Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha.
Warning: Extremely violent chapter.
Chapter 26
Sacrifice
She groaned in discomfort as a body nudged her side with not much care. She shifted and her eyes fluttered open and the body stiffened.
She turned her head to look in his amber eyes and smiled still dazed.
-Hey…
She mumbled sleepily. She stole a glance at the window and frowned when it was still dark.
-It's still so early, my lord…
Her smile turned shy and she dared to grasp his hand to rest it upon the bed.
-Will you stay with me?
His mouth opened but closed a few seconds after. Rin frowned, confused for the gesture clearly meant hesitation. Her lord did not hesitate.
Sesshomaru closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He couldn't sleep even with sweet Rin by his side. He had a massive headache by now and his instincts kept nagging him. Something was not right.
He had been warned that the eastern army was seen heading west so he had the palace heavily guarded. And that pathetic excuse of a demon, Akio, could never defeat him.
But of course…Akio usually liked to play his dirty tricks.
The dark arts, poisons, control of the elements…
He was a master at them all.
Small, circular caresses he felt in his hand. He opened his eyes to the human that meant…practically everything.
How could life have a meaning before Rin? Without Rin?
Never had he felt this before. This warmth, this fulfillment and peace of only being in her presence. Was for this that father had died for?
He let himself fall back onto the bed beside Rin. She gave him a grateful smile and wrapped her arms around his powerful torso, inhaling his scent contentedly.
She saw the turmoil in his eyes and nibbled on her lip. She decided and raised her head to kiss his lips slowly and with all her love.
I'm here for you…
He kissed her back with a sudden urge. Like he was making sure she would be okay. She gasped in pleasure and fell on her back to allow him to cover her body with his.
It felt so right to have him like this.
He growled lightly and gifted her neck with goose bumping nips and kisses but cautiously for he wouldn't tempt himself. It's been quite a long time since he had been in female 'company'. He wouldn't put his sexual frustration upon his Rin. Secretly, he wouldn't mind fucking her before a battle.
No…'fucking' wasn't the right word for Rin.
What was it that humans like to call it when it has a…deeper meaning?
Making love. Yes, that was it. He would make love to Rin.
He twisted his nose. It sounded a bit silly. He never really knew there were different ways of feeling the sexual act.
By his ministrations, Rin felt like a melted pile of goo already. She blushed as she realized he had stopped and she continued moaning softly and panting like she had run a mile.
Guided by her hormones, she whimpered and pressed her body closer to his. She wasn't your average seducer but she didn't consider herself bad.
She wanted to please her lord. Prove herself worthy of his love.
With what she hoped was a seductive smile, she grasped his large hand and tentatively rested it upon one of her breasts. Her face was scarlet as a tomato and her breathing quickened.
Oh kami! I don't even know what to do!
She jumped startled as her lord growled like a hungry beast on her neck. It softened and she noticed it had transformed in an amused chuckle. She watched marveled as Sesshomaru raised his head to look directly in her eyes. She dared to touch the stripes that she had longed for and felt the softness of his skin.
She was mesmerized by him. It all crashed down on her. She had wanted him, longed for him, loved him for so long. And finally he was hers.
Her vision was curiously blurring and his beautiful face scowled. She choked a laugh and pulled him down for a passionate kiss that she hoped told him exactly what she was feeling.
She could feel his smile on her lips and her heart throbbed in happiness.
Akio smiled devilishly as, at last, the western palace was in sight. He had waited so long for this moment. Looking at the horizon it told him the sun would rise soon. Still, there was a little worm he had to squish before the real thing began.
He whistled softly and Takeru nodded. Him and three more soldiers were prepared already and drank their scent covering potions.
Pity they couldn't conceal their auras but what could happen? Everyone was surely asleep and the guards wouldn't detect them.
With a firm grasp on his spear and a silent prayer to the kami he and his comrades infiltrated the palace.
Isamu hissed in pain as once more the chains cut his skin.
So breaking them was out of his options.
He had to get out of here. He had to warn Sesshomaru about Akio's 'surprise'.
He knew he didn't have much time. But who would help him?
He…betrayed them all. Might as well be in enemy territory now.
He sighed in frustration and covered his face with his hands miserably.
*Thump!*
He jumped startled and grew terrified when he heard a rough whisper…very close to his cell.
-Idiot! Do you want to get us killed?!
