InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Goodbye To Romance ❯ And Set Them On Fire ( Chapter 4 )

Disclaimer: I in no way, shape, or form own Inuyasha, or the characters within. They belong to Rumiko Takahashi and Viz Entertainment.
Goodbye to Romance is a song by Ozzy Osbourne, so I don't even own that.

 

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The Nameless Warrior dusted his hands off as the ash from four more wolves started to cover his clothes. He was starting to get bored of disintegrating them, it was time to try a new method of disposal. As he walked, he remembered a previous battle he had been in. One of the rival warlords had employed a telepath. He had lost many comrades that day, as the man was able to manipulate their weapons and turn them against their wielders, or to simply snap their necks at a distance. He felt he could do that. The jewel shards were making anything his imagination could come up with possible. He couldn't believe the fool he had killed last night was willing to part with them for nothing. Suddenly, a rustling in the bushes caught his attention. Extending his mind, he uprooted the bushes, and found two wolf cubs, not even two months old. They were jumping on each other, play fighting. He smiled as he remembered his two sons doing the same thing when they were younger, mock sword fighting, pretending they were saving their princess from invading armies. The grin faded as he remembered what the wolves had done, how he had wondered where the heads were until he saw that they had become new wolf toys. He looked at the cubs and mentally squeezed their lungs, smiling as he watched them squirm, and writhe, and struggle for precious air. `I wonder if my children struggled.'

 

He finally arrived at their den, eager to get at the leader of the pack. He wanted him to be last, so he'd know what it was like to have everything taken away on a whim. He stepped in and bellowed, “wolves show yourselves! It's time for your final judgment!”

 

Two wolf demons appeared, “Ginta, do you know who this guy is?”

 

The one called Ginta scrutinized the strange human closely. “Just some human. It looks like he's delivering some shards to us.” The head of a young wolf landed by his foot with a squelch. Ginta growled in rage and growled to his companion “get the rest of the pack, it's been too long since we've had a satisfying kill. And this guy has it coming.”

 

The Nameless Warrior smirked. “I couldn't agree more. Come at me wolf.”

 

Ginta roared and pounced at him, only to be forced back, as if he'd hit a barrier. “My turn,” the strange human muttered. Suddenly the wolf demon found himself thrown against the wall of the cave so hard it started to crumble. The Nameless Warrior concentrated and brought that entire section of the cave down on him. “Well, that was boring. I hope the others get here soon.”

 

The human watched in amusement as the wolf demon feebly dug himself out. After he was halfway out of the rubble Ginta spat out some blood he growled out, “You should have ran when you had the chance human, the others will be here soon.”

 

“I'm counting on it wolf.” He heard the running and laughing of wolf children at play, coming toward the entrance of the cave. He saw the wolf attempt to shout a warning, but with a wave of his hands disabled Ginta's vocal cords. “Don't trouble yourself. Here, let me help you out of that rubble.”

 

The young wolf demons never saw the rocks that pummeled them to death coming.

 

The Nameless Warrior sauntered over to the fallen wolf and picked him up by the throat. “I'm sure you're wondering why I'm killing your friends and family and destroying your home like this. Let's just say I'm returning the favour.” He sensed the rest of the frenzied pack heading his way. “Oh good, everyone's coming. They're angry. They must have seen my handiwork.”

 

A ring of flames rose around the human and his wolf captive. He watched through the flames as the wolves all piled in through the entrance, until every last one had stepped into the cave. The wolf who had gathered the others snarled, “who are you human, and what exactly do you think you're doing?”

 

“I used to live in that village down there, I think it's perfectly obvious what I'm doing,” he said evenly. He snapped his fingers and the fire flashed and filled the room, leaving only him and Ginta to listen to the screams and smell the burning flesh as the entire wolf pack died around them. After a minute the flames died down, and he looked over his victims. There was a floor full charred skeletons, many of which were holding swords. It seemed strange to him that demons had use for such weapons, but decided to put them to good use. He threw Ginta into the wall and held him there with his new found telepathic powers. He reached down and picked up some of the duller looking swords, and walked over to his next victim. With a wave of his hand Ginta's vocal cords were fixed. “It's time we had words, wolf. For starters,” he plunged one sword through Ginta's left wrist, impaling it to the wall. “Where is your leader?” He took another sword, this time piercing Ginta's other wrist.

 

“I'm not telling you a thing, you evil son of a bitch.” Ginta said defiantly as a sword was plunged through his gut.

 

The Nameless One stepped back from his masterpiece, the rest of the swords rising into the air and pointing at the wolf. “Yes you will, I'll just get to have a good time first.” Ginta's eyes widened in fear as the blades flew toward him, pinning him against the wall so he had no hope of escape.

