InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Phoenix Blade: Time Lapse ❯ Dragon's Bane ( Chapter 47 )

Disclaimer: Don't own…don't sue. Tormenting them purely for my own sadistic pleasure. Nearly all characters and most situations owned by Rumiko Takahashi and Shogakukan Publishing.

 

A/N: Had the `flu. Plot bunnies decamped to the shed down the block. Thanks to all for the well-wishes and the offers of chicken soup… I really, really hate to spew, yes I do…

 

Warning: First draft written while under the influence of pain killers. Re-written while under the influence of bag of milk chocolate Easter eggs. Tried to plug all the resulting holes before posting.

 

April 27, 2006 - edited and reposted.

 

Yeah, I know Miroku & Sango were actually en scene during the Ryukotsusei fight, but since all they did was stay out of the way on Kirara, I decided to send them off on a more important errand in the last chapter.

 

Coarse language and a mild lemon alert about three-quarters of the way through.

 

The Phoenix Blade: Time Lapse

Chapter 47: Dragon's Bane

 

Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж

Sengoku Jidai

 

“You're saying that Sesshomaru showed up on purpose to stop Inuyasha?” Totosai peered over his shoulder at the girl gingerly holding onto the grungy fabric at his waist, as the demon bull wafted them at a moderately fast pace over the countryside.

 

“Well, I find it hard to believe that he just happened to be in the area,” Kagome asserted against the rush of wind, wondering if the dust stinging her eyes came from the filthy gi covering the shoulder in front of her, and wishing she could reach for a tissue from the pack on her back.

 

“Hm…” Totosai mumbled.

 

“But, what really shocked me was the fact that he asked me if I was injured…almost like he cared.”

 

The smith started cackling. “Now I know you're having one over on me, young lady!”

 

“Well, he didn't kill Inuyasha, and it would have been a perfect opportunity.” The chuckles stopped, and Totosai rubbed his goatee between filthy fingertips, musing thoughtfully. Kagome cringed from the state of his nails, but couldn't resist adding, “Maybe the little girl he rescued has softened his heart a little bit...”

 

“Little girl? Sesshomaru?”

 

“Yes…her name is Rin.”

 

Totosai startled her badly when he shouted with laughter, slapping his thigh; the bull bobbled a bit in the air and let out an aggravated snort. “Well, well, well…seems the arrogant young dog does have some redeeming qualities after all. Might be hope for him yet.”

 

“I hope so…I still have to get him to co-operate with me to kill Naraku…” The girl trailed off, thinking about the likelihood of convincing the taiyoukai that being their ally was his destiny…and couldn't help grinning at the remembrance of the look of disdainful horror on Sesshomaru's face the last time they'd discussed it. They flew in silence for a little while longer, while Kagome thought about life, the universe, her hanyou, and their mission. Some thoughts kept returning to circle around and around. “Totosai…what was Inuyasha's father like?”

 

“What do you want to know that for, young lady?” The glance he shot her was searching; she absently brushed a chunk of dirt off his gi.

 

“I just wondered which of the two brothers resemble him the most.”

 

“Tall like Sesshomaru, but built more like Inuyasha. Golden eyes usually twinkling with amusement; he always had an anecdote or two to pass on. A single set of dark-blue cheek stripes that crinkled when he smiled…and he didn't only smile when someone was going to die.”

 

“He doesn't sound like Sesshomaru at all…”

 

“Ah, while he had a sense of humour, his anger was legendary. He took few prisoners, I can tell you…but tempered that with a merciful instinct, which allowed him to earn and keep loyal allies. Sesshomaru has been living on that goodwill since the Inutaisho's death all those years ago; if what you say is true, then he may finally have the makings of a true leader.”

 

“I hope so, too….otherwise, I don't see how I can do this…”

 

“Ah, there is your hanyou….by all the gods of heaven and hell!” At the agitated tone in the smith's voice, Kagome hitched herself higher to peer over Totosai's shoulder, and was struck at the same time by a demonic aura that was even larger than a transformed inu-taiyoukai's in terms of size. She inhaled sharply at the scene before her, which came into clearer focus the closer they flew.

 

Towering clouds of dust billowed high up into the atmosphere, obscuring the bright afternoon sun and causing the shadows of the combatants shrouded within to inflate to the size of giants. She could see massive, writhing coils, the occasional eerie yellow-blue blast. Distantly, she could hear Inuyasha's shouts, and watched his huge projected shadow skip out of the way of another strike. The snake-like creature didn't seem affected at all by the Tetsusaiga, and another blast of energy struck at the hanyou. “Totosai! What's going on?”

 

“Oh, this is bad…very, very bad. Somehow, the seal holding Ryukotsusei has been broken. Very much like your removal of the arrow holding Inuyasha in stasis, the dragon has awakened as if he is merely continuing the battle with the Inutaisho.”

 

Despite the immediate threat to Inuyasha, Kagome was curious. “What was the seal, Totosai-san?”

 

“One of the Lord of the West's very own fangs. How could it have come loose?”

 

“Naraku!” A very agitated elderly flea demon landed on Totosai's shoulder, right in front of Kagome. “When we arrived, Naraku materialized on the fang itself and melted it, then told Ryukotsusei who his opponent was! Inuyasha-sama doesn't stand a chance!”

 

Kagome stifled the urge to squash the flea. “Of course he stands a chance, Myoga-san…right, Totosai-san?”

 

“He will survive only if he can discover the path of Tetsusaiga's ultimate attack, the `Backlash Wave'.”

 

“He has to learn a new technique? Right now? Crap…”

 

“The whelp managed rather nicely to find the `Wind Scar' against his brother; I have confidence in his abilities. If he doesn't find it, he'll die. Simple as that.”

 

“No! There has to be a way to help him…” Kagome rapidly dug her bow out of her quiver and notched a long-range arrow to the string.

 

“We'll stay up here until the dust settles. Inuyasha can't be distracted by concerns for your safety; put your arrows down!” Totosai batted at her hand, and a missile fizzled brightly as it spiralled on its way to the distant ground. “He must win this on his own, else the blade will never be truly his…and that was the whole point of this exercise, I believe?”

 

Kagome chewed her lip as the bull took them higher over the battle-zone. “Inuyasha wasn't very happy with the thought of killing Ryukotsusei while he was helpless… he didn't want to act the coward.”

