InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Desperation ❯ Chapter 29

Chapter Twenty-Nine

 

 

“You remember how to get to the field?” Fawn asked Kagome.

“Yep, it was only yesterday after all.”

“Okay we'll meet you guys there.” She turned toward the house. “Hurry!” She hollered over her shoulder as she ran.

 

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Inuyasha glanced at his pack.

“Stay here,” he growled.

With that he leapt onto the balcony. He was back a few moments later. Dressed in his fire rat and Tessaiga in his hand.

“Let's go. I'll deal with her.”

I'm the only one strong enough to. Kagome heard his words whisper through her mind.

 

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They hadn't been at the field long before they were joined by Shadara's pack mates.

Inuyasha stood with his back to the group as he watched the trail. He listened to their conversation with one ear. He was concerned about Shadara. He had never seen anyone so damaged. Not his mother, not Kikyou, not Kagome when he had upset her, not even Sango after the destruction of her village.

He had never felt power like hers. Nor rage.

He shook his head. He didn't understand her at all. Why she was so upset about killing the enemy? He just didn't get it.

What worried him the most was the look in her eyes when she manipulated the fire. It was so cold, nearly lifeless, and her eyes had been nearly black. He knew that her eyes grew darker when she was angry. But for them to be as black as they were was grave.

He shook his head again. He didn't understand why he was drawn to her. Why he wanted to protect her. Shadara being hurt had the same effect on him Sango being hurt did.

Fuck, I've only known the woman a day. What the fuck's wrong with me she isn't pack. Why the hell do I care?

His head snapped up as he caught her scent. She smelled of trees, sun warmed grass, and steel. Under all that was just a hint of wolf.

“She's coming,” his tone was even.

Brook turned and saw Shadara come around the corner.

“Oh no,” she gasped.

The edges of her black cloak brushed the path as they swirled. The hilt of her sword rode over her left shoulder. The cowl was pulled up hiding her face.

Inuyasha drew in a deep breath and held it. His ears came up. He could smell her, but it was clean. Not a single emotion escaped. No sadness, no anger, no guilt. Nothing. It was like she had completely shut her emotions off. He looked over at Brook. The red head had her hand over her mouth and her eyes were flooded.

“She's shut down.” Her voice was chocked.

“What do you mean?” Kagome asked.

“She's completely closed of all of her emotions wench.” He told his mate softly. He watched as the shifter approached.

She moved with an unearthly grace, like a hunter, an ultimate warrior, and as she had claimed, a weapon.

Annie looked at the cloaked figure then turned.

“Fawn, the boys?” There was a question in her tone.

“They went hunting.” The brunette shook her head.

“Damn!” Brook swore. “They could have pulled her out of this faster than we can.”

“I'll take care of it.” Inuyasha's gruff voice startled the red head.

She looked at him with wide eyes.

“You're sure.”

He gave her a single nod.

They all watched the shifter approach.

Shadara reached the fence. Instead of opening the gate she placed one hand upon it and vaulted over. She stood there still as stone.

“Shippo!” Kagome called startled as he leapt from her arms.

He ran on all fours, still crying, to the cloaked figure. He slid to a stop before her feet, looked up, and put his hand on her knee.

“S-Shadara?” His voice trembled.

The cowl tipped forward, the cloak parted, and her arms emerged.

Seeing her open hands Shippo jumped. She pulled him close and folded her cloak around him.

“Shhh little one,” she whispered as she stroked his hair. Her voice was no longer cold and a bit of sadness had leaked into her scent.

“Are you alright now?” He asked as he looked up at her.

“Nay little one, I am not. I will be though. So worry not alright?” She sounded tired and heart sick.

Shippo gave her a smile and patted her cheek.

“Mama and I are going to watch while you spar.”

“Alright little one, let's see if your Papa can give me a good fight.”

“Keh, scary bitch or not I'll kick your ass.”

“We shall see about that.” She looked up at the hanyou. He was relieved to see a bit of green back in her eyes.

Shadara strode over to Kagome and placed Shippo in her waiting arms.

Black-emerald eyes meat chocolate ones.

“Thank you for being willing to try. Though I fear your efforts will be in vain.” She whispered.

“You're welcome,” Kagome replied in understanding.

The shifter pulled away from the group.

Cracking his knuckles the hanyou stepped forward. His amber eyes scanned the woman before him.

He flew at her. With a swipe of his claws he tried to grab her cloak. Intending on pulling her off her feet.

In a flurry she spun out of his reach. Throwing his balance off just a bit. Before he could right himself she spun back. And kicked his feet out from under him.

Flat on his back Inuyasha thought. He may need to put a greater effort into this.

As he leapt to his feet he pulled Tessaiga.

 

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“Um Kagome,” Fawn looked at her with a quizzical expression. “Isn't his sword kinda old and beat up.”

“Just watch.”

 

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Inuyasha smirked at her question. He was looking forward to the reaction he was about to get.

The ensuing gasps of shock as the blade flared to life were music to his pointed ears.

“Interesting.”

The single monotone word was all he got from the shifter. She didn't even draw her sword.

He rushed her blade held high.

As she spun away she pulled the cloak free of her shoulders. Using the flying fabric as a decoy she pulled her blade. And disarmed the hanyou.

Inuyasha watched as his sword flew away from him. Shadara leapt, deftly caught the blade, and threw it to him.

