InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A New Twist ❯ Battle to the Death ( Chapter 29 )

Disclaimer: Nope, still not mine. Oh well. :

 

A/N: I WANT REVIEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love you Unistar, you're the greatest, you review after every chapter. But COME ON! Isn't anyone else reading this story?

 

Chapter 29

 

The two large demons stared at each other for a long time. One thinking of death, the other thinking of how to make the very powerful female his.

`Strong, so very strong. She will be mine no matter what,' Naraku still had not given up his plan to make the golden dragoness his. He shivered in anticipation at the sight of her scales glistening, her eyes burning with hatred.

The group of demons and humans watched on as the two stared each other down, slowly circling each other. The dragoness was royally pissed off. Everyone could see that. Naraku looked like he was quite enjoying this turn of events.

“I will not stand by and watch,” Sesshomaru said.

“We'll attack just as Ether does.” Richard said as he turned to the miko and houshi. “Save your powers until the end. You will need to finish him off.” Both Kagome and Miroku nodded. Kagome had already known what her place in all this was.

Richard turned to the Lords, all three of them. “We'll have to attack from all sides in order to distract him. Inu-Yasha, see if you can attack from behind. Sesshomaru,” Richard turned towards the dog demon to see him walking towards his mate. “Sesshomaru wait!”

Sesshomaru did no such thing, with each step his youki flowed around him, replacing his controlled form with his beast form. This was his battle, his mate would not keep him out of it.

Richard cursed and turned to Sango and Kagura. “We need to get Rin out of here. Do you know where she is?” Kagura nodded and led the way.

“Kohaku will be guarding her.” Sango paled but understood.

 

Ether roared as the spider attacked, stabbing her in the leg. He had been aiming for her stomach, but she had turned at the last second. She needed to find a weakness, until then she had to avoid his attacks.

Naraku sent another attack her way, except this time a rather large white dog demon bit the offending tentacle and let his poison seep into it.

Ether growled at the dog causing the dog to growl right back at her.

“This is my battle! Leave!” Ether demanded as she spun and sliced at her prey with her tail.

“This is OUR battle, mate,” Sesshomaru barked, his fangs bared.

Ether glared but did not argue. She had wanted to keep her mate out of this. Looked like she wasn't going to get her way after all.

The two mates attacked simultaneously, each darting in to attack. Kannin and Kouryou had both taken their beast forms and were attacking from the sides. Richard was attacking from above and Inu-Yasha was sending wave after wave of his attacks at Naraku from behind. A little ways away Kouga had arrived to help fight off Naraku's demon spawn. Kagura and Sango were still inside searching for Rin.

The battle was going well, the team had Naraku out numbered. While he tried to attack one or two, the others would distract him long enough for the intended targets to move.

 

What the group did not know, was that Naraku had already formulated a new plan. One that would throw at least two of the stronger demons off.

He darted forward, his fangs bared. Ether reared up intending to claw at Naraku, intending to smash him to the ground when he came close to her stomach. What she didn't expect was him twisting so he came up to her left side.

Naraku's fangs sank into Ether's neck, where her mating mark would have been. Ether froze in pain and shock. Her body shivered and her eyes shifted back to their normal colors, the black disappearing.

Sesshomaru roared in pain as he felt his heart constrict. The pain from his mate was immense, but he pushed past it. His eyes turned into a darker red and blue. He rushed at Naraku, knocking him away from Ether.

Ether stumbled back, shaking her head to clear her it. Her heart was throbbing and her neck was bleeding freely. Not only had Naraku bitten her mating mark, he had seeped his venom into her blood.

Ether's eyes went back to gold and she whimpered at the strange feelings of her new body. What was going on with her? The last thing she could remember was being so very angry! Now…Ether looked down at her body. She looked like one of those European dragons.

Suddenly, she was knocked out of the way by a very large white dog. Ether rolled a little and then crouched where she stopped. What was going on? Her eyes focused on the battle before her.

She shivered at the sight. The Spider was causing so much damage. Ether winced as the pain in her neck grew. Blood rolled down her shoulder and she tried to lick it clean. Ether attempted to stand, only to groan and fall back to the ground.

