InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Dark Sensei ❯ Ch9-Frigid Tenshi, Azure Cats ( Chapter 9 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: TearsOfTwilight 
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Drama / Hentai | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 11.23.2005 | Pages: 2 | Words: 3.2K | Visits: 420 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Drama / Hentai | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 11.23.2005 | Pages: 2 | Words: 3.2K | Visits: 420 | Status: Work In Progress
BTW-Bankotsu's family name is Botosai. I know it's not original, and no I do not own Rouroni Kenshin.
Chapter 9-Frigid Tenshi, Azure Cats
~~***~~***~~***~~***~~***~~***~~***~~***~~***~~***~~***~~***~~***~~***~~
Falling back into consciousness, Sesshoumaru was met with the sound of hushed voices as well as a great deal of pain. Still, it wasn't as bad as before. The sharp twinges had been brought down to stable, if not exactly dull, aches, and he was lying on something rather soft.
"Hey, I think he's awake!"
"About time."
With a slight groan, the youkai forced his head up to look at the arguing humans. The first speaker, Jakotsu, was leaning over him while talking to another man who sat several feet away on a creaky stool. This anonymous ningen had cobalt blue eyes, pale skin, and long black hair that was pulled back in a loose braid. Watching this man, Sesshoumaru got the distinct impression that he wasn't one to mess with.
"What are you staring at kid?"
Not bothering to reply, the inu slowly rose to a sitting position and looked around. The room he was in was rather small, not as small as the one the boy had shared with Rin, but closet-like all the same. A single, glowing bulb hung from a ceiling, and the inu found himself trying not to become mesmerized by the way it's light forced the shabby floral pattern of the couch he was on to leap about drunkenely. Then again, the flickering might have been caused by his unfocused eyes as well. How strange that his own body would....
"Ooooh, he's just ADORABLE when he's confused!"
Sesshoumaru was snapped back to reality as Shichinintai's squeals left his eardrums ringing. He then realized with a fair amount of anxiety that Jakotsu must have carried him all the way here. Hopefully the counselor had been able to keep his hands to himself. Then again after what Naraku had done, it wasn't likely anything else would greatly affect him. Speaking of which, the youkai had actually healed considerably. Sure, his body ached all over, but aside from the uncomfortable burning in his lower regions, Sesshoumaru felt that he was basicly back to normal.
"I just KNEW you'd make it through, Sesshi my boy!" Beaming widely, Jakotsu gave him a hardy slap on the back. Almost imediately a searing pain shot thru the inu's entire body, causing him to let out a strangled yelp as the previously dormant wave of agony rushed out to greet him.
"..Shi...chin...in...tai..." Twisting his body around painfully Sesshoumaru gave the man his most penetrating death glare.
"...oops.." Jakotsu backed off sheepishly, but the other man merely cracked a grin.
"Hmmm...puppy's got some bite to him, that's for sure." Sesshoumaru wrinkled his nose, disgusted with the degrading pet name. Who did this guy think he was?
"Who are you, ningen?"
"Me? Why I'm Bankotsu, Botosai Bankotsu, and I suggest you treat me with more...."
"Don't count on it." Gingerly, Sesshoumaru pulled himself to his feet. 'Damn, I'm so weak!' He leaned against the wall to keep steady. Closing his eyes, the youkai thought over the bizarre events that had just recently taken place. That sword of Takemaru's, Sou'unga. He'd never experienced a demonic power so strong. It was just....weird, and the frightening thing was that that was no doubt just a sample of what the blade could really dish out. Sesshoumaru shuddered, remembering the intense agony of Sou'unga's attack. Hopefully it hadn't hit Rin, though he could distinctly remember hearing her scream...
"Where is she?"
Bankotsu rolled his eyes. "Could you be a bit more specific?"
"Rin."
"Oh, you mean that girl the Boss dragged off. Eh...where exactly is she again, Jakotsu?"
"I believe he took her to his personal chambers. Wants the kid to see the show I'm guessing." Plastering on one of his irritating smiles, Shichinintai turned back to the inu. "Don't you worry though. Setsuna isn't really into minors, as far as I know that is."
