InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The 2 Great Swords ❯ Rescue ( Chapter 40 )

“Wow… It's huge!” Shippo breathed looking at the giant structure the shorthanded group had tracked Kouga to. It was a giant outpost set in a small mountain, the preferred habitat of the eastern demons. “What is it?”

 

“It is the main outpost of the Eastern Kingdom used mainly for defense. It is heavily fortified and said to be able to withstand the fiercest of demonic sieges due to the rock face it's built into.” Miroku answered.

 

“Then how are we supposed to get in?” He asked, worry evident in his tone. “What do we have that a horde of demons doesn't?”

 

Miroku smiled. “Demons aren't ones for strategy and they never had Inuyasha or his sword on their side.” He strained his eyes to scan the rock face.

 

“Keh! Just make sure whatever you come up with keeps you alive. I can't save everybody.” Inuyasha snorted from behind him.

 

“Miroku will think of something.” Sango told him firmly. “This is the same Miroku that has swindled thousands of inn owners out of payment.” She smirked at the small wince Miroku's back gave.

 

`Bah, I wish she think of something more endearing to use as her proof…' he thought sourly before turning back to his observations. `Let's see… the army Naraku brought in is no longer here and Kouga doesn't expect to be followed so the guard shouldn't be too hard.”

 

He scanned the face for entrances but found none. They would have to scale it, impossible for him and Sango especially in their injured condition. He closed his eyes for a few seconds before an idea hit him. “Ok, here's what we'll do…”

 

 

Kagome sighed miserably looking out her window to the ground below. She was miserable. The only solace she could find is that she was now away from Kouga. The choking presence of the sword was too much.

 

She buried her head in her arms, willing herself not to cry. `This is for Inuyasha, I will not cry! This is better than him being dead!' She told herself firmly. `For Inuyasha. Inuyasha. For Inuyasha.'

 

There came a rather frantic knock at the door that roused her from her mantra. She walked over to the door and opened it to have a woman crash into her and nearly knock her to the ground sobbing uncontrollably.

 

“Lady Kagome you're all right! I was so afraid you had died in that attack! Thank God you're ok!” She sobbed.

 

Kagome blinked and gently pried the woman off of her. “Yuka?” She asked astonished. “Yuka, is that really you?”

 

The woman nodded rigorously. “Yes Milady it's me.”

 

Kagome found herself about to cry. Someone else had survived that day at the castle when Naraku attacked. Maybe there were more! She hugged the woman. “Yuka, I'm so glad you're ok! I thought everyone at the castle was killed.”

 

Yuka pulled away and shook her head. “No, the castle was captured, not destroyed. Most of the inhabitants are alive although some wish they weren't…” She trailed off as more tears leapt to her eyes.

 

“They're slaves, Milady. Naraku's goons force them into hard labour and kill anyone who speaks out. Also, every month he demands ten people of varying ages to go to his domain. The guards say they are used for inhuman experiments and they never come back alive.”

 

Kagome was shocked. Her father's… no. Rightfully it was now her country and her people were suffering. She had to do something.

 

“So… how is it you came to be here Yuka?” She asked.

 

“I was one of the few maids chosen to cater for that slime Kouga.” She said with venom in her voice Kagome had never heard before. “I travel with him and his entourage I just haven't had a chance to see you till now.”

 

Her eyes lit up in realization. “Oh right! I was sent here to tell you that Kouga requests your presence in the dining hall and I was supposed to guide you.”

 

Kagome nodded, a strange sort of conviction filling her. “Let's go then.” The two rose cleaned their faces and headed for the dining hall. `I will kill him tonight.' Kagome thought. `For my country, for my friends, for Inuyasha!'

 

 

 

“Hello gentlemen! Lovely night we're having isn't it?” Miroku greeted the two painfully stupid looking boar demon guards.

 

“Hey how'd a puny human like you get all the way up here?” The first one asked stupidly. “I thought you humans didn't climb so good.”

 

Miroku inwardly grinned; this was going to be easier than he thought. “Well I just wanted to warn you that what you're doing is completely pointless.” He said with an honest smile.

 

The two glanced looked at each other for a second before the first one asked, “What you saying? Lord Kouga say we guard so why pointless?”

 

“We thinks you are stupid human.” The second one added with a snort.

 

Miroku shook his head. “Tsk, tsk, tsk. It's pointless because this fort will fall today.”

 

The guards exchanged looks again before breaking into laughter. “Fall today? This never fall and never will!” The first one laughed out.

 

“You really stupid human.” The second one added.

 

Miroku smirked in satisfaction as the guards suddenly stopped laughing and dropped to the ground senseless from two hard blows to the back of their heads, courtesy of Inuyasha and Sango.

 

“C'mon Miroku, stop screwing around.” Inuyasha growled in annoyance before leading the three into the giant stronghold.