 

“Better a coward than dead!” Myoga spluttered.

 

Kagome poked him with her fingernail. “Inuyasha has a strong sense of honour…”

 

“Being honourable will get him killed, Kagome-sama!” Myoga wiped his streaming eyes; the girl wasn't sure if the flea was weeping because of the threat to Inuyasha's life, or due to his proximity to the malodorous smith. A particularly large blast of youkai made her grip onto Totosai more firmly; the bull circled around and dropped a bit lower, so they could see the action more clearly.

 

Inuyasha was barely staying one step ahead of the massive armoured snake-like dragon, which pursued him with both coils and energy blasts. Kagome noted that he was managing to keep a tight grip on the transformed Tetsusaiga, despite the contortions he had to go through to keep his feet with the extra length and weight.

 

A glint on the dragon's head caught her eye, and she realized that Ryukotsusei had a pale, oval face set into the top of its skull, and its red eyes gleamed with delighted malice. Another pair of conventional dragon-like eyes were in their proper spots above the jaw hinge. The creature's voice, when it spoke, made her shiver.

 

“Boy, you'll have to do much, much better than that if you think to defeat me.”

 

“Shut the fuck up, you overgrown worm! Take this…” There was a flurry of slashing movement as the hanyou rapidly attacked the ponderously moving coils. Ryukotsusei rumbled with mocking laughter.

 

“Is that the best you can do? Your father would be dismayed…he was a far tougher opponent…still, I can admire your stupidity in facing me in his memory.”

 

“His memory has nothing to do with it, fucker! I'm taking you down on my terms…!” A hard thrust was aimed at what appeared to be an old, unhealed wound on Ryukotsusei's torso, just about where his small, clawed arms joined his body. The enchanted blade bounced off, and the cursing hanyou spun out of the way of a grinding coil.

 

“You have no chance, boy…my body is stronger than any steel. Your father was reduced to fighting me with his claws and teeth, and from the looks of you, your demonic form would be no more than a puppy.”

 

“Shut the fuck up!” Inuyasha was panting very hard, while he tried to determine the best place to hit the dragon, since his regular attacks didn't seem to fizz on the creature at all. Ryukotsusei smiled evilly, and in a rapid one-two blow, knocked Inuyasha off his feet and slammed him into the cliff face with a huge bird-like hand.

 

“You feeble little puppy…what will it take for you to finally understand that you cannot injure me with that useless piece of metal? Are you too stupid? Do you have a hearing problem?” As he hissed his venomous words, Ryukotsusei's talons were grinding Inuyasha into the living rock, cracking bones while sending chunks of granite bouncing and clattering to the valley floor. Abruptly, the dragon released the pressure, and let the hanyou crash to the distant ground, tumbling and sliding among the debris of the landslide, Tetsusaiga falling from his limp hand to slam point-first in the ground.

 

“Oh no! Inuyasha! He's dropped Tetsusaiga…” Kagome thumped Totosai on the shoulder, ignoring the puffs of black dust that arose with each blow. “Take me down!” A thunderous pulse in her chest made her gasp and clutch at her tunic.

 

“Kagome-sama? Are you all right?” As Myoga asked this, wringing all of his little hands, a flood of pure demonic energy filled the area. Even the dragon shifted back slightly, one coil sliding over the Tetsusaiga and making the sword emit a high-pitched keening sound. Kagome could only point to the hanyou's unmoving body, which was shrouded in a thick, red mist.

 

“He's transforming…and it's so much more powerful than before! Inuyasha!”

 

Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж

 

Far below, glowing red eyes with sky-blue pupils snapped open above jagged blue stripes. A tongue ran over elongated fangs, and then the demon was upright, balancing lightly on the balls of his feet in a feral crouch, keen predatory eyes taking the measure of this opponent.

 

Ryukotsusei shifted, also gauging the change in the hanyou's demonic aura; the Tetsusaiga called out again, vibrating like a sawblade as the dragon's metallic-like scales scraped past it. Inuyasha's ears flattened, and he noted the katana's position, then appeared to gather himself for a rush.

 

High above, Totosai shook his head. “If he fights in demon form, he may survive, but the Tetsusaiga will not weigh any less. This will all be for naught…and then he will be a danger to all of us. I doubt Sesshomaru is handy…”

 

Kagome's battle-sight clicked on, and she watched Inuyasha leap for the dragon, change his attack angle mid-flight to avoid an energy blast from the mouth, and then strike a mighty blow with his claws that actually threw the far larger demon back against the cliff face. His youkai surged again, and the red mist became scarlet flames rising around him. Totosai clucked to his bull, and they began to move backwards, away from the battle-zone. Kagome panicked and yanked at his arm.

 

“What're you doing? Stop…I have to stay near Inuyasha!”

 

“If he wins this, we will be his next targets. Didn't you see how his youkai powered up? The demon blood is his father's legacy, but it will destroy him if he doesn't use the sword.”

 

“Fine. Let me down. I'll fight at his side, or go down with him. I promised that I wouldn't leave him, and I always keep my word!”

 

Totosai reached up to pat her hand. “Your devotion to the whelp is inspiring, young lady. He chose well…but I cannot allow you to die at his hands.”

 

“That's just it, Totosai-san…he won't hurt me. I know him!”

 

“Look, Kagome-sama, Totosai…look at what Inuyasha is doing!” Myoga pointed with three hands for emphasis, and Kagome let out a cheer. Inuyasha was moving, slowly and a bit jerkily, towards the impaled Tetsusaiga.

 

“Do you think…he threw Ryukotsusei simply to move him away from the blade?” Myoga's voice was hushed. Totosai blinked his bulbous eyes and stroked his chin thoughtfully.

 

“It is possible…”

 

Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж

 

It was invisible to the hovering watchers, but inside Inuyasha, there was a tremendous battle raging, between what was left of his soul and his youkai.

 

Go pick up the fucking sword, already!

I don't need it to fight…

Yes we do! You're me, I'm you…and we need the sword!

I can take down this worm…

Listen, you stripey-faced asshole…is this about you or us proving something?

Uh…

You can kill that thing with your claws, but it won't help us with the Tetsusaiga….which is the whole point of this fight! We have a responsibility to protect Kagome and the pack, so pick up the fucking pig-sticker and get on with it!

