And so it begins, the battle of the ages hums to life as the Lords of the four territories meet on the battlefield. Wait… three Lords? Bwhaaaa?
And what's this, Naraku's having a hissy-fit? Boo-hoo, you poor, sexy, sadistic bastard.
Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha!!!!! I own Meiyo… Rika… Yumi… Takura… Ryou… Mischief…Keiko… did I miss anyone?
Battle Frontier
Snarling angrily as he watched the filthy mutt claim what he believed was rightfully his, the midnight haired demon flicked his clawed hand in a gesture of dismissal, signaling to Kanna that she was to take her leave.
Soulless black eyes stared vacantly ahead as the small child lowered her mirror, pale face indifferent as she turned and left.
Pacing the length of the room, the restless hanyou gnawed his lower lip, furious at the fact that Kagome was being defiled by the mongrel. It was supposed to have been his privilege to rid the wench of her purity. Who better fitted for such a position than the prince of darkness?
Taking a deep breathe, he calmed himself, remembering that, once the jewel was his, he could rid himself of the bothersome inu and claim what he so sought.
Crooked grin tilting his sinister, pale lips, he cast his glance toward the large, transparent sack that hung from the ceiling in the center of the room. Approaching it, he placed his hand against the cocoon's pliable surface, gazing proudly at the figure that lay within, encased in translucent goop.
"Yes," Naraku murmured to him self, "let the dog have his fun for now. Tomorrow, I will right all that is wrong, and take my place as the ruler of this pitiful little world. And the miko, she will be my mate… mine to taint, whenever I so desire."
Smiling up into the face of his newest creation, he whispered darkly, "What a surprise they're going to get come the morrow. I can't wait to see the taiyoukai's expression when he lays his eyes on you, my lovely."
Claws tearing through the thin, stretchy skin of the sack, he watched as its contents spilled out at his feet, the body that had been encased in it falling limply to the ground. Like a babe bursting from the womb, his child of darkness writhed before him, naked body coated in a thin sheen of slime.
Kneeling, he lifted the trembling creature from the ground and stood, stepping away from the puddle of sticky, clear liquid and toward the indoor spring that sat in the far corner of the room.
Not bothering to remove his clothing, he entered the water, cradling his creation's nude body to his chest. Continuing into the spring until he could properly clean the newest member of his twisted little family, Naraku began to thoroughly rinse off the slick goop that coated her body.
It was with no slight amount of pleasure that he washed her, hands exploring every inch of her perfection as he did so. Hungry eyes gave her a once over, admiring his ingenious work. The creature was an exact replica of the original, down to the finest detail.
"Open your eyes, pet," he cooed, "greet your master."
Long, dark lashes fluttered a moment before they shot open, revealing blood red irises to his awaiting gaze. He smiled. Yes, other than the difference in eye color, the two could have been identical twins.
"Beautiful," he murmured. She was, of course, a mere copy, and he intended on ridding himself of her once he had all that he desired. He would not settle for anything but the best, and no copy would meet his expectations.
Carrying her out of the water, he set her on her own two feet, stepping back to examine her more thoroughly. He had seen the original nude while watching her through Kanna's mirror, but never had he gazed upon her unhindered flesh in person. Despite the fact that this was a mere shadow of the real deal, his body seemed to appreciate the view, for it sprung to life rather quickly.
Growling, he clenched his hands as his hakamma grew a little too snug for his liking. Eyes lighting up as a magnificent notion crossed his mind, he smirked wickedly at his creation. For now, she would have to do, until the original was in his grasp. "Kagome," he murmured, "please your master."
The miko's look-a-like blinked once, vacant red eyes staring into the face of her creator as she whispered, "Yes, Naraku-sama."
Sighing apprehensively yet resolutely, Kagome tore her gaze away from the palace, unable to look at it a moment longer. The children had taken the goodbye a little harder than she had hoped, and the recollection of their watery eyes made her want to cry.
Knowing now was not a time for tears, she straightened herself and leaned against her mate, relying on him for strength.
Placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder, Sesshomaru uttered, "Calm yourself, koi, you need a clear head when going into battle." His fingers pushed the collar of her garment aside, claws tracing the deep blue crescent on her neck.
