On a snowy night near the ocean, blood dripped from the left hand of the Inu no Taishō. His son and heir, Sesshōmaru, asked his father if he insisted on going and asked for his two swords, Tessaiga and Sō'unga. But his father asked if he desired power so much, he needed someone to protect; Sesshōmaru said no, as he had no need for such. His father then transformed into his true dog form, running off, but not before telling Sesshomaru to protect the Dragon Prophecy. Myōga, clinging near his right eye, pleaded his master to reconsider, for his wounds from his battle with Ryūkotsusei had not yet healed, but the Inu no Taishō refused, as he needed to reach his human wife, Izayoi, who was just giving birth to his second son, and that he didn't believe he was long for this world.

At a mansion, guarded by many samurai, their leader, Takemaru of Setsuna, ignored the midwife's warnings and took his spear, killing the midwife. Then he entered the birthing chamber as a lunar eclipse began. He told Izayoi, that he had always loved her but loathed the fact that her heart had been stolen by a demon and stabbed her with a spear. As he left, he heard the cries of a newborn half demon.

At that moment, the Inu no Taishō arrived at the door, using his Wind Scar to cut through the lines, despite being hit by a few arrows. After hearing that Takemaru slew Izayoi, he sliced off the samurai's left arm and entered the mansion, just as Takemaru summoned his men to set it aflame. Inside, the Inu no Taishō found Izayoi and used Tenseiga to revive her, and covered her with the Robe of the Fire Rat to protect her from the fire. Takemaru then approached, determined to fight to the death. The Inu no Taishō drew his third sword, Sō'unga and told Izayoi that their son would be named Inuyasha and battled Takemaru as the mansion collapses on them. Izayoi, holding her infant son, escaped from the flames as the mansion collapsed.

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Another typical day in the modern era.

Kagome and the girls were playing volleyball in gym class, which would've been fine if Inuyasha hadn't stolen the ball, thinking someone was trying to hurt Kagome, and Koga punched him off the roof.

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Sota returned from a day at school to find his mother and grandfather moving one of their treasures: the sword of Kusanagi.

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"Geez Inuyasha. Why'd you and Koga come to my school in the first place?" Kagome muttered

"Somebody's gotta look out for you." explained Inuyasha "You're always getting into trouble."

Koga snorted "Yeah right. I had to make sure he didn't do anything. Besides, from what I gather, this time period isn't as dangerous."

Kagome nodded "I was only playing volleyball. It's a sport. A way to get exercise."

"Do they always dress like that when they play volleyball?" Koga whispered

Gohan nodded "All the time."

"You mean it's like the Kamari ball game?" asked Inuyasha

Kagome nodded "It's a lot like that. Have you ever played Kemari?"

Inuyasha's mood visibly darkened "Let's just say they aren't exactly good memories for me. That was when I first saw my mother's tears. Hey guys, can't you do anything about these beads of subjugation? I don't know how much longer I can take these 'Sit' commands."

"Come on. We don't say sit that often."

WHAM!

Kagome looked at Inuyasha in the crater "Oops! Sorry! I didn't mean that! Honest!"

"Like that makes a difference."

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"So, this is the grave of Inuyasha's mother?" asked Miroku

Myoga nodded "She was very beautiful. It's hard to believe how many years have passed since lady Izayoi left this world. Master Inuyasha still misses her deeply."

"Did you place those flowers there Myoga?" asked Sango

"Not I. It was probably master Inuyasha."

Miroku smiled "Despite his appearance, he does have a kind side to him."

"Remember, he is half human. He can't help but possess some traits that are unbecoming of demons."

Sango looked at him "You make it sound like kindness is a bad thing."

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Grandpa Higurashi was telling Sota about the origin of the sword of Murakumo.

Sota looked at the characters on the sheath "But doesn't this character mean fang, not sword?"

Mrs. Higurashi looked at this "You're right. Then it's read Sounga, not Murakumo sword."

Sota grinned triumphantly "Then this thing's just a fake."

Grandpa Higurashi shook his head in denial "That's impossible! This is a sword of true value, discovered by our forefather's forefather many years ago in the ancient well!"

Sota shook his head "That sounds pretty sketchy if you ask me gramps."

Sota reached out for the sword, when something appeared out of the sheath and attempted to bit him "See that?! The sword bites!"

Mrs Higurashi chuckled "Don't be silly Sota."

"Hey! I didn't bite you!" a voice snapped

Mrs Higurashi looked in shock "The sword just spoke to us!"

"I am the one speaking, not Sounga." aaid the voice "Oh no! The 700 year old seal is about to be broken! Sounga will free himself from me! Please, is there a strong demon nearby who can help?"

Then the sword flew off into the city.

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Grandpa Higurashi was telling Sota about the origin of the sword of Murakumo.

Sota looked at the characters on the sheath "But doesn't this character mean fang, not sword?"

Mrs. Higurashi looked at this "You're right. Then it's read Sounga, not Murakumo sword."