Kagome…

If you stay in control all the time, you'll destroy this body…and then we can't protect her, never mind touch her.

If I take up that blade, hanyou, will you work with me?

Whatever it takes…for Kagome, I'll do it…

We actually agree on something…good for us…

Let's do this.

 

A final step, his body regaining its feline grace as the internal conflict resolved itself, and Inuyasha reached out to grip Tetsusaiga's hilt. He exhaled as he felt his youkai coil itself in anticipation, and he jerked the blade out of the ground as it blossomed to its true form. Tossing his bangs out of his flaming golden eyes, he narrowed his gaze at the dragon.

 

“You slimy fucker…how dare you touch my Tetsusaiga…” Hefting the sword, Inuyasha was startled at its weight; or rather, its lack thereof.

 

Huh? It's lighter…crap, it's working! I can do this!

 

“Ryukotsusei! You're mine!” Inuyasha took a running leap and flew at the dragon, aiming for the same spot over the creature's heart, at the line where two armoured plates intersected. Ryukotsusei laughed harshly, and an explosive ball of energy launched out of its mouth at the hanyou. Kagome caught a glimpse of red energy flaring around her hanyou's form as he disappeared inside the ball…and then Inuyasha burst out the other side, apparently unscathed, the Tetsusaiga pointed at Ryukotsusei's underbelly.

 

There was a scraping sound, of metal sliding past metal that made Kagome's teeth hurt, and then Tetsusaiga was embedded half-way up its enlarged shaft in the dragon's body. The moment froze, imprinting it on the watchers' eyes…and then Inuyasha planted his feet and yanked his sword free, springing away as gouts of dark, steaming blood rolled down Ryukotsusei's torso.

 

I did it! I got the bastard right in his black heart! In his hand, the Tetsusaiga thrummed triumphantly…and suddenly, it was as if he was holding a feather, the sword was so light and easy to handle. “Yes!” he shouted aloud, punching his fist into the air… and barely dodged a lightning blast. Ryukotsusei was injured, but definitely not out of the game. The hanyou spun to face the bleeding dragon-demon, who had lost his composure and was gathering his coils for the kill.

 

“Whoa! What in all the hells…?” Wisps of white vapour coiled down the length of the enchanted blade as Inuyasha looked at it in surprise, and then a broad, cocky smirk spread across his face. The hanyou twirled the Tetsusaiga before crouching and going airborne. “Hey, you overgrown grub! Try this on for size! `Wind Scar'!” The distinctive flames of the strike screamed away and impacted in huge showers of sparks. Inuyasha whooped triumphantly as they all seemed to hit square on target.

 

See…told ya if we worked together…

 

“Fairly impressive, Inuyasha…but don't start gloating yet!” The hanyou whipped around and looked up at the sound of the smith's voice; he couldn't help grinning at his enthusiastically waving mate, especially after she belted Totosai in the arm for his comment.

 

“I think I was rather awesome, there, Totosai…I can pull out the `Wind Scar' on command now!”

 

“It still isn't enough to take down Ryukotsusei! Even your father barely sealed him…”

 

Inuyasha's mood soured slightly. “Yeah, yeah…and we all know I'm not my old man…”

 

“Thank the gods for that or you'd be way too old for me!” Kagome yelled down to him, after shooting a murderous look at Totosai. “You can do it, Inuyasha!”

 

A grinding noise caught all their attention, and then, out of the billowing clouds of dust thrown up by the `Wind Scar', two pairs of glowing red eyes became apparent, followed by twisting coils and a cruel laugh. “You still won't listen, fool. Now, it's my turn to give you the same send-off I gave your lord father.” Ryukotsusei's demonic energy began to build; crackling blue light began wreathing around his coils.

 

“Retreat, Inuyasha! There's no chance…” Totosai's words were drowned out by Inuyasha's roar.

 

“SHUT UP! This fucker is finally getting serious…and I'm gonna prove that I'm at least as good as my old man!”

 

Ryukotsusei laughed again, supremely confident in his ability to destroy a mere hanyou; the dragon spared a very brief moment of curiosity that his powerful former opponent had stooped to siring a child on a human. His demonic aura crackled ominously…but then he realized that the red-clad figure in front of him was also emitting an impressive aura. “Child, give my regards to your father when you see him beyond the hell-gates…die!” A searing globe of destructive energy spewed out of his mouth and flew straight at its target.

 

Inuyasha didn't hesitate; a feral snarl on his lips, he launched himself upward right into the centre of the energy ball, his youkai forming a protective layer around him, ragged blue stripes faintly emerging from under his skin, and his eyes bleeding slightly red.

 

We've got to cut through this thing…

Where?

Go by smell…like that wind-thingie…

The `Scar' kind of smells like Kagome…

Nothing smells as good as her…hey! What's that reek?

Ugh! Stinks like burning metal…

Those spiralling air currents must be it! Now!

 

Inuyasha brought the Tetsusaiga across his body in a vicious sweeping blow that sent a spinning current of energy boiling towards the menacing blue emanation of Ryukotsusei's power. Kagome gasped, and Totosai snorted. “He may just pull this off…”

 

“What's happening? It looks like the `Wind Scar' tripled in size!”

 

“That, young lady, is the `Backlash Wave'. It engulfs the demonic energy of an opponent and absorbs it to magnify the power of the attack many times over.” The bull's passengers clapped their hands over their ears as Ryukotsusei's death-screams rattled the very air as his `invincible' body was torn completely asunder. A red blur darted nimbly on an erratic course, dodging the smoking chunks of dragon thudding down around him.

 

“Inuyasha-sama's demonic power has increased dramatically; could he have transformed while holding Tetsusaiga?” Myoga was back to wringing his hands.

 

“Only one way to find out…let me down!” Kagome tugged on Totosai's sleeves and pointed. She could see the red mist faintly wreathing Inuyasha's form, and a slightly more powerful aura to go with it, but nothing to be scared of. Well, Myoga was trembling, but that was the flea's usual state. Then, the heightened aura dissipated like it had never been.

 

Inuyasha was still dazedly contemplating the destructive power unleashed by his blade, which he swore was chortling with glee based on the irregular thrumming sound it was making, when he out of the corner of his eye he noticed the bull and its passengers touching down a short distance away. He turned as Kagome leaped to the ground and raced towards him, a brilliant smile on her face. “Inuyasha! That was incredible! How did you figure it out?”

