InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ His Heart & The Only One Who Can Save Him ❯ Chapter Sixteen ( Chapter 16 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

VIOLENT SCENE INVOLVING BLOOD AND VERY SHARP OBJECTS IN THIS CHAPTER!
Chapter 16: So In Love With You, It’s Too Good To Be True
As the sun set, the temperature began to decrease slightly. The small group who sat in the small clearing had fallen asleep.
Sango had her head rested on Miroku’s shoulder while the monk’s arm was securely wrapped around the slayers shoulders to keep her warm in a loving embrace. The young monk had yet to tell the slayer of his feelings, and, quite frankly didn’t know if he could muster up the courage to tell her. He had rested his head atop hers and had let sleep over come him.
Shippo was safely curled up with Kirara as he slept, the twin tail covering him to keep out the cold.
Kagome had too fallen asleep on InuYasha’s shoulder. Looking down, noticing the sleeping maiden next to him, InuYasha gently turned and leaned down to pick up the young woman. Caring her bridal style, InuYasha leapt into a near by tree, positioning himself securely, balancing him and Kagome he carefully took off is haori and wrapped it securely around the sleeping woman. Sitting down, InuYasha rested his back against the tree, pulling Kagome back so she sat in front of him, her back against his chest.
Felling as if she had been moved, Kagome stirring, she whispered, ”InuYasha?”
“Yeah?” he asked, “What’s wrong Kagome?”
“You moved?” she questioned, opening her auburn eyes, turning so she could see into his deep gold ones.
“Yeah, I moved us up into a near by tree.” InuYasha said, leaning down he whispered, “Thought you may get cold.”
“Thank you InuYasha.” Kagome said, leaning up, pressing her lips against his.
Taken aback by this sudden action, he hesitated for a moment before returning the gesture.
They stayed like that for a while, until the need for air arose, breaking the kiss Kagome looked up into his eyes once again.“So what did you wish for?” Kagome asked curiously, hoping to get an answer this time.“didn’t I tell you I wasn’t going to tell you?” InuYasha said playfully.
“FIne then, be that way.” Kagome pouted, turning her back to face his chest once again.
Laughing slightly InuYasha wrapped his arms around the small frame of the young woman.
“Do you want me to tell you? I don’t have to worry about it not coming true.” InuYasha said.
“Why’s that?” Kagome said puzzled, what could he have wished for? “Was it something you got for your birthday?”
“Nope.” InuYasha said, tightening his embrace and leaning down to whisper into her ear, “I have you, that’s all I could wish for.”
Kagome smiled, pink tinting the bridge of her nose as she snuggled closer into the man she loved and fell asleep.
Listening to soft and slow breaths, InuYasha began to feel his eyes getting heavy as sleep soon over came him.

Miroku opened one eye and looked around the almost empty clearing. The monk had been spying on the couple all evening. It amused him how the hanyou would go off by himself and the young miko wouldn’t be too far behind, okay maybe it wasn’t amusement, more like his perverted mind going into over drive.
A soft groan came from his left and he looked down. The young woman he had in his arms was starting to stir.
Her brown eyes opening, Sango looked around groggily. After a few moments she realized where she was and that the monk’s arm was wrapped around her. Her cheeks instantly became ablaze as she looked up into the soft eyes of the monk.
“M..Miroku, what are you doing?” Sango asked, her voice a mix of embracement and surprise.
“Why Lady Sango, I’m keeping you warm of course.” Said the monk sweetly, an innocent look on his face, or rather as innocent look as a perverted monk could get.
“Why?” Sango questioned.
‘Should I tell her?’ Miroku thought. For a while he’d been having thoughts about the Wind tunnel and the possibility that he may not make it out of their adventure alive. The young man wanted no regrets if he had to pass on and the biggest one he would most certainly have would be to not have told the woman he loved his feelings for her.
“My dear Lady Sango.” Miroku said softly, “Do you honestly want to know why? Isn’t it obvious?”
As Sango registered what the young monk had said, she looked up into his deep violet eyes, now filled with what looked like, love.
‘Could he really?’ Sango thought, tears beginning to build in her eyes.
Leaning down just far enough so he could whisper into her ear he said, “It’s because Lady Sango, I love you.”
“I love you to Miroku.” Sango said, turning in his grasp and latching her lips to his. The kiss wasn’t forced, or demanding, it was a kiss of two lovers who finally admitted their feelings toward each other. Breaking apart a minute later, Sango positioned herself in the monk’s lap and laid her head on his shoulder, soon falling back to the calming peace of her dreams.

