InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Concrete Rose ❯ A Lethal Alliance ( Chapter 8 )

Concrete Rose

 

Chapter 8: Lethal Alliance

 

 

 

 

Masoto was watching Suzuka polish her swords. He noticed how serious and determined she looked. As if she sensed his eyes watching her, Suzuka immediately looked up at him. She sheathed both of her swords.

 

“ Is there something you wish to know?” She asked. Masoto frowned.

 

“ Are there more of you?” He asked.

 

“ You are asking if there is anyone higher in rank than Akio?” Suzuka asked. Masoto nodded. Suzuka sighed and examined her nails. “ There is Ikeike. She is the only full youkai here. She is almost never seen, seldom heard, and always feared. I've only seen her on rare occasions, lately. She used to be my trainer. She basically lets Akio think he runs the show.”

 

“ What kind of youkai is Ikeike?” Masoto asked.

 

“ She's an inu youkai. Ikeike is one of the more powerful ones. She wears a mask covering her mouth and nose at all times. All you ever see are her eyes. I have no idea what her whole face looks like. Her eyes are evil enough. She has silver hair and pupiless eyes. What about you? Is there anyone that you report to?”

 

“ Yes, as a matter-of-fact there is. I report to Ryomaru. I sent Yukiko to get him.”

 

“ Who is this Ryomaru?” A different voice said. Suzuka looked up as Masoto turned around. A female youkai with long silver hair and pupiless eyes stood there. She wore something that closely resembled a demon slayer's outfit. She flexed her fingers. Masoto just stared up at her.

 

“ He is the son of Raiden and the girl's uncle. He is responsible for his father and sister's deaths. He killed them himself. You are Ikeike?” He asked. The youkai nodded her head.

 

“ Yes, I am Ikeike. Suzuka, when can we expect Sesshomaru?” Ikeike asked, running a clawed hand through her hair.

 

“ Anytime, I suppose. He should have found out that his beloved Kai is missing.”

 

“ Akio said he sent Sanna. Where is she? Shouldn't she have reported back by now?” Ikeike crossed her arms.

 

“ Maybe Sesshomaru caught her. Perhaps we should go and retrieve her.” Suzuka suggested. Ikeike shook her head as Akio walked up. He looked surprised to see her.

 

“ Ikeike, I did not ex...”

 

“ Save it, Akio. When is the Ryomaru supposed to get here?” Ikeike asked. Masoto shrugged.

 

“ I only sent Yukiko yesterday. It is a one day trip back and forth. She should be back with him later tonight.” Masoto said. Ikeike nodded. She turned towards Akio.

 

“ Alert me when our guest arrives, Akio.” With that, she walked off. Masoto watched her with curious eyes.

 

` I wonder what she is hiding behind that mask,' he wondered.

 

Kimi opened her eyes as the sunlight poured through the window. She took in her surroundings and realized that this was most definitely not her room. She glanced around, searching for some clue as to where she was. That was when Sesshomaru appeared, putting Tokujin and Tenseiga under his sash. Kimi frowned and sat up quickly.

 

“ What am I doing in your room?” She yelled. Sesshomaru cringed at her screeching. He looked at her and realized that she had not yet reverted back to her hybrid form. He also took in the site of her naked torso. He smirked and continued arranging his armor. Kimi frowned. “ Answer me, damnit!” She yelled again.

 

“ Do you not remember anything that happened last night?”

 

“ Apparently not if I'm asking you, asshole.” The wind blew through the window as Kimi finished her sentence. She felt the crisp morning air hit her chest and she shivered. Then she looked down. Gasping, she tried desperately to cover herself. She glared up at Sesshomaru. “ HENTAI!!” She yelled at him. Sesshomaru ignored her and walked out of the room, sliding the door shut.

 

Kimi watched the door shut and then turned away from it. She looked around the room for her kimono. When she found it, it was torn to shreds and beyond repair. Sighing, she wrapped herself in the sheet from the futon and went to the door. Sliding it open almost silently, she looked both ways before she stepped out. Kimi made a mad dash down the hall.

