InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Swords of Fate ❯ Frustrations ( Chapter 14 )

Chapter Fourteen: Frustrations

 

The blow never came, as Sesshoumaru hunched his form over his brother more desperately. Blinking confused, the sound of an arrow reached his ears, and then a rather unpleasant burning smell filled his nose. Looking up a little more then surprised, he felt instant relief fill him, as his sight picked up Kagome holding a now empty bow.

Naraku cried out in pain, and Sesshoumaru looked over his shoulder and saw him slither backwards quickly, several of his limbs disintegrating from the power of her arrow. Kagome shot another arrow, causing Naraku to sneer angrily and finally he filled the area with his miasma, vanishing like the coward he was. Shuddering, Sesshoumaru released a long shaky breath, and buried his face onto Inuyasha's shoulder, trying to relax his furiously pounding heart. Seriously, he couldn't remember the last time he had been so terrified.

Remembering the rift, he scrambled to his feet and got up pulling Inuyasha along with him. Kagome rushed over to them, and they approached the shimmering purple thread of light that wavered in the air. Sesshoumaru frowned. Hadn't it been a lot lighter then this before?

He lifted his hand and tugged at Kagome's skirt and held out his hand for his sword. Of course she didn't have it and called Miroku over, who trotted over quickly.

“Is that the rift?” He asked, pulling Tenseiga out from his belt and handing it to Sesshoumaru. The weight of the sword surprised the boy, and he toppled over.

Sesshoumaru struggled to his feet and pulled the sword out of its scabbard, dragging it on the ground. “Inuyasha needs the Tessaiga.” He stated, using both hands to drag the sword.

Miroku handed the excited little hanyou the large sword, and the same happened to him. He rubbed his head where the hilt had hit it, and frowned. Inuyasha watched what Sesshoumaru was doing and quickly pulled the sword free, and began dragging it to the rift. Trying to run to catch up, but the heavy sword slowed him down, and he slipped a few times.

Tenseiga pulsed once, and Sesshoumaru blinked stopping to stare at it. “Huh?” The sword hissed now, and flared to life, successfully knocking Sesshoumaru several feet from it.

Gasping, he rolled upright and glared at his sword. “What are you doing, Tenseiga?”

Inuyasha had stopped long enough to stare at his brother, then at the sword. The hanyou glanced at the sword in his hand, and released it immediately, backing away from it as if it had grown several feet, a head and started talking to him.

Sesshoumaru scowled and stormed over to Tenseiga angrily. Before he could touch the surface, the purple thread in the sky shot out several smaller strips of light and licked at Sesshoumaru, managing to startled him as his haori melted at the touch.

Giving a startled exclamation, Sesshoumaru jumped back, and glanced at his shirt horrified. Tenseiga pulsed again and flashed into a blue shield, and Tessaiga followed suit, covering everyone in yellow and blue.

The swords appeared to be fighting with the rift, and the purple light hissed furiously and then snapped loudly, vanishing in the air. The light around the group diminished, and before Sesshoumaru could step forward, he felt a hot searing lick at his right arm. Gasping and looking down, the shirt continued to disintegrate, and yelping, he frantically ripped it off, along with his under shirt.

Everyone remained silent as they watched the blue and cream-colored shirts melt before their eyes disappearing completely. Sesshoumaru rubbed his arm roughly, and then shivered as the early morning cold hit his flesh.

Miroku stepped forward and knelt down to pick up the swords, and was dumbfounded as he stared from the swords to where the purple light had been and then to the ground where Sesshoumaru's shirts had been. Finally able to find his voice, he shook his head first before uttering anything. “What happened?” His eyes followed Kagome who knelt beside the two boys and inspected Sesshoumaru's arm quickly.

Kagome shook her head, and took her pack off her shoulders pulling out a burn treatment applying it to the youkai's now red oozing arm. “I don't know, but the swords seemed to be protecting us.”

“But from what?” Sango asked, kneeling down beside them.

Miroku stood up and also joined them. “Perhaps that wasn't the real rift?”

Inuyasha blinked back and forth between everyone and tilted his head confused. “That was fun.” He stated with a smile, causing everyone to shift their heads towards him rather annoyed.

