InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Curse of the Demon King and the Zetsumei no Tasogare ❯ Encounter and Transformation ( Chapter 3 )

The next morning was almost as cold as the night before, so Kamitsu let Kagome keep his vest on for the time being. The mountains were much closer now, leading Kagome to believe that was their destination. They reached them an hour or so later, but there was nothing there. Kagome even said as much, causing Kamitsu to shake his head.

 

“That's because you're not meant to see it,” he told her before stepping into the very rock itself. Kagome's eyes widened in surprise. Kamitsu's head reemerged from the rock face. “What, never seen a barrier before?” He held out his hand to her. “Come on, let's keep going.” She took his hand, letting him pull her inside. Beyond the barrier was a large cavern with a castle and a town at its center. An underground river supplied water to it and a herd of cattle was off to the far left. “Welcome to the village of the Oni people,” he told her, glad to be home. “This way and watch your footing.” A trail led down from the cliff they had been standing on to the cavern below. As they drew closer, Kagome realized that something was wrong. The buildings looked dilapidated and smoke was rising form the castle. Kamitsu froze, his eyes wide with fear. “Oh no.” His pace quickened, leaving Kagome behind. He stopped moments after entering the town, taitou in hand. Bodies of Oni demons, some townsfolk and others samurai, lay strewn about along with the bodies of a variety of other demons as well. Kagome came up beside him, gasping in shock.

“What happened here?” Kamitsu didn't reply as they continued on. They found more of the Oni tribe lying dead as they walked. Samurai, ninjas, the young and old, whoever killed them did not discriminate between their victims. Kagome had to avert her eyes as they passed some of the more grisly scenes of death and destruction. Kamitsu kept walking on in silence, his eyes continuously scanning their surroundings for any possible threat. The castle's gates lay shattered just ahead, the corpse of a large ogre demon lying before them. Kamitsu rushed inside, not caring about his own safety. Inside the castle's courtyard were even more corpses, most of them demons the ninja didn't recognized. He rolled over one of the dead samurai, his face pale.

“Saratsu,” he murmured, evidently recognizing the dead person. “He was my father's younger brother.” The half demon straightened, scenting the air. “There's too much blood in the air,” he said to no one in particular, “I can't smell anything else.” He froze at a human woman's corpse. “Oh no, it's Mimi,” he stated, voice hoarse. “She was my mother's niece.” Kagome looked at the woman's face in disbelief. She had to be at least over sixty years old. How old was Kamitsu? The half demon continued on, searching for any survivors. Unfortunately, not a single person was left alive. Kamitsu stood alone for some time, quiet and still. Kagome took a step towards him.

 

“I'm sorry,” she told him, not knowing what else to say. “Who would do something like this?” Suddenly, another corpse fell down from above, its head missing. Kamitsu's eyes widened, having recognized the armor.

 

“No, it can't be.” They both looked up at the same time. A hole the size of a large man was set in one of the castle's walls two stories up. Through it came a fearsome creature that resembled a mix of a dragon and a serpent. Its upper body was vaguely humanoid in shape, covered in black scales that glistened in the dim light. Its hands ended in long, wicked claws and its long snout was filled with razor-like teeth. Two horns sprouted from the back of its head and its eyes glowed with a baleful light. Instead of legs it had a long, serpent's tail that ended in a serrated spike. It dropped something round at their feet that made a wet sound when it landed. Kagome cut short a scream. It was a severed head that most likely belonged to the corpse. Kamitsu staggered back, his face pale. “Lord Godai, no,” he took another step back, looking up at the demon. “You killed him!” He drew his taitou, eyes fierce. “Damn you to hell!” Kamitsu charged, literally running up the wall at a blindingly fast pace. The demon gave a toothy smile before smacking the ninja back to the ground with its tail. Kamitsu was back on his feet in an instant, rushing forward with an intensity that reminded Kagome of Inuyasha. The demon slithered down the wall to meet him, surprisingly fast for something so large. Kamitsu leapt at it, sword raised for a vertical strike. The monster dodged nimbly to the side, lashing out with its claws. Kamitsu fell to the ground clutching at his right side, blood flowing from between his fingers. He staggered back to his feet, pain evident in his eyes. Kagome looked around for something to use as a weapon when she caught a glimpse of the demon's back. An ugly, spider shaped burn scar was etched into it, the tell tale sign of one of Naraku's incarnations. The monster lashed out with the spike on the end of its tail again and again, keeping Kamitsu off balance. Kagome knew she had to do something, or else it would kill her too. Kamitsu cried out in pain as the monster sent him flying into the far castle wall. There was a loud, snapping sound as several of his ribs fractured before he fell to the ground, seemingly unconscious. The monster turned towards her, smiling.