Sesshoumaru couldn't help but let out a snarl. What were these two getting at. It was almost as if they were playing some kind of game, using his affection for Rin to try to gain something from him. The youkai detested playing by these humans' rules, but then he was very worried about Rin.
"Cut the act already. Just tell me what I have to do to get her back, and I'll do it."
Jakotsu's impish grin widened suddenly, and Bankotsu arched his eyebrows in what might have been aproval.
"Well Sesshoumaru, it's a good thing you seam to love that girl so much because we do have a plan, but you're not going to like it."
~~***~~***~~***~~***~~***~~
{(~*~....~*~)-Sou'unga speaking}
"Let me go!"
Takemaru didn't even bother looking the girl's way. Nothing she said would matter anyhow. In the end both NoTaisho and his fleabitten children would be dead, Izayoi would be his, and Sou'unga would ascend to an even greater power. The black-hearted ningen sneered wickedly. He couldn't wait to see the look on both Rin and Sesshoumaru's faces as the only people they loved were torn apart by the Hell Dragon's mercilous fangs.
"You'll never win. You do know that don't you?"
Sighing heavily, Takemaru gazed at Rin thru the corners of his power-hungry eyes. "And what makes you say that, little miko?"
Tied to a chair though she was, Rin straightened her back and looked right back into the man's gaze, trying her best to pull off Sesshoumaru's trademark aire of superiority. It worked well, for Setsuna seemed to blanch ever so slightly.
"Because, what you're doing is wrong. I don't care how cheesy and cliche it sounds, but in the end, Takemaru, it is your own darkness that will destroy you."
~*~...typical priestess...~*~
Rin shuddered as Sou'unga's cold voice peirced her thoughts. No wonder that thing was so powerful! It was possessed! Not only could she detect the katana's imense demonic strength, the girl could actually feel it's soul, twisted and heartless beyond that of any normal youkai, pulsating around them. Sou'unga was so alive it might as well have been breathing.
Takemaru felt a strange tremor wrack his body as the sword spoke. Why did that always happen? He cherished the blade for its raw power, but whenever he heard it's voice, it was as if it were the master instead of himself. Brushing away this disturbing thought, the human fell back onto his usual, selfsatisfied smirk.
"You can cling to hope as long as you want, Miss Mikoyami, but in the end only the most cunning the the most rutheless will find victory. You see my cruelty as a fault, but in truth pity and kindess are the greatest weaknesses. After all they both blossom from love, and love clouds the judgement of even the most rational people." The hollowness in Takemaru's eyes as he said this was terrifying.
Rin's own purple irises suddenly became very sad. "But isn't that why you're fighting in the first place?" she whispered. "For the love of Izayoi? If that's the case then it is you who is being misguided, Mr. Setsuna."
~*~SILENCE GIRL! WHAT DO YOU KNOW OF SUCH MATTERS?~*~ If possible, Sou'unga sounded almost frantic.
"Well I...."
The girl was interupted by a gentle rapping on the door. Not waiting to be admitted, Naraku pushed past the wooden barrier.
"What is it?" Takemaru made no attempt to disguise his annoyance at the sudden intrusion.
"The mutt's escaped." Outwardly Akuma appeared to be calm, but anyone could tell by the fire in his eyes and the deathly chill of his voice that the kumo was beyond enraged.
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN HE'S ESCAPED? This whole building's TEEMING with guards!"
"Well Takemaru, why don't yo tell me."
"...Jakotsu...." Mentally slapping himself for his own stupidity, Setsuna wished more than ever that he'd simply ripped out Shichinintai's heart when he'd had the chance. It was no secret that Jakotsu wanted to get out of the drug business. He was a man of simple pleasures and found no interest in the complicated dealings of his employer's trade. Still, once you were in with Setsuna Takemaru, he didn't let go of you easily.
"I will track him down."