Sesshoumaru glared at his idiotic brother. “No it wasn't.” He snarled.

Inuyasha shrugged and sat down cross-legged watching Kagome apply the white stuff to his brother's arm. “What are you going to use for a shirt now?”

Everyone shook their heads, and Sesshoumaru rubbed his arms once Kagome had finished her task. Shivering, he shook his head also, and sighed.

Sango smiled. “There is bound to be a village around here where we could get another.”

Sesshoumaru looked around them trying to discern exactly where they were, wondering if there was perhaps youkai territory nearby for him to acquire another demon haori. It provided much more protection then the human's material, and he wanted nothing to do with their cotton or silks.

“What about sending Kirara to Toutousai, to get me a youkai haori?” He stated.

Everyone turned their eyes to him.

“I don't want any human cloth.” Sesshoumaru frowned.

No one noticed as Inuyasha shrugged out of his red fire robe placing it on the ground, and then pulling off his cream colored one under it. He threw it at Sesshoumaru, smiling. “Wear that.” The hanyou stated.

Sesshoumaru frowned and glanced at it first before lifting his brows at his brother. “What will you wear?” He smirked. Seriously he didn't want his brother's clothing. He would smell like a hanyou.

“I have this one.” Inuyasha replied, wrapping his red one around him again. Shrugging, he turned away and pounced into the grass.

Sesshoumaru sighed, and looked at it long and hard before shivering again. Gritting his teeth, he shook it out and placed it around his shoulders, swatting everyone's hands away that tried to assist him. “I am quite capable of dressing myself, thank you.” He growled.

They all shook their heads and went after Inuyasha, who was currently pouncing through the grass after a butterfly. Kagome giggled and glanced at Sango. Sesshoumaru glanced over at them, and rolled his eyes at his brother's antics. Frowning, he was bombarded by a memory of him doing that exact same thing when he was a pup.

Snorting, he reminded himself yet again that he was a pup, and stalked over to them. Wrinkling his nose, he snarled at his brother. “Don't you ever wash this thing?”

Inuyasha froze mid stride in his pounce for the butterfly, and stared at his brother. “I'm sure it's clean. Doesn't smell bad to me.”

Sesshoumaru barred his teeth and stormed away, heading back towards the tree line where he had left Jaken and Rin.

Once everyone was back in their company, Rin ran up to Sesshoumaru and glanced over at him sighing loudly.

Sesshoumaru glided his eyes over to her without turning his head and muttered. “What is it, Rin?”

Rin sighed again. “Well, I hoped that you would be back to normal again. Lady Kagome said that the rift was there.”

Sesshoumaru turned his head now, looking at her frowning. “I don't think it was the real rift.”

“Oh.” Rin looked down at her feet. “How come you are wearing, Lord Inuyasha's haori?”

Sesshoumaru snorted at that. “Mine melted.”

Rin blinked and looked at him horrified. “Are you okay, milord?”

Sesshoumaru rolled his eyes and nodded. “I'm fine, Rin. It was only my clothes that melted, not me.” Spreading his arms outward, he grinned. “See, I'm still here.”

Rin gaped, and everyone stopped in their tracks staring at Sesshoumaru as if he had grown an extra head. Inuyasha blinked and tilted his head amused.

Sesshoumaru blinked at his choice of words and pursed his lips confused for a moment. Waving his hand absently, he growled. “Pretend you didn't hear that.” He mumbled.

For a moment an overwhelming desire to pounce off into the forest over took him and his eyes widened in horror. “Hnn.” He frowned. “Okay, so sleep doesn't hold off the effects.”

Kagome glanced at Sango and then back at Sesshoumaru. “What do you mean?”

“I mean I feel like chasing after a stick.” Sesshoumaru grinned remembering his brother doing that only that morning and he shivered thinking how nice it would be to do that now. “I feel like frolicking in the grass. Something's wrong with my head!” He declared spreading his arms out wide.

Irked at how his mouth was spouting off his thoughts, Sesshoumaru yelped and raced down the path away from the company.

Kagome gasped and shook her head, quickly thinking. “Oh, oh what can I use?” She uttered. “Help me think of something!” She cried, racing after Sesshoumaru.

