InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Dog Skin ❯ Demon Days ( Chapter 18 )

Dog Skin

 

Chapter Eighteen: Demon Days

 

The sun had yet to peak over the mountains to the east, but already Inuyasha knelt in the courtyard awaiting the arrival of Naraku. It seemed as though the entire household as well as the surrounding town had come out to watch the battle. The visiting lords stood closest to the side lines for the best view of the claim dispute. Some of the human lords appeared confused, even after explanations were given, but the promise that it would be very exciting had them curious and eager to see this demon tradition in action. Even the servants had abandoned their chores without reprisal in order to watch their lords battle one another, finding choice views from the battlements and stable roof.

 

Inuyasha glanced to where his brother stood at his side. He would be acting as his second, though he hadn't asked him to do so. The arrogant Lord of the Western Lands had assumed the position without question or hesitation, just as he did anything and everything else. Inuyasha growled low in discontent. He would have preferred Miroku in Sesshoumaru's place, but the monk was better off where he was, standing at the entrance to the castle, Kouga at his side.

 

Whatever Sesshoumaru had said to the wolf seemed to have worked, because since then he had been behaving uncharacteristically subservient to the demon dog's will.

 

Seemingly without provocation, Inuyasha's gaze was pulled upward to the balcony belonging to his brother's rooms. Three women stood watching the commotion below. Sesshoumaru had insisted that Kagome remain in his rooms during the battle, along with Kagura, and that Sango join them. The demon slayer was dressed in her battle gear, Hiraikotsu slung over her shoulder nonchalantly. Inuyasha had been annoyed with what he saw as unnecessary guard, especially when Kohaku was put outside the door. However, the precaution made sense to him now. It could just be a coincidence but those servants of Naraku's that were in attendance appeared to be strategically placed about the courtyard. His hackles had risen when he'd first noticed it, an alarmed glance at his brother confirming that something wasn't right. There were far more of Naraku's people then their own.

 

To distract his mind from things he could not control, Inuyasha locked his gaze on his intended. Kagome stood between the two other women, a worried frown on her brow. She wore the furisode kimono of a maiden, the colour a deep red with orange and white moons along the hem and sleeves. A deep purple obi encased her waist, his house symbol in white on it. Her hair was up and decorated with silver prongs. Though the material was thick and warm, she also wore a haori over top. He knew for a fact that it held his own personal symbol on the back, a fact that when realised had nearly had him dragging her back to his room in possessive approval. If he had his way, today would be the last time she could wear the furisode.

 

She had very nearly not been able to wear it today.

 

Memory of last night and this morning flooded his minds eye and he couldn't hold back the smug smile that flitted onto his lips.

 

He had woken early, as was his want, to find himself still pillowed against her. His hands had itched to slide beneath her clothing and once again feel her soft skin, but he had gritted his teeth and removed himself from her and the futon all together.

 

He'd dressed soundlessly after that and moved out onto the balcony to escape the over powering smell that was her. She was still on his fingers.

 

When he'd regained some semblance of control he'd returned to sit against the wall beside her, leaving the shoji open in hopes of airing out the room. She was cold. He could tell from the shivers that would course through her intermittently that she missed his body heat. To distract himself from thoughts of warming her, he focused an unseeing gaze on the view outside and began to mentally prepare for the battle ahead of him.

 

He'd been only vaguely aware of when she awoke, so focused was he in his mental preparations for anything that Naraku may throw at him. She'd made no sound and so he hadn't altered focus until a sudden change in her scent startled him back into the present. Dazed by the unexpected scent of arousal, he'd turned to look at her. She was watching him, a heavy blush painting her cheeks with his favourite colour.

 

She'd squirmed a bit under his gaze and he forced a reassuring smile. “Good morning,” he'd said.

 

“Good morning.” Her morning voice had been husky with sleep. “I didn't mean to disrupt you.…”

 

“Keh!” He'd shifted his gaze back to the view. “Your breathing disrupts me.”

 

She'd been quiet after that.

 

He'd mentally cringed, unsure why he'd said that. Had she taken it as an insult? It sounded like an insult, but that wasn't how he'd meant it.

