INUYASHA: SEALED FATES UNLEASHED
By: Lady JenDragon
Disclaimer: I do NOT own Inuyasha and associated characters.
Author's Notes: Where does the time go? Again, I must apologize for the long wait. I swear I'm not doing this on purpose. I had some issues with the details of the next few chapters and how I want to course the remainder of the story. The Holidays just zapped everything since I went out of town. And school started again. So, now I know what I want to do, more chapters should follow quicker. Enjoy.
CHAPTER TWENTY
Red Arrows
Both Sesshomaru and Kagome were…gone!
Inuyasha stood with Sango, Miroku in a daze. Jaken stared jaw-dropped next to Rin clutching nervous hands together. Her dark eyes glistened at the loss of Lord Sesshomaru. Asaia stared directly west, her chin lifted to the sky.
"LORD SESSHOMARU!" Jaken could not resist the temptation.
"He can't hear you!" Inuyasha growled. "They're gone. So, shut up!"
Both hands were tightly fisted at his sides. Anger rose to dangerous levels, his body shaking trying to control the inner rage. What the hell was going on? And why was Kagome taken along with Sesshomaru? Nothing made sense.
"She does do this." Myoga sniffled on Inuyasha's shoulder. "That sorceress is trying to lure us to her lair."
"And it's working." Miroku added. "What bothers me is that she chose to take Inuyasha's brother and Kagome. Why not just Kagome?"
"Makes no sense to me." Sango shrugged. "It appeared that Sesshomaru was beginning to heal. In fact I believe he would have recovered in just a couple of days."
"You think this sorceress took him now just to stave off his healing?" Rin turned to Sango with clasped hands, Miroku and Inuyasha. "She wanted him to stay sick?"
Miroku and Sango exchanged a quick glance not wanting to correct the little girl's use of the word 'sorceress'. Inuyasha pretended to be lost in thought to avoid the kid's question. Neither wanted to explain what was going on to a six year old. Rin was more astute than other human children her age. However, she would not completely understand everything. Shippo standing by Sango' leg looked up at the group as if hoping for the answer as well.
"She wants something from him." Asaia spoke serenely.
All turned to look at the young girl in shimmering blue and silver kimono. She turned her gaze from the sky to them. She blinked several times, allowing several moments of silence to pass before speaking again.
"Atokiyada has plans for Sesshomaru." Asaia tilted her head slightly to the side. "His illness was planned from the beginning. Kagome was taken to lure us to her, especially the younger son of the Dog General. She must want to confront you, Inuyasha."
"And I'll be ready for her!" Inuyasha smiled at the challenge.
"An army of the strongest demons could not destroy her all those millennium ago." Myoga pointed out then blew his pointy nose into a small flea-sized kerchief. "What makes you think Tetsusaiga alone can take her on now?"
"He has a point Inuyasha." Sango agreed. "We need to figure out if there's anyone else gathering to stand against her. I should do some reconnaissance with KiRaRa before we go looking for her castle. I hate to say it. But demons may be our only ally against Atokiyada."
Inuyasha lifted his nose in the air at the idea, folding his arms in offense. He knew Sango was right but more than anything, he wanted to go off and find Kagome. He hated this waiting game while Kagome suffered in the enemy's hands.
"We could use any help right now." Miroku added.
Jaken rubbed his scaly chin, thoughts milling about in his mind. If Sesshomaru was out of commission, it was his job to go in after his master. That job would fail unless he allied himself with others. Even it meant standing beside Inuyasha and humans.
"I should go with you." Jaken stepped forward his eyes on the female demonslayer. "I can communicate with demons more easily than you. My services would be of value."
Sango nodded her agreement. Herykotes slung over her shoulder shifted as Sango turned to KiRaRa. Her demon-cat mewed and stepped away from Sango's leg proudly. Shippo looked up, hoping he would not be left behind. Sango shook her head 'no'. The small fox demon pouted his lips, tightly folding his arms across his chest.
"Sango, be careful." Miroku warned watching KiRaRa burst into demon form. "Report back as soon as possible. We don't have much time."
Sango jumped onto KiRaRa's back. Jaken leapt onto the demon cat behind the demonslayer. She felt the demon Imp adjust the Staff of Two Heads. This should be a quick trip. Hopefully there were some remaining demons strong enough and willing to stand against Atokyada.
"Come on KiRaRa." Sango urged.
KiRaRa leapt into the air, the fire on her paws grew more intense as she flew through the air. Inuyasha and Miroku walked towards Asaia. A plan would need to be figured out. They would need to locate Atokiyada's fortress before they planned any attack. If they were to succeed, humans and demons would need to work together. Would that happen? Miroku shivered at the thought.
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Kagome found her wrists and ankles tied, anchored to the web-like sheet drawn across the window. She had been placed here so the others would see her upon their arrival if the large archway was the entrance as she believed. Then she froze, all attempts to escape forgotten.
Sesshomaru lay on the floor on his back. Hard to believe she would see him like this again. The first time was more than enough. A golden ribbon of light extended from the inch thick silver necklace shining brightly around his neck and connected to the sleek black floor. It appeared loose for now. His kimono was removed from the waist up, his severed left arm exposed. A dragon's claw was placed at the end of the human stump, turning a sickly green where the human flesh met demon flesh.
