InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Arcana Imperii ❯ The Death of a Hanyou... ( Chapter 2 )

Arcana Imperii

By: Wildfire Sky

Hiho mates!! Wildfire Sky here!! I'm glad that some people actually reviewed my work (for once). Even though it wasn't a lot, I'm honored that some of your actually like it!! So thank you!! As a reward, here's chapter two!!

And I accidentally forgot the disclaimer so here it is!

Disclaimer: The day I own Inuyasha is the day Hell freezes over…

Arcana Imperii

Chapter Two: The Death of a Hanyou…

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Nagatomo sat across from Miroku, watching the monk work his magic on the prone child before them. His son's breath had become heavily labored in the past few minutes, and the monk still seemed to be making little progress.

He gripped his sword tightly, his red eyes narrowing evilly.

Repeatedly had he warned the monk of a painful death, and repeatedly, the monk told him to allow him to concentrate…and shut up. The bastard monk would have been silenced long ago, had Nagatomo not needed him.

After what seemed like hours, Miroku finally sat back, pausing in his meditations. Pulling a charm from inside his large sleeves, he pressed it to the boy's forehead. Nagatomo glanced from the charm to Miroku's calm face.

"Is that it? Is he cured?"

Miroku stared back evenly, "I've done everything I can for him…it's up to the boy's will to recover."

Nagatomo reached across, snatching up Miroku's robes in his fists, "You damned hoishi! If my son dies, you die, understand me? Until he's fully awake, you'll join your friends in captivity."

Miroku's mind worked quickly.

If he was contained with the others, their hopes of survival were severely diminished…the possibility of escaping with their lives was lower than low.

Quickly Miroku reached over, waving a hand above the boy's brow.

"Give him time, Nagatomo, and he'll be cured. I promise you that..."

Nagatomo instantly released the monk, staring at him skeptically, "Just what the hell are you trying to pull on me? You had assured me that this wouldn't take so long. I have a very important meeting to get to, and this nonsense is wasting my time. Now hurry up!"

Miroku closed his eyes, a look of utter concentration falling over his face. Better to give the warlord an act, then have his neck snapped.

"I can see the demon now…it's a…" he blurted out the first beast that came to mind, "It's a dog demon!!" He groaned inwardly, Awww fuck…

Nagatomo stiffened, his eyes darkening. A dog demon?!?

Instantly his mind shifted to his captives. The red robed one looked like a dog…smelled like one too. Could it be that the bastard laid a curse on his son and came to finish him off? Or perhaps force him into service like he did this monk and the exterminator.

The bastard would pay for this…

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Inuyasha sat in the rope cage, his arms crossed bad temperedly. Kagome and Sango had been tied up on an opposite tree, both looking worse for wear. The samurai were constantly making advances, catching quick grabs at their bottoms or lightly squeezing their breasts with a laugh. One actually tried to straddle Sango, but the powerful woman's knee shot up into his groin, causing the man to fall back with a pain filled scream.

Violence surely would have erupted, had a man, nearly the same height as Nagatomo, not stepped forward, pushing the advancing samurai away.

"She is not to be touched!" he had ordered fiercely, "By order of Nagatomo, should any man touch these women, they shall be sentenced to death!"

The samurai groaned in disappointment, but turned their attention to him and Kirara. While Miroku did whatever the fuck he was doing in there, the soldiers began making bets amongst themselves on which archer could get the closest to hitting Inuyasha without killing him. One arrow actually clipped his ear, the blood still dripping from it. He was lucky the arrowhead hadn't taken the whole thing off.

The sun was setting behind the mountains, and the samurai were beginning to build fires, sitting around them and drinking warm sake.

The large man from before set up a fire between Inuyasha's tree and the girl's, quietly sitting down in front of it.

Inuyasha watched the man rest, uncontrollable hate flowing through his tight veins. He'd long since given up on trying to rip open the netting, concentrating instead on his sustained injuries.

The dog demon pulled back his sleeve, examining the shallow cut he received from a passing arrow.

Carefully, Inuyasha lowered his mouth to the bleeding wound, running his rough tongue over the cut, lapping up the blood that dripped down his arm. The wound stung a little, but he was more worried about Kagome and Sango.

The two were huddled against each other, Sango trying unsuccessfully to warm Kagome with her body. The temperature was declining rapidly, the cold even worse on the exposed mountain side.

Kagome shivered slightly, curling against Sango and burying her face against the older woman's chest. With their hands tied behind them, there was little Sango could do, but rest her chin on top of Kagome's hair reassuringly.

Inuyasha longed to rip out of the net and drape his kimono around Kagome's shoulders, but this miko magic prevented his movements, his actions sluggish as the powers held back his fighting spirit.

So he would wait and watch.