 

He caught her on the fly with one arm, the impact of her body plus the weight of the pack spinning them around as she kissed him. Totosai's bulbous eyes were sharp as they noted how Kagome's aura wrapped around the entwined couple and how the silver was shot with red embellishments. Grinning down at his mate, Inuyasha let her go long enough to sheathe the Tetsusaiga, which continued to vibrate in the scabbard, until Kagome laid her fingers on the hilt and then it quieted. Kissing her again, Inuyasha turned his attention to the smith.

 

“Hey, Totosai…thanks for the upgrade!”

 

“That was no upgrade, whelp. That was the Tetsusaiga's ultimate attack…how did you call it out?”

 

The hanyou shuffled his feet, suddenly unsure. “I just took a swing at a point where it stank like burning metal…and then all hell broke loose!”

 

The smith stepped a little closer to him and sniffed, eyeing him thoughtfully the whole time, and then moved back, stroking his goatee while contemplating something. “Well, it doesn't matter how you unleashed it… you now have the entire power of your fang at your disposal. Well done, Inuyasha.”

 

“Er…thanks, Totosai.” Inuyasha rubbed the back of his head, a bit embarrassed at the praise, and then Kagome twined her fingers with his and squeezed his hand while smiling proudly up at him. “Keh! It's no big deal…”

 

“Oh, sure…killing a very nasty dragon, who just happens to be the opponent who took your father away from you and completely changed your life isn't a big deal at all,” she snorted. He arched his eyebrow.

 

“I'm not so sure about that, wench,” he muttered back. “But let's get moving; I don't want to be late meeting up with the houshi and the slayer.” He raised his voice. “Thanks, Totosai…we'll be on our way.” He cast a final look around at the steaming dismembered carcass, and then began leading Kagome away.

 

“Inuyasha? Maybe we should catch a ride on the bull…” Kagome tugged on his hand to get his attention.

 

“No way. It's just you and me, koishii…let's go.” He wasn't about to tell her that he had already scoped out a campsite while travelling with Myoga, and that it came equipped with a very nice hot spring. Kagome looked up at the sky and chewed her lip.

 

“We have quite a bit of daylight left…do you think we can make it?”

 

“Keh! We won't get even half-way there if you don't hurry it up and climb aboard!”

 

“All right, all right, keep your hakama on, dog-boy…” Kagome arranged herself on his back, snuggling close as he gripped her thighs firmly. She couldn't see the smirk on his face at the `hakama' comment, so was blissfully unaware that getting out of his trousers and into hers was a fairly high priority on his `to-do' list.

 

Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж

 

The swirling clouds of dust were still settling to earth, veiling the remains of the once-formidable dragon Ryukotsusei with a thin shroud as both an airborne bull and a red blur left the scene. Neither noticed the small dot up in the sky that remained a speck until they were well and gone from the vicinity; then the speck dropped lower and lower until it resolved itself into a sleek twin-headed tenbaryu and its tall armoured rider.

 

Sesshomaru gazed upon the scene of destruction in silence, white fur and silver hair rippling in the breeze, yellow eyes hooded as he contemplated the massive amount of lethal power that Inuyasha had unleashed. The useless hanyou has avenged our father, and without fully transforming. His demon slipped slightly loose, but only enough to allow this attack of Tetsusaiga to be created. It was the familiar warning of the changing blood-scent that had alerted him to the conflict, not to mention the fact that a demon would have to be dead not to have sensed Ryukotsusei's power.

 

This was an interesting thought. Like the miko, is my brother harnessing the power that lies within him? If this is the case, Inuyasha has truly become a force to be reckoned with. The combination of demonic and miko power would make the pair of them formidable opponents, indeed. The taiyoukai mentally patted himself on the back for calling a truce when he did, and ordered Ah-Un to return to where they had left Rin under Jaken's care.

 

Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж

 

“Are you sure we've gone far enough before stopping for the night?” Kagome eyed her hanyou worriedly; he had called a halt in a beautiful little glade while the sun was still above the tree-tops. Inuyasha continued to build a fire, whistling through his teeth.

 

“Of course I am, Kagome. We'll probably end up waiting for them tomorrow, so don't worry.”

 

The girl suddenly giggled. “We might end up waiting anyways, if Miroku has a chance to get Sango alone.”

 

“Not without that `birth control' stuff from your side of the well, and not likely with Shippo and Kirara in the bedrolls with them.”

 

Kagome chuckled anyways as she set out the mess tins, canteens and ration containers and prepared to concoct their evening meal. The fire crackled brightly, and had burned down a bit by the time she handed Inuyasha his portion. He leaned in for a kiss, and it was soft and sweet. Kagome smiled at him and reached up to gently tweak an ear-tip, her eyes shining.

 

“You were magnificent today, Inuyasha. I'm so proud of you…”

 

He blushed, and tapped her mess tin with a claw. “Hurry up and eat, wench. I have something to show you that will probably thrill you even more.”

 

“Oh, yeah?” She challenged, but with a grin. He pulled her close to him, and they ate in companionable silence while the sparks danced against the darkening sky. Sooner rather than later, the tins were rinsed off in the murmuring stream running below the campsite, and Kagome was watching him expectantly, a small smile playing about her lips. While she busied herself packing the equipment away neatly, he occupied himself by arranging the bedroll near the fire and rummaging through the pack for the towels, shampoo and soap, all of which he stashed in his haori.

 

“Ooh, is there a hot spring nearby?” Kagome asked breathlessly.

 

“Keh! Of course. I can't stand the whining if I pick a campsite without one…”

 

“Whining, eh? Seems to me that you rather enjoy them, too, dog-boy.”

 

“Depends on the company, wench.” He started heading in the direction of the obviously (to him) sulphur-scented water; she stayed a step or two behind him. He could almost hear her brain turning over for an appropriate response; he didn't have long to wait.

 

“So you'll want me to stand guard for you, seeing as Miroku isn't here?”

 

He rolled his eyes and huffed. “Sure, Kagome. I live for seeing the houshi buck-ass-naked…”

 

“Good. Just wanted to know where I stood in the hierarchy. Behind Miroku and Shippo, I expect, now that I know your preferences. Give me a shout when you're done…” He whirled and had her in his arms in a heartbeat, and then took a huge leap to land on the verge of the pool almost before she could form a grin.

