InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Arcana Imperii ❯ The Great Warlord - Nagatomo ( Chapter 1 )

Arcana Imperii

By: Wildfire Sky

I was inspired to write this when I saw the movie "Troy". Now, mind you, this has nothing to do with Troyso don't run off just yet. Actually this is a war epic focused around Inuyasha and Kagome. Arcana Imperii is Latin for: Secrets of the Empire.

I certainly hope that you will enjoy this story which I have the honor of unfolding for you. Please R&R, whether you like it or not. Your opinions only help me and others realize their flaws to better them. Thanks!! ^_^

Arcana Imperii

Chapter One: The War Lord - Nagatomo

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The dim sun broke out over the waves of the Pacific Ocean, crawling up behind the clouds of the silent night sky. Its heated rays pushed away the moon and stars, making room for its own dominant entrance, overpowering the submissive night and bringing in the new morning. The clouds were thick and swollen, preparing itself for a downpour of rain to fall upon the heads of the silent warriors crowded on the ship deck.

Each samurai stood upon the deck of the massive war vessel, their spears at ready, eyes forward, mentally preparing themselves. Their colors were black and red, each piece of equipment on their bodies portraying the battle colors of their ancient tribe. The sail was death black with a large red dragon across the middle, a simple emblem for such a destructive group.

At the head of the ship stood a monster of a man, swathed head to boot in black and red. He wore a black cloak across his dark armor, a red sash tied around his waist in which he stuffed his feared sword.

His armor was black with a golden insignia of his dragon, a two head beast wrapping around the blade of a sword before coming up to bite the handle. His helmet, always at hand, came down around the back of his neck and the sides of his face, the removable front hiding everything but his narrow red eyes. The mouth piece came down from the sides in the shape of an open, fanged mouth. With two air holes at his nose and a grated opening at the mouth, this man had no need to take of his helmet for any reason.

The back of his cloak held the same symbol as that of his armor, so he could be recognized by friend and foe alike. Once a man had asked him if he feared he would be a target for assassins. The great man turned, beheading the warrior with a sweep of his sword, spraying the witnesses in blood. His voice rang out over the stunned crowd as he regarded them.

"Let any man try and slay me! They shall meet the same fate as he!"

Never again was he questioned.

This man's name was Nagatomo…the great warlord of southern lands. He reigned over man and beast alike, his legends proclaiming him as a tamer of wild beasts and demons. He was an idol to all when it came to his swordsmanship. He and his powerful blade cut down many a demon, the sword rivaled only by one. A weapon that he planned to hold in his hands soon.

The sword in his ownership was known as the "dragon blade", a weapon of broad stainless steal, measuring nearly five feet in length. The hilt of a fine silver finish with a golden dragon insignia on one side, a pommel of double dragon heads and winged dragon guard, was known and feared by any who say it or heard of it.

Nagatomo was a man to be with and respected. It was his decision whether you lived or died, and at the moment, he was deciding the fates of the men of his fleet. He stared out over the vast ocean, searching for the course to take him home. He'd been away from Japan too long, and the moment of his return, he'd received a letter from a powerful shogun, demanding his immediate presence in his hall. Nagatomo despised shoguns more than anything, but still he obeyed, answering the call. Now he was traveling home from distant lands, conquered under his banner and his sword.

A warrior slowly approached Nagatomo, kneeling behind the man, waiting to be acknowledged.

"What is it?" Nagatomo growled his voice deep and harsh.

"My lord," the samurai murmured, "Our lookout has spotted land on the horizon…it's Japan, sir. And master Kentono wishes to speak with you."

Nagatomo grunted, dismissing the man. The soldier quickly stood and bowed to his leader's back before turning a walking away. Nagatomo stroked his short, rough beard, regretting in his heart that he'd decided to return. Much had to be done with the conquered lands…there were still a few scattered renegades that were just waiting for an opportunity to take back their homes. So why has he left? Was it because of the promising rewards the shogun offered? Perhaps he was just tired of the fighting? Unlikely. The shogun was a greedy little bitch and he never tired of war.