Sota grinned triumphantly "Then this thing's just a fake."

Grandpa Higurashi shook his head in denial "That's impossible! This is a sword of true value, discovered by our forefather's forefather many years ago in the ancient well!"

Sota shook his head "That sounds pretty sketchy if you ask me gramps."

Sota reached out for the sword, when something appeared out of the sheath and attempted to bit him "See that?! The sword bites!"

Mrs Higurashi chuckled "Don't be silly Sota."

"Hey! I didn't bite you!" a voice snapped

Mrs Higurashi looked in shock "The sword just spoke to us!"

"I am the one speaking, not Sounga." said the voice "Oh no! The 700 year old seal is about to be broken! Sounga will free himself from me! Please, is there a strong demon nearby who can help?"

Then the sword flew off into the city.

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"That hurt you know." Inuyasha muttered

"I said I'm sorry, now put the hat back on!" replied Kagome

Then Gohan and the others stopped "I sense a strong demonic aura. It feels like pure evil. Almost as strong as Naraku. Stand back Kagome!"

Then Sounga appeared in front of them "Finally… It's calmed down. Well, if it isn't Tessaiga and Shiroga. It's been a long time."

"Who are you?" Inuyasha snarled

Then the spirit of an old man appeared "You wouldn't happen to be Inuyasha? I don't blame you for not remembering. After all, you were a newborn the last time we met. I am the ancient one Saya. Your father wielded Sounga, the powerful sword of the honorable ruler. And I am Sounga's sheath."

Inuyasha's eyes widened "My father?"

Then the sword began to emerge from the sheath "Oh no! It's acting up again! Hurry one of you! Take hold of Sounga, or great catastrophe will befall these lands!"

Sounga then emerged from the sheath and drove itself into the ground, turning the city into a wasteland.

"Can the 4 of you see this?" asked Saya "You are looking at the future of this land, which Sounga will surely bring about. Sounga's frightening power will darken the skies, and cause the lands to decay. Many people will die."

"What can we do to prevent this from happening?" asked Inuyasha

"You must take Sounga and leave these lands. But be warned. A human must never wield the sword. If they did, the world would face certain doom. Anyone wielding Sounga will go on a killing spree, and won't stop until every other human is dead, whether it takes decades or centuries. It is well known that humans are more arrogant and greedy than any other creature. When a human comes to possess the power of Sounga, he inevitably becomes even more malevolent than any demon."

Inuyasha nodded "I'll do it." He gripped the handle of the sword, freeing it from the ground and returning the city to normal "Stay… away…"

Vines from Sounga wrapped around his arm and drilled into his skin, and he turned to his demon form "What's this damned sword doing to me?!"

An evil voice chuckled "I take it you are his son?"

"You must be Sounga." Inuyasha got out "I know a place that's better for you... I can take you there…"

"What's with the mutt?" asked Koga

"I'm gonna get rid of this thing… It's my old man's sword… I should be able to do something about it… Don't follow me…" and he ran off

Saya breathed a sigh of relief "Well, at least that's somewhat of a relief. I can breath a bit easier with that burden off my shoulders." His eyes widened and he looked at Gohan "You there, young one. I can see that you are the warrior of the Dragon Prophecy and have awakened the Ryuuga."

Gohan nodded "I am and I have, why?"

"Well that rules you out, we still need another swordsman of equally great power to defeat Sounga and subdue it."

'A swordsman who can rival me in power. Well that rules out Koga' Gohan thought for a moment, before realization hit him "I've got just the guy." he quickly whipped out his phone and dialed a number "Trunks, meet me in front of Higurashi Shrine in an hour."

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Shippo was out picking flowers when he saw a strange light emitting from the Bone-Eater's well.

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"Look at that light." said Miroku

Sango nodded "It's coming from the Bone-Eater's well."

"It can't be." Myoga whispered "That's impossible."

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Noticing that Tenseiga was disturbed, Sesshomaru noticed the pink light and smirked, much to Jaken's fear.

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Shippo arrived at the well and saw Inuyasha emerging from the well "Is that you Inuyasha?"

"Shippo, get away!" Inuyasha ground out, before Sounga took control of him and activated his demon blood, before he transformed and escaped.

Under Sounga's control, Inuyasha then attacked a nearby village, but regained enough control to allow Miroku and Sango to get the villagers to safety.

"Stay back!" Inuyasha warned "Get away from me! Hurry!"

"I'll send you all to hell!" Sounga roared, then retook control of Inuyasha.

"Oh no, it's the Dragon Twister! Everyone run for cover!" Myoga shouted.

They had just escaped when Inuyasha unleashed Sounga's power "Dragon Twister!" and the demonic power destroyed the whole village.

"Unbelievable." said Miroku

Sango nodded "He has such incomprehensible power."

"The Dragon Twister." explained Myoga "The attack of a dragon from Hell. It's destructive power surpasses even that of the Backlash Wave."