Hopefully Miroku was doing better than they were.

"Hey demon."

Inuyasha looked down at the tall man below.

The samurai stared back up at him, long ago shedding his red and black armor for a simple shirt and trousers. Now Inuyasha could get a good look at him.

The man had short black hair, a thin beard adorning his face. The man looked up at him with empty black eyes, the glint in his dark orbs the only sign of life.

The stare that he was giving Inuyasha set the hanyou on edge. There was something about this man that caused the hairs on the back of his neck stand stiff.

The man blinked, "I'm talking to you, youkai…"

"What do you want?" Inuyasha snapped viciously.

The samurai got to his feet, his eyes never leaving Inuyasha's, "Is that your girl?" he asked motioning with his head at Kagome and Sango.

Inuyasha felt his stomach clench. What the hell is this guy thinking?

"I'll take your silence as a yes." The samurai turned away and began walking over to Kagome. There was something in his hands…something Inuyasha couldn't see.

The samurai crouched down in front of the drained girl, grasping her chin and lifting it to his face.

Inuyasha growled angrily, "What are you doing!? Get away from her!"

The man ignored Inuyasha, placing the bottle in his hands against Kagome's dry lips. The girl sputtered violently, trying to pull away from her aggressor. Sango glared, doing her best to get the man away from her young charge. Ignoring the silent protests of the women, the samurai forced the drink down Kagome's throat and sat back.

Kagome coughed shakily, groaning as she hunched forward.

Inuyasha panicked, "What did you do to her?!?"

The samurai cast him a bored look, "Calm yourself, youkai, the girl is fine."

He stood, walking back underneath the net and looking up, "It's a mixture from my home…it will help keep her warm in the night. The exterminator should be fine without such potions."

Kagome groaned again, slumping against Sango's solid form. Sango shifted slightly so she could better support her unconscious friend.

The samurai nodded to himself.

"Good, she's passed out." He sat down by his fire, "It'll be for the best, youkai, if Lord Nagatomo is not satisfied with the monk...and she weren't awake when she's given to the men."

Inuyasha glared down at the stoic man, "You drugged her!?"

"A mere sleeping medicine," the man replied, poking at the fire with a stick, "There's nothing lethal about it."

What is this guy?? Inuyasha pondered, He has the smell of a human, but he acts almost demonic…If he was a demon, or the undead, I should be able to sense it…

Suddenly, the noise of the camp stopped, all eyes turning to the house. Inuyasha noticed briefly that the samurai didn't bother looking back at his commander, continuing to poke at the flaming embers.

"Sanyo," Nagatomo growled, "Take down the youkai at once."

The samurai got to his feet, walking over to where the rope holding up Inuyasha's net was tied to a stake. He drew a dagger, slicing through the thick ropes in one smooth slice.

Inuyasha came tumbling down to the ground, landing with a heavy grunt.

Instantly he was surrounded by soldiers, their blades drawn and at the ready.

The hanyou growled at them, hesitating, but ready to make an attack. His eyes shifted momentarily to Kagome, trying to stare past Sanyo.

The man stood in front of her prone body, his arms crossed.

Like he was protecting her…Inuyasha let out a low growl. It was his duty to protect Kagome! Not some weird samurai thug!

Nagatomo frowned at the hanyou, "Your slave made a mistake, demon…" he snarled, "He gave you up, told me that it was you who placed the curse on my son."

Inuyasha's head jerked over to stare at him in disbelief, "Nani?!?"

Miroku, standing just inside the room, sighed heavily. It was going to be difficult getting out of this one.

Inuyasha leapt to his feet, angrily pointing a finger in Miroku's direction.

"You moron!! Why did you say something like that!?"

Miroku opened his mouth to reply, but Nagatomo stepped forward, "So you do not deny that you cursed my son?"

"Keh!" Inuyasha snorted, "Like I would waste my time on a runt like him."

The army fell silent, their eyes shifting nervously to their leader.

Nagatomo stood shock still, his eyes narrowed by the insult to his family. This bastard youkai had some balls on him.

The giant drew his long sword, pointing it at Inuyasha in a challenge.

"How dare you insult my family within these walls, youkai? It is obvious to me that you wish to die…" he jumped from the balcony, charging Inuyasha before his feet had barely touched the ground.

He slammed into the off guard hanyou, knocking him from his feet. Inuyasha flew back, smashing against a thick tree trunk.

Before he could recover, Nagatomo was on top of him, his foot firmly placed across Inuyasha's throat. He placed the tip of his dragon blade underneath Inuyasha's chin, forcing his head back.

"Listen well, youkai…these are my lands and in my lands people show me undying obedience, whether they're from here or not." A smirk slowly drew across his lips, "You are one cocky bastard, I'll give you that much. Most beasts would cower before me, but you…you just keep running your mouth like you're saying something that needs to be heard."