“You can do better,” her voice floated across the field.

“I'll show you better,” he snarled.

They came together with a clashing ring of steel.

She wasn't strong enough to hold him back for long. So she relied on her speed. Her speed and ingenuity.

Damn it! She's fast. The thought flew through his mind as he felt the flat of her blade against his ribs. Smart to.

He was impressed at how quickly she could change tactics. And as he was anything but stupid it didn't take him long to figure her out. He was soon giving almost as much as he was getting.

Shadara was pleased with how this was going. Finally there was someone she didn't have to hold back with. Someone who might be able to wear her out.

She had known he would give her a good fight. Once he put a real effort into it that is.

For several minutes they drove each other across the field. It wasn't long before Shadara's dark mood was lifted. Her whole being was lit by her bright smile.

“Very good Inuyasha.” She called to him. “But I wonder if you know this one.”

With a quick flourish she pulled her dagger, spun her sword, once again disarmed him, dropped to the ground, and swept his feet out from under him.

This time he had no time to think about strategy. She was kneeling on his chest with the dagger at his throat.

“You'll have to teach me that one,” he said looking into her bright emerald eyes.

“No use, you don't carry a knife.”

Suddenly her smile died. A vicious snarl was ripped from her throat as she leapt away from him.

He was on his feet and after her as she ran toward the fence and a bloodied Kit.

She slid to a stop, falling to her knees before the wolf. Her hands were in his thick fur and her nimble fingers quickly found the shallow gash on his shoulder.

“My son what has happened?” Her voice was thick with worry. “Where is your brother?”

“M-ma-mama,” he gasp trying to speak through his shuddering breathes. “A b-b-bear Mama. Sa's hurt real bad.”

She stood; her face closed down, and she laid her hands on his head.

“Show me,” he voice was gentle.

They both closed their eyes. Her silver hair flashed and she nodded. As she stepped back Kit spoke.

“I want to go Mama.” Her expression softened.

“You're too tired to keep pace.” He looked up at her his silver eyes pleading.

“Give me wings Mama, please.” He beseeched.

She gave him a long look than shed her weapons. She knelt once more and placed her hands on his shoulders.

Within seconds they were both engulfed in a golden light. It faded quickly to reveal the pair.

Shadara now stood with her head down. And sprouting from Kit's shoulders was a magnificent pair of silver wings.

He looked up at his mother and saw the exhaustion written across her features.

“I took too much!” He gasped.

“No!” She snapped and stepped back.

She threw her head back and howled. It was a clear and earnest call for aid.

“What's she doing?” Sango asked as she turned to Brook.

“She's calling the herd.” She answered as she and the other girls spread out.

“I thought you were a pack?” Miroku asked confused.

“We are both!” Shadara's voice rang over the thunder of hooves.

Four massive horses charged down the path and jumped the fence.

The four swung onto the equines. Followed by the winged wolf they ran for the trees.

“Wench!”

“Kirara!”

In a heartbeat they were flying after the wolf's pack.

Shadara got to the tiger seconds before they caught her.

Kagome covered her mouth at the sight.

Sa was unconscious, his breathing pained and shallow. His wounds were terrible. The miko was sure he wouldn't survive.

Inuyasha kept his mate on his back. Something strange was going on here. The four horses stood around Shadara and her son. Looking at her intently, waiting.

She raised her tear streaked face from her hands buried in his bloody fur.

“My warriors,” her voice was gruff from pain. “I need your strength.”

As one the stallions stepped forward, their deep voices ringing.

“All I have My Lady.”

Together they shimmered revealing their true forms.

Kagome and Sango gasped.

“Unicorns!” The word was filled with awe.

The four lowered their heads laying their glowing horns on her shoulders. The golden light flowed down her arms, through her hands, and into the wounded tiger.

As his body was engulfed Inuyasha heard his breathing ease. Also the steadying of his heartbeat. Shock filled him at the sight of the vicious wounds closing.

She felt the wounds close, felt his blood replenishing, and the power filling her.

Stop little one. Starlight's voice echoed in her mind.

No, she snarled. I must make sure he is alright.

The second she felt him stir beneath her hands she broke the connection. She knew she was too late. It was too late to avoid the overload.

Inuyasha and his family watched. They watched as the cat stirred. And as Shadara leapt over him away from the group.

The white unicorn with the silver mane turned after her.

“Little one?” There was a question in his deep voice.

She trembled and wrapped her arms around herself. A pained expression crossed her face.

“It hurts Starlight.” The pain laced tone cut Inuyasha deeply.

“Just let go my bonded,” she shook her head at his words. “Little one please,” he pleaded, “don't fight it.”

She lifted her head and snarled. They could all see her fangs.

“Holly please,” Brook stepped forward. “It only hurts when you fight it.”

The shifter moved her gaze across the group. Her eyes caught Inuyasha's. There was a pleading in them. A pleading for acceptance.

He let his own gaze soften and nodded.

“Take care of them Brook.” Her voice was strained.

“I will.”

At the conformation she bolted into the trees.

Seconds later there was a flash of silver light. It was followed by a desolate howl.

“What happened?” Miroku asked.

“Power overload.” Brook answered. “It caused her to shift.”

Inuyasha's family looked at each other and the ones around them.

Shadara ran.

The Blackwolf ran.