InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Impoverished Heir ❯ Darkness Unleashed ( Chapter 22 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Life continues on and continues well. I love my wife very much and will continue to love her to the end of my days. We both have been of the sea, and our time together is as eternal. I enjoy that our love has grown through our domestic life: domesticity is a great way to bond lol. I enjoy making my lovely her coffee in the morning when she has to open. Her bright eyes shining with love and her enormous smile lift my heart and heal my spirit in so many ways.

The Honored Place for Reviewers: this one loves and adores each one but claims idiocy for not naming them individually! This one is extremely sorry but I am taking the attribute to 'sleep like a dog' to heart. Have become very lazy in my brief spare time! My lovely and I both work six days a week and we spend what spare time we have together. It was by chance she had to work on our sole day off that I could finish this.
Many thanks to the wondrously hilarious Inugrrrl! Ki, you're the best inu this side of the hemisphere and deserve high recognition! I used to hate a/u fics til I read yours: great job! Skye and I eagerly await emails and updates from you. Heck, your stuff is the only fics we read anymore!
Many many thanks to my lovely fiancee that I call Wife already. You're the holder of my heart, the healer of my soul, and the keeper of my sanity. I love and respect you so much my InuyoukiSkye, and will pledge my love to you forever. I have committed my life to you and I love you for welcoming me with open arms and an open heart. I will cradle yours as you have protected mine. I love you, mine mate.

Disclaimer: Penpaninu does not claim to own the rights of Inuyasha but does claim to own her own hanyou spouse.

"Impoverished Heir" chapter twenty-two
Darkness Unleashed

Kouga grunted and knelt low in the grass. He blew at the embers of the campfire and grinned when the kindling caught. Ayame sat across the small fire, one leg crossed over her knee. She blushed when Kouga sat back on his haunches and smiled up at her. His gi top was untied, showing off his trim pectorals and abs. Ayame looked away as he stood up, trying not to notice the way the drawstring of his pants pulled low over his navel as he moved around the campsite. It had been far too long indeed.
"Sorry it isn't much, but we're having stew again, sensei. It's all I can make without a microwave," Kouga grumbled. Ayame leaned her chin on one hand as she watched him slice up vegetables on their cutting board. The knife was long and sharp and Kouga's movements were swift and accurate. He was very cute when he grinned after he finished each piece, adding carrots, green peppers and onions to their cookpot.
"Kouga?" Ayame mused. Kouga looked up, pushing his long bangs out of his eyes.
"The cookfire is fine, teach, I checked it," he said. Ayame smiled.
"The vegetables?"
"Washed them."
"Good," Ayame said. She stretched out languidly, catching Kouga's stare of interest out of the corner of her eye. "I would hate to eat anything that was dirty."
Kouga pointed to the boiling water in the cookpot. "High temperature, teach. That should kill any contamination if there is any."
Ayame watched her pupil. Kouga was pleased to see the smile upon her lips.
"True."
"Glad we're in agreement."
Ayame sat up and accepted a simple bowl from the lawyer.
"We are. Can you bring me some water, Kouga-san?"
Kouga nodded and rose up from his knees. His open gi top flapped with his movements as he walked into the treeline and from Ayame's view. She took a deep breath and fanned herself with one hand. She wasn't sure how she was going to handle herself tonight, but she knew what she wanted to do.
Once Kouga had returned, Ayame was ready. Kouga leaned down low to hand her a round cup filled with water. When he went to stand back up, Ayame captured his elbows in her strong hands.
"Sensei, what are you doing?" Kouga asked. Ayame smiled shyly and stroked the side of his handsome face. He couldn't break from this if he tried.
"Please do as I say, Kouga-san. Kiss me."
Kouga's nostrils flared and his expression turned eager. Ayame noted that his hands trembled however. Kouga's knees locked then trembled and he fell down before his sensei. Ayame cradled him in her arms and kissed him back. The sand and grass cushioned Kouga's fall and Ayame settled on top. Kouga looked up over the top of Ayame's head and breathed slowly.
"Wow," he breathed. Ayame smiled and kissed him again. He could feel the building of energy as well.