 

From the corner of his eye he'd seen her frown before she followed his gaze, admiring the slowly lightening sky as dawn approached.

 

“I should get dressed,” she'd said in a murmur.

 

She'd hesitated a moment, for what, he wasn't sure. He'd dared not speak again, afraid of what he might say, but had hoped she would hurry. The sooner she was dressed, the sooner the temptation would be removed.

 

Her sudden move to sit up had had him looking over with raised brows. She seemed momentarily unaware that the blanket had fallen away and her unbound yukata had left her exposed. Goosebumps had risen on the pale mounds in response to the cool breeze, her nipples hardening as he watched. She'd quickly realised something was wrong, a quick glance down was followed by a cry of surprise and she'd fisted it closed. She'd tried to smile as her gaze met his affected one, clearly embarrassed.

 

A sly smile had split his lips and he'd grabbed the hand that held the yukata to haul her toward him, forcing her to let go of the collar. She'd gasped at the sudden movement, going still as he pulled her into his lap. He'd slipped his hands inside to rest against the naked flesh of her back and outer thigh. She was so soft and warm.

 

He'd pulled the blanket to them with his foot and once it had been arranged over them he'd curled his body more securely around her. She'd clutched at his clothing, gazing up at him in confusion. He'd ignored her look and instead bowed his head to nuzzle the crook of her neck. Nose flush against her skin, he'd breathed in her scent, enjoying the shiver it elicited from her. When he'd licked her, she'd pressed her own face into him, clearly enjoying his attentions.

 

Unsure of what he wanted from her, but knowing he didn't want her leaving the safety of his embrace, he had just clung to her possessively. Even now, as he waited for the duel to begin, his instincts were more inclined to leap up to where she stood and drag her into his own room where they believed she would be safest.

 

Lost in his instincts and everything that was her, it had been her voice, soft and gentle, that had pulled him partially back. “Inuyasha?” She'd sounded worried.

 

“Kami.” His whispered prayer drifted across her skin. “You smell so good…” His fingers had moved convulsively over her back. “You feel so good… Kami, don't make me leave this heaven.”

 

She'd tightened her own hold on him, pressing her own face as close to his neck as possible. Clearly she'd felt the same.

 

He could have stayed that way forever, but a scratch at the door had jerked him back to reality, an angry growl ripping from him, causing her to jump. In response he immediately tightened his hold on her.

 

“Who is it?” he'd said, his voice threatening.

 

There'd been a noticeable hesitation. “Ah… Sesshoumaru-sama sent me with kimono for the O-hime, Inuyasha-sama.”

 

When Kagome had struggled to part herself from him, perhaps to preserve some decency, Inuyasha had had none of it. His hold had remained as strong as ever.

 

“Enter.”

 

She'd glared up at him as the shoji drew back and a servant girl bowed to them before entering, her arms full of carefully folded material. Kagome could only hide her face against him, so embarrassed was she to be found in such an intimate position. He'd watched the servants every move, his protective instincts still raging. For her credit the servant girl avoided looking at them and instead focusing her gaze on the floor.

 

“You can go now,” he'd said, before once again burying his face in Kagome's neck and hair.

 

The girl had looked up at this, unknowingly mimicking Kagome's own expression. “But, Inuyasha-sama, I must help her. It is far too difficult, not to mention improper for O-hime-sama to do it on her own.”

 

Inuyasha had growled, his hold tightening to the point of pain, made evident by Kagome's whimper of discomfort. Immediately he'd relaxed his hold, soothing her in apology.

 

“Forgive me, Inuyasha-sama,” said the servant girl, her eyes had once more focused on the floor, “but Sesshoumaru-sama also requested that you join him in his rooms. I am to bring O-hime-sama once she is properly dressed.”

 

He'd cursed his brother's existence under his breath.

 

“Inuyasha, just let the poor girl do her job,” Kagome had said, her voice low so as not to be overheard.

 

Knowing that he had no real choice in the matter, he had removed his hands from her welcoming body and quickly retied the yukata to preserve her dignity. He'd then stood, taking her with him before wrapping the blanket more securely around her and stepping back a bit. He hadn't been happy, but the logical voice that sometimes made itself known in his head was pointing out that there was no reason to be angry either. He had to leave her side sooner or later in order to defend her.

