InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Difference a Little Time Can Make ❯ Chapter 11 ( Chapter 11 )

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha. Rumiko Takahashi does. I am not making any money from this story.

 

Author's note: As I said previously, the updates will likely begin to slow down a bit. Thank you to everyone who has reviewed. Please continue to review and let me know what you think. The changes from canon will continue to ripple out, though some things will remain the same.

 

This chapter will largely follow canon aside from some minor changes.

 

 

Kagome dove through the portal, trusting that Inuyasha would follow. She knew that they couldn't let Sesshomaru get away with what he had done and still planned to do. She screamed as she felt herself falling and opened her eyes to see that she was high up in the sky and falling toward what looked like a graveyard. Strong, familiar arms wrapped around her and she calmed, knowing that Inuyasha would not allow any harm to come to her.

 

“Idiot” he said. “Sesshomaru's in here.”

 

“So?” she asked. “I want a piece of him too. That was a horrible thing he did.” He quieted at her words. They continued to fall in silence, then Inuyasha adjusted their position, changing their angle of descent. Kagome found herself on the back of some type of skeletal bird, with Inuyasha sitting behind her and holding it's reins to direct it. “Where do we go now?” she asked.

 

“Keh. My guess would be over there.” She turned to look where he had indicated and had to gasp in shock.

 

In the distance before them was the skeletal remains of an armored figure that reminded her of a dog. But it was huge, easily larger than the tallest skyscrapers back home. She clutched at Inuyasha's arms around her waist as she asked “Wh-what is that?”

 

Inuyasha tightened his grip to comfort her as he replied “Father.”

 

Kagome turned to look at him in shock. “Th-that's your father? But those bones, they're huge!”

 

Myouga spoke up from his spot on Inuyasha's shoulder. “That is Inuyasha's father in his true form. He was a great Taiyoukai, of immense power and stature. His remains reflect that fact. Come Inuyasha-sama. The treasure, the sword is embedded deep within his remains.”

 

“That's what Sesshomaru is after?!” Inuyasha said as he launched himself and Kagome off of the flying skeleton to land in the mouth of his father's remains. He started to tell her to wait there but shut his mouth at the look on her face. Instead, he pulled Kagome onto his back as he leaped down the black hole leading to the remains of his father's guts. About halfway down the ribcage he slowed their descent and peered down at Sesshomaru.

 

His older brother approached a raised dais placed in front of the spine. They watched as he contemplated the shabby looking katana jammed tip-down into it.

 

Sesshomaru spoke “The Tessaiga. Said to possess the power to cut down a hundred youkai with a single swipe. Carved from the fang of my father. Holding it is the same as possessing his power. At last it is mine.” He reached out to grasp the hilt. Bolts of energy crackled out, filling the air with blue fireballs, and Sesshomaru was thrown back.

 

Sesshomaru examined his hand before turning to glare at the sword. “I do not find this amusing, Father.” He tried again, lashing out with his own power, only to meet the same results. “Father had a barrier placed to prevent the unworthy from removing the blade.”

 

Inuyasha grew impatient and with a hurried “Wait here” he leaped down. “Sesshomaru!”

 

Sesshomaru turned. “Be more respectful, hanyou. This is our father's tomb.”

 

“Keh! You're one to talk. You're the one trying to rob it.” Inuyasha's attention was drawn by Myouga.

 

“Look Inuyasha-sama. It's the Tessaiga. It was carved from your father's fang and is able to cut through anything. Your father meant for you to have it, that is why it was hidden within your eye. Hurry and pull it out.”

 

Sesshomaru turned at that. “You think that this hanyou can pull out the sword when I, Sesshomaru, could not? Very well Inuyasha, let's see you try.”

 

“Keh. What do I need with a rusty old blade like that? I'll face you with my own claws.” He lunged at Sesshomaru “Sankon Tessou!”

 

Sesshomaru easily dodged his attack. Inuyasha continued to strike at him but all his moves were countered or dodged. “You fight as though you are still a child.” Sesshomaru taunted him.

 

Inuyasha growled at him and lunged again.

 

Myouga called out “No Inuyasha-sama! You can't fight him unarmed. Get the sword.” But Inuyasha ignored him.

 

Kagome suddenly called down to him. “Inuyasha!”

 

Both brothers paused to look at her. Sesshomaru curled his lip in disgust. “You would dare to disgrace our father's final resting place by bringing a mortal woman here.”

 

“Shut up!” Inuyasha said as he tried another punch.

 

“Inuyasha, hit him where it hurts.” Both stopped to look at her at that as they thought 'She did not just say that'. “Hurt his pride. He couldn't draw out the sword, couldn't even touch it. If you can't hit his body, hit him in the ego and pull out the sword.”

 

Inuyasha let an arrogant look cross his face as her words sank in. “Alright, I'll do it.” He turned and strode over to the dais. “Can't wait to see the look on your face, you arrogant bastard” he taunted as he grasped the hilt and pulled. This time no barrier appeared.

 

Jaken squawked from where he watched. “The Tessaiga is allowing the hanyou to touch it!”