The others just stood there flabbergasted not knowing she had placed Inuyasha's beads on the small youkai.

“Help?” Sango muttered. “With what, I wonder.”

They broke into a run after Kagome and Sesshoumaru, confused and shaking their heads. Inuyasha grinned excitedly and bolted after them.

Kagome held out her hand. “Sesshoumaru!” She called.

“Leave me alone!” He barked. “I'm fine, just going a little crazy, but, yeah, I'm fine!”

“Sesshoumaru!” Kagome cried. “Stop!”

Sesshoumaru felt an enormous pressure around his neck and before he could clear his head, he plummeted to the forest floor hard. “Gah!”

Kagome stopped and blinked. “Uhoh.” She mumbled softly.

Sesshoumaru remained motionless. `That really hurt.' He thought. Whimpering, he struggled to get to his feet and found he was rather helpless. Snarling, he glared at her as much as he could from his position on the ground. Of course her shoes got the brunt of his glare. “You said you would wait!” He whimpered.

“I didn't know that it was going to be that word!” She cried, kneeling down. “You just scared me.”

“Scared you?” Sesshoumaru growled, pushing himself up onto all fours. He clutched his chest and rubbed it whimpering. “That hurt!”

“I'm sorry. You just ran off, and I didn't know what else to do.” Kagome defended herself.

Sesshoumaru glared at her still holding his chest.

“Well if you had stopped when...” Kagome felt her eyes snap open wider in horror as Sesshoumaru barreled to the ground again. “Oh, cancel that, sorry, sorry.” She placed her hand over her mouth.

Sesshoumaru whimpered and snarled at the same time. The others raced up to them and Inuyasha leaned down to look at his brother.

“He okay? He looks a little sick.” The small pup declared.

Kagome sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. “Why me?” She whispered.

Sesshoumaru pushed himself upright and scrambled behind Rin who blinked in surprise. He gripped her shoulders and peeked over looking at Kagome terrified. “Keep her away from me.” He snarled.

Rin turned her eyes over to her lord and blinked again. “What am I going to do?” She asked curiously.

Sesshoumaru then realized who he stood behind and drooped his hands. “Hnn. Never mind.” He remained behind the girl his eyes following Kagome's every move. “Now I'm definitely going to get back at her for this. You do still have that stuff you filched from her pack, right?” Sesshoumaru whispered.

Rin nodded and smiled slowly.

Sesshoumaru returned her nod and grinned. “Of course if I remember that is.”

The little girl shuddered and rubbed her arms. “You won't forget about me will you, Lord Sesshoumaru?”

The youkai sighed. “I'll try not to. I won't intentionally forget, how's that?” He whispered back, knowing he couldn't promise the little girl anything.

Rin nodded in acceptance. “Okay.” Before she knew it, Rin released an eep as she was tackled to the ground by Inuyasha, who beamed at his brother in pride.

Sesshoumaru stood there floored. “What are you doing?”

Inuyasha looked down at Rin and grinned. He dashed off and left everyone standing there with their mouths opened.

“Oh he is going to pay.” Sesshoumaru snarled, racing after his younger brother.

The three human's sighed and glanced at Rin who still lay on the ground stunned. She grinned and lifted her head at Kagome who reached down to help her up. “Did Lord Inuyasha just knock me down?” She giggled.

Kagome hide her grin and nodded. “He is very playful today it seems.”

Rin nodded and her eyes followed the others down the path and watched, Sesshoumaru tackle Inuyasha. A cloud of dust flew into the air and the sounds of snarling reached her ears. Smiling she trotted down the path, and stopped several feet from the spray of dust and mud. Every once in awhile she would catch a glimpse of red or white through the cloud.

Kagome stood beside her and shook her head. “You both know that this is delaying us finding the rift?”

A yelp filled the air around them, then another snarl, and Kagome sighed. “Inuyasha, Sesshoumaru, stop…” A disgruntled yelp and a loud thump escaped the dust and more of it flew into the air upon Sesshoumaru's landing on the packed earth. “Why does it have to be that word?” Kagome moaned.

