Disclaimer: All characters from the series Inuyasha that appear in this fanfic rightfully belong to Rumiko Takahashi. I do not own anything regarding their creation; I have Rumiko Takahashi to thank for that.

Author's Notes: I apologize for the big delay. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to get in contact with my trusted and reliable beta-reader for a while now. Hoping fervently that all is well. So after much deliberation, I've decided to post this chapter as it is since I understand that there are people wishing to see the story's continuation. As soon as I am able to reestablish contact with bubu-chibi-chan, I'll be able to determine what'll be happening next. For now, I'll likely continue to post chapters and if/when there're beta-read versions in the future, I'll update them accordingly.

(Newest update: Excellent news, everyone! Bubu-chibi-chan is back and has provided me with the edits for this chapter. If you're seeing this part of the message, that means this is the most updated version. However, I've decided to allow the above to remain, just as a note of the progress and little occurrences that have happened during the writing of this story).

Speaking of updates, I added an extra small scene near the end of chapter 43. Bubu-chibi-chan had informed me of a missed opportunity and I felt it was necessary for its addition. Plot-wise, it has no overall effect on the flow but it does, in my opinion, add to the emotions that were going on between Sesshomaru and Kikyo.

RedHood001: Thank you for reviewing. I love your thoughtful reviews. Haha, while I also think Sesshomaru and Kikyo were acting like parental figures for Inuyasha, I don't think the former would like hearing that. Pretty sure the two Inu brothers would rather die before confessing that they actually care for each other. And yeah, Inuyasha was definitely concerned even if he won't admit it. His bad impression of the Inukimi is because he keeps comparing her to Izayoi. But you're correct; the Inukimi has her own way of showing concern, which is something Inuyasha isn't seeing because he's using the human standard as a baseline.

I really like your description of Sesshomaru's love: calmer than Inuyasha yet just as intense. I think you described it perfectly.

Nino: Always am happy to know that there's another reader for this story. Awesome to hear that you're enjoying it a lot so far. I do hope you will one day reach here to see this message. ;)

fabelliot: Thank you for your review! Yep, I always imagine Sess and Kikyo to be the types who can understand each other without needing to convey themselves with many words. That's why I keep emphasizing their abilities to mutually decipher each other's wants whenever I can. It would make sense since both speak little and are very intelligent and observant. Not to mention that they can be similar in certain aspects.

These two are finally settling aside the last of their differences and opening up to each other so you can bet that they will try to make up for their lost time. ;D

sastra: Ah, great to hear from you again! Your reviews are precious to me. I hope 2023 is going well for you too. Yes, I agree! AO3 can be deceptive with its tags. It frustrates me to this day that they haven't added a main character filter yet.

Sonzai Taz: It's amazing to see you back! Even if you aren't around as often, I'm still overjoyed to hear from you and discover that you are still reading this. Hope that everything is going well for you.

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(This chapter was beta-read by bubu-chibi-chan).

Chapter 44-Power Beyond Reach! The Trial of Men!

"What I believe in are not the things I say, but the things I do." -Sesshomaru on determination

"Humans do not lack strength. All they lack is determination" -Kikyo on determination

One of the dragon's heads made a soft noise resembling a cat's purring as Kotori scratched the bottom of its chin, the patch of skin uncovered by hard brownish-green scales.

Inuyasha stood next to the doorframe of the castle's stables, watching with mild fascination. During his few encounters with the two-headed beast, it had stared unblinkingly at him with its yellow reptilian eyes, giving off the vibes of a cruel creature as condescending as its master.

Like many demonic species, dragon youkai were prideful by nature. Inuyasha assumed it was innate for A-Un to be egotistical even when enslaved. Otherwise, how else could justify all the haughty scoffs and looks it had flung at the half-demon over the years?

With its awful attitude being nothing new, the red-clad swordsman was therefore bewildered to see the pet acting tamed even without the presence of its owner. Both heads snuggled up to Kotori while she whispered soft words and prepared its saddle.

The sight made Inuyasha's eyebrows furrow and his jaws tighten, though he could not pinpoint why. He wasn't sure how long he stood unwittingly brooding until Kotori approached, holding onto the reins that allowed her to lead the beast.

"Inuyasha-sama," the demoness called, triggering an unconscious twitch from his triangular ears. "I may not understand the grievances you two have, but I think it's best to settle them here. A-Un has agreed to let you ride him. He'll take you to Mt. Hakurei."