 

“Go any farther with that thought, and you're going in with all your gear on, wench.” Kagome giggled as he set her down, then kissed her thoroughly before putting down the supplies, quickly doffing his fire-rat and sliding into the water. She followed at a far slower pace, and not just because she had more to take off. Waiting until he had surfaced across the spring and shaken the water from his ears, Kagome proceeded to perform a leisurely striptease, pretending to be completely oblivious as to how his heart jumped in her chest. Really taking her time, conscious of his heated gaze on her form, she made a show of stretching languorously up onto her tiptoes, arms over her head, nipples hard in the cooler air. She heard him gulp, and hid a smile.

 

She had just begun to neatly pile all her gear when he pounced, and she was underwater without time to squeak in protest. Hauled up against a hard chest, she barely had time to draw a breath before they were kissing hungrily, tracing each other's curves and planes, moulding their bodies together. Kagome broke the kiss, and cupped his face in her hands, smiling softly. “My magnificent hanyou needs some pampering…let me get the soap.” Inuyasha was breathing hard; one hand remained curved around her slender waist, and the other came up to grip her wrist.

 

“I'd rather just show you other ways I'm magnificent…”

 

“All in good time…let me play a bit, okay? We don't have to worry about interruptions, and we can stay in here until we're waterlogged. Not to mention, but you did fall asleep on me the other night…”

 

“I'm wide awake now…” He rubbed himself suggestively against her, his eyes gone dark and heavy-lidded.

 

“Down, boy. Go find a nice flat rock…” Kagome waded across the pool and picked up both the soap and the bottle of shampoo, then returned to where he was perched on a submerged boulder, immersed up to his chest, watching her with intense, smouldering eyes that made her go all quivery inside. Smiling, she slid onto the rock behind him, admiring the patterns his silver hair made in the water. He peered over his shoulder at her; she held up the shampoo bottle as she poked the soap into a handy crack in a nearby rock.

 

Inuyasha lay back against her shoulder and purred contentedly as Kagome's fingertips massaged his scalp, working the shampoo into his mane while doing her best to avoid getting it into his ears. Once that was accomplished, and he was pretty much blissfully boneless, she snagged the soap and reached around to begin washing his body. She lathered his chest and shoulders, marvelling as she always did at the juxtaposition of hard muscles and soft skin that made up her hanyou. Inuyasha obligingly shifted higher, settling himself snugly between her legs so she could reach his lower torso and rumbled contentedly when she began running her hands down over his narrow hips and muscular thighs. “Can you stand up, koibito? The water is washing the soap off my hands.” Kagome whispered throatily in his ear.

 

The hanyou slowly obliged, rising out of the water like some sea-god and turned slightly towards her, so that she was presented with a rather obvious reminder of how much he wanted her; she concentrated on washing his legs. “Okay…time to rinse, before that shampoo gets in your eyes…” He slid off the rock in silence and submerged completely; Kagome watched as white foam bubbled to the surface, then wasn't too surprised when her waist was circled from behind and she was pulled back against his chest.

 

“My turn now, koishii…” She shivered at the sensation of his hot breath over the shell of her ear, and as his fangs nibbled along her shoulder, she moaned breathily and tilted her head to the side, baring her neck to him. He ran his tongue up the offered skin, and then reached for the shampoo. Kagome's lashes fluttered closed and she did her best approximation of a purr herself as Inuyasha's claws lightly scraped her skin while he lathered her hair. Her body started to float as she relaxed; he used one arm to keep her anchored against him and then began soaping with long, rhythmic strokes. As she sighed, his hands began lingering longer where she was softest, cupping her breasts, stroking her flanks, his hair swirling against her skin.

 

Kagome was dissolving into a puddle of want, when something prickled at the corner of her consciousness, and she partially surfaced out of her stupor. Was that a…shard? No…oh. Peeking out from under her lashes, she was greeted by a vaporous red mist surrounding her, swirling as it combined with the steam of the hot spring. Her eye was caught by the sight of Inuyasha's hand as it appeared from under the water, stroking up over the curve of her breast to gently flatten over the soft flesh. His claws are certainly longer…but not as long as his full-youkai version. What the heck…?

 

Carefully maintaining her calm as much as possible, Kagome shifted around until she was able to look up into Inuyasha's face, and what she saw both startled and intrigued her. Dusky golden eyes were rimmed with red, and faint jagged stripes decorated his cheekbones. His fangs were like his claws; slightly elongated, but not extremely so. She cupped his face again, stroking her thumbs along the blue markings as she examined these new changes.

 

“Inuyasha…?” she asked tentatively.

 

“Yes, aisai?”

 

No `bitch', so maybe… “You do know that you've partially transformed?”

 

“What? Right now?” The wide-eyed look he gave her let her know that he was very much part of what they were doing and hadn't surrendered control to his youkai.

 

“You didn't notice…the mist?” As she waved at the swirling manifestation of his youkai, he followed the motion of her hand, and then flattened his ears. She disengaged his hand from her hip to bring it up between them, showing him the slightly lengthened claws. Inuyasha stared at them before biting his lip in thought…and promptly drew blood with the longer fang.

 

She wiped away the scarlet drop. “Was it a conscious decision to use Tetsusaiga today?” she asked, when he remained silent. He nodded. She interlaced her fingers with his and turned over in her mind some possibilities for this enhanced demonic aura. “I wonder if your choice to use Tetsusaiga instead of your claws has changed the power structure within your body. Can you control the level of youkai you release?”

 

Inuyasha shook his head. “Hell if I know…it just happened.”

 

“Something protected you in the centre of Ryukotsusei's attack. I saw red energy wrapping around you…like right now, but stronger.” A blob of soap slid down the side of her nose and she managed not to flinch when his longer claw came up to wipe it away. “Think I'd better rinse…” She slid backward off the rock, and under the surface, staying down as long as possible while she thought rapidly.

 

What's the problem, Kagome?

Nothing, Midoriko …there really isn't anything to be scared of…

Ah, are his `new and improved' looks putting you off?

A bit, I guess; that and the more powerful demonic aura will take some getting used to.

It just means he is making peace with himself, and that can only be a good thing.

It's damn silly of me to be concerned, since he's gone full-youkai on me in the midst of battle, not to mention during sex…

And never harmed you.