"We can't do anything like this. Let's wait for Kagome and the others." suggested Miroku

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Inuyasha arrived at a nearby valley, no people around "At least it's quiet now. I guess that Dragon Twister used up its power, and now it needs to recoup before it possesses me again."

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In the modern era, Gohan, Kagome, Trunks, Koga and Saya were gearing up to defeat Sounga, hoping that Inuyasha could keep it at bay long enough.

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Soon enough, by morning, Gohan and the others arrived and saw the destruction.

"What happened here?" asked Kagome

"Inuyasha must've used the Dragon Twister."explained a voice as Saya appeared

Then Myoga appeared "Saya, it's you. Tell us, how did Sounga fall into Inuyasha's hands?"

Saya grinned "Well, if it isn't little Myoga. Are you still running away from danger?"

"Just answer my question!"

"It's such a long story though."

"You're the one who promised to take care of the sword for about 700 years! You slacked off again!"

"Don't be so critical. I kept strict guard for 200 years."

"So what?! You're short 500 years!"

"Saya, is it because you passed through the Bone-Eater's well?" asked Trunks

Gohan nodded "Probably. Oh, by the way guys, this is Trunks. He's gonna take care of Sounga."

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Inuyasha wandered through the valley with Sounga.

"That is the sword which has awakened us!" a voice growled "Long ago, we were treated mercilessly and banished from these lands! Now you shall feel our power and suffer the wrath of the great Ogre tribe! Prepare to die!" and 4 large ogre demons appeared before Inuyasha, who, using Sounga, effortlessly slaughtered all of them.

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"Lord Sesshomaru, please slow down!" Jaken pleaded

Sesshomaru, being directed by Tenseiga, followed after Sounga.

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"Kagome look!" cried Shippo "Demons! And I think they're dead!"

Koga, Miroku and Sango went to take a look.

"Is that Sounga's aura I'm sensing?" asked Kagome

Saya nodded.

Suddenly, the ogre demons rose once again.

"I just remembered something!" cried Saya "Those slain by Sounga come back as soulless walking dead!"

Miroku sucked in one with his Wind Tunnel, but fell to his knees, his hand turning purple.

"Their corpses contain miasma." Saya warned "We must stay away from the demons or you'll be affected. Set them on fire. Burning them is the best way."

Gohan nodded "I'm on it." he charged towards the demons and drew the Ryuuga "Dragon Inferno!" the demonic fire dragon obliterated all but one of them, which escaped without any of them knowing.

Koga, Kagome, Gohan and Trunks continued on while Sango stayed with a weakened Miroku.

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Inuyasha stood on a cliff, overlooking a valley, when he got an unexpected visitor.

Sesshomaru emerged from the forest "So Inuyasha, it is you. How did someone like you come to possess Sounga? Don't tell me another one of father's swords chose you as its master."

Inuyasha scoffed "How would I know why it happened? I'd gladly give it to you if you want it so badly, but it looks like you'll have to take it from me by force though."

Sesshomaru drew Tokijin "That was my intention all along."

They charged, clashing the Sounga with the Tokijin.

"You are not fit to wield the Sounga or the Tessaiga." Sesshomaru spat "I despise the fact that my father's blood flows through your veins, half-breed!"

Sounga chuckled evilly "Sesshomaru, you long to possess me. When our blades clash, I will know your every thought. I even know about Inuyasha cutting off your left arm."

"Shut up you stupid sword! No one's listening to you!" Inuyasha barked.

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Noticing the destruction, Kagome and the others raced towards it, encountering Totosai along the way "Totosai, wait up!"

Totosai looked back "Oh hi Kagome, Gohan."

"Totosai! It's been awhile." Saya greeted

Totosai nodded "Saya, I thought as much. What're you doing here?"

"Master Totosai, was it?" asked Trunks "I'm Trunks, a friend of Gohan. Do you already know of what's happening?"

"Yes, I figured it out. I never expected Sounga to return though. Where is it?"

"Inuyasha has it." explained Gohan

Totosai's eyes widened "Inuyasha does? He has nowhere near the power to wield it!"

"I had a feeling that was the case." Saya muttered

"Why would you make such a dangerous sword in the first place?" asked Gohan

Totosai shook his head "It wasn't me. Inutaisho, the great dog demon, possessed it from long, long ago."

Myoga nodded "He's right. But unlike Tessaiga and Tenseiga, Sounga is possessed by the spirit of an ancient evil demon."

"With the great dog demon gone, the only one with the power to wield Sounga is probably Sesshomaru."

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The fierce battle between Inuyasha and Sesshomaru continued.

"What's the matter, Inuyasha?" Sounga taunted "Don't you have the strength to defeat him? Then use my power."

Inuyasha then transformed into his demon form, which Sesshomaru noticed, as Inuyasha began pushing him back.

"Too blood brothers, trying to kill each other. Your father was just as foolish as you. If he had heeded my words, he would not have met such a miserable death."

"Silence!" Sesshomaru roared, suddenly pushing Inuyasha back.

Using the opportunity, Sesshomaru grabbed Tessaiga and unleashed the Wind Scar on Inuyasha and Sounga.

