Inuyasha ran through the forest clearing, ignorning everything and slaying demons that came in his way with Tetsusaiga's Kaze no Kizu. He ran until he was tired, panting heavily, he could not go on any further. Looking down at his own hands and feet, covered in dirt. He came into realization. Why was he running? Who was he running from? He tried to remember. Then he heard a laughter. Sesshomaru's laughter? No...It doesn't sound like it this time. He took a quick scan around the forest, growling. His ears twitched when suddenly he heard a swishing sound heading towards him. Dodging it swiftly, an arrow embedded itself on a tree behind Inuyasha. Inuyasha glared at the spot where the arrow came from.
"Demon! Begone!" A little girl's voice was heard.
Another arrow came at Inuyasha and he dodged it easily. The arrows aimed were not accurate thus allowing Inuyasha to dodged it easily. The person shooting those arrows must be an amateur. Inuyasha smirked, he readied his claw.
"Come out you coward!" Inuyasha taunted.
"What did you call me?" The girl's voice screamed out. Another arrow was shot at Inuyasha but missed.
"Your aim sucks..." Inuyasha dodged the third arrow with a bored face.
"W..What?" A girl jumped out from bushes "Then how about this!" She leaped at Inuyasha, hands outstretched, holding what looked like a talisman.
Inuyasha jumped out of the way, but he was somewhat shocked at the sight of the girl and stumbled, the talisman barely touching him, brushing pass his left hand. The girl falling on the ground behind him.
"Ow ow ow ow!" They both exclaimed in unison. Inuyasha grabbing his hand and the girl struggling to sit up.
"What was that for!" They both called out, at the same time their eyes met.
Inuyasha gaped midsentence and stared in awe at the sight before him. Infront of him, a girl sat there pouting. Her Dark black hair was tied together using a white ribbon in a ponytail. Her skin was as pale as snow and her lips as red as rose. She was wearing a priestess's robe and her eyes...wow her eyes seems sparkle in the dark night. A beauty indeed, other than his mother. Inuyasha has never seen such beauty among humans before. He was oblivious by the girl's charm that he didn't even notice that the girl was slowly approching him.
Soft hands was connected to soft white ears and Inuyasha squeaked, standing up quickly. The girl was touching his ears! This was the first time Inuyasha had ever came so close to a human girl and he had no idea what to do. He looked around frantically, his lips quivered in nervousness and he twirled his hands around behind his back, hiding his claws.
"What are you?" The girl asked but there was no respond. "Hello? He-llooo?" The girl tried again, this time waving her hands infront of Inuyasha's face.
"Ah!" Inuyasha gasped, he turned around and found himself staring into the big round eyes of the little girl's. The night was cold but Inuyasha found himself melting just by staring at the girl's eyes.
What is this feeling? His heart was fluttering, for awhile there, the forest was still and silent to Inuyasha and he could only hear his heart beating fast. The girl was so near him and his face felt so hot. He didn't even realized that he was holding his breath. Why am I feeling this way? His heart beat so fast it almost hurt but he doesn't feel pain or sadness. Then he felt the girl's hand landed on both his shoulder and he stiffened. Oh...God...was the only two word that appeared in his blank head.
"Hey!" The girl shook Inuyasha hard. "What are you? Deaf?"
"Wha..What?" Inuyasha snapped back to reality. "No! I'm..." He stuttered.
The girl grabbed Inuyasha's ears again.
"Curiously curious" The girl murmured to herself. Inuyasha's face burst a shade of red and he quickly back up. "You're a...Hanyou?" The girl questioned carefully.
Inuyasha's ears twitched and his face immediately changed when the word 'Hanyou' was mentioned. Recalling back once when he had gone near a human village where children and adults alike mocked him and thrown rocks at him, calling out the word 'Hanyou' over and over again.
"You're not afraid of me?" Inuyasha asked.
"Are you evil?" The girl responded back and Inuyasha just shook his head. "Then nope." The girl smiled. "Besides, you're...quite interesting. It's my first time seeing a Hanyou...I've only heard of them." The girl studied Inuyasha closely. "What's your name?"
"Inuyasha." As curious as the girl was looking and studying him, he was doing the same thing to the girl. The girl was not afraid of him nor does it seem that she is afraid of demons at all. Afterall, she wouldn't be out here alone in the forest at this time of the night. She did not react like the people from the village when she first saw him and instead she boldly attacked him. Inuyasha knew very well that she is a Priestess and he knew that their job was to exterminate demons, yet deep down he felt safe with her.
"I'm Kikyo." She brushed off the dirt on her robe and giggled.
She's so cute. Inuyasha couldnt help staring at her. It was his first time feeling like this and for the first time, he actually felt true happiness. Not that his family didn't provide him happiness, besides the fact that his brother hated him and his constant fighting with Sesshomaru had been taking a toll for everyone in the family.