 

“I don't like leaving you unguarded,” he'd said, a clawed hand running through her hair.

 

She'd smiled gently. “I know. But nothing will happen that you won't know about. You'll just be down the hall.”

 

He'd been unconvinced, but had moved away from her all the same. He closed the shoji to the balcony and then turned to the servant. “There is a pile of kimono by the door. They are to be cleaned and mended and handled with the greatest of care. The fur is to be cleaned and aired as well. Some fastenings have been damaged. Replace them. You will be responsible for them, so be sure they are returned in the best condition. Is that understood?”

 

The servant girl had swallowed audibly, but bowed her head. “Yes, Inuyasha-sama.”

 

Inuyasha had glanced at Kagome one more time, trying to convince himself that she would be fine in his absence and that she wouldn't disappear, before exiting and shutting the shoji behind him.

 

Even now, sitting in the courtyard with her in range of sight, he found his biggest fear to be that she would disappear. He wanted to be near her and wondered grudgingly how his brother could stand to be apart from his newly claimed mate. Of course, it wasn't like Kagura was helpless. She was a powerful youkai in her own right, which was probably why Sesshoumaru had chosen her. This eased a bit of his anxiety. He knew that the wind witch had pledged to protect her princess from Naraku, and with an experienced warrior like Sango up there he really had nothing to worry about. Still, from what he knew of Kagome, she was able to get into trouble without much effort on her part.

 

The fall of footsteps at the entrance had Inuyasha's ears twitching. Unwillingly he turned to see who was approaching, a glower on his face as he watched Naraku make his way up the main road and into the courtyard. A squat, fat, bald lizard like demon moved at his side, his enormous mouth filled with sharp teeth that showed as he grind slyly at the people watching their approach.

 

Not recognising the new demon, Inuyasha looked to Sesshoumaru for any information he could give.

 

“That is Manten, thunder demon brother of Hiten. An interesting choice to say the least,” Sesshoumaru said, clearly unimpressed.

 

Inuyasha stood to greet the two as they came to a stop in front of them. The four exchanged the slightest of bows, Inuyasha barely able to hold back a growl when Naraku glanced to the balcony Kagome stood on. How dare that bastard look at her!

 

“How is your arm, Naraku-sama?” Sesshoumaru asked mildly.

 

Grinning wickedly at the reminder of the female's refusal of his rival, Inuyasha cracked his knuckles. “Yeah, I wouldn't want anyone complaining of an unfair playing field after I destroy you.”

 

Naraku glowered darkly at them. “I am healed. Let us begin this, I wish to collect what is mine quickly.”

 

Inuyasha lunged at the hanyou king, swinging out at his opponent wildly. Sesshoumaru's sudden hold on the ruff of his neck was all that held the swing from making contact, Naraku choosing to stand his ground. There was a murmur from the gathered crowed in response to the display.

 

“Now, now, Inuyasha, you don't want to appear too eager,” Sesshoumaru said in admonishment, “This is the death of your intended's Otou-sama we are about to enter into here after all.”

 

Tugging him back, Sesshoumaru released the hanyou. “The mate claim will follow the strictest of demon code. It will be to the death or to the forfeit, whichever comes first. If forfeit is chosen, all claims are given up and challenge can never be issued to the winner over the female in question ever again. In death, none will argue the claim of the winner to the female. Is this understood?”

 

Naraku and Inuyasha both nodded.

 

“When the combat has begun,” Sesshoumaru said, continuing his instruction, “none may interfere in aid of the one they support, or they automatically cause forfeit. This is a battle of merit, once it has begun, it cannot be stopped. All weapons are permitted, but none may be introduced once the fighting has begun. To do so is to forfeit. Are there any questions?”

 

Silence greeted this question.

 

“Very well. Naraku, name your second.”

 

“Manten-sama of the Thunder Youkai,” Naraku said, his eyes remaining trained on Inuyasha.

 

“Inuyasha, who will be your second?”