Nagatomo closed his eyes, enjoying the spray of the cool sea. It was the sea…he loved the sea and the feel of it. Soon, he would be sitting in his home, watching the waves with his child…that was why he wanted to come home.

He spun around, cape flapping in the wind, "Hoist the sails and prepare for landing in Japan! Break out the oars, and row at double pace. I want to get home."

He moved like the wind, pushing hesitant soldiers out of his path and into the arms of their comrades. He trumped down the stairs below deck, entering his chambers with a flourish.

Kentono turned, flashing Nagatomo a warm smile. He was dressed in much the same fashion as his leader, only his cape was red and his helmet open. None dared to copy Nagatomo's dress perfectly. They made the differences easy to recognize for the man had quite a sum on his head. It would be unfortunate to be slain, mistaken as the wrong man.

Nagatomo firmly shut the door behind him, crossing to sit in his chair, "What do you want, Kentono?" he snarled, ignoring the samurai's dramatic bow with a wave, "And be quick, I need to be up on deck with my men."

Kentono nodded, "My lord, I feel that I must inform you on the growing situation in Japan. I fear we may meet hostile intentions when we land in the shogun's city."

"This is of no surprise to me," Nagatomo said, reaching towards a side table and grabbing a bottle, "The emperor has a high price on my head…it's only natural that there be bounty hunters waiting for us."

Kentono shifted, "Aye, sir, that maybe true…however, the emperor is not whom I speak of. It is this shogun that rallied our force home. I spoke with the messenger the night before he returned to Japan. Apparently this shogun has revenge on the mind and plans to use us as tools to gain his want."

"And…?"

"I'm only trying to advise his lordship of the dangers of this errand."

Nagatomo sipped at the sake, his red eyes staring at his warrior, "Then what would you have me do? Turn back and return to the battlefield? The rice fields should be ready for the plow and oxen, and I desire to teach my son the way of an honest warrior…this errand is a good excuse to come home for awhile."

Kentono shook his head, "But my lord…the moment we reach the city, we shall be set upon. There will be no relaxation for our people until our enemies are vanquished. Such a feat might take generations to complete."

"I am the leader of the greatest warring tribe in southern Japan," Nagatomo snapped, standing to his full height, "I have stormed castles, ravaged villages, killed shoguns and great fighters, and yet I am still able to farm my lands and make peace with the gods. All of our men possess similar traits, and you fear a reprimand from the fools that walk the lands protected under my sword?" Nagatomo laughed, "Don't be so ignorant! We shall kill off our enemies, take their women and treasures, and then take Japan as our own! No one can stand against me!"

Kentono bowed nervously, "Forgive my doubts, lord Nagatomo…you are truly a great master of the land. I only look out for your well being."

Nagatomo walked over, pulling Kentono upright, "I won't deny that we are savages when it comes to battle…but when it comes to family, we are true and honorable…"

"My lord?"

"We shall answer the shogun's call, as any righteous samurai would do," Nagatomo placed his hands on Kentono's shoulders, "I would not be able to face my son if I turned away from the calling of such authority. I must remain true to him."

Kentono blinked, "If you'll excuse me, my lord…"

Nagatomo waved a hand, "Enough with the formalities, brother!" he grinned, "You and I are blood relatives, let us act like it. We shall discuss this tiring matter later, for now, please share in a drink with me as celebration of our victories!"

Kentono frowned as he accepted the warm sake, "But, brother…what victories do you speak of? If you mean the pain and suffering we've brought to the families of those we've killed, then yes, our victories are great and many."

Nagatomo paused, his eyes hardening, "Do not bring up such depressing things with Japan so close." He hissed, quickly downing the drink, "I do not wish to touch the sands of my home with anger in my heart."

"But we must acknowledge such things…it is healthy."

"Perhaps to a man like you…" Nagatomo looked at him, "I've seen you on the battlefield. You kill and murder, but when the fighting is finished, you say prayers for the dead and do not take pleasure in the company of fine women. You're more of a monk than a samurai."

Kentono blushed slightly, "Then forgive my weakness, brother."