“Ether!” Kagome yelled as she ran up to her sister.

Ether looked down at the small form of he half sister. She lowered her head to look at Kagome better.

“Ether, you're hurt. I…I don't know,” Kagome was at a lost. How was she supposed to help her sister when she was like this?

Ether attempted to stand again and this time succeeded. Her legs wobbled a little, but she was standing. She had to get back into the fight.

A roar caught her attention. Ether's eyes went wide in fright. The white dog that had knocked her out of the way was pinned by Naraku, the others she realized had either been knocked back or were desperately trying to help the demon get free.

The white demon looked over at her and their eyes locked together. Ether could feel his pain, and she suddenly knew who the demon was. It was Sesshomaru. Her mate was in danger.

White hot rage filled Ether as she looked at the spider who dared harm her mate. It all came back to her. Naraku dragging her outside, him threatening her babies, her taking her beast form, then the others coming to fight with her, and lastly Naraku biting her neck. Ether growled low in her chest and jumped into the air, heedless of the blood dripping from her neck, ignoring the pain from Naraku's venom.

She flew over Naraku and at the last moment, dived. Ether used her rage to her advantage. She used it to tap into her powers, powers she had denied until then. A gold light surrounded her.

“You die now Naraku,” Ether whispered. Her claws connected with the spider and he screeched in pain. Ether threw all her rage into Naraku. Rage at what Naraku had done, rage at what Naraku would have done. She also felt her love for her mate, for her pups surround her heart and she used that to give her strength.

The mixed emotions confused Naraku momentarily as Ether slashed at his body.

“Kagome, Miroku, NOW!” Inu-Yasha yelled as Ether kept Naraku pinned to the ground. Sesshomaru jumped free, as did the other demons.

Kagome hesitated. Her sister was still there! If she tried to purify Naraku, she might hit Ether.

Ether's eyes lifted and she looked right at Kagome. She nodded her head subtly. An understanding passed between the two sisters.

With their eyes still locked, Kagome released the arrow. A bright purifying pink light surrounded the arrow. Miroku threw several ofuda's at the arrow and the light grew even brighter.

Naraku screamed in rage as he saw the light of his death coming. The last thing he saw before the light purified his very being, was a golden scaled paw as it came down and smashed his skull in.

 

Kagome watched in horror as the purifying light surrounded both Naraku and her sister. She cried in agony as the light grew to bright and blocked Ether from view. The demons cringed and shrank back from the light, the energy singeing their fur.

 

When the light finally faded enough for everyone to see, one still form was lying unconscious on the ground.
Sesshomaru shifted back into his demon form and ran to his mate, recognizing her first. He growled softly as he knelt beside her, lifting her up carefully into his arms.

“Ether. Ether awaken,” He demanded softly.

She didn't stir. Ether was still alive, he could sense that, as were their pups but…she wasn't responding. The wound on her neck was still bleeding freely, and large patches of her skin were more scaly then before.

“Ether. Awaken now!” He demanded again, giving his mate a soft shake. He held back a whimper as the others approached.

Kagome had already retrieved the nearly completed jewel. She cradled it in her hands, the other shards still in the small vial around her neck.

“Is she…” Kagome hesitantly asked.

Sesshomaru shook his head. “Unconscious, I…can't awaken her.”
Richard landed next to the group, his arm broken.

“Dragon, why will she not waken?” Sesshomaru demanded.

“It's probably an adverse effect from the holy powers. It didn't kill her, probably because of Kagome's love for her, but…” Richard shook his head, at a loss as to what to say. He'd seen nothing of this sort before.

Kagome backed away from the group. This was her fault. All her fault. Her sister was hurt because she had shot the arrow. Ether was probably going to die because of her! Kagome looked at the jewel in her hands and then pulled the vial of shards free from her shirt. She had an option, but was it the right thing to do? Sesshomaru had his sword. He could always bring Ether back if she died. But…Kagome's heart was in turmoil. What should she do?

