Chapter 20

A/N: I do not own Inuyasha

Yuutsuki stood amid the two demons, whose considerable height made the girl perceive herself as a small obstacle between their mighty presences. She allowed a step to distance from her previous location to observe thoroughly their expressions without unnecessarily straining her neck.

"Lord Sesshoumaru." The demons greeted each other with a small head nod, completely omitting Yuutsuki's presence. "You're still severely wounded. I thought you would recover before returning."

The demon lord did not mind the blood sliding down his arm, reaching his fingers, eventually to drop on the white snow, creating a red stain. "These are merely scratches. Did you find it?" Tadao reached the inner part of his kimono, ensuring the object was still there. "I surely did."

"No need to hand it over right now." Sesshoumaru sounded tired, more blood was dripping down his immobile, left arm.

The demon dog's vision went blurry, reminding him about the broad cut on his left shoulder. As soon as he had been released from the underworld, he had rushed back, fearing for Yuutsuki's safety, unnecessary though, for there she was, standing perfectly unharmed, with her big, watery eyes placed on Tadao in an affectionately grateful manner. So Tadao was the protagonist now, retrieving her precious ring she had given up, because her protector despite being honour bound to, had not been there to aid her. Disregarding that gust of possessiveness, he was honestly content to relieve himself from the distress of failing to protect the life he craved to preserve. He was sinking in to the vice of excessive greed for her absolute devotion, and aberrantly the more it was rotting and destroying his mind, the more he wanted her to remain pure, unaffected, and unreachable by any threat. For Sesshoumaru, sharing her kind feelings with anyone else was intolerable. Yuutsuki felt intimidated by the prolonging silence, she drew some air in through her mouth and spoke:

"I will fetch Tenseiga."

"Again you have acted without thinking, compromising your entire journey and training, have you considered this loss in the trade? Fortunately the ring is back, a strike of luck in your foolish deeds." Sesshoumaru stopped her from leaving, although his voice remained indifferently calm, and he gave no obvious sign of anger, she felt a chill of negative emotion emanating from him. Yuutsuki's necessity to justify herself was pre-empted with Tadao's answer. "She wasn't aware of lady Kimi's powers. You cannot punish her for genuinely trying to save you."

"I am reprimanding her for acting without considering various scenarios. The ring is safe, thus I do not intend to punish anyone."

"Isn't it great, pretty?" Tadao placed a hand over her shoulder, feeling enmity within the western lord's aura. Yuutsuki sighed in relief and smiled daintily at Sesshoumaru's stern face, her mood meliorated by the unexpected good turn of events. "We have a thing or two to discuss, lord Sesshoumaru. I will take her to her friends and bring your swords. I know of a comfortable place with great sake where we can stay and calmly speak." Sesshoumaru nodded once, in agreement to Tadao's proposition.

"With one exception. Fetch the swords alone, she is going with us. We will wait here for you. Inform them that she will return tomorrow."

Yuutsuki's body stiffened. He wanted to stay alone with her, was there anything he did not want Tadao to hear? The wolf demon receded to the darkness, not questioning Sesshoumaru's requests.

"He could have taken the swords, ring and your life." He grasped her wounded hand, inspecting it carefully. Focusing on the cut, he dedicated the rest of his energy remaining on healing her.

"Byakuya showed me the place you have been seized in." These words captured his attention. The alert, golden eyes fixed on hers, awaiting continuation. "I did not care to figure out what the ring's wielder was supposed to do. It was redundant." Sesshoumaru's face was hidden by his ruffled hair, his grasp remained strong as he sank into thoughts. Despite what she had experienced early during the day, she still, as if without any reservations, had thrown her own life, entire effort and her duty in jeopardy, just to attain a mere chance to aid him, the one who was supposed to be protecting her. Was her attitude a virtue or a flaw? It was problematic and dangerous to judge for fear of falling into selfish conclusions.

"What would happen to me if the ring was gone?" The question did not surprise him. Her facial expression unequivocally displayed fear for his answer, yet her excessive curiosity had forced her to ask.

