InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Demon Slayer Sango ❯ Chapter 10 ( Chapter 10 )

 

Chapter 10

 

Inuyasha stood up as Kagome burst into the room sputtering something about Takeo and Sesshomaru. Her arms flailed about and she sobbed relentlessly. Relinquishing a quietly gurgling Takeo to her, Inuyasha did the best he could to try and calm her down, but it didn't work.

 

"S-she said something about the baby being in danger! Oh Inuyasha!" Kagome hugged the little boy close to her, a little too tightly perhaps because he began to cry. "She said something about Sesshomaru!"

 

"What? Kagome are you sure she said that?"

 

The miko nodded, and tears continued to spill from her eyes. "We have to protect him-- I would die if anything were to happen to our baby!" She shook in fear and anger.

 

"Why would anyone want to harm a little pup?"

 

"Think about it, Inu. Sesshomaru hates your human blood."

 

"So why would that make him want to hurt Takeo?"

 

"I...I don't know."

 

He scratched his head, trying to absorb the information. Inuyasha had to take his time figuring things out. "Let me try and talk to Kaede..."

 

"She's in very bad condition, Inuyasha. We shouldn't tire her..."

 

"We have to know what is going on. I need to find out what might be happening. If that bastard does have plans--" He rushed over and took her in a protective hug along with Takeo, alarmed by her tears.

 

"No matter what happens, I will protect him and you. I won't let Sesshomaru or anyone else get to our baby. Do you believe me?" Kagome nodded her head against his chest. He kissed her cheek and patted Takeo before leaving to visit the ailing miko.

 

 

"Kaede-- how are you feeling?" The hanyou gently shook her fragile shoulder. Her eyes fluttered and then opened. They widened on recognizing him.

 

"Protect Takeo Inuyasha. Protect him!...You must... Inu demons...war...they...want to kill Sesshomaru."

 

Kill Sesshomaru? "Who wants to hurt Takeo? I need to know, Kaede."

 

"...Inu demons...want the pup for their own...to replace Sesshomaru..."

 

Inuyasha knelt close to her. He could see how the effort of speaking had taken a great toll on the old woman's strength. Her eyes closed again and her breathing became labored.

 

"Rest now, Kaede." The wild-haired half-demon sat back on his heels. He had more questions but could see the priestess was simply too weak to say any more. Inuyasha was not surprised that his half-brother had enemies. He knew that while Sesshomaru was not a constantly belligerent sort of demon he nonetheless had managed to cultivate resentment among those who craved his extensive power. He imagined the threats had to be an almost regular occurrence for his cold and heartless sibling.

 

Frankly Inuyasha believed whatever trouble Sesshomaru got himself into was what he deserved, and did not worry about him in the least. But why would these enemies, inu demons apparently, want to involve Takeo? His son was almost completely human and had only a small amount of inuyoukai blood. Granted it was of the powerful taiyoukai variety, ensuring that whatever demonic traits he did have would more likely surface than if he had been mixed with ordinary youkai blood. Still his descent from Inutaisho did not change the fact that Takeo was more human than demon. Also, he was just a little baby. How could he stand in for the likes of a full grown ruler like Sesshomaru?

 

The hanyou looked down at Kaede who seemed to struggle to breathe. He started to get up to retrieve Kagome when suddenly he felt a wizened hand grasp his own, willing him to stay beside her. The end was near.

 

"Goodbye, Inuyasha...take care of Kagome--" She spoke in a harsh whisper that he could barely hear. In amazement he then watched as Kaede took two last ragged breaths and then gently slipped away. She was gone, just like that.

 

Bowing his head reverently, Inuyasha remained with her body for some time. She had always supported and looked out for his and Kagome's best interests; in some ways she had been a kind of grandmother figure to them, and also to all of their friends including Shippo, Miroku and Sango.

 

"Goodbye Kaede."

 

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"What does this absurd weapon do?" Sesshomaru asked, indicating Hiraikotsu. He walked with Sango along a grassy path leading to the north. A messenger had sent word to her cottage that morning of a disturbance caused by a nest of snake youkai in a village of clay artisans. Having been present at the news the youkai lord agreed to escort her for a short distance before departing to meet with lord Matuko and other inu leaders regarding the troubles caused by Jitsuo's clan.

 

"It is not absurd, Sesshomaru." She dropped the honorific when addressing him if they were alone. "I need it to do my work. I am not like you-- I don't have poison claws or energy whips or blinding speed. I have to rely on more practical methods." He said nothing, listening while observing at how much of a disadvantage humans were relative to the powers of a youkai, even those of the lesser variety.

 

"You have not explained."

 

"Explained what?"

 

"What does this absurd weapon do?" he asked again while giving her a steady, challenging look. Sesshomaru was fully aware that his statements about Hiraikotsu got under the young woman's skin. This teasing amused him in a perverse way but he held back any evidence of it from her.

