Author's Note: We're finally here - the moment everyone's been waiting for! I won't lie, this, and the next few chapters will be painful, but please bear with me. I promise the story will have a happy ending. I am sorry for the long delay, but I couldn't find a good place to stop and post before working on more. Considering how long it typically takes me to get chapters out, I didn't want to do that to anyone. So, much like when I first started reposting, I'll be revising the draft, then posting the chapter. You'll have four new chapters by the end of the day! As always, thank you for the favorites, kudos, follows, and reviews!

~*Flame

Disclaimer: InuYasha & Final Act are all owned by Rumiko Takahashi, Shogakukan, Viz Media & Madmen Entertainment.

Chapter Twelve

The sun had risen long ago, but I was still lounging against the tree I had slept against. Kagome had done wonderfully during our training last night, far better than I had expected. It would still take her time to gain mastery of her chosen weapon, but she was at least proficient. Enough to keep her safe for now. Especially with the added protection Inuyasha was likely to give her, even if that caused a problem for whatever Jaken had planned.

Regardless of what Jaken was planning, Kagome would not approve of the upcoming encounter with Inuyasha. All I could do was hope that she was still in her time when we arrived. It was interesting that there was a delay when we met in the Dream Realm compared to when she was here that one night. Normally, she and I would connect after the sun had risen, but before its height. But the one night she was in this time and we connected, it was still dark out. Whatever magic was at play clearly needed time to transverse the centuries between us. She was safely back in her time last night, so if we stuck today, as soon as possible, that we could avoid having our first meeting in person being so tragic. Though Jaken tended not to be as ruthless as I, so perhaps even if she was there, she wouldn't be too horrified by what she witnessed.

It didn't take much longer for Jaken to find me. He waddled into the small grove I was resting in, trailed by a youkai I had never encountered before. Her black hair hung limply about the blank canvas of where her face should be. Her kimono was loose and bedraggled as though she had spent the night mourning a loss bigger than any should have to bear. Glancing at my retainer, I waited for him to introduce this sad youkai that joined us for what I assumed was the plan to confront Inuyasha.

"Sesshoumaru-sama! I have brought the Mu-on'na to help learn what Inuyasha is keeping secret!" I, like many others, had heard of her, but never had the privilege of encountering the living grief of a mother's loss.

"Hn," I nodded my head in acknowledgment to the youkai before focusing back on Jaken to wait for him to reveal his grand plan of his.

"She has agreed to help lure Inuyasha by taking the form of Izayoi-sama and in return we will look the other way should she take the soul of those that caused the grief that fills her." Vengeance was quite a motivation, and not something I would begrudge. If I could chase after the Panther Diva's and exact revenge for the deaths of my people by their hands, I would do so without hesitation. But for the Mu-on'na, she rarely discriminated over whose souls she feasted upon. All humans caused her loss in her mind. Should we team up with her, what was keeping her from taking Inuyasha's soul while carrying out her task?

Looking back at the Mu-on'na I narrowed my eyes, wondering if she held any loyalty to a being other than herself. Would she respect and order from the House of the Moon? Or is that just wishful thinking? "Do you know who I am?" Though she had no mouth or lips to speak of, I fully expected her to respond. She was a youkai and such trivial things such as the lack of lips wouldn't prevent speech.

"Yes, Sesshoumaru-sama." She bowed, showing at least the respect one of my station was due.

"Then know that you have been warned. I shall be the one to destroy Inuyasha." It was the best protection I could offer. Many in the Court may think of me as the Western's Folly, but everyone knew I didn't threaten needlessly. If it became known that only I could take Inuyasha's life, he was safe from any that wanted to continue to ally with the West.

"Yes, Sesshoumaru-sama." Glancing back at Jaken, I gestured for him to continue this plan of his, however convoluted it was beginning to seem. Though, the initial acceptance of the Mu-on'na's presence seemed to bolster the imp. He stood straighter, eyes shining with excitement and something I hadn't seen from him in a long time; pride. He was proud of the plan he had concocted. I suppose that alone should be enough of a reason to at the very least give it a shot, even as it grew more and more complex.

"We will tick Inuyasha into saving the Mu-on'na from an Oni controlled by you, Sesshoumaru-sama." My eyebrow rose at the deception. Would could an Oni do that I could not on my own? Jaken must have expected the question though as he continued. "Your powers are far too great, Sesshoumaru-sama. It would be beneath you to limit yourself in such a way. But by controlling the Oni, you will show him you not only deserve Tessaiga, but you are more than strong enough to wield it."