 

Inuyasha pulled, giving a growl with the effort but the sword would not budge. He glared at it and turned to Myouga. “I thought you said I would be able to pull it?!”

 

The others looked in shock at the sword still stuck to the dais before Sesshomaru spoke up. “A hanyou like you will never possess the Tessaiga. Once I have killed you, nothing will stand in my way of claiming what is mine.” With that he swiped his poison claws at Inuyasha who managed to dodge at the last second.

 

As they began to fight again, Jaken bounced around on the ground. “That's it Sesshomaru-sama. Teach that pathetic hanyou his place. I'll help.” He prepared to use the staff to shoot flames.

 

Kagome heard him and gave a shout of “No you won't!” as she jumped down from her perch and landed on him. She gave him a few hits to the head before he managed to throw her off of him, knocking her into the dais. She grasped the hilt of the sword to steady herself as she pulled herself to her feet, when the sight before her made her gasp. “Inuyasha!” she cried upon seeing Sesshomaru about to plunge his poison claws into his chest. She lunged forward to stop him, forgetting about the sword she still held. That is, until she felt it pull free. “Oh!” she said.

 

The other occupants of the tomb turned to see her standing there holding the sword. “It just came loose” she said at the looks being directed at her.

 

Sesshomaru stared in shock at the mortal before him. 'How was this mortal girl able to free the Tessaiga, when I, Sesshomaru, could not?' He tossed his half brother aside and lunged at the girl, causing her to give a cry of alarm. He stood inches from her and glared down at her. “What are you, that you were able to draw the Tessaiga?”

 

She pointed the sword at him as she nervously told him “D-don't come any closer.”

 

“No matter. My claws will deal with you and then the Tessaiga shall be mine.”

 

“Get away from her, you bastard!” Inuyasha snarled as he lunged toward them. “She's got nothing to do with this.”

 

“Hmm. Worried for your bitch, Inuyasha. As you should be. Simply being your companion is reason enough for her death. But added to that is the fact that she is standing in my way.” With that he turned his claws on her, spraying her with his powerful poison before blasting her into the wall.

 

“NOOO! KAGOME!” Inuyasha screamed as he saw the poison cover her. His heart skipped a beat. 'No, she can't be dead. She can't. Kagome.' He turned to face his brother. “You'll pay for that” he growled and lunged at him, actually managing to land a strike before he was thrown off.

 

Jaken watched in shock. “What is this? A moment ago he couldn't even get in spitting distance but now he was able to strike Sesshomaru-sama. Could the death of that girl have affected him so?”

 

“Get back here, Sesshomaru. I'll kill you!” Inuyasha yelled as he attacked again.

 

“Why so angry Inuyasha? There are a million more just like her.” Sesshomaru said as he struck out with his claws.

 

“Bastard, there's no other like her in all the world. She was special and you'll pay for her death.” He lunged again. 'Kagome why couldn't you have just stayed where you were safe, why did you have to follow me?'

 

A sudden movement caught their attention and they paused to see the Tessaiga raise itself from the poison as Kagome sat up with a gasp. “Oh, I thought I was dead!” she cried as she checked herself over.

 

“Kagome!” Inuyasha cried as he leaped to her side, pulling her to her feet. He quickly checked her over but found no signs of injury and pulled her into a rough embrace. “Baka, I thought you were dead.”

 

Kagome blushed at his actions. 'He was that worried about me?' She recalled what she heard when she was covered by the poison. 'Did he really say that or was I imagining it?'

 

“How sickening.” Sesshomaru's voice intruded on the pair. 'The shield spell must have protected her from the poison.'

 

“You! You tried to kill me!” Kagome yelled as she spotted him. She ignored Inuyasha's attempts to silence and shield her as she told Sesshomaru “I'm going to make you pay for that.” She turned to Inuyasha and handed him the sword. “Here. This sword is great, now go make him pay.”

 

“Right” he said as he gave her an odd look before standing in front of her. “You're going down, Sesshomaru!”

 

“Feh. Let us see what a disgusting hanyou like yourself can do with the pure power of the Tessaiga against the equally pure power of this Sesshomaru.” His eyes turned red and his body began to grow.

 

Kagome clutched at the back of Inuyasha's haori as Sesshomaru's form expanded and he transformed into a huge white demonic dog that possessed the same markings. “He-he transformed?!”

 

“Keh! He's back in his true form is all.” Inuyasha said as he tried not to show how worried he was. 'I hope all that hype about this sword is right. I can't fail or Kagome's the one who will be hurt.' He raised the Tessaiga and lunged forward, shouting “It'll soon be a dead form.” He swung the sword and struck Sesshomaru's head, only for the blade to bounce off. “What?” he said as he landed back on the ground in front of Kagome. “He doesn't have a scratch on him!”

 

He turned his head to look at Myouga, still sitting on his shoulder. “Oi! What's the big idea, you little blood sucker?! I thought you said this sword was strong and would cut through anything?!” He grabbed Kagome and leaped out of the way as Sesshomaru drove a claw down where they had been standing. He quickly leaped up, heading out of his father's body. “Come on, it's too dangerous in here.” He saw Sesshomaru drive his body into their father's chest and outside, but continued his ascent. He set Kagome down within his father's mouth and told her “Stay here” as he jumped to his father's shoulder to face Sesshomaru who was waiting in the air.

