InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Time Soul Exodus ❯ Chapter 21: =Guardians, Priests and Demons - Part 2= ( Chapter 21 )

Written by: Zelix

 

A/N: This is the Beta-read version, big thanks for my beta-reader, Osuwari00 for doing such a wonderful job… I wish her well, and Merry Christmas as well while I'm at it, thank you.

 

 

A/N: Now it is time for another chapter… so without further ado, enjoy… Also, if you people would review, I would be so grateful you cannot even imagine, even a simple “Good fic” or “Update soon” would go a long way with me, don't hesitate to review, leave constructive criticism, or even flame… I can take it, though, if you flame, boy do I have a VERY special response in store for you, LOL

 

 

I can tell the difference between constructive criticism and flames, I know this is not the greatest of fictions there is nor do I claim it to be, it is just something I wrote and somehow it ended up this good, I just write what I feel and want to write, if it is bad, then it is bad, if it is good, then it is good… nothing more to it.

 

 

Reviews are something that I treasure, even the bad ones, so please let me know what you think: I'm open minded, I won't go ballistic just because I get one bad review… in fact, I'm sure it is just a matter of time before someone puts a flame into the reviews, in fact, I'm placing bets myself when it happens, hehehe.

 

 

Anyway, that is all, now read, enjoy and hopefully, review as well.

 

 

ONE LAST THING: Since Time Soul Exodus is going to be a VERY long fic, I've decided to split it into sequels/seasons, this right now is the first season/part, it will end in the next 7 chapters or so, after that, I will start working on the sequel/next season. You could say that since there are a few `trilogy' fics out there, this will be my own way of writing a series of fics. Oh yes, I write season/sequel in order to make this sound a bit more anime like.

 

 

 

WARNINGS: Death, blood and action, need I say more? Oh yeah, NOT FOR THOSE UNDER 18… though, that hasn't stopped anyone in the past so why should it work now? LOL… Just remember that you are reading at your own risk!

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer: I don't own anything that's related to Inuyasha, I do own Arc though and if someone intends to copy him without my permission I'll F*** you up!

 

 

“Talking”

`Thinking'

[Check the bottom for details]

*Flashback/Switch in Time or place*

=Used when mentioning a technique, attack or something important=

 

 

If this was a TV series:

 

Opening: Chihiro Yonekura - Butterfly kiss

 

Ending: Hikaru no go - Bokura no boken

 

 

 

 

Time Soul Exodus

 

 

 

Chapter 21: =Guardians, Priests and Demons - Part 2=

 

 

 

Hopelessness… terror… those were the feelings that rushed through Arcerdo at this moment, they had all fought their lives and yet… it had had no effect at all.

 

 

They had sliced two of the guardians into pieces and made sure they were dead… and yet in a matter of moments, they had resurrected, regenerated and were now ready for round two… a round they knew they had no hope of surviving.

 

 

The Moon priests might be able to hold them off for a few more moments but Arcerdo himself? His body was in pain all over, he could barely move it at all, his energy was right next to depleted and he had a hard time even seeing clearly. He would be scared, he would be filled with terror right now but because he was so exhausted, he didn't have the energy to feel anything except burning numbness that was spreading in every part of his body…

 

 

As he laid there on his back, looking up at the four insects, he thought to himself while despite the protest of this body tried to get up: `This… can't end like this… we came… so far already… it cannot end like this!' Then, as that thought passed through his head, he slumped back onto the ground, his body refusing to get up at all, even his fingers felt like they were made out of stone…

 

 

The three moon priests didn't fare much better either: Flint was using his sword as a support so he wouldn't fall down, Arbel was down onto one knee and was both panting and sweating like crazy, Jei… well, the only sign that showed that the fatigue was getting to him was the movement of his mouth as he panted, otherwise he looked just fine… was he even human? Well, anyone's guess was as good as any…

 

 

The four insects didn't attack, they just hovered over them, their red, emotionless eyes looking at them, as if calculating how to attack next, or perhaps they were waiting for them to make a move first? It was impossible to tell but one thing was certain, the next time they attacked, it would be the end.

