InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Sesshoumaru, sit! ❯ Close Call ( Chapter 8 )

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

-sama: used for those better in station.

-chan: for kids, or younger people in general.

Inu: dog.

Youkai: Demon.

Hanyou: Half demon.

Baka: Idiot.

Miko: Priestess.

Taiyoukai: Demon lord.

 

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha... -Sniffle-

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Recap from last chapter:

She peered down at the gardens from over his shoulder. She could just make out the shape of a boy fighting off the huge spiders. And winning.

"He's amazing!" she gasped out.

Sesshoumaru glared back at her briefly. He turned and brushed past her. She stared after him for a moment, her gaze returning to the scene below. By now, all the bugs were sprawled disgustingly on the ground, either dead or unconscious. She hated spiders so it didn't really matter to her which. And then she noticed him calling her...

"He's calling my name!" She panicked for a minute. Kagome must have something to do with him! Oh, finally! She shot out of the room, knowing full well that the easily offended lord would kill him if he persisted in his quest for her -and she was assuming that's what it was.

And she had no intention of letting him.

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CHAPTER 8:

"Lord Sesshoumaru," Kouga said seriously. "I just came to get something of Kagome's and I'll be on my way."

"There is nothing for you here," Sesshoumaru said, his tone deadly calm.

"I'm afraid that's not true. Kagome wants her friend back. I'm sure you don't want her around, so `ll us take her off your hands and get her home." Kouga didn't want to get the powerful dog demon angry, but he would fight him if he had to. And what better way to prove himself to Kagome than defeating one of the strongest warriors in the land? He himself was one of them. Maybe then she would agree to come with him. He knew he was supposed to go back as soon as he found the girl and inform them where she was, but he could not pass up the chance.

Sesshoumaru snorted, his demeanor aloof. "Even with my Halfling brother aiding you, you cannot hope to defeat me."

Kouga snarled, his posture more defensive. “I'm going to have to take my chances, dog-shit or no.” It was not the wolf prince's way to fight such a strong opponent, but that insult was an exception maker. "I don't need any help beating you."

And he leapt, springing his powerful legs fully, intending to kick the lord in the face. Although the attack was carried out in less than a second, his opponent was already beyond his reach.

Sesshoumaru sidestepped, pulling his hand back and slashing four deep gashes in the wolf's arm, without the use of his poison.

Kouga grunted with the pain and jumped back to put some distance between them. He didn't pause to inspect his wounds before charging again. And if the lord hadn't been as skilled as he was, he would have missed the change in his attacker's direction. The prince shifted to the right, just before he got to his adversary, releasing a sudden, powerful side kick. Sesshoumaru blocked the attack with his arm effortlessly, turned, and delivered a devastating punch to the wolf's gut.

Kouga coughed blood and flew back, slamming hard against a tree. He groaned, clutching his stomach, and rose to his feet unsteadily. "Not bad..." He smirked, still holding his abdomen. Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed. Kouga stood, preparing to lunge once more.

He paused when Sesshoumaru looked to the front doors, frowning. The wolf caught the sound of quick footsteps before a girl came barging through the open doble doors, arms flailing. The prince nearly tripped when he saw how much she looked like Kagome. The face and body were a bit different, but the clothes and dark hair made the two seem very much alike.

"Sesshoumaru, please!" she glanced at Kouga once. "Don't kill the half-naked man!"

Kouga face-faulted and he looked down at himself. He thought he was quite sufficiently covered.

“I'm sure he's one of Kagome's friends. You can't really blame him for coming."

Sesshoumaru looked over to the wolf, who was all but gaping at her. He feared the chit would sit him, like she did with the maids, if he succeeded in killing the pest. He was only now realizing the true power she had over him; and he was fortunate she didn't use it all the time. He would have to heed her if he wanted his secret to remain unrevealed while staying unscathed himself. His teeth clenched.

He gave her a cold glance. "He's not worth the effort."

Amaya relaxed at that. He was going to listen to her.

She turned to really look at the wolf. She skimmed his form and flushed. His legs were very shapely, and very exposed. "Oh..." she muttered a little breathlessly to herself.

Both demons heard her, Kouga grinning smugly, and Sesshoumaru narrowing his eyes.

"Hello," she greeted. "You're Kagome's friend, correct? How is she?" She asked in concern.

"She's fine." He smirked. "But I'm more than just her friend. I'm her beloved, the wolf prince, Kouga. Soon she will be coming to join my tribe as my mate."