Then a quiet voice replied.
-I apologize, my general.
No he wasn't terrified.
He was mortified.
General?
The heavy door to his cell squeaked as it was opened and he narrowed his eyes when the light entered.
He could see them now.
Takeru grinned enthusiastically and licked his lips, anticipating the bloodshed.
-Greetings, Isamu.
The councilman was trembling but managed to put on a brave face.
-You scum! Get your unworthy self out of the palace of the West!
Takeru chuckled quietly and the three other soldiers allowed themselves to smirk.
-We all know where your loyalties are, mutt.
His face got close and Isamu closed his eyes in disgust.
-Nowhere. Like a mercenary…
Isamu only closed his eyes tighter. His heart hurt from the injustice of it all.
Takeru then unsheathed a small dagger as quietly as he could and gripped the trembling inu's shoulder. His eyes sparkled with devilish glee. He whispered harshly in his pointed ear….
-Your pathetic life ends now.
…and stabbed the dagger deep within Isamu's heart.
Takeru grinned as he watched the life fade from Isamu's eyes. The inu's soul welcomed death with open arms and it tingled in a bad way on Takeru for he hadn't wanted to do the traitor a favor.
He jumped startled as the sound of a whip echoed in the cells and the dying screams of his comrades reached his ears.
-You pathetic excuse of a demon…
Takeru widened his eyes and his blood ran cold. It was said with a demonic ferocity and piercing amber eyes glaring holes at the back of his head.
The general slowly turned and tried to regain his composure. It wouldn't do to show the enemy your fear. Especially one such as Sesshomaru.
In the distance he could hear the battle happening outside of the palace. The western army had been ready and waiting it seems.
He gulped quietly. He only needed to distract Sesshomaru enough for him to make an escape. If he could reach the battlegrounds the demon lord was bound to lose him in the midst of the chaos.
Sesshomaru was to be taken care of by Akio, anyway.
He watched the demon lord steal a glance at Isamu's lifeless body and he saw a lingering sadness there before it was strategically replaced by anger and disgust.
Slowly standing up, he smirked crazily. He held his spear threateningly at his opponent's form and hoped that he wasn't signing his death warrant.
Sesshomaru raised his eyebrow mockingly. He sneered out his words slowly and each syllable with a deeper tone until it reached growling.
-This Sesshomaru shall give you the death you seek.
With a deep breath and adrenaline running madly through his veins Takeru released a mighty battle cry and attacked the demon lord.
Swift and forever graceful, Sesshomaru avoided every well aimed blow. He didn't know why he was wasting his time with one such as Takeru but his existence had to be banished at once for his actions.
Takeru gasped in pain when a powerful fist landed on his jaw. He shook his head against the dizziness and wiped the blood away. Looking at his surroundings he smirked when in the heat of their confront he had managed to lure the demon lord out of the secluded environment of the dungeons.
The cries of his brothers in arms were clear now.
Sesshomaru cracked his knuckles and growled lowly.
-This Sesshomaru sees what you are doing, you idiot.
Takeru frowned and slightly pouted. The demon lord pointed a finger in his direction.
-Don't think you can escape my wrath.
Sesshomaru lunged at him with deadly intent managing to break one of Takeru's arms. The general screamed in agony and, in hearing so, some of his soldiers came to his aid.
Takeru cursed and clutched the limp appendage. He gripped his spear firmly and whispered as quietly as he could for his soldiers to continue according to plan. The soldiers' faces turned pale but bravely nodded.
Even with a broken arm, Takeru and his comrades managed to lure the now annoyed demon lord outside of the castle where the real battle was happening.
Sesshomaru grew more angered when he saw the lands the inu race has fought so hard for covered in blood of friend and foe alike. His army and Akio's collided with hate and formed a complete massacre for them both.
This was all Akio's fault!
His greed and malevolence would be the damnation of them all. He could see him between the tired but blood lusting faces of the soldiers. A shocking head of golden locks in a sea of red.
Sesshomaru couldn't wait any longer. His eyes were already turning to their true color. Demonic crimson.
Akio would fall today even if Sesshomaru had to follow him in fate.
Sensing the impending killing spree, the two pale soldiers turned to Takeru with silent pleading in their eyes. They have sworn to die for the East but surely they deserved a clean death not a barbaric tearing of limbs in a crazed demon lord's whim.