 

Myouga spoke up quickly. “Inuyasha-sama, you must have faith in the demonic power of the Tessaiga. It was carved from the fang of your father and possesses his power. Never let it out of your grasp!” And with that the cowardly flea jumped from his shoulder calling out “See you in the next life!” as he made his escape.

 

“Coward!” Inuyasha called after him as he dodged another swipe. “How the hell am I supposed to draw blood with this thing?!” He glared at the sword before striking it against Sesshomaru's front leg.

 

“That's it Inuyasha” Kagome called from behind him. “I think you hurt him that time.”

Inuyasha shot a look at her. “That didn't even make him blink. What are you so cheerful for? Don't you realize how much danger you're in?”

“But, you've got your father's sword. I believe in you, I know you can beat him.” She gave him a look of such trust and hope that he felt his heart speed up in his chest.

 

He didn't want to burst her bubble but he had to make her face the reality of the situation. She had to know just how dangerous this was. “Keh! This rusted old thing couldn't hurt a flea like Myouga. My body may be able to withstand his attacks but you're just a weak human. If he manages to land a strike on you-” Inuyasha couldn't finish the thought. He didn't want to contemplate the consequences if he failed.

 

Apparently he was a little too blunt in his assessment. Tears began to pool in her blue eyes as his words sank in. “You mean that I should just give up?”

 

His heart clenched painfully at the sight of those tears. 'I didn't mean to make her cry.' He hastened to correct her. “That's not what I meant. Don't cry. What I meant was let me protect you.” She dried her tears at that and gave him a small smile. He felt his heart unclench and he turned to face his brother once more. 'I won't fail. I can't. Kagome needs me.' He made to lunge forward when the sword in his hands gave a sudden pulse.

 

'Is that...a heartbeat?' he wondered as he stared at the sword. It pulsed again and then a light wrapped around the sword as it transformed into a large, gleaming piece of enchanted metal. “A fang?” He stared at it before smirking at Sesshomaru. “You're going down now.”

 

Sesshomaru snarled and leaped at him, snapping his jaws but Inuyasha dodged and swung the sword again. This time when he struck the leg the sword easily cut through flesh and bone, severing it. Inuyasha stared at the sword in his hands. “It is a fang. Guess my old man did leave me something worthwhile after all.”

 

He looked up as Sesshomaru made to attack again. “Don't you get it? Compared to our father, we're like a couple of fleas jumping around.” Sesshomaru merely snarled at him. “I may not have any memories of him, but I'd rather give up an eye than give up this sword. He meant for me to have it, he left it hidden in my eye. Guess I'm not so worthless after all.” He dodged Sesshomaru's strike and lunged forward, swinging the Tessaiga to glance off of Sesshomaru's chest.

 

Sesshomaru howled in pain before vanishing in a ball of light. Jaken suddenly appeared and ran after him calling “Sesshomaru-sama, wait for me!” as he leaped into the light and it disappeared.

 

Inuyasha turned back to Kagome to make sure she was alright. “Keh. I take it back. This sword isn't a piece of junk.” A sensation on his neck drew his attention and he raised his hand to slap it.

 

“Ow.” Pop. “Well done, Inuyasha-sama. You have discovered the secret to wielding the Tessaiga. I never doubted you for a minute.” He stopped when he saw Inuyasha's hand descending.

 

“Keh! Not even when you ran away before? I should squash you for that.”

 

The flea hastily interjected. “Wait, I didn't run away. Look, I was procuring you a ride home as well as locating the sheathe to the Tessaiga.” Inuyasha and Kagome turned and saw one of the skeletal birds waiting on his father's shoulder.

 

Inuyasha turned to look at the flea in surprise. “Then you didn't run away? I guess I owe you an apology.”

 

Myouga looked at the open and trusting expression on Inuyasha's face and couldn't lie. He threw himself down to prostrate himself on Inuyasha's shoulder as he cried “I did run away. I'm sorry Inuyasha-sama. Please forgive me, I'll never doubt you again.” He quieted as he felt himself squashed between two fingers. “Ah. Such is the life of a flea.”

 

Inuyasha turned to Kagome. “Come on, let's get out of here.” He helped her onto the bird's back and they rode back to the portal before leaping into it and exiting the graveyard. Once back on their side, they watched as the portal vanished back into the form of a black pearl before sinking back inside Inuyasha's eye and returning it to it's normal appearance.

 

Kagome sighed in relief to see his eye healed and back to normal. She smiled at him and said “Come on, let's go back to the village. It's late and Kaede-sama is probably worried by now.” She grabbed his hand and began to lead him to the village, ignoring his blush at her behavior. But he found he was content to allow her to lead him.

 

Myouga simply observed everything from his position on Inuyasha's shoulder and made plans to confront his lord at a later time.

 

 

And that finishes that encounter with Sesshomaru. The next chapter will have original material. It should be up in a day or two.