Sesshomaru then fell to his knees, due to the pain from the burns on his hand.

Sadly, it was in vain, as Inuyasha and Sounga surviving "I must have more blood! Give me a live sacrifice!"

Inuyasha then charged at Jaken and Rin, who were watching from nearby.

Kagome and the others then arrived, and Koga leapt onto Inuyasha's back "Gohan, now!"

Gohan, understanding Koga's plan, nodded "Sit! Down!"

The effects of both sets of beads of subjugation activated simultaneously.

"WHAT IS THIS?!" Sounga roared

"SIT!" Kagome screamed as she clung onto them, forcing Inuyasha and Koga to the ground, sending the beads flying, one of them hitting Jaken, and driving off Sounga.

"It seems Sounga has been driven off." Totosai mused

"Nice work Kagome!" Myoga praised

Slowly, Inuyasha and Koga regained consciousness "What happened? Why does my face sting- OW! Stop it!"

Gohan, who had been slapping them awake, dropped his arm and rubbed the back of his head sheepishly "Sorry."

"You're back to your old self." Saya observed "You're free of Sounga's control. And you own it all to this girl."

Kagome smiled weakly "Inuyasha… I followed you… I'm sorry." and she fell unconscious.

"Dammit!" Gohan swore "This is why I didn't want her coming here." He looked at Sesshomaru, who was about to leave "Lord Sesshomaru. I'm going to take care of Sounga. I don't want any interference."

Sesshomaru shook his head "You lack the power to do so on your own."

Gohan's glare intensified "Fine."

Trunks walked over to him "Gohan, I thought we agreed that I would subdue the demonic spirit of Sounga."

"That was a mistake. I shouldn't have brought you here Trunks. I have to do this on my own."

Trunks grabbed him by the shoulders "Stop acting like you can do everything on your own! Like you have to do everything on your own!"

Angered, Gohan punched him in the face "I've already risked the life of my friends every ****ing day since I first came to the Feudal Era! You think I'm going to do the same with you?! I'm not going to let anyone else I care about get hurt. I've made too many mistakes. I refuse to make any more by risking your life, Trunks." and with that, he sped off.

"Myoga, what was my father like?" asked Inuyasha

Myoga blinked "Your father? Well, he had tasty blood, I remember that much."

"Never mind that. Was he strong I mean?"

"Of course. He was a great demon after all."

"Was he stronger than I am right now?"

"The Inutaisho was 1000 times stronger than you are." Totosai replied bluntly "He never made the mistake of allowing Sounga to control him."

"Take care of the others."

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The undead ogre demon that escaped before had found the Sounga and made the mistake of touching it "Not much of a body, but better than nothing." thanks to the ogre being an undead corpse, Sounga then went to the grave of Inutaisho "With this, I can use the Dragon Twister."

Sounga had found the key to its plan: Sesshomaru's left arm "I shall destroy the Tessaiga, the Tenseiga, and the Ryuuga."

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Sound returned to the living world, and came across a certain grave "Awaken, Takemaru of Setsuna. I am Sounga."

"Sounga? Why do you call me from the dead?" a voice questioned

"I shall save your wandering soul. Take revenge with me. Take vengeance on Sesshomaru, Inuyasha, and Gohan, the sons and the successor of the wretch who killed you. Come. Unleash your pent up wrath. Remember the woman who abandoned you."

"Izayoi…"

"You loved that woman. And he stole her from you. Despise him. Despise the woman. And despise his sons. Otherwise, your soul will forever be chained to this purgatory. Now, I call upon you. Let us take revenge against his sons!"

"I hate them… I detest Inuyasha and Sesshomaru… And I detest Izayoi…"

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"A sword that makes a man keep killing until the whole world is destroyed?" asked Miroku

Myoga nodded "In ages past, countless men sought to be the supreme ruler of this world. They searched for Sounga, possessed it, and killed each other. The one who stopped this senseless cycle-"

"The one who ended it was Inuyasha and Sesshomaru's father." Trunks finished

Slowly, Kagome regained consciousness "Where's Gohan? Where did Gohan go?"

Jaken scoffed "Who cares about that worthless fool?"

"Wait, what are you two doing here?"

"Let me tell you, lord Sesshomaru didn't abandon us, if that's what you're thinking." Jaken lied

Kagome looked at Rin "He did, didn't he?"

Rin nodded.

Jaken face-faulted "Hey, don't tell her! I don't have time for this! I have to catch up to lord Sesshomaru!"

"No wait Master Jaken. We haven't even thanked Kagome properly yet." She handed Kagome a small pouch.

Kagome's eyes widened when she saw what it was "The enchanted beads. You gathered them up?"

"I'm not sure they're all there."

"Thank you bringing them."

"Sure. And thank you for saving master Jaken and I earlier."

Koga visibly paled when he saw the beads.

Kagome giggled at this and smiled "Don't worry Koga. I'm not putting them back on you."