"And you think that's fine? Aren't you worried it'll throw me off and let me fall to my death?" Folding his arms over his chest defensively, he vocalized the first thought that crossed his mind. "I don't trust it."

The head positioned on the left — the one called Un, if he recalled correctly — huffed as if he had committed the biggest offense. Its snout, wrapped in a muzzle like its counterpart, emitted a surge of hot air that could be felt through the leather. A, on the other hand, made no sound and just decided to glare at him.

"Inuyasha-sama! A-Un won't do that!" Frowning, the bird demoness turned to the beast. She ran her fingers down Un's black mane coaxingly before doing the same to A. "Easy. Please ease yourself, friend. Inuyasha-sama doesn't mean it. He has trouble expressing himself. His words may be harsh, but he is soft on the inside once you get to know him."

"Soft? Hey! Who are you calling soft?" he protested, annoyed.

That brought her attention back to him, her sapphire eyes gazing at him, portraying a sternness that made him shuffle his feet a little. "Inuyasha-sama, much like how you refuse to admit to being 'soft', A-Un hates being referred to with 'it'. That's why he does not regard you highly, for you haven't done the same. A-Un is not an inferior beast. He's an intelligent, loyal, and gentle youkai. If you treat him with respect — treat him like a co-worker or a friend — then you'll discover that he will respond in kind."

"Tsk! Why should I bother lowering my head if it—" His voice trailed off when Kotori's eyes shimmered with a touch of disappointment. While unaffected by the dangerous glower that was from the dragon, the hanyou was intrinsically susceptible to the demoness' feelings. "— if he won't quit looking at me like I'd stolen his favorite toy or something?"

"Oh, Inuyasha-sama..." Noticing the change in pronoun, Kotori shook her head once before looking at the two-headed dragon. "A-Un, did you hear that? Inuyasha-sama is trying his best, in his own Inuyasha-sama way. But the fissure between you two is not his to overcome alone. That wouldn't be fair, don't you agree?"

The encouragement noticeable in her tone made A-Un whine a little. Yet, the creature still stepped forward, his curved claws scratching the dirt ground as he nudged the hanyou's upper arm with his right head.

A's unexpected gesture forced Inuyasha to take a wary step back. "What's he doing?"

"No need to be defensive, Inuyasha-sama. This is how A-Un greets people. You have nothing to worry about. Simply place your hand on his snout in return." Kotori's face was brightened by a small reassuring smile as she reached for his hand. He offered no resistance when she pulled him out of his protective stance and guided his limb into position. In the instant his palm met the leather muzzle, A snorted in greeting. The air was warm, a great disparity from the aggressive heat earlier.

Kotori nodded, pleased. "Good. I expect you two to take good care of each other, alright?

"Alright, alright. I got it." Withdrawing his hand to scratch the tip of his nose awkwardly, Inuyasha shifted his feet and gave his shoulders a shrug. "Guess there's no harm trying to let bygones be bygones. What do ya say, A-Un? Wanna try being friends? I'm not asking for us to be the best of buds — Who knows? Maybe we will someday. But right now, I want to be able to count on you for this journey. Of course, that means you can do the same with me."

The two scaly snouts emitted a low hum together, one that the hanyou could easily interpret as an affirmative.

The taut atmosphere between them relaxed. Inuyasha, prodded by the good start, felt it was a suitable time to assuage the curiosity that he had always had with the dragon. It was a question that had danced around the back of his mind for a while. "By the way, I'm asking 'cause I'm curious: what does your name mean?"

The dragon turned his twin heads towards Kotori expectantly, which she understood and explained, "...A-un's birth name is Agyo and Ungyo. Upon joining the west, Sesshomaru-sama renamed him. Aidinth, the champion of the skies—" The demoness' introduction was emphasized by the right head straightening his neck to reach full height, "—and Unniass, the powerful one." At his name, the other head dramatically lifted his snout.

It had been a significant moment. Kotori could recall Sesshomaru making the announcement on the podium before the crowd. A name meant a great deal for many youkai species. For the dragon clan, it was meant to symbolize their identity and purpose. Changing it was equivalent to beginning life anew.

