InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Desafiante ❯ Chapter nine- Ichiro ( Chapter 9 )

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" I didn't come here for a fight, I came here to give a warning. You have three weeks lord Sesshoumaru to vacate your land. You should be grateful really, as a rule I don't give warnings but I thought I should extend you that courtesy". The demon ahead of her lifted a hand to his face sweeping back the long hair that fell across his forehead revealing a crescent moon identical to Sesshoumaru's own mark, yet blood red. He smiled coldly.

"You are family after all"

Sorry this chapter took so long to post, I had almost finished it but then decided I didn't like it so scrapped the whole thing and started again. Sorry to anyone who's been waiting and I hope you like the chapter. Once again thankyou to the people who review I always read them. I've built up the bad guy a bit in this chapter he's very clear in my own head but please let me know how he comes across in the story and if I need to change anything about him. Argitou!

Disclaimer - Inuyasha is the property of Rumiko takahashi and not me (sob)

The demon released the strands of hair letting them once again cover the crescent moon on his brow. He had stopped laughing and the less humorous demeanor made him look more like Sesshoumaru.

Kagome was confused. Part of the man that stood in front of her was human but the rest was a mix of blood she had never encountered. He looked as if he had some kind of reptilian link as well as dog demon but there was something else it almost seemed as if he had been created rather than born. Surely Sesshoumaru hadn't been involved in such an experiment. The mutual animosity between the two demons was creating miasma and the ether was thick and cloying. Kagome's eyes began to water. She could easily purify the other demon's miasma but the potion left her unable to sanitize Sesshoumaru's. He seemed to sense her discomfort and he visibly calmed easing the atmosphere considerably in the process.

The other demon was staring at Sesshoumaru with flat reptilian eyes he smiled again and bowed slowly his hair swept the floor beneath him but somehow the gesture appeared mocking and Kagome could sense Sesshoumaru's anger. The other demon's smile evaporated as suddenly as it had appeared. " Until we meet again Sesshoumaru Sama, as always it has been a pleasure" Sesshoumaru ran forward to stop them leaving but he was knocked back, an invisible barrier blocked his way The demon laughed and turned away gesturing for his companions to follow him. As he left he glanced back at Kagome and she shuddered as he smiled at her the smile was cold and cruel, even more so than Sesshoumaru's had ever been.

Kagome watched in shock as Inuyasha's brother transformed into his animal self and began pounding on the barrier. Although she had seen his transformation before this was uncontrolled and so unlike Sesshoumaru that she felt dreadfully afraid. She edged back till she felt the comforting bulk of the buildings and she watched the great dog demon smash the barrier till he collapsed to the floor his fur singed and bloody from the repeated impact. Kagome waited until Sesshoumaru reappeared and then edged towards him slowly he was bleeding. Suddenly all feelings of anger vanished and she feel to her knees next to the demon lord and reached out to tend his wounds, " Sesshoumaru you're hurt, let me help you" She gently moved the sleeve of his houri aside and touched the edge of his singed flesh. Without thinking she pressed her hands over the wound and she felt it healing beneath her touch.

Kagome moved her hands away quickly the feeling was strange when she touched him as if he was part of her. Sesshoumaru almost seemed to read her thoughts " I am a part of you Miko, my blood runs in your veins now, you cannot hurt me but you can heal" Kagome replaced her hands on the wound and Sesshoumaru didn't move away. " Who was that Sesshoumaru?" she saw anger flash through his eyes "That is not your concern ningen". Kagome felt her anger rise within her " Well I'm so sorry you don't feel like talking about it. But if your going to react this way every time that thing turns up, then I think I have a right to know who he is. Sesshoumaru's eyes once again showed red and his lips were twisted into a snarl.

Sesshoumaru could feel his self-control slipping away from him. How dare this stupid human demand answers from him, she was obviously overestimating her own importance. He should end it now, she had seen too much and her natural curiosity would drive for answers he didn't want to give. Nor did he want her snooping around behind his back; too many eyes were already watching his household. If they knew of his connection to that thing he would be dead within a month.