Artemis was awakened later that night by the gentle licks of the white wolf. Carefully rising, minding her wounded shoulder, she sat up. Her demon blood had kicked in and started to heal her wounds but they were still in pretty bad shape. She felt a sharp pain in her shoulder when she reached up to touch it. Remembering that Yokoro had embedded her shard into her back, Artemis reached up to removed it, only to pull her had back as she was shocked with a powerful amount of demonic energy.
Looking over toward the wolf, her wounds also healing, she spoke, “Looks like I screwed up big this time, huh Shiro?”
The wolf looked up at her mistress, nudging her hand with her cold nose.
A searing pain shot through Artemis’ head as she soon heard a cold voice echo in her head.
“I want you to do something.” came the cold voice.
“Naraku?” Artemis questioned, “where are you?”
“I’m inside your mind of course.” came Naraku’s cold response.
“What makes you think I’ll comply with you?” Artemis asked.
Shiro just looked on, tilting her head to the side as she stared at her mistress, looking rather odd talking to herself.
“Because you have no other choice.” Naraku retorted. “Now I want you to kill Koji.”
“A man in hell wants ice water but that doesn’t mean he’s going to get it.” Artemis shot back with a smirk.
Then another searing pain shot through her head, bringing both hands up, she clamped down hard on her head, attempting to lessen the pain.
“Now you will kill Koji, do I make myself clear?”
Artemis’ hands fell from her head to lay limply at her sides. Raising her head up to look at the door, her eyes emotionless she said, “Yes sir.”

After two long days, Koji finally made his way to the farthest edge of the Northern wolf territory. Unlike the den Koga had, one which was protected and hidden by a water fall, his was so immense that he needed to conceal it with a barrier.
Coming to a sort of gateway in between two trees, he looked over the bark of the tree for an engraving. Seeing the characters, he ran a clawed hand over it and the barrier before him shimmered for a moment then faded so he was able to see past it. He quickly hurried through it and made his way along the warn dirt path to the cave where his comrades were currently occupying.
Reaching the mouth of the cave, the young lord spotted two wolf demons guarding the entrance, whom upon seeing him, both stood up to address him.
The first was a young male demon, his short hair was a burnt orange color which complimented his auburn. He stood about five and a half feet tall and wore a armor type outfit made of leather and black wolf fur, a katana on his left hip.
The second one was a female wolf demon. She stood about five foot with much the same attire as the male guard, as well as a katana on her left hip. Her hair would be mid back length when it wasn’t in it’s current pulled up position, it being a jet black color. Her eyes were a midnight blue with tints of lighter blue around the edges.
“Welcome back Lord Koji.” Came the rough tone of the male demon.
“Yes, welcome my Lord.” Greeted the female demon.
“Yes thank you,” Koji responded, stopping to address the two who were assigned to guard duty, then turning toward the male demon, “How has everything been while I was away Taru?”
The wolf demon named Taru looked over to Koji, “It has been relatively quite, until a very strange group of demons came here looking for you.”
“What do you mean?” inquired Koji.
“Well you see sir,” Taru began, “There was this pair of wolf demons, I believe their names were Koga and Ayame, well they came here looking for you. The female Ayame said she knew you and had an important matter to discuss with you. I think that was it anyway, wasn’t it Shiizu?” saying the last part, turning and addressing the female guard.
Shiizu was just staring at Koji when she was snapped out of her thoughts, something was off with the young Lord’s sent, “Oh right, yes they said something about teaming up against a demon, I think it’s name was Naraku.”
“Very well, thank you for telling me.” came Koji’s response, “I must see to this quickly.’
As he passed the two, Shiizu called after him as he was about to turn a corner, “You found her didn’t you my Lord.”
Koji stopped for a moment, then turned around and looked at Shiizu, his eyes soft, “Yes, yes I did.” Then he turned and headed toward the part of the cave the young Lord from the Western territories was staying.
Shiizu just looked on after him with a dreamy look at Taru looked as if he was lost.
“Who are you talking about?” he asked.
“Oh no one.” Shiizu said, smiling, “Just the young Lady who will be ruling the Northern Territories.”
“You mean Lord Koji’s…” Taru trailed off, his mouth hanging open.
“Yep, his mate.” Shiizu said, turning to face the opposite direction and continuing her guard on the entrance.