"Sounds like Sesshomaru gave some thoughts to these names. Who shortened it then?" the hanyou asked casually, his bare feet bringing him toward the stable's entrance. Reclaiming the urn — given to him by Sara for storing the sacred water — he had left there, he returned to find A-Un crouched down. The dragon's legs were bent, allowing Inuyasha easy access to his back. It was a gesture that the hanyou appreciated, even if it was a height he could have reached without much effort.

"Naturally, Sesshomaru-sama didn't. If you had paid attention, you might have heard Sesshomaru-sama address him in full..." An uncharacteristic falter from Kotori that was accompanied by the uncertain up-and-down movement of her ears.

"And?" Inuyasha prompted, his hand seizing the reins and his body settling into a comfortable sitting position with the urn in one hand.

"And... a-and since I had been a fledgling back then, I struggled with his name and ended up calling him A-Un." Her ears jerked as she spilled out the truth. "Many soon adapted it since they must have struggled too... And A-Un likes it. It's more affectionate!"

Un nodded supportingly but Inuyasha could not resist the small taunt that came with his customary smirk. "That's what got your tongue in a knot? Who knew you were this self-aware? Now I wanna hear what other stupid little things you were up to when you were little."

"Inuyasha-sama! No! Even if I had other tales — which I do not! — this is hardly the appropriate time for them!" the bird demoness cried out indignantly.

"Right." The grin on his face was substituted by a serious expression. Agreeing wholeheartedly, he shuffled back and gently patted the spot he had been in seconds ago. "Get on. I've got the stuff we need to wake Ryukotsusei up."

"Huh? What are you talking about? It is I who must deal with Ryukotsusei." She placed her hand over her heart before stretching it out in expectation. "If the key is in your possession, please hand it over."

"Nah." He continued to tap the spot reserved for her. "Sesshomaru gave me the OK. You and I are going together. We'll slay the dragon with my Tessaiga."

"What of your task then?" Clearly, the unexpected changes were causing the woman's brain to lag. While dexterous in battles, she never did manage to be just as brisk in non-combat-related situations that deviated from her initial tasks. When given a goal, she would sprint towards it with unshakable resolve. However, abruptly alter her route, and she would become as lost as a bat without its echolocation.

It might have been endearing if not for the fact that he didn't want to waste time elaborating. Nearly rolling his eyes in exasperation, he answered, "We do both, duh. We'll kill the beast and head over to Mt. Hakurei before the night of the full moon. That's why Sesshomaru let me borrow A-Un. Think for a second: why else would I call you over here in the first place? Did you really think it was because I needed you as a middleman — uh, middle woman between me and A-Un?"

Despondency formed a frown on her fair features. "Does this mean Sesshomaru-sama changed his mind? Is it because—"

"Of course not, you idiot," he cut in, comprehending the type of worries running around inside her thick skull. "Keh! The bastard was so sure you could handle yourself. He probably thinks that even if you can't win, you'll look for an opening to take the scale. No one said anything about having to beat him; you could pluck the thing and leave him behind for someone else to deal with — maybe that'll get the old man Hibiki or Waramaru off their asses for once. I'm quite sure sending you out alone was what went through that cold-hearted jerk's mind. If Kikyo hadn't stepped in, then he wouldn't have cared about—"

"Kikyo-sama persuaded Sesshomaru-sama?" Yet another factor that had never crossed Kotori's mind. But in all honesty, it had been a surprise for Inuyasha too. It seemed that the miko never failed to do something unexpected. Given her precarious situation and her convoluted past with Sesshomaru, one would assume that she was averse to being in the same room as the daiyoukai, let alone talking to him. At least, that was what Inuyasha had speculated after catching the Lord of the West sulking a few nights ago. However, what he had seen inside the guest chambers told him otherwise. Not only had Kikyo been talking to Sesshomaru in a civil manner, but she had been willing to stand close to him and even reach out for contact.

'Guh, these two are so hard to work out!' He realized that no amount of pondering over would allow him to fully understand their odd chemistry. As a mere witness to their relationship, he couldn't fathom how they could act like they would strangle each other one moment to be close enough to kiss the next. He doubted anyone else but those two would comprehend.

Deciding he was done trying to deduce the two enigmas, he gave Kotori a challenging look. "Yeah, she's the one who gave me the stuff to wake Ryukotsusei and convinced Sesshomaru. So are you gonna stand there and let her — and Sesshomaru, I guess — know that they were wrong to trust us?"