 

“Sesshoumaru, Tai Youkai of the Western Lands,” Inuyasha said growling at the formality of it all. He just wanted to fight.

 

“Very well.” His cold gaze flicked to take in the fat demon who coward under the press of his aura. “As seconds, it is mine and Manten-sama's duty to oversee the duel and act as witnesses to the outcome and the adherence to the rules. Return to your ends of the courtyard please.”

 

With that Sesshoumaru turned, expecting Inuyasha to follow. He was slow to do so, not wanting to take his eyes off his opponent. Naraku gave him a contemptuous look before turning on his heal and walking away, Manten following at his side with a nervous stumble.

 

Once Inuyasha had fallen into step beside his brother, Sesshoumaru began his final instructions in a quiet voice. “You must kill him, Inuyasha. Forget that he is your intended's Otou-sama. Ignore all else that is happening around you and focus on his death only. More than your mate claim rides on this duel, and I will not have you leave my kingdom vulnerable by letting that creature live.”

 

They came to a stop and Sesshoumaru's gaze fell to Tessaiga at Inuyasha's waist. “Use our Otou-sama's fang and destroy that which threatens us.”

 

Inuyasha gripped the hilt of his sword, feeling an answering thrum of power.

 

***

 

“Why? Why does he have to do this?” Kagome said as she watched Inuyasha in the courtyard. “Doesn't it matter that I've chosen him over any other already?”

 

Kagura raised an eyebrow, glancing at the girl from the corner of her eye. “Does it ever?”

 

Kagome looked up at her former guardian; confusion and sadness clear in her eyes. With a sigh Kagura rolled her eyes back down to the men in the courtyard. “It is their way, Kagome-sama.”

 

“She's right, Kagome-sama,” Sango said, drawing the girls attention to her, “Youkai male's, when they choose a female, will court her much in the same way that Inuyasha has been behaving with you. Potential mate's will spend time together and gage their compatibility. If they like each other, they form a bond and mate, but if two male's show interest in the same female, they must battle one another before furthering their relationship with the female.”

 

Kagome shook her head in frustration. “But doesn't it matter what I want? That I don't want Naraku? That he is my flesh and blood?” She was getting angry.

 

Kagura flicked her fan open in agitation. “It's hard to say. This is… unprecedented.”

 

Sango frowned. “Yes, that you have already made your preference known is… unusual. Youkai female, generally, would be attracted to the strongest and wait out the end of the battle before choosing the male.”

 

Kagome gave the wind youkai to her other side a quizzical look. Kagura only nodded in agreement, her gaze hooded and calculating. “If a male's advances are spurned, it is normally because he is too weak for the female, and so easily defeated. But in this case, you are weaker than Naraku. And that he is your Otou-sama makes the outcome that much more difficult to figure out. The winner would naturally receive your attentions, but….” A shudder shook her frame, her face twisting in disgust. “It is against even youkai sensibilities.”

 

The three women stood in silence, each contemplating the possibilities if somehow Naraku was able to defeat Inuyasha. Finally, Kagura flicked her fan closed and slid it into her obi only to pull out a long, sheathed dagger. With serious eyes Kagura looked to her charge and held out the weapon.

 

Kagome looked from the dagger to Kagura and then to Sango, who looked away in discomfort. “What… what's this for?”

 

Kagura forced the princess to take the dagger, closing her fingers around it. “I have every confidence in Inuyasha-sama to protect your honour. He is the brother of Sesshoumaru-sama, after all. But Naraku is cunning. If he manages to win, this may be your only escape.”

 

Kagome's gaze was riveted to the dagger in her hand. The handle was black, the blade thin. She couldn't imagine actually using it on herself, but Kagura had a point. The honourable action in the face of defeat would be to take her life. But she wasn't one to give in so easily, especially after everything she had been through to get to this point.

 

“I believe in Inuyasha. It won't come to that.”

 

Naraku chose that moment to enter the courtyard. Kagome turned back to the courtyard as the audience's murmurs rose in speculation. She stiffened when his searching gaze found her, but did not flinch back.