 

As Kimi was passing Rin's door, it slid open, revealing Rin. At the same moment, Kimi stepped on the sheet and went tumbling forward onto her face. Rin looked down at her and took in her appearance. A few servants looked passed by and looked at the fallen hybrid. Rin knelt down beside her.

 

“ Kimi, are you okay?” She asked, touching her shoulder. Kimi sat up on her knees and rubbed her head. Rin took in her appearance and noticed that she was in inu youkai form.

 

“ Yeah, I'm fine, Rin. Thanks for asking unlike those two jerks!” Kimi yelled after the servants. They pretended to ignore her and kept about their duties. Rin laughed and took in Kimi's attire.

 

“ Kimi, what are you wearing?” She asked, examining the makeshift toga. Kimi looked at a lost for words. Rin examined the sheets closer. They were the sheets that she helped Suki put on Sesshomaru's futon. Rin looked up at her.

 

“ Yes, I was in Sesshomaru's room. I woke up there and I was naked. Plus, my kimono was all shredded up. I can't remember anything after Kagome caught that Hunter lady...”

 

“ Hunter lady?” Rin raised an eyebrow. Kimi nodded.

 

“ Yeah. Apparently, a Hunter kidnapped Kai, but one was also spying on Sesshomaru and me when we were...” Kimi's eyes widened in realization. She DID remember that part of last night. She put two and two together and clasped her hand over her mouth. “ Oh my...” Before she finished, she smelled an all too familiar scent.

 

“ What are you two doing sitting in the middle of the hall like this? Rin, did I not tell you to stay in your room?” Sesshomaru asked in his icy tone. Rin stood up and looked him in the eye.

 

“ THIS Rin is old enough to make her own decisions, thank you. Now, if you will excuse me, LORD Sesshomaru, I am hungry and I also would to bathe.” Rin pushed past Sesshomaru as Kimi struggled to stand. Sesshomaru watched her pass him. He looked down at Kimi. She was adjusting the sheet around her.

 

“ Are you going to let her talk to you like that?” Kimi asked mockingly. Rin smirked as she continued her walk down the hall. Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes.

 

“ Why are you wearing that sheet?” He asked. Kimi crossed her arms over her chest, trying to keep it covered from his eyes.

 

“ You shredded my other one to bits. Seeing how I wasn't in my own room, I couldn't very well go prancing down the hall butt-ass, could I? So, I used what we in this world call a brain and made something to cover myself with. Now, if you will excuse me, I have somewhere to...” Before Kimi finished, Inuyasha walked up behind her.

 

“ Why are you wearing a sheet?” He asked. Kimi rolled her eyes and stormed pass him. She slid her door shut and let out a small scream of frustration. Inuyasha had caught a whiff of her as she passed him. He looked over at his brother. “ You fucked her, didn't you?” He asked slyly. Sesshomaru lowered his eyes to him.

 

“ What did you just say?” He asked. He could not have possibly heard his younger brother correctly. Inuyasha grinned devilishly.

 

“ You fucked her. She has your scent all over her.” Inuyasha said giddily. Sesshomaru continued to stare blankly at him.

 

“ You speak nonsense, Inuyasha. It is my sheet that you smell.” Sesshomaru realized too late that he had just set himself up for another comment from Inuyasha.

 

“ I wonder how she got a sheet off of YOUR futon, Sesshomaru. I'm not stupid, you know.” Inuyasha said. Sesshomaru cocked his head to the side.

 

“ You really could've fooled this Sesshomaru. Inuyasha step aside and shut up about this before I lose my temper.” Sesshomaru growled, pinching the bridge of his nose. Inuyasha did not heed his brother's warning, as usual.

 

“ Tell me this one thing, Sesshomaru. How did you get her to go with you?” He said quietly.