 

Sesshomaru was breaking down, slowly, but he was. With every second that past, he could feel his mate slipping farther away from him. If he lost her, then he lost everything. If she died, their pups would die. He could bring her back with his sword, but he was unsure if he could bring back the pups as well. “Ether…please…” Sesshomaru's lips were against her cheek as he whispered those two words.

 

“Ether….Ether,” Ether whimpered as she heard someone calling her. She was currently floating in a soft white light, with no pain, no worries, no emotions. She liked this place. It was quiet.

“Ether…please,” She heard the voice again. It sounded closer. It sounded like it was in pain, and alone. `Who's there?' she thought frightened. What if that was Naraku trying to call her back, to hurt her again? Ether wanted to stay right where she was.

“You can't do that Ether.” Ether opened her eyes and looked around in the light.

`Who's there?' she wondered calmly as she continued to look around.

“You know who it is Ether. You have to go back darling,” the voice said lovingly. Ether felt a warmth fill her as she realized just who was talking to her.

`Mother?'

“Yes dear heart. It's me. You need to go back now lovely. Your mate is worried about you.” Still Ether could see no sign of her mother.

Ether shrunk inward. Her mate. Sesshomaru was probably disgusted by her, by what had been done to her. She would understand if he never wanted to see her again.

“No my light, he loves you. You need to go back to him now.”

Ether felt a tug on her heart and she looked around again. `I don't want to leave you again,' She thought sadly.

“Oh my sweet,” Ether could have sworn she felt arms around her now. “I will never leave you. I'll be right beside you no matter what happens. You may not see me, but I'm always here.” Yes, Ether definitely felt arms around her. She also felt a searing pain in her neck as well as an itchy prickling sensation across her skin.

She wrinkled her nose and whimpered. Everything was either hurting or itchy. What was going on?

“Ether! Ether wake up!” She heard someone yell. Again she whimpered and tried to shrink away. She ended up cuddling up against a soft, silky chest.

“Do not yell mutt,” Ether felt the arms around her tighten almost imperceptibly.

“Don't tell me what to do Sesshomaru,” Ether's eyes snapped open and she looked around. She started to struggle slightly, strength returning to her tired limbs.

“Ether, relax,” Sesshomaru demanded softly.

Ether relaxed her body. Her eyes focused on her mate and then looked away.

Sesshomaru frowned slightly. His mate was awake, but he could feel that something was wrong.

“We need to get that wound healed and the venom removed as soon as possible,” Richard said as he kneeled next to Sesshomaru and Ether.

Inu-Yasha moved back as the dragon and other demons lords figured out what to do. Spotting Kagome a ways back, he moved to join her.

“Kagome, Ether will be fine. You'll see,” He murmured reassuringly.

Kagome shook her head sadly. “But it's my fault she was hurt in the first place! I should have never let her come back to this era, I should have kept a better eye on her, I…I should have waited until she moved away from Naraku,” Kagome sobbed as she thought of all the ways she could have prevented everything. If she had just refused to let Ether return, then she wouldn't be in this situation.

Inu-Yasha hesitantly wrapped his arms around his mate. “Sometimes shit just happens Kagome.”
Kagome giggled softly. “Don't say shit.”

Inu-Yasha smirked tiredly. “I can say whatever I damn well please.”

Kagome sighed and leaned into Inu-Yasha's arms. So many thoughts circled her mind. So many choices and directions she could go in. She could make a wish now that could save Ether, but then the well might close and neither of them could return. Kagome could take Ether back to their time, but again the well might seal up. Kagome knew Sesshomaru would never let Ether out of his sight again. So what choice did she really have? Stay in this time to be with Ether, or go back and maybe never see her sister again?

“We're heading back to Sesshomaru's castle,” Kouryou stated. Kagome looked around surprised to see that everyone had gathered once more.

Sango was…upset, Miroku had his arm around her. She held the body of her brother in her arms. Kagura was standing next to Rin, Sesshomaru was carrying Ether in his arms.

“Alright,” Kagome said as she looked at Inu-Yasha. He picked her up and held her close, she could see his love for her, and his worry, lying beneath the stillness of his eyes. No, she couldn't take Ether back to their time. “Let's go then.”