I was not a fan of the plan. It didn't sit well with me, tricking Inuyasha into thinking his mother was in danger. She may have been a terrible human, but he was still very young when he lost her. I could clearly remember how distraught Kagome was when she lost her father around the same age. He had been on his own for most his life, Myouga not withstanding. Of course he would jump at the chance to connect with his mother again. This plan would open old wounds that likely hadn't healed properly. And if I were not mistaken, that was part of the plan. To have him distracted, his guard lowered so he would reveal the information we required. But if Kagome was by his side, she would not approve. And that was putting it lightly.

Should we go through with this plan and Kagome learns of it, even if she doesn't witness it, then the next time we meet in the Dream Realm, there will be an argument the likes of which our relationship has never encountered. Our friendship would survive; I had no doubts about that. Kagome was far too forgiving, especially in this harsh time. If she could forgive Inuyasha for nearly killing her, then she could forgive me for going along with this plan.

Standing, I sniffed the air, searching for the nearest Oni. Just because I knew Kagome would forgive what was about to happen didn't mean I wanted to risk her returning from her time before putting it in action. Hearing about what happened would be far better than her witnessing it. The deep, rotting earth stench filtered through my nose from rather far away. It wouldn't take me too long to reach it, and by the time I had it subdued, Jaken should be finished with his preparations with the Mu-on'na.

"Sesshoumaru-sama?" Jaken questioned, hesitation in his voice as I started walking towards the Oni.

"Do what you must. I will procure the Oni."

"Yes, Sesshoumaru-sama!" I heard him run off in another direction, but I had no doubts he would join me soon. For a youkai with such short legs, he traveled quickly over large distances when needed.

Thankfully, it didn't take me long to find the Oni. It was far larger than I anticipated. At least a hundred feet fall, not that it would be a challenge for me. But it would cut an impressive silhouette, which would hopefully enhance the need for Inuyasha to act before thinking it through. His mother had been dead for nearly two hundred years. Had she not died young, she still would have died at least a century ago, if not more. If he wasn't such a hothead as Kagome would say, I doubt this plan would work at all. It was one of the many regrets I had at not being able to take him under my wing when he was younger and teach him how to control his temper enough and analyze the situation before anything.

The red Oni paid me no mind as I stood so far below his gaze. If I wanted to gain control over him, the easiest way would be to assert my dominance over him. Oni were more bestial in mind, being a lesser youkai and wouldn't respond to much else. This wouldn't be my first lesser youkai taming. Every officer of the Western Army was tasked with asserting their dominance over a lesser youkai to prove to the generals they had what it took to lead a small group. I was no different. Instead of any lesser youkai though, I choose a rare two headed Ryu. They were still considered a lesser youkai, unable to transform into a humanoid, but far from the beastial creatures like to Oni before me.

Forcing my youki under my feet, my cloud formed as I rose higher and higher until I could finally look at the creature in its red-glowing eyes. I stared deep into those bloody pools, not moving, never losing focus. The Oni quickly looked away, unable to keep my gaze. Good. He would be far easier to tame that the Ryu had ever been.

"You will do as I say, or suffer the consequences. Is that understood?" The Oni groaned in response, and I narrowed my eyes, ensuring it was a groan of assent. The beast flinched in fear, quickly answering that question. Good. I would hate to resort to drastic measures to assure its cooperation. "Come." Landing on the Oni's large shoulder, I sat down cross-legged not only for stability but to appear as though this was an everyday occurrence.

As I began leading the Oni closer to Edo, it wasn't long before Jaken joined us; my name echoing through the trees as he searched for my location. I said nothing, but guided the Oni in his direction. As my retainer broke through the trees, he looked up at the Oni in awe.

"What a wonderful choice, Sesshoumaru-sama!" The Oni reached down, picking Jaken up and placing him next to me on his shoulder. The imp stumbled a bit, not quite expecting the change in elevation. He quickly shook it off, once more focusing on the task at hand. "We're all ready, Sesshoumaru-sama! By the time we reach Edo, the Mu-on'na will be in position."

"Hn," It was the only response I cared to give him. I would much prefer a direct approach, but I gave Jaken this opportunity to prove himself. With the long strides of the Oni, it didn't take long for us to reach Edo. It was only a moment before we could clearly see a noble's palanquin gliding through the sky. The moon was so full and bright it made the carriage and its imp honor guard easy to spot.