Koga breathed a sigh of relief "Oh thank god."

"Seriously though, where's Gohan?"

Koga sighed "He took off after Sounga on his own. The mutt went after him."

"It's all your fault Saya! Saya wake up!" Myoga barked

Saya's nose bubble popped, waking him up.

"Tell me Saya, what was Soung doing at our family shrine in the first place?" asked Kagome

Myoga sighed "This goes back about 200 years, back when Inuyasha's father died. I placed the Tessaiga in the master's remains and hid the path within the black pearl, and Totosai had left Tenseiga to Sesshomaru. Which brought us to the problem with Sounga. The Sounga, which their father wielded, along with the Tessaiga and Tenseiga, were known as the 3 swords of supreme conquest. Together, they held the power to dominate the 3 worlds."

"The 3 worlds?"

"Heaven, Hell and Earth. They're often known as the 3 worlds."

Miroku nodded "Heaven is where the Buddha and gods reside. Hell is the Netherworld, the land of the dead. And Earth is where we reside."

"Each sword corresponds to one of the 3 worlds. The Tenseiga of Heaven can save 100 lives. The Sounga of Hell can open the gateway to the netherworld and summon 100 dead souls. The Tessaiga, the guardian of men, can kill 100 enemies." explained Totosai

"And this guy possessed all 3 swords?" asked Koga "So what happened next?"

"We couldn't think of a good way to dispatch the sword. We were in a real dilemma. Sesshomaru and Inuyasha obviously couldn't be given the sword. So Saya promised to keep Sounga quiet for about 700 years, and had us throw him and the sword in the Bone-Eater's well."

Kagome looked on in realization "And that's how it came to be at the Higurashi shrine."

Saya nodded "Since then, only 200 years may have passed in our era, but I assure you that beyond the well, it's been longer than 700 years."

"Tell us Saya, is there any way to defeat Sounga?" asked Sango

"Only 2, and the second is almost remotely impossible. The first is for the wielder of the Ryuuga to overpower the Sounga, and for someone of great enough power to pacify the spirit of the demon possessing the sword. That is most likely the only one that would work."

"Why? What's the second one?" asked Koga

"For the Tessaiga and Tenseiga to join forces."

Kagome blinked "The first one it is then."

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As Takemaru emerged from the grave, the Sounga-possessed undead ogre handed him something "Takemaru, use this."

"What is it?" asked Takemaru

"Sesshomaru's left arm. With this arm, you will be able to produce the Dragon Twister. You will be without rival. This is a good opportunity to test your strength."

Takemaru attached the arm to his body and took hold of Sounga, taking on a demonic appearance "The path of the supreme conqueror who knows no rival."

Takemaru quickly set his plan into motion by slaughtering the men of a castle and reviving them as his undead servants.

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Gohan found Takemaru's former grave "What was Sounga doing in a place like this?"

Sesshomaru appeared beside him "Takemaru of Setsuna? Soung chose that vermin as its host?"

"You knew him?"

"I have no connection to that pest. If anyone would have a connection to him, it's Inuyasha. He was my father's final opponent before he perished. He held a grudge against my father, for he had feelings for Inuyasha's mother and resented him for it."

Gohan nodded and bowed slightly "Thank you for the information, lord Sesshomaru."

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Takemaru summoned the souls of the castle men as undead zombies "Now I am prepared. Come for me Sesshomaru, Inuyasha, and Son Gohan!"

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"Go that way." said Kagome "There's a strong demonic aura."

Totosai nodded "Indeed there is. It must be Sounga's citadel."

"Then let's hurry."

"Tell me Kagome, are you still certain you want to go through with this?" asked Saya "I understands Gohan and Inuyasha's involvement, but I see no reason for you to join the fight. Are you that fond of battle?"

"Of course not. I hate fighting, but I want to stay by Gohan's side, like he's done for me for so long. He's done everything in his power to protect me, now it's only right I at least try to do the same for him."

"You want to do everything you can to help someone you love." Trunks gave a small smile "I can see why Gohan fell for you."

"I could live for all eternity and never come to understand humans." Saya muttered.

Myoga and Totosai agreed.

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"That's one very large army." Totosai muttered

Miroku nodded "A large army of dead soldiers. He's killed far more men than he needed to."

"Sounga's doing I fear. He's using the Dragon Twister yet again." Saya pointed out.

"There must be at least 2000 of them." Trunks observed "Excluding Myoga, Rin, Shippo and Momo from the battle, there are 8 of us, along with 2 demons. That's 200 for each. Remember, they can be defeated with fire. Or hot enough Ki-based attacks. With any luck, maybe I can use my Burning Attack to incinerate them.

Then the rain came pouring down.

Kagome noticed Inuyasha standing in the hill next to them, ready to charge head first into the fray.

Inuyasha stared at the castle and undead army intently, then charged at the army, instantly attacking them with a Wind Scar.

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As he made his way across the battlefield, Sesshomaru used the Dragon Strike to slaughter the undead soldiers in his way.

