A/N: Sorry for having anyone who likes this story wait. Anyway, this one is going to be a tearjerker, even if it kind of short compared to my other chapters, oh well. EnJoY!!
Disclaimer/sigh/ Here we go again, oh well… /gritting teeth/ I-don't-own-anything-that-portrays-to-Inuyasha…but this is my story, so piss off!!!
Chapter 4: Tarakun's appearance and Sesshomaru's sacrifice.
WARNING: GORE AND VIOLENCE!! MAY MAKE YOU CRY…OR NOT!! I DON'T KNOW, JUST BE WARNED!!!
Inuyasha and Sesshomaru got closer and closer until they were in the outskirts of the village. They noticed that half the village laid in ruins and in the middle of the village stood the same demon that they had come across earlier, only this one wasn't a puppet.
Tarakun turned around and saw the two dog demons approaching. He smiled a devilish, toothy grin.
"TARAKUN!!"
"I'm flattered that you two already know my name." Tarakun said.
Inuyasha and Sesshomaru landed few yards away from him. "You smug bastard, I'll slice you into pieces!" Inuyasha growled, raised his sword, and then began to charge towards Tarakun.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you half-mutt!" Tarakun turned his gaze to the far right of him. "You wouldn't want your dear human friends to suffer a painful death would you?" He chuckled. Inuyasha looked over to where his gaze was and saw Kagome, Sango, and a dazed Miroku tied up around a large poll. Inuyasha stopped in mid step and lowered his sword. "Kagome. Sango." Inuyasha whispered.
A demon minion raised his spear to Kagome's throat. "Inuyasha." Kagome whimpered. "Kagome." Inuyasha whispered. He turned Tarakun. "I swear Tarakun, if you hurt anyone here, you'll regret it dearly." He growled.
Tarakun chuckled and turned to Sesshomaru. "I haven't forgotten about you Lord Sesshomaru." Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes at the demon. Tarakun spoke again. "Tell me, do you take pride, knowing that you slaughtered my younger brother O-Kaitsu?"
Sesshomaru smirked. "Indeed. It was rather amusing to see him die by my sword." Tarakun closed his eyes and grinned, trying to hold back the anger. "It's quite surprising, there's an actual similarity between us. You enjoy killing people that are close to me just like I enjoy killing people that are close to you." He snapped his fingers in the air and a large minion walked behind him, carrying a tied-up, squirming and kicking Rin.
'Rin'. Sesshomaru's eyes softened. Rin kicked and squirmed away from the demon minion and Tarakun. "Let go of me! Let me go NOW!" She screamed, jerking away from Tarakun the best way she could. When she saw Sesshomaru, she stopped as her eyes widened on him. "Sesshomaru." She whispered frightfully.
Tarakun took Rin from the minion and held her close to him. "I can see why O-Kaitsu kidnapped her for himself, she is a real beauty." He said to Sesshomaru.
Then he turned to Rin. "My dear Rin, are you truly happy with a demon such as him. If not, I can always kill him and take you in as my woman?" He leaned closer to Rin, as if to kiss her.
"Die and rot in hell!" Rin hissed and spit in his face. She was expecting him to get angry and hit her, but he merely wiped the spit away and chuckled at her.
"My, my, what a feisty little wildcat. Sesshomaru, you have good taste in choosing your bitches." He continued to chuckle, insulting Sesshomaru along with his race as a dog demon by saying 'bitch' instead of woman.
Tarakun leaned in and whispered into Rin's ear. "I like the feisty ones, they're always known to be the screamers." Rin felt fear streaming through her. "Se-Sesshomaru." She whimpered.
"You sick bastard! I'll kill you!!" Inuyasha growled, raising his sword up again.
"I've warned you, but you never listen, either that or you're just as dumb as a tree stump." Tarakun glared at Inuyasha. "If I were both of you, I wouldn't dare attack, if you do, anyone of your 'friends' or 'loved-ones' will be killed. And of coarse I know about Tensaiga's powers, but that still won't stop me."
The two dog brothers stared holes through him, but dared not move. They didn't want to take the chance.
Just then, there were sounds of children's laughter far behind where Tarakun and Rin stood. Everyone was so caught up in the tension, they forgot about Hakashi, Kohaku, Shippo, and Kirara that were playing in the field. Hakashi was laughing and walking next to a smiling Kohaku. Shippo was walking beside them with Kirara trotting alongside him.
"Oh God." Inuyasha whispered. Kagome's eyes were wide and fearful. Sango was in the same scared position as Kagome. Miroku, although still barely conscious from the head injury, was looking at the children with eyes fearful and wide.