 

 

*Inside the shrine*

 

 

Sumira was sweating; Creating the barrier took a whole lot more out of her than she thought it would. It must be because of Jei's powers residue that still clung in the air, and also it must be because for a while now, her senses had picked up a tremendous power nearby… it was not coming from the battle outside the shrine, it was coming from somewhere else, a power of greed and evil, malice and darkness… it was mixture of all those, yet where was it coming from?

 

 

Wherever it was coming from, it was not far… but, that could wait, the priority right now was to complete the barrier and fast because if her senses were right, Arcerdo and the Moon priests were on their last legs now, anymore delays would cost them their lives!

 

 

As she kept pushing and pushing, she could feel the ofudas around the shrine starting to resonate, the barrier becoming more and more solid with each passing second… then, she concentrated on moving the source of the barriers power from her to the ofudas instead, so that they would support the barrier from here on out, it was almost done… almost, just a little more…

 

 

… THERE!!

 

 

Sumira felt the barrier becoming solid, the ofudas working to circulate its power so it would be maintained and kept at maximum power at all times, it was done…

 

 

Yet, because of the enormous amount of power and concentration it had required, Sumira suddenly felt pain in her chest, the sign that she had used more power than she should have… she placed her hands on her chest and let out a loud groan of pain.

 

 

The surviving villagers did not hear this, for they were too busy being terrified because of the noises of the battle outside… but, Hanataro heard her groan, for he was closest to her at the moment, and immediately rushed to her side, asking: “Sumira-sama, what happened?!” He was quite frantic at the moment, the stress of the situation getting to him and fast.

 

 

Sumira heard Hanataro, so she panted a little, still groaning but managed to get out: “I'm… alright, the barrier took more out of me than I thought… hurry, you must let Arcerdo-san and the others know it is done, hurry… they can't hold out much longer…” Was all she could get out before clutching her chest even tighter and falling onto her side, gritting her teeth from the pain.

 

 

It took Hanataro a few seconds to process the words she had said, yet, when their meaning hit him fully, he quickly shouted to Renko: “Renko-san! Sumira needs help, she is in a lot of pain!” When Renko heard this and rushed to them, Hanataro got up and headed to the main door of the shrine, saying to Renko what Sumira had said before the pain became unbearable and adding: “… So look after her, I'll let those four know they can stop for now.” To this, Renko nodded and after getting her daughter, Chizu to help her with Sumira, Hanataro quickly headed for the door and thought: `Arcerdo-sama, thank you for holding out this long… please, be safe…'

 

 

And with that, he flung the main door open and shouted as loud as he could: “ARCERDO-SAMA!! THE BARRIER IS COMPLETE NOW, HURRY!!!” and then he prayed to the gods that they would make it, for when he saw the four, huge and lethal looking insects above them and the sabre like arms they had, he was just about ready to piss in his pants…

 

 

*Back with Arcerdo*

 

 

Arcerdo heard Hanataros shout and felt himself filled with hope… but felt it slowly draining the instant he tried to get up, which was proving to be more and more impossible with each passing moment… as he tried to get up, only to slump back down again, he muttered curses to himself and thought: `I don't fucking believe this!!' and before he knew it, he was starting to feel scared, REALLY scared because this was probably the worst possible situation for him to be in… there was a safe haven right behind him, yet he was too worn out to get up and reach it, while there were four very nasty and lethal looking enemies above him, just great…

 

 

But, it must have been his lucky day… because as soon as the three Moon priests heard Hanataro's words and felt the barrier around the shrine, Jei was the one who quickly shouted: “Brother Flint, retreat to the shrine right now! Arbel, while you retreat, help Arcerdo do the same, now!!” The reason for this was because Arbel was closer to Arcerdo than Flint was… and also because Jei was sure Flint wouldn't have liked that order and right now personal conflicts were the last thing they needed.