Exactly. Our auras merged that one time, so I know I won't zap him accidentally, and he definitely knows me…

Hmm…is it the fact he now looks like Yashita?

Hadn't even thought of that…

Get back up there and give the poor hanyou a cuddle, Nixie. Poor dog needs some lovin'…

You can make yourself scarce, Fenik. Wait…I wonder if his demon is as `helpful' as you are…

 

A clawed hand grasped her wrist, tugged her to the surface and into his arms; he kissed the water away from her eyelids before Kagome reached up to touch his face, her fingers drawn like magnets to those blue stripes. “Koibito, do you ever…talk…to your youkai?”

 

He blushed right up to the roots of his silver hair. “Y-yes…”

 

Ah-ha! So despite him teasing me about `talking to my sword', he does it, too! But…why is he as red as his haori?

 

She eyed him. “Did you two… come to some sort of agreement when you fought Ryukotsusei?” Inuyasha raised his eyes to hers, and nodded slowly; Gathering her courage, Kagome smiled brightly at him, then leaned in and gently kissed his markings. “Good. Your youkai's strength will be an asset.”

 

“Whaddya mean?”

 

The girl hesitated a moment, then nestled against his chest, twirling his sidelock. “From what I saw of the fight, your youkai not only protected you from Ryukotsusei's energy blasts, but may also have contributed to your success in unleashing the `Backlash Wave'. That's my impression, anyways.”

 

The hanyou thought about her words for a few moments, then shook his head while tightening his grip around her waist. “Keh! You really are something, you know that?” The youkai markings faded slightly from his countenance.

 

She tugged his hair gently. “Why am I `something', dog-boy?”

 

“You…just are. You bring out the best in me. Thank you, koishii.”

 

Kagome hugged him tightly. “Let's go back to camp and you can thank me some more.”

 

His grin became rather fanged, and the markings intensified. “Oh, I intend to be very thankful, wench…you can sleep while I run tomorrow.”

 

She winced. “You don't need to be quite that enthusiastic. I'd like to be able to walk.” Inuyasha just smirked and swam both of them across the spring. He deposited her in the shallows, and while he retrieved the toiletries, she dried herself off and tied his haori into place with her obi before collecting their weapons. Openly ogling him while he used the towel, she was still surprised and then turned rather pink when he didn't bother to put on his hakama, instead striding along with one arm around her waist, the bundled clothing and armour tucked under his other arm.

 

At the campsite, Kagome took a handful of arrows and moved in a rough circle, flaming and embedding the missiles in the earth, then raising the resulting defensive dome to tip-toe height before shrugging out of his haori and joining Inuyasha in the bedroll. The fire had burned down a bit, and a warm glow lit their little glade. Her hanyou propped himself up on one elbow, tracing the outlines of her face with a tender claw, gazing at her with hooded eyes. His youkai markings were still slightly visible in the soft lighting, his silver hair warmed to pale wheaten gold.

 

Kagome slid her fingers into the damp strands until she reached the base of his ears and began to slowly rub, smiling broadly when his eyes nearly crossed, and then his face was buried in her neck, his hips settling between her willing thighs. “Koishii…” he groaned lightly into her skin, kissing down her throat and lingering over her breasts until he made her arch into his mouth with his attentions. Kagome cupped his hips, urging an even closer contact, and he was quick to oblige, sliding into her heat in a smooth motion, making her sigh deeply and relax her body under him.

 

Their lovemaking was long and slow, building by degrees to a shattering climax that awakened sleeping birds in the surrounding trees and sent small creatures scuttling through the undergrowth. Kagome drifted off to sleep snuggled into his shoulder as soon as he rolled them onto their sides, still joined intimately with him; the hanyou reluctantly removed himself from her slick depths and settled her more comfortably into the protective circle of his arms, kissing her sweat-dampened brow before breathing her calming scent and slipping into slumber himself.

 

Outside the faintly crackling barrier, a dark figure turned away and disappeared into the forest's depths.

 

Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж

 

“Are you capable of carrying out my desires, Tsubaki?” Naraku fairly purred at the white-haired, deceptively young-looking woman who busied herself arranging the items on the altar-like table to her satisfaction. He kept a weather eye on the sinuously snake-like shikigami which constantly coiled and uncoiled around its mistress, its small red eyes glinting malevolently.

 

“Of course, Naraku…so long as you give me mine.” Tsubaki flipped her long tresses over her shoulder, gave the central plinth a tap to align it ever-so-slightly to the left, and then turned to face Naraku in the dimly-lit shrine. Her startlingly-blue eyes raked him with a look that was only one notch less than contemptuous. “Give me the Jewel, and we will begin.”

 

“Did you take a good look at your target?” He knew she had, since he had sent her to the clearing himself, accompanied by a few of his minor demons, but couldn't resist baiting her all the same.

 

Tsubaki flipped her hand dismissively. “She is nothing. I thought taking on Kikyo's reincarnation would be much more of a challenge. I'm rather disappointed.”

 

“Do not underestimate the one called Kagome; she has depths of power that you can only guess at…”

 

“Feh. She would have sensed me then, wouldn't she? She and that inu-youkai were so entwined with each other I could have walked right up to them and…”

 

“Entwined, you say? She and Inuyasha?” Naraku couldn't keep the interest out of his voice.

 

She shrugged, her dainty lips twisted in an expression of distaste. “I believe that was the name she screamed…”

 

“Oh ho…Kagome has gone much farther with the hanyou than Kikyo ever dared…this will make our sport even more entertaining…Tsubaki, you may commence.” The dark hanyou reached inside his juban and withdrew the almost-whole Shikon Jewel; it glowed softly in his palm.

 

Tsubaki's face lit up, and she quickly reached for the Jewel. Naraku pulled his hand back slightly, forcing her to rein in her eagerness, and then dropped the Jewel into her hand. Cupping the mystic symbol of Midoriko's heart, a cruel smile flitted across her face.

 

“Oh, this will be very entertaining, Naraku…I will have both my revenge on Kikyo, as well as my heart's desire.” A slender pale hand came up to rest caressingly on her ghostly familiar's head. “I have a few more preparations to make, and will send my creature as soon as I am ready.”

 

“Do not fail me, Tsubaki. I do not take disappointment well.”