"He wouldn't…" Sesshomaru whispered to himself and Inuyasha, still keeping the gaze at the approaching children. "He wouldn't dare attack those children."
Tarakun turned his head slightly; he stared at the children from the corner of his eyes, making him look that much satanic. "Well…it seems I missed a few." He whispered.
Shippo was the first one to look forward at the village that lay in half ruins with the rest of the villagers bound in one spot, heavily guarded by demon minions. His beloved friends were tied up and Inuyasha and Sesshomaru were standing far from a strange demon holding Rin. Shippo stopped walking. Kirara growled and turned into her vicious, larger self. Hakashi and Kohaku stopped walking. "What's wrong with you guys?" Kohaku asked. In a flash, Tarakun sped up to the children, still holding Rin.
Just then, Ah-Un jumped from the far off field and landed next to Kirara, the two lunged after Tarakun. Tarakun's eyes glowed a bright red as he stared at Ah-Un and Kirara. The two animals stopped in mid-attack and fell to the ground, mentally paralyzed by Tarakun's hypnotic stare. Kirara turned back into her normal small self and whimpered as she struggled to move.
"And just how did I manage to miss these little ones." Tarakun teased as he resumed his scary gaze at Hakashi, Kohaku, and Shippo.
"Shippo! Get the kids out of here NOW!!" Inuyasha screamed, but didn't move in fear of Tarakun's earlier words.
"D-Daddy..." Hakashi whimpered, as he looked passed Tarakun to see his father.
Tarakun followed Hakashi's gaze, which led to Inuyasha. Then he suddenly realized who this child was and a tooth-and-fang grin appeared on his face.
"This is too good." He whispered to himself. He turned to Inuyasha and the others. "I almost forgot that you had a child, Inuyasha. The other one must be the monks and the other bitch." Tarakun laughed. He turned back to the frightened children. Shippo bravely flung himself in front of Hakashi and Kohaku. Tarakun laughed at the pitiful attempt of protection. "Foolish little fox." He muttered and kicked Shippo. The poor little fox went flying far and finally landed into Kagome's lap. Rin started struggling against him, trying to bide time so that the children would escape, but she failed. Tarakun slapped her to the ground, and turned back to Hakashi and Kohaku. "Heh, maybe this will show you all how serious of an opponent I can be!!" Tarakun raised his clawed hands, which turned into a purple hays, and pointed it to the two children. They looked up at him, quivering before the vicious demon. "No Please!" Kagome cried. Sango was hyperventilating and going into a state of shock. Miroku and Inuyasha were yelling at him, pleading at him to stop. Tarakun laughed as his clawed, poisonous hand swung down.
"STOP!!" Yelled a familiar voice, which made Tarakun stop only a few inches away from Hakashi's head. He slowly turned his head around, still in the frozen attack position.
Sesshomaru took a step forward. "Stop." He said in quieter and softer tone. "Don't kill them."
Tarakun smirked. "And why would I do a thing like that?"
"Because killing those children or anyone else here would be pointless for your revenge. If you wish to fulfill what your family has desired…then take my life. After all…I was the one that killed your brother, and my father was the one that killed your father."
Everyone stood still, frozen at Sesshomaru's words. All eyes were on him, even the bound villagers who were watching the whole scene. Tarakun cocked and eyebrow and straightened himself from his earlier attack position.
"Did my ears just deceive me or did I hear the almighty Lord Sesshomaru, Lord of the Western Lands, despiser of the human race, the black-hearted Lucifer himself say that he would give his life for these mere creatures?" Tarakun took a few steps toward the dog-demon.
Sesshomaru nodded his head. Tarakun grinned that bone-chilling grin once more. "Hmm…both of the Dog General, Inutaisho's son's in the palm of my hand"- His loud thoughts were interrupted. "No, only I. Inuyasha's life is to be spared also." Sesshomaru said. Inuyasha gave him an astonished look. "Sesshomaru." He whispered.
Tarakun pouted. "Only one? Sounds a bit unfair, although, taking on both of you would indeed be a challenge and the half-mutt hasn't done much to me as you have, and also, the half-mutt isn't as strong as you, Sesshomaru…. Alright, fine…all of these pitiful little lives spared…for yours taken."
"They will not be harmed in anyway?" Sesshomaru asked. Tarakun cringed, but then answered slyly. "Of coarse they won't be harmed. What kind of demon would I be to go back on my word?"
"Sesshomaru, please don't do this!!" Rin cried. "Silence wench, he has already chosen his fate." Tarakun growled. He turned back to Sesshomaru and smiled at him before ordering a command. "Strip him of his armor, then bound him……I want him on his knees before me! Oh, and bound that half-mutt, I won't kill him, I just don't trust him."