Her blue eyes stared defiantly into his own, even though they were tinged with fear they still demanded answers he would not give. It would be so easy to snap her neck; he could feel her hand against his arm, the small fingers had automatically clenched betraying her fear. She followed his gaze and withdrew her hand sharply. Embarrassment flushed her cheeks. He must look truly terrifying to her now and she no longer had any means of protection against him her Miko powers were useless and like all humans without additional magic she was weak. So why haven't you killed her Sesshoumaru? she has seen too much and she's only a human yet she is still breathing, maybe she is not the only one who's weak. Sesshoumaru bared his teeth in anger; she was his property he could do as he pleased; yet the voice grated on him. There were seed's of truth in what it said. Her breathing was testament to the fact he was unable, or more correctly, unwilling to kill her. He could feel her aura radiate around her, and he had enjoyed her touch, never had he allowed a human to touch him and live. Except for Rin but she had been a child, as an adult he had distanced himself from her. Yet here was this human touching him and he had not stopped her. She was still looking at him waiting for a reaction but he betrayed nothing, without her abilities he was unreadable and cold.

Her blue eyes were clouded with confusion and she opened her mouth to speak, but Sesshoumaru's acid gaze silenced her. Without a sound he pinned her against the floor, he could hear her whimper in pain as his claws dug into her flesh. Drops of venom ran onto her exposed skin leaving burning trails behind them.

She was struggling now he could feel her arms straining under his hands " Sesshoumaru get off me, your hurting me you stupid pig" She had screamed the last word right next to his sensitive ear and had also punctuated it with a well aimed kick. Although the blow caused him no pain it infuriated him one squeeze and he could snap the bones in those arms just as easily as she could snap a dry twig. Yet she had no respect for his power over her.

Sesshoumaru smiled inwardly, there was one thing he knew she was afraid of, he growled softly before crushing his own mouth against hers, he could feel her body freeze at the unexpected action, his fangs grazed her lips and he tasted her own blood in his mouth. It was not meant as a kiss it was violent and hurtful he was crushing out his own anger, he felt her struggle again yet more urgently. He was blocking the breath from entering her body and she was fighting for air, blue eyes stared imploringly into his own but he ignored them. All he had to do was press down for a minute longer and she would die but he didn't instead he tore his mouth away from hers letting a thin stream of blood run from her mouth across her chin. He could taste that same blood on his own mouth and as the irony tang touched his tongue his anger faded.

"Do not question me Miko, I don't want to kill you yet but there are other things I can do to you that would be far worse"

Sesshoumaru released her and sat up. Killing her was not an option he had already failed more than once to end her life she was linked to him now just as Rin had been linked to him. Silently he cursed the weak blood that allowed him to feel for a human. His father had been weak in the end and the same sickness obviously coursed through his own veins. It would pass, maybe once he used her to help him wield tetsaiga his feelings would evaporate then he would do what he had promised the fox and her body would decorate the grave of his brother. Until then he hoped the unspoken threat to her innocence would be enough to control her, he had no intention of carrying it out and it angered him that he had made an empty threat, he had never made one before.

Sesshoumaru stared into the fire he had created, he had no need for its warmth but the girl was injured it was better to rest now than risk her collapsing before she had been of use to him. Sesshoumaru had not expected a challenge to come this quickly, he was loath to admit that he had brought this upon himself 'Ichirio Meioh' even the name made his eyes cloud in anger, it had been a mistake, one he would never repeat and one he would soon correct. Other demons had already paid with their blood for that one error but their most deadly mistake had been to involve him, he had quickly realized what they were doing. But by then it had been too late.

Kagome lay very still she was afraid and angry her lips were still swollen and sore, but the most pain came from her shoulders. They burned just as keenly now as when the venom had first touched her; her Miko powers were doing nothing to ease the pain. She had not expected that reaction from Sesshoumaru and she was afraid and confused. He had no desire for humans, yet she had never known him to play games before. He knew she was afraid of him taking her, but it was unlikely he was using this to gain her cooperation, or was he? Kagome fought back the tears of frustration and pain that welled behind her eyes. If only she could still use her Miko abilities on him it would be so much easier to tell what he was thinking.