"I did not differentiate illusion from reality. You deserve no punishment. I am the guilty one." He placed his healthy hand on her head reassuring her of his words. Too tired to remain standing, the demon sat down, she followed him and took a place nearby. Yuutsuki was baffled by his vague allusion of an apology, moreover intrigued if he had also realized it. She threw a discreet glance over his face, seeking an answer to her queries. His eyes were focused on the pitch-black horizon and the girl vaguely wondered of his thoughts, surely he had to be thinking about something in particular. Driven by a sudden, incomprehensible impulse, she tilted herself towards Sesshoumaru, puzzled by her own actions and being unable to justify her intentions, she observed his curious glance directed at her. He was almost deemed dead, forever gone and even though there was barely any distance between them, she needed a physical confirmation of his existence, and the last time she could tell how present and real he was had happened during the time he had unexpectedly kissed her. Lately their emotional connection had been falling apart, growing distant with recent occurrences, especially regarding Shizuka. Despite all the negative influences, which could easily shake one's attachment, unbelievably, even to herself, she remained undaunted regardless of everything. Longing for confirmation that his bond remained equally unfazed and just as strong, she impulsively kissed him, this time fully accordingly to her will. She withdrew herself as fast and sudden as she had engaged, speechlessly awaiting some kind of reaction from him. In return, Sesshoumaru smirked and closed his eyes, sensing Tadao approaching.

"Imprudent." Yuutsuki could not tell if he was jesting or actually seriously judging her actions. The wolf demon did sense a waft of change within their attitudes, however he spoke nothing of it. He delivered the swords to both, Sesshoumaru and Yuutsuki, talking only about their destination:

"My acquaintance runs an inn with private hot springs. I am going to teleport us there."

In an instant, they were in front of a big, fancily ornamented gate leading to a large building. Lamps were illuminating the marvellous garden brightly, as if inviting any one to postpone their travel in order to visit that remarkable place. Once they entered the porch, a group of beautifully dressed maidens welcomed them, bending their postures lowly. Compared to their outfit, Yuutsuki felt like a beggar. She humbly entangled her hands, unsure what to do.

"General Tadao!" A pleasant female voice was followed by a girl, whose height was similar to hers. Her garments were dripping with splendour and good taste. She did not look older than fifteen, with her rosy cheeks and round face it was hard to acknowledge her status within that establishment. "It is a great pleasure to welcome you here. What is of your wish today?" As she passed by, a sweet scent of flowers spread around. Tadao nodded his head to the side, smiling in a polite way. "I have brought lord Sesshoumaru with me for him to relax in your little heaven."

The female flinched, abruptly lowered to her knees and bent lowly, touching the ground with her forehead. "Forgive my insolence, lord Sesshoumaru. I was not aware. Thank you for giving us the honour of serving you. My name is Satoka and I am the owner of this place."

"Stand up." Listening to his command, she straightened to her full height and looked curiously at Yuutsuki. The girl's eyes squinted, trying to read the innocent looking demon's intentions.

"Quite often we welcome humans in here, but to see a female warrior is quite rare. She must be exceptional to travel with you, my lords." Her tone was light, no enmity in her voice, but there was a drop of disbelief in her statement.

"She's my apprentice." Tadao smiled, allowing the maidens to remove his heavy armour. "She is very talented indeed." Yuutsuki quickly comprehended it was better to keep her identity secret, causing unnecessary commotion was not desired.