Rin's stomach gave a lurch of fear. She was ecstatic that Sesshoumaru had managed to escape, but the fact that Naraku was going to 'track him down' didn't bode well. Hopefully he would get to safety before the kumo got to him. 'Onegai, Sesshoumaru. Be safe!'
~~***~~***~~***~~***~~***~~***~~
"I'm not wearing that." The inu's visage was that of complete and utter defiance.
"Oh but Sesshi! You must wear it!" Jakotsu simpered as he thrust the appalling outfit towards the reluctant youkai. "It's all part of the plan. Besides you'll look so...."
"...save it...." Snatching the clothing from the ningen Sesshoumaru stalked into the shack's miniscule bathroom to get changed. Careful not to bump his head against the ceiling, he slipped into what appeared to be a white and rather ruffley set of women's langerie. Then again, the bra and panties he could handle. It was the matching fishnets and six inch stilletos that really got to him.
"Gods, for a sixteen year old you sure sexy!" The boy fended off Jakotsu's wandering hands with a slap and a hasty jerk, accidentally ripping one of his pink satin garters in the process. Ignoring the councilor's excited little cry, he turned to the more mature, and slightly disgruntled Bankotsu.
"......lets get on with it..." Sesshoumaru had no time for this. All he could think about was Rin.
Once again Jakotsu edged nearer to him. "I still think......."
Shichinintai was cut off as Bankotsu cleared his throat. "The koinu's right. We'd better get started." His voice held a degree of jealously that the youkai found slightly amusing. So they were lovers after all.
"Hmph...neither of you are ANY fun at ALL!"
~~***~~***~~***~~***~~***~~***~~
"So you haven't seen him." It was not a question. There was a faint crunching sound and the man fell dead at Naraku's feet. The kumo smirked slightly. Killing always made him feel so much better. Still, he wasn't any closer to finding Sesshoumaru. Grunting in annoyance Akuma moved on to the next bar, trying to pick out his prey's distinct demonic aura from the countless others that mingled in the air. Looking up at the pub's flashing neon sign he couldn't help but feel a bit better. The Akoiru Neko Nightclub, one of the best. Not only was it populated by some of the city's most beautiful prostitutes, but their wine selection was absolutely divine.
Sitting down at the bar, Naraku ordered a drink and began to survey the dance floor. He watched as lean, sweat-covered bodies twisted to the music, rubbing against eachother with heated flesh. It was nearly impossible to distinguish the clubgoers from the actual employees. Ebony-dyed hair mingled with gently swaying limbs, dark lipstick clashing with feverish, limpid eyes. Everyone in Akoiru Neko seemed to be wearing either blue or black, grim yet shimmery beatles writhing about in the thickened atmosphere of drugs and fine wine. Naraku closed his eyes, blocking out the scene before him. All the same, so sad and deep, with their dark clothing, shoe-polish black hair, thoughtful poetry, and depressing music. It disgusted him. In Naraku's eyes they were all merely vying for attention, pretending to be shrouded butterflies when in reality they were nothing more than hopeless moths. Then again, perhaps he wasn't being fair. It was just that the kumo was so tired of darkness. What was once alluring had long gone bland. He would move on to new and better things. Fresh meat. Sesshoumaru.
"Getting bored of the same old crowd, are we?"
Upon hearing Jakotsu's voice, Akuma's crimson eyes widened drastically. Without hesitation he spun around, pinning the ningen against the bar's mahogany surface. "I knew you were stupid Shichinintai, but I didn't expect you to actually come looking for me." With a cruel smile he snapped Jakotsu's head back, bending it uncomfortably over the counter's edge.
Gasping for breath Jakotsu managed to grin up into his attacker's gaze. "Is it that they're too much like you, Naraku? Iie. I don't think so. They may be dark, but it is a pure darkness because they are alive, because they choose to be this way rather than be forced into it by atrocity and death. But we are different you and I, for you see, our darkness will be forever tainted by blood."
Confused by Shichinintai's uncharacteristically thoughtful mood, Akuma slapped him across the face. "What are you babbling on about anyway?"
