Chapter 45 - Set
A smirk tilted Sesshomaru's lips. The arrogance of Naraku — a demon of no consequence or breeding. He truly had no idea who he was dealing with. The insolent fool would soon learn.
"You sound as if you believe you've lead me into your trap. Perhaps later I'll have you explain yourself." The wind picked up, teasing the long silver strands of Sesshomaru's hair. He lifted his right hand before his face, claws gleaming in the moonlight. Extending his claws, he unsheathed them simultaneously cracking his knuckles. "If you should survive the night, that is."
Tonight, you will pay for taking what is mine.
The figure chuckled deeply beneath the baboon skin, unaffected by the threat. "Lord Sesshomaru, I am honored by your visit. So in return I will gladly accept your challenge." The baboon skin split from the inside out. Tentacles, legs and overflowing blubber spilled out over the engawa. It broke under the weight, casting the monstrosity to the ground.
"Ahh! What's he become?!" Cried Jaken, hiding behind Sesshomaru's back as to not see the terrifying sight.
Sesshomaru didn't flinch as the mass grew in stature before him. Overcompensation of bulk, does not equal true might. Naraku's "human" form ended at his torso, everything from his chest down was some sort of mash up of different demon parts. It was grotesque. Had he collected so many demon pieces to try and increase his power? It would be a failure. Naraku could not attain the power he wished in such a fashion.
"Hm. A collection of rejected demons. Is this your true form, Naraku?"
"True form? No. My body is far from being complete." The ugly mass of flesh undulated and pulsed in the most repulsive manner. One of the crab like legs lifted, then slashed at Sesshomaru. It hit the place he had been standing, but the yokai had already leapt out of the way. Jaken cried out in fear, then scurried further away to safety.
Casually, unaffected by the crude attempt, Sesshomaru floated back down and landed on the ground where he had stood before.
"Huh. You'll destroy me for refusing to do as you wish?" Something didn't make sense. Why go to all the trouble of kidnapping Rin, luring Sesshomaru to his castle, when he very well knew Sesshomaru would not comply — only to attempt to kill him? Is he testing my strength? Something else is at work here.
Sesshomaru reached over and grasped the hilt of Tokijin, withdrawing it slowly from his obi. Opposite of him, Naraku smirked, clearly pleased. Then, from both sides, gooey green tentacles lashed out to grab the lord. One swipe of blue energy from Tokijin was enough to melt the reaching blobs. They fell into steaming piles of flesh at Sesshomaru's feet.
"Naraku, you're such a lowly demon. You will never have the power or resources to harm me."
The black haired demon responded only with a laugh, his red eyes had a wildness to them. Sesshomaru's attention was torn away, when something wrapped around his left leg, glancing down, he realized that Naraku's flesh he had rended had reformed and wrapped around his ankle. Seeing his distraction, Naraku took the advantage to launch another wave of tentacles.
This is foolishness.
Sesshomaru launched into the air, there were three flashes of light, as he cut down each fresh wave of body parts launched at him. They fell in fragments to the ground. The ridiculousness was beginning to irritate him.
Rin needs me. Let this be done. He landed on the ground again, a piece of Naraku's flesh landed on his sode shoulder armor and stuck. "How long do you intend to keep up this ludicrous farce?"
Naraku did not respond, instead the arrogant smirk remained on his face as he eyed Sesshomaru hungrily. Suddenly, as if he had been struck, Naraku's eyes widened. The barrier around the castle rippled like water, making the sky light up with strange refracted light. There was only one, who Sesshomaru knew could break through barriers. InuYasha. Naraku turned to Kagura, who had been watching the battle in silence at the sidelines.
"Kagura! After him!" Naraku ordered. The sorceress turned and did his bidding without comment, a look of terror in her red eyes.
"An unexpected guest Naraku?" Sesshomaru said, dragging the demons focus back to the battle a hand. "How very unfortunate for him. I assure you, his journey here will have been in vain." Sesshomaru brought Tokijin up again. "By the time he arrives…" he lifted the blade. "You'll be DEAD!" He launched a wave of energy at Naraku simultaneous to speaking. The blue light slashed at the monstrosity, slashing pieces off and sending bloody bits flying through the air.
Naraku was thrown backward by the force, though still managed to retain his human form. The smirk still lingered on the demon's face. Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes. He's planning something. Then, Naraku began to laugh. The sound was eerie and foreboding.