InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ This Wasn't In The Job Description ❯ Naraku Attacks ( Chapter 71 )

Chapter 71

 

 

Naraku Attacks

 

 

Sitting with the others, Kagome watched and listened to InuYasha talking with Totosai. Her hands were wrapped around one knee, the other leg on the ground in a relaxed manner, but she was straining to hear their conversation over the murmured words of her companions. Totosai looked reluctant to give Tessaiga back to InuYasha, but then she heard something that sounded like “Tessaiga's ultimate attack.” Excusing herself, Kagome decided it was time to find out what was going on, and she got up and walked over to them. They did not notice her, so she listened quietly.

 

“The backlash wave is when you use the wind scar to twist your opponent's youki and send it back against them,” Totosai said. “I don't expect you to understand that.”

 

“Listen, old man, my whole life here no one expected anything of me but failure, because I am only hanyou,” InuYasha said, brandishing a balled up fist. “I have achieved success in the human realm and got respect, and I plan on getting the same thing here.”

 

“Such bravado,” Totosai replied, his tone dripping with disbelief.

 

The sword smith gave Tessaiga a last pat, sighed, and handed it over to InuYasha. The hanyou took it from him and put it in his obi. Kagome felt giddy with relief that he had it back. He smirked at her confidently, and she smiled back at him like stars shining bright on a cool winter's night. Totosai sniffed the air, catching the aroma from the meal Kagome had cooked.

 

“You got any of that food left?” Totosai said. “I'm so hungry, I could eat a cow.”

 

Totosai's bovine steed snorted, flattening his ears against his head.

 

“Quiet, you,” Totosai said, waving at him dismissively. “You're too old and tough to eat.”

 

“I have some stew left,” Kagome said, and they went over to the fire pit and joined the others.

 

InuYasha rested one hand on the pommel of his sword, and stroked his chin thoughtfully with the other. In his mind, he tried to picture how the backlash wave would look. The problem was, they were pressed for time. Naraku could be on their trail. Surely he knew they had escaped by now. Stalking back over to the group, he sat down silently next to Kagome, deciding to keep his misgivings to himself. Nothing left to do but forge ahead; they were so close to their goal. If Naraku found them, he would just deal with him.

 

Totosai had sucked down his bowl of stew like his mouth was a black hole, and then sniffed around for more. Picking up the stew pot, he drained it of every last drop.

 

“He eats more than you,” Miroku said dryly to his friend. “And faster, too. Never thought I would meet someone who could do that.”

 

“Shut up, Miroku,” InuYasha said wearily. “I'll stay up for first watch. You all go to sleep, and I will wake someone up for the next one. Tomorrow morning early, we will go find Midoriko.”

 

“Will this be alright with you, Kenmeimaru?” Kagome asked.

 

“It's not like I have a home to return to,” Kenmeimaru replied.

 

There was an uncomfortable silence, as they thought about the loss of Kenmeimaru's home. Kagome nodded, looking at her lap. She felt bad that he had been such a help to them, despite the fact that they had indirectly been responsible for its destruction.

 

“You can bunk down in the forge with me for the night,” Totosai said, getting up. “I have room for one more.”

 

~*~

 

On the eastern edge of Naraku's domain, there laid a field of carnage. The dead youkai made a colorful but fetid crop in the woods, meadows and fields. Scavenger youkai had already descended on the bodies, not caring if they devoured their own kind.

 

In a camp not far from the battlefield, Sesshomaru met with the leaders of his armies. They reported what had occurred while he was gone, and then waited for their next orders from their Lord. Kagura sat nearby, close enough to be within earshot and sight of Sesshomaru, but not part of the meetings. This had been her choice. She did not want to show Sesshomaru's men how weak she had become.

 

Kagura's mind faded in and out, only the murmurs from the meetings and the coolness of the evening air keeping her awake. Not long after arrival, she had noticed Naraku sneak back into his stronghold with that new minion of his and that human woman. That had not surprised her - he had to be completely blown to bits to not be regenerated in the vats. But that did not make telling Sesshomaru he had failed any more fun. Her Lord had just nodded, and said they would still find a way to destroy him and get her to the vats before she faded away completely.

