were flying through the air as their battle began. Every slash and swing of their mighty swords brought Inuyasha more and more to a strange realization.
'Something is wrong…' Inuyasha decided 'He's never been like this. He's so distracted!'
Which was true, Sesshomaru wasn't battling at full capacity. It then hit Inuyasha like a ton of bricks. He fought with Kagome not too long ago. A powerful Priestess who used her spiritual energy against him.
He had been weakened.
A sinister smile exploded onto Inuyasha's mouth. This was his chance. He had always been beaten to a pulp by his bastard of a brother. Always hating him, egging him on, and worst of all…abandoning him when he had no-one. Sesshomaru meant nothing to him and the thought of killing the heathen was a sweet dream to him.
As their blades pushed against one another in a stalemate of strength, Inuyasha could see the strain in his eyes. His frustration was fused with inner pain. Inuyasha's eyes drifted to his shoulder.
A wound that had slowly begun to heal itself was ripped open. Under normal circumstances, it would have healed in mere moments, but having a demon's flesh torn apart by a sacred dagger.
Inuyasha's eyes then looked to his wrist on the other hand. The burn marks from Kagome's blast still lingered.
He focused on the marks, only half wondering how she would have gotten so close to inflict such a wound?
An image of Kagome being held at the throat entered his mind, and a wave of anger flushed through him. All he could think of was Kagome's eyes…so afraid and filled with tears as he held her in his arms. He then remembered the reason he was fighting. To defend the only love he had ever known and redeem her honor.
"Answer me something!" he suddenly barked, their blades still holding tightly against one another until Inuyasha pushed Sesshomaru back and then distanced himself from him.
When their eyes locked, Inuyasha growled "Did you intend to kill Kagome?"
Sesshomaru looked him up and down as though assessing his state of mind. Then asked in a displeased voice "In the heat of battle all you can think of is a female?" Inuyasha barred his fangs, not liking his tone nor his words against Kagome.
Sesshomaru only tilted his head as a very slow and criminal smile grazed his lips. "I see…you've finally found yourself a little mate. A Priestess is a rather bold choice, even for a half-breed."
Inuyasha continued to growl as he bit out "Sesshomaru…tell me."
Sesshomaru answered in sheer honesty "She was in my way, an obstacle that threatened the mission. I will not hesitate to eliminate any obstacle." His smirk grew at Inuyasha's visible shaking. He was fighting his demonic blood, which intrigued the elder demon.
"But that was before I caught her scent. The stench of filth had swept over every pour. Your little minx has been filled to capacity."
Inuyasha snarled as he clenched Tetsusaiga, he had built a tolerance for the each and every insult he had been given numerous times. However, no-one was allowed to speak about his Kagome.
Inuyasha flung himself forward and swung Tetsusaiga with pure anger handling his sword. Sesshomaru clashed Bakusaiga and they were brought to another stalemate. Sesshomaru leaned his head in and said in a taunting whisper…
"When I realized what she was…all I could imagine was spilling her useless blood on the ground. After I shredded her to pieces…I'd then discard her body like unwanted trash. That's the way a Demon Whore should die. "
With a roar of fury, Inuyasha pushed back against Sesshomaru. The demon was thrown back just enough for Inuyasha to lift his mighty Tetsusaiga above his head and shouted "WIND-SCAR!"
The explosion irrupted in fierce claw-like waves that ripped apart the ground it touched. The anger he felt for the wanting to protect his mate gave the sword unbelievable power. The force that can kill a thousand demons in one strike was unleashed onto the weakened demon.
—
Kagome ran as fast as she could, her body ached with the effort she placed into her steps.
"Stupid…Inuyasha!" she panted. She was furious at the fact that he actually left her behind! She knew he was being protective but at the same time she had her own pride to redeem.
Slowly she slumped against a nearby tree. Panting with pure exhaustion. If only her horse didn't run away! She huffed as she pushed herself back to her feet and started running again.
She was heading in the direction she was sensing the most demonic ora. Praying that she would get there before Inuyasha did something stupid or Sesshomaru's temper ran out.
A sudden blast shook the earth, causing Kagome to fall to her knees with a surprised shriek. A magnificent light lit up the sky only two miles away.
She felt a sudden panic enter her heart as she found herself running again 'Inuyasha…please be safe.' She begged.
Suddenly, something in the corner of her eye caught her attention. She turned and what she saw made her eyes flush with tears.
Rin was running in the same direction that the blast came from. Her tiny feet racing across the forest floor with a panicked look in her eyes.
The girl didn't even notice Kagome until she felt the woman wrap her arms around the little girl and tackle her to the ground. "Rin!" She cried with sheer relief.
Rin panted within her arms as she looked up at Kagome's face with shock. "M-Miss Kagome?" she asked through trembling lips. "Oh Rin…" she said back, her arms tightening around the little girl "I'm so glad your safe. I was so worried!"
Rin blinked rapidly trying to understand the emotions that surfaced at those sweet words. Suddenly her head began shaking side to side as she asked "Miss Kagome…w-what are you doing here?"
Kagome paused, she tears dripping from her eyes came to a surprised halt as she stilled against the young girl.
Bringing Rin to look at her face, Kagome's stern expression broke through. "I've come for you Rin…You were kidnapped! I was terrified for you!"
Rin's brows rose at her tone and she replied, much more timidly "I-I wasn't kidnapped. My Lord came for me…"
Kagome let out a frustrated sigh, she still didn't understand.