*****

Miroku opened his eyes and frowned. His hands were clasped before him, his prayer beads wound between his fingers and around his wrists. There was something off, and he couldn't be sure of what it was. His father had always taught him that to maintain a clear connection wtih the spirit world, he had to stay balanced and clean. Miroku scratched at his groin as he stood up and stretched. His old man really couldn't talk as he had enjoyed a very intimate marriage with his mother.
'I ain't the only one indulging in unspiritual matters,' Miroku thought wryly. He was also taught that a healthy family was key to a happy life. 'Pop was right about one thing. It was about time to settle down...'
"Miroku! Hey, Miroku!" Sango called. Miroku stretched his arms over his head and turned from the makeshift altar, smiling.
"What is it, Sango?" he asked. Sango poked her head into the storage closet where Miroku prayed, her eyes shining. His lips stretched in a smile for her.
"I have your tea waiting! You know you like one cup before you go to work," she said. It was Sango's day off, as was evident by the casual maternity clothing she was wearing around the apartment. Miroku nodded.
"Of course, I'm coming," he said. Miroku closed the small closet space and followed his erstwhile fiancee, fisting his father's ring in his slacks pocket. It was unquestioned that they would marry while Sango was carrying his child, but Miroku hadn't asked her yet. It was just something that wasn't an issue for debate.
Sango whuffed and held the small of her back. The way she walked, the baby was growing fast and ready to deplete their already meager bank account. Miroku couldn't help but be proud of the way her belly lead the way when Sango moved. He had done that to her, after all.
"We need to go buy more splenda, Miroku, because I used the last in your tea," Sango stated. She eased into a chair in their small kitchen and Miroku stood ready, in case she jarred the chair too far to the side. "We also need more milk and.... what's wrong?"
Miroku blinked hard. His girlfriend sat there, her belly wide, her eyes open to him, expressing her spoken question. The bad feelings had seeped into him and threatened all he held dear...
"Nothing, Sango! Let's have that tea. You know, you make the very best."
Sango smiled as Miroku sat across from her. She pressed his favorite round cup into his palm and Miroku smiled and drank. He tried to let warmth fill him as the tea poured down his throat and entered his belly. But he couldn't shake the sense of forboding his prayers had brought him that day. What was that darkness and where was it? It couldn't touch his little family... could it? Miroku shuddered. He offered a prayer to the kami that it not do so.