 

“Where are the jewel shards?” It said in a voice more like a growl than anything else before starting towards her. “If you hand them over now, I may consider sparing your life.” Something told her that it would kill her anyway. It stopped smiling, raising its tail for a strike. “Then die human!” There was movement to Kagome's left.

 

“Sprit Lancer!” A bolt of energy the length of a spear struck the demon in the side, sending it flying. Kagome turned to see that Kamitsu was back on his feet, the cloth that had covered his face gone. He ran to her, retrieving his sword from the ground before taking her by the hand. “Run, now!” He cried, dragging her along for the ride. The made a mad dash through the streets of the village, not stopping even to breath. They came to a halt as they rounded the corner, a dozen or so black scaled demons in samurai armor armed with bows waiting for them. Kamitsu pulled her back around the corner just in time to avoid the hail of arrows that followed.

 

“Now what?” She asked between gasps for air. He crouched down in front of her with his back turned.

 

“Climb on,” he told her, “that way we can move faster.” She did so, careful not to make his injuries worse. As soon as she was secure Kamitsu took off at a dead run, surprising her with his speed. She ducked as arrows went zipping past, sure that they would be dead in seconds. Soon the barrage of arrows had stopped and Kamitsu was still running. They were going to make it. A blast of energy exploded not ten feet in front of them, causing Kamitsu to skid to a halt. The blast had made a crater the size of a good sized house, cutting of their escape.

 

“Got any other ideas?” She asked him, feeling a bit more than worried at this point. He shifted her weight on his back so he was more comfortable, a smile coming to his face.

 

“Just one,” he admitted after a moment. He ran back the way they came, putting a good fifty feet between them and the crater. He went into a flat run, wanting to build up as much speed as he could. He leapt into the air just as they had reached the crater's edge, causing Kagome to tighten her grip in alarm. He stumbled slightly as they landed on the other side, the impact having sent a jolt of pain through his side.

 

“Warn me the next time you're going to do something like that,” she said from over his shoulder, not wanting to do that again. He kept running, ignoring her protest. They had made out of the village and were now heading for the exit when Kamitsu stopped suddenly. “What's wrong?” Kagome asked as he set her down.

 

“Keep going,” he told her before drawing his sword, “the barrier should let you leave now.” She didn't understand. “That thing is still coming for us. I'll see if I can slow it down while you escape.” She started to protest when he grabbed her by the arm and gave her a not-so-gentle shove towards the exit. “Just go! Mutt face should be waiting for you on the other side by now!” He looked her right in the eyes. “Go.” She needed no more urging than that, running as fast as she could for the exit. Kamitsu turned, not surprised to see the black serpent demons and their monstrous leader there waiting. “Alright ladies, let's dance!”

 

Inuyasha and the others had been able to trace their trail all the way to the mountains, where it had just stopped.

 

“Now what do we do?” Shippo asked, the top of his head barely reaching Sango's knee. Inuyasha didn't reply, checking for any other clues that could lead them to Kagome and the ninja.

 

“Could there be some sort of barrier?” Miroku wondered aloud. Inuyasha drew his Tetsusaiga, the blade turning blood red.

 

“There's only one way to find out,” he replied with a humorless smile. Just then, the very rocked seemed to ripple as if made of water, and then Kagome burst through it. She dropped to her knees, gasping for breath. Sango knelt down beside her, concern for her friend evident.

 

“Are you alright?” She asked, helping a tired Kagome to her feet. She nodded, still trying to catch her breath.

 

“Where's that damn ninja?!” Inuyasha asked heatedly, his voice a growl. Kagome, still unable to speak, just pointed at the barrier behind her. Inuyasha's brow deepened into a scowl as he prepared to take the barrier down. “I'm coming for you, you damn cat!”

 

Kamitsu stared down his lord's killer; his body trembling with barely contained rage. The demon chuckled.

 

“Shaking with fear? Godai did the same before I killed him.” Kamitsu snorted derisively.

 

“It's Lord Godai to you, and he was never afraid of anything!” The ninja spat back at it. The monster only shook its scaly head.