Jakotsu winced as the blow left his cheek a deep scarlet, but still kept up his irritating smile. "He is beautiful, isn't he? Not dark beautiful, but cold, brilliant, white beautiful like snow-tipped mountains. In a way he frightens me even more than you do. That's because I know what you are Naraku, a devil, but I'm not entirely sure what to make of him. Is he a monster like us, or an angel in disguise?"
"That reflective personality doesn't suit you, Shichinintai. Now tell me where the boy is before I rip out your throat."
Barely able to breath because of the kumo's offending hand, Jakotsu gave his raspy reply. "...do....you...really wish...to destroy.....something so beautiful....that badly? Well then....look.....behind you...."
With a feral hiss Naraku spun about. The ningen forgotten, he saw Sesshoumaru almost imediatly. The inu stood out clearly from the rest, the only true butterfly in a sea of ten-thousan moths. Everything about him seemed cloaked in light. From the satin whiteness of his clothing to the pale sheen of his hair, Sesshoumaru looked as if he were indeed an angel. The kumo's orders as well as his urge to throttle Jakotsu were forgotten as he gazed upon this seemingly divine creature. Time had frozen for the two enemies, and so they stared into eachother's eyes, daring the other to make a move. Finally, just as Akuma was about to jump the younger youkai, Sesshoumaru began to walk towards him. The crowd of dancers seemed to part magically as he passed, all eyes on the one being brave enough to refuse darkness.
"Akuma...." The inu's voice was deep and husky, his eyes an infathomable shade of milky gold. Naraku didn't reply. He wanted nothing more than to claim that beautiful thing in front of him, make it his as no one else had. Greed and lust burned brightly in the kumo's own twin irises, the very color of the wine he'd long set aside. However any thought of attack was put to rest as Sesshoumaru, now just inches away from the other's face, drew him into a brutal kiss. It was long and rough, filled with passionate grunts and scraping teeth "There," he murmered, pulling away. "Is that what you wanted?"
Naraku gasped at the broken kiss but quickly painted on an irritating leer. "You should know by now, Mr. NoTaisho, that I want much more than a simple kiss."
Sesshoumaru just managed to keep the bile down but only just. Whether from fear or loathing he could not be sure, but it took every bit of willpower the inu had to fight back the forty foot wave of nausea as the kumo spoke. Still he managed a seductive, if vaguely off kilter, smirk. "Is that so?"
Naraku could have burst out laughing. He had to admit, for a cold bastard the mutt knew how to act. Still, he wasn't fooled. Akuma could smell a trap from ten miles off and this one absolutely reaked. "So Sesshoumaru, isn't it about time Bankotsu and that bitch of his jumped out and attacked me, or were you planning to poison me instead?"
For a fraction of a second the angel-haired boy's form stiffened in surprise. Then with all the strength left in his body he struck out, sending a coil of jade green light arcing gracefully over the heads of the dancers until it found its mark deep in Naraku's right shoulder. With a scream that was more of rage and surprise than actual pain, the kumo stumbled backwards.
"...Dog...." he hissed. "You will pay!" Ignoring the cries of fear issued from the crowd, Akuma's youkai sprang to life. Within seconds eight spindly tentacles had burst from his back, binding themselves tightly around Sesshoumaru's already aching thighs and torso. Quickly and efficiently the twisted limbs began to constrict his chest. The inu wondered briefly what had happened to Jakotsu and his lover. He couldn't breath, and was starting to see spots. If they didn't get there soon.... Was this what it was like to die? No welcoming cries of long dead loved ones. No flashing of life before his eyes. Just silence....and a blackness that stretched on for eternity.
~~***~~***~~***~~***~~***~~***~~***~~***~~***~~***~~***~~***~~***~~***~~
A/N- Okay, so much for Chapter Nine, and don't worry. That wasn't the end, just a little cliffy to keep you interested. Anyway I hope you liked it, and please feel free to make any suggestions, compliments, or criticism if you find the need to.
