[[Disclaimer: Arrrrrrg. This one took quite a while. I've been sleeping for the past three days. Dx I promised a long one, so this installation will be one worth reading. Also, I'm really, really sorry about how terrible I am with fight scenes. I've never actually written them before. I'm more of a role-player, and.. I role-play romance stuff. Not fights. : So, really. My apologies. As slow as it is now, I swear there'll be some good stuff soon. X3 Ich liebe euch alle, also nicht aufgeben mich noch!]]

Inuyasha's eyes narrowed darkly when the wind incarnation backed out. She would have, more than likely, been less of an opponent anyway. So it didn't matter much. Not to the hybrid, anyway. Why were they here, though…? His golden eyes skimmed the area, noting that there was nothing of any real interest out here… It was the middle of the forest. There had to be a reason. Was Naraku even close to here, or was it just them he had been smelling? That provoked a growl from deep in his throat, "I don't see Naraku out here anywhere. If you're all that's here, I might as well save my breath."

A hiss ripped its way from Goshinki's lips and he took a step forward, his eyes glowing as he raised an arm to show his sharp claws. The half-breed noticed this shift in movement and turned to face to demon, only then really taking in his appearance. He was gruesome. Truly unlike the other's that had been sent after he and his comrades. His face was snake-like, with teeth like a shark's and eyes that glowed red, "If you stay and fight, half-breed… I shall reveal my lord's whereabouts. Upon my loss, of course." If this creature was as strong as he was intimidating… With Inuyasha in his current condition… He grinned, however, drawing Tetsusaiga. If it would get him closer to Naraku, then what did risking his life matter?

"Now we're talking…" The demon smirked a nasty smirk and charged at Inuyasha, "WIND SCAR!"

.

.

"Rin," Sesshomaru said softly, shaking the girls shoulder lightly, "Awake. There's much to be done today." His amber eyes wandered upward and he scanned the clouds. The winter weather wasn't too far off, was it? Hm… Rin stretched a bit and then sat up, yawning and rubbing at her watering eyes, "Good morning, lord Sesshomaru…" Morning had been hours ago. The sun was high in the sky now, and Sesshomaru and Jaken had, since the morning she spoke of, begun traveling.. It was aimless, their wandering, in the beginning. But Sesshomaru had since caught a whiff of that accursed man, "Jaken… Do you sense it?" There was a very dark aura around here. He could sense two of those beasts… One's like that Kagemaru. Incarnations of Naraku. And…

"Aye, m'lord…"

Sesshomaru simply looked down to the imp before running forward, dodging trees with professional ease. He could sense Inuyasha. But it was different somehow. It reminded him of the day before last… When his brother had been unconscious while holding Tetsusaiga. It was the scent his blood carried. It was pure demon blood, and Inuyasha's scent. But how could that be…? The wind rushing over him and running through his hair, carried the demon blood of his half brother and the scent of that accursed Naraku.. And then he stopped, hopping, light on his feat, to a heap of incarnation remains. There were scraps of flesh and bones. What had happened…? Inuyasha was nowhere in sight… Hm… With one clawed hand, he grasped the skull bringing it up, with ease, to eye level. 'Tetsusaiga…' The lord could smell it all over the gruesome creature's fangs. Tetsusaiga had been broken with these bones… Instead of frowning at his brother's pitiful loss, at least sword-wise, Sesshomaru smirked, sensing Jaken, Rin and Ah-un approaching. He had a wonderfully devious plan for these remains… The beast's demise would not go without purpose.

The amber eyed dog demon didn't know of many sword-smiths, as he had been seeking out Tetsusaiga. He knew of Totosai. And he knew of one other… If he could recall, this other man used to be an apprentice of Totosai. He was just as good as the old man, yet… He used human flesh and much darker forces to create his swords. Sesshomaru had nothing against this, so long as his sword was forged. So long as it was strong, "Jaken," He said calmly, "Gather this creature's fangs. We are to seek out the one known as Kaijinbo."

"Mmm…" Kagura purred from above. She had made sure she went unnoticed, her red eyes following every movement made by the gorgeous specimen below. She knew full well what he was doing, and she, by no means, was going to intervene. Naraku's orders had been to escort Sesshomaru upon arrival here, but what if she hadn't seen him? Her master had nearly no way of knowing whether or not she'd seen him. She was, after all, allowed a tiny bit of freedom at this point, and that… That would be Naraku's undoing. She would be sure of it. Jaken nodded obediently, taking hold of the demon's skull and heaving it with all his might after Sesshomaru let go of it. Once it was loaded and secured onto Ah-un's back, they began on their way. This time, Sesshomaru knew where they were headed. And.. This time, they had a secret companion.