*****

"That sword would look really great with my master."
Sesshomaru looked up and frowned.
"This one would ask how you got in here, but I suppose that point is moot."
Hakudoshi leaned up off the doorframe and grinned. The ends of his white hair brushed his shoulders. He looked very much at ease in Sesshomaru's private training room.
"Onigumo-san has made an offer for Tokujin. He wonders why you haven't returned his messages," Hakudoshi leered. Sesshomaru sighed and lowered his right arm. His back was slick with sweat and his shirt clung to him like a second skin. He had to get used to the use of only one limb but he wouldn't show a subordinate of Onigumo Naraku any sign of weakness.
"So this one has said time and again: your master will not have my family's blade," Sesshomaru said blandly. Hakudoshi need not know that Tokujin wasn't one of the heir swords, merely a sword of power used by his ancestors. It's aura was as strong as Tetsusaiga was said to have been, but Sesshomaru did not know where it had gone in the mess Father's death had provided estate and possession for his Takahashi sons.
Hakudoshi pushed off the doorframe and entered the Takahashi's domain, or how Sesshomaru felt. He tried to keep a growl from emitting from his throat at the insolent action. "But Onigumo-san so wants it! Can't you let go of Tokujin or Tenseiga? A man doesn't need two swords, after all."
Sesshomaru frowned slightly, managing to keep his look a very stern expression instead of the outrage he felt at the young liason's impertinence. His right arm flexed, bunching the muscles that had developed in his body's transformation.
"This one has told you and your master 'no' time and again. Onigumo-san can only understand our feelings toward him," Sesshomaru bit out.
Hakudoshi grinned and spread his hands. Sesshomaru lifted his practice blade to repel him away.
"I fear you will have to tell my master yourself, Takahashi-san. He grows weary."
Sesshomaru's eyes flicked to the doorframe and this time he couldn't hold back a growl. Onigumo Naraku smirked as he inclined his head in a mockery of a bow.
"It is good to see you whole and alive, Takahashi Sesshomaru."
Sesshomaru readied his right arm.
"This one can't say it's good to see you in return," he growled. Naraku walked in, his gait practiced and strong. His topknot flowed to the swell of his buttocks and swayed with his movements.
"Give me Tokujin or Tenseiga, whelpling. Call it a gift for an aggrieved father," Naraku suggested.
Sesshomaru saw again what he had seen on that security tape that had convinced him Rin was telling the truth of her allegiance to him rather than Naraku. His eyes saw red as his hand almost shook the blade's stance. But he locked his position.
"I shouldn't be surprised you know she is alive," Sesshomaru said dryly.
"Your abrupt return to Takahashi Enterprises told the world you were alive and well. You didn't try to keep it a secret," Naraku retorted. Sesshomaru smirked.
"Why should one when you can be handled?"
Naraku barked with laughter. "Ha! What are you going to do to me, boy? Are you going to stab me with that blade? Are you so angry you would commit murder in your own quarters?"
Sesshomaru waved the blade that was neither Tokujin nor Tenseiga.
"You damaged my family. Your ass is mine," he growled.
"Well, go on then, and try me. I don't see why....urk!" Naraku's eyes bulged comically when Sesshomaru ran him through without preamble.
"Master!" Hakudoshi shrieked. Sesshomaru kicked the boy aside when he made to rush at him.
He grunted, forcing his new strength to force the blade through until the tip was well through Naraku's chest and emerging from his back. He felt a brief moment of satisfaction until Naraku gripped his arms with ridiculous ease. Noxious laughter filled the room.
"Oh, boy, look what you've done. You've killed me!" Naraku leered. His teeth showed long and sharp in his open, grinning mouth. Hakudoshi laughed, a string of cackles as annoying as Naraku's laughter.
"I should have known that couldn't have taken you down, Master!" he exclaimed with glee. Sesshomaru felt a brief moment of shock before he masked himself. Naraku placed his long white fingers over the blade and pushed back, grunting with his efforts. Sesshomaru glared as the nightmare of a man pulled himself off of his sword and held the gaping wound in his chest.
"You are not a normal man it would seem," Sesshomaru made out.
"And you are so very dead," Naraku promised with a grin. Sesshomaru stepped back and forced his tired right arm up to deflect the madman who threw himself at him. Hakudoshi cheered from the sidelines, but Sesshomaru ignored him.
Naraku hissed as he tried to push past Sesshomaru's tool, his teeth sharp, his eyes wild. Drops of his black blood seeped down his shirt front, and flecked out at the Takahashi with each erratic movement. Sesshomaru hissed and reacted as if burned. The black droplets sizzled into his flesh and filled him with a dread that threatened to consume him whole. Sesshomaru felt the strange transformations in his blood spark up and battle the fear down. Naraku gasped as if stung and pouted.
"You have a unique bloodline as well," he said. The way he said it did not voice a question. Sesshomaru's eyes gleamed a slow red through the golden orbs they had turned into with Rin's revival.
"You should not be here to damage the world," Sesshomaru swore.
Naraku leered. "I don't think that's for you to decide, BOY."
Sesshomaru growled as the flecks of blackness seeped past him and gushed out of Takahashi Enterprises in a wave of negativity. The effect of the evil inside Onigumo Naraku sweeping through Tokyo almost sent Sesshomaru to his knees. He growled, holding himself up using his practice sword as a cane. The black blood on the blade burbled and melted the iron happily. Sesshomaru flung it away in disgust and straightened his legs.
Naraku laughed and the sound was the most horrible sound in the world.
"Naraku!" Sesshomaru yelled. Hakudoshi ran to his master's side and lifted his fists in mock duel.
"This is but a demonstration of what you have chosen to become involved with. Your father knew he could not match me and neither can the boy before the man."
Sesshomaru shielded his face as a whirlwind started impossibly in the room, secured inside from the elements. The arrival of such a wind could only mean impossible implications for its presence.
"My father!" Sesshomaru ground out. The dim memory of his white and shining sire came suddenly to mind.
'You don't know what you attach yourself to until you do, my son. It is admirable, but you must be careful.'
"You will die a fool's death as he did!"
Naraku laughed and there was nothing left but the sound. The wind had carried him and Hakudoshi away. The sound of his own beleaguered breathing filled Sesshomaru's world. There was no one there but him and the remains of a half-eaten blade. Drops of black speckled the floor...
"Sesshomaru-san....Sesshomaru-san!"
Sesshomaru blinked and the haze lifted from his sharp pointed ears.
"Yes, I'm alright!" he snapped. Two young businessmen bowed obediantly at the waist.
"Our apologies, sir! But when we heard the most awful noise and we thought...."
'They thought I couldn't handle my body as it is now,' Sesshomaru thought sadly. His colleagues had given symphathetic looks they thought he did not notice when he said he was going to practice in his private dojo. Even they thought little of his transformation because of the loss of a limb.
"This one is fine, as you can see. Call my apartment and get me Rin on the line," he ordered. The businessmen bowed and scrambled all over each other in their haste to vacate the premises.
Sesshomaru made his way to the long window in his training room that overlooked the Tokyo skyline. Sirens and screams he heard as easily as he breathed.
"What did he do?" he wondered. Sesshomaru had a feeling the damage was worse than he could imagine.