 

It didn't take long for the group to arrive back at Sesshomaru's castle. Lily rushed from the castle to welcome everyone back.

Sesshomaru paid no mind, heading instantly for his private chambers. “Summon a healer!” He demanded as he passed Jaken. The toad bowed and rushed off to find the castle healer.

Upon entering their sleeping chambers, Sesshomaru gently laid Ether on their bed.

Ether's eyes were half closed, her breathing was normal, but she was gripped by a fever. Sesshomaru growled at the healer as she rushed in. What had taken her so long?

The healer ignored her lord as she examined Ether. After doing some initial examinations, she began mixing herbs.

Sesshomaru stayed focused on his mate, even as Inu-Yasha and Kagome entered.

 

Ether's fever finally broke early the next morning. The poison had been nullified thanks to the healer. The healer had told them that to protect her pups from Kagome's power, she had used up all of her own to create a barrier around them. In her weakened state, she couldn't fight off the effects of the poison.

Now Ether was sitting up, her shoulder and neck bandaged. Kagome was sitting on the edge of the bed, the now completed jewel in her hands. Things were definitely better. Once the healer had announced Ether would be fine, Sesshomaru had left to find Sango. With his sword, he brought Kohaku back to life and the proceeded to check on Rin, who had been asking him over and over to revive Kohaku. Everyone were given rooms to rest and relax.

Now though, Kagome was talking quietly with Ether.

Sesshomaru returned from reviving Kohaku and looked over at Kagome and Ether, their heads close together.

“What are you two talking about?” Sesshomaru asked as he strode across the room and stood on the opposite side of the bed from Kagome.

Ether bit her lip and looked down at her hands. Kagome noticed her nervousness and sighed. They had talked very quickly about several things.

 

*while Sesshomaru was doing his thing*

 

“Ether…what's wrong?” Kagome asked softly as she sat on the edge of the bed, watching as Ether fidgeted with her blanket.
Ether twisted the blanket and ripped it with her claws. She tried to fight back tears, but they betrayed her and slipped down her cheeks.

“I…” Ether hesitated, her tongue tied over what to say. “Kagome. I don't think Sesshomaru will care for me any more.” Her voice was soft, hesitant.

Kagome looked at her sister in surprise. Was she kidding? Sesshomaru was practically radiating love, affection, and worry for Ether. How in the world could her sister ever think Sesshomaru wouldn't care about her?

Ether sobbed quietly. “I'm disgusting Kagome. After….after what he did. I couldn't do anything, I was weak. I don't deserve to be Sesshomaru's mate!”

Kagome looked at her sister worriedly. Kagome herself had never been raped, but she had read enough and seen enough TV to know what others felt like. “Ether, you are not disgusting! None of what happened was your fault!” Kagome said as she grabbed Ether's hands and held them still.

Ether whimpered and looked away from Kagome. She didn't know, she couldn't know. Mimi was there, she would know.

“Do you want to go home?” Kagome asked softly.

Ether looked up in surprise. “I…I don't know. Sesshomaru wouldn't let me, not until the pups are born.” She said quickly. Even if Sesshomaru hated her, she didn't want to leave.

Kagome looked at her sister closely. “Ether. Once we wish on the jewel, the well will seal. We won't be able to go back and forth anymore.”

Ether looked at her sister, her expression blank. “I'm staying here.”

Kagome bit her lip. “Do you want me to stay with you?”

Ether blinked and looked at their linked hands. What did she want anymore? She wanted to stay with Sesshomaru, she wanted to raise their babies, she wanted to forget everything Naraku had ever done to her. “That's your choice Kagome. No matter what happens,” and she meant it, “I'm staying here.”

It was then that Sesshomaru walked in on the two sisters.

“What are you two talking about?” Sesshomaru asked as he strode across the room and stood on the opposite side of the bed from Kagome.

Ether bit her lip and looked down at her hands. Kagome noticed her nervousness and sighed.

“Just what we are going to do now.” Kagome fingered the completed jewel around her neck. “Once the wish is made, the well won't work anymore.”

