A/N: I do not own Inuyasha.
Chapter 19
A skinny, veiny hand helped her out to her feet, and a pair of widely opened, sunken, however amiable eyes of the elder she had previously met just in the beginning of her journey in that era watched her carefully.
"I have seen it all… No good, no good…" Totosai sighed, rubbing his hand against his nearly bold head. "Who are you anyway?"
"Ren, Yuutsuki. What happened to lord Sesshoumaru?" The blacksmith dropped on the ground, visibly resigned and worried.
"Ren… I see…" He shook his head in denial. "Lord Sesshoumaru was tricked into an illusion. He believed you to be the target of the assault, but in reality, the real aim was to take him away from you and mainly, Naraku. He might not ever come back…taken to a different dimension… Underworld… What did it come to… That's not good, not good…"
The elder rapidly got up and approached his characteristic three-eyed ox, not minding the girl anymore.
"Excuse me!" She caught up to him, unsure if he had heard, she kept speaking. "Please tell me if there is anything I can do to help him!" Totosai tried clumsily to climb on his animal as he said clearly:
"I will send word to lady Kimi. She might be able to find a solution. I am not usually rude, but…" he continued, in a tone that threatened rudeness in every syllable. "A mere human can do nothing. You must quietly wait and hope he'll return."
Yuutsuki's stomach twisted in fear, realizing how grim Sesshoumaru's circumstances were. The girl grasped the old man's shoulder and her stern eyes locked on his dark irises. She was cognizant of the peril of Sesshoumaru's mother discovering her whereabouts, for Tadao's effort would fade in vain.
"You mustn't tell lady Kimi I am here. Lord Sesshoumaru took actions to keep my location secret. Can you reach Tadao for me?"
Totosai freed himself from her grasp and finally climbed on to the ox.
"I'll contact him. I will also keep quiet about you. If Sesshoumaru ever comes back, I don't want to be treated with his poisonous claws. I treasure my safety over Lady Kimi's whims. Now go to Inuyasha, staying alone is too dangerous!"
The ox flew in the air, leaving the girl alone, who kept her posture bent in appreciation until his figure disappeared from her vision. A paralyzing sensation of dread haunted her body, crawling up her spine as she rotated and confronted the same ghastly figure as before.
"Go away…" Her speech was cracked and saturated with fright, she set off like an arrow, fleeing from whatever threat it could pose. Yuutsuki's chest hurt from stimulus exposure to penetrating cold, each and every breath seemed like a million daggers piercing her lounges. Nevertheless, she continued to tread through deep snow, directing herself towards the adjoining village where Inuyasha and the rest had been performing their work.
Apparently, her legs had refused to support her body, bringing her to her knees. The panic and ceaseless fear brought tears to her wide opened eyes, blurring out her vision completely. Was it still chasing her? She looked around, yet there was nothing but the surrounding white landscape. The lonely sounds of deep inhale and exhale were worsening her already shaken state, her posture uncurled once she detected the familiar, yet distant aura of the attacker rapidly approaching. The demon lord had been seized in the underworld, whilst she knew no way of helping him. Regardless of how strong she had intended to be, there was no contradicting that without Sesshoumaru she tended to curl up and hope someone would aid her soon, but not this time. With sudden confidence, Yuutsuki walked back for several meters, protectively grabbing the Rens' sword in case of an attack. The previously felt presence did not approach closer, keeping its constant distance and the girl trusted the ghastly demon surely would be able to renew the portal to underworld. Around the ring a warmth of protection settled and the sword's power entered her body, altering her speed significantly. In no time she caught up to the demon, facing its terrifying appearance directly. Despite harsh and violent gusts of wind, several drops of cold sweat ran down her face, a sign of panic overtaking her body.
"Bring back Sesshoumaru…" The arduous, heated voice she had urged to utter turned out to be feeble and insecure, barely audible.
"Bring him back!" Louder, but not more convincing words left her mouth. Her slightly shaking hand stretched out along with the sword, pointing the tip of it where the figure's throat should be and at the same time, swirls of the demon's profound aura securely tangled around the weapon, freezing its potential actions. The shadow swirls took form of tentacles, grasped her feet and the other arm, completely robbing the girl of any freedom of movement.
A swift, shiny arrow buzzed next to her ear, piercing the demon and instantaneously purifying it, leaving no trace of its existence. The acquainted, dark haired priestess, Kikyou appeared from behind the trees, still holding her bow alertly. Yuutsuki's eyes were nervous, a flicker of angry tears appeared inside.
"Why…" The girl kicked a nearby tree trunk, destroying a small mountain of snow covering it. "It was my only lead to Sesshoumaru!"