 

There was an altercation between Inuyasha and him, but she could not hear their words. Finally, Sesshoumaru took control and issued the rules. Kagome bit her lip in anxiety as the two males took their places on either side of the courtyard. There was a gathering silence as the sun finally peaked the mountain, and then, faster then she could see, the rivals met in the centre.

 

There was a roar from the crowed, the servants and soldiers gathered cheering for their respective lords. The nobles in contrast remained silent, the weight of this confrontation not lost on them.

 

They came at each other again and again, testing the others strength and defence. Inuyasha seemed to have the upper hand in the strength department, having pushed Naraku into a corner, when the new hanyou made a desperate leap into the air. His body morphed and tentacles shot out, forcing Inuyasha to move quickly or be impaled. His knife sharp claws came to his defence, slicing the appendages from Naraku's body.

 

Kagome gasped as they only regenerated, Naraku not even appearing to be in pain from their loss. There was a resounding growl of frustration as Inuyasha struggled against the sudden onslaught.

 

“You son-of-a-bitch! Stop running away and fight me!” Inuyasha yelled with a growl, his hand moving to the hilt to slip his sword from the old sheath that housed it.

 

“The Tessaiga….” Sango said in a murmur, her gaze glued to the battle, “I've never seen him use it.”

 

A shiver ran down Kagome's spine as the sword expanded, becoming far too large for the sheath it was coming out of. Without a pause in movement, Inuyasha swung it at the mass of tentacles assaulting him, slicing them all from the air in one motion. Naraku fell back a few paces, nearly falling to his knees at the sudden loss. There was a moment's pause in the fighting, the two males staring at each other, a satisfied smirk on Inuyasha's face and a dissatisfied frown on Naraku's.

 

“You've got nothing on me, Naraku. Recognise your defeat and prepare for death,” said Inuyasha, positioning his sword for his next attack.

 

A devious smile spread across Naraku's face, a wicked gleam entering his red eyes. “I recognise nothing about you. Neither your claim to what is mine, nor your position in this kingdom. You are nothing.”

 

With that, the noise in the crowed suddenly changed. The cheers became screams and battle cries as those of Naraku's servants allowed into the courtyard turned on the Tai-Youkai's.

 

Inuyasha looked on in horror as his people were attacked and slaughtered around him. A large crowed of the attackers surged to where Miroku and Kouga stood at the entrance to the castle. The two males met them head on, easily taking care of the low level youkai and humans that dared make such an ill conceived move.

 

Kagome didn't notice any of this. Her eyes were glued to Inuyasha, worry creasing her brow. The distraction was all Naraku needed, she could see his intent before he released a cloud of miasma. Sharply pointed tentacles quickly followed, zeroing in on where Inuyasha stood frozen.

 

“Inuyasha!” Kagome screamed, leaning over the railing as if to leap down. Only Kagura's and Sango's hold on her shoulders held her back.

 

Kagome shuddered as the miasma surrounded her hanyou prince, hiding him momentarily from her eyes before he reappeared above, a haori sleeve covering his scowling face, his eyes trained on the tentacles shooting toward him. Still air born, he pulled Tessaiga back.

 

“Kaze no Kizu!” Inuyasha swung the sword downwards creating a great wind that rushed towards the tentacles and Naraku.

 

Not expecting the move, Naraku fell back yet again, but not before his more recent wave of appendages were destroyed in the powerful attack.

 

“Damn you!” he yelled, breathing heavily, his eyes locked on the descending inu-hanyou and trying to ignore the rents in the battlefield before him. “Don't think you've won yet. Facing me you've left her undefended. If I lose, she dies.”

 

“Keh, not while I'm around, asshole.” He lunged forward, once again engaging Naraku in battle.

 

Kagome glanced at Sango with a frown. She had just barely made out what Naraku had yelled and it worried her. “Are we in danger?”

 

“No, we should be fine,” the slayer said, “Sesshoumaru-sama took precautions. My brother, Kohaku, stands guard outside the door while soldiers have been stationed in the castle for further protection.”

 

Kagura, on the other hand, was clenching her fan in her fist, a startled look on her face.

 

“Kagura?” Kagome rested her hand on her guardians shoulder, frowning in concern. “Is something wrong, Kagura?