BTW-Concerning the part about the gothic dancers and how Naraku sees them as boring and conformist, please don't take that as goth-bashing or anything. I was merely trying to illustrate the fact that Sesshoumaru is different and chooses to do good by saving Rin (hence the light) rather than evil (viva la dark!). Okay, now I sound racist. Maybe I just shouldn't try to explain myself....
-TOT
Chapter 9-Frigid Tenshi, Azure Cats
~~***~~***~~***~~***~~***~~***~~***~~***~~***~~***~~***~~***~~***~~***~~
Falling back into consciousness, Sesshoumaru was met with the sound of hushed voices as well as a great deal of pain. Still, it wasn't as bad as before. The sharp twinges had been brought down to stable, if not exactly dull, aches, and he was lying on something rather soft.
"Hey, I think he's awake!"
"About time."
With a slight groan, the youkai forced his head up to look at the arguing humans. The first speaker, Jakotsu, was leaning over him while talking to another man who sat several feet away on a creaky stool. This anonymous ningen had cobalt blue eyes, pale skin, and long black hair that was pulled back in a loose braid. Watching this man, Sesshoumaru got the distinct impression that he wasn't one to mess with.
"What are you staring at kid?"
Not bothering to reply, the inu slowly rose to a sitting position and looked around. The room he was in was rather small, not as small as the one the boy had shared with Rin, but closet-like all the same. A single, glowing bulb hung from a ceiling, and the inu found himself trying not to become mesmerized by the way it's light forced the shabby floral pattern of the couch he was on to leap about drunkenely. Then again, the flickering might have been caused by his unfocused eyes as well. How strange that his own body would....
"Ooooh, he's just ADORABLE when he's confused!"
Sesshoumaru was snapped back to reality as Shichinintai's squeals left his eardrums ringing. He then realized with a fair amount of anxiety that Jakotsu must have carried him all the way here. Hopefully the counselor had been able to keep his hands to himself. Then again after what Naraku had done, it wasn't likely anything else would greatly affect him. Speaking of which, the youkai had actually healed considerably. Sure, his body ached all over, but aside from the uncomfortable burning in his lower regions, Sesshoumaru felt that he was basicly back to normal.
"I just KNEW you'd make it through, Sesshi my boy!" Beaming widely, Jakotsu gave him a hardy slap on the back. Almost imediately a searing pain shot thru the inu's entire body, causing him to let out a strangled yelp as the previously dormant wave of agony rushed out to greet him.
"..Shi...chin...in...tai..." Twisting his body around painfully Sesshoumaru gave the man his most penetrating death glare.
"...oops.." Jakotsu backed off sheepishly, but the other man merely cracked a grin.
"Hmmm...puppy's got some bite to him, that's for sure." Sesshoumaru wrinkled his nose, disgusted with the degrading pet name. Who did this guy think he was?
"Who are you, ningen?"
"Me? Why I'm Bankotsu, Botosai Bankotsu, and I suggest you treat me with more...."
"Don't count on it." Gingerly, Sesshoumaru pulled himself to his feet. 'Damn, I'm so weak!' He leaned against the wall to keep steady. Closing his eyes, the youkai thought over the bizarre events that had just recently taken place. That sword of Takemaru's, Sou'unga. He'd never experienced a demonic power so strong. It was just....weird, and the frightening thing was that that was no doubt just a sample of what the blade could really dish out. Sesshoumaru shuddered, remembering the intense agony of Sou'unga's attack. Hopefully it hadn't hit Rin, though he could distinctly remember hearing her scream...
"Where is she?"
Bankotsu rolled his eyes. "Could you be a bit more specific?"
"Rin."
"Oh, you mean that girl the Boss dragged off. Eh...where exactly is she again, Jakotsu?"
"I believe he took her to his personal chambers. Wants the kid to see the show I'm guessing." Plastering on one of his irritating smiles, Shichinintai turned back to the inu. "Don't you worry though. Setsuna isn't really into minors, as far as I know that is."
Sesshoumaru couldn't help but let out a snarl. What were these two getting at. It was almost as if they were playing some kind of game, using his affection for Rin to try to gain something from him. The youkai detested playing by these humans' rules, but then he was very worried about Rin.