"I don't plan on disappointing them," Kotori declared. Pushing herself off her feet, she showcased her swift display of graceful acrobatics by landing perfectly in the space he had reserved.

"Finally! Took you long enough to get ready." With a grin and bright golden eyes that reflected ample zeal, Inuyasha half-looped his arm around Kotori's waist and took A-Un's reins.

"A-Un! Take off!" The hanyou's enthusiastic shout was followed by a powerful rumble as the two-headed dragon sprinted out of the stable. Using his muscular legs, A-Un lifted himself off the ground and flew toward the afternoon skies.

Inuyasha hadn't been wrong to assume that Kotori would need his help.

Ryukotsusei was strong.

Yet, he was wrong to believe that he could turn the tides alone.

Even though he must be sluggish and weakened from his release, the leader of the Doragon clan was still extremely powerful.

It was no exaggeration to say that the dragon daiyoukai was one of the toughest foes Inuyasha had faced. From the moment Ryukotsusei stirred from his slumber, he had mocked the red-clad warrior's 'tainted' heritage before boasting about the hardness of his scales.

"Hehe, heh. Little man, what a fool you are. My body is much harder than armor!"

To that smug attitude, Inuyasha immediately answered with one of his moves, Kongosoha.Alas, his foe's body remained intact.

"Is that your best? You disappoint me. Did you think your dismal attempts would destroy me? I told you, my body is much harder than armor!"

Despite discovering it wasn't a baseless jeer, Inuyasha placed the beast's arrogance adjacent to Sesshomaru's. 'Damn them for looking down on people just cause they're born with—!' His inward grumbling was halted when he saw a stream of energy sailing toward him. His eyes widening, he darted left in a desperate endeavor for shelter. He had just taken cover behind the nearest tree when the one he had been behind burst like a balloon.

'The heck!?' He swallowed as fear involuntarily constricted his stomach. The blast had done more than obliterate his cover. It had torn apart the soil, uprooted the trees, and charred the once-lush earth. In a blink of an eye, a part of the forest had returned to the wasteland that it had been centuries ago.

The culprit hovered in the center of the pandemonium he was responsible for, his form brimming with conceit as he let out a piercing roar that seemingly made the earth quiver. It was followed by the conceited and grating voice of the white mask that served as Ryukotsusei's second face. "Heh. Give up, little insects. It is futile. You cannot run from me forever."

'Who told you I'm running away?!' Letting out an aggrieved grunt, Inuyasha snatched a rock from the ground and flung it at the hideous mask. The purple beast merely scoffed in amusement and angled his head, letting the pebble harmlessly bounce off his thick skull.

Inuyasha wasn't discouraged, for he had never pinned any hopes of it doing damage. As a simple irritant, the rock had served its purpose. Providing his enemy another incentive to attack, the hanyou watched with vigilance as the beast opened his mouth and spat out a ball of electrifying energy.

Abandoning the prideful urge to meet the blow head-on with his Bakuryuha, the wielder of Tessaiga found another group of trees as his shields. The large trunks exploded on impact and disintegrated from the roots, with an outsized crater as their replacement. Splinters and dust kicked in, stirring angrily like a wild tornado. Squinting his eyes, Inuyasha pinpointed the enormous silhouette amongst the dirty cloud storm. He rushed in, bare feet slapping against the ground and both hands gripping tightly onto Tessaiga.

From his peripheral, he saw a familiar shadow swooping in from their hiding spot. A coordinated attack, he noted, and one with centuries of refined coordination that no communication was necessary. Inuyasha understood what Kotori was about to do, for she was on the same page as him.

As expected, the bird demoness was faster. By the time Ryukotsusei noticed, she was already aiming for her foe's underside. The long body moved, surprisingly fast for his bulk, and swatted at the swordswoman with a gigantic claw. Disinclined to be crushed by the mass of muscles, bones, and flesh, the demoness ducked, dodging by a whisker. Bending her knees, she utilized the position to lash out with her katana. The blade grazed the daiyoukai's belly, yet left no scratch.

With nimble footwork, the swordswoman hurriedly backtracked her steps. Inuyasha approved the caution. Kotori was supposed to be a distraction. From the start, they knew that no ordinary katana would fare well against a body that had survived the barrage of diamond shards that was the Kongosoha.