Sesshomaru's eyes quickly turned to their sane amber color as he heard her scream.
Searching her with his eyes he felt what only she could invoke in him.
Fear.
He feared for her safety. What would become of him without her? Knowing what he lost would make it even more painful.
He finally spotted her. Screaming, kicking and punching with all her petty human strength hanging in some big brute's shoulder.
One second the demon was there, trying to get her to shut up and take her as a hostage and the other he was lying on a pool of his own blood.
Rin sobbed in shock afraid of who might have saved her but she cried in relief when she met his lovely amber eyes.
She got up fast and gave him a quick hug.
-Oh, my lord! Thank you so much! I'm sorry for causing trouble I just wanted to see if you were okay!
Sesshomaru snorted and casually killed another fool that dared to attack him. He got closer to her so it would be easier to protect her. He stared her down, slightly offended.
-As if these weaklings could ever be a challenge to this Sesshomaru.
He saw Inuyasha and his group of friends fighting in the distance and knew the battle was already won. The enemy's army was quickly lessening in numbers. He had ordered for no prisoners although Akio was to be killed by Sesshomaru and Sesshomaru only.
That was what made him frown. What was Akio thinking bringing an army that could certainly be no match for his? Sesshomaru was sure the only thing Akio desired was victory though defeat would be the only outcome at this rate.
There had to be some trick he was saving up for later and Sesshomaru didn't like this at all.
When something seems too easy it shouldn't be taken for granted.
He whispered in his Rin's ear.
-Stay close to me.
She numbly nodded. Anything for her lord.
He attacked offender by offender, slowly but successfully making his way towards Akio.
He was almost there when the fool Takeru tried to attack him once again.
The general smirked and brandished his weapon.
-I'm afraid I cannot let you get any closer.
He was about to cut him down when he suddenly heard a horrified scream.
-Oh kami! That's him! That's the one who killed me!
The general looked confused. He asked himself, if he killed that someone then how could it be talking?
Takeru turned slowly to meet another pair of angry amber eyes. Yet these ones were different. More…passionate.
Then his heart actually jumped when he saw scared but equally angry dark brown eyes and her face…the same face he had watched in torture.
He was afraid he stumbled.
-Y-You!
Sesshomaru smirked.
-I believe this one will be yours, Inuyasha.
The one called Inuyasha looked a bit surprised at first but then his eyes softened in gratefulness.
-I thank you…for everything…aniki…
Sesshomaru averted his eyes not used at all to this strange feeling in his chest as he heard Inuyasha call him his kin. He just nodded and Inuyasha's smile widened.
Oh but he deserved a piece of the general too. With an infamous smile in his lips he surprised Takeru by burying his clawed hand through the demon's back and whispered in his ear as he twisted the organs inside.
-Never turn your back on the enemy.
Takeru screeched in agony as his intestines were ripped backwards making him weak on the knees before collapsing.
So there he was, kneeling. With his organs practically on the floor and blood already spurting from his mouth. His vision was becoming blurry and he wondered.
Is this really the way I'm going to die? There is…no honor in this. I feel…no satisfaction…even if I'm dying for my lord…
He heard one loud sob and frowned.
Who weeps for me?
He managed to open his eyes wider to see the woman he had killed with tears in her eyes and a sorrowful face. He was confused. She should be happy.
He heard the sweetest voice as she pointed her bow at him and the arrow began to glow with power.
-May you learn your mistakes in the Netherworld.
She shot the arrow blowing his mortal body to pieces. The blood sputteres everywhere like an obscure fountain and stained Sesshomaru's and Rin's white clothing.
Kagome trembled as her tormentor was finally…no more. She couldn't stand her wobbly knees and let herself kneel, exhausted. Inuyasha was instantly at her side to comfort her. Rin wiped the tears from her eyes and went to sooth Kagome's troubled spirit.
Sesshomaru snarled when he saw that with all this getting Takeru killed thing, Akio escaped his eyesight. He made sure that Rin would be alright and dived in the sea of corpses and battle.
Naomi panted heavily as she killed another opponent. Just how many were they. She had lost count already. Still, she could not back away. She fought for the west now. That didn't mean she wouldn't die a little inside when she saw yet another friendly face fall at her feet.
She could only hope that they would have a better fate in the afterlife.
She had borrowed a haori and hakama and tied a light armor with a long obi. She didn't care if they were men clothes. She obviously couldn't fight in a kimono.