 

Clutching her chest, Kagura breathed heavily, eyes wide and unseeing as a tearing feeling filled her chest. It was as though a piece of her soul was being ripped away.

 

“Naraku-sama… ahhhh!” She fell to her knees, the pain worse than anything she had ever experienced before.

 

“Kagura-sama!”

 

Just as the pain reached completely unbearable, Kagura collapsed to the floor, unconscious.

 

Kagome knelt beside her, Sango looking on in worry at the downed youkai. Her skin was pale, and her features locked in a pained grimace.

 

“What's going on?” Kagome asked, looking over her shoulder at Sango, “What happened to-”

 

A sudden thump from the hallway and shouting had both girls up and facing the door in surprise. There was a clash of steel and then a shout of pain. Then silence. Kagome reached for Sango's arm as she would have moved forward to investigate and gripped her forearm.

 

“No, wait… I sense something….” Kagome frowned. It was familiar, the aura she sensed outside, but she couldn't place it. All she knew was that it was not friendly.

 

When the shoji burst open, Kagome jumped while Sango automatically crouched in a defensive stance, Hiraikotsu held before her and Kagome as a shield. Hiten entered, a long scythe in one hand and dragging Kohaku's body behind him with the other. Kagome gripped Sango harder, holding her back as she felt her muscles tense.

 

“What have you done to him!” Sango said angrily, demanding an answer.

 

Hiten smiled wickedly, throwing the boy up against the wall to be free of the hindrance. “The same thing I'm going to do to you, girl, unless you hand over O-hime Kagome-sama now.”

 

“Stay back, Hiten-sama!” Sango said in a warning tone, moving to a more protective position in front of Kagome and Kagura.

 

Hiten's eyes flicked to the crumpled form of Kagura. “Ah, I see Naraku-sama has severed the bond with the wind witch. That should make this easy….”

 

“Don't underestimate me, youkai!” Sango lunged at Hiten, pulling Hiraikotsu back before swinging it down at him like a mallet.

 

The scythe met the boomerang, holding it in place effortlessly while lightening crackling around the tip. As Sango strained, Hiten grinned confidently.

 

“Pathetic human. You think you can defeat the mighty thunder brother, Hiten?” With a twist and as shove he sent Sango flying backwards into the wall next to where her brother lay.

 

Groaning, she pushed herself back up, using Hiraikotsu as a crutch. “How… did you get in?”

 

Hiten's lip curled in disgust. “The Tai Youkai should learn to guard all entrances. Even those used by inconsequential servants.”

 

He began to turn his back on the slayer when she lunged at him, dropping Hiraikotsu and drawing the sword at her hip. “I am still your opponent!”

 

Hiten twisted back, parrying her sword and directing it downwards before bringing a knee into her stomach and an elbow into her back, sending her tumbling heavily onto the floor.

 

“Stay down woman. I'll play with you later.” He turned his back on her once more and moved to where Kagome stood. She had managed to drag Kagura into the corner of the balcony and was even now protecting her with her own body. As a traitor to her sworn lord, death would be the only outcome for the wind witch if Hiten got his hands on her.

 

“Stay away from Kagome-sama,” Sango said, groaning as she tried to push herself up once more, before collapsing in pain. “You have no right… to approach her.”

 

Hiten paused and looked back at the slayer over his shoulder. “As the O-hime of my land, I have every right to retrieve her and return her to where she belongs.” Hiten refocused his attention on Kagome. “At Naraku-sama's side.”

 

Kagome moved away from him until she was pressed against the railings. “You can't really believe that, Hiten-sama. What Naraku-sama wants will bring dishonour to our entire kingdom. The ancestors would never forgive us and the kami would curse us. Please, reconsider following him!”

 

Hiten paused momentarily, looking out into the courtyard. Kagome looked over her shoulder to see what he looked at and saw the squat lizard like youkai laughing gleefully as the battle continued. Kagome looked back at Hiten, eyes narrowed.

 

“That's your brother, Manten-sama, isn't it?”

 

Hiten nodded, focusing his gaze back on her. “Yes, and what I do now is for the love I hold for him.”