"Well then, please, let the maidens take care of you. Girls, be exceptionally careful. Lord Sesshoumaru seems wounded." Three young girls approached Yuutsuki, guiding her way to hot springs, opposite direction of where Sesshoumaru and Tadao had been directed. Despite her protests, they removed her clothing and insisted on tending her during the bath, only when she angrily threatened to use her swords, they left her alone in the bath, which worked miracles on her tense body and senses. Once out, the maidens awaited outside to dress her and tend her hair. From usually ruffled, wavy pile, they managed to obtain a tidy, beautiful hairstyle, which fully uncovered her face, giving it an additional charm. Her outfit was also very elegant, a black kimono ornamented with pink, wild birds. Once done, the maidens guided her to a big room, where sitting places were positioned on top of an altar surrounded by candles. Sesshoumaru and Tadao who had been clearly discussing something over a cup of sake quietened once she entered the chamber. The wolf demon rapidly lifted himself and stretched his hand towards her, not taking his eyes away. Yuutsuki grabbed the proffered arm, curiously looking at the fourth place to sit.

"Satoka is going to join us shortly. Take your place and enjoy your meal."

The western lord wordlessly kept on drinking as she bowed before taking the place between demons.

"You look stunning, like a royal princess." Tadao chuckled and beckoned a maiden to fill up his glass.

Yuutsuki smiled politely, yet her thoughts were fixed on Sesshoumaru. Could it be he was offended for violating his privacy? She began to eat, taking small bites and listening to the demons' conversation. Most of it was about political relations and dealings of the west, but once Satoka dressed in an extremely rich outfit, daintily walked in with excessively small steps, Sesshoumaru showed no interest in the conversation between Satoka and Tadao, finding it very trivial, almost too trifling.

Paying no attention it, Yuutsuki poured another full glass of the sweet sake and emptied it rapidly. She wondered if the relation between Satoka and Tadao was similar to Sesshoumaru and Shizuka's. The female demon appeared shockingly young, her gleaming eyes were totally sunken in Tadao's face. There was no doubt she was fond of him. The girl observed as Satoka's hand on purpose, yet cleverly masked for unintentionally, touched his arm, shoulder. Sesshoumaru decided that his human companion was consuming her drink way too fast, every time she had filled up her glass, he would do the same and put the bottle further and further away from her. In amusement, he observed her puzzled face, as she had to make bigger effort reaching the bottle every time she wished to drink. Despite Satoka's persistent efforts to captivate Tadao's entire attention, he was fully aware of Sesshoumaru's little mean joke on the girl. He grabbed the bottle and placed it just next to slightly intoxicated Yuutsuki, provoking an admonishing glance from the western lord. She repaid him with a soft smile, and to demonstrate her little victory over the sake, she poured Sesshoumaru a full cup, bestowing him with a playful glance.

"General Tadao, I assume you and lord Sesshoumaru have things to discuss. Allow me to walk your apprentice to her room." Satoka gracefully straightened her small body and bowed with respect towards the demons. "Please, follow me." She beckoned Yuutsuki with a gesture. Meanwhile walking among the spacious corridors of the mansion, Satoka quietly asked if she could enter her room in order to talk. Yuutsuki agreed, finding no particular reason to decline. Once inside, Satoka sat down, visibly full of tension, her hands were squeezed together.

"Does general Tadao speak of me often?" Noticing Yuutsuki's astounded gaze, for she had not expected such a question, Satoka hurriedly added: "You are his apprentice, so you spend a lot of time with him."

"Tadao…He is a gentle, dependable man. However he rarely speaks of private matters." The girl remarked tears in Satoka's eyes and felt guilty for her stance, nonetheless her mouth remained silent, allowing the female demon to speak out her mind.

"Once when I was still a child…" Yuutsuki lifted up her eyebrow, Satoka was still a child. "General Tadao was visiting this inn. A skirmish broke out between my mother, the owner, and a customer. It was a strong, angry demon. Denying paying, he snatched me away from my mother and demanded to be let go." Satoka's dark, matt eyes focused on hers in a great tension. "General Tadao felled the demon in one hit. I will never forget his strong grasp and his handsome smile. That moment I promised myself I would live to become his mate one day." Yuutsuki sighted, feeling a fleeting stab of pity for Satoka. "I have become a full-fledged woman several months ago." The demon's cheeks turned rosy, conversely there was a spark of smugness within her eyes. "But he still does not seem to notice me. I was wondering if he has another woman. The way he treats you… Are you by chance…?" The girl shook her head in rejection so snappishly, that her hair untied, softly falling on her shoulders, causing her vision to spin due to liquor.