Inuyasha snarled at the insult, "You son of a bitch…"

Nagatomo roared with laughter, "Quite a mouth on this youkai, eh? Sanyo, bring me some rope!"

The silent warrior strode over, instantly setting to work on tying back Inuyasha's arms and ankles. The restrictions in place, Nagatomo stepped back as his warriors pressed in eagerly.

The hanyou struggled against his binds, staring up angrily at the warlord.

"I'm gonna rip out your throat, you piece of shit!"

Nagatomo slapped the flat of his blade across Inuyasha's cheek, the power of it drawing a stream of blood. Inuyasha grunted in pain was he was thrown to the ground by the force of the blow.

The surrounding samurai laughed cruelly at the hanyou's torture, jeering and taunting the beast to get up and fight.

Nagatomo stood, legs akimbo, a dangerous glint in his eyes as he sheathed his sword. He walked over to where Kagome lay, sweeping her up into his arms.

Inuyasha groaned softly, struggling to focus on this threat before him.

"I'll make you a deal, demon," Nagatomo said, "If you can lift the curse from my son, I won't kill your bitch…if not, not only will I kill her, but I'll let my men have their way with her first."

The men laughed, whooping and hollering in excitement at the promise. Miroku stepped forward, reaching out as though he might draw Kagome from the monster's hands.

"Wait…you swore that the women wouldn't be hurt…"

The giant looked over his shoulder at the monk, "Indeed I did…however, that promise only applied if you were able to cure my son. As far as I can see, he's not awakening from his slumber. It is my right to seek vengeance for my family."

"You have to give me more time, Nagatomo!!"

"You've had all the time you need, monk!" Nagatomo roared, "No leeway shall be given to those who seek to destroy human life. Monk, when all is done here, you shall take your exterminator and leave these lands forever. These demons and this woman shall die on this night."

A low growl rippled up from the explosive laughter, the vicious noise cutting off the men's pleasure.

They stared down at their captive in a mix of awe and fear, staring into the cold eyes of a killer. Inuyasha flexed against the binds, his growl escalating into a harsh snarl, and his eyes flashing.

"You will not touch her…" he hissed dangerously, working at the ropes. "You will never touch her like that…"

Nagatomo handed Kagome off to the nearby Sanyo, glaring down at the hanyou, "You dare speak to me like that…" he sniffed the air, "Humm…I was wrong about you…you are no youkai, you are naught but a half-demon, a plague to this beautiful country."

He stepped closer, "No human girl should ever be around such a dirty, disgusting creature as yourself…they belong with real humans…to her, you're no more than a pet dog."

Inuyasha flexed again, the strands of the charmed rope fraying slightly, "I may be a dirty hanyou…but I'm nothing compared to your black heart!! Kagome should be with someone who will care for her and not abuse her!"

"Like you, hanyou?" Nagatomo smirked beneath his grated mask, "Don't be foolish…believe what you want to, to her, you're no more than a pet puppy to play with when she gets lonely…"

Inuyasha's eyes narrowed, "I can deal with that, Nagatomo…all I care about is that she won't be harmed by a bastard like you!!"

With a mighty roar, Inuyasha's entire body seemed to expand, the ropes exploded outwards, slashing across the stunned samurai.

Nagatomo knocked away the exploding strands, grunting as a thick cord slapped him across his face. His eyes narrowed in surprise, involuntarily taking a step away from the burning hanyou.

"I-Impossible…" he hissed, reaching for his sword, "It was blessed with the powers of a miko…"

Inuyasha stood before the shocked army, his silver strands of hair blowing in the sudden wind. His robe rustled, revealing the hilt of his infamous sword, Tessaiga, the blade seeming to pulse with the warlord's very heart beat.

Sanyo stepped away from the seething dog demon, nearing the bound Sango. He glanced down at her, placing the unconscious Kagome beside her and untying her binds.

"Take the girl and leave," he ordered, "Do not hesitate or I shall kill you…"

Sango jerked the gag from her mouth, glaring angrily, "Why the hell are you helping us now!?"

Sanyo ignored her, grabbing the woman's arms and jerking her to her feet, "I will not repeat myself again…leave these grounds and do not return!"

Shippo shot from the boy's room, landing on Miroku's shoulder, "Sango! We can't just leave Kagome and Inuyasha here!"

Sanyo frowned, "Very well then, if you wish to die, I won't stop you."

Miroku rushed over to Sango and Kagome, "We should get back inside…I have to watch this boy until he's fully recovered from the exorcism."

Shippo blinked, "You…you mean the demon's out?"

"There never was any demon," Miroku sighed, "The boy was simply running a high fever."

"Baka!" the young kitsune cried, "Why didn't you say that in the first place!?"

