InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A new beginning, a new hope ❯ The hearts of Kins ( Chapter 34 )

Hi everyone, tot I like to reply some of your reviews today:

 

Firstly, Angellips: You know when I saw your last review, trust me, I felt really really bad. You mean to say I've shut you out and you couldn't review? You've been with the story since forever. Oh no! How could I?!!?!

 

Christal: Thank you for putting in really encouraging words in your reviews; You've touched on the most important aspects of the story. When I was doing the planning all those weeks ago, I really hope to portray the reality of the difficulties in developing a life long relationship, even for someone who seemingly has it all. And thank you, I think I've managed to squeeze in some practice time the past two days.. I just might survive my lesson after all. Ha Ha. Anyway, I've slacken enough. Time to get back up.

 

And James: Ha Ha, you know I was rolling off my bed laughing at that review you made about the soap opera thingy… Few months back, I've consulted some friends, telling them how my story will go and I specifically asked whether it sounded like a soap opera cos I think it does… Ha Ha. But then, ah what the hack, there's no turning back! Also, I was looking for your story to have a read but…couldn't find it. Could you give me the title?

 

Lastly and most importantly, to my dearest Flying Aces…

 

I'll miss you all very much. But you know where I'll be… just a phone call away…

 

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Inuyasha dodged the oncoming traffic of low hanging trees and forest shrubs as he sped with a perfect mix of agility and delft after the great ball of light just a couple of meters ahead of him. It would take the last ounce of his energy but the hanyou swore that he'd never allow himself to lag behind his elder brother.

 

Yes, his only brother related by ties of blood, his only kin. But yet, that word sounded all too foreign to him, Sesshoumaru had made sure of it in the past with all his cruelty either by hurting sarcasms or death threatening strikes.

 

His brows twitched as a soft grunt escaped his lips. He recalled that morning when his mother had first spoken about his brother, a great demon prince, courageous, loyal and strong. Since then, he had looked up to that mental image of a tall, muscled and handsome figure, all prepared to seek him out when he grew up.

 

Well, before he could do that, Sesshoumaru had made that not so amiable visit to challenge his father's will. And the rest was history.

 

Still, his mother, the lady Izayoi, had not lied. His half brother was all she promised he was, just that, the demon lord didn't think he needed a younger sibling, especially one from a different mother, sprouted from a weak human womb.

 

Do all siblings behave like them?

 

Inuyasha knew the answer was an astounding NO!

 

Kagome and Sota were not like that. They had their differences now and then, but, his wife had never once aimed her bow and arrows at her brother. And even when Kohaku had committed all those unforgivable crimes, Sango had insisted on helping him turn over a new leaf, till his last breath.

 

Why was this valuable kinship so freely and naturally blessed to them and not to him? This was too unfair! The hanyou held onto his sword with slight agitation. Or is it all about this sword, this jealousy inducing inheritance? Would Sesshoumaru have treated him better if he'd surrendered and offered it to him?

 

Aw… Stop being a woose. He sneered at himself. You did fine without him all these years. You do not need him now… or ever!

 

But, Inuyasha's memories brought him back to the time when he had fought against the sword of hell, his father's third and most evil weapon, the Sou'unga, sword of the underworld. He distinctly remembered that Sesshoumaru had shoved him aside, taking position in front of him and shielding him from the ominous blows of the Gokuryuuhai. And though he was badly tainted with numerous open gashes and only barely half conscious, he was sure he wasn't imaging it up. The rest of his companions, including Kagome, had witnessed it too and were equally dumbstruck with awe at that seemingly protective act by the demon lord.

 

“Inuyasha, can't keep up as usual or have you become a victim to gluttony?” A voice loomed from above.

 

“Oh shut up before you take in more mouthful of sand!” The hanyou thundered back while rolling his eyes. That bastard Sesshoumaru sure had a talent of making people erase all nice thoughts about him.