Amaya blinked dumbly. She recognized his type; the kind that was always sure that whomever they liked, liked them back. She could tell all Kagome's affections lay with the cute hanyou. And his with her, though they both totally ignored it. It was so obvious to everyone. Even she had figured it out, and she'd only been with them a few hours. "I see."

"For her, I shall rescue you," he declared and bowed before heading for her.

And who's going to rescue you? she nearly blurted. She shook her head. "No, I don't think you should. I'll get back by myself soon, truly. Just go back and tell-"

"A Yourouzoku never goes back on his word. I will save you!"

Oh, crap! If he keeps this up Sesshoumaru will have to fight him...how will I make sure he doesn't kill him then?!

"Couldn't we just talk things over...like civilized beings?" she suggested nervously.

Sesshoumaru snorted and Kouga blinked. Youkai rarely ever discussed their differences. It was always a simple matter of survival of the fittest.

"You cannot change his mind, woman. Go inside," he ordered absently.

"But you'll kill him! You shouldn't fight!"

The wolf looked offended at that. He liked to think he wasn't that easy. He was concerned about the inuyoukai's power as well, but he had a trick up his sleeve he thought he could use. The need to prove himself was imperative for his claiming of Kagome. It was as good a time as any to use it, rare as it was for him to do so.

"This is not your concern." His eyes narrowed at her. "I will deal with him."

"That's what I'm afraid of."

"Do as I say," he told her dangerously.

They turned to a chuckling wolf demon.

"You bicker like new mates!" He chuckled again. The girl glowered at him hotly, blushing.

The lord settled for a raised brow. He did not bicker.

Amaya grabbed the nearest pebble and flung it at him. "What a terrible thing to say!"

He dodged the rock easily and smiled at her sweetly. How could he get mad at someone who reminded him so much of his Kagome.

"Leave my lands at once," Sesshoumaru commanded calmly. He had had enough of that pest.

Kouga turned to him with a glare. "Not without her, I'm afraid."

Amaya tried to intervene again, but neither of them seemed to be listening to her. She stood at the door tensely, hoping for the best. "Sesshoumaru..." she inserted a tiny note of warning when he unsheathed his blade.

He snarled, eyes -although still on his opponent- turning deadly. The wench was threatening him...But no matter. He would have to keep the useless wolf alive for now. This weakness she represented would have to be dealt with as soon as he got rid of the intruder. His father's scripts must contain some information on a youkai, miko, or monk who might be able to counter the spell.

He gave her a sidelong glare and faced the prince. Amaya knew he was going to listen...Ah, feels good to be in charge. It's about time he listened to someone other than himself.

Kouga leapt high into the air and Amaya gasped. Holy hell! And I was worried about him. He landed a close distance from the motionless lord, shifted his weight to his right leg and sprung. Just before collision he darted to the left, sliding on his back and giving a powerful up thrust with his hands. Both legs connected with the calm lord's defending arm. Sesshoumaru was pushed back slightly with the force.

He couldn't use most of his attacks without killing his opponent, but staying on the defensive was not going to get rid of him either. Sesshoumaru missed the limb that was swung at him. The leg connected with his face, causing his long strands to fly forward as he stumbled back with a snarl.

Amaya gasped when the prince started another assault. The battle was so furious paced she could barely keep up with it. And she couldn't fathom why the taiyoukai wasn't attacking yet.

The wolf somersaulted over the still unsteady lord and crashed his foot into his spine, sending him stumbling forth. Sesshoumaru snarled again, slashing his hand back. Kouga leapt away with a smirk. Sesshumaru turned about, lunging for the first time.

What Amaya saw was his blurring out of sight and materializing next to Kouga, just before he let him have a fierce upper cut. Kouga cried out, his body flung high into the air. Sesshoumaru blurred again, appearing above the soaring figure and smashed his elbow into his gut, relishing the sound of breaking ribs. He blurred yet again, emerging on the ground, and giving the descending wolf a powerful blow to his back. Finally, the prince struck the dirt violently, face first, groaning and twitching.

Two words were going through the girl's mind at the stunning scene...Ping-Pong! The man was faster than she could have imagined.

Kouga was breathing hard. He opened his eyes with difficulty, fists clenched and teeth gritted. He rose slowly, holding an arm to his wounded ribs. Amaya wanted to tell him to get out of there, but knew he would ignore her. This wasn't about her anymore; this was about his wolf pride. Men! Stubborn mules, the whole lot of them!