And it must have been hours before the group did pause, halting Kagura far back, so the demon would not sense her. Sesshomaru heaved the demon's head off of Ah-un and looked Rin over, "..Jaken and I shall return shortly." His golden eyes turned to Ah-un then, silently telling the demon to watch over his human ward. Rin waved her lord and the imp off, and then rested her head back down on the demon, closing her eyes and drifting off into a sweet dream, as children often do. Kagura scowled. She couldn't continue to follow, as she was sure Sesshomaru would have his guard up from here, to be sure nothing attacked Rin. Not that she was about to make enemies with the very man she planned on having set her free. For, if anyone could do it, Sesshomaru could end Naraku with a single swipe of the damned blade she knew he was going to have forged. 'Kagura…' Came a small voice in her head. Nothing followed, but she knew it meant she had to leave. So she stored this location deep in memory and then popped up in the air on one of her feathers, headed bck slowly to Naraku.

.

.

His body was slowly regenerating as he sit in wait of the lord. By all means, he should have been there by now. Surely he wished to know the reasons for all of the more recent events. And Naraku knew Sesshomaru was a man of confrontation. Kagura… He could feel the distance between himself and his wind incarnation. What could she be doing? He opened his red eyes and called for her, 'Kagura…'. Only seconds later, Naraku could feel the distance lessening, so he stood and removed himself from his room, sliding open the doors to the outside and stepping onto the balcony to keep an eye out for her. The distance she had put between them had been at a walking pace, so he hadn't noticed the change right away. She was much quicker in her returning pace, however, and, soon enough, those red eyes could make out the shape of his wind incarnation, drifting along the wind on her delicate feather. She quickly touched down before her master, flinching a bit, hoping that he didn't know what she had been doing. Lord knows what he might do if he could read her mind…

"Kagura…" his dark voice came softly from parted lips, "I sensed that you had wandered quite far. Do you mind telling me what you were doing?"

She swallowed thickly and nodded curtly, "Goshinki has been defeated, Naraku…" Her voice was low, "He was killed by Inuyasha. The half-breed merely figured we were all that remained here, carrying your scent, so he left after the battle with Goshinki, though he succeeded in breaking Tetsusaiga." Naraku's red eyes met hers, and his expression did not falter. This wasn't what he'd asked, and she knew it, "After Inuyasha left, I could sense hide nor hair of Sesshomaru, my lord. So I went off in search of him, hoping to.. Lead him back here. I had just found his ward when you called me back."

Naraku broke their stare and looked off into the sky, through his barrier, which Kagura had passed through so easily, being that she needn't be repelled, "Do you take me for a fool, Kagura?" He could feel her breath hitch, for he could feel everything she did.

"My lord…?"

He turned on her swiftly, grabbing her by the neck and slamming her against the nearest wall, "I knew of Goshinki's downfall, Kagura. And I know his remains have been moved. You were following Sesshomaru, were you not?" Her eyes closed tightly and her hands came to rest upon his, urging him to let her go. It was eerie how he could look at her with such contempt and speak so calmly. She couldn't bear to look into those eyes.

"Y-yes," She ground out, "I-I wanted to.. To see what he planned on doing w-with.. Goshinki."

Naraku dropped her then, watching her clutch her throat as if she had been near death, one eye closed and one peering up at him. Since he didn't know the situation, he could do nothing but believe her, "Your orders were to bring him here, Kagura. But… Since you came back so swiftly when I beckoned… I will let you off with a warning. This time. Now, go to Sesshomaru and lead him here." Naraku's calm exterior did not break as he watched her shake and gasp for air. He would not be made a fool of.

"Y-yes… Naraku." Slowly, she found her feet, from her hunched position on the ground, and flew up in another of her feathers, back to where she had left off with Sesshomaru. Momentarily, Kagura glanced back at Naraku. That bastard… He was smirking…

.

.

Amber eyes peered down at him imp, split in half, and he swung his father's fang over the small creature, not waiting to see Jaken arise again, "M-m'lord!" He squealed, jumping up from the ground, tears burning the corner of his eyes, "Have you brought me back with the power of Tenseiga? Oh! Thank you, lord Sesshomaru-"

"Jaken," Sesshomaru peered down at the imp, grabbing the staff of two heads from the ground and throwing it the small demon in question, "What happened here?"