*****

"Mrs. Kimita's little boy hurt his arm! She needs help taking him to the hospital," Miroku called out desperately. Sango nodded and made her way forward with him. The agonized screams and cries she heard rended her heart with fresh fear as accidents and injuries sprouted up down their apartment building with alarming alacrity. Sango had a bad feeling the whole neighborhood and beyond were experiencing the same abnormality.
"I'm coming, Miroku! I'm...." Sango made out before cold dread bit through her middle. She placed her palms against her belly slowly, and in shock regarded the warm red that coated her fingers when she raised them up for inspection.
"Sango! Did you hear me?? Sango!" Miroku yelled in consternation. His anger fled as he turned to see his girlfriend holding herself. Crimson red stained her middle and pelvis, encrusting her clothing to her inner wound.
"Miroku..?" Sango asked and there was a desperate plea in her voice. Miroku ran from the Kimita's door to hold her in his arms.
"Oh my gods!" he screamed and bit his lip to keep a string of vile curses from staining the air. "Call an ambulance! Kimita-san! Help her!"
Sango barely made out her boyfriend screaming at the frightened elder woman in the nearby doorway, her eyes stained red with fear for her child and now, she knew, for her. She pressed her cheek into Miroku's sleeve and soon the fabric was damp with her quiet tears.
"Sango, just relax! Don't...." Miroku faltered, his hands hovering over her middle. "Don't worry! You'll be taken care of soon!"
"I'm so sorry, Miroku..." Sango whispered. Miroku smiled painfully. Tears bled from his eyes.
"For what? You haven't done anything wrong!" he insisted. Sango clutched at his arm.
"For not telling you how I felt sooner!"
"Oh, Sango..." Miroku rocked her in his arms, his thighs going numb from crouching on the concrete. He wouldn't let her go. Even as the ambulance came for his neighbor's son and for his girlfriend, he knew a life had been lost.