 

She raised her delicate eyebrows at the threat, but kept her bored expression intact as she waved him away. “Neither do I, Naraku. If you don't trust me to succeed, why not face the girl yourself?”

 

Naraku choked on that comment, but turned and glided away rather than answering. He missed the small, calculating smile adorning the dark priestess' lips as she minutely adjusted the incense burner and the lamp on her table, after placing the Jewel in an ornate offering dish in the very centre. The shikigami rubbed its scaly head softly against her cheek, she absently petted it. “Very soon, my darling, you may taste her blood.”

 

Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж

 

The couple was still `entwined' when they woke up in each other's arms in the blushing light of dawn and were quickly involved in a tender `good-morning' encounter, followed by a dip in the hot spring to clean up. Well, it was supposed to be quick, but turned into another kind of `quickie' as Kagome pinned Inuyasha against a flat rock and had her way with a more-than-willing hanyou.

 

They were a little late in starting, but as Inuyasha had predicted the day before, they arrived early at the rendezvous site. Not to pass up on an opportunity for down-time after the battle the previous day, they spent a pleasant afternoon in the fresh green meadow, basking in the warm spring sunshine. Kagome shucked her dragon-hide tunic and balled it up to use as a pillow for another nap, Inuyasha sitting beside her with Tetsusaiga propped against his shoulder. As the sun slid well past its zenith, Kagome woke up and began to worry, but Inuyasha went up the tallest nearby tree and sniffed the air currents intently. She looked at him expectantly as he dropped out of the tree and stalked towards her with easy grace, hands folded into his sleeves.

 

“They've joined up together already; ought to be here shortly.”

 

“Good. Maybe we can cover a few miles before we need to find a spot to camp.”

 

Inuyasha grinned at her in a rare good humour, collapsed himself to sitting, and pulled her into his lap. They gently chatted about nothing and everything, and cuddled happily for the next sun-warmed hour until the hanyou murmured into her bangs that they were about to be interrupted. Collecting swords and quivers as they stood up, the pair appeared very innocent as the two horses carrying the rest of their pack appeared out of the trees. A russet blur leapt from Juhi's back and arrowed straight for Kagome; she dropped the quiver and tensed her body, but it wasn't enough to stop her going ass-over-teakettle as the kit collided with her armoured chest.

 

“Dammit, runt! One of these days you're going to break her neck doing that!” A very angry hanyou grabbed Shippo by his brush, hung him upside down at eye-level and snarled at him; Kagome tried to catch her breath and just watched the stars cycling around her vision for a moment. She heard a tearful wail, a thump, and Inuyasha's hard-edged voice ordering the kit to show more consideration for his mother. It was a very subdued Shippo who crept up to her and patted her cheek with his little hand.

 

“I'm sorry, Kagome…I was just so excited to see you…” he trailed off, looking very contrite.

 

Cautiously, the girl sat up, wincing as her back and shoulders complained loudly. “S'okay, Ship-dip…but next time, a simple hug would be appreciated…” She noticed the kit's lip trembling, and extended both a hand and a smile to him. He crept into her lap and she hugged him as tightly as her bruised chest would allow. Inuyasha helped her to her feet once she'd let Shippo go, muttering dire threats at the kit if he ever did that again. By this time, Miroku and Sango had reached them and dismounted from the horses.

 

Kagome gave Sango a hug in greeting and grinned cheerfully at Miroku. “Well, how did it go?”

 

“More smoothly than I honestly expected, Kagome-sama. The women's relatives were very co-operative in receiving them back into their homes.”

 

“Yes…it went quite well. We had a brush with some slavers, but in the short time it took me to ready Hiraikotsu, they'd disappeared with Kirara on their heels. Other than that, nothing to add. No rumours of Jewel shards, either.”

 

“Well, now that we're all here, shall we move out? We have a few more hours of daylight before we have to find a campsite.” Kagome scooped a still-dejected Shippo onto her shoulder; the kit immediately hugged her around the neck and sniffled. Inuyasha handed her the quiver and her sword; she swung them into place before accepting the tunic, intending to hang it over her saddle horn.

 

Miroku cleared his throat as he quickly glanced at Sango; the slayer blushed and looked away. “I hope that you will not object to my preference for an inn if we are lucky to locate one by this evening.”

 

“Not at all houshi-doushi…so long as we can pay for it instead of having to exorcise it first…”

 

“I have retained some coins which should be sufficient to pay our way, Kagome-sama.”

 

“Oi, Miroku…and just where did you get these coins from?” The hanyou's eyes flashed and he took a small step towards the monk.

 

Sango interjected quickly. “Some of the families wished to express their gratitude at the safe return of their daughters by giving us token rewards. Between the two of us, we were given enough to pay for a few nights' food and lodgings.”

 

“Okay, then…let's see what we can find…” Kirara yowled, jumped down from Arashi's saddle and transformed before offering her broad back to Sango. The slayer scratched the fire-cat between the ears and swung aboard. Arashi jogged forward until she was bunting Kagome and whickering happily. The girl rubbed the velvety muzzle, took up the reins and was about to climb into the saddle when a strange, unsettling feeling washed over her. Out of the corner of her eye, she noted that Miroku had gone on alert, his staff jingling gently as his eyes swept the benign-looking swathe of green. Kirara, Sango, and Inuyasha also stopped, hands going automatically to their weapons, the fire-cat growling low in her throat as six pairs of eyes narrowly scanned the clearing. Kagome dropped her tunic and drew her katana, gooseflesh rising on her bare arms.

 

The grass rippled violently as a suddenly-chill breeze blew through the meadow, whipping their hair, throwing debris into their eyes…and then the hair stood up on the back of Kagome's neck. I'm being hunted… “Shippo! Run to Kirara and Sango!” She tossed the kit in the direction of the neko-youkai and crouched in a defensive stance…for what, she wasn't sure.

 

The wind came again, testing, pushing, menacing, backed off slightly…then attacked, coiling tightly around her…and a sharp, slashing pain in her upper right arm made her cry out, and slap a hand over the spot. Inuyasha was at her side in a bound, peeling her fingers away, intently inspecting the flesh, before furrowing his brows and looking up at her.

 

“Oi, wench…what's up? There isn't anything here…”

 

“What…? It felt like something bit me!” Kagome tried to peer at her arm, but the affected area was on her tricep and difficult to see. There was no doubt that it was throbbing painfully. The hanyou looked sceptical, but Miroku was thoughtful. “You sensed that, too, didn't you, Miroku?”