 

 

Kagome sat dead still at the banquet table staring at her food. “What's wrong Kagome? You need to eat if you are to have the energy to be my queen.” Kouga's voice drifted to her from across the table.

 

`Like anyone can even feel hungry in this situation.' Kagome thought bitterly fingering the knife she had swiped from one of the guards on the way in. Unfortunately, because they were the only two people at a table made to seat at least a hundred she was too far.

 

“Kagome, eat.” She heard him say forcefully.

 

“I'm not really hungry.” She answered earning her a growl.

 

She heard him rise and begin to walk to her. “I can't have my woman starving. You'll eat even if I have to feed you.” He snarled.

 

“Lord Kouga!” She jumped at the sudden voice. “We have intruders in the fortifications sir! The two guards outside have been found unconscious.”

`Two?!' Kagome thought. `Two guards for this giant fortress?! Just how conceited is he?!' She looked up as another thought hit her. `Wait… if there were only two then why would someone even bother with them?'

 

“Search the halls!” Kouga barked. “I want their heads!” The sentry bowed and ran from the halls. No one noticed the small charm on his back.

 

 

“Ok! I got her!” Shippo shouted triumphantly. He had picked the right sentry. “She's up a few floors that way!” He pointed in the direction he felt the man stop.

 

“Good work Shippo. Get the escape ready and meet up with Sango and Miroku and tell them where to meet me.” Inuyasha said quickly. “When you have her you all escape.”

 

Shippo looked at him quizzically. “That wasn't the plan; we're all supposed to escape together.”

 

“I'll come after you.” Inuyasha said. “There's one thing I have to do.”

 

 

Kouga moved to the door to bark orders at other guards, presenting Kagome with an unprotected back.

 

“What do you mean wiped out?! Who the hell can wipe out 50 demons?!” He roared at his cowering underlings.

 

Kagome crept closer to him, mustering her courage and pulling the knife from her clothes. It was now or never. She crept behind him and with a cry plunged the dagger into the back of his head, charging it with purification energy.

 

Kouga let out a strangled roar and fell to the ground lifeless. Kagome fell backward panting heavily. “I did it…” She yelped as Muramasa began to glow and Kouga's wound healed before her eyes.

 

“Bitch…” He muttered as he got to his feet and turned around. “What the hell do you think you're doing?” He turned around and drew his sword.

 

Kagome began crawling backwards away from him. “No-No-No way… I-I-I…”

 

“You what?!” He roared causing her to cringe. “Killed me?! Don't make me laugh! I am immortal. I feel no fear or pain! You however, hove nothing like that.” He began to laugh as he advanced on her. “Prepare to suffer the consequences of striking me!”

 

WHAM! The hall echoed with the sound of fist meeting face as Kouga was thrown from his feet, through the table and into a stone wall. “I'll bet that one hurt you piece of shit!” Inuyasha roared triumphantly. “Damn, that felt good!”

 

“Inuyasha!” Kagome exclaimed. She looked at Kouga's slumped figure lodged in the wall. “How… Where'd that come from?!”

 

“Kagome!” She turned her head to see Miroku, Sango and Shippo rushing to meet her.

 

“You're ok!” Shippo cried happily barreling into her arms.

 

“It's good to see you're alright Kagome. “ Sango said tears brimming in her eyes as she bent down and hugged her friend tightly.

 

“I knew you'd be alright.” Miroku said smiling equally as much as the others.

 

“Everyone…” Kagome began in astonishment. “Why are you here?! Kouga won't let any of you live now! Why didn't you leave me alone?” She finished in tears.

 

“Shut up Kagome.” Inuyasha barked. “Get her out of here now. I'll take care of the wolf.”

 

“But—”

 

“No buts about it! Look at yourself. You've lost weight and it looks like you haven't slept in days! It doesn't take a genius to see that you'll die at this rate.” He roared.

 

Kagome was speechless. “Inuyasha…”

 

“Bastards… So you didn't have the sense to stay away eh?” Kouga growled having recovered from the direct hit to his head. He looked his sights on Inuyasha and leapt towards him brandishing his sword.

 

Inuyasha hauled Kagome to her feet and pushed her at Sango. “GO!” His hand went to his waist.

 

`What's he doing? He doesn't have a sword anymore!' Kagome thought desperately.

 

“Kouga! Up till now you've had it easy!” Inuyasha roared. “Let's see you deal with a real opponent!” In a flash of light he drew Masamune and the two swords met in a deadlock.

 

Kouga's eyes went wide. “What the hell? How can that thing stop my attack?”

 

Inuyasha put all his strength behind his blade and pushed Kouga away. Kouga flipped and landed on his feet on the other side of the room. Kagome froze. “Inuyasha… you found it?”

 

“Prepare yourself!” Inuyasha yelled as he pointed his sword at his enemy. “With this Masamune, I will cut you down!”