"Never mind," Nagatomo snapped, waving him away, "Go on deck and see our course into the bay. I'm going home before I even step foot in the shogun's castle."

"Yes, sir."

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Nagatomo grinned as his warship slid into the docks of Kagoshima, the city that had developed by the hands of him and his forbearers. The blood of his ancestors stained these grounds, and the thought filled him with pride. He hoped that one day, he too would die defending his homelands…but for now, he settled with destroying the lands of his enemies.

As soon as he saw the ship properly docked, he left Kentono is charge of repairs and cleaning duties. He knew he could trust his brother to handle things while he returned to his home.

Nagatomo's grand dwelling sat on top of one of the mountains that surrounded the village, invisible to those in the city, but known of its existence. There had been a rumor that after Nagatomo's wife died in child birth, he had taken his son to live with the animals, but in fact he'd simply built himself a home for him and his boy to live in. He hated rumors.

Nagatomo, his travel pack slung over one shoulder, climbed the tall, tree covered mountain until his eyes spotted the red pointed roof of his abode. He basked in the sight of it, pausing for just a moment to relish in the view. He'd built this place from the ground up, converted the old temple that had once stood here into a beautiful home fit for an emperor. It was only natural that he should have some pride in it.

Climbing the stairs to the gate way, he stopped, glancing around the courtyard. It was empty and silent, the pink blossoms from the cherry trees that lined the stone walkway leading from the gates to the large house. The servants were no where to be seen…nor was his son who was usually practicing his swordsmanship. This made him worry.

"Little Oni!" he called, glancing around. Usually his son came running when he heard his play name, but still the garden was quiet. His hand on his sword hilt, Nagatomo stepped inside the gates, his red eyes dark slits. Something didn't feel right…

"Oh! Nagatomo-sama, you've returned!" a servant hurried from the temple doorway, a water bucket in her hands. She quickly walked over, eyes filled with worry, "Thank goodness you've come back so quickly…I thought you might be going to see the shogun first. I could see a ship coming into the docks, but I wasn't sure it was yours…"

"Enough of your babbling, damn it," Nagatomo snarled, "Where is my son?"

The servant shifted slightly, "Perhaps you should rest some, my lord…"

Nagatomo's hand lashed out wrapping around the woman's neck and lifting her from the ground, "Damn you! I asked you a question, wench! Where is my son!?"

Tears threatened to fall from the young girl's eyes, "He…he is very sick my lord…"

Nagatomo's eyes widened slightly, "Sick? How did he become sick?"

The girl's lip quivered, "I fear he has been possessed by a demon, my lord! Something vile crawls through his veins…even the doctor can not cure him."

Nagatomo lowered her to the ground, taking the white cloth from the bucket and wiping her eyes gently, "Enough crying…what of the high priest?"

"Gone…he left the village this morning, summoned to Kyoto to perform an exorcism for nobility."

Nagatomo growled, "And he leaves my boy to die? He shall pay dearly for this injustice on my family!" He looked down at the girl, patting her on the head, "Send out one of the men in search of a priest or monk, child…I must have one to save my son."

The girl bowed, rushing through the gates and down the steps in her errand. Nagatomo picked up the water bucket, walking over to the house well. As he was returning from the well, his ears picked up the faint stench. The path was just ahead and there, standing as if he owned the place, was a red garbed demon.

Nagatomo silently dropped to one knee, lowering the bucket to the ground as his hand came across to his sword at the ready. How dare a demon walk onto his grounds like this! The trees hid him from view, and the spells placed on his home by the local priest caused his scent to be undetectable by any demon, so he knew he presence was unknown…for the moment.

The demon looked around, the triangle ears upon his silver head of hair flexing slightly. His hands were tucked into his haori, feet spread slightly apart as if he was waiting for something. Nagatomo's eyes fell on the sword at the demon's waist. So he was armed.

He moved forward slightly, his grip tightening on the sword hilt. He'd kill this intruder…gods knew he might have come to finish off his son.

The demon turned, glaring at some unseen person.