 

Kimi turned as she was tying her hair up. Her door had just been knocked down. On the floor was a heap of red and white. Kimi saw the little dog ears and sighed. She walked over to the entrance to her room and saw Sesshomaru disappear around a corner. She smirked and looked down at Inuyasha.

 

“ What did you say to him?” Kimi asked. Inuyasha rubbed his head as he sat up.

 

“ I just asked him a question about last night. I know what happened between you two. Hell, the whole castle knows what happened. You two weren't exactly subtle with your actions. Then, as to confirm my suspicions, you show up in a sheet saturated with his scent.” Inuyasha said. Kimi nodded and sat down next to him.

 

“ I don't know what came over me last night.” She whispered. Inuyasha laughed.

 

“ You were in heat. I guess since you are part inu youkai that it does not exclude you from going into it. That is why you are in your inu youkai form now. No one ever told you about it?”

 

“ No. My father is the inu youkai in the family. He died before I was born. My mother died when I was really young. I don't think my grandfather thought I would go into it.” Kimi said.

 

“ You've never been it before?”

 

“ Maybe I was and didn't realize it. I didn't necessarily spend my time around youkai. I was always on the run or hiding someplace. Plus, I have these salts that I use to mask my scent from youkai trying to find me. Maybe that's why I never really noticed.” Kimi said. Inuyasha nodded.

 

Sesshomaru opened the door to the dungeon. The female youkai was sitting on the damp floor, staring at seemingly nothing. She looked up as Sesshomaru approached her. Jaken followed in behind him. Smirking, Sanna stood.

 

“ Come to have a little chat?” She asked. Sesshomaru grabbed her around the neck, squeezing ever-so-slightly. He felt her skin break under his claws. Smirking inwardly, he watched her squirm uncomfortably.

 

“ Give this Sesshomaru one extremely good reason why he should not rip your head off of your shoulders.” He said in a low tone. Sanna managed to smile at him. This took Sesshomaru completely off guard. He loosened his grip slightly, then tightened it again. Sanna noticed it.

 

“ You need my help to get your precious Kai. I do not know how much longer she will last at the Hunters' castle.” Sanna said in a strangled voice. Sesshomaru looked interested in what she had to say.

 

“ Tell me why I need your help? Do you think I cannot retrieve my own ward on my own?” He asked. Sanna managed an asphyxiated laugh.

 

“ You do not know where the Hunters' castle is, Sesshomaru.”

 

“ Do you think that this Sesshomaru's sense of smell cannot find a simple castle?”

 

“ Ha! Fat chance. I've been following you and that hybrid brat around for days and you did not even notice me. At one point in time, there were two of us following you. Yet you still did not notice. If we can cloak ourselves, do you think that we would just leave out hideout in a noticeable place? You will never find it on your own. This I can guarantee.” Sanna said, choking slightly. Sesshomaru squeezed her neck harder then dropped her to the ground. Sanna fell to her knees and gasped for breath. Sesshomaru stared down at her a moment longer.

 

“ I will return for you in an hour.” He said. He turned to leave the room.

 

“ I think you should bring the hybrid along. Remember that all we want is a fair trade. Are you willing to give her up for your fuck buddy?” Sanna said snidely. Sesshomaru stopped dead in his tracks. He squeezed his fist together. Sanna smiled. “ Did I touch on a soft spot?” She asked. Sesshomaru walked back to her. Sanna's eyes widened as he grabbed her again. He pointed his index finger. He stabbed her in the throat, destroying her vocal chords in the process. Sanna touched the hole in her throat that was now gushing blood. Sesshomaru smirked with satisfaction.

 

“ Now, because of your insolence, you will never speak. Jaken.” Sesshomaru said. A male youkai walked in the room.

 

“ Yes, Lord Sesshomaru?” The imp asked.

 

“ See that she gets medical attention for that wound.” He said. Jaken nodded as Sesshomaru left. Sanna glared after him, putting pressure on the wound to stop the bleeding.