"Cut the act already. Just tell me what I have to do to get her back, and I'll do it."
Jakotsu's impish grin widened suddenly, and Bankotsu arched his eyebrows in what might have been aproval.
"Well Sesshoumaru, it's a good thing you seam to love that girl so much because we do have a plan, but you're not going to like it."
~~***~~***~~***~~***~~***~~
{(~*~....~*~)-Sou'unga speaking}
"Let me go!"
Takemaru didn't even bother looking the girl's way. Nothing she said would matter anyhow. In the end both NoTaisho and his fleabitten children would be dead, Izayoi would be his, and Sou'unga would ascend to an even greater power. The black-hearted ningen sneered wickedly. He couldn't wait to see the look on both Rin and Sesshoumaru's faces as the only people they loved were torn apart by the Hell Dragon's mercilous fangs.
"You'll never win. You do know that don't you?"
Sighing heavily, Takemaru gazed at Rin thru the corners of his power-hungry eyes. "And what makes you say that, little miko?"
Tied to a chair though she was, Rin straightened her back and looked right back into the man's gaze, trying her best to pull off Sesshoumaru's trademark aire of superiority. It worked well, for Setsuna seemed to blanch ever so slightly.
"Because, what you're doing is wrong. I don't care how cheesy and cliche it sounds, but in the end, Takemaru, it is your own darkness that will destroy you."
~*~...typical priestess...~*~
Rin shuddered as Sou'unga's cold voice peirced her thoughts. No wonder that thing was so powerful! It was possessed! Not only could she detect the katana's imense demonic strength, the girl could actually feel it's soul, twisted and heartless beyond that of any normal youkai, pulsating around them. Sou'unga was so alive it might as well have been breathing.
Takemaru felt a strange tremor wrack his body as the sword spoke. Why did that always happen? He cherished the blade for its raw power, but whenever he heard it's voice, it was as if it were the master instead of himself. Brushing away this disturbing thought, the human fell back onto his usual, selfsatisfied smirk.
"You can cling to hope as long as you want, Miss Mikoyami, but in the end only the most cunning the the most rutheless will find victory. You see my cruelty as a fault, but in truth pity and kindess are the greatest weaknesses. After all they both blossom from love, and love clouds the judgement of even the most rational people." The hollowness in Takemaru's eyes as he said this was terrifying.
Rin's own purple irises suddenly became very sad. "But isn't that why you're fighting in the first place?" she whispered. "For the love of Izayoi? If that's the case then it is you who is being misguided, Mr. Setsuna."
~*~SILENCE GIRL! WHAT DO YOU KNOW OF SUCH MATTERS?~*~ If possible, Sou'unga sounded almost frantic.
"Well I...."
The girl was interupted by a gentle rapping on the door. Not waiting to be admitted, Naraku pushed past the wooden barrier.
"What is it?" Takemaru made no attempt to disguise his annoyance at the sudden intrusion.
"The mutt's escaped." Outwardly Akuma appeared to be calm, but anyone could tell by the fire in his eyes and the deathly chill of his voice that the kumo was beyond enraged.
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN HE'S ESCAPED? This whole building's TEEMING with guards!"
"Well Takemaru, why don't yo tell me."
"...Jakotsu...." Mentally slapping himself for his own stupidity, Setsuna wished more than ever that he'd simply ripped out Shichinintai's heart when he'd had the chance. It was no secret that Jakotsu wanted to get out of the drug business. He was a man of simple pleasures and found no interest in the complicated dealings of his employer's trade. Still, once you were in with Setsuna Takemaru, he didn't let go of you easily.
"I will track him down."
Rin's stomach gave a lurch of fear. She was ecstatic that Sesshoumaru had managed to escape, but the fact that Naraku was going to 'track him down' didn't bode well. Hopefully he would get to safety before the kumo got to him. 'Onegai, Sesshoumaru. Be safe!'
~~***~~***~~***~~***~~***~~***~~
"I'm not wearing that." The inu's visage was that of complete and utter defiance.