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Using their powers of fire and purification, Totosai and Kagome slaughtered several of the undead soldiers, while Jaken, Shippo and the rest took out several others.

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Sesshomaru eliminated several of them with the Dragon Strike, before one of them snatched the Tenseiga from him 'Tenseiga… Losing this sword wouldn't be that hard to accept… Father…'

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Not far away, Rin noticed the Tenseiga lying on the ground and went to pick it up, but one of the soldiers attempted to attack her before Kagome saved her, but they were captured by a large ogre demon who wanted the Tenseiga, and brought them to Takemaru.

Noticing this, Gohan, Sesshomaru and Inuyasha went after them.

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Takemaru was lying in wait in the throne room of the castle, when the ogre brought Kagome and Rin.

"Who is that?" asked Kagome

"It's Takemaru of Setsuna!" explained Saya "He fought with Inuyasha's father 200 years ago! This is most unexpected! Sounga has possessed Takemaru!"

"Takemaru…" said Sounga "These young girls are no different from Izayoi, the woman you killed…"

"Izayoi…" Takemaru growled

"Who's Izayoi?" asked Kagome

"Inuyasha's mother." replied Saya.

"Just imagine how Inuyasha and Sesshomaru would react if you killed those girls." Sounga taunted.

Slowly, Takemaru walked over to them and help Sounga to their throats "You are both Izayoi to me. Human woman like you who share an affinity for demons are all Izayoi in my eyes!"

Kagome's eyes widened 'This guy's nuts! He's totally insane!'

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Inuyasha, Sesshomaru and Gohan slaughtered several more soldiers.

"Sesshomaru." said Inuyasha "When this is over, we'll settle things between us for good."

"Assuming that you survive, that is." Sesshomaru taunted.

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Slowly, Takemaru advance towards Kagome "A rusty old sheath is no help to you."

He blasted Kagome into the wall, and advance towards Rin, preparing to strike her down, when something stopped the blade.

Sesshomaru had intervened at the last second and defended them, preventing Takemaru from killing them "Begone. Go quickly. Leave the Tenseiga and go."

Kagome and Rin quickly fled, leaving Sesshomaru to battle Takemaru alone "That left arm…"

Takemaru smirked "Oh, that's right. It used to be yours. You want it back, I suppose?"

"I'll pass." Sesshomaru replied bluntly

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Gohan and Inuyasha left Koga, Miroku and the others to deal with the undead soldiers.

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"How does it feel to be killed by your own hand, I wonder." Takemaru taunted.

"Takemaru, you disappoint me." Sesshomaru stated coolly "You haven't even noticed that you're merely Sounga's puppet. You actually believe that it's your own power. What a miserable specter."

"Silence! You'll suffer the same humiliation your father inflicted upon me!"

Sesshomaru quickly grabbed the Tenseiga "You should be grateful. You will be destroyed with my father's fang."

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Kagome and Rin made their way out of the castle, only to be confronted by the same ogre demon again, which was about to kill them, if Gohan hadn't arrived and cleaved it in two.

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Inuyasha, Koga and the others were struggling to deal with so many undead soldiers.

"Mutt, we've got things here." said Koga "Go help Kagome and the others."

Inuyasha nodded and took off.

"Miroku, don't do it!" Sango pleaded.

Miroku shook his head "I must Sango. You've don't all that you can. Besides, what's the point of living with this cursed hand if I can't at least use it to protect the woman I love?"

Sango slowly walked away as Miroku sucked in the remaining soldiers with his Wind tunnel, before he fell to his knees from the miasma.

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Sesshomaru continued battling Takemaru, and used Tenseiga to cut him down before Sounga regenerated his body.

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Gohan arrived to protect Kagome and Rin and cleaved the ogre in two "You alright Kagome? Hey Rin."

Both nodded.

Inuyasha quickly rushed past "Don't try and stop me. I've got business to settle with Sounga, and this is my only chance."

"There's only one way to defeat Sounga." Saya warned "Only when you combine your Backlash Wave and Sesshomaru's Dragon Strike can Sounga's Dragon Twister be defeated."

Inuyasha scoffed "There's no way Sesshomaru would even think about cooperating with me."

Gohan face-palmed "Just cooperate with him!"

Inuyasha said nothing. He just ran off.

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"What's wrong Sesshomaru?" Takemaru taunted "You're disappointing your father's fang!"

That struck a nerve, and Sesshomaru was about to be cut down, when Inuyasha appeared and fired a Wind Scar "Too bad. I was hoping to take you both out at the same time!"

"2 brothers working together to avenge the death of their father." Takemaru muttered "Don't tell me even demons have feelings."

"Yeah, well who the **** are you to talk?!" Inuyasha snarled as he charged, clashing with Sounga.

"You're like Izayoi, when I look at your face." Takemaru spat "The woman. She betrayed me to give birth to you, a miserable half-breed. Listen well Inuyasha, if you haven't figured it out yet, I am the man who sent your wretched mother to hell."