 

Masoto looked out over the courtyard of the castle. A low fog had settled over it. Squinting, he could make out two faint figures approaching the castle. Squinting, he saw the shape of Yukiko's body and knew it was her. Next to her, another youkai walked. He had gray hair and piercing blue eyes.

 

“ So that is Ryomaru?” A voice asked from behind Masoto. Masoto turned around and saw Akio standing there. He was looking at the powerful thunder youkai approaching. He looked very harmless, but his aura was amazing.

 

“ Yes. That is our leader, Ryomaru. I would watch what you say when you are around him. Do not let his meek appearance fool you. It has been the downfall of many arrogant youkai.” Masoto warned. Akio just smirked as Yukiko and Ryomaru stopped in front of them. Masoto bowed. “ Lord Ryomaru.” He said. Ryomaru nodded his acknowledgment and turned his attention to Akio.

 

“ You are the leader, I presume?” Ryomaru asked. His voice was smooth as silk. Some might even consider it sexy. It took Akio completely off guard how deep his voice was. He blinked and crossed his arms.

 

“ In a matter of speaking, yes I am. I am Akio.” Akio said. Yukiko raised an eyebrow.

 

“ There is someone above you?” She asked.

 

“ Yes.”

 

“ Then I want an audience with them.” Ryomaru said sternly.

 

“ They don't usually speak to clients.” Akio said in a cold tone. Masoto looked at Yukiko. She looked extremely worried at what Ryomaru's reaction would be to Akio's disrespectful reply.

 

“ You misunderstood me. It was not a request. It a demand.” Ryomaru said calmly, his voice not portraying his sheer annoyance with Akio. Akio sighed and turned around.

 

“ Follow me.” He said quietly. Ryomaru followed him without hesitation. Yukiko and Masoto looked at each other and then went after their commander.

 

Akio led them into a seemingly empty room. Ryomaru glanced around and saw nothing. Akio walked to what appeared to be the center of the room. He kneeled on one knee and looked at the floor.

 

“ Ikeike, our guest has arrived.” He said in a rather forced tone. He stood back up and walked back to the others. He looked at Ryomaru. “ You stay here. Masoto and Yukiko must leave with me.” He said quickly. Masoto frowned.

 

“ I am not leaving Lord Ryomaru in here alone. Who knows what kind of sick tricks you will try to pull.” He said in an angry tone. Akio turned he gaze to him, looking as blank as ever.

 

“ You WILL do as I say even if I have to drag you out kicking and screaming. Now move it!” Akio yelled. Masoto took a step forward, but Ryomaru put his hand up. Masoto instantly stopped.

 

“ Masoto, do you have so little faith in my ability to defend myself?” Ryomaru asked in a calm voice. Masoto shook his head immediately.

 

“ No, my lord. That is not what I mean. I am just thinking in your best interest.” He said without delay. Ryomaru nodded.

 

“ I assure that I will be able to fend for myself, Masoto. You need not concern yourself with my safety. I am quite capable. Do as he says and wait for me outside.”

 

“ Yes, my lord.” Masoto and Yukiko said.

 

When they were clear of the room, Ryomaru peered into the darkness with his sharp, detached azure eyes. The air in the room seemed to shift and leaves swirled in the center of the room. Ryomaru watched this scene with much curiosity. Ikeike's body appeared in the center of the swirl. She looked up at him.

 

“ Hello, Ryomaru. You hardly look the part of a great leader.” She said. Ryomaru ignored her comment and took in the sight of Ikeike. She really was a serious piece of work. She practically glided towards him. Ryomaru's first question was what Ikeike expected of him.

 

“ Have you found the brat?” Ryomaru asked. Ikeike smiled.

 

“ Yes. Sanna was tracking them, although she has not reported back. If I know Sesshomaru, he has found her out and is holding her. He may act like he cares nothing for the youkai we captured, but he will come for her nonetheless. His honor will betray him. We should expect him soon. Tell me something, Ryomaru?” Ikeike asked, twirling a piece of her hair between her fingers.