 

Kagome flinched back as he reached for her, her hand unconsciously tightening on the hilt of the dagger in her obi. “Don't touch me. Don't you dare touch me!”

 

“You've caused me a lot of trouble, O-hime-sama!” he said, his impatience slipping into his voice now. “Why don't you make it easy on me and yourself and come along obediently. There's no choice in the matter.”

 

No, there was always a choice. Hadn't she proven that by running away in the first place? She was so close! Inuyasha…

 

Her eyes went wide when his hand grasped her shoulder. Without a thought the dagger came free only to be sheathed once more in soft flesh. Blood spurted over her hand and she watched in shock as the demon began to laugh at her.

 

“Did you really think that will kill me, butterfly? You are pathetic if you really thought that.”

 

Kagome, still dazed, met the condescending gaze of the youkai she shared this odd embrace with. His hand on her shoulder had tightened, the only sign of his anger at her achievement. She had got past his defences, a dagger sticking out of the opening in his armour where his arm joined his torso.

 

“No, Hiten-sama, I did not think that only this could defeat you. Forgive me, your reasons for your actions are honourable…” She squeezed her eyes shut at his confused look. The power was on the tips of her fingers where they clutched the handle of the dagger, and she found that she could hold back no longer. “Forgive me…” The power surged forth, using the dagger as a conductor to travel deep into his body and search out his heart.

 

“Kagome!”

 

Kagome gasped at the sound of Inuyasha's voice having momentarily forgotten what was going on in the courtyard below. Fear in her heart, she glanced over her shoulder to see Inuyasha looking up at where she stood with a worried expression, Naraku seething angrily behind him. Her eyes locked with his even as Hiten's screams intensified before the purification rendered him to nothing but a pile of ash at her feet.

 

Trembling, the dagger fell from her limp fingers. “Inuyasha….”

 

***

 

Naraku's face twisted in hatred, his arm transforming into a sharp tentacle. How dare she disobey him! How dare she call the mongrel's name! He had corrupted her. Inuyasha had turned her against him! “Don't turn your back on me, you disgusting dog!”

 

Inuyasha's ears twitched. He returned his attention to his opponent; his eye's narrowing before widening at the sight of a tentacle spear speeding towards his turned back. He dodged the projectile, but not fast enough to remain unscathed. It managed to find his shoulder, puncturing through to the other side before he used his claws to sever it. Though fighting continued on around him, Inuyasha was barely aware of it, his mind clouded with the sudden pain that engulfed his entire body. Tessaiga fell from limp fingers as he staggered forward and clutched at the pulsing wound. What the fuck was going on?

 

Vaguely, he could hear Kagome scream his name.

 

A shadow fell over him, blocking the morning sun. Breathing heavily he looked over his shoulder at the black haired demon standing smugly behind him. His gaze strayed to somewhere above him, and he knew the bastard was looking at Kagome.

 

“Miasma was injected into you, if you're wondering what happened. A dirty trick, maybe, but all's fair in love and war.” He smirked as Inuyasha growled at him and then knelt down by the incapacitated hanyou, grasping hold of his chin, nails digging into the flesh there as he forced the golden eyes to meet his red ones.

 

“She is mine,” he said in a murmur. “You were foolish to believe such a pure creature would ever be yours to defile. Know before your death that it will be my bed she sleeps in tonight, my touch that will have her writhing beneath me and my name she will scream when she is taken for the first time and every time afterwards.”

 

Something dark rose up in him then, the images his words provoked eliciting a primitive growl as the pain continued to eat at him. No, he would not die here when he was so close to happiness. He would not die by the hands of a would-be demon, a monster of a human. And he would not allow his woman to be touched by another mans hands!

 

His eyes flashed red as the only warning for Naraku and those around them. The pain seemed to recede as the need to kill rose. He didn't question this change, only acted on it, swinging newly extended claws toward the man before him, smiling a fang filled smirk on a purple striped face.

 

Naraku barely dodged the first swing, the claws that ran down his chest ripping armour, cloth and flesh equally as easily. Blood splattered out from the wounds, soaking the tattered kimono.