 

“Fine, but you'll die just the same as he,” it told him with a shrug. It pointed at him with one clawed hand. “Kill the half breed!” The dozen or so black serpent demons, armed with a variety of pole arms and swords, rushed at Kamitsu en' mass. The half demon dropped into a fighting stance, taitou held at the ready. He dodged to the left as one demon thrust at him wildly with a naginata, severing its grotesque head in the same motion. Two more came at him from either side, one brandishing a pair of kamas, the other a katana. He went after the sword wielder first, slapping its weapon aside before piercing its black heart with his blade. He ripped his sword free just in time to parry the second's attack. The fact it held two weapons instead of one made no difference to the skilled ninja, it died just the same. Another thought to attack him from behind, but at the last second, Kamitsu spun and parried its wild swing and killed it with his return stroke. The move cost him, the tip of a spear piercing his side. Kamitsu cried out in pain, wrenching the weapon out of the demon's grasp before severing its carotid artery, spraying the ground with its black blood. With a grunt of effort, the half demon dislodged the spear, his blood oozing from the open wound. The world phased out momentarily, a sign that he had lost too much blood. With a growl of rage and pain, Kamitsu spun, driving the spear in to another demon's chest with enough force to drive it out the other side. The remaining half dozen paused as they saw the look of pure malice in Kamitsu's eyes. Their leader let out an ungodly roar, spurring the weaker demons in to action. Kamitsu cursed, spitting blood from a punctured lung. He felt that these were probably his last few moments in this world, and if that were the case, he decided to take as many as he could down with him.

 

“Come and get me!” He cried, rushing to meet them with his sword held high. He struck left, then right, felling the first two with ease. A third's sword ripped open his left arm with a well-placed strike. Kamitsu ignored the wound, deftly severing the demon's head with his next attack. The last three circled him warily, well aware of his skills. But, Kamitsu was badly wounded, blood loss making him weak. It was only a matter of time before one of the demons would be able to land the killing blow. His death seemingly close at hand, Kamitsu lost all awareness of who he was and his demon blood took complete control. The half demon's eyes flared blood red and his hair whipped around him as if caught in a strong breeze. Kamitsu's aura had changed from its usual pale green, to a violent shade of dark blue. The monster that led the black serpent demons froze in fear and confusion.

 

“What's happening? Why is his demonic aura suddenly getting stronger?” It didn't understand. No half demon should have an aura this powerful. The demons that had been circling Kamitsu, having sensed this sudden change, fled in absolute terror at the sheer level of power the half demon was now radiating. Kamitsu's appearance began to change as well. Two black stripes had etched themselves in to either cheek, much like those of a tigers. Sparking bolts of silver energy began to dance up and down his arms and his gloves were shredded as razor sharp claws began to grow from his fingertips. The half demon began to slowly, menacingly, advance upon the confused creature that had killed everything he had ever known and loved in the world. Only one thought was at the forefront of his mind, and that was to end the life of the thing that had caused him so much pain. Kamitsu growled in rage from behind dagger like fangs, then rushed the monster full speed. The strange, silver energy that had been dancing along his arms earlier flowed down into his sword, causing it to glow with an angry light. The black-scaled monster let out a defiant roar, lashing out at Kamitsu with its tail. The half demon dodged the attack, still intent on killing the demon. The monster opened its mouth wide, a blast of energy launching itself at Kamitsu. The half demon stopped, bringing its sword up to block and was seemingly consumed in the violent explosion that followed.

 

“Everyone stand back!” Inuyasha ordered before launching his attack on the barrier before him. The Tetsusaiga flared blood red, a wave of energy lashing outward, destroying the barrier. “Here I come!” He cried, rushing into the opening that it had revealed without a second thought. Kagome staggered to her feet.

 

“No, Inuyasha, stop!” She shouted before running after him. Sango and Miroku both shared a look.

 

“Was she wearing that ninja's vest?” Sango asked Miroku after a moment. The monk nodded.

 

“Yes, it would appear so.” He paused. “Shall we follow?” That made Sango smile slightly.

 

“You know they'd be hopeless without us.” The demon slayer remarked as if commenting on the weather. Miroku smiled as well.

 

“That settles it then, let's go!” The pair, along with Kirara, hastened to follow, leaving Shippo behind.

 

“Hey! Don't leave me!” The young fox demon cried, doing his best to catch up with them. Inuyasha and Kagome were on the other side waiting for them, watching something happening down below. What greeted their eyes was an interesting sight. What looked like two demons were fighting each other, one black scaled and serpent like, the other resembling a human armed with a familiar looking sword.

 

“Is that the ninja?” Sango asked. “Who's that he's fighting?” Kagome turned to her, an odd look in her eyes.

 

“That thing is one of Naraku's incarnations that came looking for the jewel shards Kamitsu possesses.” Miroku arched an eyebrow.

 

“Kamitsu?” He asked, a smile tugging at his lips. “So, is it common practice for a captive to be on first name basis with their captors in your time?” Kagome glared daggers at him.

 

“Just what are you getting at?” She asked, trying to tell him with her eyes that he should be careful with his next words.

 

“Nothing, it's just that I noticed that you're wearing his vest,” he replied casually. Kagome flushed slightly.

 

“So? I was cold and he didn't want me freezing to death,” she spat back. Miroku seemed to grow thoughtful.

