Chapter Twenty-Four:
Inuyasha rolled his eyes at his brother as they made their way through the castle. He was pissed his brother was mocking him! Inuyasha knew damn well that if he hadn't grabbed Kagura, that his brother would have.
"Up there around the corner is where he's keeping her," Kagura whispered. "There is probably a guard keeping watch."
Both brothers nodded as they got ready. The stench of demon was strong but the smell of Kagome's blood was thicker. Without hesitation, they picked up speed and before the demon guard could react, Sesshomaru took off his head with his poison whip. Pushing his panic aside Inuyasha went to grab the door before it slid open.
"Dog-shit? What the hell happened to you?"
Kouga blinked as he looked up and down the half-demon. He had seen Inuyasha transform before, but this time it felt different. Normally Inuyasha was like a crazed monster, but it seemed like he was aware of his surroundings. He was still concerned and pulled Kagome closer to his chest to protect her.
"Wolf, explain." Sesshomaru said as he looked down at his sister-in-law.
Inuyasha growled as he watched his naked mate being pulled closer to the wolf's chest. His growls turned deeper as Kouga backed into the room.
"Kagura brought me here." Kouga said as he backed into the wall of the room. He knew they wouldn't hurt Kagome, but he wouldn't take any chances. "She's hurt pretty bad, but she's just sleeping."
Inuyasha set Kagura down on the futon without taking his eyes off of his mate. His eyes were covered by his bangs as he slowly made his way to her. Sniffing the air, he could smell blood not death on her, but his demon would not let another male hold her in such a state.
"Give her to me." His low voice stated firmly.
Kouga looked over to Sesshomaru who nodded his head. He was hesitant but did what he was told. Looking down he loosened his hold and held her out to her mate. He flinched as she groaned in pain, but he knew if anyone could help her it was Inuyasha.
The moment Kagome reached his arms, Inuyasha shuddered. The demon blood that was coursing through him slowly started to recede. Her skin was cold and her beautiful face was bruised, but she was alive. The wound on her stomach was bad but not enough to kill her.
"What happened?" Inuyasha said softly as he took off his robe and covered her. He tore off the sleeve to his kisode to put pressure on her wound.
Thankful that his voice was somewhat back to normal, Kouga told him what he knew. "Naraku had her chained up when I got here, ummm her uh clothes were already gone." He flinched as both brothers growled. "She uh wasn't touched like that though as far as I know. There were some bruises on her face but she didn't smell like she'd been forced...
"She had a barrier around her when I got here but she must have had it up for a while because she was weak. When I got her free, Naraku got me from behind...when I woke up, Naraku was gone and she had that wound." Koga's head bowed as he thought of his first love being hurt for him. "I think she was trying to protect me."
Inuyasha wanted to be pissed off that Kouga didn't protect his mate, but she was his to protect. There was no one to blame but himself and Naraku. Looking down at his mate he sighed.
"It's not your fault wolf." Inuyasha said surprising him. "You tried to protect my mate, so...thank you." He ignored the wolf demon's shocked face as he turned to his brother. "This ends now. I need you to get her to safety. I can't let this bastard get away again!"
Sesshomaru wanted to fight him. This was his fight too, but looking down at his brother's pleading eyes he knew he couldn't.
"Hn. This one will get her to a safe location, but do not think you will get to have all the fun brother."
Inuyasha nodded his head then looked down at Kagome. He rubbed his hand on her cheek as he leaned down to kiss her forehead. He smiled as she murmured his name in her sleep. He leaned down to her ear whispering so softly that he knew she wouldn't be able to hear him, but he needed to tell her he loved her one more time, just in case.
"Your armor brother. You will need it." Sesshomaru glared at him as Inuyasha rose to stand.
"I feel better knowing she's protected." Sesshomaru didn't agree, but he nodded anyway. "Plus no one needs to see my mate naked but me. It's bad enough the wolf turd got an eye full." Inuyasha growled out.
Biting his cheek, Sesshomaru nodded as his brother and the wolf demon bickered. "Go brother, I will keep her safe."
Inuyasha stopped his yelling as he looked back. "Keh! You better." He gave one last long look at Kagome before he ran out the door.