 

Sango rolled her eyes and looked around, understanding his little game completely.

"You already know what it does, my lord. But I'll show you anyway. Stand over there, near the Yew tree." She pointed to a spot some forty meters away.

 

Shooting a stare in her direction that could cut iron, he spoke up. "You intend to hurl that object at me woman? Is your mind working properly?"

 

Sango put a hand on her hip and smiled sweetly at him. "Yes I do, and yes it is. And you can defend yourself, at least I think you can my lord." It amused her that the staid taiyoukai seemed interested in her work, even if in a backhanded way. "I promise to go easy on you so relax," she said with a smirk. "Stop shivering!" The sharp disgusted snort that came from him in response made her laugh out loud.

 

After reaching the designated spot, Sesshomaru turned to face her again and called out in his rich baritone, "Alright huntress, slay this demon!" He adopted what was for him a relaxed stance and leaned against the slim trunk of the Yew.

 

This playful side of her lover charmed Sango to no end. He did indeed seem to relax whenever they were alone together, often dropping the onerous cold mask that was his normal presentation to the world. It was even more satisfying knowing this milder side was meant for her alone.

 

He had come to her twice more since that first night in her cottage more than two weeks ago. Sango felt happier than she had in a long, long time: Sesshomaru made her feel beautiful and desired and safe.

 

She set her stance and located a focal point. First drawing Hirakotsu behind her body to twirl it in order to gather momentum, the taijiya let it fly with a sharp burst of energy. It flew in an arc at her target, whipping and turning in the air. Seconds later it returned, back to the exact spot from whence it was thrown.

 

Sango trotted up to where he stood looking on placidly and he watched when she bent to pick up a small handful of silvery white hair that had been chopped away by Hiraikotsu.

 

"Here you are my lord." She presented the handful to him.

 

"Hmmm. Such accuracy from such a large implement. You have skill, huntress."

 

They began to walk again. She had declined his offer of transport to her destination in his 'power sphere' by explaining she preferred and enjoyed the experience of walking in the countryside. Shrugging at her inefficiency the demon lord had decided to accompany her a moderate distance before taking off to tend to his own business.

 

After a few minutes of companionable walking she felt him nudge her shoulder.

 

"You realize there are consequences to violating my person, do you not exterminator?"

 

"What?" Sango looked up to see a blank, neutral expression on his face. "You mean Hiraikotsu?" For a moment she thought he was really angry and braced herself for sharp words, but then gasped in delight when he stopped and wrapped his arms around her, lifting her so that they were face to face. He ran his tongue over her lips causing her to part them with a sigh. Kissing hotly, their tongues met in a yearning dance and Sango felt the blood in her veins heat up by degrees.

 

"We have no time," she murmured between kisses, just managing to take a breath. They embraced and caressed one another for a while longer, and then he let her go.

 

"Unfortunately you are correct. It seems we both have work to do," he breathed.

 

"Yes." Her cheeks flushed a deep shade of pink and she stepped back. He made her feel shy even now, even after they had already shared numerous moments of intimacy. It floored her that Sesshomaru seemed equally fazed by their encounters, though much less expressively so. She could feel it in the way he kissed her, so tenderly yet with such passion as to be barely believed coming from one so famously cold and unmoving.

 

"You will come and attend Rin after your current-- assignment. She has been asking for you. The feast of the full moon is in four days. You will find it interesting."

 

"Yes of course I'd like to come to the palace again. It's been a while since I've spent time with Rin, and I'd like to see the feast."

 

Satisfied, the taiyoukai began to walk away but she raised a hand and called to stop him.

 

"Yes?" He paused and turned around.

 

"I just wanted to say, I-I care for you my lord. A great deal." She lowered her eyes as she spoke.

 

Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow. What sort of declaration was this?

 

Her words were acceptable to him. Of course his little human had developed affection for her lord. However he did not believe he experienced the relationship in the same way as she. Youkai were different-- they operated on instinct and genetic memory, responding to the call of their ancient bloodlines in social and other matters. He returned and took her hand in his.

 

"Sango, you know I experience things differently."

 

She sighed. "I know. I know it probably isn't returned, not in the same way. It doesn't change the fact that I feel this way for you." Wanting to say she loved him, Sango had become afraid at the last minute and held back. What would be the point? Youkai did not feel as humans did, although there were times Sesshomaru made her almost believe he could love her in his own way.

 

"That monk was never worthy of you," he said quietly. "He drove away the most precious treasure in his life and must now be living to regret it."

 

Sango felt tears well in her eyes. He touched her heart. How was it possible for a demon like Sesshomaru with a reputation for cold judgment and aloofness to so effortlessly move her to tears? She shook her head, wiped her face and stepped back. "You should go," she said in a broken voice.

 

Nodding faintly at her suggestion, Sesshomaru understood that being involved with him had to be confusing for the young human youkai hunter, and he resolved to give her the space she needed to come to terms with it.