A woman walked into the room, her body barely covered by transparent blue, silver and white robes. She wore her blue hair pulled into a pile on top of her head, the remainder hung down her back. The woman was beautiful and youthful, her lips bright red and her eyes sparkling green/blue. Kagome assumed this was Asaia's sister, Atokiyida.
"Ah, Kagome." Atokiyida smiled evilly. "Your attempts to break free are in vain."
"What are you going to do?!" Kagome hated being like this.
Why did she always end up like this? Kagome looked around for any signs of where they had been taken. Felt like a castle with this expansive room barely decorated with any furniture. Not even a tapestry to break up the dark walls. Even the windows told nothing of their location. All she could see was fog, thick twisting dense fog that gave nothing away. Not like she had a little flea to go jump off now and tell Inuyasha where she could found.
"Conquer the world." Atokiyada approached Kagome slowly. "But, you and your friends have been keeping my plans from fruition. Now I will have to kill each and every one of you. And I'll start with your friends."
Kagome's eyes widened. 'No!' This crazy woman could not kill everyone. Suddenly, the demon laid her cold hand on Kagome's face, sliding a long nail down over her skin. Shivers started from her feet and worked its way up her spine. 'This woman gives me the creeps.' Kagome watched Atokiyada closely, her body chilled by the celestial demon's touch.
"Have you finally gotten over your liaison with Inuyasha and Sesshomaru?" She smiled evilly again hoping for a reaction watching the humans eyes widen. "I bet that was difficult to forget."
Kagome's eyes widened, yanking hard on the webbing. She shivered once more, shaking off the pictures trying to form in her head. Then she noticed Sesshomaru lifting his head. Again she froze when Sesshomaru's eyes turned crimson. He had been listening to their conversation.
"Tha…that was your doing?!" Kagome felt fear replaced by rising anger.
Sesshomaru dropped his head to the floor, struggling against some invisible force that weakened him. 'What magic is this?' His hand fisted until his knuckles turned a sick red-purple color. Blood oozed between his fingers onto the floor.
"I only encouraged what already existed." Atokiyada laughed airily, waving her hand.
Then Kagome noticed the round water bowl nearby on the floor. Had that always been there? It was a big room, how could she have missed it? The water inside shimmered then swirled around in whirlpool-like fashion. Then, a picture formed of Inuyasha. His handsome face smirked at her, seemingly just for her. She smiled at the warmth that overwhelmed her. Then it changed to Inuyasha's demon form…
Kagome's eyes widened, the reflection in the water showed Sesshomaru and Inuyasha with her sandwiched between them. She tore her eyes away not wanting to watch, squeezing them shut tightly. She needed no reminders.
"STOP IT!" Kagome screamed out.
Atokiyada watched with smug glee. 'Ah, the girl was internally conflicted.' She wanted and loved the young Inuyasha but Sesshomaru was much more experienced. He plundered her and then shared her with his brother. She folded her arms. Torturing the girl was proving to be too much fun.
"Yet you surprise me. I never thought Sesshomaru would share you." Atokiyada walked to Kagome, standing close to the girl not of this time period. "I had hoped he'd kill Naraku when they battled over Kikiyo. Couldn't have everything, I suppose."
Sesshomaru lay still, listening to the unfolding conversation. He kept both eyes closed. The gold ribbon tying him to the floor now covered his mouth, preventing him from speaking. So, he had been enchanted to share the wench of Inuyasha. He felt disgusted, forced to touch the mortal miko. Even the girl was disgusted at the memory. But knowing he fought over the dead miko against Naraku proved too insulting for his honor. 'Atokiyada will pay.'
"What happened to Kikiyo?" Kagome asked.
Kagome had to know. Inuyasha would want to know and then kill Atokiyada for putting Kikiyo through that kind of turmoil. He, after all, did choose Kikiyo over her. First loves were difficult to get over, she reasoned. And that was something one did not let another's tampering go unpunished. To be reminded of Inuyasha's choice over and over hurt. But, she wanted to be with him even if it was as a friend. Kagome made that conscious choice herself to prevent ending her relationship with Inuyasha. Would it ever change? Secretly, her heart wished for it.
"Oh, Naraku took care of her once Sesshomaru surrendered her to him." Atokiyida smiled at the corners of her mouth knowing Sesshomaru was awake. "She'll never be the same again. Crying out for Inuyasha."
Kagome's eyes widened. "Wha…?!"
Her heart sank even more. Naraku took… Kagome could not bring herself to form any thoughts. She forced herself to picture dark black like the evening sky during a moonless night. Inuyasha would be devastated. And this celestial demon used this knowledge against her, against Inuyasha.
"What about Sesshomaru?" Atokiyada tousled her loose hair. "I could make him your pet."
Sesshomaru sat up gaining the attention of the miko and Atokiyada. He tried to transform but the silver necklace around his throat thickened turning into a grayish colored collar. His powers were restrained, keeping him in human form. He felt the golden ribbon around him tighten as well, pulling back to the floor. His hair fanned around him out on the floor. Sesshomaru looked at the miko then the woman beside her. 'The celestial demon is indeed strong.'