Her two katanas dropped the blood of many and her face was shiny in sweat. Her eyelids were starting to get heavy. She was really tired. She tried to blend further into the shadows of the corner she was in.
A chuckle beside her made her tremble in fear and repulsion as she raised her weapons. His horrifying glowing orange eyes stared her down with a lust she wanted to forget.
-Naomi…
She growled and attacked him instantly but he blocked every strike with ease and even mocked her with that annoying smirk of his.
She would actually fight him back if she wasn't so tired!
He eventually got bored and sent her to the ground with a strong kick to her stomach that made her vomit its contents followed by some blood. He sneered in disgust and gripped her hair, lifting her effortlessly. She hissed but stared him in the eyes in defiance.
She would die before bowing to him again.
Her true master did not pity cowards.
She struggled in vain and he sniffed her neck before grinning widely showing his pointed teeth.
-Untouched…by others…
Her eyes widened as his softened if not just a little bit before gaining their cruel glint once again. He forced her down to her knees still gripping her hair tightly. She shut her eyes tightly just when she came face to face with his obi. He wasn't actually going…?
-Open your eyes before I make you.
She shakily nodded. Her tough demeanor crumbled and she hated herself for it. But there was only much one could do after years of forced submission and pleasured torture. He placed her hands on his obi and she bit her lip to keep from crying in misery. She untied it as slowly as she could and he grunted in approval. He moved his heavy armor slightly to the side; just enough for him to reach into his hakama and release the proof of his desire for her to see. She frowned and looked around. How could she be so stupid getting into a secluded place like this? No one would hear her screams, too engrossed in their war. She gulped and tentatively placed her hand in his erection and started to stroke. His eyes fluttered momentarily but his mouth tilted downwards. Her eyes widened in fear.
Oh kami…no…please…don't…
Ignored her silent pleadings were as he gripped the back of her head and shoved her ruthlessly till the hilt. Tears poured down her eyes as she choked and tried to breathe.
Her arms fell limp at her sides and let him do with her whatever he wanted. After a moment of having a mouth full of him and his frantic thrusts, he shivered and held her still. She closed her eyes in disgust and he tossed his hair releasing his seed in her. He gave a trembled sigh before letting her go. She coughed the vile liquid out of her mouth and rubbed her sore throat.
How she hated him so.
She looked up to at least give him a piece of her mind but was interrupted when he gripped her arm and lifted her for a needy kiss. She was completely still as he ravaged her mouth with a passion he had never showed before and her confused mind made her dizzy.
There was a loud cry of pain and Akio pulled away from her and cursed.
Takeru was dead.
He took a deep breath and closed his eyes for a moment.
-It is time.
With one last unrecognizable look at her he turned to help his men.
Naomi stayed there, sitting on the ground. She briefly touched her lips shocked.
They tingled from his touch.
The victory was certain as Sesshomaru killed one more enemy. They were clearly outnumbered and exhausted.
Where was Akio?
The demon lord growled irritated.
Did the scum leave?
He could hear Inuyasha's Wind Scars, feel the prickle of Kagome's purifying energy and hear the battle cries of the monk and demon slayers.
Suddenly, there was a metallic 'swish' and he quickly dodged the deadly two headed spear aimed at his neck. He turned and growled.
-Akio.
The other smirked and nodded.
-Sesshomaru.
They growled at each other and adopted battle stances. Akio was the first to make a move, swinging his weapon with mastery. Sesshomaru dodged and counterattacked with Bakusaiga.
Soon, the powerful creatures were but blurs like dancing with deadly grace.
Bakusaiga's disintegrating properties clashed with the two-headed spear's corrupting energies. The armies slowed down their fighting to watch whose leader would fall first.
Almost an hour of fighting and the signs of tiredness started to show as each gave their all.
Akio's armor was almost completely destroyed and there were gashes all over his body. His body was feeling a bit feverish from Sesshomaru's poison but he couldn't back down now.
Sesshomaru panting slightly but his clothes though stained with the blood of many were intact. His left arm was bleeding a pool on the ground due to a large cut on it but otherwise he felt fine.
Sesshomaru smirked. Even if tired, there was no way Akio could win.
Rin watched silently and nervously. Inuyasha and the others were protecting her but she only cared for her lord's wellbeing.
Please, my lord…be careful…
She watched Akio fight and frowned.