"Kagome! Hurry the hell up, damn it!"

The high pitched voice of a girl answered angrily, "Don't you tell me what to do, Inuyasha!"

"I'll tell you whatever I want, bitch!"

"What did you call me?!?"

Nagatomo's eyes widened as a strangely garbed girl came into view, pushing a strange, wheeled contraption. Two demons!? It was an invasion! A third voice joined in as another female and a man landed, riding on the back of a monstrous demon cat. Nagatomo took one look at the large fangs that extended from the cat's mouth, his stomach clenching. That thing would have to die first.

"You two need to stop fighting all of the time," the woman scorned. Nagatomo studied the large boomerang on the woman's back. She must be quite strong to wield such a massive weapon...

"Keh!" the demon snarled, "I can't help it if Kagome's a pain in my ass!" Inuyasha caught the faint scent of a human near by, his ears rotating slightly to catch any sounds. He wasn't sure but…

The man stepped forward, his staff rings clinking against each other, "Now, now…calm down you two. Remember we came here to find a place to stay."

A monk! Nagatomo's heart began to beat faster. His prayers had been answered! Here was a monk in the midst of three demons…no four demons. He didn't see the little one on the bike…a kitsune. But he would not risk showing himself…not until he learned their purpose here.

The one known as Inuyasha look around, a deep scowl on his face, "Where the hell is everyone?"

Kagome looked at him, "They might be in town, Inuyasha…maybe we should wait until they come back."

Inuyasha sniffed the air, his face scrunching up in disappointment, "I can't smell a damn thing in here! All of these damn cherry trees!"

"Inuyasha!"

The demon winced slightly, but turned away from the steaming Kagome, "Feh! I can't help it if it's true…anyways; I think we'd better look around for something to eat. Kagome must be getting hungry."

Kagome glanced at the hanyou, "Gee Inuyasha, I did think you were that worried…"

Inuyasha's face flushed slightly, "W-Well…I was just mentioning it because we've been walking all day! I-I mean, aren't you hungry, Kagome?"

The girl smiled, leaning against Inuyasha's side, "Aa."

The other woman began to walk towards the house, "Then let's check it out."

The monk was instantly at her side, "I'm with Sango. We can't just stand out here all day. We'll go and check the bedrooms."

Inuyasha pulled a face, "You disgusting hoishi…you just want to grope Sango."

The monk simply cast the dog demon an exasperated look. Inuyasha smirked, calling out to the retreating form of the youkai exterminator.

"You'd better run Sango! Run before Miroku comes and tries to man-handle you again!!"

Kagome frowned, "Inuyasha…Sit!!"

Inuyasha came crashing down, his face pressed into the hard stone. Nagatomo gapped in awe. This woman had the power to bring down a fully grown demon? He had been mistaken in his assumptions...such a powerful woman could be nothing other than a miko! He frowned. Such a group might cause problems if they decide to attack...it would be better if he rallied his warriors.

Nagatomo cast one last weary look at his invaded home, hoping that his little oni would stay safe...

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Kagome sat down on the large porch of the virtual mansion, staring at the blossoms that rained from trees, the petals gently floating through the air. She watched as a flower slowly glided towards her, landing softly on her leg. She picked it up, examining the perfect bloom, a smile crossing her face. This place was magically...so peaceful and beautiful...they were lucky to have found it. A wind came along, sweeping the flower from her hands and into the air. Kagome watched silently as it disappeared into the distance.

"Kagome?" Inuyasha stood over her, "Sango and Miroku need you to come. They found some little brat in one of the bedrooms. He's not looking too good either."

Kagome sighed, picking herself up. Inuyasha gently gripped her arm, never releasing his grasp as they strolled towards the bedrooms. Inuyasha paused, sliding open one of the doorways to allow them access into the dim chamber.

A young boy lay on a futon in the middle of the room, the candles reflecting off the beads of sweat that dotted his body. His breaths came in short gasps, his lungs struggling for oxygen. His eyes were wide and unseeing, darting from side to side, searching for something he couldn't see. Miroku crouched next to him, observing the child's movements. He looked up as Kagome and Inuyasha entered.