Inhaling deeply through her nostrils, the young miko nodded once, happy that she had Sesshomaru for emotional support. Without him, she doubted she would have been able to leave the children behind. However, when she had begun getting sentimental, he had reminded her that, should she choose to stay, she could be putting them at risk.
On the horizon, a large, dark cloud rose up from the ground, like a great, toxic mist, seemingly concentrated around a single area. She could only presume that was where the villainous hanyou was at the moment.
The thrum of Toukijin vibrated against his thigh, and he looked quizzically at the malicious sword. Apparently, his demonic blade was thirsting for a taste of blood. Today, it seemed, it would get its wish.
Something foul was afoot, she could sense it. An abnormal yet familiar aura was heading their way, one she was greatly wary of. What sorts of trickery did Naraku have up his sleeve?
Apparently, her mate sensed it as well, for he was currently casting a quizzical look in the direction of the cloud, amber eyes hardened in scrutiny.
He sniffed curiously, testing the air with his senses. Something simply was not right. Huffing, he supposed he would find out what it was in due time.
Eyes lowering to the ground, Kagome smiled softly when she caught sight of Meiyo, who was currently at the head of Sesshomaru's army. The fierce formation of demonic warriors marched forward, determination shining from their every pore. She marveled at their courage and unwavering loyalty. Not an ounce of hesitation was present in their auras, their minds clearly set on serving their Lord.
A loud howl rang through the morning air, crisp and clear as a bell. It was followed by a chorus of low yowls, signaling the arrival of the northern Lord and his men.
She chuckled as a whirlwind of dust shot out from the trees to stop next to Meiyo. From the tree line, several wolves and ookami emerged. Kouga had arrived.
Looking up to the yellow cloud of demonic energy, Kouga waved his salute, wolfish grin never once leaving his face.
While his mate waved animatedly at the young, rugged northern Lord, Sesshomaru merely nodded, his face remaining steady as the remainder of the northern army joined his own crusade.
Not long after, the eastern Lord, Takura joined their steadily increasing group. Lowering them to the ground, Sesshomaru approached the other Lords, his mate by his side.
"Kouga, Takura, it is good to see you," he greeted.
Chuckling, the auburn haired demon remarked, "Did you think we would abandon you, Sesshomaru?"
"Speaking of abandon," Kouga hissed, "where's that snake, Rika?"
Noting that the ookami spoke the truth, Sesshomaru expanded his senses, finding no sign of Rika. "It seems the southern Lord has decided not to join us."
Shaking her head, Kagome mumbled, "Not surprising. That youkai reeked of deception and cowardice. It figures he would back out of something like this."
Shrugging, the young wolf youkai assured, "we don't need that wriggly little worm. We can destroy Naraku on our own." Behind him, his pack growled menacingly, the hanyou's name putting them all on edge.
Humming to himself, Sesshomaru commented, "We shall find out soon enough. He is nearing."
Steeling herself, Kagome suggested, "Perhaps we should continue. I'd like to get as far from the palace as possible. I don't want any innocent lives endangered."
Affirming her proposal, the three Lords continued onward, their men following suit. The inu demon looked to his right, where his mate marched fluidly beside him. In spite of the fact that he could smell fear and trepidation lingering on her person, she looked as collected and ready as any man there, her chin held high as she walked.
He mused to himself about how far the young miko had come since their first meeting. She had been nothing but a useless, blubbering mess then. Now, here she was, the Lady of the west, and one of the most powerful beings in existence. Her journey, much like his, had not been an easy one, yet in the end, it had benefited her greatly.
Though she knew she looked calm on the surface, Kagome's mind was going a mile a minute. It simply was too much to take in. She had just found her mate, her other, and now she strode head on into battle, preparing to take part in the fight for the future. Would this be her last day? Were the gods so cruel as to give her happiness, only to take rip it away moments later?
She smiled then, despite the angst rooted thought. If this was her final hour, if she truly was meant to die in this battle, she was still content. She had tasted love, and even though it was only for a short while, it was well worth it. Were she given the opportunity to go back in time, she wouldn't have changed a thing. Sesshomaru was her mate, and she would stay by his side until the very end.
Gasp. Kagome has a doppelganger! What a surprise. I wonder how the young miko will react when she discovers this…
The ultimate fight begins next chapter!
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