 

“ What is that?”

 

“ Why do you want to overthrow Sesshomaru?” She asked. Ryomaru smiled.

 

“ His idiot father drove us out of the Western lands centuries ago. Killed some of our best warriors. My fool of a father did not seem to care too much about the war. He said it was time we moved from the Western lands to begin to create our own territory. So now, I want to take back what is rightfully ours.” Ryomaru said placidly. Ikeike could tell there was much hate behind those words.

 

“ If your grudge is with Sesshomaru, why do you need this hybrid child?”

 

“ She is the key to unlocking the tomb of my father. She is my half-sister's daughter and I cannot get in. My father made it that way.” Ryomaru said. He crossed his arms. “ From the way you are looking, would I be right in assuming that you have some sort of quandary with Sesshomaru?” He asked. Ikeike's bright eyes twinkled.

 

“ Yes, in point of fact. We have somewhat of a history together, if you want to call it that. It is a rather complicated and long story. I will not waste your time in telling you the whole of it. Let's just say that we do not get along very well. So, I suppose you want some sort of alliance with the Hunters, do you not?” Ikeike asked.

 

“ If that is what it takes to get the job done. An alliance sounds like a swell idea. You will be rewarded for your assistance.” Ryomaru said. Ikeike nodded.

 

“ I don't really need anything that you can give me, Ryomaru. The one thing I want is Sesshomaru's heart in my hand. I want it warm, bloody and ready to be devoured.” Ikeike said. Ryomaru raised an eyebrow at her grotesque request.

 

“ Why do you cover half of your face?” He asked out of the blue. Ikeike laughed.

 

“ Let's just say that I do not want to scar my pretty face. The only people who have ever seen my face have not lived to tell the tale. So, consider yourself lucky if you never see what it looks like.” Ikeike said. She winked and disappeared in a swirl of leaves. Ryomaru smirked and turned to leave the room.

 

Rin was floating on her back in the hot springs. She stared up at the clear blue sky and sighed. She hated it when Sesshomaru presumed to run her life for her. She also hated them being mad with each other. Rin closed her eyes and took in a deep breath. She stood up in the water and brought her hair over her shoulders. Suddenly, a branch snapped from behind her. She turned to see who it was.

 

“ Koga?” Rin asked. Koga stood there, but his back was turned.

 

“ I'm so sorry, Rin. I caught your scent and followed it over here. I swear I wasn't watching you. Please believe me.” He said at record speed. Rin laughed and climbed out of the water. She wrapped a silk robe around her and went over to Koga. His eyes were still squeezed shut.

 

“ Koga, it's okay. I'm not mad at you.” She said, giggling maniacally. Koga still did not open his eyes. “ Koga, you can look at me now.” Koga slowly opened his eyes and looked down at Rin. She was still giggling like a schoolgirl.

 

“ Did I get you in trouble last night?” He asked her. Rin's laughter ceased quickly. She frowned and looked back at the water.

 

“ Sesshomaru blew things way out of proportion as usual. He's nothing I can't handle. Besides, I'm a big girl now and I'm old enough to make my own decisions.” Rin looked back over at Koga. She grinned evilly. “ And if this Rin wants to kiss a wolf youkai named Koga, she will do so without hesitation.” She whispered. Koga just looked at her with a clueless expression. Rin smirked and kissed him on the lips. The kiss went on for a good five minutes before a voice interrupted the bittersweet moment.

 

“ Let her breath, Koga.” Inuyasha's voice said. Koga broke the kiss immediately and stepped away from Rin. Rin opened her eyes, looking at little hurt from the abrupt end to the kiss. Koga stalked over to the smug-looking Inuyasha.

 

“ What are you doing here, mutt?” Koga growled. Inuyasha just laughed.