"Sango left to go get water..." he turned his attention back to the boy, brushing his long bangs from his face, "This child is possessed, I think....damn strong demon too."

Inuyasha snorted, "Nothing I can't handle."

"At least we know that someone lives here," Kagome said, sitting opposite of Miroku, her back to the door, "Maybe we should wait for his parents to come back before we do anything."

"Aa," Miroku agreed, "But if they don't return soon, the demon will take his body and kill him."

Inuyasha snorted again, sitting cross-legged beside the doorway, his Tetsaiga resting against his shoulder as he leaned back, closing his golden eyes, "If the boy's going to die, let him die..."

Kagome's head snapped around, her eyes narrowing, "Inuyasha!"

The hanyou winced and fell silent; worried that Kagome might 'sit' him again. She must have been going for a new record today...twenty sits in three hours...

The room was quiet except for the boy's harsh breathing. Miroku sat next to him, monitoring the child for any signs of strain as Kagome went in search of Sango. The woman had been taking especially long. And the well couldn't have been that far away. Kagome traveled through the enormous dwelling, occasionally peeking inside doorways, calling out for Sango worriedly. Where was she? Kirara was back in the room so the youkai exterminator had little protection but for her hirikotsu.

As Kagome wandered the grounds, she failed to see the forms dashing through the shadows, their blades gleaming in the light. She spotted the well house, stepping inside.

"Sango!" she called out, looking around, "Sango, are you in here?"

Suddenly, she was grabbed from behind, a rough hand clamping over her mouth and a blade pressed against her exposed throat. "You just scream, bitch," a voice hissed menacingly, "And I'll slit your throat and gut you like a pig!"

Kagome whimpered in fright as the knife cut into her skin, blood running down the side of her neck. A blindfold was placed over her eyes, and she was shoved to the ground, a heavy body falling on top of her, pressing against her shaking form. The man grabbed a handful of hair, bringing it to his nose and inhaling deeply.

"Gods…it's been days since I've been with a woman," he pulled down the collar of her uniform shirt, lowering his mouth and running his tongue along the smooth skin, "And you taste so nice…"

Kagome groped blindly as the man, started moving against her, stimulating himself.

"I need to get you out of these cloths, bitch, and take you like a whore…long and hard…" his hands reached around her front, grabbing her breasts and kneading them in time with his dry thrusts. He groaned, pressing Kagome into the ground, rubbing against her faster.

"Yea…that's it…"

Kagome could feel tears forming in the corners of her eyes. Was she about to be raped? Was this man planning to take her like this? She could feel his panting breaths against her skin; feel the tugs at her clothing as he groaned to himself. Suddenly, the man stopped, pushing himself off of her back.

"Shit," he mumbled, reaching down and pulling Kagome up by her hair. "It's too bad the boss wants to see you now…I wouldn't mind having my way with a bitch like you. Let's go."

Kagome was roughly pushed forward, the tip of the dagger at her back, preventing escape. Behind her, the man hissed with excitement, obviously looking forward to whatever torture he might inflict.

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Inuyasha glanced towards the doorway for what must have been the fifth time in as many minutes, and he was getting on Miroku's nerves. At first, it was subtle glances from the corner of the hanyou's eyes…now they were full out head turns with grunts to boot. Inuyasha tapped the sword sheath against his shoulder, his face contorting in annoyance.

"Kuso!" he growled, jumping to his feet and staring out of the doorway, "Where the hell are those two?"

Miroku sighed, wiping the boy's sweating forehead with the sleeve of his robe, "Calm down, Inuyasha…Sango is out there with Kagome so they're both safe. Maybe they were distracted by something."

"Probably sniffing a bunch of damn flowers," Inuyasha snarled, squatting down with a huff, "I just want them to hurry up so we can leave."

Miroku sighed again, "We're not going anywhere until I've seen to this boy."