Inuyasha was the first to come out of the dust filled air and he glared up at Kagome. “That was you, wasn't it?” He accused.

Kagome nodded apologetically.

They waited as the dust settled and realized that Sesshoumaru hadn't moved from the large indent on the path outlining his body. His eyes were clenched tightly shut, and he whimpered in the dirt, little wisps darting out as gasps of air left his mouth.

Kagome knelt and sighed. “You have to st…” She caught her words and snorted. “Well, umm…Sesshoumaru please refrain from running off. Okay?”

Sesshoumaru's eyes slowly opened and he blinked at her. Shifting his head over to his brother he snarled. “How the hell do you put up with this everyday?”

Inuyasha just tilted his head to the side confused. The boy shuddered.

Sesshoumaru climbed to his feet slowly groaning with the effort. His eyes trailed to the indent his body had left behind and he remained still for a moment. “I suppose I have to be grateful I'm a youkai and not a lowly human.”

Kagome glared at him. “Do you really want to test my patience, youkai?” She said in anger. “I really have a short fuse at times, and I will be more then happy to demonstrate that for you. When Inuyasha regains his memory, you can ask him just how short my fuse can be.” She shot to her feet and stalked off.

Sesshoumaru didn't move his eyes away from the indentation in the ground, but he did manage to suppress the shudder that threatened to betray how he really felt. Pursing his lips, he snuck a glance in the direction the human girl had taken and released the air he had been holding.

Leaning over to whisper in his brother's ear, he asked the silent question. “Do these things work out of ear shot?”

Inuyasha only blinked at him owlishly, not knowing what he meant.

Sesshoumaru rolled his eyes. “Dimwitted half-breed.” Snorting the youkai stiffly walked after the others, and felt Inuyasha following him also. Closing his eyes, he concentrated on relaxing his stiffened muscles, and stopped quickly as an overwhelming feeling of loosing control filled his every vein. Inuyasha bumped into him, not realizing that he had stopped and the hanyou stepped back confused for a moment, as his brother seemed to visibly stiffen on the path.

Inuyasha watched for a few minutes, and then lifted his head calling out for the others. “Hey, come back here.”

They were far ahead of the brother's but they heard the confused voice of Inuyasha and glanced back.

Sesshoumaru lowered his head and clenched his eyes shut trying to hold off whatever this feeling was. It seemed to cover him like a blanket, and he shivered. Warmth spread through his limbs, and his mind became cloudy. Fear filled him, shoving the warmth away, and left him feeling slightly cold. His hearing dimmed and he couldn't make out the muffled voices of the other's as they approached. The youkai took a wary step back, and tightened his fists, feeling his claws pierce the skin of his palms.

Inuyasha placed his hand on Sesshoumaru's back and stopped him from backing up more. “What's wrong?” The hanyou whispered.

Sesshoumaru felt a hot hand touch his back and felt soft air rush past his ears and he released a soft groan. He felt his legs grow numb and he wasn't sure if he was still standing or not, but he did feel a rush of air approach his side and strong arms wrap around him quickly.

He was able to make out a few words as his body seemed to loose whatever feeling it was fighting with, and he moaned as the pain became too much. “Easy.” A soft voice whispered into his ear. “Deep breaths.” Whose voice was it? Opening his eyes, he realized that his vision was blurry and he couldn't make out anyone's faces. Clenching his eyes tight again, he writhed as a searing pain shot through him, causing him to stiffen. Did his brother feel this when he lost his memory? Overwhelming fear filled him and he whimpered.

He felt sweat break out on his forehead, and something soft wipe it away. Sesshoumaru was held down tightly by strong arms. Was it his father? No, he was dead. Who was it?

Sucking in his breath sharply, he gritted his teeth. Where was Rin? Had he reassured her that he wasn't going to forget her? Was he going to forget? He couldn't remember.

“Easy.” The soft voice said again. Was that his mother? Shaking his head, he knew she was dead too. But what was this? Why was he feeling so out of control? How pathetic of him, to loose himself in the presence of humans. The voice came again, soft and gentle, a soothing sound against the rushing ringing his ears heard. “Don't loose it on us, Sesshoumaru. Come on, fight it.”