A few demon minions walked over to Sesshomaru and took his fluffy boa from his shoulders, then took his armor off, then his sash along with the Tokijin and Tensaiga, and after that, they took both of his hands and put them behind his back and tied them together with mere rope, since he said he wouldn't struggle against his death, why would they need to bind him in mystical chains? Finally they kicked in his the back of his legs, forcing him to the ground on his knees. They did the same to Inuyasha.
"Sesshomaru…please…please don't do this!" Rin cried. Sesshomaru looked up to her, tears streaming down her face. 'Rin…she's…she's crying…for me.' "I'm sorry Rin, but I have to." His words sent daggers through her heart. "No…no you don't." She cried more.
Tarakun took a few slow steps toward Sesshomaru, smiling brighter than ever. He finally stopped in front of the demon lord.
"Tell me Sesshomaru," He said calmly, "Why would someone of your statue give your life for these pathetic beings?" There came no answer. Sesshomaru looked down at the ground, avoiding any humiliating conversations with him.
Tarakun leaned down and whispered loudly and roughly. "You know Sesshomaru, I don't like it when my questions go unanswered." Tarakun then backhanded Sesshomaru in the right side of him face hard. There loud gasps, then silence. Sesshomaru's face turned to the right by impact. He spit out the blood that seeped in his mouth from his lip and moved his head back to where it was. Tarakun still waited for an answer, but again, it never came, only silence.
"And yet again, no answer. Not even a growl of your displeasure. Hmph, how irritating." Tarakun then backhanded Sesshomaru again, only this time; it was the left side of his face. Sesshomaru spit out some more of the blood from his lip and turned his head back from facing the left by impact from the hit.
"Dammit Sesshomaru, why are you letting him do that to you! Dammit, do something, if not, then I will!" Inuyasha growled.
"Shut-up mutt!" One of the demon minions shouted and twisted Inuyasha's arm so hard that it made a loud 'CRACK' followed by Inuyasha's howl of pain.
"Inuyasha!!" Kagome screamed.
"Dammit, you said they wouldn't get hurt!" Sesshomaru growled.
"Then you'd best shut him up!" Tarakun growled back.
Sesshomaru turned his attention on Inuyasha. "I…I want to know why your letting him do this to you? Why did you want me to be unharmed after all these years of us fighting to the death and you wanting me dead?" Inuyasha said through the pain in his broken arm.
"Don't you understand Inuyasha, you have family now, and that family needs you. You don't want Hakashi growing up without a father just like you did? You suffered pain not knowing who Father was; you don't want Hakashi to know that same pain. Remember, he's only a 1/3rd a demon, therefore he still has demon blood, which will make him age slower then his mother. He will soon be without both parents in a young age, that is, if you were to die…and Rin…I don't want her to die. She is only 17. Too young to die now. I want her to live a long and happy life; all I want in return is for her to acknowledge the fact that I was there for her throughout half of her life."
Inuyasha and Rin both looked at him with awe and remorse. Rin cried harder. His words were like fire that burned through her soul. She wanted to live a long and happy life…with him…with her lord…the man she loved with all of her heart. Before she could speak, a loud, tormenting clap rang through the awkward silence.
"Such a tender moment. Too bad I have to end it." Tarakun said as he clapped in amusement. He then took out his sword and pointed at Sesshomaru, only an inch from his nose.
"Heh, heh, heh, Sesshomaru, such compassion you show for your family. Why, it shows tenderness, courage, bravery…love…WEAKNESS!!" At the scream of the word 'weakness', Tarakun thrust his sword into Sesshomaru's stomach. Sesshomaru's eyes widened and he doubled-over in pain, but still keeping his stance on his knees. Everyone around him cringed at the sound of ripping flesh. Rin screamed her lord's name and cried harder if it was possible. Kagome and Sango demanded Hakashi and Kohaku to close their eyes and ears. Inuyasha cringed at the sight of blood flowing down the sword's blade and dripping off and onto the ground.
Tarakun slowly pulled the sword out of Sesshomaru. "What? No scream? No howl of pain? Not even a plead or beg of mercy? Hmph, you're no fun at all. But maybe this will help." He thrust his sword a second time into Sesshomaru's stomach, causing him to groan in pain through tightly clinched teeth as a second gash opened and poured blood onto the ground. "Tarakun put his foot on Sesshomaru's chest and pushed him backwards on the ground on his back. The sword slicing out of his stomach. Tarakun towered over the bloody demon lord with the crimson blood soaked sword raised high above his body, ready for the final strike that would claim the life of the Lord of the Western Lands.