“So, it's that he wanted his prize in good health when presented it to his lord.” The monk nodded as if it made perfect sense. “Just curious.”

 

“He was only returning the favor I did for him by removing the arrow from his back!” Kagome was now red in the face. Miroku's smile grew wider.

 

“You seem awfully defensive,” he went on, “considering he was only returning a favor.” If Kagome blushed any harder her head would explode. Inuyasha cut them off by stepping between them.

 

“We don't have time to bicker!” He shouted, his gaze taking in them both. “I say we leave now and let them kill each other.” Kagome turned her glare on him next.

 

“No! Kamitsu saved my life, so I'm not just going to run away!” She shoved past him and started down the winding path down to the cavern below. Inuyasha let out an exasperated groan before following her, the others not far behind.

 

Kamitsu staggered, already losing his demonic powers from the amount of blood he had lost. The black-scaled demon smiled evilly.

 

“What's wrong, half breed?” It taunted him. “Losing your strength already?” It let out a mirthless laugh. “That's too bad, since I'm not even tired yet!” It slapped Kamitsu away with another well-placed swipe of its tail, sending him tumbling across the rocky ground in pain. He staggered back upright, back to normal once more. His vision was beginning to black out, which was not a good sign. With a growl of pain and frustration, he ripped off his torn gauntlets and gloves before driving his sword tip first into the ground. A sphere of white energy began to form in his right palm, growing to the size of a man's head. Kamitsu drew back, then launched the sphere straight at the demon's face. The sphere then arced upward at the last second, heading for the ceiling. The demon let out an amused snort. “You missed!” Kamitsu only smiled weakly.

 

“No,” he began tiredly, “I didn't.” The monster seemed confused, until a massive explosion from above shook the entire cavern. He hadn't been aiming for the demon, but the center mass that kept the entire mountain from caving in. “Sorry, but I don't think I'll stay for the fireworks!” And with that, Kamitsu vanished, leaving the monster to roar its rage and frustration alone as the cavern's ceiling came crashing down around it.

 

Kagome backpedaled suddenly, forcing the others to stop as well. The entire cave was beginning to collapse, and none of them were about to stick around for that. They ran back up the path, through the hall and out the entrance, a cloud of dust, dirt and rubble following close behind. They then stopped, save Miroku, who kept running.

 

“Don't stop now, the whole mountain's coming down!” He called back over his shoulder without stopping to wait for them. With the ground now quaking under their feet, the others didn't argue the point. They stopped two miles from the mountain's base, all out of breath save for Inuyasha, who watched the entire thing as it happened. The mountain collapsed from the top down, the peak the first to cave in, the rest following suit not long after. The entire process took at least twenty minutes before it finally stopped, a cloud of dust and dirt encompassing the entire area.

 

“Where's Kamitsu?” Kagome gasped out after a moment. Inuyasha's eyes scanned the entire area, but found no sign of the ninja anywhere.

 

“Too bad, I wanted to kill him myself.” They heard a very haggard cough from of to their left. Inuyasha turned to see the ninja in question leaning against a nearby rock.

 

“You still might get that chance, mutt face.” His breathing had a thick, wet sound to it, like one of his lungs was punctured. “Though, I doubt that I'll last much longer.” Inuyasha smiled.

 

“Then I'll just have to put you out of your misery,” he replied coldly. He hefted the Tetsusaiga, starting forward.

 

“Sit boy!” Kagome cried from behind him. There was a loud thud as Inuyasha hit the ground hard, face first. He struggled to get back up and try again. “I said, SIT!” The ground cracked from the impact this time. She came to stand beside Kamitsu, her expression worried. “Are you alright?” The ninja chuckled and then spat blood.

 

“Do I look alright?” He asked her like it was a stupid question. Kagome turned to Sango.

 

“Did you bring my pack?” She asked, making the demon slayer shake her head. “Then we'll just have to carry him to it.” By this time Inuyasha was back on his feet.

 

“You might as well kill him,” he told her quietly, “he'll be dead in a matter of hours anyway.” Kagome shook her head in denial.

 

“No! I won't let him die like this after saving my life!” That made Kamitsu chuckle again before cutting it short in pain.

 

“You shouldn't worry about me,” he told her, “because you're injured as well.” Kagome looked down at herself, noticing for the first time a gash on her left shoulder.

 

“You're worse off than I am!” She argued with him. He didn't reply, slumping to the ground unconscious instead. She struggled to hold him up. “Sango, help me!” Inuyasha watched as the two women loaded the unconscious half demon on to Kirara's back, not liking the situation in the least. Miroku came to stand beside him.

 

“Jealous?” The monk asked. Inuyasha let out a growl of disgust. Of course he wasn't jealous, was he?