 

Hovering in mid air, the demon lord had also detected an increasing accumulation of sand like debris lingering in the wind. They must be approaching the western deserts. True enough, within less than a minute, the forest lining thinned away, replacing instead by acres and acres of nothing but dry coarse rocks and sand.

 

Sesshoumaru squinted his irritated eyes, shunning himself from the approaching swirl of wind storm together with all the dust it carried along. Before he knew it, sand was everywhere, in the creases of his clothes, the inner padding of his shoes, his hair and even his nose, blocking all possibilities of the use of that part of his youkai senses. He could barely see three feet before him.

 

If he was already feeling all these discomfort, what about….? Sesshoumaru peered around the dusty mist, attempting to locate a particular blurry reddish patch scurrying on land.

 

Is that mutt still keeping up or has he lost his way or even been buried under hundred feet of sand?

 

If he did, then, the hanyou was truly as worthless as he deemed him to be.

 

What prophesy of the emergence of a hy-breed of Inu-youkai amongst them?

 

Sesshoumaru silently cursed that ancient scroll now still embedded in the ancestral library shelves. They're all lies! Nonsense fabricated to stir and harbor discord in the family!

 

Chichiue for one had fallen into this whirlpool of utter deceit, dwelling ceaselessly into the contents of this thousand-year-old myth. Even as a teenager, he recollected that his father would speak constantly of producing the ultimate heir, one who was born of two purest breeds, combining their strengths and powers. The Inu no Taisho was convinced that it could mean a union between a Inu-descendant and a human, a pure breed human, a royalty, the princess Izayoi.

 

Again! It was all an excuse! Chichiue was merely smitten by her beauty. It was pure lust! If he wanted to take a second mate, just say it out-front. Why ornament it with such colorful explanations and self justifications?

 

What was wrong with me? Sesshoumaru had used to examine his own form. He was a full-fledge pure Inu breed? Weren't having him and Hahaue enough for his father? The demon lord remembered that he had, on that day, made a solemn promise to himself to be faithful to only one mate his whole life, that was, if he were ever to need one in the first place.

 

And he did find that one sole mate, eventually.

 

The image of Rin floated into his mind and for the first time since the beginning of this trip, it brought a smile on the demon's face. He had almost forgotten when but gosh, she had been with him since forever and he just treasured every single minute of it. He loved her so much till it hurts and brought fear creeping unawares into his heart. He will never take a second mate; he'd better keep this one safe from danger of any sorts. He had to get what Rin needed and fast! There was no time for dawdling and this ineffectual indulgence in this painful bit of his past.

 

Moreover, even if his father HAD truly believed in the prophesy, it had already been proven that Inuyasha was DEFINITELY not the promised one. If not, his father would not need to specifically will the Tetsusaiga to help the hanyou keep his demonic blood from consuming his soul.

 

Sesshoumaru hissed a cynical smirk.

 

Perhaps without all these deceptive and carelessly spoken legends, he might really have liked Inuyasha more. Well, he had always wished for a younger brother or sister, someone he could take care of and groom, someone who would look up to him, someone who could have a friendly wrestle with… Sesshoumaru started to shake off strange unwanted scenes of playing a game of Kemari (ancient Japanese version of football) with the hanyou.

 

Whatever the case, that would certainly not happen today!

 

“Sesshoumaru! Something's not quite right. Get your ass down here.” The hanyou briefly brushed some of the dust off his sleeves as well as coughing out some to clear his throat after he came to a halt just outside a dark opening of a cave carved into the bottom of a jagged stone cliff.

 

As the sand settled, he spotted instantly the demon lord's arrival as the huge radiant glow gradually took a human shape beside him.

 

“Inuyasha, I'm surprised you've not been swallowed up by the blizzard.” The demon lord casually stated while examining what was before him.

 

“Kah… Even if I did, I'll make sure you come down with me.” Inuyasha countered while pacing the outer circumference of the entrance. “Don't you dare think you can…”

 

“Still brooding over your daughter's obvious preference, I see.” Sesshoumaru chuckled smugly. He just wanted to rub it in. Besides, they were alone and there was absolutely no better way to past time.