"As if the man would have believed me…"

Sanyo stared at the group before turning away, "Do as you wish, monk…the soon the boy awakes, the better your chances of survival."

The group looked over to where Inuyasha stood, hand hovering dangerously close to his sword. Shippo whimpered lightly, pulling closer to Miroku.

"Will Inuyasha fight him?"

The monk bent down, lifting Kagome into his arms, "Nagatomo threatened Kagome…if I know Inuyasha, he'll do his best to make Nagatomo regret his words…"

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Inuyasha stood facing Nagatomo and his horde, his sword fully drawn. The air around them seemed to be stiff with anticipation, as if awaiting the pain and death to come.

Nagatomo involuntarily took a step back, feeling the strange change in the winds. He gripped his sword tightly, pressing his lips together in worry.

It was a strange occurrence to him…it wasn't every day that a mere hanyou could make the winds change so.

The samurai around him shifted nervously. Suddenly, an archer stepped forward, fitting an arrow to his bow and pulling the string back till it was taunt. He sighted along the length of the arrow, the head aimed between Inuyasha's breasts.

"Allow me, my lord…"

The other archers immediately came forth, fitting their arrows and preparing to fire. Nagatomo stepped back into the horde, his eyes never leaving that of Inuyasha's.

The demon's golden eyes were now flaked with red, his claws and fangs visibly longer, a dark shadow fallen over his face.

The archers let loose their arrows with a harsh cry, sending them flying at Inuyasha.

"Keh!" Inuyasha snarled, knocking the arrows away carelessly, "Back off! I'm not here to deal with weaklings like you!"

The southern warlord flinched slightly as the hanyou's eyes settled on him, "What…what are you, hanyou? You are no ordinary demon brat…" Nagatomo shook his head, pointing his sword at Inuyasha angrily, "So you think that you can defeat me in my own home? Please, hanyou!! I am a god amongst men!! Do you think your petty threats will affect me?"

Nagatomo grinned cruelly, "Die hanyou!!"

The army surged forward, brandishing their blades menacingly. As the first man swung, Inuyasha jerked away, leaping to a high bough. Steadying himself on his perch, Inuyasha stared down at Nagatomo, seething with anger.

Nagatomo spread his arms, staring around at his men.

"What's wrong, hanyou? Have you finally realized you cannot beat my army?" the warlord grasped his weapon, "It is obvious to me that such immature tricks as this won't work. If it is my blood you desire, this have at you, beast!"

Nagatomo moved into a fighting stance, crouching slightly and holding the flat of the blade parallel to his cheek. His ruby eyes flashed dangerously, "If you think you can kill me as you have tried to do my son, then prepare to be very disappointed!"

Inuyasha stood up, balancing on the tree limb, "How many times do I have to tell you? I didn't curse him!"

"Then tell me, Inuyasha…" Nagatomo hissed, "How did my son become like this? Why is it that he lies on his bed immobile and dead to the world?"

"Hell if I know…"

Nagatomo jerked upright, glaring up at Inuyasha, "Come down here and fight me, you filthy hanyou! Come down so I might have my vengeance!!"

Inuyasha jumped down from the tree limb, lightly landing in front of Nagatomo. He held his sword over one shoulder, staring at the giant man in front of him with indifference.

Squaring his shoulders, taking a step forward, Inuyasha ignored the samurai as they backed away from his approaching form. Nagatomo stiffened his sword now level with the ground.

The men surrounded the two, watching anxiously as they squared off. Inuyasha cast a weary eye around, his golden orbs landing on Nagatomo's battle worn face.

"You really think I did it, don't you?"

Nagatomo nodded slowly, "As far as I know, you've been the only demon that's close enough to infect him."

"And the fact that we arrived after he was cursed means nothing to you?"

The massive warlord hesitated, his eyes narrowing in suspicion, "That fact did not escape me, beast…as a general of such a great army; you learn to approach a situation at all angles. However, I'm learned in the ways of youkai and hanyous. Such a creature as strong as you would have no trouble manipulating a demon to do your will. I have many enemies who bear a grudge with me, and the location of my home is no secret to the populous. The fact that you've arrived here with human slaves merely days after my son's curse sets into me great suspicions."

Inuyasha snorted, "You're making no sense…that's the dumbest thing I've ever heard!"

Nagatomo snarled, "You damn hanyou!! Even if you are not the one who cursed my son, I shall take my anger out on you and send you back into the pits of Hell!"

Inuyasha drew his blade up just as the charging Nagatomo's blade came crashing down on top of him. The weight of the blade forced Inuyasha to one knee, sweat beginning to drip down the side of his face.

He grunted painfully as Nagatomo tried to force him down to the ground. The warlord brought his blade up suddenly, taking another swipe at the hanyou below him.