Koji turned onto a small hall in the cave and entered a small room where four wolf demons were currently occupying. Looking over toward the one with black hair which was pulled into a pony tail at the back of his head he said, “You must be Koga I presume?”
“Yeah, and you must be Koji.” retorted Koga, clearly not happy about having to have been dragged to this unknown territory.
“Yes I am, and you must be Ayame.” Said Koji, “My, my, it has been a while hasn’t it?”
“It sure has.” came Ayame’s response.
“And who are these two?” Koji said, pointing toward two demons on the other side of the room. They both had the same style of armor on but one had a white Mohawk and the other had grey hair with a tuff of white at the top.
“Oh these are my comrades, Hakaku’s on the right and Ginta’s the one on the left.” Koga said simply, sitting up strait and looking toward the young lord who was making his way to sit in between the group. “we came here to discuss the upcoming battle with a demon named Naraku, I’m sure you’ve heard of him.”
“Yes I have.” agreed Koji, “Actually the Lord of the East, Kane, and I just got back from a meeting in the Western land. There was a meeting with all four major territory leaders about the battle. We went over what precautions where needed to betaken.”
“Isn’t that mut-faces’ brother.” Said Koga, searching his brain to make sure he was right.
“If you mean Lord Sesshomaru, then yes.” answered Koji, “he did mention that is younger brother Lord InuYasha would be participating in this battle.”
“Yes he will be a great help with this, and considering his ties with Naraku I think he may know more about him than any of us.” Ayame added.
“Yes this is true.” Koji said, beginning to think of what they could do.
“What did Tori have to say? Is the Southern Lands doing all right?” Ayame questioned.
“Hmm, Tori,” Koji said, a bit distracted, “Nothing too much, just that we need to build up our armies and be ready with a battle plan. The south has become a handful I’ve heard. The demon’s there have been trying to attack humans and that’s proving to be a real problem. Lord Sesshomaru said that we should meet in the village near the old bone eaters well in about a week and a half, he says that that’s when the battle will take place.”
“Well, I guess we wait then.” Koga said.
“How big is the wolf tribes army up here?” Hakaku questioned.
“Very large actually,” Koji said, turning to the two demons who had been very quiet, “Maybe three hundred wolf demons and around oh… four hundred wolves.”
“That is large.” Ginta whispered.
Suddenly their conversation was interrupted as a loud horn sounded throughout the massive cave and a figure stood in the door way to the room.“Prepare to die Koji.”

Artemis had unwillingly made her way toward the barrier of the Northern territory. No matter how hard she tried she couldn’t stop her feet from moving. Reaching the gateway, the young demon mimicked Koji’s actions and opened the barrier. She made her way toward the opening of the cave and was met with the two guards who had greeted Koji earlier.
“Halt!” called Taru as he saw the approaching form of Artemis.
“Hold on Taru, I think that’s her,” Shiizu said, “But there’s something off, like there’s something not right about this.”
They both go a strange feeling from the young demon and held their ground, there was something not right about the situation and they weren’t going to let her pass.
“Move aside.” came the emotionless voice of Artemis, only it was mixed with a tone unlike her own, like one of pure evil.
“We will not let you pass.” Taru called, drawing his sword and Shiizu did as well.
The two guards attacked the approaching threat and attempted to bring their swords down on the demon.
“You think you two can take me?” Artemis said sarcastically as she pulled out her sword and made one slash toward the advancing duo, cutting them clear across the chest. The two fell limply to the ground unconscious, their swords landing blade first into the grass so they stuck up out of the ground.
Artemis made her way through the winding passage ways until she reached where the sent of the one she sought was. Hearing a horn sound as she approached she hurried her pace until she came to the room where the young lord was currently talking with his guests.
Standing in the doorway as Koji turned, his azure eyes widening she siad, “Prepare to die, Koji.”

Koji looked ahead of him, there stood the woman he loved, standing there with her weapon aimed at him.
Turning toward the demons from the west he said, “You all head to the back of this room, there’s a passage that’ll take you out of here, go quickly.”
Nodding, Ayame pulled Koga away and headed back to where Koji had told them to go.
“Be careful Koji.” Ayame whispered. She had seen who was in the door way but couldn’t believe it. Her cousin was back, yet she was attacking the only man she’d ever loved, ‘Naraku has to be behind this I just know it.’ she thought as they all made it safely through the passage and out of danger.