Sesshomaru intervened in the clash, much to Inuyasha's fury.

Takemaru used this opportunity to use the Dragon Twister "You don't know when to give up!"

Inuyasha interrupted him before he could unleash the attack "I just don't like to give up. There's a difference! You haven't seen anything yet! Humans are more arrogant and greedy than any other living creature! And I may be half-demon, but I'm also half-human, which is why I refuse to give up! On top of that, when a human has someone he's gotta protect, his power grows exponentially! I have what it takes to destroy you! All thanks to my human mother!"

In his mind, Takemaru saw images of the woman he loved 'Izayoi…' he saw her as he was defeated 'Lady Izayoi… you were only trying to protect me… Now I remember… Before my death, I never felt resentment toward Lady Izayoi… I always loved her… Lady Izayoi…" and with that, Takemaru dissolved into a pile of ash and bones.

Using Tenseiga, Sesshomaru cut down the minions of the netherworld, preventing Takemaru from being resurrected again.

Inuyasha then turned to Sesshomaru "I don't know just what you're up to, but let's get this straight. I'm the one that killed him!"

"I don't care." Sesshomaru replied bluntly "Besides, it's not over yet."

Sounga then flew out of the castle as it crumbled, taking on its own body, and opened the path to the netherworld.

Kagome was separated from Gohan and the others as this happened, and Saya projected a barrier, protecting them. She looked up and found Gohan battling Sounga.

Inuyasha attempted to help, but Sesshomaru stopped him "Our part in this is over. From here on out, this is his fight."

Sounga kicked Gohan to the side, sending him crashing to the ground.

"Gohan!" Kagome rushed towards them to help, Koga following in an attempt to stop her, to no avail.

"No! Stay back!" Gohan pleaded

Sounga smirked, or would've if he had a mouth "Wasting your power protecting a mere human. How pathetic. Die, wench!" and it charged at her and brought down its massive blade.

SQUELCH!

Kagome screamed

Blood splattered the ground.

Trunks and the others looked on in horror, while Sounga laughed triumphantly.

Gohan stood in front of Kagome, a massive, deep gash across his chest, blood pouring from the wound, before he fell to his knees and hit the ground, only for Sounga to kick him aside, his kick directly hitting the open wound, making the bleeding even worse.

"GOHAN!" Kagome screamed as she and Koga ran over to him, tears flowing freely from her eyes "Gohan… Why… Why would you take the hit for me?!"

Gohan coughed up some blood, opened his eyes, and smiled weakly at her "Isn't it… obvious? Kagome… I'm not gonna last much longer… there's something… I have to tell you… Kagome, ever since that day under the Sacred tree… I just knew… That you would be the one… I would die for… I love you Kagome… I always have… and knowing that you're alive… I can die without any regrets… Koga… Protect Kagome with your life… in my place… Goodbye… my friend… Kagome…. live life… be happy… Goodbye… my love…" and with that, Gohan fell still. Son Gohan had fallen.

Kagome was now openly sobbing into his chest.

'No…' seeing the alternate timeline counterpart of his mentor dying right in front of him, Trunks suddenly began having flashbacks 'Gohan… you loved Kagome… you loved all of them… you gave everything up to save them… and you were my friend… and I let you die… I failed you all over again… I can't live with that… I won't live with that… not again… NEVER AGAIN!' Trunks suddenly let out a rage filled roar, his aura flaring so violently that the ground beneath him began giving out from the sheer force. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Inuyasha nearly froze at the sheer force "What the hell?!"

"His power…" Sesshomaru's voice was soft, barely a whisper from the shock "It's rising by the second, I haven't felt anything this strong in years."

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"Stop it…" Trunks' hair began standing on end "No more…" his muscles bulged, increasing slightly in mass "NO MORE!" with a furious roar, Trunks sent out a shockwave. When it subsided, it revealed Trunks, his hair now golden and standing on end, his aura crackling with electricity.

Trunks had become a Super Saiyan 2.

Kagome slowly looked up at him, eyes still filled with tears "Trunks…"

"Kagome." Trunks' voice was soft, barely a whisper "Take Gohan over to Koga and the others, I'll join you once I'm done here." and he blitzed away.

"Come on." Koga suddenly appeared and carried away Kagome, along with Gohan's body slung over his shoulder.

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Trunks suddenly appeared in front of Sounga, his expression unreadable.

Sounga let out a triumphant laugh "What's the matter?"

"Shut up." Trunks drew his sword and charged.

Sounga blocked all of his attacks with ease "You disappoint me."

"Wanna bet?" lightning rained down as Trunks clashed his blade with that of Sounga.

"You cannot wield the Sounga's power!" Sounga fired several black spots from its body.

Trunks used his sword and deflected the spikes with ease.

"Dragon Twister!" Sounga unleashed a Dragon Twister.

Trunks was sent staggering back by the blast, his shirt torn. He then fired a Buster Cannon through the attack, dispersing it.

"You're not bad, I'm amused!" Sounga let out a laugh.