"Damn, I can't believe he just left her like this!" Kouga barked while shaking his head.
"Watch your tongue wolf before you lose it." Sesshomaru glared as he moved towards the futon. "It is my job as Alpha to keep her safe and it is his job as her mate to avenge her."
Kouga looked taken back by his words. He felt torn at the moment. Inuyasha trusted his brother, but they had both failed her before. All he wanted to do was take her away from this hell hole and lock her away. Looking down at the woman he shook his head, she wasn't his anymore, she was Inuyasha's. As much as it pained him, he had to let her mate take care of her now.
"Whatever, there's no way in hell I'm letting him get all the glory! You better keep her safe! If she dies I'll kill you."
Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes at him as he left the room. He wanted to follow them both, but Kagome was his number one priority right now. Sighing he turned around. His heart skipped a beat as he looked upon the futon. Kagura had passed out from the pain and Kagome was sleeping fitfully. He needed to figure out a way to get them both out of here. He would have to try to wake one of them up, as strong as he was he couldn't safely carry them both. If he could not, he'd have to leave Kagura behind.
As he made his way to the futon, he felt the familiar pull at his hip. Looking at the bed, he figured Kagura was not asleep but had passed on. He didn't know if he could save her but figured it was worth a shot. He respected the demoness, and had things been different, he would have contemplated making her his mate. So, the least he could do was save her. He drew his sword and watched as it pulsed. He stood over her body and waited.
"Hn." His eyes narrowed and he looked at her closely. "She is breathing." Tilting his head he looked around for the messengers.
He jumped back as he noticed they were not around Kagura, but Kagome.
"What is this." He knew she was not dead so why...
It dawned on him as he watched them wrap their chains around Kagome's stomach. Panicking, he swung his sword destroying them. He watched in amazement as the wound on her stomach did not disappear but stopped bleeding.
"You work fast brother." Breathing a sigh of relief, Sesshomaru smiled. "I will protect you both."
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'Where is that bastard!' Inuyasha raced down the corridor trying to find Naraku. His scent was everywhere and he was getting nowhere. With no other option, Inuyasha made his way back to the main door hoping the others were ok. He felt a pang of guilt knowing he had left them alone, but he needed to find Kagome first.
'Soon Kagome, soon this will all be over I promise.' This was it. Today he would kill Naraku and finally be able to enjoy his life with his family. He would make sure they all made it out alive, they've come too far to lose now.
Seeing the way out, he ran out of the castle and into the battle. Looking around, he was glad his friends were still alive but there was no sign of Naraku.
"Inuyasha! Where's Kagome!" Sango yelled out as she ran over to him.
Pulling out his sword he yelled out to her. "She's fine! She's with my brother." Making sure no one was in the way he let loose his wind scar killing twenty demons.
Sango smiled as she ran up behind him. "Thank goodness. I was so worried." She looked around at the few demons that were left. "Miroku's a little banged up but we just about got them all. There were a few tougher ones, but most of these demons were weak." Turning around she used her sword to take out two more. "Although, with you here now it will be nothing."
Inuyasha smirked as he took out the last remaining demons. With the immediate threat over they regrouped. Just as Sango said, Miroku had a gash on his head but everyone else was fine.
"You alright?" Inuyasha asked.
"Just a scratch." Miroku smiled back at him. His smile turned lecherous as Sango came up to him.
"She might not hit you because you're injured, but I'd watch out for her brother." Inuyasha laughed as Miroku looked over at a glaring Kohaku. Sango smiled at her brother as he helped her get Miroku to his feet.
While getting regrouped Inuyasha noticed Kikyo looking off past the castle. Walking up to her he grabbed her shoulder.
"What is it Kikyo."
Kikyo smiled at him before looking away. "Naraku." The group got quiet as they listened. "I can sense the tainted jewel that way. He is weakened." She looked back over. "We must go now while he is injured."
Inuyasha looked confused. "Who injured him?" He spoke to himself.
"Who do ya think mutt? Kagome smoked his ass before he attacked her." Kouga called out as he joined the group.
"WHAT! Is she ok!" Sango yelled as she turned to the newcomer.
Kouga frowned as he replied. "She's hurt, but she'll live. Can't say the same about Naraku." Sango nodded but was still upset her sister was injured again.