Inuyasha jerked out of the way, jumping towards the edge of the human circle.

"Damn he's a fast bastard…" he mumbled to himself.

Nagatomo lifted his sword above his head, "Prepare yourself hanyou!! Kasai-harou!!"

The ground split open as Nagatomo sent his blade crashing down, ripping the earth apart as a massive wave of fire roared towards Inuyasha.

The hanyou leapt out of the way, watching as the electric flames consumed the group of men behind him. The samurai groaned in horror and pain as the blaze swirled around them, peeling the flesh from their skin and melting their armor.

Inuyasha landed, struggling to ignore the charred remains of the soldiers.

Nagatomo hefted his blade to his shoulder, smirking at Inuyasha, "What's wrong, hanyou? Didn't think I'd have some much power?"

Inuyasha felt sick to his stomach. The smell of burning human flesh was more than his sensitive nose could bear. The viciousness of it was terrifying and by the look in Nagatomo's eyes, he'd kill again with pleasure.

He gagged slightly as a breeze wafted the stench beneath his nose. It was then that he noticed the silent samurai.

What's wrong with them? He thought, watching their stone faces, Don't they care that their comrades have been murdered so heartlessly?

Nagatomo threw his head back a laughed, "The look on your face makes me laugh, hanyou. We've come back from hard battle…such death and destruction is a part of our lives. What they've witness is no worse than what they see on the battlefield." He nodded at the soldiers, "I do the same thing in war, Inuyasha…these men know I do it for them…to protect them from the evil of the world."

"How can you protect them if you're killing them?"

Nagatomo's eyes twitched, "Urusai! How would a creature like you ever understand a human being?" he shook his head as if trying to dispel some horrible image from his mind, "I've seen much death, Inuyasha…I know what it means to kill men in cold blood and with mercy. Did you not notice that they did not scream out? Yes, they did moan, but what man wouldn't? I released them from the pain of this world…I'd do it for any man and willingly."

Inuyasha snorted, "That's what's wrong with you…"

Nagatomo lowered his blade, preparing for another attack. "This place will be your death, hanyou! Come at me if you have the guts!"

Inuyasha leveled his blade even with Nagatomo's chest, "As you wish…"

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Miroku and Sango watched as Inuyasha and Nagatomo repeatedly charged each other, clashing with both blades and words. Shippo stared on in amazement as the massive human matched Inuyasha swing to vicious swing, flinching as Nagatomo threw his hanyou protector to the ground; just barely running Inuyasha threw with his dragon blade.

"This is terrible, Sango!" Shippo cried from his perch on Miroku's shoulder, "This Nagatomo is as strong as Inuyasha is!"

Miroku sighed, "He might be even stronger…"

Sango turned to the monk in surprise, "How can that be? He's just a normal human."

"Maybe he has a Shikon shard inside of him." Shippo suggested hopefully, looking between the two, "Like the Shichinintai, they were human zombies, but the only reason they were so strong was because Naraku gave them shards."

Miroku's eyes narrowed, "It is a possibility, Shippo...and if that were true, by the looks of this man he's more than a formidable foe."

"What should we do?" Shippo asked, his eyes darting from Miroku to the battle.

Sighing, Miroku crouched next to Kagome, brushing her hair away from her sweaty forehead, "There isn't much we can do except wait for Kagome to awaken and pray that Inuyasha doesn't lose..."

Sango clenched her fists in frustration, her deep eyes locked on the restrained Kirara. If only she could get to her poor beast, then they would have a chance to escape with their lives. She looked at Miroku, "I have to free Kirara."

Shippo instantly leapt from the monk's shoulder, placing herself in front of Sango, a flustered look on her scrunched face, "You can't, Sango! The samurai will kill you before they let you near!"

"I don't care. She can't just be left like that waiting to be slaughtered." Sango set her shoulders, "Kirara has always protected me...it's only right that I try and do the same for her."

Miroku shook his head, "Shippo is right, you can't be seen or they'll kill you and Kirara without hesitation. They've been hyped by the battle and so are very unpredictable."

Sango narrowed her eyes at him, "Then what would you suggest, Miroku?"

The monk's eyes slid down, catching Shippo in his gaze. A slow, dangerous smile crept across his face, his eyes narrowing with glee. Sango followed his stare; suddenly realizing what he was thinking. She also began to smile, taking a slow step towards the confused youkai.

Shippo looked between the two advancing humans, breaking out into a cold sweat. "Wh...what are you guys doing...?"

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Inuyasha collapsed against the thick truck of a cherry tree, grunting in pain and over exertion. He couldn't take much more of this, but as long as Kagome was in Nagatomo's control and he still drew breath, he could continue to fight on.