 

Night was underway when Kagura sensed the change. Looking up, she saw the dark, crane-like shape blocking out the stars. Levering herself up with her arms, she straightened her yukata and walked over to Sesshomaru. Most of his generals had left, and the last made a respectful bow as she arrived.

 

“Naraku is on the move again,” Kagura said.

 

“This is the time,” Sesshomaru replied. “We will go to the vats.”

 

Without further ado, Sesshomaru put an arm around Kagura's waist and lifted into the sky. The wind in her hair felt like freedom, like life, and she closed her eyes. Breathing deeply, she drew strength from this man whom she had come to more than just respect, and from the swirl of air around them. His grasp was firm, and she leaned into him in a way she never had before. To be able to rely on someone was new and gratifying, and she reveled in it.

 

Flying above the stronghold, they saw the barrier was gone. Without Naraku present, it could not remain. They circled down, and landed in the courtyard, their feet quiet and stealthy on the ground. Guards noticed their presence, and came running, swords and spears drawn. Pushing Kagura firmly behind him, Sesshomaru drew Tokijin. With lightning grace, he made short work of them, and left them in a gory pile.

 

They walked up the stairs, and slid open the shoji doors. The interior was dimly lit, and Kagura led the way down the halls to the lab and the nanotech vats. Once inside, she stripped out of her clothes, and stepped into a low tub of green liquid. Her skin tingled as energy flowed into her, and she lay down on her back, closing her eyes. Sesshomaru waited and watched, ever vigilant. When he heard soft footsteps approaching, he drew Tokijin once more.

 

A small waif-like form, so pale she seemed to emanate her own light, entered the room. Sesshomaru lunged for her, and she held up her mirror to block the blow.

 

“Wait,” Kanna said. “Naraku has gone, and I am under orders just to wait. I will not harm you or my sister, for I was not told to do so.”

 

“Tell us, where has Naraku gone,” Sesshomaru commanded.

 

“He has gone with Byakuya to capture and then destroy InuYasha,” Kanna said. “The Shikon no Tama formula is almost in his grasp.”

 

“Again, I demand to know where he has gone,” Sesshomaru said, his sword still held pointed at her throat.

 

“To Totosai, the sword smith,” Kanna replied.

 

Kagura had heard everything. Naraku must be stopped from getting to InuYasha. Her body cried out that it needed more, but she lifted herself up, and stepped out of the vat. Kanna lowered her mirror, and Sesshomaru turned to her with one eyebrow raised questioningly.

 

“Are you sure it is wise for you to leave so soon?” Sesshomaru said.

 

“It will have to be enough,” Kagura said, picking up her kimono and dressing quickly. “We have to stop Naraku from getting the Shikon no Tama formula. If he gets it, he will be unstoppable.”

 

Sheathing his sword, Sesshomaru strode quickly out of the stronghold, his long hair and mokomoko streaming out behind him. Somewhat revived, Kagura bowed quickly to her sister Kanna - no time ask why she had helped them. Her sister's motives were so unfathomable at times…Then she took off at a fast clip to catch up with Sesshomaru. No sooner had she joined him outside the front doors, than he grasped her firmly and shot up into the star-sprayed sky like white lightning.

 

~*~

 

The light of early morning crept under InuYasha's lids, and the scents and sounds filled his sensitive senses. He woke up in the same position he had gone to sleep in, back against a tree and Tessaiga cradled in his arms. Across from him, Kenmeimaru sat, having chosen to be woken up for the last of the night's watch. He gazed at the horizon, long red hair cascading down his back like the first color of dawn. Sensing he was being watched, he turned to InuYasha.

 

“Do you feel it?” Kenmeimaru said.

 

“Yes, I do,” InuYasha replied grimly. “And I know the aura of this youki. We must wake the others and leave at once.”

 

Kneeling over Kagome, InuYasha put his hand on her shoulder and nudged her awake. Her eyes fluttered open, and she pulled her arms out of her sleeping bag. She pushed herself up into a sitting position and swept her hair out of her face with her free hand.

 

“Naraku is coming - we must leave at once,” InuYasha said.