Amaya froze. Kouga...something was happening to him. His body seemed more massive, and more...furry? She glanced at Sesshoumaru. He was tense, and she could almost sense his dread.

She gasped when the growls emitting from the wolf became deeper and more savage. He was shape shifting right before her, growing rapidly in size. This reminded her of Yashi's transforming. Except now she was looking at a two-story sized wolf. Dark brown fur covered his body, paws appearing in place of his hands and feet. His eyes stayed the same striking blue, and they looked menacing.

He intends to kill him! And she was guessing he was much stronger transformed. Oh, God!

Sesshoumaru held his sword at the ready, regretting his inability to change. If he did so, his opponent was as good as dead. The wolf prince was a formidable fighter, and although he was no match for him in his regular state, he was close to matching his strength in his true wolf form. Unless the lord decided to transform as well, or use his deadly techniques. If it weren't for that foolish woman, he'd have disposed of that filth long before.

The two canines began snarling at each other, the wolf's fur standing on end, making him look like frightening, and slightly like an agitated porcupine. From the looks of the inuyoukai, it was clear that if he'd had any fur it would have been sticking out in very much the same way.

Time slowed…Amaya held her breath when she saw the wolf jump. The lord didn't wait for the attack to reach him and launched one of his own. He shot to the side and swung his sword once, slashing the passing wolf's forearm. The creature roared and swerved to the side, surprising the taiyoukai by crashing its strong, large tail against him. Sesshoumaru flew back with a grunt, hitting the floor and sliding for several feet. He bound up a second later, his sword poised for attack.

Amaya felt fear course through her when she spotted his eyes pulsing. She figured that if the wolf boy could turn into a big wolf, Sesshoumaru could very well turn into a dog. A very big, much stronger dog demon.

And she knew why he wasn't. He would kill the wolf.

She was confused…She wanted to get away from here, but she didn't want Sesshoumaru to lose...And she sure didn't want him to get killed... maybe get slapped around a bit...but not die

Sesshoumaru's armor was completely destroyed. He narrowed his eyes angrily and charged. The wolf tried to avoid the attack, and was nearly successful. The blade connected with his shoulder and blood splattered on both transformed youkai and lord. Sesshoumaru knew that defeating that wolf without killing it was going to be very challenging.

The damn tail slammed into him again, and his sword went flying. Amaya shrieked and ducked, the blade hitting the spot on the wall just above her head. She looked up at it, wide-eyed with horror. The thing nearly sliced my head off!

Hey, what's Sesshoumaru going to do without his weapon?!

She spotted the huge wolf bounding toward him and bit her lip. Sesshoumaru was quick to leap away from the deadly, crushing paws. He landed a small distance away and leapt toward him again, pulling one hand back and slashing four deep gashes in his face. The wolf didn't flinch away, instead twisting his head and grabbing the offending arm, digging his fangs deep into it.

The taiyoukai growled savagely, digging the claws of his free hand into the wolf's slashed arm, and twisting it inside. The creature howled painfully, releasing the limb. Sesshoumaru jumped away clutching his bloodied arm, fighting against the instinct to change into his true form. Simply killing his adversary would have been very easy. trying to keep him alive was becoming increasingly impossible. He had to find a way to conquer but not kill.

The furious, transformed Kouga looked at him witheyes full of blood lust before emitting a roar and charging, limbs nearly undistinguishable as they blurred in the speed of his attack. Sesshoumaru dodged easily, looking to where his sword was. Amaya stood under it, reaching out for the protruding hilt.

"Do not touch it!" he bellowed at her. She startled and whirled around.

She had no time to cry out to him. The giant wolf materialized behind him, and the distracted lord and clamped his huge jaws over his chest and legs, wringing a startled, agonized snarl from him.

Amaya screamed. "No, Kouga, no!" The wolf only bit down harder.

The taiyoukai grunted harshly, yanking out a fully crimson arm. On the ground below them was a rapidly widening puddle of blood, most of it belonging to the inuyoukai. The latter slashed at the wolf's muzzle, succeeding in loosening the crippling grip of his teeth. Next he aimed for an eye, shocking the canine into letting him go completely.

Sesshoumaru dropped to the floor, splattering over his own life's blood. He forced his limbs to move and swung himself a few meters away from the howling, pained beast, struggling with the need to transform.