Nagatomo slowly approached Inuyasha, his eyes glinting evilly, "Please don't tell me that's the best you've got, hanyou! I expected more of a challenge..."

Inuyasha pushed himself up, leaning against Tessaiga, "Oh, don't you worry, Nagatomo...I'll send you to Hell before I give up!"

The warlord chuckled, his laughter filled with darkness instead of humor. He glanced up at the star filled sky, a look of pleasure crossing his face, "It feels good to fight under the stars again, Inuyasha...those were the best battles in my opinion. When you go in to finish off you opponent, only to hear them beg and scream for mercy, you can't see their face in the darkness...only feel their blood washing over you as you rip out their throat."

Nagatomo lowered his gaze, pinning Inuyasha where he stood, "Many a man has threatened me, hanyou...you are no different!"

The giant picked up his sword, charging Inuyasha at a blinding speed, "You will die under these stars and they did, beast! Vengeance for my son will be mine!"

The force of the charge threw Inuyasha off balance, the wind from his chest rushing out in a loud 'whoosh'. The hanyou doubled over the hilt of the sword, trying to ease the pain of feeling it connect with his gut, the dragon head digging into his skin.

Nagatomo grabbed Inuyasha's chin, tilting it so he could see the young half demon's face.

"If you thought that hurt...tell me how this feels!"

Inuyasha's limp body flew across the groove, landing against the base of a tree with a sickening crunch. His head fell back against the tree, staring at Nagatomo with dulling eyes. The Tessaiga was still in his faltering hold, willing Inuyasha to his feet, pulsing against his open palm. Nagatomo observed the fallen beast momentarily before turning to Sanyo.

"Awaken the girl and bring her to me."

No...Inuyasha's head throbbed with pain as he struggled to regain control over his fading mind. No...Kagome...

The Tessaiga quaked rapidly in his hand, encouraging him, urging him to stand and fight. He could hear the giant approaching him, his feet muffled by the grasses, yet his body refused to move, giving up rather than face this monstrous man again.

All Inuyasha could do was put on his best glare, hoping the warlord would back off.
Nagatomo simply crouched in front of the hanyou, cupping a hand under his chin and moving it back and forth, observing his flesh and features. He ran a hand through the silver tresses, nodding his head as if pleased by the feel of it.

Then he reached up, pinching the tips of the triangle ears perched atop Inuyasha's head, flicking them playfully. He looked down at Inuyasha's pained face.

"You know," he said, pulling back Inuyasha's lips to examine his teeth, "I think I'll rip these fangs of yours from your skull and make a necklace for my son. Then perhaps I'll use this fine hair of yours and make myself a shirt and pants from your skins." The man roared with laughter as Inuyasha began to growl, "Is that all you can do? Purr at me??"

Inuyasha's head snapped around as Nagatomo cracked his fist across the dog demon's face. Catching the front of Inuyasha's shirt, Nagatomo rose to his full height, lifting Inuyasha from the ground.

Giving the youngster a good shake, he brought his sword up beneath Inuyasha's chin, forcing the head back.

"I find it amazing that you're still alive, hanyou..." he grinned, the grip on his sword tightening, "Perhaps I'll remedy you of that little flaw..." He pressed the end of the doragon-ken deeper into Inuyasha's throat, a pearl of blood sliding down the blood channel.

Catching the droplet with his finger, Nagatomo held it up to his eye, "As I understand, demon blood is especially good for remedying curses put on by other demons...may I test that theory?"

The warlord stepped back, throwing Inuyasha to the ground and raising the sword above his head again. Inuyasha could only watch, his unresponsive body ignoring his command to get up and move. Nagatomo's eyes seemed to glow, his jaw firmly set in a vicious grin as he prepared to strike.

"Kasai-har---" Nagatomo froze, his eyes widening in shock as an arrow soared past, barely grazing his cheek, and burying itself in the tree in front of him. He slowly turned to look over his shoulder, catching the eye of the once unconscious Kagome.

Her eyes were fierce as she fitted another arrow to her string, ignoring the soldiers that pressed in closer. She stared at Nagatomo angrily, aiming straight for his heart, "Let him go or this next one goes in your chest!"

Nagatomo blinked, his dark eyes twitching involuntarily, "You...how are you...?"

Sanyo crouched down next to Nagatomo, his blade at the ready to defend his leader, "My serum has worn off, lord...she is fully awake now."

"How is this possible? Your toxins never wear so quickly!" Nagatomo snorted through his mask, the whips of his breath visible in the chilly night air, "Where is Kentono?"

Sanyo frowned slightly, "He was called away while you were with the monk, my lord...a message from the shogun."

Nagatomo nodded before turning his attention back to the girl and her companions. He took a step forward, regardless of the dangers, "For such a young girl, your powers are remarkable. How can a miko of so young an age possible contain such magic?"