Taking the opening his partner had created, the wielder of Tessaiga leaped into the air, clearing heights until he was leveled with the scar near Ryukotsusei's heart. It was the sole mark of shame and the origin of the dragon's hatred towards Inuyasha's father and half-brother. If truth be told, the youngest of the Inu family wasn't interested in continuing or disrupting the line of resentment. He had nothing personal against the dragon or his clan. But for the sake of a close friend, he thrust the steel into the scar with all his strength.

His weapon cut into the tough skin.

"Hah! Finally got your weak point, Ryukotsusei! I've pierced through your heart!" Accentuating his point, he ripped out his sword before landing on the ground to examine his handiwork.

Blood spattered against the purple skin, pooling onto the earth beneath them. Ryukotsusei screamed in pain, a sound that rattled the hanyou's ears. An ugly sound, yet it brought him a deep satisfaction, along with the knowledge that he had gravely wounded his enemy.

But his joy did not last. Content turned to dismay when Ryukotsusei remained upright. His serpentine body was tightly coiled, a display of agony that he had yet to recover from. Nevertheless, the massive creature was not down. Both sets of his eyes were trained on Inuyasha with burning rage. If looks could kill, then the hanyou would have been turned to ashes twice over.

"How dare you cut me with your inferior sword?! Little man, you will die!" Ryukotsusei bellowed, opening his mouth to call forth a sphere of condensed energy.

"Damn! He can still fight?" Inuyasha jumped punctually, right before the blast drilled a gaping hole into the soil.

Fueled by his fury, Ryukotsusei spat out one shot after another. Inuyasha and Kotori scampered. Being far more agile, the latter fared better in evading the strikes. The former was not as lucky. Having been the one to agitate the opponent, he felt his detestation in every explosive blow. Detonations occurred around him, as if he was caught in a land mine. Hot raw power jabbed into him as he dodged, frantically using the vegetation for whatever little protection it presented.

Although focused on his survival, he still noted that the sun was hanging low on the horizon. It was a brilliant orange ball of flame. The night was approaching, and it was a realization that would have made his stomach churn every once a month. But it was a phenomenon that he would be worrying about tomorrow. At present, he would much rather endure a night being a frail human than not see the next dawn.

A shot skimmed close, burning the tips of his silver hair before scorching the floor near him. He breathed in and out shakily. 'I can't let this go on. If this keeps going, one careless mistake and he'll fry me!'

Slamming his feet onto the ground, he turned to face his foe for a final stand. Even if he had no idea how to defeat his late father's rival, he knew that the battle must not drag on. The setting sun reminded him that they had a schedule to follow. Mt. Hakurei was in the far east. In order to safely retrieve some sacred water, they would need to get there before tomorrow's new moon. For that reason, Kotori had been against A-Un partaking in the battle. While Inuyasha had preferred having the extra firepower, his partner was adamant about ensuring that the two-headed dragon was in his peak form so that he could get them to their next destination on time.

"Bakuryuha!" With the intent to end everything, Inuyasha confronted Ryukotsusei's next attack, drawing all the power he had to summon a vicious tempest of youki.

His energy clashed with Ryukotsusei's. Perchance it was because he was giving it his all — or the rapid firing had diminished the dragon's might — neither attack could overwhelm the other. The robust collision discharged a massive ripple of energy that sent him back. Everything before him was covered by blazing light, prompting him to shield his eyes with a sleeve as he skidded to a stop by slamming his blade into the ground.

His sight had barely cleared when he saw the glistening fangs. There was hardly any time to react. He jumped back out of reflex. Ryukotsusei rushed towards him, biting into his right leg. Razor-sharp teeth sank deep, penetrating the barrier that was his Robe of the Fire-Rat. A cry of excruciation stumbled out from the back of his throat. The grip on his sword was lost, the agony causing his mind to go blank.

Ryukotsusei straightened, yanking the half-demon into the air and leaving him dangling upside down. Inuyasha writhed out of pure anguish, but that only intensified his suffering as his malicious enemy gave a few tosses of his head in a gleeful attempt to rip his victim apart.

"Hehe, little man. I won't allow you to run anymore. Let's see how well you can fight with one leg." The white mask embedded on the head cackled, lips wide apart to display the sharp fang-like teeth.

"Damn it! Let... Let go!" Just when it felt like his leg was about to be severed, Kotori shot out from the covers of a tree and pounced on Ryukotsusei's back. She scaled the gigantic back with incredible velocity and plunged her blade into the mask's left eye.