"It's time." Inuyasha turned back to the others. "This is it, I can't promise we'll all live so if you don't want to come stay here. I and Kikyo are going no matter what, but the rest of you should stay here." He held up his hand as the others fought him. "Listen, I know you all have a reason for wanting to fight, but think it over for a minute before you decide."
Sango looked over at her fiance and brother. She didn't want them to go but it wasn't her choice to make. Picking up her weapon she moved to stand by Inuyasha. "No way I'm letting you have all the fun."
Miroku and Kohaku looked at Sango then at each other, they would go where ever she went.
Kouga just rolled his eyes and made his way to Naraku's location. "That bastard is the reason my pack was wiped out, ain't no way I'm not fighting.
Inuyasha nodded as they headed out. It was eerily quiet as they walked. They all knew they could die today, but they all were willing to sacrifice their lives to take the monster down. There were so many words left unsaid, so many things they wanted to say, but none could speak up.
Sango held the hands of her brother and fiance and squeezed. They couldn't lose today, it wasn't an option. She looked over at Inuyasha and smiled. His face was determined and it made her feel better. Who would have thought the punk kid she met years ago would turn into this man before her. She was happy for him and Kagome and would make sure he came back to her. If anyone deserved a happy ending, it was Inuyasha.
They neared the empty courtyard where Kikyo had felt the jewel. Standing alone was Kanna. Mirror in hand and face devoid of any emotion. The gang got into a fighting stance as they awaited the arrival of Naraku.
"Kouga, don't look into her mirror," Miroku whispered as he gripped his staff.
"Come on monk, you scared of a little girl?" Kouga smiled as he crouched down.
"Leave the girl to me." Kikyo whispered as Inuyasha nodded.
The air grew heavy as their enemy came closer. The demons in the group growled as Naraku stepped out into the clearing.
"Kukukuku. My my my, have you all come just to see me? I feel special." Naraku laughed as he stood behind Kanna.
"Keh! Why so cocky Naraku...I can smell your burning flesh from here." Inuyasha pulled out his sword as he smiled.
Naraku smiled menacingly as he pulled out his right hand. "Well, my mate does like to play rough sometimes." He laughed. "But you would know all about that right Inuyasha?" The growls grew louder.
"YOU BASTARD! I'LL KILL YOU!" Inuyasha yelled as he charged, starting the battle.
Dodging tentacles Inuyasha tried to make his way to Naraku but was thrown off. Kouga and Sango with Kohaku on top of Kirara came at him from opposite sides trying to distract him, as Kikyo and Miroku went after Kanna.
Sango was knocked off Kirara as she took a blow from a tentacle. As multiple ones shot toward her she was saved by Kohakus sickle. "Sango! Are you ok?" Kohaku grabbed her arm and helped her up.
"I'm fine, come on we have to help Inuyasha." They raced back towards the fight trying to clear a path.
As they tore down the tentacles piece by piece, they were beginning to become hopeful until Naraku brought up his barrier.
"What's the matter, scared are you?" Kouga laughed and Naraku smiled.
"Kukukuku. I was just thinking, why don't we make this more interesting?"
They watched in horror as Naraku's tentacles shot out grabbing Kouga and Kohaku and bringing them inside the barrier. Inuyasha screamed as he used his red tesiaga, but the barrier held strong.
"Dammit! Let them go you bastard!"
"I should thank you Inuyasha. I was only missing three shards, who would have thought you would bring them right to me?"
"What?!" Inuyasha yelled as he watched the pair being brought closer to Naraku.
"Kohaku no!" Sango cried.
Kohaku smiled at his sister as he closed his eyes waiting for his fate. He felt the swift movement on his neck and then felt no more.
Kouga cried out from the searing pain in his legs. Both of his jewel shards were ripped out as he bled. He passed out as soon as his body fell to the ground.
"Finally! The jewel is whole once more!" The jewel in Naraku's hand turned pitch black as his aura surrounded it. He lifted the jewel and smiled as he watched Inuyasha and Kikyo attack his barrier. There was no stopping him now. He lifted the jewel to his mouth and swallowed.
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I'm sorry I have no idea how to write fighting scenes and struggled with this forever!