Miroku frowned slightly, "So you knew she was a miko from the beginning?"

"Of course," the warlord answered, "Why do you think I had Sanyo put her to sleep? I couldn't risk such power turned against me."

"And yet you would have tried to kill her?"

Nagatomo grinned; "To fight a miko is good sport..." he turned, grabbing the front of Inuyasha's haori and lifting his limp body from the ground. He turned, using the hanyou as a shield as he spoke out from behind him, "However, there are other things a hand now. Monk, has my son awakened?"

Glancing over his shoulder Miroku sighed, "His condition has not changed, but I assure you, he'll wake up."

Glaring up at Inuyasha, Nagatomo set his teeth on edge, "You...I'm positive you're the cause of all my problems, hanyou...answer me truthfully, what creature did you send forth to curse my son?"

Inuyasha stared back, his gaze equal to that of the giant samurai, "Shimatta!! I didn't do anything to your son!"

"Liar..." Nagatomo snarled.

Suddenly, he drew back his sword, eyes glinting fiercely as he rammed it forward. Inuyasha groaned in pain as the blade drove through his chest, exploding from the other side in a rush of blood and metal.

Nagatomo grinned as he twisted the sword out, tossing Inuyasha's limp body to the ground. Sanyo stood back as his master approached Inuyasha's body, landing a swift kick in his side before looking up at the balcony.

Kagome's hand went slack as Nagatomo ran Inuyasha through with his sword, "Oh Kami..."she moaned as she watched Inuyasha fall limp, crumpling to the ground like an empty sack. She tried to rush forward, but Sango's hand lashed out, holding her back.

"Inuyasssshaaa!!" she screamed out, feeling the youkai exterminator's hand her wrist

"Don't go, Kagome-chan," Sango said quickly, "If you try and get to him, Nagatomo's men will kill you!"

Kagome struggled against Sango's hands, her heart racing in panic. Inuyasha...Inuyasha was hurt...maybe even dying! She couldn't just stand here and watch that happen! She'd never be able to live with herself.

She could see him...see him laying there, the grass soaked with the blood streaming from his body. His chest rose in fell heavily, straining for air. His fading golden eyes stared back at her, almost beckoning her to him.

Kagome struggled harder against Sango, "Onegai! Let me go, Sango, please! I have to get to Inuyasha!"

Nagatomo's booming laughter drifted over the orchard, "Let her go, exterminator! If she so wishes to be with the creature, let her!!" he held out his sword, Inuyasha's blood still dripping from it, "Let her come to me so she can get a closer look at the death of her precious hanyou..."

Kagome broke away from Sango, pushing past the crowding men. Instantly, Sango and Miroku took off after her, begging her to stop before she was hurt. One of the samurai jumped in front of the pursuers, his katana brandished.

"The bitch can go, but you two can't!"

Sango raised her Hirikotsu, "Move now!"

The other samurai circled the two, the deadly grins on their faces revealing their dangerous thoughts. Sango and Miroku pressed their backs together, preparing to fight off the advancing warriors.

A warrior jumped forward, making a jab at Sango which she easy knocked away, drawing her own sword.

"We have to get to Kagome-chan," she whispered to Miroku, using her large boomerang as a shield, "I have no idea what that Nagatomo might do to her."

Miroku nodded his agreement, "If Shippo would just hurry, we might have a chance..."

Suddenly a group of samurai rushed the two,, their swords swinging dangerously. Sango dodged the first swing, but a second clipped the side of her face, drawing blood. She stumbled back, her weapon raised to ward off another attack.

Miroku tried to turn and assist the exterminator, but another group began attacking, their blades swishing dangerously close to his body.

"Sango!" he cried out when he heard her fall. He risked a glanced over his shoulder, his world almost stopping when he saw her pinned beneath her boomerang, the samurai swords baring down on her, "Sango, hold on!"

Suddenly there was an earth shattering roar and a flash of golden fur tore into the samurai, throwing Sango's attackers into the surround crowd.

Kirara placed herself in front of her master, her red eyes narrowed. The warriors hesitated at the sight of the giant fire cat. Instantly Sango was on her feet, beating back the other samurai attacking Miroku.

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Nagatomo watched as his soldiers attacked and were pushed back, each advancement quickly countered by the hanyou's group. He growled anxiously, wishing he had the leadership of his brother now to control the actions of his group. He would send Sanyo into the fray, but at the moment, he needed the warrior's presence beside him. If things got too out of hand, he would need the samurai's excellent sword skills.

Nagatomo's blood red eyes slid over to where Kagome knelt beside Inuyasha, cradling the hanyou's head to her chest. As much as he enjoyed toying with the dog demon and his friends, time was of the essence. He needed to revive his son and answer the shogun's calling and messing around with some half-breed was too distracting.