"I am so relieved…" Satoka exhaled deeply, placing hands on her chest, she looked at Yuutsuki more amiably.

"Is there any way you can make general Tadao turn his eyes to me?" The request was puzzling and incomprehensible for the girl, who threw a prolonged, surprised glance over Satoka.

"Just use the same thing you have used on lord Sesshoumaru." Yuutsuki fell even deeper in befuddlement, slowly comprehending the real reason why Satoka had arranged this conversation.

"These are lies fabricated and spread by immature, desperate for attention individuals." Satoka was taken aback, maybe even slightly stirred at the answer, unaware of Yuutsuki's boldness to speak so bluntly straightforward to demons. "You cannot enchant one's love. That would be a mere illusion. Based on your story you seem to be mistaking admiration for love."

Expansive doubts bloomed within Satoka's head regarding Yuutsuki's witchcraft. Suddenly the female demon found herself keen to believe that the Rens' ring wilder was travelling alongside powerful demons, for she had been strong herself, yet a trace of uncertainty remained.

"So you did not enchant lord Sesshoumaru?" The demon's unfounded hopes had been crushed and she frowned in discontent as Yuutsuki shook her head in denial once more. "I cannot help you, lady Satoka."

Unexpectedly, the demon's eyes turned red and she directed her powers at the human. As a descent of a fox demon, she possessed abilities to enter humans' mind, plant a seed of her demonic energy and read their thoughts. Another ability of hers was to erase the memory of the aforementioned attacks, enabling her to abuse it safely, only and exclusively humans could be a target though, that was why her family was a great tool to control human lords and kings. Satoka submerged in Yuutsuki's head and plated a seed, but before she succeeded in stealing any image or thought, a dominant blockade pushed her away, brusquely ruining the attack.

"Wh… What have you done?" Yuutsuki's lips were quivering. Satoka swore silently, not realizing what had occurred. The ring had granted fortification to the human, restricting her from seeing anything, nonetheless the seed of her energy still lingered. The demon tried to dive in again, wanting to erase the fox seed, though the barrier reflected the attack again. Once a seed was left deprived of any controller, it would plant anxiety and fright within the prey's head, it was a traceless way of tormenting enemies. The victim would see the foulest scenarios of life events, would hear voices also see deceptions, ultimately decease after days of continuous torment.

"What are these images?! Why I am seeing all of this?!" Yuutsuki's skin turned pale and wet from sweat. Her dark, veiny eyes broadened and she slowly turned her head to a side, trembling in fear. Then, as if she had detected something dreadful, grasping her sword tightly, she swayed it around, cutting ornamental curtains around the bed in order to pierce the thing endangering her. The sword's energy unleashed, liberally inflowing to the girl's body, for she had not been sensible enough to measure its pour. Notwithstanding the mental power, Satoka was feeble and had no knowledge of fighting, she also distinguished that Yuutsuki was within the terrorizing illusion, seeing things completely different from reality, moreover there was no inevitability that the infamous Ren sword would not pierce her throat in a second, hence she kept curled up in a corner while hoping for help. The door to the room unlocked and Sesshoumaru along with Tadao appeared inside. The wolf demon approached Satoka first, for he had grasped what had occurred in there. Satoka's watery eyes observed his straightened, opened hand swing and felt a powerful slap on her left cheek. She cupped it with her hands, observing the demons in silence, too dreadful of the look of Tadao's eyes to speak.

"Yuutsuki…" Tadao touched her, but a swing of her sword blocked his attempts. "We have to supress the sword's energy first. Later the ring needs to be removed and Satoka must take out the seed." Sesshoumaru's claws glowed green, releasing his whips in order to strain the girl, however she avoided it by tumbling over the floor, hurting herself on a candle stand. In the exact same moment, Tadao threw himself at her and knocked her to the ground, grabbing her wrists tightly.