For the second time since the battle started, the terrifying menace that was the dragon daiyoukai opened his mouth and howled in pain, dropping his captive in the process.

Inuyasha grunted as gravity dragged him down. Maneuvering his body at the last moment, he landed clumsily on all fours beside the Tessaiga. Immediately, he reclaimed his weapon and stood up, forsaking the instinctive need to clutch his wounded leg.

"Inuyasha-sama, are you alright?" Dropping next to him, Kotori immediately assumed a protective stance, her back towards him as she faced her enemy with her katana hoisted. Careful not to let her guard down, she could only spare a few glimpses at the hanyou. Because of the color of his robe, it was difficult to visibly assess the extent of blood loss. However, based on how he was reluctant to put any weight on his right side, she knew the injury wasn't something the defiant warrior could shrug off. Still, she had to get him moving. "Thanks to your diversion, I've got what we've come here for. Can you move?"

"Huh, what–" Inuyasha never needed to finish his inquiry, for his answer came flying at him. Instinctively, he caught the object the demoness had chucked.

"W-what the? You actually got it?!" Compared to the ones he could see clustered all over Ryukotsusei, the dragon scale in his possession was smaller, only about the size of his palm. However, it glowed with a purple radiance far more lustrous than all the other scales combined.

He couldn't help but be impressed. There was no mistake: this was Ryukotsusei's reverse scale. Somehow, Kotori had managed to save him and successfully plucked the object of their desire.

"No, it wasn't me. We got it together. I shall leave it in your hands. Go first. I'll catch up," Kotori ushered, her strict tone leaving no room for argument.

'And leaving you to face that thing alone? Hell no!' He wasn't about to oblige. A retort tingled at the back of his throat until she prompted him once again.

"Hurry. We cannot afford to dawdle, Inuyasha-sama. You know how important the mission is. Trust me. I can, and shall, stall him."

"... Grrr. Uck! Fine! I don't like this at all but fine! You better catch—" Carefully sliding their prize into the pocket compartment of his robe, his words of concern were left unfinished when his senses screamed in hysteria at the sudden spike of youki.

"You insects! You dare engrave another mark of disgrace upon me! A gruesome death awaits you! You shall be crushed like the pests that you are!" The face on the top of the dragon's head did not appear as smug anymore. Nonetheless, it was no less menacing even as blood seeped out from the eye that was stabbed.

Emitting a blood-curdling roar that would have shattered an ordinary human's eardrums, Ryukotsusei began gathering his power. The air around him stiffened, and everything surrounding him stilled in fright. Even the breeze shied away. In that instant, it was as if his killing intent had scared off nature itself.

The spine-paralyzing sensation caused even the two professional warriors to temporarily freeze. It was only for a few milliseconds, but that was all Ryukotsusei needed to swoop down and capture them in his mouth. He clamped his jaw shut, intending to impale them into a bloody pile of flesh with his fangs. It would be a fitting end, the dragon daiyoukai decided, for his pest-like enemies to suffer the fate of being squashed to death.

Aided more by instinct than anything else, Kotori counteracted in the nick of time by planting her weapon vertically, with the hilt wedged between the two adjacent teeth on the mucus-covered gum. The roof descending on them was suddenly halted as the tip of the katana jabbed into the opposite side.

"Good thinking," Inuyasha commented with a shaky laugh, his body hunched over as he shook off the remnant of his stupor.

Kotori nodded gravely, unsure how to reply as she observed her sword with tensed shoulders.

"Curse you irritating pests! Die!" Condemning his opponents with the blue lips on the mask, the dragon was merciless as he ignored the pain and continued to bear down on them.

A crack appeared on the blade's surface. Realizing that their wedge was not going to last, Kotori grabbed Inuyasha's hand and forced herself not to fret about the bloody mess that was his leg as she dragged him out. The appeal of light never looked as inviting to her as they half-crawled and half-sprinted in its direction.

Ryukotsusei was undiscouraged. An eerie blue aura enveloped his giant form as he released a powerful ray of demonic energy from his mouth. If grinding them into a gluey pile of flesh was invalid, then he would settle with the traditional way of disintegrating them.

"W-What?!" In mid-air, Inuyasha was left vulnerable and could do nothing except look over his shoulder to see the impending attack.