Amaya was frantic. Because he couldn't kill him he was going to die. And he had no weapon at his disposal. Screw it! I'm getting that sword! He's too touchy about his stuff!

She pulled up her sleeves quickly and clasped the sword in both hands. A powerful feeling shot up her arm and she nearly let go. But time was running out for the crazy man, and she decided to ignore it. She yanked the heavy thing out, nearly toppling back on her butt. The buzzing sensation intensified, and she could almost hear a voice begin to whisper in her head. She concentrated on swinging the sword back, teeth gritted, and eyes hard. The murmurs disappeared.

Sesshoumaru had finally gotten to his feet when he witnessed the shocking scene. The woman was clutching his sword, but didn't seem to be effected by its powerful, evil energy. She had not become possessed by it…

The wolf growled viciously, drawing the demon lord's attention back to the present situation. Kouga charged, and the taiyoukai leapt up into the air, the wolf missing him by a hair. Sesshoumaru grunted and fell to his knees when he landed, breathing heavily. I cannot lose!

"Sesshoumaru! Your sword!"

His head whipped in her direction as she swung her arms back one last time and let go of Toukijin. It flew right at him, whistling in its rapid approach. He put his arm up and caught it by the hilt, feeling its power running through him.

Kouga was charging at him again. Knowing the lord could not move as quickly, he leapt into the air, intent on crushing his bones into dust. Sesshoumaru didn't move away this time, but instead stuck Toukijin out a nanosecond before the beast was upon him...and flipped it. Emitting a guttural battle cry, he surged upward with all the strength in his wounded legs, right into the descending wolf. Violently, he slammed the hilt of the blade into the latter's midsection, straining his bleeding arms to the limit.

Amaya watched in awe as the wolf howled in agony, his strong, flexed legs going suddenly slack. The dog demon grabbed the furry hide and flung himself out from underneath it just before it crashed limply upon the dirt. The big body dug a deep groove in the earth when it slid the few inches before it was completely still.

Sesshoumaru landed on his feet some distance away, his back to both girl and fallen opponent. Amaya was horrified at the amount of blood that covered his white, aristocratic outfit. She gasped when she saw his proud figure sway forward, her heart lurching. He collapsed, his beautiful, blood stained hair fluttering upward briefly before settling over his back and shoulders.

"Oh, my God!" she cried out and forced her wobbly legs to move. She nearly slipped several times in the blood splattered ground before she got to the still figure. She dropped down on her knees next to him, frightened and unsure of what to do next.

"S-Sesshoumaru?" Her voice shook. "Sesshoumaru...say something." There was no response and she began to get anxious. Where is that idiot Jaken?!

She reached out trembling fingers, lightly removing a strand of hair to look at his turned face. His features were pained, his mouth open slightly. She saw a lock flutter away from his nose and knew he was still alive and breathing, and nearly wept her relief.

"Thank god! I didn't get him killed!" I've got to get him inside. "Jaken!" she called and leaned over the lord, nearly gagging from the thick, metallic smell filling the air. She tried to turn him over and he groaned. She bit her lip. He was in too bad a shape to be moved around too much. If she tried to get him anywhere she'd have to tug and pull. Not a good thing in his condition! He'll probably bite my head off when he wakes up if I touch him too much, anyway. "JAKEN!" Nothing. That idiot. I'll bet he's ignoring me! "Jaken, your lord just DIED!" she shouted furiously

She heard something shriek in the above floor, the frog springing through the door three seconds later, looking greener than usual. "My lord, my lord!" He gasped, spotting them. "What have you done to him?! He should have won easily!" He hopped over to them, shaking like a leaf and staring at his master. "Oh, no, oh, no, oh, no, oh-"

Amaya grabbed his staff of heads and bonked him with it. "This is no time to panic! We've got to get him inside. He needs a doctor right away!"

Jaken was rubbing his head and staring up at her murderously. "Doctor?"

"Healer, whatever. Just do something!" Jaken jumped and scurried behind the castle, muttering as usual.

Amaya leaned over the demon, noticing his shallow breathing. She looked over to the wolf, deciding to go to him as soon as she dealt with the lord. He was the more injured one after all. "Come on now, you're strong. You'll be alright." she brushed her finger against the upper purple mark on his face curiously. He twitched and she jumped. "Sesshoumaru?"