Inuyasha grunted impatiently, crossing his arms and pouting, "It's just a waste of time…" he inched over to the young boy, staring down at him, "If Kagome doesn't return, he'll die. Then what's the point of our staying here? As much as I hate to admit it, he might not survive, Miroku."

Miroku ignored him, "Despite the fact that Sango and Kagome haven't returned, I should begin the exorcism before things get any worse for the child. Have more faith in my powers, Inuyasha…"

Inuyasha watched as Miroku pressed his palms together and closed his eyes, his lips moving silently. Suddenly, Kirara looked up, the hair on the back or her neck standing on end. Shippo stirred from his nap, glancing over at the shaken fire kitten.

"What is it, Kirara?" he asked sleepily, rubbing his eyes.

The kitten was engulfed in flame, growing into a full blow predator. She growled, causing Inuyasha to jump to his feet, his hand on his sword. The hanyou cautiously sniffed the air, instantly bombarded by the scent of flowers and…and something he couldn't quite place. Wait…he inhaled deeply again, his chest clenching in panic. Blood. There was blood in the air…faint, but it was there…Kagome's sweet blood…

"Miroku…"

The monk was already on his feet; hand wrapped around the rosary sealing back his Kazaana. Kirara stepped forward, a low snarl rumbling inside her throat.

"Such an amazing creature…I would not mind having it for myself."

A monstrous man stepped from behind the line of trees, his eyes narrowed above his dragon mask. His hand tapped the hilt of his sword, challenging the stiff Inuyasha.

"You seem like a strong demon," the man drew his sword, the blade ringing as it was pulled from its sheath. The man spread his feet apart, taking up a fighting stance, "So how about it?"

Inuyasha walked out onto the balcony, drawing his own sword. The large fang burst forth from its bindings, thick and tall against the evening sky. "I don't know who you are…but you must be one helluva idiot to try and fight me!"

The man chuckled, "It is you who's the idiot, my friend. I am Nagatomo! Warlord of these southern lands…follower to no man or beast!"

"Keh!" Inuyasha growled, jumping down to the ground, "I'll fight you and beat you!"

Suddenly the ground seemed to surge up underneath Inuyasha, and the shocked hanyou was jerked into the air, caught in thick netting. The Tetsaiga was caught in the bindings, tangled within the criss-cross of rope. He struggled, helplessly, his claws doing nothing against the thick cording, tugging at his sword. He finally willed the Tetsaiga back to its original form, sheathing it, a low growl emitting from his throat. Nagatomo stood, looking up at the hanyou victoriously.

"That's right…stop struggling you bastard. That was blessed long ago by a miko…no demon can break through its bindings."

Miroku stepped from the room, "I've heard about you Nagatomo. You and your men ravaged and pillaged countless villages under the name of the shogun."

Nagatomo glared at the monk, "It is no concern of yours, monk. I'm merely here to take back my house and son from these demons. I shall release the youkai exterminator after I've dealt with this creature here."

Miroku's heart lurched. They had her? The very thought that Sango was held captive by this man made his stomach churn. The gods only knew what she'd been subjected to while in their hands.

Nagatomo raised a hand high above his wide shoulders. Instantly, a wave of armed samurai warriors and archers sprang from the surrounding trees, their weapons drawn and arrows aimed. Nagatomo stood amongst them, towering over the comparatively smaller men. From the midst of the group, four soldiers walked forward, each pair carrying a struggling burden between them.

Inuyasha stared in horror as a blindfolded and bound Kagome and Sango were thrown to the dirt in front of the horde. Sango struggled against her bindings, her cries of protests muffled by the gag shoved into her mouth. Kirara roared in anger, starting forward. Instantly, Nagatomo was beside Sango, his sword positioned across her back.

"Call off your beast, demon," he snapped, "Or I'll slice this bitch in half!"

Reluctantly Kirara stepped back, her fangs glistening in anger. The sight of her master so abused was driving the demon cat wild. Kirara pawed the ground in frustration, tossing her head back and forth. Miroku placed a comforting hand on the beast's head, trying to calm the demon before she attacked.

"What do you want with us?" Inuyasha growled, his eyes trained on the warrior.