Slowly she shifted her weight so she was sitting upright and she faced the demon lord, summoning up her courage she attempted to look as affronted as possible. "Why did you kiss me Sesshoumaru, you have no desire for humans, so why play games" Kagome loaded each word with as much sarcasm as she dared but clamped her mouth shut as Sesshoumaru moved around the fire to stand infront of her. " I don't play games human" Sesshoumaru turned to walk away from her "Don't ask any more questions your incessant chatter grates on me do you understand?" Kagome tried her best to look defiant " I hope it does lord Sesshoumaru, maybe if you stopped being such an arrogant bastard I might stop". Sesshoumaru looked at her either she was just stupid or she didn't find the idea of him bedding her as repulsive as he had thought. Without warning he grabbed her shoulder and jerked her to her feet, the flesh beneath his hand was hot to the touch and he heard her cry out in pain. A small hand now covered his own and tiny fingers curled against his flesh attempting to remove his hand from her shoulder. Kagome felt a wave of real terror overcome her " Please Sesshoumaru Sama, I'm sorry, Please put me down. I promise I won't talk anymore please" the words were beseeching and her eyes widened in panic as Sesshoumaru brought his face closer to her own.

This was not entirely the reaction he had hoped for, his intention had been to make her submissive not to terrify her. Strange how just one suggestion could illicit such a strong reaction from the human." Remove your hand from mine girl and keep still". He could feel her fear it radiated from her so thickly he could taste it. She was unwise to show fear, he was after all part dog and one should never show fear to a predator it brought out instincts that were hard to control. Sesshoumaru softened his voice so it was almost coaxing " Let go and keep still human and I promise I will not harm you". Her eyes flickered with indescision but to his inner relief she released her hand and fell still.

He cut effortlessly through the material of her shirt with his claws; the flesh of her arm was badly burnt and parts of the skin looked as if they had melted away. Sesshoumaru noted with interest that her Miko powers still partially protected her, as the damage did not appear to extend into her flesh. On any other human he had no doubt that the venom would have eaten into the bone resulting in a long lingering death. Sesshoumaru looked closely at the wound. It would heal, there would be scars but that did not matter to him. " The water still runs in this part of the city. Go and wash the wound carefully, that will stop the burning". Sesshoumaru pressed his claws firmly against her skin for emphasis " Do not run from me Miko, I will find you and then you will wish yourself dead do you understand". The question had been a rhetorical one but Kagome nodded mutely and walked slowly towards the nearest open door.

Kagome sighed in relief as the cold water ran over her arm, it felt better already. Sesshoumaru had not followed her but she had no intention of taking the opportunity to run she was still determined to escape but the time for foolish impetuousness had long past. She looked around her at what had once been someone's home, the electric lights still worked but cobwebs hung from the disused furniture and doorways. Kagome wandered through into the bedroom and rummaged through the drawers, she felt strangely uncomfortable going through other people's things and she offered a silent apology to the people who had once owned the house. She was pleasantly surprised at what she found in the cabinet. A girl must have lived here and she had been roughly the same size as Kagome the clothes were a little loose but they would do.

Kagome wandered through the house on a search for the bathroom she suddenly felt the need to cleanse her body of the days events and was pleased to find that the shower still worked, although it only ran cold. It took a great deal more time to locate the towels, which were for some reason kept in a box under the sink. She shook them out and managed to find one that the mice hadn't used as nesting material before stripping and climbing into the shower. The water was freezing but it still did the job, she muttered a quick thankyou to the previous owners for leaving some unopened soap behind that was still useable. She had just finished giving her hair a second rinse when she felt something malevolent in the room with her. It was the same youkai mix, as before, yet it seemed weaker although only parts of it were present. Kagome switched the shower off quickly and grabbed the towel from the edge of the bath wrapping it around herself protectively before moving the curtains aside.