"Help me…" Yuutsuki uttered two words amidst short breaths, recognizing Tadao's grey eyes. He forced her to release the sword and lifted her up in his arms. He gently removed the ring from her shaky hand and screamed out towards Satoka:

"Do it!"

Satoka with all her might did not want to fulfil his command. The view of her beloved one holding the girl so gently in his arms injected malice into her heart, however regardless of her reluctance, she removed the seed without a word of demur. Yuutsuki gasped, her body relaxed and she allowed herself to sink in Tadao's embrace, supporting her cheek on his warm chest. Tadao returned the ring on its proper place and with his usual, jesting tone, he asked:

"Your room is destroyed, pretty. Do you wish to stay in mine tonight?"

"Get her another room." Sesshoumaru's deadly serious, angry voice did not stop Yuutsuki from answering favourably.

"I do wish so." There were matters she urged to discuss with him, and since she trusted him entirely, spending the night together seemed like a great opportunity to fulfil her wishes.

"You have heard the lady. Well, goodnight." Sesshoumaru growled as Tadao casually walked out from the room, disappearing with his human. He watched the female demon as she bowed tactfully. "I am extremely sorry, lord Sesshoumaru. I never wished to do her harm. I hope you understand." Sesshoumaru silently turned his back at her. "My lord!" He threw a short glance over her crying face. "Is she the general's mate?" Sesshoumaru stifled another growl and before leaving, he uttered through his tightened teeth: "You deserve no answer." He returned to his chamber, furious with the human's pert play on his feelings, swearing Tadao and his insolence to cross borders of his tolerance.

/

Tadao gently placed the girl on his bed, catching himself on gaping too long at her bared meanwhile fighting shoulders. With his back towards her, he sat down on the floor, sighting as he said: "Forgive Satoka, she is not a bad child."

"I know. She honestly admires you. Do you have feelings for her?" Yuutsuki sat down and smirked, meeting his staggered eyes.

"No, she is a brat to me. I have important issues to solve rather than a juvenile, unrequired love." Tadao supported his forehead on his hands, the long, blond hair covered up his face. "I must go north. If I don't go now I might never be able to retake my position. I was to help protecting you. I am sorry." Yuutsuki knelt in front of him, full of concern. "Do not concern yourself with me. I can fend off for myself."

"You have been hurt, have you not, pretty? You have seen Shizuka and lord Sesshoumaru together. If I were there I wouldn't have allowed you." The girl avoided his apprehensive look, fearful to be muddled by his benevolence. "I am less hurt than you think. I understand my position."

Tadao clutched her shoulders and shook her a bit. "He does not make you a favour by protecting you. He has feelings for you." Something about his voice seemed to have robbed her temporarily of breath. "And if he remains a coward until I retake my position, I will steal you away from him."

Tadao smiled, releasing his grip. "I still have plenty to discuss with lord Sesshoumaru. Rest well, pretty." Her stunned eyes followed him to the exit.

/

As soon as the first rays of the feeble, winter sun appeared in the sky, Satoka knocked on the door of Tadao's room.

"I have brought you appropriate clothing for travel." Yuutsuki nodded her head appreciatively. "Also, the food is waiting in the guest's room. Lord Sesshoumaru and general Tadao are already preparing to leave." Satoka wavered. "I am sorry. I caused you an unpleasant experience." The girl got up and grasped the demon's hands. "Grow up a little more and then meet Tadao again. He needs a good mate, try to improve yourself in order to become the one he wishes to have." Satoka beamed, her eyes let several tears out.

"I will never give up." Bowing lowly, she left the room, her heart full of joy.