 

Kenmeimaru had woken Miroku, and InuYasha went over to do the same for Sango. Scrambling out of the sleeping bag, Kagome quickly rolled it up and started packing up the camp. Kirara came over to her and mewed, and she gave her a little kitty snack before closing up her backpack. She glanced worriedly at Miroku and Sango, who showed no sign of their injuries - all business as they got ready to leave. But she could not forget how really hurt they were. How would they fare battling Naraku?

 

“Kenmeimaru, ride on Kirara with Miroku and Sango and help them,” InuYasha said. “Kagome, get on my back. We have to move fast.”

 

Kirara transformed, and InuYasha squatted down so Kagome could climb on. The neko allowed Kenmeimaru to sit on her first, followed by Miroku and Sango. They flew into the air, and led the way to the caves where Midoriko had taken secret refuge.

 

As he sped along the ground like a streak of red and white vengeance, InuYasha had all of his powerful senses on full alert. The blood in his veins pumped at a rate beyond human tolerance, as his eyes darted from Kirara and her passengers to the surrounding forest. His ears were like radar, flicking back and forth for any sound. But the firm weight of Kagome held securely to his back gave him strength. Her sweet scent as she leaned over his shoulder, gave him confidence, knowing that she had unwavering faith in him. And her love made him believe in himself like no other ever had.

 

They had been traveling for two hours when the evil aura grew stronger. InuYasha's nostrils flared, and he concentrated on the forest canopy above them. Raising one hand above his head, he signaled Kirara to stop. He dug in his heels and came to a sudden halt, Kagome clinging to him tightly as the sudden suspension of speed almost caused her to fly off his back. Carefully, he let her down.

 

“We won't be able to get any closer,” InuYasha said. “We make a stand here. Naraku will be here any moment.”

 

“We're all with you, InuYasha,” Kagome said, taking his arm.

 

“No, you are all behind me,” InuYasha said, gently removing her hand. “You lost your bow and arrows in the cave, and Sango lost Hiraikotsu. There won't be any time to go fetch them.”

 

There was a huge crash of breaking branches and torn leaves, like the forest was toppling down on top of them. Kagome had been about to utter a retort of protest to InuYasha's declaration, but as he said, they were out of time. Miroku, Sango and Kenmeimaru got off Kirara behind her, and the neko ran to InuYasha's side. She growled, baring her saber-toothed fangs, a mirror to the snarling hanyou who drew his sword. Obviously, she was the one exception, and he gave her a nod and a smirk of approval.

 

“We should be helping him!” Sango said, her fists balled in frustration.

 

“Not this time,” Miroku replied, his hand on her shoulder.

 

Huge green tentacles reached down towards InuYasha, slimy and scaled like something from a bad horror movie. He raised his sword, and noticed something strange. The kaze no kizu was coiling about his sword. He realized this meant he could control it any time now. No time to explore it further…Naraku and Byakuya broke through the trees above them on the back of the crane, large branches raining down on those below. Kirara and InuYasha batted them out of the way, careful not to hit their friends. InuYasha prepared to use the Kaze no Kizu…

 

Eyes going wide, Kagome noticed that Naraku had a prisoner with them. InuYasha was too intent on his sword to notice, but she could tell what was happening! She had to stop him from unleashing the Kaze no Kizu!

 

“Wait, InuYasha!” Kagome called, waving her arms frantically. “They have Kikyou!”

 

“Fuck!” InuYasha cursed, and stopped his attack.

 

The crane landed, and Naraku jumped off with a triumphant smirk, ropy tentacles thick as tree trunks aiming for InuYasha and Kirara. InuYasha jumped in the air, slicing at them, while Kirara caught one in her jaws, biting it in two. Byakuya lifted Kikyou off the crane and placed her down in front of him, where she struggled with the renewed vigor of desperation to be free of her bonds. He watched her impassively, as she wriggled on the ground, her eyes darting about. She practically steamed as she took in the situation, her mind in overdrive. No matter, she would not escape under his watch.

 

It did not matter how many times InuYasha sliced at them, the tentacles kept growing back. And Naraku seemed to be sprouting more, overwhelming Kirara and wrapping around her legs. He was forced on the defense instead of the offense, as the tentacles threatened to squeeze him so hard that they would amputate his limbs.