 

“I sensed something, accompanied by a definite feeling of unease, but I am not sure what it signifies. Kagome-sama, please take your place on Arashi-sama's back and we will leave this place immediately.” Once the girl was safely ensconced on the grey mare, her tunic draped over her shoulders, she was then sent to follow Sango and Kirara; as he made to follow, the monk tapped Inuyasha on the shoulder. “Keep a close watch on Kagome-sama, Inuyasha, and prepare yourself to stop at the first village that offers us decent shelter for the night. I have a very bad feeling about this incident.”

 

The hanyou eyed him closely for a moment before nodding curtly and taking off after the girls. Miroku sighed and scratched the brown gelding under his forelock before heaving himself rather unenthusiastically into the saddle. Juhi snorted lightly before trotting briskly after his herd-mate, ignoring the monk's spluttered complaints as he jounced up and down, trying to seat his sandaled feet into the stirrups.

 

They covered about five miles before they came across a decent-sized village; there were no inns, but the headman offered them the use of an empty hut for the night. It was in good repair, clean and dry, so they accepted. Inuyasha stuck very close to Kagome, making her sit quietly while Shippo took care of lighting a fire and preparing the rations. The girl herself was silent, occasionally rubbing her arm as if it still pained her, and puzzling over the strange circumstances.

 

They had just finished their evening tea, and Kagome was about to tell the others about Inuyasha's demonic markings so they wouldn't be startled if they saw them in battle, when Miroku's premonitions came true.

 

By the goddess! Noooo!

 

Midoriko's scream echoing inside her head, Kagome lurched upright from where she had been in the process of pouring some more tea while she marshalled her thoughts neatly. The shards held inside her body armour pulsed, and she frantically scrabbled at the top buckle, tearing the protective layer open to yank out the pouch. The shards glowed brightly…too brightly. The pink colour fluoresced, casting fantastic shadows onto her face, and then she watched in fascinated horror as the pink dimmed to dull grey, Midoriko's panicked voice trailing off into nothingness…and then the shards turned an insidious purple-black.

 

“Kagome-sama! Get rid of the shards!” Miroku made a desperate grab for them, but it was too late. With a small musical sound, the shards suddenly defied gravity and rose into the air, hovering in front of the astonished girl…then flashed as they drove themselves into the unprotected base of her throat.

 

She made a strangled gurgling noise and collapsed, Inuyasha barely reaching her in time to cushion her fall. “The hell? What the fuck is going on?” The hanyou's voice veered disconcertingly towards hysteria as he gathered his mate's limp body into his arms and looked wildly at the other occupants of the hut. Shippo backed away from Kagome, and scuttled to hide behind Sango as the whites of Inuyasha's eyes flickered light red, and pale blue stripes appeared on his cheeks.

 

Sango froze, staring at the youkai markings, noting an increase in Inuyasha's demonic aura…but the transformation didn't go any farther, remaining at this level, so she stood down slightly. The monk only raised an eyebrow at this display of the hanyou's new power, and stored away a few questions that could wait. He cleared his throat to catch Inuyasha's attention. “Unfortunately, my suspicions have just been confirmed. I believe that Kagome was cursed earlier today, Inuyasha; she was bitten in the meadow, but not by a creature of this world. The shikigami of a dark priest or priestess drew a little of her blood by magical means, then returned to its master or mistress for them to conjure their foul desires. This is very serious.”

 

The hanyou was barely listening to the monk's words; his entire being was focussed on the woman in his arms. The pupils of her half-open eyes were so large that they appeared black, not grey, and her head lolled unnervingly against his shoulder. Her heartbeat, which echoed in his own chest, was rapid; sweat beaded up on her forehead, and her lips moved as if she were speaking to someone only she could see.

 

“Koishii…fight it…I'm here…I won't leave you, Kagome. Please…don't…” his voice broke slightly, and he pressed his cheek against hers.

 

Miroku smiled gently at the suffering hanyou, then jerked his head at the slayer. Sango rose quietly and began readying herself for battle. “Inuyasha, Kagome-sama needs you to be strong right now. Sango and I will go in search of this magician; the only way to break the curse is to kill the one who casts it. Remain here with Kagome-sama and protect her in case this is some elaborate ruse to leave her vulnerable.”

 

“Do you think…is it…?” The hanyou didn't look up as he asked a question he really didn't want to know the answer to.

 

Miroku's voice was grim. “Naraku must be involved at some level, Inuyasha. Fear not. We will not fail Kagome-sama or you. Come, Kirara…there is killing to be done this night.” The fire-cat growled and scampered out the door of the hut. The monk stood up, took the two short steps necessary to cross the space and gripped Inuyasha's shoulder, managing to not flinch away when the hanyou fixed him with a fiery eye.

 

“She's all I have, Miroku…” The broken voice clutched at the monk's heart, even as some fairly impressive claws touched his hand.

 

“We will restore her to you. I swear it. Shippo-kun, look after your parents; I leave them in your charge.” He rose to his full height, inclined his head, gathered Sango and Hiraikotsu with a glance, and they swept from the room.

 

Inuyasha dropped his head to press a kiss to Kagome's brow, rocking her gently as he cradled her against his chest, his mind whirling with possible scenarios. Kagome sighed lightly, but her eyes remained blank. Shippo, cautiously eyeing Inuyasha's youkai markings, crept forward to touch her limp hand. The hanyou shifted his mate in his lap, and beckoned to the kitsune. Shippo took the offer, and found himself hugged rather tightly. He worked his arms loose and wrapped them around Inuyasha's neck.

 

“She'll be okay, runt…” Shippo knew that Inuyasha was saying it more to reassure himself.

 

“Course she will. The houshi and Sango will be back in no time, and Kagome will wake up. You watch.” He smiled bravely, willing the hanyou to relax a bit so that the markings would disappear, then reached to brush Kagome's bangs off her face. The girl's lips moved again, and her eyes fluttered closed. “I wonder what she's dreaming about…?” he muttered, and stroked her hair again while the hanyou watched.

 

Kill him. Kill Inuyasha!

 

 

Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж

 

A/N: So spank me for wanting to get Inu all wet and bothered again…some fluff for your Easter weekend!