Nagatomo looked up at him, "Release my son from captivity and free him of the demon curse. Do this and I shall free the women."

Miroku frowned, "We never took him hostage. We only came here looking for a place to stay."

"Silence!" Nagatomo roared, "Such simple things do not rule the minds of demons! You are a monk, yes? Then you can cure my son of his illness…if you do so, I will let you and the humans go free…but the demons must perish. Starting with that one…" Nagatomo pointed his sword up at the net containing Inuyasha's struggling form, "Such a violent creature must die for the safety of my people."

Miroku glanced hesitantly between Inuyasha and Sango. If he didn't do as Nagatomo ordered, they might all be killed…however, if he obeyed, Inuyasha would most certainly die.

He looked up at Inuyasha, the hanyou's golden eyes piercing through his skin anxiously. Miroku could see the anger festering within his soul, his body stiff and his face shadowed with dark fury. What would Inuyasha do in a situation like this? Fight no doubt…but Miroku couldn't hold off such and army. Not even with Kirara at his side.

He mind was made up when Kirara nuzzled against him, begging him silently to save Sango. Sighing heavily, he squared his shoulders, glaring in Nagatomo's direction.

"I'll do it."

Instantly, Inuyasha's hot voice burst forth, "Are you out of your mind, Miroku!? He'll kill us!"

Nagatomo laughed, "Be silent, youkai! Your fate was sealed from the moment your bitch of a mother brought you screaming into this world."

Miroku inhaled sharply, his eyes darting up at Inuyasha. Shippo winced slightly, backing away into the room with fear. A heavy silence fell over Inuyasha, his head lowered as a shadow hung over his eyes. A low rumble flowed up from the cavity of his chest at the stinging insult to his family.

"You bastard…"

Nagatomo jumped to the balcony, nearly throwing Miroku to the ground with his landing. Kirara backed away from him, snarling with suppressed anger. The monstrous samurai regarded the creature momentarily before turning to the monk.

"This creature is yours, yes?"

"She belongs to the youkai exterminator."

Nagatomo motioned over his shoulder. A group of samurai rushed forward, a thick rope between them. "All of the demons must be bound and placed under guard as insurance to my son's recovery."

Miroku shook his head, "No."

A soldier walked over to Sango, his katana drawn and pressing into her neck. A tiny droplet of blood welled up from the shallow cut inflicted. Sango groaned, trying to escape the threat of the blade, causing Kagome to whimper in fear. Nagatomo looked in the monk's direction sympathetically.

"This doesn't have to be this way, my friend…simply do my biddings and all will be well."

Miroku sighed, nodding at Kirara. The demon cat hissed slightly before allowing the men to wrap the cord around her neck and tie her to tree beneath Inuyasha. Nagatomo laughed again at the hard expression on Miroku's face. He glanced over to where Shippo sat next to his son, shivering with fright.

"I'll spare the tiny kitsune. He's of no threat to me or my men."

Shippo sweatdropped, "Is he talking about me?"

Brushing past the tiny fox, Nagatomo stood next to his son, beckoning Miroku over. "Do your magic, monk…and do not fail. Should my son die, both you and your friends shall watch each other die slow, painful deaths, understood?"

Miroku nodded gloomily, "Very."

Inuyasha watched wearily as Miroku crouched down next to the boy, beginning in incantations. His glaze slowly shifted to where Kagome and Sango sat tied up to the thick trunk of a cherry tree, unaware of the lustful glances of the samurai around them. He could smell Kagome's fear, almost feel her rapid pulse. How he longed to reach out and comfort the girl…but all of that would have to wait. Right now, he was planning to rip out the throat of a certain samurai warlord.

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Can you deal with that?!? Probably…alright, I hope you guys enjoyed this as much as I enjoyed writing it!! Please give me your all!! Your flames, your praise…and everything in between, whether you enjoyed it or not!! Thanks for your support!!

Oh yea…try and guess what Arcana Imperii means in Latin!! Boy I just love doing this!! A big thank you to GoldAngel2, who did me that honor of being my beta for this fic!!