 

The dog demon didn't waste a moment in hesitation before moving in on the now retreating half demon. His speed brought him right back before him, slashing the tentacles before his path as he moved in. The startled look on the filthy smelling half demon's face sent a thrill of pure pleasure down Inuyasha's spine before he plunged his hand through the unprotected neck, severing the head from the body.

 

He straightened up, the smirk still on his lips. He brought his bloodied hand up to his face, cracking his knuckles before licking the blood off. The desire for blood remained, the hunt and the kill still foremost on his mind, but as he cleaned himself he became aware of another scent and taste that lingered on his fingers. He slowly became aware of the reason he had been fighting this male. There was a female waiting for him. He turned red eyes to search for her, ignoring the fighting still going on around him as Naraku's people were subdued.

 

“How….”

 

With a growl Inuyasha swung back to the disembodied head that lay on the ground glaring up at him.

 

“How… could I lose to… you!” The eyes shifted to the balcony. “My treasure….”

 

Inuyasha snarled a response before plunging his hand into the body, instinctively grabbing hold of the heart there and ripping it from the chest cavity. Once again the dog demon was bathed in his enemy's blood but he did not waste time in cleaning himself. Instead he zeroed in on the female he had scented.

 

She was leaning against the railing gazing right back at him. He ignored her mixed look of fear and relief as he moved to her, intent on claiming her. A powerful silver haired dog demon moved into his path and somewhere a voice cautioned `pack leader'. Avoiding the arm that reached to grab him, but choosing not to confront the male, he remained single minded and leapt to where his female stood.

 

She stumbled back from him when he landed beside her. He scanned the room for threats, taking in the crumpled forms of two more females and an adolescent male. Confident in their security he moved toward her with a wicked grin. She was the spoils of his war. He could smell himself on her as well as the purity that still had hold of her body. He would take that from her, defile her and inhabit her. He would sink his claws, fangs and body into her until their fluids merged and she became a part of him, mind body and soul. Any who looked on her would meet a quick death, and if she ever tried to leave his side, he would kill her. She was his.

 

A movement behind the girl caught his eye. The unconscious female was rousing. Her red eyes met his and he became aware of the scent claim on her and her position as a mated female to the dog demon that had tried to stop him. Her eyes narrowed at the sight of him, her sudden weariness amusing him. Hand shaking, she grasp the ankle of the girl, startling her slightly. Though her eyes never left him, he sensed her attention shifting from him and snarled as she listened to the female's whispered words.

 

“Stand your ground. You give into him now and your position will always be below him.”

 

He snarled again, grabbing for her and pulling her away from the downed female. She gasped, but still held his gaze. He towered over her, lips pulled back as he tried to intimidate her. Still she stared at him, eyes hard and unyielding to his demands.

 

“You are still my Inuyasha. You will never hurt me. I trust you.” Her touch was gentle as her free hand touched his cheek, tracing the jagged line there. “You're… beautiful….”

 

He snapped at her already retreating fingers before grasping her chin and forcing her into a submissive pose, head turned to the side. She struggled against him, her gaze now sparking with anger as she watched him from the corner of her eye. He recognised his match moments before the purification energy coursed through him and he collapsed into darkness, the female still clutched in his arms.

 

***

 

A/N: O_O *bows low before readers* Please forgive this humble servants long absence. I am willing to perform seppuku to make it up to you, if so required. But first, I ask that you hear me out. See, I got this fancy new laptop, a real beauty. But it didn't have Word on it. So I'd go to my old comp but lose all my motivation. A month ago I got Word, so now I've been writing. I do apologise. Forgive me please.

 

Yes, we are coming very close to the end here. I would like to take this opportunity to thank some people and answer some questions.

 

First, thank you Numisma for your help in beta work when time permitted ;) Midoriko-sama, thank you for allowing me to bounce ideas off of you and helping me work things out when I'm stuck. And thanks to my friends and sister for their support.

 

There have been questions about what fairytale this was. I mentioned it somewhere, I'm sure of that, I just don't know where it is. The copy of the story I have is `Cat Skin', though it is known by a lot of different names. Strangely (and creepily) enough there is also a Catholic Saint with a similar story that I only learned about from a reader after starting this.