 

He's right, the demon pondered with more seriousness. Even during his many childhood visits with his father here, never once had it been so still and quiet. There wasn't a single insect or even a tiny buzz. It was as if they had cleared out the area completely or perhaps, the entire youkai bee clan had relocated their lair.

 

“Don't be too happy.” Inuyasha turned to face the youkai, his tone more concerned as he sniffed the air. “Something must have happened to this place. It wasn't like this when I last came here. I sense a great evil aura. Whatever that was, it had only recently came and left.”

 

Before he did complete his last statement, the demon lord had disappeared into the cave. Inuyasha trailed closely behind him through the many curves and bents of the deeply grooved tunnels.

 

Geez, this place is like ghost town. Inuyasha recalled how all the corners used to be jam packed with hundreds of bee youkais taking various forms, sizes and even species and the strong smell of their signature produce would just flood into his nostrils, clouding all his senses.

 

Now, there was nothing left except a very faint tingle still lingering the air.

 

The brothers paused momentarily at the two split paths in front of them.

 

“Any bright ideas?” Inuyasha had the patience for a three seconds wait. “If not, I have one.”

 

Without offering any form of warning, the hanyou bellowed at the top of his voice. “You stinking insects! If you do not wish that I level your home with my sword, get the HELL out here right this moment!”

 

That wasn't at all what Sesshoumaru had intended but he concluded that however unpolished it had been out across, at the very least, their presence had been made known. And all they could do was to wait.

 

At first, there was nothing, complete silence.

 

Then, it happened.

 

A low distant rumbling echoed from deep within both tunnels and it got louder and louder, nearer and nearer every passing second. In the darkness, Sesshoumaru could make out the silhouette of a fast moving cloud approaching them at a death defying speed. He put his hand at the hilt of his sword, ready to spring into attack.

 

Before another word could be muttered, the two found themselves surrounded by hundreds, no, maybe thousands of tiny hornets and bees. In an immense flash of blinding glare, the demon lord built a barrier around himself with the Toukijin while Inuyasha sprang into action, leaping to every corner and swinging his Tetsusaiga at will, sending down at least a hundred each time. Still, he had to control himself. It would not do both of them any good if the cave collapse or even if he managed to eliminate the whole species altogether. They were here for a higher purpose.

 

“I see, the two sons of my once great lord. To what may I owe this honor?” Within the shadows, a section of the insects began to merge right before their eyes as a swirling jyaki congregated. When Sesshoumaru cleared his vision, there the bee taiyoukai stood at the top of a flat rising rock, the chef and leader of these ancient species, the winged Oji-san that he had not seen since he was a little boy.

 

“Greetings, Oji-sama.” The demon lord gave a courteous nod. He had to make a good first impression. After all, Rin would require a constant supply of their tribute for the next eight months or so.

 

“Ah, the young Lord Sesshoumaru, the general's heir to his lands but not to his sword. Let me guess,” the Taiyoukai insect continued with a rather spiteful tone. “Not much of a guessing game though. As far as I can think, there can only be one reason why you are here.”

 

“Very well then. If you can give the orders quickly, we'll take what we need and leave.” Inuyasha stepped forward and interrupted them rather impatiently. Alike the demon lord, he was also reminding himself their time constraint.

 

A loud jeering laughter shook the cave sending several crumbles of stones falling around them.

 

“Ah… I almost forgot, the general's second son, are you expecting a second child?” The Taiyoukai insect's eyes drifted shut as he spat out, blunt and crude. “I haven't what you wish for. Now leave!”

 

Sesshoumaru's expressions darkened. He had quite enough of the insolence of his father's past servant. How dare he show such disregard to his lordship!

 

“Perhaps I have not made myself clear. I will only say this once.” The demon lord cleared his throat. “I need a monthly tribute from your clan from now forth and you SHALL bring them punctually and without fail if you wish to continue residing in my lands.”