"There!" Jaken needlessly pointed with the Nintoujou. "The Mu-on'na is in there!" Standing, I then pressing my heel deep into the meat of the Oni's shoulder, signaling that I wanted him to capture the palanquin. Clouds began swirling around the floating target as we approached. They didn't make it so that the palanquin was lost but they masked the approach of the large Oni. We also couldn't see Inuyasha, but I could hear him and the Mu-on'na call out to each other.

As if knowing what was to happen next, and they likely did thanks to Jaken, the small imps abandoned the carriage only a moment before the Oni's large clawed hand broke through the clouds, its three fingers gripping the palanquin and crushing it in its grasp. The Oni growled in triumph over its kill, pleased to have served me so well in its first true task. The wood of the palanquin fell away, leaving the limp and unconscious Mu-on'na trapped in its hand. It was then one of my biggest concerns over this plan came to life.

I heard Kagome's voice.

She was here to witness this spectacle in person. I wanted to groan in annoyance. Of course she was here. I knew she would hate what we had planned, so of course she would get to see everything first hand. I was already dreading the fallout that would come. It was too late to stop now, even if I wanted to.

Jaken ran down the Oni's arm not even a split second after Inuyasha leapt to free the Mu-on'na. Fire spewed from the Nintoujou forcing the hanyou back to the ground. I thought we wanted him in the clutches of the Mu-on'na. Was this attack part of the charade to avoid him catching on to the trap laid before him? Whatever the intention, it gave Inuyasha the chance to finally look at his opponent and see me. He shouted my name, voice full of anger and disbelief.

"Admirable… so you remember you older brother?" I was rather pleased he remembered me after his long sleep. It would be a lie to say I hadn't wondered if there was any long-term damage from the spell that kept him trapped for so long. Keeping my eyes locked with his, I did everything in my power to ignore Kagome. But as always, she would allow no such thing. She stepped closer to Inuyasha, forcing herself in my line of sight, shock clear on her face.

"Older brother? Your brother?" She may have been standing behind Inuyasha, but the question was all for me. I couldn't really blame her. There's been ample opportunity for me to tell her my brother's name, yet I never divulged that information. Would it have changed anything? Perhaps. Had Inuyasha known of our connection, it would be likely he wouldn't have trusted her, even with the little he seemed to have given her.

For the briefest of moments, my eyes flicked to hers; the deep blue pools full of confusion and a little hurt. If just me keeping my connection with her companion hurt her, she would be devastated by the end of the day. But it couldn't be helped. I had to find Tessaiga. And once she had forgiven me, she would understand and be grateful.

"Inuyasha, it suits you to stick to humans." I focused back on my brother, determined to worry about Kagome later. The Oni growled threateningly, disliking standing around as we talked. Jaken must have been of a similar mind as he pulled on the chain wrapped around the Mu-on'na's neck, causing her to moan in pain. "Disgusting beast, this human. To be a hanyou whose mother carried on as she did is a disgrace to all our kind!"

Inuyasha growled, hate filling his eyes at my words. He may have been too young to have understood how far his mother had fallen since Father's death, but he was old enough now to think back and see the truth within his memories. It took every ounce of strength within me not to glance at Kagome. I could easily imagine the heartbreak in her eyes. I didn't need it to become a reality. I didn't think I could go through with this to the end if I kept witnessing her growing pain.

"Sesshoumaru… you. Did you come all this way just to tell me that?" Shaking with rage, he cracked his knuckled before making a fist, preparing to fight me regardless of my response.

"Fool! I am not so idle as that!" It was offensive he would even think such a thing. "I came to ask you the location of our father's grave."

"Grave? Who knows?!" It was almost odd, having what amounted to a civil conversation as we were. It almost made me wish we had just arrived without all the fanfare of the Mu-on'na and Oni.

"Visible, but invisible… The true protector of the grave cannot see it. That is the clue to the gravesite."

"I don't know what you're talking about! Besides, even if I knew, I wouldn't tell you! That's for sure!" He pointed at me for emphasis, as if I would confuse who he was referring to. At least now I know just coming to talk was never an option that would succeed.

"I see… Then it can't be helped." We would continue with Jaken's plan, being the only plan left to us that may succeed. No matter how much Kagome hated otherwise. "Your Mother will suffer for it." Using my whip, I smacked the Oni in the face; not hard enough to cut his tough hide, but hard enough to make him scream at the sudden pain. His hand clenched in response, crushing the Mu-on'na as she too cried out. Inuyasha and Kagome both watching in abject horror until Kagome called out to my brother, bringing forth that rage I had known him to exhibit from the past. Yet still, he surprised me, seeing through the trick so easily.