His visible eye fluttered open, staring into space briefly before swiveling to her. It widened marginally, and she wondered what he was thinking.

"Are you ok? Wait, don't move yet!"

He breathed hoarsely, unable to put any weight on his arms to pull himself up. Or his legs, for that matter, barely managing to turn on his back, resting himself on his pelt. "Woman..." he drawled out, glaring up at her.

She quirked an eyebrow. "Hmmm...I'm glad you noticed." She was happy he could move at all; that was promising. "Jaken will get someone to assist you inside. I'll ask Yashi to get a healer-"

"What are you doing here?"

"Uh...you...brought me here, remember?"

"Why have you not escaped?" He looked over to Kouga, who had returned to his regular form, still unconscious.

Amaya followed his gaze and frowned. Why didn't I? "I...I don't think it occurred to me to try. You were badly hurt-"

"You threw me my sword." He narrowed his eyes. "Not only were you foolish enough to aid me, but you failed to become possessed."

Amaya's eyes hurt from all the staring. So now it was bad that I helped him, and I was supposed to have gone mad! He seemed to think I'm in the wrong no matter what I do. "You're a crazy, crazy man." She glared and folded her arms.

He snarled at her warningly. She stuck her tongue out at him.

"You may not speak to me in that manner, human," he hissed.

Her lips pressed together. "I think you should save all that positive energy and use it to get better. You look like a tomato." She rolled her eyes when he snarled a warning at her again. He was so good at getting offended and so bad at being grateful. She had saved his life, and all he'd called her was woman, human and foolish. Baka! I'll never bother with you again!

"Where are you injured the most?" she asked, leaning over him. Ok, I'll stop bothering with you when you've been taken care of. Everything was so red, she couldn't have seen the wounds if her life depended on it. "It must really hurt." She remembered whining about a paper cut the week before. This has got to be hell.

"I will heal." He looked up at her and she saw his face scrunch up subtly before he turned his head to the side.

"Hey, is something hurting you? Where is it?" She leaned even closer and he snarled. She jumped back and scowled. "Stubborn mule! I'm trying to help you!" she leaned over him again, ignoring his angry noises. He froze when she tried peeling off a torn piece of his haori. He tried to repress an anguished groan when the dried blood on the cloth tugged at his wounded flesh.

She stopped. "I'm sorry..." she tried on a wetter spot, gasping at the gash beneath. "My God! This alone should have killed you." It was deep, and ran from his collar bone to his waist. The man looked like a tomato indeed.

He caught her wrist, glaring up at her. "I am not a weak human to die so easily." He flung her hand aside, wincing at the movement.

She let out an explosive sigh. "I'm getting your clothes off before all the blood dries. I know for a fact that removing them after hurts like hell- why are you looking at me like that?!" she rolled her eyes angrily at his offended expression. "I promise not to molest you."

She nearly burst out laughing at the look he gave her.

She set to doing what she'd promised, slapping his hand away every time he tried to intervene and successfully ignoring his angry protests. 'Leave me, woman!', growling and snarling were the best he could do in his state.

What was taking Jaken so long...?! I wonder if it's a good idea, stripping him at all. I should probably slap mud on his wounds to keep away any infection...right? Knowing so little about medicine sucked.

She peeled most of the torn rags from his upper torso after a lot of effort, no thanks to him -forcing herself to overlook the deep holes in his flesh. She paused. His legs were just as bloody. She'd have to remove those for him inside...if the healer doesn't get here quickly enough.

She cleared her throat. "Do you, by any chance, have underwear on?"

He stared at her blankly.

"My lord, my lord! I brought the healer!"

Amaya nearly put her hands up in thanks.

Sesshoumaru looked pretty relieved himself. The woman was touching him too much!

Jaken was bounding toward them, a wrinkly old woman behind him, and a huge spider at his side, obviously there to get his master into the castle.

Amaya didn't even try to be quiet about it; she spotted the overgrown bug and shrieked, nearly deafening the man beside her. Surging to her feet, she all but flew through the doors, arms flailing.

Outrageous woman…

That was his last conscious thought, before he let himself slip into dark oblivion.

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To Be Continued…

Alright! Another longer-than-usual chapter. Woof! And it was all about Sessy and Amaya! I've never written a battle scene before, so I hope it was OK. I got both my sisters to read it and they approved...knowing my lack of experience in the matter. I do love a good fight! x_x

Ok, next chapter titled…A decision and a deal.

R&R! Read and review!