The priestess took the explosion of rage rather sensibly, omitting her question she casually began to talk. "I've felt the portal opening. I see. So Sesshoumaru's been trapped inside…" One of her soul collectors shape shifted, turning into a glossy ball of sparkling energy. "Hold my hands and imagine Sesshoumaru."
Uncertain of the motives and not entirely convinced of the actual purpose, Yuutsuki quite reluctantly fulfilled her command. Under Kikyou's chilly touch she recalled the blissful feeling accompanying Sesshoumaru's protection and presence.
"I was misguided…" Kikyou's eyes wandered towards Yuutsuki's wrist in disbelief, studying her skin warily.
"I was sure you had been marked. Without this connection we cannot communicate with him. I am sorry." The priestess said gloomily with an aloof expression and released the girl's limb, which fell down lifelessly, mirroring the broken hope in her heart.
"I do not know on what you base your assumptions, but Sesshoumaru does not harbour such feelings towards me." The priestess' empty and unfocused gaze hung on the girl, annoying her a little bit. "Is there anything else we can do?" Yuutsuki received no answer, Kikyou's eyes widened, as if she fell into some kind of trance.
"Kikyou!" The well-known, brisk, slightly hoarse voice spread around and a minute afterwards Kagome, Inuyasha and the rest joined them. Kikyou was motionless, still deepened in the weird stance. Yuutsuki shortly introduced the circumstances to all of them, hoping they could come up with a solution.
"There is no problem, Sesshoumaru has Tenseiga." Miroku belittled Yuutsuki's worry.
"He doesn't." Kikyou's voice startled the five of them. "It's been stolen by Naraku's reincarnation, the same one that created the illusion and opened the portal, Byakuya of the Dream."
Inuyasha closed his eyes and focused, straining his senses. The half demon placed his hand on the hilt of Tessaiga and after a silent second, the sword began to shake repeatedly.
"This bastard did not leave the village yet! I can sense Tenseiga!"
They returned to the village, tracing Naraku's reincarnation. He was waiting for them, with a cheeky, wide smile on his face, swinging Tenseiga around.
"I, Byakuya of the Dream have a deal for Yuutsuki Ren." He politely bowed his head, greeting the group.
"I don't care about your deal! Return the sword and bring back Sesshoumaru!" Inuyasha jumped in the air and attacked the enemy, screaming loudly. His earnest attempts were easily dodged, Byakuya relocated just next to Yuutsuki and starling her entirely, he whispered to her ear.
"If I get that pretty ring of yours, I will give you the sword." After that, performing a half turn, he immediately returned to his previous location.
"I will give you the ring if you bring Sesshoumaru back." Yuutsuki's confident words brought shocked glances over her.
"What are you saying?! You cannot give it up!" Kagome screamed out in disbelief. "Sesshoumaru wouldn't want you to do it!"
"If I get the ring, you get the sword. Sesshoumaru might be dead already, regardless of his strength, there are millions of undead fighting him. But you can always try to open the portal and see for yourself if he will jump out or not." Byakuya laughed, his radiant face showed no fear of Inuyasha's incoming slash.
"I will get the sword, Yuutsuki. So be quiet and do not give up anything!" The half demon unleashed the wind scar at the opponent, too slowly to injure. Byakuya was evading Inuyasha's attacks so gracefully, creating an illusion of a well-coordinated dance.
"Besides, who would use the sword to open the portal? I doubt Inuyasha is capable of instantly mastering Tenseiga. I am not even including you, since you would be left with no possibilities to use the sword." Miroku explained, while watching the skirmish in a great tension.
"At least the maker, Totosai should be able to use it. Also, there is a chance that Sesshoumaru's mother or a close general of his could use it. There is something more important to that. Once you give up the sword, you give up your duty. It means Sesshoumaru would have no business with you anymore." Having Sesshoumaru alive despite losing her privileges as the ring's wielder was undoubtedly better than having him dead and keep them. Yuutsuki was reflecting at Kikyou's statement as Byakuya's words reached her ears.
"Have you decided yet? Let me hear the answer." The same spectre that had attacked her before appeared and its cold aura embraced Yuutsuki, teleporting her away from the place.
"Damn it!" Inuyasha jumped a second too late to interrupt the teleport. "Why didn't you all attack?! What do we do now?" The half demon angrily shouted out neglecting the fact he was actually the fastest of the group and in spite this, was not quick enough.
"That was a mere illusion, Inuyasha…" Miroku scratched his head.
"Why didn't you tell me?!" He raged attempting to toss the blame at someone.
"I thought it was obvious to everyone…" Miroku threw a mocking glance.
"I saw that…" Sango pointed out amused at the demons confused expression.
"Inuyasha you need to pay more attention." Kagome yarned, such events were all too common for the half demon dog.