The same demon she had seen before was sitting on the linen box staring at her intently. He was even scarier up close; the marks on his cheeks were definitely made up of tiny scales, which glistened as his mouth broke into a grin. " Good evening. There really was no need to get all dressed up just for me" the demon cocked his head to one side and stared at Kagome's wound's. " It seems the great Sesshoumaru has been a bit free with his venom. I do hope that it had nothing to do with my little speech". Kagome looked quickly from the demon to the door the gap was too small she wouldn't make it and the demon seemed to sense what she was thinking because his grin increased " You weren't thinking of leaving were you? Kagome isn't it? Allow me to introduce myself". The demon stood and bowed deeply although his eyes never left hers, "Ichiro Meioh, but just to you Ichiro will be fine. I really think it's best if you get dressed I was planning on leaving soon and of course you will be coming with me"

Kagome let out a startled cry. This demon moved almost as fast as Sesshoumaru, he was now standing infront of her and his clawed hand was pressed against her cheek. "Your far to powerful for Sesshoumaru to manage. I see he has tasted you though, The great lord of the western lands and a Miko. What a novel idea" Kagome could feel the white heat of her power grows within her and she started in surprise as the demon was driven back against the opposite wall. Clutching her towel to her she ran blindly out of the house into the city. Sesshoumaru was nowhere to be seen and then she realized she had exited into the back alley not into the main street, it was too late to go back into the house, any-way it was darker here maybe she could hide. Kagome shook her head in frustration that would never work. Her Miko powers would shine like a beacon and she didn't know how to hide her own aura. She couldn't feel anything following her; maybe her wizardry had hurt him more than she'd thought. Kagome tripped on the uneven ground. Why was she always so clumsy? She sat down heavily to examine her ankle for damage. She was just about to brush away the dirt when she noticed the shadow that now blocked out the nearest streetlight.

" Why do you always run?" Kagome looked up to see the lord of the western lands standing infront of her, this was not good " Sesshoumaru listen to me please, I didn't run from you…I" Kagome suddenly felt angry, why had he not gone after Ichiro, surely he must have sensed him. She looked up at the demon lord bewildered. " Didn't you see him? He was in that house, I'm surprised you're not in there now ripping him to shreds or whatever it is that you do".

Sesshoumaru felt his stomach clench painfully, but he kept his outer demeanor cool and unmoving " I sense no one here but you and I, why did you disobey me. Was my warning not clear enough for you to understand". Kagome stood up still clutching the towel to her body, fear and confusion clouded her eyes and once again she could feel the hot prick of tears. " Please listen to me Sesshoumaru. Ichiro was in the bathroom with me, you must have sensed him he was yards away from you. I didn't run from you I ran from him. I went out the wrong door. You have to listen to me" Kagome drew in her breath sharply and looked around for something to corroborate her story. In desperation she held out a corner of the towel to him " I would not have run in this if I hadn't had to, please…"

Sesshoumaru kept his voice level and unmoving." How do you know his name? It is important that you tell me everything he said". Kagome opened her mouth to speak and then caught sight of the open doorway " Sesshoumaru he's there, behind you in the doorway" Sesshoumaru turned sharply to look at the empty doorway and then turned back to Kagome. " What do you see girl; he must have some connection to you in order to show himself this way look beyond him. What do you see?" Kagome stared intently at the seemingly real demon walking towards her and Sesshoumaru " I can't see anything, can't you see him? he's right there". Ichiro stopped seemingly next to Sesshoumaru " He can't see me Kagome, only you can see me. Your brother Souta has been very helpful in detecting your spirit. Now I can find you anywhere. Please give my kind regards to Sesshoumaru and tell him I'll be seeing him soon"

Kagome tried to push forward towards the now fading image but Sesshoumaru held her firmly " it is only an illusion, you can not follow it. Tell me what he said to you?" Kagome struggled in Sesshoumaru's grasp " let me go, he's got Souta I have to follow him, what if he's hurt him I have to go to him please"

Sesshoumaru pressed his clawed fingers firmly into her neck sending her into unconsciousness. This was an unwelcome turn of events; Ichiro had been created with the ability to target single people. He could be dangerous.

Sesshoumaru was unsure if Ichiro's powers would allow him to harm the girl, he had not expected Ichiro to form a link to the human. Sesshoumaru gritted his teeth in anger. He must have been spying on them for weeks; it would have taken time to extract enough information to form so close a link to his property. It was important now that he returned to his home as quickly as possible, his strength was greatest there and he doubted Ichiro had enough courage to face him so deep within his own territory.