Looking to see the group was out of danger, Koji then turned his attention back toward the young maiden before him, staring at her with disbelief.
“Why are you just standing there, draw your weapon.” came the tainted voice of Artemis.
“No.” Koji said simply.
“What?” replied Artemis. “Why not.”
“Because I can’t fight you.” Koji said honestly, “You’re not right, there’s something controlling you and I’m going to break the bond to whom ever’s controlling you.”
Koji hesitantly makes his way over toward the woman, taking tentative steps so as not to make a wrong move.
Artemis watches him closely, not knowing what he’s about to do. When he gets about a foot away, she seems it’s too close and attacks, lunging the black blade at the young lord.
Koji dodges it with ease and jumps off to the side, avoiding anther attempt from the young woman. Jumping right in front of her, Koji makes an attempt to grab Artemis’ hands and pull the sword away from her but only succeeds in earning a fresh wound to his right arm. Dodging another attack, he jumps off to the side, placing his left arm to his wound, it wasn’t too deep but it was deep enough that if it kept bleeding it would surly lead to complications later.
“Artemis please,” Koji tried to beg with the seemingly possessed demon, “Come on this isn’t you, I know you wouldn’t hurt me, please Artemis. Fight it.”
“Artemis isn’t here right now, please leave a message and I’m sure she’ll get back to you as soon as she can.” Came the twisted voice that was defiantly not that of the young female.
‘What can I do?’ Koji thought, ‘I can’t attack her with my sword, that’ll injure her too much, even if I hold back.’
Seeing that Koji was so absorbed in his thoughts, Artemis took the opportunity to attack the distracted lord. Lunging forward, she rammed the sword through the back of his right shoulder.
A loud howl of pain escaped the young lord’s lips as he fell to his knees, blood now starting to run down the fresh wounds and puddle around him.
Looking slightly weak, Koji turned his gaze to meet that of the woman who had now withdrawn her weapon from him and now stood before him, arms raised, ready to bring down her deadly blade upon his injured body. His deep azure eyes now held a softness to them, and a strong sense of love as he said, “Fight it damn it…Artemis...I know you better than that. You can fight this! If it’s truly what you wish though…kill me now.” Lowering his head, unable to look at the woman before him, he awaited his fate, yet the searing pain from a sword slicing through his flesh never came. Puzzled, he looked up to meet her deep grey eyes.
Artemis stopped mid swing, and just looked toward the injured man. He looked at her with such a loving gaze, and she didn’t know why…it was as if, her memories had been erased. She searched her mind for any traces of recognition of this man, but found none.
Koji saw that she was distracted and attempted to go to her. Standing he took a few steps toward her, almost touching the sword. He almost got the weapon away from her when she seemed to snap out of her trance and Artemis raised the sword once again and got the most evil look a person could get. Koji saw this and stood perfectly still, he loved her and just couldn’t understand why she would do something like this. Right before she swung however, he saw her eyes. Her eyes held a look of sadness, of grief and sorrow, as if she was saying sorry and that she was fighting what ever was controlling her.
Her blade glowing an unnatural white, came down upon the body of the injured man, slicing clear across his chest, blood came down in torrents, his eyes becoming slightly dull as his body fell to the ground with a sickening thud.
Artemis just stared at the body of the man she loved dearly, her future mate.
‘No…wha….what have I done?’ Artemis thought. She had regained control of her body and complete control of her mind just as she was pulling off the final attack.
‘Why Naraku, why?’ Artemis thought desperately, trying to get an answer from the evil demon.
“because you were going to betray me Artemis.” Came his cold response, “I know you weren’t going to go through with the plans we made and now this way I know you are. This was your punishment, killing the man you loved.”
Evil laughter filled the young demons head as she looked on at the pool of blood and the limp form of the young lord she loved so dearly.
Falling to her knees next to the young demon lord, she positioned his top half into her lap and started to rock slowly back and forth.
“Wake up Koji, please.” Artemis begged, tears falling down her pale face and landing on his slightly tanned one.
Koji’s eyes opened, his once bright azure eyes were now fading as more blood seeped out of him. Even though he was a full demon, even having lost that much blood would be fatal. He looked up into the tear stained face of the woman he loved.
Leaning up slightly he took his hand and whipped away her tears, then caressing her cheek, whispering, “Stop crying Artemis, it’s not your fault.”
“Yes it is.” Artemis choked, “That was ME who dealt that final blow…ME KOJI….and now you’re…you’re…” she couldn’t finish, she didn’t want to finish.
“I’m not going to die, not after our promise.” Koji said, smiling weakly and looking deep into the eyes of the woman he loved.
“But you’re seriously hurt.” Artemis tried to argue.
“Don’t worry Artemis.” Koji said, “Lean down.”
Complying with his wishes she leaned down, just barely away from his face.
Koji leaned up a little farther, now about an inch or two above her lap and gave her a deep, passionate kiss. He broke away when he began to cough violently, blood coming from the corner of his mouth. Looking panicked Artemis clutched the man tightly to her and said, “Koji, hang on! Just HANG ON DAMN IT!”
“I’ll be all right Artemis, don’t worry.” Koji said weakly, smiling. Then, his arm fell limply to his side as he fell back. His head was spinning and he lost consciousness, his world turning black and he was plunged into a suffocating black void.
“Koji…Koji….KOJI WAKE UP!” Artemis called, now getting hysterical.
There came no response from the man in her lap. The young wolf demon gave a painful, mournful howl then fell on top of the fallen body of her loved one, resolved to die with him if she couldn’t live with him.
‘Please forgive me…’ was her last thought before darkness over came her.