The monk continued. "Now we do have a problem. Yuutsuki will likely give up the ring. Our only advantage shall disappear."
"Inuyasha and I will go to Totosai. If she does exchange the ring for the sword let's at least have him in here ready to open the portal. The faster we get Sesshoumaru out of there, the better." Kagome climbed on Inuyasha's back and they left in a rush.
"Lady Kikyou, can you locate Yuutsuki?" Sango sighed in relief once the priestess nodded favourably.
/
Yuutsuki fell to her knees, colliding with the ground painfully. She took out her sword in fear of an attack. Byakuya was casually standing in front of her, genuinely surprised at her attitude.
"I am a man of peace. I don't intend to attack my trade partner. How about an incentive? Let's check out if lord Sesshoumaru is alive." The demon detached his eye and it disappeared, teleporting to somewhere unknown, just to come back within a heartbeat.
"Touch it." He passed his eyeball to her. "I know. It is disgusting. But there is no other way to it."
Yuutsuki touched the slimy thing and an image appeared in her head, bringing tears to her eyes. Sesshoumaru was standing alone, unarmed among many, fighting with undead craving to take away his life. His silver hair was ruffled, blood dripping from his clenched teeth, his clothing ragged. The image disappeared, yet her tears kept on flowing.
"I will give you the ring, please, can you let him out of there?"
"This I cannot. I am generous as it is. Along with Tenseiga I can give you the other sword of his. Only if you decide yourself fast, that is." He exposed the other Rens' sword and made a suggestive gesture with his eyebrows. "So? Since you know he is alive? What will you do?"
She was well aware that she had to protect the ring with her life, never give it up regardless of any circumstances. However, she was alone in an unidentified location, defenceless towards the demon. She could attempt lengthening their negotiations and lose more time while awaiting rescue, come to an agreement and give up the ring while gaining a real chance of freeing Sesshoumaru or refuse and lose all, including life.
"You have a minute to decide."
Well, the first one seemed to be out of question.
"What if I try to take Tenseiga by force?" A familiar sensation of demon energy spreading entered her body.
"Ah I get it. It will look bad if you just give up…" Byakuya smiled and threw two of his origami with insane speed. One of them cut her left cheek, opening a shallow, yet abundantly bleeding wound. The second one flew just next to her ear, successfully capturing her attention as Byakuya jumped and threw an origami dagger, stabbing her right hand. He had sensed her intentions and successfully prevented her from taking actions.
"Now you do look like you had a fight." Yuutsuki's breath increased rapidly when she took out the paper dagger and observed the dense, red blood flowing from her shaky hand. Wielding a sword was impossible as for now.
"So. Do we trade?" The cheeky tone of his voice entirely convinced her that either she would voluntarily give away the ring or she would indisputably be killed. The girl slipped off the beautiful jewel and stretched her bleeding hand towards him. Once the ring left her possession, a tight feeling of wrongdoing clenched around her throat, making it difficult to breathe. Byakuya dropped both swords on the ground and before leaving, he hummed:
"It was a pleasure to meet you."
Yuutsuki had been wearing the ring for such a long time that once it was gone, a burning sensation of guilt settled on the finger that used to wield it. There was no regret in her decision, only sadness. Experiencing the image of Sesshoumaru in such dangerous situation had devastated her, shattering any hesitancy away. She looked at the pair of identical swords unsure of her following actions, one older, one much fresher, yet both of them had a word carved out. Return.
Fortunately, not much afterwards she noticed Kikyou's soul collector and followed the spirit as it lead her back to the village.
/
The four friends awaited Inuyasha and Kagome's return in silence. No words of contempt had been uttered, yet Yuutsuki could sense the disapproving attitude hung in the air. An hour or maybe two had passed before the party returned, bringing Totosai along. Not asking much, the elder man grabbed Tenseiga and performed a slash, followed by no effect.
"Ah well, one more time."
He repeated the gesture, opening a big, black portal to underworld. Yuutsuki dared not to blink, awaiting Sesshoumaru to jump out and most importantly, be unharmed.
"Is he dead?" Kagome asked in fear.
A couple of minutes waiting did not prove to be rewarding, for the portal had closed, not a trace of Sesshoumaru.
"As I thought…" Totosai dropped the sword. "I've informed lady Kimi. She probably opened the portal herself. She can do it easily without the sword's power. You are going to be in troubles, Yuutsuki Ren!"
"What do you mean by that?" Kagome asked worried, noticing Yuutsuki's pale face.
"It means I gave the ring away for free." The girl's mouth barely moved while speaking. She supported her back on a tree and closed her eyes, cynically thinking about her good fortune.
"I said that all you can do is to wait. It's your own fault."