 

Biting her lip, Kagome realized that InuYasha had to use the Kaze no Kizu or this battle would never end. There was only one way to do it, and InuYasha's orders be damned. She squeezed the bridge of her nose, her brows drawn down and eyes pressed shut as her mind raced to find a plan. Finally, she went over to Miroku and whispered in his ear. He leaned down to hear her, nodding grimly while Sango watched them, impatiently wondering what was up. He nodded, and then beckoned to Kenmeimaru and Sango, telling them the plan. But truly, there was not much for them to do….

 

Running forward, Kagome tried to get Kikyou's attention. Byakuya was watching the battle between his master and InuYasha. She stared at the other woman, willing her to look her way. Things were getting desperate, but finally she saw her. Opening her eyes wide, Kagome gestured for with her head. Kikyou scowled at her a moment, but finally understood.

 

Waiting until she was sure Byakuya's attention was fully off her, Kikyou rolled away. Kagome ran into the fray as a distraction to both Naraku and Byakuya. But InuYasha noticed her as well.

 

“Get back, Kagome!” InuYasha roared.

 

“Ah, now I have another prize,” Naraku said, his tentacles whipping out to catch Kagome. “Byakuya, get ready to take her prisoner.”

 

The minion moved into position as InuYasha rushed to slash at the tentacles shooting out to intercept Kagome. Miroku gestured for Kenmeimaru and Sango to stand behind him and unwrapped the quantum singularity. He aimed it at Kikyou, drawing her like a magnet out of the bushes, and bringing the bushes and other undergrowth along with her. Before he lost control of it and sucked her in, Miroku covered it back up, and Kikyou smashed to the ground. He staggered back, gripping his hand, his face a grimace of pain. Uttering an exclamation of fear, Sango rushed over to his side.

 

“The quantum singularity has expanded,” Miroku whispered. “Help me get the chain around it, please.”

 

Quickly, Sango moved to comply with Miroku's request, taking the chain from him. She wrapped it around the hand, but had to adjust the wrappings several times as the quantum singularity was obviously growing bigger. They were too absorbed in this latest tribulation to notice what had become of Kikyou. But Kagome had been keeping an eye out for her former rival.

 

A coil of tentacle lashed out and caught at Kagome's ankle, tripping her up. She fell heavily to the ground, pain lancing through her ribs and the air knocked out of her. InuYasha roared, using a jolt of speed to slash at the tentacles coming for him and leaping for Kagome. The tentacle had started to drag her away, her face gaining scratches from contact with the rough ground.

 

“Kagome!” InuYasha yelled, and chopped at the wriggling appendage. “Stupid girl, what the hell were you doing!”

 

But Naraku was not going to let Kagome go that easily. He redoubled his attack on InuYasha and launched more tentacles at Kagome before she could get up. It consumed all his attention. He was determined to win this time, he could feel victory within his reach.

 

A blast at his left side caught Naraku unawares, and he felt some of his tentacles blown apart. They fell in a nasty rain of green slime all about him. His red eyes glowed like embers, and he turned in time to see Sesshomaru raising his sword for another attack. Further back, looking pale, was his traitor creation, Kagura.

 

“Byakuya, change of plans,” Naraku barked. “Disable Kagura!”

 

Byakuya veered away from Kagome, looking for a way to get to Kagura without encountering Sesshomaru. The distraction allowed InuYasha to free himself and Kagome of the last of Naraku's tentacles, scooping her up off the ground.

 

“Kikyou…” Kagome breathed, as he looked into her face. “Over there.”

 

Raising her arm, she pointed at where Kikyou lay, stunned from the sudden drop when Miroku closed the quantum singularity. Not missing a beat, InuYasha ran over and picked her up, holding a woman over each shoulder, and dropped them carefully at the feet of Sango, Miroku and Kenmeimaru.

 

“Now for the last time, all of you stay out of this fight!” InuYasha said.

 

Kagome smiled back at him weakly, and sat up. Miroku and Sango were bent over Kikyou, untying her. Kenmeimaru was looking in Kagome's pack for the first aid kit. InuYasha gave them all a last, stern look and stalked back into battle. It was time to get rid of his brother, who was an unwelcome intrusion into his fight.

 

“Out of my way Sesshomaru, if you want to live!” InuYasha yelled, and sword drawn rushed back into the fray.