A pianfull howl entered the hearing range of the group of escaping wolf demons as they met up with the now conscious guards, Taru and Shiizu, who now had a grave look upon their faces, as if they knew what had happened in there.
“Koga…you don’t think….” Ayame questioned, choking slightly as tears started to fall down her face.
“I don’t think so, I hope not anyway.” Koga said, embracing the sobbing demon, looking back toward the entrance to the secret passage they had emerged from.
“He’s a strong man, strong willed too, he’ll be fine, right Taru?” Shiizu said, more to convince her self than anyone else.
“I’m sure he’s fine.” Taru said, reassuringly, placing a hand on the woman’s shoulder.
“I sure hope he’s okay.” Hakaku said, looking over toward Ginta.
“Yeah, we’ll need him to help fight, he’s very strong.” Ginta agreed.
“We’ll go in and see what condition he’s in later, once that woman of his is calmed down enough.” Koga said, steering Ayame away from the cave, the group heading away from the den to find a safe place to bed for the night.

Far off to the East, in a small valley, Kane and Bakari are standing outside their large home. Kane looks off toward the North as the sun begins to set. He then feels something, like a foreboding feeling and turns toward his mate.
“Did you feel something?” Kane questioned.
“Yes, I think something bad happened up North.” Bakari replied, looking toward her mate, a look of urgency upon her face, “You don’t think something some thing happened do you?”
“I don’t know, I honestly don’t’ know.” Kane replied, looking sadly toward the North. ‘I hope not,’ he thought, ‘I can’t leave here right now, not when the battle’s so close. Koji you had better not have gotten your self killed.’

A young woman made her way south, she finally had made it all the way toward her destination and was well ready for a rest. Coming toward a large castle, her sword clinking against her throwing stars at her waist, she quickly looked toward the North, feeling as if something dreadful has occurred.
Her blond hair hung loosely around her waist as she turned toward the feeling she was getting. Her bright blue eyes scanned toward the Northern territories. She had entered her home and had expected to relax for the battle that was ahead. Her fine silk traveling kimono was the only article she had that signified her rank. Although her bright blue eyes scanned the land toward the north, they were unseeing. Yes, her bright blue eyes were clouded over with a misty white, a normal human, a blind human.
Her other sensed however were very sharp in order to make up for her lack of sight. She had a gift, she was able to see faraway lands, so yes, she had a good idea of what was happening.
‘What have you done Koji.’ she thought softly, turning toward the looming form of the castle as she heard foot steps. The person who was running toward her was tall, judging by the sound and stride they were running at.
‘I know who that is.’ she thought.
“Naito, is that you?” the young woman called.
“Yes milady.” came the young man’s response, panting slightly as he stopped in front if the woman from having to run to her.
“Did you feel that just now, that looming feeling?” she questioned.
“I did, the lord wishes to consult you, much has happened in your absence.” Naito said, straitening his composure once more.
“I leave for a week and he can’t handle the place for me while I’m gone?” she questioned, a hint of humor in her voice.
“Lord Soyo has had his hands full milady, you can’t expect him to run the whole territory like clock work as you have, there had been demon attacks recently, no one was hurt mind you but still.” Naito said, reaching to place a hand on the woman’s shoulder.
“I understand that you have a strong urge to go back north but you must com with me Lady Tori.” Naito urged.
“Yes, I must run my own lands as Koji must his, I just hope he’s all right.” Said Lady Tori as she made her way toward her home, her domain, and her position as the ruler of the southern lands.