"It's not like that, Totosai. Byakuya forced her. It's my fault because I couldn't take the sword back." Inuyasha growled with clenched fists. "Is there a punishment for losing the ring?" The monk asked quietly.
"I wouldn't know. But I imagine Sesshoumaru won't be too happy… Well, anyway, I certainly don't want to be here once he arrives. Bye!" Totosai left on his ox, leaving the party in a grim mood. Kikyou also decided to go on with her original path, reducing the group to five.
/
The dry, winter air brought a mixed scent of Shizuka, Naraku and Sesshoumaru, leading the demon to a cave nearby his place of destination. Sensing danger, Tadao readied himself for an attack, his movements were noiseless and the moment he noticed Byakuya, he also noticed Yuutsuki's ring being fiddled in the demon's hand. Tadao attacked swiftly, taking advantage of the enemy unawareness of his presence. He captured the ring and twisted Byakuya's hand, crashing his wrist.
"Did you hurt the Ren's girl?" Tadao's voice was emotionless, despite the view of naked corpse of Shizuka.
"I have a feeling I won't be able to retrieve the ring from you. Maybe we'll talk next time." Byakuya created a shower of origami, hoping he would be able to sneakily steal away the ring, however Tadao had it tightly grasped within his hand, making the wish unmanageable. Acknowledging his strength's inferiority, the enemy disappeared, leaving the wolf demon alone with Shizuka's dead body. The scents alone had easily informed him what had happened in the cave, yet he cared not to explore the topic further and carried on with his original path. The wolf demon reached Yuutsuki as the night was about to break out. The large, bright moon shone through the shadow of trees. The girl had surely sensed him approaching, for she awaited him outside of the village, greeting him with a sad glance. Tadao decided to keep in secret that he had retrieved the ring from Byakuya, hoping to learn about the circumstances that had resulted in losing possession of it. The sound of his armour rattling as he was walking disturbed the dead silence surrounding them both. Noticing her discomfort caused by the weather, he loosened his thick scarf and smiled, greeting the girl with a slight head nod. While she bent, he wrapped the scarf around her neck, creating a tight knot.
"Totosai sent Myoga to me. Tell me what happened afterwards."
Yuutsuki realized her weakness the moment she had detected his presence. She urged to depend on somebody, who would protect her from Sesshoumaru's wrath and cover up her mistakes. She plainly wanted to avoid responsibility and punishment, however she could not allow herself for such commodity. It was time to admit her fault.
"Afterwards I did something inexcusable, but I feel no shame." She sighed, ruffling her hair in a nervous gesture. Was he going to be angry? His grey glance was hung on her guilty eyes.
"Byakuya awaited for us in the village, proposing me a deal. The ring for Sesshoumaru's swords. Inuyasha tried to stop me, but he couldn't retrieve them and I really wanted to help Sesshoumaru, so willingly or not, I agreed. I have exchanged the ring for the swords. But apparently Totosai contacted lady Kimi. She can open the portal to underworld freely and I was not aware of that."
"I see." Tadao could not bring himself to smile and comfort her with encouraging words. "Lord Sesshoumaru will be here soon. He might be angry." That was a lie. Sesshoumaru was already around, his presence completely concealed, even he could barely sense him. Apparently, their conversation was being overheard.
"He will, right? Of course he will." The girl sighed, directing her eyes towards the starry sky. "I was to protect it with my life."
"The punishment for such a thing is usually very strict." The words lingered in her head, penetrating through her mind and letting panic in. She recalled Sesshoumaru had killed Shizuka without any particular ado, there was a possibility he could do the same to her. Up to now steady breath increased, hands began to shake and instead of words, she responded by tightly grasping his arm.
"Easy,.." Tadao's usual, gentle tone summoned a flicker of tears in her eyes, of which she was very ashamed. He was acting too familiar and she was too vulnerable. "It won't be that bad. Close your eyes." Trusting his words, she fulfilled the plea and shut down her eyelids. "Left as for now, until the right one recovers." She felt as a cold ring was placed on her unwounded hand.
"How…? Tadao…?" Yuutsuki's shocked expression pleased the wolf demon, bringing a bright smile over his kind face. The humongous relief eclipsed her worries, bringing a great appreciation for his actions. He might have literally saved her life and spare her from Sesshoumaru's fury.
"It is a thrilling story. I wish to do it justice. Over a cup of sake, pretty."
The girl placed her hands on the freezing ground and supported her forehead on them, yet said nothing, unable to find words expressing her gratitude. Tadao helped her to get up and looked through his back, sensing Sesshoumaru drawing closer. Still wounded, the western lord was so pale that his strict expression seemed to glow in the moonlight. Sesshoumaru stopped next to Tadao, just one small step from the girl.
A/N: Chapter 20 is nearly written. Expect update soon.