“And what makes you think the well won't work?” Sesshomaru asked as he looked at his mate.

“It only started working when Madam Centipede sensed the jewel.” Kagome shrugged. She couldn't really explain it. “I just feel like I know the well won't work.”

“She's right, the well won't work,” Everyone turned to look at Richard, leaning against the doorway.

“Explain Dragon,” Sesshomaru demanded.

Richard rolled his eyes and walked in, his hands in his pockets. “The well is powered by the jewel. For the entire time the jewel was not around, I suspect the well was inactive. Once a wish is made, the jewel will be gone. And thus, the power source for the well.”

Sesshomaru mulled this over in his mind for a few minutes. It made sense. From his understanding, Kikyo had died nearly 50 years ago. `500 for Ether and Kagome,' he judged the time and figured it could in fact be possible the well was fueled by the jewel.

“What have you decided miko?” Sesshomaru asked coldly.

Kagome bit her lip again. “Ether wants to stay here, but I'm still trying to decide.”

Richard stretched. “Well I'M heading home. Sarah should have given birth by now.” He shivered slightly at the thought of it. `Good thing I was here and not there. Really would have killed someone then.'

With that Richard turned and left.

Kagome sighed and stood up. “I need to talk to Inu-Yasha about this.” She said softly. What she wanted to do and what he wanted to do could very well be two very different things. No matter what though, she couldn't leave him. Not when they were mates.

Ether shifted nervously as the door closed behind her sister. She waited for Sesshomaru to leave as well, thinking he wouldn't stand her presence for too long. When he didn't leave she looked up slowly.

Sesshomaru was looking at her worriedly. She looked back at her hands.

For several minutes they sat there, Sesshomaru watching his mate worriedly and Ether looking up at him and then back at her hands.

Finally Sesshomaru reached under her chin and gently lifted her gaze. “Tell me what is wrong.”

Ether bit her lip and fought back tears once more. “I don't deserve you.”

Sesshomaru frowned, but waited. There had to be more then just that.

Ether took a deep breath. His expression was clear. She had to tell him everything. “I was weak. I couldn't protect myself nor could I save Mimi.” She closed her eyes. “What he did…I couldn't stop him. I should have been able to. I…I just.” She stopped and tried to look away, turn her head way from Sesshomaru. “I had the power too…The battle proved it.”

Sesshomaru kept his fingers grasped under Ether's chin, forcing her to continue looking at him. He searched her face, even with her eyes closed. She was in pain.

“I'm not worthy to be your mate,” her voice broke and she covered her mouth to conceal her sob. Ether pulled away from Sesshomaru and her body shook from stifling her sobs.

Sesshomaru sat back in surprise. She really thought…she actually thought because of what Naraku did…Sesshomaru growled angrily. It seemed Naraku had done more harm to his mate then just physically hurting her. If he could, he would bring Naraku back just so he could ram his claws into his stomach and fill him with his own poison. He'd destroy that bastard and bring him back just to do it again.

Ether heard the growl and started scooting away from Sesshomaru. She was nearly off the bed when arms circled her from behind and pulled her back. Her body froze and she started shivering harder.

Sesshomaru had only noticed his mate was inching away from him when he felt the bed shift. His eyes darted up and he quickly pulled her back to him. He had to stop these thoughts of hers.

“You are more then a worthy mate for this Sesshomaru,” He said as he slid his fangs across their mating mark.

Ether shivered and held still. He was wrong, he had to be. He was a demon Lord and deserved a strong mate. She wasn't a strong mate. She wasn't even able to properly protect herself.

They sat like that for some time, Ether telling herself it was all just a wishful dream, Sesshomaru trying to figure out how to convince his mate just how much he really loved her.

 

From the spiritual plane two mothers watched as their children sat together.

“Things are not going as planned,” One said to the other.

The second mother nodded and sighed softly. “At least they will have centuries to work things out.”

Both women were silent as they watched over their children.

 

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A/N: ok, chapter 29 is done. Remember to review. I want at least 3 reviews before I even consider posting the next chapter.