 

The human sat before the wolf-turned-pincushion and started talking as calmly as he could. “I saw the remains of my home for the first time yesterday. And I kept wondering to myself; what kind of an evil creature could do such a thing? What heartless being could wantonly rip people and families apart like that? You and your kind invaded my home, where my family spent everyday of their lives. You infiltrated my world and you had fun doing it. You have no heart… Yet you're bleeding. I must see how this is possible…” The skin over Ginta's chest started separating. Speaking over his screams, the nameless tormentor continued, “do you know your pack mates had a full four seconds before they died of shock alone? You're not so lucky. I'm keeping you alive artificially. You can end it by telling me what I want to know.” He poked and prodded at the pumping organ curiously. “Where is the leader, Kouga? I was told that's who I'm looking for.”

 

“He's… Not here.” Ginta hanged his head, defeated. “He's out… Hunting.”

 

“But he'll be back?” The human sounded almost hopeful. Ginta just nodded. “I suppose you'll just have to leave a message for him then. Tell him I don't care if this is a good idea or not. He took my wife, he took my children, and he took my home. Tell Kouga I'm after him. Tell him whatever you wish to, I want him to know what's coming for him.” The human turned to leave, and as a second thought shouted back, “don't worry about getting lonely, I'm sure the other scavengers in the forest will be visiting shortly to keep you company.”

 

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Inuyasha was sitting under a tree taking a lunch break when he felt a familiar stinging on his nose. Rolling his eyes and sighing, he droned out “You have about two seconds to stop, bloodsucker.”

 

Myoga hopped down to Inuyasha's lap and pleaded, “but master Inuyasha, surely your loyal servant deserves some reward, once in a while!”

 

Inuyasha rolled his eyes and said in an annoyed voice, “yeah, yeah, save it. What do you want?”

 

“I heard rumors of strange happenings in a village shrine just east of here, there may be jewel shards involved.” Myoga looked around, finally noticing that he was talking solely to Inuyasha. “Say, Lord Inuyasha, where are the others?”

 

“Keh, who gives a fuck? I left `em behind.” Inuyasha replied.

 

“But why, if you don't mind an old flea asking.”

 

“I found out they were dosing me with Lethe's Bramble.” Inuyasha spat out angrily. “Speaking of which, why didn't you tell me? You've sucked my blood enough since I've awoken. You must have been able to taste it.”

 

“Well,” Myoga patted his forehead with a handkerchief, “I thought you'd consented to it. After all, how could someone with your senses be unknowingly taking it?”

 

“They had a herb for that too.” Inuyasha grumbled.

 

“And since it's not uncommon for demons to take small amounts because they enjoy the sensations it creates I didn't feel it was my place to intervene… I didn't want to overstep any boundaries...” Myoga rambled on, oblivious that Inuyasha had just spoken.

 

“Bullshit. Overstepping's your mode of transportation.” Inuyasha narrowed his eyes at the little flea, reaching some disturbing conclusions. “You've known me long enough to know I don't like having my senses fucked with. And I'd never do it willingly to myself. And you always stick your nose into my business. And you're too damn observant for your own good.”

 

“Well... I mean... That is to say...” Myoga blustered.

 

“Not done yet,” Inuyasha interrupted. “That means you did notice what they were doing. Which means you asked one of them… Which means you were in on it.”

 

“It's not like that, I thought their idea had merit, master-“ Myoga cried out frantically.

 

“Don't `master Inuyasha' me. You aided them in their betrayal! You've always been a shitty retainer, and I've let it slide because I didn't care all that much. But this…” Inuyasha sputtered with rage. “I can't even… You're dismissed.”

 

Myoga stared in disbelief. “But… You can't be serious. I served your father loyally for centuries! I”

 

“Were to serve me.” Inuyasha interrupted. “Not my former friends. Go to them, maybe they have use for a cowardly ally who'll betray them on a moment's notice. I don't.” He flicked Myoga off his lap and took off into the trees.

 

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It was noon before Kagome and her friends caught up to Kouga. Kirara swooped down and landed in front of the wolf. He beamed as he saw who had come to see him. “My Kagome!” He cried out gleefully. “Have you finally decided to leave the mutt behind and join me?”

 

Kagome looked down at the ground. “Not exactly. Kouga, things have happened… Inuyasha left us.”

 

This news filled the wolf prince with rage, “that no good half-hound! How dare he leave you unprotected? I'll kill him for this! What kind of a leader is he anyway?”

 

Kagome gently grabbed his arm. “It's not his fault. He's completely justified. But now we're a member short for our shard hunts. And were wondering if your offer was still good.”

 

Kouga looked like he was about to burst, “and you've come to ask me to lead you and your friends!” He grabbed Kagome in a tight hug. “Of course I will! But before I continue I must check on my pack.” As he was getting ready to take off Kagome yelled “Wait! We can't keep up with you!”

 

Kouga became thoughtful, ”hmm, that is a problem. But I really do have to check on my pack, it's been over a month since I've been there. Is there somewhere we can meet?”

 

Miroku decided to intervene, “Do you know where the bone eater's well is located?” Kouga nodded, so Miroku continued, “the village near there is where we stay between journeys. This shard hunt's pretty much wasted, so why don't we go back and recuperate while you check on your pack? Just meet us at the well in seven days.”