*****

"What?? What happened to Sango??" Inuyasha yelled. Sniffles met his sharp ears and he knew his strong and carefree friend was crying.
"Just come here... she needs you too."
Inuyasha stared out the window, his eyes wet with tears not shed yet for his best friend.
"We're coming right away," he vowed. Kagome met his eyes inquisitively.
"What's that about Sango-chan?" she demanded when he clapped his cell phone shut.
"Sango, she... she lost the baby," he stammered. Kagome's eyes filled with tears.
"Oh, Inuyasha..."
"I knew there was something wrong with that energy wave!" he cursed. Kagome nodded. She had been trained as a miko in her youth, and the power behind that spike had been enough to throw her into unconsciousness. Inuyasha had to slap her and pour half a bucket of cold water over her to revive her!
"Let's just go to her. She and Miroku need us," Kagome suggested. Her touch upon his arm snapped Inuyasha from his desperate thoughts.
The ride to the hospital was a long and quiet one. The only words the couple exchanged were directions to the cab driver and thanks when they arrived at the hospital. Kagome paid the cabbie and followed her boyfriend into the lobby. He moved so quickly, sometimes he was a red blur thanks to the t-shirt he wore.
Inuyasha stared into the hospital room his friends were at. As Kagome came up, she noticed his clenched fists.
"Inuyasha..." she murmured. Inuyasha blinked tears away and gestured to the room.
"Go on, Kagome. I'll just... be a minute," he stated. Kagome smiled sadly but kissed his cheek. Inuyasha watched Sango collapse into his girlfriend's arms. Kagome murmured softly and stroked her dark hair. Miroku looked away, his fist pressed against his brow.
Inuyasha sighed. His cell blared out suddenly, proudly screaming the lyrics "I want to CHANGE the WORLD!" He cursed and snapped the phone open.
"Hello?"
"Inuyasha."
Inuyasha sighed, feeling a migraine building. "Sesshomaru. Whattaya want?"
"You've felt it, I'm sure. That immense energy wave..."
"Out with it, Sessho! What are you getting at about it??" Like his older brother would voice that it was supernatural in striking at as many people as it could. Sesshomaru's next words made his eyes widen with surprise.
"Onigumo Naraku has made a stand against this one. His dark power leaked out of him with my strike and lashed out upon the world."
Inuyasha's brows raised. "Well, I would have never thought to hear words like THAT come out of YOU!"
"Can the jokes, ototo. I need to know: will you help me?"
Inuyasha made ready to scream about his past anger and pain at his aniki, then bit back his pride. As his eyes snapped back to his best friend's loss, he knew it would be okay, to allow his boastful pride to be brought into bay.
"Yes. I will help you, Sesshomaru."
'For Sango...' Inuyasha looked back into the room as his girlfriend tried to assuage Sango's pain. 'And for Kagome as well...'
"Excellent," Sesshomaru almost smiled. Almost. "Father would have wanted it that way."
Inuyasha snorted.
"Naraku's going down for what he's done."
Sesshomaru nodded on his end.
"I'm glad you came around."
"It's not coming around," Inuyasha snapped. "It's stopping something that just plain needs to be stopped."
"You don't know how right you are, Inuyasha..." Sesshomaru hung up and stepped from his cab. Rin was waiting to run into his open arm and she clung to him.


*****

Kouga gasped and lifted his head from Ayame's throat. He looked up from her to the skies above.
"Kami," he swore. Ayame giggled under him and stroked his back. She got his attention again when her small fingers danced behind his ears and rubbed.
"You are incredible," he smiled. Ayame touched his cheek softly. Kouga had been aggressive where it counted, but gentle nontheless.
"You are a good student," she stated. Kouga leaned down to kiss her, his free hand tangling in her loose auburn tresses.
"Did you feel that?" Kouga asked quietly several small eons later. Ayame looked up over the top of his dark head to the stars above.
"I did. It wasn't good, but it can't touch us," she said confidently. When they were locked in passionate embrace, there was no room for the darkness to seep in. Ayame had a feeling that they would hear about the aftermath of that psychic spike very shortly, nor would it be good news. For now, she indulged in the warmth of Kouga's arms and the safety of his passion.

End for now

And now more plot! Dun dun dun.... I know my stories are known for their lemony goodness, but for the sake of said plot that had to happen, I had to keep things limey! Hope to keep your interest and rest assured I will write this story until it is finished. Fear not no matter how long the intervals between each chapter can be! I hope to start my new job at the department of corrections next week and nervousness makes me focus solely on my new tasks when I begin them. Do not abandon hope for this bard!

Most sincerely yours, penpaninu sessh 8/26/06