The projectile shot out like a comet, rendering Kotori's katana into particles and swallowing them whole. The two warriors' screams of pain were drowned out by the terrible rambling as the blast hurled them through the air like rag dolls before forcing them onto the ground. Their bodies plowed into the dirt, etching two deep lines across the soil.

"A-Ack..." Tidal waves of excruciation collided with Inuyasha. Lying face down on the soil dyed red with his blood, he groaned miserably as his fingers flexed around the hilt of his weapon. By some miracle — or perhaps his survival instincts had kicked in — he had maintained possession of Tessaiga. And it was because he hadn't let go that he had been saved. He had escaped from his fated demise because the sword of destruction had erected a barrier around him and Kotori at the last second.

Somewhere nearby, he heard a raspy cough from his partner. His ears jolted as a tinge of consolation washed over him. While she sounded as sore as he was, he was relieved she was alive and conscious.

His positive mindset was short-lived as he sensed the approach of Ryukotsusei. Wearily lifting his head, he watched with dread as the dragon loomed above him. The beast's intent was apparent; he planned to finish him off for good— Or that was what Inuyasha had thought until Ryukotsusei snatched Kotori from the ground with his claw.

"Ko-Kotori! No! Don't you dare! Don't you dare hurt her!" he snarled, forcing his body into a crouching position. His breathing was heavy and his injured leg refused to move. However, he glared with all his animosity, conveying the clear threat that he would shred the dragon into pieces with his bare teeth if he had to.

Ryukotsusei was unperturbed. A glint of wicked delight shone in his eyes as he constricted the muscles in his claw. Intending to make it a performance before the hanyou, he took his sweet time increasing his strength until the compression forced a grunt from the swordswoman.

"Kotori!" Inuyasha cried out, his mental pain more evident than the physical one that his partner was enduring.

A low rumble came from the back of the dragon's throat while the mask snickered, "Hehe, how does it feel, little man? To know how flimsy you are before me? Beg. Beg me to stop, little man, and I shall end all your misery."

The half-demon was barely listening. The cogs inside his head refused to turn. Everything seemed to be running in slow motion. His surroundings faded into nothingness. Nothing else mattered. In his bloodshot eyes, all he could see was Kotori — the woman he had failed to protect — having her life squeezed out by the foul beast.

'He's gonna kill her! I need to do something... But what can I do? Damn it! I got nothing. I... I can't save her...' A haze of panic encompassed him. He swallowed hard and nearly choked. He knew — they all knew — that the swordswoman's life was dependent on Ryukotsusei's petty whims. He could kill her effortlessly. It would be as easy as if he was squashing an ant. Nevertheless, the leader of the Doragon clan wanted to ridicule the hanyou, to make him suffer by taking what was precious to him away from him.

His heart pounded like a trapped animal inside his battered ribcage. Frightening thoughts raced. Kotori — the woman he loved was going to die because of his incompetence. Weak. He was going to lose her because he lacked the power to defeat Ryukotsusei.

Power. Where was the strength he needed? If only he could become as strong as Sesshomaru. The idea that he would be left with nothing because he didn't wield the power equivalent to Sesshomaru terrified him.

Despair. Such was the name of the heavy sensation pressed against his chest. It hurt. Everything hurt, especially his lungs. He wasn't sure if it was because of his wounds or if it was from him breathing too hard.

Disdain. A sense of self-loathing burned. He felt responsible. It had been his carelessness that had led them to this situation. He knew Kotori could have dodged. The bird demoness excelled at speed. She was far nimbler than even the most seasonal warriors in the west. If only she hadn't covered for him, then she could have fled with the reverse scale. Yet, she had chosen to stay so she could help him.

It was all because he was too weak!

'Power! I need power! Where is it? I must have it!' Gripping onto his weapon with enough force to turn his knuckles white, Inuyasha closed his eyes and tried summoning all the youki reserved inside his body.

Power…

Power…

Power!

That was when the son of the great Inu no Taisho felt it—

—The tantalizing darkness slumbering deep within him.

More Author's Notes: For this chapter, I've been trying to make some parallels between Sesshomaru and Inuyasha and there will be more on that next chapter too. At present, Inuyasha is getting a taste of what happened to Sesshomaru in chapter 36, after believing that he had lost Kikyo. However, it is worth noting that the siblings are very different in nature so Inuyasha won't be heading to the same destructive path as his older brother did… or will he?

That will all be revealed in Chapter 45-Obtaining Power! The Trial of Men!

Until next time!