 

“That's a great idea, Monk!” Kouga enthused, taking off at a fast run. He called back, “I knew you humans were good for more than just food! I'll see you in seven days!”

 

The group watched as the whirlwinds disappeared in the distance, and wondered what exactly they'd gotten themselves into.

 

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Inuyasha felt himself drawn to the village that Myoga had told him about. `I don't know why I'm bothering to check up on it. It's not my fight anymore.'

 

He tried to convince himself that he no longer cared about the shards, but he had to admit to himself that he was just trying to cut down the chance that he'd run into his former group. After all, there were only so many shards left, and they had a common purpose. They were bound to cross paths eventually. Besides having more shards meant more of a chance of finding Naraku, which meant there was more of a chance of killing him.

 

`I'll check it out, get the shard, save some villagers, not that I care about them. It's only a little bit out of the way.'

 

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The Nameless Warrior returned to his empty hut, thinking back on his actions. As he remembered the screams of the women and children, he felt great remorse. This was temporary, however, as he reminded himself that his actions were righteous. They were just. The wolves got what was coming to them, and besides, it's not like they had feelings and emotions and thoughts. Not like humans.

 

An unwelcome presence decided to make itself known. “That was just beautiful. There's a real artistry to slaughter, you seem to have a knack for it.”

 

“Didn't I kill you last night?” The Nameless asked Naraku.

 

“And yet, I'm here. And bearing more gifts.” He said lightly.

 

“You confuse me.”

 

“Now, we both know that what's puzzling you is the nature of my game.” Naraku withdrew a large diamond from his cloak and tossed it over to his warrior. “Take it, consider it a reward for a job well done.”

 

“I have no need of anymore of your corrupt gifts. I have but one wolf to exterminate then my task will be complete.” The man said stubbornly.

 

“Will it? And what of the next village?” Naraku questioned. “Do you think it stops when the wolves are done? What about the next man who finds his village has fallen to demons? He won't be as lucky as you to have received such gifts. Are you going to let them go to waste and have it happen again?”

 

The man contemplated this. “No. You're right. My purpose in this life won't be complete until the demons have been wiped from this existence. What does this diamond do that I can't already?”

 

Naraku smirked in victory. “Tell me, have you ever heard of Kamuyamato Iwarebiko?”

 

“He was our first Emperor, descended from Amaterasu. Just bedtime stories to put kids to sleep, really.”

 

Naraku nodded. “Yes, that's it exactly. But the thing with stories that you must remember is, all things are true. Even if they never happened. He really was a descendant of the sun goddess, and as someone of such divine origin was able to forge this weapon, which has become known as the Iwarebiko Diamond. Let me tell you another story. At the beginning of time, man and demon alike were banished from paradise. Demons, as the stronger and more ruthless species, started to dominate over the humans. The gods, taking pity on their weaker creations, decided a guardian was needed. And they set it loose on the world, to keep the demons in check and restore balance. Now, did you ever wonder how our first Emperor managed to unite all of us? You've seen the evidence all around you, even now, we're not a people that can live with each other harmoniously. Here's the secret to the origin of this land… This diamond. It was designed to capture and control that guardian. Nobody was going to stand up to someone who could control that.”

 

The Nameless Warrior just snorted. “If this diamond is so powerful, why don't you use it?”

 

“Because I'm not human. Besides, I have no use for a servant whose purpose is to hunt me down and kill me. But if you're serious about ridding the world of demons, this will come in handy.” Naraku explained.

 

“Thank you.”

 

Naraku was leaving, but was stopped by a voice. “When I find you. The real you, not a puppet, I will remove you from this world.”

 

Naraku smirked. “I expect no less.”

 

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Kouga looked around his den in shock. There were scorched bodies and scavengers everywhere. Fuming, he swung his claws at the crows, “Get away from them! Bastards!”

 

Tears leaked from his eyes as he spotted the scattered remains of some of the children. He was startled to hear a gasp. Ginta was pinned to the wall, alive, but barely. Crows had taken chunks of his flesh, rendering him almost unrecognizable. Kouga removed the swords and laid his friend on the ground.

 

“Ginta? What happened here?”

 

Ginta gasped for air and struggled to talk. “It was… That village.” He coughed some blood. “There was a survivor… He had jewel shards. He did this… He's coming Kouga. The things he did…”

 

Kouga gently shook Ginta. “Stay with me, Ginta. What did he do?”

 

“I've seen some terrible things… I've caused most of them…” Ginta stared blankly for a moment then continued. “He's a telepath. He can make fire out of nothing… Even now, he's keeping me alive… He's almost a god and he's going to hunt you down, Kouga. You need to watch out, don't underestimate him.”

 

Kouga was openly weeping now. “Rest, Ginta, you'll be okay.”

 

“No, I won't. My message is delivered. He just wants you to know… He's coming for you. He wants you to pay. And there's nothing you will be able to do about it.” Ginta stared off into space and breathed his last breath.