InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Rivals in Love ❯ Retribution ( Chapter 7 )

Kouga slowly became aware of the sounds around him. Shivering slightly he opened his eyes to the sight of the forest canopy. He had slept here all night, laying in the muck of earth that was the forest floor. The rain had stopped, the early morning sun now filtered down through the openings in the trees.

 

Sitting up with a groan he stared down at his mud covered body. He should wash himself in the river, but he didn't really feel deserving. He should just wear the mud, so the world would know just how filthy he really was.

 

He still couldn't believe what he had done; he didn't really comprehend why he had done it either. He had never wanted Inuyasha, never been aroused or excited by the inu hanyou. The mutt was amusing at times, definitely a challenge, a conquest. He had rarely seen the mutt as anything but a rival, on the occasion an ally, maybe a companion, but never a lover, never a potential mate.

 

Now he was stuck with an injured, most definitely pissed, and very disturbed hanyou. If he could find the will to face the mutt, maybe he would let Inuyasha kill him, the hanyou would be in the right after all.

 

With a deep sigh he picked up his clothing and armor and walked back to the cave. He could dive into the river for a minute before facing the half dog.

 

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The scent shot through his nostrils like a snake, coiling around his mind before striking, injecting a deep worry and hatred into his heart. In a burst of speed he ran through the remaining forest between the river and the cave he had left Inuyasha in.

 

Everything he passed carried the stench, the charred wilting plants that couldn't handle the suffocating shouki that permeated from the vile creature he had vowed to exact revenge against. The trail all lead in one direction, one long straight path up to the deep cavernous hole in the side of the mountain that housed his weakened rival.

 

His enhanced eyesight picked up the light purple tints to the air and knew that it hadn't been long since Naraku had passed through. His mind screamed out for him to chase him down, that now was his chance to defeat the bastard, but he couldn't. For some reason his legs took him back to the cave. He had to see if Inuyasha was all right, fearing what he might find once he entered the cold depths of the grotto.

 

He skidded to a halt, the metallic stench of blood hung so heavy in the air he had to restrain himself from covering his nose. He felt momentarily grateful that Naraku's poison trail covered the smell, before the deep aching worry settled in his gut.

 

It wasn't only the stench of blood or the obvious presence of Naraku, but the tall regal figure standing in the entrance. Long milk white hair shifted around him as he turned to face the new arrival. His gaze was colder, harder than it had ever been, behind him Kouga could make out the shaded outline of Inuyasha, collapsed in a heap in the dark enclosure of the cave.

 

A strangled sound escaped his throat as he instinctively charged forward, rushing to the hanyous aid. Before he could get to him however, a strong, threatening grip enclosed around his throat and he was smashed back into the trunk of a tree, thick hard bark splintering and falling around him. Opening his eyes he gaped up at a very pissed taiyoukai.

 

“Hey, let me go you bastard Inuyasha needs help!” He screamed at Sesshoumaru.

 

“You're help would do him no good wolf, he's already gone.” Sesshoumaru stated coldly

 

“You mean he's…”

 

“Dead.”

 

“NO!” Kouga struggled. It couldn't be true. He swung at Sesshoumaru with his claws, trying desperately to get free. Inuyasha wasn't dead. He was too strong to die just like that.

 

Sesshoumaru slammed him back against the tree again. “You did this.” He snarled.

 

“Wha.” Kouga stilled, “What do you mean I did this? I didn't kill him! I didn't even touch him!”

 

“Liar,” Sesshoumaru hissed. “You did far more.” He dropped Kouga to the ground, stepping back, his claws poised, green venom seeping from his fingertips. “You truly think I could not smell what transpired here? How dare you.”

 

Kouga just barely managed to dodge as the venomous talons sank into the tree, the hard splintering bark melting like hot wax beneath the green vapor.

 

“What do you care? You've always tried to kill him!” Kouga yelled, dodging yet another blow.

 

“That.” Sesshoumaru spoke, “Was far worse than death.” He swung a fist at Kouga, effectively knocking him back, skidding into the cave and up against the limp form of his younger half brother.

 

Kouga grunted, pushing himself up on the ground, distressed when his hand met cooling liquid. Looking down he saw the thick crimson pool he now sat in, the center of which laid the crumpled Inuyasha.

 

Eyes wide he reached a shaking hand out to the lifeless body, brushing away silver hair to gaze into sightless golden orbs. He heard the elegant inu youkai approach him, the unmistakable hum of metal as he pulled his sword from his waist.

 

“Can't you…can't you revive him?” Kouga asked shakily. All this time he had dreamed of this, fantasized about watching the pathetic hanyou fall lifelessly into a puddle of his own blood. If only he knew it would hurt him as well. Why? Why did it affect him aw well? What hold did this creature truly have over him?!

 

“I will,” Sesshoumaru said curtly, “after I dispatch you.”

 

Kouga didn't even bother turning to face him as he brought the Tokajin down.

 

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After the block broke a whole floodgate of inspiration came at me and I just had to write more! For those of you who just checked for the new chapter, the last chapter was updated. I suggest you go read that to find out what Naraku did.