However, Inuyasha's happy moment was short lived when they heard a sinister laughter. Kikyo grabbed her bow, her hands tightened around it. Inuyasha stepped infront of her, holding Tetsusaiga. The laughter was similar to the one Inuyasha heard while he was running in the forest.
"There you are my little puppy." The voice from the laughter chuckled.
Inuyasha frozed in fear as he recognize the voice.
"Rokutsu..." He gritted his teeth. Kikyo noticed that.
"And you found another prey for me."
Inuyasha growled, he grabbed on Tetsusaiga so hard that his knuckles turned white. Kikyo placed a comforting hand on Inuyasha's shoulder and Inuyasha relaxed abit. She stepped infront of him and readied her bow. She took an arrow from her quiver and aimed carefully. Inuyasha watched as Kikyo released the arrow. As the arrow was shot, a pink glow enveloped it. Inuyasha could feel something strong and pure emitting from the arrow as it flew to Rokutsu's hiding place. Rokutsu jumped out from his hiding face, he grinned as he easily dodged Kikyo's arrow and landed infront of them.
"A Priestess, I see." Rokutsu smirked sinisterly
Inuyasha glared at him with disgust, his hand holding Tetsusaiga trembled slightly at the sight of Rokutsu but he held his ground, refusing to submit to his fears. He noticed that Kikyo was glaring at Rokutsu too, she was already preparing her bow for another shot.
"This will be fun. Oh my, is that Tetsusaiga? He gave it to you instead of Sesshomaru?" Rokutsu's eyes fell on Inuyasha's sword. "What joke is that?" He laughed. "I bet your brother hates you more now."
"Enough talk!" Kikyo exclaimed as she shot another arrow at Rokutsu. This time almost hitting him. The arrow caught some of Rokutsu's clothes and it melted.
"Woah, That's dangerous." Rokutsu summoned out his sword. Without warning, he lunged at Kikyo, sword held high.
"KIKYO!" Inuyasha yelled, he pushed Kikyo out of the way, Rokutsu's sword missing him by a hair.
They both hit the ground and Rokutsu was already preparing for a second assault. Tetsusaiga and Rokutsu's sword clashed. "My, are you getting stronger?" Rokutsu pushed his sword down hard causing Inuyasha to slipped. Inuyasha shut his eyes tight, expecting the sword to come intact with his flesh. The familiar feeling of Kikyo's arrow shot pass him and hit Rokutsu's Sword, Repeling it away from Inuyasha. He took the opportunity to stab Rokutsu, twisting Tetsusaiga into position, Inuyasha thrust Tetsusaiga into Rokutsu but gasped when Tetsusaiga did no damage. Tetsusaiga bended slightly as it hit Rokutsu's body and bounced back. Rokutsu backhanded Inuyasha, sending him sprawling to the ground.
"Shame, you don't even know how to use Tetsusaiga" Rokutsu smirked. His eyes landing on Kikyo, turning his attention to her now, his grinned widened.
"Leave her alone!" Inuyasha spat, he dashed at Rokutsu, swinging Tetsusaiga only to find out that Tetsusaiga failed to even leave a scratch on Rokutsu.
Why? Inuyasha desperately swung his sword at Rokutsu. Why was is not working? Why can't Tetsusaiga cut? He had done it before, unleashing blades of wind. But he never knew how. All those times he did it, he did it unconciously and now when he needed the power, he didn't know how to do it. A strangled cry brought him out from his thoughts. He caught sight of Rokutsu grabbing Kikyo by the neck, squeezing it tightly but not enough to kill her.
"Inu...yasha" Kikyo struggled.
"Argh!" Inuyasha cried out, slashing Tetsusaiga at Rokutsu whose grinned widened at the sight of Inuyasha's desperation.
Rokutsu tightened his gripped on Kikyo's neck and she choked. She struggled to keep her eyes open but found it hard. The pain from her lungs was starting to get to her as she desperately clawed at Rokutsu's hand. She could see Inuyasha trying to get to her, calling out her name and slashing at Rokutsu. Using all her remaining strength, she dugged her hands in her pocket and grabbed a handful of talisman. Glaring at Rokutsu who was slightly taken aback by her sudden defiance, she threw the talisman at him. Rokutsu released his gripped on her neck and fell back, cursing violently as the talisman seemed to electricute him. With that, Inuyasha saw the chance to quickly grabbed Kikyo by the arm and led her running away from Rokutsu. They ran aimlessly as they could hear Rokutsu pursuing them. Inuyasha stopped short suddenly, causing Kikyo to ran into his back.
"Inuyasha?" Kikyo panted, she took a glance behind him and found that they were trapped at a dead end below a cliff.
Rokutsu burst out through the forest infront of them, his face a mask of anger.