"I know fully well I can't beat you in a duel of swordsmanship Sounga, but now I think it's time I stop thinking like a swordsman and start thinking like what I truly am: half-human and half-Saiyan." Trunks sheathed his sword "And there's something to remember about Saiyans, Sounga. We're not exactly keen on guys like you coming and trying to destroy everything we stand for!" he flared his Super Saiyan 2 aura "And if you hurt the people that I've sworn to protect, I won't let you live to regret it! Burning Attack!" he fired a Burning Attack.

"Do you really think you have a chance of winning? Dragon Twister!" Sounga fired off a Dragon Twister, canceling out the Burning Attack, the force sending Trunks flying "Now do you realize how weak you are?"

"Do you ever know when to shut up?" Trunks flared his Super Saiyan 2 aura "Were you not listening to a single word I said? I've got both Saiyan blood and human blood coursing through my veins, and that's why I can't and won't give up!" he got into a familiar stance, blue energy charging between her hands "This is for my master, my comrade, and my best friend, Son Gohan!"

Sounga rose his sword "This time I shall deliver the final blow, you will fall into the pits of hell with those mortal girls!"

"Ka… Me… Ha… Me…"

"Dragon Twister!" Sounga unleashed a full power Dragon Twister.

"HAAAAAA!" Trunks fired a full power Kamehameha that collided with the Dragon Twister and promptly ripped through it, dissipating it and then engulfing Sounga, obliterating him in a massive explosion.

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The dark cloud was completely swallowed up, and the gateway to the Netherworld closed once more.

The threat of Sounga was no more.

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Kagome was still openly sobbing onto Gohan's body, with Koga trying and failing to comfort her.

That was when Sesshomaru approached her "There are very few things I respect in this world. Power, courage, intelligence, and the will to never give up. Son Gohan is the only one who has demonstrated all of these. Understand Kagome, this is his last chance." and he used the Tenseiga to cut down the minions of the netherworld.

Slowly, Gohan opened his eyes, and turned to the sobbing Kagome, and smiled weakly "Hey… What'd I miss?"

Kagome looked up and looked eyes with him, then threw her arms around him, sobbing into his shoulder "Don't ever do that again… I was so terrified by the thought of never seeing you again…"

Gohan wrapped his arms around her and gently returned the embrace "I'm sorry I put you through so much, but it's not like I was going to let you die. I'm a protector in every sense of the word, protecting you is what I live for."

"Yeah but she's not the only one that would be hurting."

Gohan looked back and saw Trunks standing before them, still in his Super Saiyan 2 form "So you were the one who finished off Sounga?"

"I finished the demonic spirit inside of it." Trunks then held up the now harmless Sounga "As long as it doesn't fall into the wrong hands again like the hands of someone like Naraku, the sword is virtually harmless."

"Are you planning to keep it?"

"Better I do than let it fall into the wrong hands."

Gohan looked and saw a bright white light where the portal once was "Well I think he might have something to say about it."

Sesshomaru prepared to leave, when he noticed a bright light where the castle once stood, and his eyes widened in shock 'Father…'

Standing there was the spirit of the Inutaisho "Sesshomaru, Inuyasha, Son Gohan, Trunks, you have finally found the answer. You have ensured that the spirit of Sounga will be sealed forever in the netherworld. I have nothing more to teach you. Son Gohan, you have done well to master the Ryuuga. You have taken it to levels even my brother could not achieve. Young Trunks, the power of the Sounga is now yours. Use it wisely."

Both nodded and bowed.

Inutaisho then turned to his sons "Inuyasha, I know that you will master the Tessaiga to a point even I could not reach. Sesshomaru, you have finally found the answer to what I asked you so long ago. But you both still have much to learn. Goodbye and good luck my sons, I have faith in you." And with that, he faded away into the afterlife.

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Gohan, Kagome, Trunks and Inuyasha were lying in a field after the battle.

"Hey, guys?" said Kagome "I thought Sesshomaru didn't like humans. Maybe that's not true."

Inuyasha shook his head "I'm pretty sure he doesn't like humans."

"Then why is Rin always with him?" asked Kagome

Gohan snorted "Isn't it obvious? Because then he'd be stuck alone with Jaken."

Kagome shrugged, but then remembered something "Hey Inuyasha, hold still for a second."

Inuyasha raised an eyebrow, but immediately protested when Gohan and Trunks began holding him down "Kagome, do it!"

Then she placed them around Inuyasha's neck, much to his fury "What the **** is this?! Not the enchanted beads again! I don't need this stupid thing anymore! Don't you guys trust me?!"

Gohan nodded "Of course we trust you. It's just too much fun."

"Come on! Take them off!"

"Nope."

"Take them off!"

"Sit boy."

WHAM!

A/N:

So Gohan's death triggered Trunks' Super Saiyan 2 transformation and let him destroy Sounga. For the record, now his transformations go into his sword like with Gohan and the Ryuuga.

So yes, now Trunks is travelling with the group, hence why the summary refers to him as a major character in this story.