Slowly, Kagome gripped Rin's shoulders, lightly shaking her as she said "Rin…I've come to bring you back with me."
Rin's eyes opened with fear and she began shaking her head furiously "No! I don't want to leave!"
"Rin…" she started to say, but tiny hands suddenly slapped at her larger ones. She pulled herself abruptly out of Kagome's grasp and shouted angrily "I Will Stay With Lord Sesshomaru! Everyone always tells me what I have to do and what has to be done! My Lord is the only one who ever does what I want…AND I WANT TO BE WITH HIM!"
Kagome leaned back in shock. The timid girl that she loved, vanished momentarily and released an angry and hostile child that was ready to explode.
Rin panted at her outburst. Her eyes as wide as Kagome's as they stared at one another in silence. Seconds passed before Rin's eyes welled with tears before she fell to her knees.
Her small fists clutched to her forehead as her body shook with fury. "All I want is to be with him…he is my savior."
Kagome was pulled from her daze at those strange words. Slowly, seeing the young girl's distress, Kagome pulled herself to Rin's side. Gently placing her arms around her and bringing Rin into a comforting hold.
Rin accepted her embrace and nuzzled herself against her. As Kagome stroked her hair gently, she asked in a soft voice "what do you mean by that Rin?"
She sniffed harshly as she sobbed, trying to regain her breath and explain. Soon, her breathing evened enough for her to whimper "S-Sesshomaru…is a guardian angel…my angel! He was sent by…by m-my parents in heaven."
Kagome's eyes widened, her shock was nearly enough to block out Rin's words. Her tale of the attack that murdered her parents and the brave demon that was sent to her side.
—
Inuyasha panted at the weight of Tetsusaiga. He'd never released such a powerful Wind-Scar before. His hands were actually shaking at the energy that was bouncing off the blade.
Slowly, his head rose as Inuyasha searched for his brother, but he couldn't get past the scent of burnt flesh. As the mist began to dissipate, a haunting image came to view.
Laying lifelessly against a half-broken tree, Sesshomaru laid with his chest completely torn apart. Blood dripping off the shreds of his now worthless armor. Bakusaiga was still clenched in his unmoved hand. Eyes, wide and blank.
Inuyasha approached cautiously. Expecting this act of opossum to be exactly that. Never actually believing that he defeated the Sesshomaru, so easily.
As he came but a foot away from him, Sesshomaru's eyes suddenly moved from their view of the ground to meet Inuyasha's. Hot blood trickled down from his lips as muttered "How disappointing…to be killed by a mongrel like you."
Inuyasha scoffed, not allowing his own shock to be shown. "If this is you begging for your life, you're not doing a good job."
Sesshomaru only growled darkly, his decorum falling apart by the second. "I will never…beg. If I die…it'll be with honor."
Inuyasha nodded. Wanting the same thing if he ever kicked the bucket.
"Do it quickly." Sesshomaru suddenly ordered. Not wanting this shameful death to continue. Inuyasha bit back a growl. Even at his death, he was barking orders.
"I should kill you slowly…" he said, hiding his eyes behind his bangs. "You deserve to die by a thousand swords for what you nearly did to her."
A grin suddenly pulled at Sesshomaru's mouth. He looked up at Inuyasha and asked "I see…so you aren't here for Rin after all. You've come to avenge the honor of a still living mate…"
Inuyasha's eyes narrowed slightly, 'Rin? How could he be worried about her at a time like this?'
"Kill me…" his voice never wavering as his eyes shifted to a deep and terrible red and blue irises took the gold completely "but don't lay a claw on her."
Inuyasha gawked in shock. 'This is not Sesshomaru!' He declared.
"Stupid fucker!" He shouted, anger rippling through him "Don't you pull that noble shit on me! The demon I know and hate would never end his wrath just to succumb to a little girl!"
Sesshomaru watched him with a blank expression.
"I might as well end your pathetic life right now!" He angrily lifted his greatsword above his head, aiming to kill as he stared into Sesshomaru's eyes. The bastard that caused him more pain than anyone, was right before him asking for the final blow.
Such temptations, yet he stilled. If he just slashed against his throat or his chest, anything to draw enough blood to end his tyranny. 'Just move…' his demon purred to him 'Kill him!'
Inuyasha closed his eyes, trying desperately to repress the demon within him. He needed to make this decision with a clear mind.
The action elected a laugh from bellow. Inuyasha's eyes snapped open as he saw the half-demon demon laughing, his mouth spewing blood as the raspy sound left his throat. Slowly, Sesshomaru's smile crept back as he asked "What's wrong…isn't this what you want? Don't tell me you care too much to kill your own brother?"
Inuyasha snarled at him, barring his fangs in anger. His arm trembled, his body begging him to, his mind slowly giving into the want, the need to end him.
The voices in his mind continued to echo to him, causing him to falter.
'He's never done anything for anyone, he cares for nothing, understands no-one. Any enemy to cross him as met a painful death. His claws are stained with the blood of both humans and demons. HE DOESN'T DESERVES TO LIVE!'
Inuyasha knew it was true, he knew the wrongs he had done…so why does he hesitate?!
The frustration that built deep within him was causing him to shake violently, his head hung low as he felt his demon claw at the surface! He let out a pained snarl as he finally allowed his sword to reign down like with a fury he didn't know he had.
He heard the faintest cry before being tackled to the ground. The weight of his weakness crushing him from within. He looked up and saw the hilt of Tetsusaiga, the sword standing on its own as it was embedded deep into its target.