"Enough games." Rokutsu thrust his sword at them. Inuyasha stepped out infront of Kikyo as his sword once again clashed with Rokutsu. Inuyasha snarled as he pushed back with all his strength. Andrelines pumping and heart beating fast, Inuyasha recalled his father's trainning. He was not going to let Rokutsu hurt Kikyo. A new found strength was found within Inuyasha as he managed to pushed Rokutsu back who stumbled slightly, but still manage to hold out.
"Inuyasha! Look out!" Kikyo yelled when she saw Rokutsu sneaking a hidden dagger towards Inuyasha with his free hand. Upon hearing that, Inuyasha leaped out of the way but by doing this he mistakenly created an opening for Rokutsu to charge at Kikyo with the dagger.
"No!" Inuyasha dashed with agility beyond his expectation, he swung his sword just in time before the dagger hit Kikyo, sending the dagger flying off from Rokutsu's hand. Rokutsu defended himself by slashing his sword at Inuyasha who barely manage to blocked it. Rokutsu narrowed his eyes, he was slightly stunned by Inuyasha's strength but rage overwhelmed him.
"I will not let you hurt her." Inuyasha growled. Gripping Tetsusaiga tightly, he felt a hot sensation flowing into him. He kept his eyes on Rokutsu, but noticing that Tetsusaiga was glowing subtly. He felt Tetsusaiga Throbbing like it was coming to life.
"This is starting to get fun." Rokutsu smirked. The wind whipped around him as he held up his sword and pointed it at Inuyasha. "A hanyou protecting a human girl, oh, the irony."
"Inuyasha..." Kikyo reached her hand out towards Inuyasha.
"Don't worry, I will protect you." Inuyasha stood firm, his back facing Kikyo. Kikyo smiled and nodded.
Inuyasha felt his blood boiling, a new surge of energy overwhelmed his body. Rokutsu charged at him, sword held high. With a cry, the whole forest was filled with the sound of sword clashing. Though Inuyasha was stronger than before, Rokutsu was still stronger than him. Inuyasha felt his muscles tensed whenever their sword clashes, he could feel his perspiration trickling down his skin, leaving a cooling sensation from the cold night air. Rokutsu was rainning down slashes after slashes, not giving Inuyasha anytime to rest or breath. Inuyasha could feel Tetsusaiga pulsing, almost as if it was calling out for him. Grinding his teeth, Inuyasha held his ground and continued blocking every attack coming down at him. But he didn't fail to notice the change around Tetsusaiga. It was glowing and it felt lighter, he could feel his speed increasing and he was already pushing Rokutsu back. Rokutsu noticed that bit of change and immediately changed his fighting style. Rokutsu jumped back, changing his attack strategy as Inuyasha eyed him carefully. Rokutsu whipped his sword in the air, chanting. Purple fog started generating from the sword, he grinned at Inuyasha and swung the sword full force at the pup.
Inuyasha felt a strong wave of wind whipped at him, causing him to stumbled and before he could even comprehend what was going on, sharp needle light objects flew at his direction, cutting into his clothes and flesh. Inuyasha tried to block them using Tetsusaiga but it was no use. There were too many and they cut into Inuyasha mercilessly. Inuyasha fell and landed beside Kikyo, blood seeping out from the cuts he received from the attack. He would have gotten it worst if Tetsusaiga had not protected him. Using Tetsusaiga to support himself, Inuyasha breath heavily and struggled to get up. Kikyo watched Inuyasha and a smile form on her lips. She tugged at Inuyasha's sleeves and grabbed her bow with her other hand. Their eyes met and they both nodded. A secret message passed through each other without the usage of speech but by heart. Rokutsu was swinging his sword for a second attack already.
A new wind whipped wildly around Inuyasha and Kikyo, carrying dried leaves along. A new determination formed and Inuyasha felt strong. For a while there, everything happened at the same time. Rokutsu swung his sword, sending needle darts at them. Kikyo took aim and shot a pure arrow and Inuyasha swung Tetsusaiga with all his might. Huge gust of wind whipped around them.
"Kaze no Kizu!" Inuyasha roared as he swung Tetsusaiga.
Wind emitted from Tetsusaiga and surrounded Kikyo's arrow, charging fast and strong towards Rokutsu, pushing back Rokutsu's assault.
"ARGHH!" Rokutsu screamed out as the arrow pierced into his chest and at the same time, the wind cut through his flesh. With another cry, Rokutsu dissipated in the light.
When the wind settled and the forest's silence returned. Nothing can be heard except for the heavy breathing and panting from Inuyasha and Kikyo. They looked up and Inuyasha caught sight of his family standing infront of them, Rokutsu was nowhere to be seen. Inu no Taisho, Izayoi and Kiyoshimaru was smiling warmly at him and Sesshomaru...well Sesshomaru was just being himself, glancing at Inuyasha with his usual emotionless face. Inuyasha breathed a sigh of relief and fell back to the ground smiling.
Inuyasha's smile widened when he heard his father saying...
"Good job, Son."