He pointed his dragon blade at Kagome, his eyes narrowed in absolute perusal of his goal, "Move now, girl, or you shall die with him. I have no problem slicing your body in half with that dirty half-breed's."

Kagome stared up at him, clutching Inuyasha closer, pressing her cheek to his silver mane, "No. I'm not moving."

"Don't be a fool, girl," Sanyo hissed from the side, "Be wise and value your life before it is taken."

Kagome glared, "I'm not leaving him." She stated, wrapping her arms around him tighter to prove her point. Inuyasha groaned beneath her embrace, trying to push Kagome away before any harm could be done to her. He couldn't risk...wouldn't risk her death on his hands. If she got away safely, then he could die happy.

"Kagome," he managed to choke out, his chest contracting painfully, "Kagome...leave. Take the others and get as far away...far away as possible."

"Are you kidding me?" Kagome near snapped, "After all we've been through, what makes you think I would even consider leaving your side?"

Nagatomo stared at her curiously, "You women...don't you understand girl, that I can free you from the captivity this beast has put you under? Don't you wish to be free from his deadly claws and threats? Just move aside now and I swear to you, his death shall be quick."

When Kagome didn't move, the warlord quickly moved forward, placing himself directly in front of the trembling girl, "Look at you...if I didn't know any better, I'd think you were in love with this cursed monster! Tell me that I'm wrong...tell me that a human could ever love a hanyou."

"He protects me and I'll protect him." Kagome replied angrily, "If you were really going to kill us, you would have done it long ago."

Nagatomo twitched, "Are you fool enough to think that I, a great warlord, would spare a bitch like you for the sake of love? I kill hundreds, men and women regardless of if they're in love or not." He shoved his dragon blade at Kagome, his eyes twitching, "Worthless trash! It is obvious to me that this hanyou as poisoned your mind so deeply, no amount of magic could bring you back. I thought a miko could be stronger than this..."

Sanyo stepped forward, placing a hand on Nagatomo's blade, "My lord, look...the hanyou's blood already stains the ground. You can see he is dying."

A thin smile crossed Nagatomo's lips, "Hanyou's are stronger than that, my friend. They have the blood of youkai in them, do not forget. The blood loss will not kill him...not yet. If he survives this encounter, then I shall take him with me to the shogun as an offering to the gods."

Inuyasha glared up at Nagatomo, finding the strength to push Kagome away from him. He pressed his back against the tree trunk, forcing his body to stand on shaking legs. He stared at the warlord defiantly, squaring his shoulders.

"You and your fucking shogun can go to hell."

Nagatomo hissed at the barb, his grip tightening as he stepped forward. Sanyo tried to restrain the seething warlord, but the giant simply pushed him away.

As Kagome tried to step between Inuyasha and Nagatomo, Sanyo grabbed her arm, jerking her back.

"Stay away, young miko..." he whispered, "It is unwise for you to venture into the middle of such an explosive fray."

Kagome struggled against him slightly, eyeing his skeptically, "Why are you trying to protect me?"

Santo never once met her eyes, "I have my reasons...."

Nagatomo towered over Inuyasha, staring down at the hanyou hatefully, "You refuse to surrender yourself and become a sacrifice...." he grinned, "Very well then. This is the end for you hanyou!"

Kagome lunged forward as Nagatomo lashed out with his hand at blinding speed, gripping the front of Inuyasha's haori and jerking him forward. The hanyou grabbed at the thick wrists, trying to free himself from the iron grasp.

"Let me go you bastard!"

Nagatomo ignored Inuyasha, giving the hanyou a sharp shake as he raised his sword, "Be silent and go to hell in peace!"

"Tou-san?"

Nagatomo's blade froze inched from Inuyasha's neck. He looked up in surprise, the pain and blood lust in his eyes fading instantly. Turning slowly he dropped Inuyasha to the ground, ignoring the pain filled curse uttered from below. He lowered his weapon, making his way towards the stunned and silent army.

Sanyo quickly released the struggling Kagome, turning instantly to follow his master. Kagome knelt at Inuyasha's side, her hand on his shoulder.

"Daijobu Inuyasha?"

Inuyasha groaned slightly, rubbing his bottom, "H-Hai...what happened?"

Kagome frowned slightly, turning her head to the retreating Nagatomo, "I...I think his son's finally awake..."

Inuyasha's head jerked up, "Nani??"

Nagatomo continued forward, oblivious to everything but what was in front of him. Sango and Miroku quickly moved aside, allowing the gigantic warrior passage. Nagatomo paused in front of the raised walkway, a smile gracing his lips.

"My...my little oni..."

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Alright then, the next chapter to Arcana Imperii!! Please R&R and make us BOTH happy!!