"Oh but Sesshi! You must wear it!" Jakotsu simpered as he thrust the appalling outfit towards the reluctant youkai. "It's all part of the plan. Besides you'll look so...."
"...save it...." Snatching the clothing from the ningen Sesshoumaru stalked into the shack's miniscule bathroom to get changed. Careful not to bump his head against the ceiling, he slipped into what appeared to be a white and rather ruffley set of women's langerie. Then again, the bra and panties he could handle. It was the matching fishnets and six inch stilletos that really got to him.
"Gods, for a sixteen year old you sure sexy!" The boy fended off Jakotsu's wandering hands with a slap and a hasty jerk, accidentally ripping one of his pink satin garters in the process. Ignoring the councilor's excited little cry, he turned to the more mature, and slightly disgruntled Bankotsu.
"......lets get on with it..." Sesshoumaru had no time for this. All he could think about was Rin.
Once again Jakotsu edged nearer to him. "I still think......."
Shichinintai was cut off as Bankotsu cleared his throat. "The koinu's right. We'd better get started." His voice held a degree of jealously that the youkai found slightly amusing. So they were lovers after all.
"Hmph...neither of you are ANY fun at ALL!"
~~***~~***~~***~~***~~***~~***~~
"So you haven't seen him." It was not a question. There was a faint crunching sound and the man fell dead at Naraku's feet. The kumo smirked slightly. Killing always made him feel so much better. Still, he wasn't any closer to finding Sesshoumaru. Grunting in annoyance Akuma moved on to the next bar, trying to pick out his prey's distinct demonic aura from the countless others that mingled in the air. Looking up at the pub's flashing neon sign he couldn't help but feel a bit better. The Akoiru Neko Nightclub, one of the best. Not only was it populated by some of the city's most beautiful prostitutes, but their wine selection was absolutely divine.
Sitting down at the bar, Naraku ordered a drink and began to survey the dance floor. He watched as lean, sweat-covered bodies twisted to the music, rubbing against eachother with heated flesh. It was nearly impossible to distinguish the clubgoers from the actual employees. Ebony-dyed hair mingled with gently swaying limbs, dark lipstick clashing with feverish, limpid eyes. Everyone in Akoiru Neko seemed to be wearing either blue or black, grim yet shimmery beatles writhing about in the thickened atmosphere of drugs and fine wine. Naraku closed his eyes, blocking out the scene before him. All the same, so sad and deep, with their dark clothing, shoe-polish black hair, thoughtful poetry, and depressing music. It disgusted him. In Naraku's eyes they were all merely vying for attention, pretending to be shrouded butterflies when in reality they were nothing more than hopeless moths. Then again, perhaps he wasn't being fair. It was just that the kumo was so tired of darkness. What was once alluring had long gone bland. He would move on to new and better things. Fresh meat. Sesshoumaru.
"Getting bored of the same old crowd, are we?"
Upon hearing Jakotsu's voice, Akuma's crimson eyes widened drastically. Without hesitation he spun around, pinning the ningen against the bar's mahogany surface. "I knew you were stupid Shichinintai, but I didn't expect you to actually come looking for me." With a cruel smile he snapped Jakotsu's head back, bending it uncomfortably over the counter's edge.
Gasping for breath Jakotsu managed to grin up into his attacker's gaze. "Is it that they're too much like you, Naraku? Iie. I don't think so. They may be dark, but it is a pure darkness because they are alive, because they choose to be this way rather than be forced into it by atrocity and death. But we are different you and I, for you see, our darkness will be forever tainted by blood."
Confused by Shichinintai's uncharacteristically thoughtful mood, Akuma slapped him across the face. "What are you babbling on about anyway?"
Jakotsu winced as the blow left his cheek a deep scarlet, but still kept up his irritating smile. "He is beautiful, isn't he? Not dark beautiful, but cold, brilliant, white beautiful like snow-tipped mountains. In a way he frightens me even more than you do. That's because I know what you are Naraku, a devil, but I'm not entirely sure what to make of him. Is he a monster like us, or an angel in disguise?"