"Third time's the charm." He grinned. "Your family will soon be joining you." Sesshomaru looked into the eyes of the demon that betrayed him. "The deal." Sesshomaru choked. "Ha! You think I would make such a foolish deal with you!?! You foolishly let your pride blind you Sesshomaru!!" Tarakun raised his sword in the air. "Oh don't worry, I'll take good care of the girl!!" He laughed.
Then something snapped in Sesshomaru's head. Between the screams and cries of Rin and the satanic laughs from Tarakun, he couldn't take much more and his demon lust for blood and death took over. His eyes turned crimson and his slashes turned jagged and blood red. His claws and fangs extended. He broke through the weak ropes and pounced at Tarakun.
Everyone's eyes were wide and frozen. There was a sickening sound of ripping flesh and wet splatters of blood, followed by a thud. Tarakun stood there, eyes wide. One the ground laid the sword along with his right arm that was still clenching on to it.
"My-my-my arm!! You-you tore off my ARM!! You bastard!! How dare you!!" Tarakun screamed. Sesshomaru stood behind Tarakun, ignoring the searing pain in his stomach.
Inuyasha took this chance. Ripping off the ropes, he ran to the other and quickly untied them.
"Let's go…NOW!" He ordered. "What about Sesshomaru." Rin cried. "I don't know, but I doubt he wants us to be in his way, now lets go!!" Inuyasha slayed the minions guarding the villagers and demanded that they run far away to safety.
Through the pain of the lost arm, Tarakun grinned. "I'll make sure you won't get away from me! I'll take your life one way or another!!" He picked his sword back up with his left hand and sent a powerful blaze of light coursing to Inuyasha and the others.
Inuyasha noticed the attack and flung himself in front of everyone.
"Inuyasha, what are you doing!?!" Kagome screamed frantically.
"RUN!" He shouted at them.
Sesshomaru watched in utter shock. Just then, voices appeared in Sesshomaru's head. They weren't the horrible voices from last time, no; they were soft and comforting, but urgent and demanding. Sesshomaru recognized the voice.
"Father." He whispered.
The voice spoke. "You have someone to protect now…protect them my son…forget about your life and protect them…PROTECT THEM!!" the voice disappeared.
Sesshomaru didn't know how to protect them. By the time he grabbed his weapon and ran to save them, it would be too late. There was one more option and Sesshomaru understood and agreed.
He ran as fast as he could, ignoring the intense pain in his gut. He shoved Inuyasha out of the way of the upcoming blast.
"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING!!!?" Inuyasha shouted.
Sesshomaru looked at him and for the first time in Inuyasha's life, Sesshomaru smiled at him.
"Protecting." He whispered.
Just then, Tarakun's attack hit him with full force. Sesshomaru let out a deep scream/roar and his eyes turned crimson from the numbing pain. He could hear his own flesh ripping away and his clothes tattering. The pain was worse than the time Inuyasha hit him with the Wind Scar so many years ago.
"SESSHOMARU!!!" Rin screamed in horror as she watched the man she only loved die.
Inuyasha watched as Sesshomaru was being torn up by the attack. Then there was a pulsing sound behind him. Inuyasha turned to see Tensaiga glowing and pulsing wildly. In its own way, it pleaded Inuyasha to throw him into the blast and Inuyasha did just that. He picked up the Tensaiga and threw in the blast, hoping it wasn't too late. Tensaiga flew in front of Sesshomaru. It formed a black wall over everyone there until the attack subsided.
Everything was silent. Not even a bird or cricket chirped. All eyes watched in horror at the sight before them. Sesshomaru stood there. His clothes ripped and tattered and his body almost completely covered in blood. He looked over at Rin with glazed eyes. His arm slightly outstretched to her.
"Rin." He whispered, and then fell backwards and into a large pool of his own blood.
"SESSHOMARU!!" Rin screamed and ran towards him. She picked up his limp upper body and cradled him in her arms.
"Please…please don't die!! Don't die on me Sesshomaru, I need you!!"
TO BE CONTINUED….
NEXT EPISODE (OR CHAPTER): A PROMISE IS A PROMISE
A/N: dun dun dunnnnn!!! Left a very sad spot for ya' didn't I!? Will our beloved Sesshomaru die? You won't know that until the next chapter. I'll try to post it earlier so you readers won't have to wait long. Oh yeah I want to thank MistressKagome1 for her support on my story, Bless you MistressKagome1, Bless you!!
Ja-Bye-Bye!!