Upon being smacked in the face with his staff, he stopped rejoicing and rubbed his head, "Uh…" Jaken clambered to his feet, gripping the staff as he recalled all of the happenings, "Well, m'lord…" He began, looking up at the patient man, "Kaijinbo was happy to forge your sword for you, as anyone would be. B-but… Once the sword was forged…" Jaken paused once again to gulp, looking back at where, only moments before, he lie dead, "He changed, m'lord. As if he had been possessed by the sword itself. And right before he cut me in two, he said that brat, Inuyasha's name." The imp winced, almost afraid of his lord breaking into anger. But, of all things, Sesshomaru simply turned away and began walking. Jaken jumped a bit at this realization and followed quickly.

.

.

"What the hell? It's TEN TIMES heavier, old man!" Inuyasha complained, having healed well, being that he hadn't been hurt too greatly by Goshinki. He'd… Won, astoundingly. Though.. Tetsusaiga had been broken. Stupid idea to have Totosai repair it. The old man made the damn thing nearly useless! What was the big idea, using one of his fangs to repair it?

"Master Inuyasha…" Totosai smiled, patting him on the shoulder as he sat down beside him.

Miroku, Kagome, Shippo, and their newly acquired teammate, Sango, all stood far behind, chattering among themselves, "Oh jeez…" Kagome whined, "He's not going to tell Inuyasha about the demon override, is he…?"

Myoga, a small flee, popped himself out from her hair and sat upon her shoulder, "Of course not… If he did tell Master Inuyasha such a vital thing, surely he would toss Tetsusaiga aside and simply fight with his bare hands."

Miroku interjected, "Or… Perhaps he would realize how horrible and dangerous he becomes as a demon without Tetsusaiga and simply come to rely on it more." When Totosai sighed a bit, they all gulped, hoping that, if he told Inuyasha what they all knew he was going to, he would go with the latter. None of them wanted for Inuyasha to go crazy with power. Especially Kagome.

"Before Tetsusaiga was repaired, using your own fang, you were relying on the power of your father. He was protecting you. Now that it is your own fang, you must master your own strength. Think of it as… A growing experience, Inuyasha. Indeed, it's heavy now. But, with time and practice, you shall unlock the true potential of that blade, and, more importantly, yourself." Such a cheesy speech. The tension in the air from the group behind the two could be felt leaving.

"Exactly!" They all said in agreement, with overwhelming excitement, one might add. Inuysaha couldn't help but feel like he'd just been conned… But before he could speak any argument or ask why the hell they were so relieved to hear Totosai say something so moronic, a dark aura interrupted them, "Inuyasha…"

"Not again…" Kagome whined as the hybrid in question rose to his feet.

In the distance, they could see a man, wielding a sword which seemed to possess a very dark demonic aura. Much like a demon's own, "Kaijinbo?" Totosai wheezed, blinking several times at his old apprentice, "What have you done this time, you fool?"

"Ha ha, Totosai…"The man's eyes were glowing red as he held the blade high in the air, "Behold, Tokijin! From the fangs of the incarnation you have just slain, boy, I have created a weapon. Mmm, and it longs to taste your flesh." He licked his lips before charging at the half-breed, who tried his damndest to raise his blade. And just in time, he did, clashing with the blade the swordsman claimed had a taste for his blood. But, even just blocking was hard, and the blade was pushing Tetsusaiga back, sending waves of pain through Inuyasha, who struggled to keep his arms steady.

"Idiot human!" He yelled, pushing Totosai back, only to be attacked once again. He was sure he was going to lose, until the man froze mid-swing, mid-speech. After several seconds, an agonizing scream was heard and he was split in two, leaving the sword to fall to the ground, pulsing with life and hatred, "W-what just happened?"

"The fool created a sword that's evil energy was too dark for even a beast like him to wield…" Totosai sighed. And just as it seemed over, a crackle from above was heard, and all attention was to the sky. Ascending down upon them was, none other than, Inuyasha's half brother. No one said a word as he touched down, gentle footing, as always. His eyes met the hybrids for a moment, and then he approached the sword, reaching out to grasp it, "Don't Sesshomaru! If you take hold of Tokijin, you will suffer the same fate as Kaijinbo. Or… Far worse, I fear."