I don't like the look on his face.
*Thump!*
She covered her mouth to keep her horrified scream as Akio kicked sneakily her lord on his leg momentarily stunning him to kneel.
Then he…
…slashed the blade of his spear into her beautiful Lord Sesshomaru's amber eye. She could keep the scream this time and Inuyasha and the others heard it too and watched chocked as Sesshomaru yelped like a dog in pain and shock. He clutched his injured and blind eye but the blood still ran freshly down his face.
Akio chuckled cruelly and charged but Sesshomaru was ready and growled. His good eye turned red and he attacked with renewed ferocity.
Akio started to feel the rage of a blood lusting demon lord and started to feel weak. He decided then.
He shoved his hand into his haori and revealed a weathered scroll. He chuckled some more and threw his spear to the ground.
He muttered something under his breath and the scroll began to glow.
His voice turned very guttural and echoed.
-Behold, Sesshomaru…
A circle of fire surrounded him and they all watched as from the bodies of the many fallen soldiers emerged their souls. In all of them, pain was written in their faces.
Kagome gasped as Akio opened his mouth and thousands of souls were consumed into his body. His eyes glowed brighter and his body was set on fire. Yet he was completely calm. Almost giddy. The body grew and soon turned into a humanoid formed fire giant. It roared, wiping their hairs backwards like warm wind.
In its wrists appeared heavy looking metal bracers and attached to it were gigantic chains that pooled on the ground at its feet.
Sesshomaru's eye widened in disbelief.
-You fool!
He shouted. The giant merely chuckled and used its new god like powers to burn the army.
The screams of agonized pain from his comrades tortured Sesshomaru. They tried everything. But it was like attacking air.
His army was quickly lessening and the eastern were motivated by their new unstoppable leader.
It's like fighting the element itself. Fire.
He used Bakusaiga to no avail. Sesshomaru frowned.
Swords or any other weapon are useless. There is no flesh.
Some soldiers tried throwing water at it but were quickly devoured.
We couldn't possibly have the necessary amount of water for something as big as that…
His eye was stinging more and more. Hope just suddenly seemed lost.
Think, Sesshomaru!
His army was retreating farther towards the palace. His lips thinned. He'll be damned if the west shall crumble by some big, brain washed elemental!
He remembered his father's voice…
"Do not forget son, that an element can never be controlled. It is part of nature and it has no master. That is why the one that tries to do such will be always chained. The one shall be the element's slave and not the contrary. To beat one you must break the bond…"
Yes…he remembered one of his lessons were about the elemental control.
Break the bond…
Realization hit him as he glanced towards the chains at Akio's wrists. With blinding speed he ran towards one of his archers and took his bow and two arrows. The archer was confused but was trembling in fear for the fire giant killing everyone right now so he anything would be welcomed to end the terror.
Sesshomaru dropped a bit of his poison in the tip of the arrows and shakily aimed. Archery wasn't his specialty and now that one of his eyes was blind it would be even a bigger challenge.
Thank kami the fiery fool wasn't very far.
One arrow in his mouth and the other aimed at one of the chains he held the bow steady…
…and fired the first shot.
He almost did a victory dance as it hit the target perfectly and the creature screeched in pain. The others noticed and started to cheer their lord on as they tried to hold the giant away from their leader.
He aimed the second arrow and it hit the target once again.
The bracers broke and the chains fell to the ground.
Then Sesshomaru arched an eyebrow when the elemental kept screaming in pain and…was it getting bigger?
His eyes widened as he remembered.
"…of course, shall that bond be broken the element will unleash its fury and vanish to find another servant."
He shouted to everyone.
-Retreat!
They all sensed what was going to happen and ran as fast as they could. Inuyasha and his friends were a little slower but Tensaiga would protect them.
He heard a scream and found, horrified, Rin running with human slowness. She would get caught if he didn't do anything!
There was no time.
He made his decision.
-Rin!
She turned towards him and he threw at her the Tenseiga.
Rin watched and her heart skipped a beat as she realized her lord had just given up to her his only protection as her vision was engulfed in fire with the thunderous sound of an explosion.
Author's Note: I'm really, really, reaaaally sorry this update is so late but I've been busy now that school as started once again and I have a lot of work already. Not to mention the massive writer's block I've been having.
Will you find it in your heart the will to forgive this authoress? xD