 

Another more overbearing snigger rippled through the air.

 

“I will not say the third time. I have nothing here for you. Go!” With this, the Taiyoukai insect turned, ready to take leave. The moment he did, he heard a slash behind him and immediately, he knew what was coming. Skillfully, the great expanse of his veined wings spread as he dodged the spinning attack of the wind scar rolling in and cutting off his path.

 

“Have you forgotten who was the winner of our previous battle, Oji-sama?” The hanyou yelped with noticeable threat, his transformed sword still in his hands pulsing from the last surge of power.

 

The Taiyoukai bee smirked. “Yes, of course. I remember. I had lost to your father's great sword, not to you. I have already given you what you needed once. I have paid my debts to my lord. There's nothing more I can give.” The bee demon's face took on a more sullen shade. “I'm not your match. If you wish, you can take my life.”

 

Sesshoumaru's heart was unsettled and restless, his thoughts jumbled up in an entangled mess. Things were definitely not going his way and time was not a luxury. What should he do now?

 

“My lord, my lord, come quickly!” The voice pattern belonged to one small winged youkai who was now flying hurriedly in their direction. “The lady… she has….”

 

In an instant, the Taiyoukai insect dashed into one of the adjoining caves with the two Inu-brothers tailing at close range. The bee demon did nothing to stop them. He was too preoccupied with a certain anxiety and Sesshoumaru was determined to trace the reasons behind his queer behavior.

 

The mystery did not take long to unveil itself.

 

There at one end of an alcove laid a lifeless carcass of the previous queen. Apparently, she had just ceased breathing only mere minutes ago, a fraction of her body heat was still lingering. Not the least caring or considering about his dignity or pride, the Taiyoukai bee knelt down beside her and wailed continually.

 

For a few minutes that followed, most who were watching including Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha kept their silence while some of the others from the clan mourned along side with their chef for the passing of the lady.

 

“She has been with me for two thousand years. Do you know how long that is, little pups?” With a half choked and strangled whisper, he heaved a grievous sigh.

 

“What happened?” The hanyou's heart softened at the sight of the Taiyoukai's dejected form.

 

“She had caught a strange virus during her last travel and since then, she had not risen from her bed. And now…” The Taiyoukai hid his face in his palms. “If you wish to kill me, do it now. Then, I'll be able to fulfill my promise to her.”

 

“I'll grant your request then.” The demon lord stated coolly while pacing toward them.

 

“Sesshoumaru, are you mad…” Inuyasha was about to rush full force to put this totally illogical actions to an end when he realized which sword his half brother had selected--- the Tenseiga.

 

Is he going to…? The hanyou gasped, freezing in his path.

 

Sesshoumaru drew the healing sword as images of the soul keepers from hell began to form lurking around the body of the queen bee. The Taiyoukai took a deep breath and closed his eyes, ready to be sent to meet his wife in the nether world. He had heard too much about this young lord and his oversized ego. Sesshoumaru would never tolerate disobedience of his servants and the Taiyoukai bee was making use of that.

 

With an elegant swing, Sesshoumaru wielded the Tenseiga, sending the hellish servants screeching back to whatever abyss they had sprouted from.

 

And a single pulse was heard, then, followed by another, then another.

 

The Taiyoukai's eyes peeled opened as he picked up the all-too familiar beats. To his utmost surprise, the winged lady was blinking and struggling to get up. She appeared to be back in the pink of health, all signs of the previous virus vanished as though it had never invaded her.

 

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Just a note: the story of the Sou'unga was from Inuyasha's third movie “Sword of the honorable ruler”. It was a weapon that rules the underworld. At the end of the movie, Inuyasha had to work with Sesshoumaru to stop hell from ruling over the earth.

 

Maybe somewhere along my story, they might just do that again..

 

Now, finally…. Rin and Sesshoumaru would be having their first argument. What could it be about?

 

If he could only choose between retaining the life of his child or his wife, what then would be the decision of our demon lord?