What was he fighting? Furrowing his brows, he shook his head. Did he loose something? Groaning, he buried his face into the soft material of the person who held him. He choked back a sob, and felt a soft gentle circling motion on his back. He needed something. Sesshoumaru knew that there was something wrong and he allowed his hands to clutch at the material his face was buried in. It felt strange in his fingers, and he pushed back slightly opening his eyes to peer at it. His vision was still blurry but he was able to make out the colors green and white. Frowning, he closed his eyes again and allowed himself to drift off into oblivion. It seemed strange, almost like a dream. He knew that those arms would keep him safe. Whose ever they were.

Kagome felt Sesshoumaru slump in her arms and she lifted worried eyes to Sango and Miroku. Inuyasha knelt beside her and was looking at his brother confused. “Is he okay?”

“I don't know, Inuyasha.”

“Is he sick?” He asked in all childlike innocence.

Kagome smiled sadly. “What are we going to do?” She asked no one in particular. Her eyes found Rin who was clenching onto Jaken frightened.

Tears filled the little girls eyes and she shook the toad youkai back and forth whispering something to him. Jaken shoved her off him and stalked over to Kagome and Sesshoumaru.

“Lord Sesshoumaru will not approve of your hands on him human.”

Kagome frowned and her eyes flashed with anger. “How could you? You witnessed what happened, and you're saying that even Sesshoumaru wouldn't want comfort through that?”

Jaken shook his staff at her. “That's exactly what I'm saying, human.”

“Sesshoumaru is a child, and he deserves to be comforted. Every child deserves that.”

Jaken huffed and waved his staff at her again.

Furiously, Kagome yanked the staff out of his hand and tossed it behind her. “Fetch!” She snarled to Jaken, but to her delight and amusement, Inuyasha bolted after it and vanished in the bushes on the side of the path.

Jaken stood bug eyed for a moment, and then ran after the hanyou pup. Rin giggled around her tears and Kagome waved her over. “It's okay, Rin.”

“I'm scared that Lord Sesshoumaru, won't remember me.” She brushed the tears away with her sleeve and looked down at the silver haired youkai in Kagome's lap.

Kagome nodded sadly. She wanted Inuyasha to remember her also. The pain was there, but now it had dimmed slightly at his rather playful nature, and she wondered if he had been like this when he was growing up around his mother.

Kagome stroked Sesshoumaru's hair and felt Inuyasha come back and kneel beside her again. The girl lifted her gaze searching for Jaken, but Inuyasha's mischievous grin alerted her that something unpleasant happened to the toad.

“He still hasn't woken up?” Inuyasha sighed. “He's more fun to play with then the green guy.”

Kagome smiled behind her hand and drew Inuyasha in for a hug. “You are so sweet you know that?”

Inuyasha made a face and squirmed out of her arms. “Yuck.” He stated, inching away. “Why are all girls so huggy and stuff?”

Kagome shrugged and giggled. “Miroku?”

The monk turned away from Sango, and looked at her nodding.

“Do you think we should set up camp?”

Miroku shook his head. “If Sesshoumaru has lost his memory, then we will have to really make haste and find this rift. We don't even know where to start looking.”

Kagome nodded, and picked Sesshoumaru up into her arms. Rin remained close, as did Ah `Uh who had moved closer after Sesshoumaru had fallen asleep.

Miroku gripped Kagome's shoulder and whispered. “Would you like me to carry him?”

Smiling, the girl nodded and sadly turned away. If Sesshoumaru lost his memory, then they were in serious trouble.

It was perhaps an hour later when Sesshoumaru finally stirred in the monk's arms, and he groaned. Squirming, Sesshoumaru groggily opened his eyes and frowned at the monk's face. “Hmm?” The youkai mumbled, blinking rapidly.

Kagome walked over and stared anxiously in Sesshoumaru's eyed, silently hoping he hadn't lost his memory, but his blank look at the monk told her he did. Miroku released Sesshoumaru to his feet, and the youkai blinked for a few minutes glancing around at the faces that peered at him.