Jaken laughed and Sesshomaru smirked, taking hold of the blade as he had been warned against. All watched in awe as the demonic aura which had surrounded the blade only moments ago vanished, "Foolish old man," The silver haired demon said smugly, "As if such a weak demon could ever overpower me." Then, that set of amber eyes locked with Inuyasha's, "Come, brother. Let me see what Tetsusaiga can do when it's been forged from your fang." Inuyasha had little say in the matter, as he was attacked by his all to intent sibling.

Sesshomaru intended to see what the demon half of his little brother was like. If what he sensed twice earlier was all a misunderstanding. If he'd been wrong. The first swing was dodged, as was the second. The third hit Inuyasha and then he jumped away as Inuyasha made a feeble attempt at the wind scar. It was heavy. Insanely so. But still, he tried taking into respect what Totosai had told him, and he began swinging back, "Inuyasha.. You've gotten slower, I see."

"Shut up, idiot! You don't know a damn thing about this sword or what it's capable of!"

"When in the hands of its correct wielder, I am sure it's quite powerful."

Inuyasha growled lowly, "You'll regret your taunting!" Their blades met once again, this time, the power of Tokijin forcing Tetsusaiga to transform back to its useless state. The half-breed was pushed back and to the ground, bleeding from his torso all over again, "I don't need this!" He huffed, tossing Tetsusaiga to the side and charging at Sesshomaru, "I'll kill you with my bare hands, you bastard!"

Their fight commenced, Sesshomaru easily dodging his brother's attacks and returning with some of his own. Only then, as he was about to deliver the finishing blow, did he sense a change in his little brother. His companions all tensed up, but Sesshomaru's attention was called on the half-breed. His golden eyes clung to the younger sibling, watching as his features began to change, though only slightly. Faintly, the lord could see red eyes, and a growl was heard loudly, right before a fire was set off between them. The word SIT was heard among the flames, and, when they settled, everyone was gone. But he was sure of it.. He had, indeed, witnessed his brother turn into a demon just then. Curse that old man for intervening…

.

.

In only took them a short while to return to the spot where they had left his young ward. She was awake now, the dawn creeping in from the darkness, "Lord Sesshomaru!" Rin squealed happily, running toward him with a large smile on her small, innocent, beautiful face.

"Be still, Rin." She took those words literally, stopping with only one leg on the ground as Sesshomaru moved past her, slicing down the trees behind her with ease, using his new sword. Once the sound came to an end and silence settled in, Kagura turned to face the man, opening her fan and holding it to her face.

"Ah, lord Sesshomaru… Do not raise your blade. I am not your enemy."

Sesshomaru grunted slightly, narrowing his eyes at her, "You wreak like that baboon," Jaken said from behind his master.

She glared the imp down, "I see that you have made a fine blade of my comrade," Her red eyes found Sesshomaru's stare once more, "You see… I have been sent by Naraku to lead you to him. If it's a fight you seek, fight him." Ordinarily, Sesshomaru wouldn't listen to the command or wishes of anyone, but if there was an invitation to the front step of the very man he was hunting down, then he would take it.

"Lead the way, woman. But know that if you try anything funny, I shall have your head."

She smirked, "I am the wind incarnation, Kagura. Please… Follow me."

.

.

Naraku had returned inside once Kagura was out of sight, passing the time with various activities. Mainly focusing on healing himself. By the time dawn began to settle in the sky around them, the dark man began to sense Kagura coming closer. And once they were close enough, Naraku lowered his barrier. Sesshomaru would now be able to both see the castle in which he resided and sense the man.

As they approached, the demon lord scowled. He had been here before. This was the very spot where he had found the remains of that demon, Goshinki. The remains with which his new sword had been forged. However, they walked deeper into the woods and a castle came into view. That hadn't been there before. He was sure of it… He would have noticed before. Was the fool hiding? Had a barrier been erected before, hiding the castle from view? Kagura turned to her followers, "My lord now knows that you are here. However, he is only expecting you, lord Sesshomaru. Your companions will have to wait with me, here."

The demon moved past her gracefully, saying nothing in return. He knew that Jaken would protect Rin. And he was sure Kagura wouldn't like Sesshomaru's reaction if a hair on her head was misplaced. He wasn't here to make friends.

There was a door at the end of the long hallway, and he assumed this was the way he needed to go, so he opened it without a second though, his hand ready on the hilt of Tokijin, "Ah… Lord Sesshomaru. I've been expecting you…"