Kagome woke up with a start, she had, had a terrible dream. Inuyasha had been calling to her, but she had been unable to help him. Then Souta had appeared but before she could reach him Ichiro had stepped out of nowhere and snatched him from her, then she had been alone. She looked around and was surprised to find herself back in Sesshoumaru's secret chambers. She was now thankfully clothed, she sincerely hoped it had not been Sesshoumaru that had changed her. He was no where to be seen, she rose quickly and ran out into the main chamber, she had to find a way to get to Souta, Inuyasha would have to wait, Souta was more important to her now. She ran her hand along the smooth walls trying to find the seam of the door she knew was hidden there. " You will not find it human, it is too well hidden for your clumsy senses". Kagome spun round to locate the owner of the voice. " Sesshoumaru, I need to go and find Souta. I didn't run from you please believe me". Sesshoumaru sat down on the edge of the spring " I know you didn't. Even you are not that stupid. Your brother is safe for the time being. As long as Ichiro wants to reach you he needs your brother to bridge the gap between your souls. Kagome took a step towards the demon lord " Ichiro was in my dream last night, can he reach me here". Sesshoumaru stood up slowly and walked towards the girl she did not back away. " I doubt that he would enter so deep into my territory, and he does not possess the ability to enter dreams. What you saw was not exactly an illusion but a part of him, he is still as bound by the physical rules of this world as you and I".

Kagome frowned " In the bathroom I pushed him back with my abilities he hit the wall just as a physical person would have done". Sesshoumaru looked with new respect on the little Miko; she must have been fast and skilled to do that to Ichiro. In his altered state he did have the ability to disappear and reappear rapidly in-order to counter attacks or seemingly walk through walls, he doubted the other demon would attempt another assault until he had rested and formulated a plan.

Sesshoumaru didn't know it but he was wrong Ichiro had a plan already in motion and the walls of Sesshoumaru's home would proof no great barrier to him, he needed the Miko, Sesshoumaru was a fool his arrogant superiority had blinded him to the girls potential. Ichiro had never underestimated humans, he himself had been engineered, created to be a powerful weapon for the demon lords to use against humanity, but they had also been fools. In order to try and control him they had built human characteristics into him viewing them as an exploitable weakness should he become uncontrollable. Ichiro knew differently, humans had been honing their cruelty and malice for centuries, no other species was as adaptable, or as good at inflicting pain. They made up for bodily weakness by having a sharp and intelligent mind and by using resources to fuel their own needs. In creating him they had created a creature that not only had all the strength of a demon lord but also adaptability.

Ichiro laughed out loud, how shocked they would be when he turned the full arsenal of human weaponry against them as well his own army, many had joined him humans and hanyou's alike, but they too were flawed how easily they had been tricked by him. He had flattered them and offered them freedom, dominance over the demons that ruled. He would help them he said to set up a new world were humans and hanyou's ruled together and demons were the slaves soon they would all bow to him and what was more funny was they would probably thank him for it. He needed her, Kagome the name flowed easily from his mouth. Sesshoumaru would think he was the only target he would never imagine that a mere human was Ichiro's main aim. She was not however a mere human Kagome was an anomaly like himself yet she did not know how to use her power he would teach her. She was beautiful as well, he had always found human woman desirable but this girl was special.

Ichiro sat down on a soft cushion and closed his eyes in concentration. The girl would be easily swayed her nature was too trusting. It was Sesshoumaru who would prove to be a problem, he had no weakness, nothing about his character was easily exploitable and Ichiro needed the demon lord alive, he had plans for Sesshoumaru. The youkai's blood was the strongest of any living youkai and it would be invaluable to Ichiro, Sesshoumaru's seed would be unable him to create an army more powerful than any that had ever lived. It would take time to get Sesshoumaru but he could afford to lose a little more. All he had to do was locate the girl again then he could set to work.

Please review - constructive criticism is always welcome especially about new characters but please no flames I'm too delicate

Glossary

Ichiro means first-born and Meioh means dark king