Tilting his head to the side he frowned. Why was he still in the company of his brother's human's? He only recognized two faces out of the group, and the little girl who traveled with him. Taking a deep breath, he narrowed his eyes trying to remember the one who had carried him. Sesshoumaru knew he should remember who it was.

He knew Kagome, the youkai slayer, and Rin. But why was his memory so foggy concerning the others? Shaking his head, he looked around for his brother and found him riding the two-tailed cat. What was her name again?

Kagome knelt down beside him. “Sesshoumaru?”

He turned at the sound of his name. “Kagome.” He nodded. The relief washed over her face.

“You remember us?”

“Not everyone. I know I should though.” Sesshoumaru frowned again, searching his memory. “I know you, Rin and that one.”

Jaken scrambled over and anxiously asked his question. “Do you remember me, milord?”

Sesshoumaru blinked at the toad for a moment. “I don't know if I want to.” He began.

Kagome snickered and hid her smile behind her hand.

“Like I said, I remember Kagome, Sango, I think her name was, and Rin.”

“You don't remember Inuyasha, then?”

Sesshoumaru smirked. “No him I do remember, although I would like to forget. I'm not so fortunate though.”

Rin walked over upon hearing her name and happily flung her arms around Sesshoumaru's neck. “I'm so happy you remember me, Lord Sesshoumaru.”

The youkai only blinked owlishly at her, and tried to push her away. “Yes, yes. I do. Let go.” He mumbled.

Rin jumped back grinning happily. Jaken grumbled and walked away feeling disgruntled that he hadn't been remembered over the little girl. At least he wasn't the only one. Jumping onto the two-headed dragon, he waited while everyone prepared to begin their journey once again.

Kagome walked beside Sesshoumaru thinking rapidly. “I wonder why Inuyasha lost all his memory and you only lost some of it.”

Sesshoumaru snorted. “I'm a full youkai, plus, Inuyasha lost his memory the morning of the new moon. I think perhaps that had something to do with it. I'm obviously not able to hold off the effects of this memory loss.”

“I wonder how long it will be before you loose all your memory.”

“Hopefully we won't have to find out. The sooner we find the real rift the better. I do not enjoy being helpless.”

“I think you are just irritated that you are smaller then everyone now.”

Sesshoumaru snarled. “I'm taller then the toad.” He grumbled.

“I think everyone is taller then him. I don't think even a child has to worry about the toad being taller then them. Poor guy.” Kagome giggled.

Sesshoumaru shook his head and followed Rin rather then stand beside someone who was taller then him which made his neck hurt from always having to look up. Satisfied that he could look over and peer at the girl, he wondered what her reaction would be to his following her around.

Rin didn't seem to mind though to his relief. Sesshoumaru continued on down the path and watched as Inuyasha ran back and forth between them, excited about this journey. `Stupid mutt.' He thought. `He has absolutely no idea what's going on.' Snorting through his nose, Sesshoumaru noticed Rin glanced over at him and he grinned.

“Is everything alright, Lord Sesshoumaru?” Rin asked curiously.

“Why do you keep calling me Lord?” He asked changing the subject.

“Because that's what Jaken told me to call you.” Rin commented confused.

“I'm assuming Jaken is the green toad?” At Rin's nod, Sesshoumaru rolled his eyes. `Befitting name.' “When did he tell you this?”

“When I started traveling with you. It was before I could use my voice though.” Rin smiled.

Sesshoumaru hmphed. “Do I like the toad?”

Rin just peered at him and nodded. “I think so. I don't think you would have anyone you didn't like traveling with you, Lord Sesshoumaru.”

“Stop calling me that for now, okay?” Sesshoumaru begged. “Just until I'm taller. This being called Lord and being the same size as you is a bit disconcerting.”

Rin nodded happily. “Okay.” She skipped off down the path and Inuyasha whirled around at the sound of her approaching and he dashed off away from her thinking Rin was chasing him. Sesshoumaru rolled his eyes and snorted. Something was definitely wrong with his head if he found amusement in his brother's actions. Nodding, he confirmed it when he burst out laughing as Inuyasha tried to skid to a halt on some damp leaves and whipped into the air with a startled yelp. The hanyou crashed to the ground in a heap, and lay there for several moments before moving.