 

'Why is life so unfair?' she wondered while gazing up into his remarkable golden eyes. Here was a potential parter, someone to ease the loneliness in the taijiya's life and yet so much stood in the way to prevent them truly being together. He was youkai and she was human-- a taijiya, the most unlikely companion much less lover for a demon lord of Sesshomaru's power and stature. How had it all come to be in the first place?

 

"Someone will collect you in two days time. Until then--" Sesshomaru kissed her cheek. "I look forward to the private time we will share."

 

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"Those Sato sisters are looking haughty," commented Midori. She and Kaiya milled about at a gathering of unmarried noble ladies inside the palace. Hisako had called them together, some thirty in all in anticipation of their appearance at the upcoming feast of the full moon.

 

Sesshomaru's secret had not been kept very well. By now the news had leaked that they were all possible candidates for the title of Lady of the Western lands. This had brought about waves of excitement, anticipation and some jealousy-- almost all the young inuyoukai females coveted the good fortune such an elevation in status would bring, such as an increased prominence for their family, an endless wardrobe, an army of servants to attend their every whim, not to mention the opportunity to become mother of the future leader of the Western lands.

 

"They always look haughty," replied Kaiya. By now the younger daughter of Lord Akira had her own ideas about who would be the front runners in this little circus. There was her sister of course, Midori being widely recognized as one of the most graceful and well mannered young ladies at court even if she did tend to shun any sort of challenging conversation. Besides that, their father was one of their master's closest advisors-- it would be an easy move for Sesshomaru-sama to take one of Akira's daughters as a mate.

 

Besides Midori there was the lady Yuka, an intelligent and athletic young demoness who had for some time been widely looked on as a potential mate for their lord. Kaiya frowned. Yuka wasn't very good looking. She couldn't imagine Sesshomaru being happy with such a plain companion.

 

Looking around some more she again spied the Sato girls, the nineteen-year-old twin daughters of Lord Hiro and Lady Meiko. 'Yes, they too will probably be considered likely choices for my lord's favor, either one of them.' Kaiya remembered that their father owned perhaps the richest feudal estate in the land, not that either one ever let anyone else forget it. They were famously shrill and stuck-up. 'The gods help Sesshomaru-sama if he is saddled with one of those two,' she thought. 'Not that it matters, he probably only wants a breeding bitch to whelp his offspring. I suppose even Yuka would do for that purpose.'

 

"My august young demonesses," called Hisako. She had to raise her voice to be heard above the chattering in the room. "Please settle yourselves."

 

After a time the crowd quieted and Hisako could speak in a normal tone. "As you know in three nights time you will have a special role to play. It is very important that you be at your best, and I am here to help you."

 

Kaiya rolled her eyes. 'Why can't I be at my studio? I'd so much rather be painting than sitting through this absurdity,' she muttered to herself. Startled, she noticed a pair of hard dark eyes staring at her. Hisako seemed to have read her mind. 'How could the old bitch tell what I was thinking?'

 

Kaiya sat up straighter and tried to pay attention.

 

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"You dogs! Tonight we begin our march north...the tyrant Sesshomaru will feel the steel of our fangs, the heat of our claws!" Hundreds of rough inu warriors barked and growled in response to their leader. Jitsuo stood atop a large worn tree stump and addressed his soldiers by torchlight. He could wait no more. The time had come to move against his hated enemy. Promising his followers plunder and land, Jitsuo had whipped them into a frenzy of fighting spirit. All of them had suffered under the rule of Sesshomaru-- were not the southeastern inu treated the worst of all others in the territory? Were they not ignored and disparaged in the central court as outcasts and mongrels? The time had come to settle scores, and Jitsuo's clan meant to do it sooner rather than later.

 

His plan to kidnap and install the hanyou newborn Takeo as their puppet leader had been delayed, much to his dismay and anger. Primarily the infant would lend legitimacy to the coup as a descendant of Inutaisho. He would garner instant respect and unify inu from all over the territory, not just his clan. Jitsuo could raise the pup in his own image to do his will, and thus make himself the de facto ruler of the territory.

 

So far there had been no favorable opportunity to take the whelpling and his miko mother, however. It was as if the gods were conspiring against him in this endeavor. The blasted hanyou Inuyasha seemed never to leave the vicinity of their dwelling, and Jitsuo wanted to avoid the wrath of Tetsusaiga at all costs. He planned to deal with Inuyasha at a later time, once he had his power consolidated at the central palace and could direct vast forces against the hanyou. He would make one more attempt to take the pup. Jitsuo planned to leave at the start of the march, go to the hanyou's village, secure the pup and then rejoin his captains and soldiers to storm the central fortress and take what was rightfully his. And of course destroy the arrogant cur Sesshomaru.

 

He shouted, waving a thick fist. "Away you dogs! Away to your glory!!!"

 

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