"That reflective personality doesn't suit you, Shichinintai. Now tell me where the boy is before I rip out your throat."
Barely able to breath because of the kumo's offending hand, Jakotsu gave his raspy reply. "...do....you...really wish...to destroy.....something so beautiful....that badly? Well then....look.....behind you...."
With a feral hiss Naraku spun about. The ningen forgotten, he saw Sesshoumaru almost imediatly. The inu stood out clearly from the rest, the only true butterfly in a sea of ten-thousan moths. Everything about him seemed cloaked in light. From the satin whiteness of his clothing to the pale sheen of his hair, Sesshoumaru looked as if he were indeed an angel. The kumo's orders as well as his urge to throttle Jakotsu were forgotten as he gazed upon this seemingly divine creature. Time had frozen for the two enemies, and so they stared into eachother's eyes, daring the other to make a move. Finally, just as Akuma was about to jump the younger youkai, Sesshoumaru began to walk towards him. The crowd of dancers seemed to part magically as he passed, all eyes on the one being brave enough to refuse darkness.
"Akuma...." The inu's voice was deep and husky, his eyes an infathomable shade of milky gold. Naraku didn't reply. He wanted nothing more than to claim that beautiful thing in front of him, make it his as no one else had. Greed and lust burned brightly in the kumo's own twin irises, the very color of the wine he'd long set aside. However any thought of attack was put to rest as Sesshoumaru, now just inches away from the other's face, drew him into a brutal kiss. It was long and rough, filled with passionate grunts and scraping teeth "There," he murmered, pulling away. "Is that what you wanted?"
Naraku gasped at the broken kiss but quickly painted on an irritating leer. "You should know by now, Mr. NoTaisho, that I want much more than a simple kiss."
Sesshoumaru just managed to keep the bile down but only just. Whether from fear or loathing he could not be sure, but it took every bit of willpower the inu had to fight back the forty foot wave of nausea as the kumo spoke. Still he managed a seductive, if vaguely off kilter, smirk. "Is that so?"
Naraku could have burst out laughing. He had to admit, for a cold bastard the mutt knew how to act. Still, he wasn't fooled. Akuma could smell a trap from ten miles off and this one absolutely reaked. "So Sesshoumaru, isn't it about time Bankotsu and that bitch of his jumped out and attacked me, or were you planning to poison me instead?"
For a fraction of a second the angel-haired boy's form stiffened in surprise. Then with all the strength left in his body he struck out, sending a coil of jade green light arcing gracefully over the heads of the dancers until it found its mark deep in Naraku's right shoulder. With a scream that was more of rage and surprise than actual pain, the kumo stumbled backwards.
"...Dog...." he hissed. "You will pay!" Ignoring the cries of fear issued from the crowd, Akuma's youkai sprang to life. Within seconds eight spindly tentacles had burst from his back, binding themselves tightly around Sesshoumaru's already aching thighs and torso. Quickly and efficiently the twisted limbs began to constrict his chest. The inu wondered briefly what had happened to Jakotsu and his lover. He couldn't breath, and was starting to see spots. If they didn't get there soon.... Was this what it was like to die? No welcoming cries of long dead loved ones. No flashing of life before his eyes. Just silence....and a blackness that stretched on for eternity.
~~***~~***~~***~~***~~***~~***~~***~~***~~***~~***~~***~~***~~***~~***~~
A/N- Okay, so much for Chapter Nine, and don't worry. That wasn't the end, just a little cliffy to keep you interested. Anyway I hope you liked it, and please feel free to make any suggestions, compliments, or criticism if you find the need to.
BTW-Concerning the part about the gothic dancers and how Naraku sees them as boring and conformist, please don't take that as goth-bashing or anything. I was merely trying to illustrate the fact that Sesshoumaru is different and chooses to do good by saving Rin (hence the light) rather than evil (viva la dark!). Okay, now I sound racist. Maybe I just shouldn't try to explain myself....
-TOT