 

“ Relax, Koga. I'm not the one YOU two should be worrying about. Anyway, Sesshomaru is about to go and rescue Kai. I just thought I'd let Rin know.” Inuyasha said. Rin glared at Koga, then at Inuyasha.

 

“ Is he going alone?”

 

“ No. I think that Kimi is going with him.” Inuyasha replied. Rin looked at him. Inuyasha stared blankly back at him. He stuck his nose up in the air. “ No, Rin.” He said simply. Rin walked up to him. She opened her eyes as wide as they could go. Tears began to well up in them. Inuyasha looked down at her. “ It's not going to work.” He said.

 

“ Puh-lease, Inuyasha.” She whined, her eyes sparkling. Inuyasha uncrossed his arms and hung his head. Koga watched this with interest.

 

“ Fine. I can guarantee that he'll refuse my help.” Inuyasha said. Rin smiled. The tears seemed to vanish.

 

“ That is not for him to decide. Let's go.” Rin started walking towards the castle. She turned when she noticed that Inuyasha and Koga were eyeing each other circumspectly. “ Will you two come on!” She yelled. That jerked the two out of their staring match and they followed after Rin.

 

At the gates of the castle, Sesshomaru had chained the prisoner Sanna to the back of Ah-Un. Kimi stood next to him. She'd reverted back to her hybrid form. Sanna looked down at Kimi with disgust in her eyes. Her neck was wrapped in tight bandages. As the wind blew past them, Sesshomaru took in the scent of Inuyasha, Rin, Koga, and arousal. He turned just as Rin, Inuyasha, and Koga walked up to them.

 

“ What is this? You are not coming, Rin.” He said sternly. Rin nodded.

 

“ I have no intention of coming with you. However, Inuyasha is accompanying you.” Rin said simply. Sesshomaru glared at his brother and then looked back down at Rin. He noticed her attire.

 

“ Why are you in nothing but your robe?”

 

“ I am coming from a bath, Sesshomaru. Now, he is coming with you whether you like it or not. It is not up for discussion.”

 

“ Nonsense. He is not coming with this Sesshomaru. Who will stay here and protect you from harm while I am away?” Sesshomaru asked. Rin sighed.

 

“ It is nice to see the great conviction you have of my defense skills, Sesshomaru. I can handle myself very well and I have proven it before. Besides, Koga will be here with Kagome and I. Won't you, Koga?” Rin looked over at Koga. He nodded numbly as Sesshomaru's intense stare rested upon him. He could smell him all over Rin and he did not like it.

 

“ Sesshomaru, in case you haven't noticed, Rin is a big girl now. She can do what she wants. Now, Inuyasha might come in handy on this little venture. Sanna already said that it would take four days to reach the Hunters' castle. Who knows what we might come up against when we get there. Sanna, how many of you are there?” Kimi asked. Sanna held up six fingers. Kimi looked at Sesshomaru. He narrowed his eyes at her.

 

“ Fine. Inuyasha come with us.” Sesshomaru stepped up to Koga. “ If anything happens to Rin, my home, or Inuyasha's woman, I will rip you limb from limb. Are we clear?” He said in a deadly tone.

 

“ Yeah, we're clear.” Koga grumbled. Sesshomaru nodded and turned back towards the others.

 

“ Let's go.” Sesshomaru started walking. Ah-Un and Inuyasha followed immediately. Kimi looked at Rin and smirked.

 

“ Don't do anything I wouldn't.” She said. Rin laughed.

 

“ That would leave a lot, wouldn't it?” Rin said. Kimi nodded and smiled.

 

“ Kimi!” Sesshomaru said loudly. Kimi rolled her eyes and ran off, waving at Rin. Rin waved back. She turned to Koga.

 

“ Let's go back. I'm sure Kagome will want to know where Inuyasha is going on such short notice. I think it will be painfully obvious he is not here when she sets up for dinner with Suki tonight.” Rin started walking back to the castle. Koga watched the others disappear down the steps, and then turned to follow Rin.