Yuutsuki was impressed with the attire, it was a warrior's clothing adapted to fit a small female like herself. Arms and legs were reinforced with animal skin and on the inner part, especially around the back and chest, the material was embroidered with fur. There was also a convenient belt to attach the sword. Yuutsuki clasped her hands happily and with a light heart, she walked towards the guest room, where Tadao and Sesshoumaru were lively and loudly discussing weaknesses of the fake leader of the north, Naoki. Without interrupting, the girl quietly sat down and listened carefully while consuming her meal. Slowly, the conversation changed its course and Yuutsuki comprehended that Tadao would leave towards north today, shortly after Sesshoumaru and her would depart.

"If you are done, go to change. We are leaving." The western lord looked at her from the corner of his golden eyes. After short goodbyes, Yuutsuki followed the silver haired demon into the white horizon of a snowy forest. They marched for several hours, until the sun hung on its highest point in the sky.

"Is there any reason why we are not teleporting?" The girl had been bored by the monotonous landscape and lack of any conversation.

"Has curiosity ever led you to anything?" Sesshoumaru kept his steady pace despite her apparent exhaustion. Yuutsuki stopped and placed hands on her hips, wondering if he had been mocking her.

"To the truth, perhaps?" The demon smirked at her answer, widening the gap between them.

"Sesshoumaru!" He stopped abruptly, for the tone of her voice was too startled to be only expressing annoyance at his attitude. Before Yuutsuki managed to replenish her lounges with air, Sesshoumaru was already protectively grabbing her waist while alertly seeking the source of her shout. Even though the demon sensed no danger or presence, he did not weaken the embrace, questioningly looking at her stirred face. The girl felt ashamed for the misunderstanding, for she realized how heavily mindful he was in order to keep her unharmed.

"I… I am sorry, I just feel a weird sensation from the ring. As if… I am using the sword."

"Hn." Sesshoumaru lifted her up in his arms. "Already? It seems like you depend too much on borrowing the sword's power." He began to run, omitting all obstacles gracefully. "Luckily, today might be the day Naraku dies. He is close by, Inuyasha is also heading his way. Prepare yourself, nullifying nearly fully defiled jewel might exhaust your body." Yuutsuki's throat tightened, creating difficulties swallowing. She rubbed the ring's three coloured jewels, fighting with sudden fear born in her heart. Sesshoumaru was rapidly approaching the site, despite almost being able to taste her hesitation and doubts, he remained silent until they landed in the middle of an empty field. A skirmish had taken part there, visible traces from Inuyasha's wind slashes, also several loose parts of Naraku's tentacles served as a proof of the assumption.

"Yuutsuki, stay back." He jumped up and threw a singular, stern glare at her, as if to make sure she had comprehended and would not defy his orders. The demon drew his sword and performed a rapid slash, exposing Byakuya hidden within the shadows of trees.

"Sorry, but I am not letting this girl any closer to Naraku. I should have killed her once I had a chance." Sesshoumaru growled, full of thirst for the assaulter's blood and anguish, he captured the paper origami directed at Yuutsuki and melted it down within his poisonous claws. "Indeed. For you shall lose your life before that." While the demon dog's mind was entirely eclipsed with the need to eliminate Naraku's clone, one idle tentacle twitched, slowly moving towards the unaware girl, whose attention was captured by the battle. Suddenly, Sesshoumaru realized that Naraku had never intended Yuutsuki to be killed nor harmed by Byakuya, whose presence served only to deviate the lord's attention, as a tentacle would pierce the girl's chest and rip out her heart in order to make it impossible to revive her with Tenseiga. Sesshoumaru rapidly adjusted his priorities and put the girl's safety over his pride and lust for blood, however a fraction of a second too late for at the same time the girl fell lifelessly on the ground, tainting the white snow red. Despite being aware that her death was imminent, he swiftly appeared behind her and kneeling down, he locked the idle, small body to his, thwarting Naraku's plan by catching an incoming tentacle, which could have torn her heart out. Without a moment's thought, he teleported them both in front of Naraku, where he used Yuutsuki's last living moments on nullifying the jewel, helping her to carry out her mission before dying in his arms.

A/N: Nope, not the end yet.

Hope you have enjoyed this chapter, the next one is on its way.