"Ah…no thanks." Kagome answered nervously.
The picture of patting Sesshomaru on the head and giving him a treat would be funny on most occasions. Just not this one, Kagome grimaced. She rolled her eyes, veering them from Atokiyada and Sesshomaru.
"Are you sure?" Atokiyada glanced over at Sesshomaru, his eyes dulling from crimson back to their usual amber color. "He was rather…experienced, wasn't he?"
Kagome blushed, veering her eyes from Atokiyada one more time. She would make her pay somehow when this was all done. If only she had an arrow, Kagome lamented. There would not be any need for a bow. All she needed to do was stab her with it.
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Miroku eyed the calm pong water. Odd, they always seemed to end up near a water source. He wondered if the celestial demon used water as a possible mode of transportation. Would her minions be able to use it as well? Sango had not returned yet. Over an hour, she was a thorough demonslayer and would not rest until she covered every possible place demons could congregate privately.
There was no indication of where to locate the fortress. Celestials typically like high places when visiting the land of the living that included water for bathing. Someplace with hot springs were pretty popular among humans and demons. Celestials were legend to stop by for dip. But how to find the castle? She was powerful in addition to being beautiful.
"Miroku." Asaia spoke quietly. "Atokiyada would be close."
"Ah…" Miroku blushed having his thoughts interrupted. "I believe you are right."
Several moments of silence passed between them uncomfortably.
"Tell me., Asaia." Miroku wanted to divert the young girl's attention. "Why would your sister banish you to travel the earth?"
"Because she could." Asaia sighed. "We never got along. She believed that I needed to be shown who possessed the true power of our celestial father. Atoki enjoys displaying her powers. Being the youngest put me at a disadvantage. However, her selfishness has proven to be her weakness."
"And may be useful to us." Miroku thought inwardly.
But his concentration did not last long on the subject. He thought about Sango and why she had not returned yet. If she met with harm…well, that would be horrible. To think, he had not laid a hand on her in some time. He realized Asaia watched him with a curious expression. Asaia narrowed her eyes then smiled slightly.
"Sango would not like these thought you dwell on." Asaia watched the monk's eyes widen. "As a demonslayer, she prefers the direct approach. Women of her caliber prefer men who are not afraid to show their emotions. Romance would help too."
"Ah…thanks?" Miroku waved Asaia off, blushing deeply.
He took that moment to walk quickly away from Asaia. Young Rin and Shippo needed to be checked on to verify they were safe. Plus, it seemed the celestial human could read minds. That was a bit too much for him to stick around talking idly to her. He stopped, realizing Inuyasha had disappeared as well.
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Sango furrowed her brow, disappointed that they had not found a single grouping of demons. No auras could be detected in the area. If they were here, they went deep under ground to avoid detection. If that was possible against a celestial demon. Someone with that kind of power could detect demons regardless of their whereabouts.
"I don't see demons anywhere!" Jaken finally spoke. "They don't seem to think that the celestial demon is worth losing their lives over."
"Trust me." Sango shouted over her shoulder, shaking her head. "Powerful demons would know why she's here. They have no choice but to fight."
Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted red and white in the forest below. Urging KiRaRa to go down to investigate, she recognized the figure as Kikiyo. The dead priestess spotted them and waited for Sango to land nearby and slide off.
"You are searching for the celestial demon?" Kikiyo eyed the demonslayer accompanied by Sesshomaru's servant and the demon cat.
Sango nodded, walking towards the red and white kimono clad priestess. It was not often she met up with the reserved priestess, Inuyasha's first love. How similar she and Kagome appeared. Still, Sango could easily tell them apart. Kagome was much younger than the woman standing before her now, a bit more immature.
"She's taken Kagome and Sesshomaru." Sango offered.
"Atokiyada has planned this with care." Kikiyo looked to the sky. "She uses illusions very well. You will find her in the highest mountains in all of the western lands, above the ocean."
Kikiyo held out a hand towards Sango. In her fist she clutched five red arrows. Sango realized these were special arrows meant for Kagome. Kikiyo would not be able to fight Atokiyada where Kagome was held. The danger of losing her remaining soul to her reincarnation was too risky to take the chance. So, this was her contribution to the battle. Sango accepted them gladly.
"When the times comes…" Kikiyo stared into the demonslayers eyes. "Kagome must shoot the image and the dream with one of these arrows."
"I…I don't understand." Sango stuttered.
Kikiyo turned and walked away. Her steps were unrushed, taking gentle care not to disturb life in the grass where she stepped. Enough life had been lost since Atokiyada had been released from her prison. She never once believed the stories as a child. Now, she realized that her ignorance came back to haunt her. Inuyasha would not walk away with out some scar from this fight.
'And I will not be there to nurse him back to health.'
Sango stared at the five red arrows. Well, whatever they were, Kagome would get them. Of that, Sango would make sure. Turning back towards KiRaRa, she met two curious gazes. Shrugging, she got back on KiRaRa without explanation.
They took off back to where Inuyasha, Inuyasha, Shippo and Rin were waiting for them.