"Are you stupid?! My Mother died a long time ago! As if I'd fall for such a trick!"

"Trick, huh?" I couldn't help but smile a little, rather proud of him for keeping his anger in check and not just running headlong into battle. But Jaken had prepared for this as well.

"Do you not understand? Bringing dead spirits from the netherworld is a simple task for someone as great as Sesshoumaru-sama. He was even so kind as to give her flesh!" This wasn't much different from the typical drivel Jaken spewed to others claiming far greater feats than I could actually accomplish. Normally I would try to put a stop to it, but not today. Not if it meant finally obtaining Tessaiga. "Her own son won't believe that it's her. How mortifying it must be for your Mother!"

The Mu-on'na reached out, calling for Inuyasha. The small honor guard of imps had finally returned and attempted to free her from the chains. I could see the hesitation and disbelief on his face as he slowly thought over Jaken's claims. But what truly pushed him over the edge to believing was the Mu-on'na herself.

"I am returned from the dead…" she whispered before seeming to pass out. Either truly believing the fabrication or refusing to take the risk, Inuyasha swore before leaping towards the Mu-on'na.

"Sankon Tassou!" He clawed the whole hand from the Oni's wrist. The creature bellowed in agony at the sudden amputation, waving its arm in the air as if the act alone would lessen the pain. The hand fell to the ground, the Mu-on'na rolling out from the dead claws to lie prone on the earth below. The honor guard once again ran away as Kagome sprinted to her side.

"Are you all right?" It didn't surprise me Kagome was the one to check on her first. Though the Mu-on'na had better not harm her in any way.

"Kagome! Take my mother and go!" Inuyasha turned to shout at her, as if I would let such a thing happen. The mu-on'na was there for him, and would be going nowhere until she had done what she agreed to do.

"You will not escape," I whipped the Oni again, just as before. All it did was flinch and continue to flail over the loss of its hand. I didn't have time for this. "You hopeless imbecile!" I whipped the Oni twice more, spilling its blood and likely scaring its face. Crule it might have been, but it worked.

The Oni reached out with its remaining hand, intent to take the Mu-on'na hostage once again before Kagome could run off with her. But Inuyasha's impulsive nature reared its head. Shouting for his mother, he ran into the path of the Oni's clawed hand. The Mu-on'na stopped playing dead as instead of reaching for her, the Oni was intent on smashing Inuyasha in retribution for its lost hand. With the speed of the Oni's attack and how close he was to the women before Inuyasha joined the fray, there was little time for them to get out of the way. So the Mu-on'na made her move.

A glowering orb appeared between her out-stretched hands, so bright the Oni froze its movement and I had to shield my eyes with my sleeve. Slowly the light disappeared and once I could finally lower my arm without risk of blinding myself, Inuyasha, Kagome and the Mu-on'na were nowhere to be seen. I could only assume the Mu-on'na transported them somewhere she could complete her task.

The Oni pulled back its hand, now that there was no more Inuyasha to smoosh. "What a nuisance." There had to have been a better way to go about this. What made Jaken think otherwise? This whole plan was taking entirely too long, and now Kagome was involved.

"It's going well, Sesshoumaru-sama." I turned to look at my overly pleased retainer. "Just leave everything to Jaken!" At least one of us thought so. However, if anything happened to Kagome, even though he may not understand her importance, he would pay.

"You made me go along with this silly scheme…" I turned to look where Kagome had knelt only a few minutes before. "If it fails… you will die." I smiled, knowing full well I wouldn't actually kill him. There were far better punishments that would make him wish for death. I heard him fall back in fear from the threat, reiterating; or, more likely, pleading that I leave everything to him. Fine, so be it.

The Mu-on'na was far from being a powerful youkai. Meaning she couldn't have traveled very far. Jaken must have had the same realization as he quickly scaled down the Oni, motivated by my threat, and ran off in search of the group. That left me here alone with the Oni. The creature was no longer needed but even temporarily lamed as it was; I didn't want to put it down. It could still prove useful.

Forcing my youki beneath my feet, I rose to stare directly into the Oni's eyes. "Travel to the Western Fortress and wait for further orders." The Oni growled in assent before turning and walking away. Now to find Jaken and see if he discovered the location of Tessaiga.