 

 

After hearing that, Flint took off after Jei towards the shrine while Arbel quickly went to Arcerdo and after hoisting him up, one of his arms over his shoulder for support he asked: “Are you alright?” To this, Arc coughed and said: “I feel like road kill…” To which Arbel looked puzzled, and Arc responded: “Never mind… but… thanks, for helping me…”

 

 

And as they began to run towards the shrine, Arbel said: “No need to thank me, I would have helped you even if lord Jei had not commanded it…” Arc looked him with a quizzical look and asked: “You're quite different when compared to that other hothead… why?” To this, Arbel simply replied: “You saved our brothers life, helped evacuate these people, fought with your life to protect them… you're a good man, and letting you die would make me feel bad about myself…”

 

 

He made a decision right there, he really liked this Arbel guy… and he replied with a smile: “Thanks…” and thought right after: `… But I wonder how long you'll keep thinking like that, if you just knew what I really was, I would bet you would turn your back on me in a heartbeat... But I wouldn't blame you, you're a good man yourself, I can feel it but… I doubt you would place your personal feelings over your faith, but I will not blame you even if you did.'

 

 

But, as they had started to run, the guardians had noticed their movement and after seeing where they were headed, their eyes flashed and the next thing anyone knew, they attacked. Three of them went after Flint and Jei, they had concluded that Jei was the most dangerous one of them, so eliminating him would come first, and one of them went after Arc and Arbel, seeing as how they were the most weakest of the group.

 

 

*Where Heitaro is*

 

 

Heitaro looked at the whole situation with a grin, this was just too good to miss: `Hehheee, run or die… I wonder which ones are faster, them or the insects. Hehehe… you've all fought well, now if you can just take refuge in your safe haven, you might actually have a chance of winning this battle, this truly is an unexpected turn… and I'm enjoying every second of it, don't disappoint me now, not when everything has become so interesting, run, run, run… run and don't look back! Hahahhaa…' Heitaro was having fun alright; this was truly exciting to watch, would they make it to safety, or would they be picked out by the guardians? He grinned widely at the scene and even silently chanted for our four `heroes' to make it so this exciting show would not end too soon…

 

 

*Back with Arcerdo and the others*

 

 

Arcerdo could hear them, the insects were closing in on them… out of the corner of his eye, he could see Flint and Jei reaching the shrine just in time before the three insects got to them and as they rammed against the barrier, they were immediately repelled like they had hit a bouncing wall of some sort, sending them flying away a bit before they regained their composure, only to try again to hit them barrier with the same result… slow learners…

 

 

Yet, when he looked behind him and Arbel, who was now running while helping him to run as well, he could see how close the insect was getting… and looking at the speed they approached the shrine with… a painful realisation of the situation hit him: They would not make it, he was slowing Arbel down too much!

 

 

As he realised this, he told Arbel: “Hey… leave me behind, we won't make it like this!” As he heard that, Arbel didn't even turn to look at him; instead he kept running and said: “Don't be stupid! I can't leave you behind! What are you thinking?!” And as those words hit home, Arc did wonder: `He is right… what am I thinking, If I die here… then… Kagura…'

 

 

As the thoughts about his mate filled his mind for that brief instant… their times together, all the memories he had of her… he could also heard the insect getting closer and closer. He could hear not only his own heartbeat but also Arbel's, he could also smell fear on him. He was afraid, he was scared of getting killed, yet he was still doing what he could to save hims, despite how much he was afraid, and from what his empathy powers picked up, it wasn't because it was duty… but because he WANTED to help him…

 

 

As he thought about his mate, his family back home, his purpose of being here, what he was fighting for and hearing the insect coming closer and closer, close enough for him to smell the blood on its sabres, the death around it, his mind kept nagging at him to do what was right… but… if he did, then not he himself but his mate as well… he was afraid alright, this was something that wasn't easy to think about… yet…

 

 

When just one thought filled his head… one thought…

 

 

That was more than enough to make him do what was right… even if he would regret it… but, right now, in this state of mind… he didn't really give a damn!

 

 

So with that, Arcerdo reached out into whatever Youkai instincts and power he could muster, he tensed his body and planted his feet firmly into the ground, stopping them for a moment, not too far away from the shrine but still far enough to know they wouldn't make it together like this, and then before Arbel could do anything, he used his arms to tightly grab Arbel by his chest and said: “I may die because of this… but…” and with that, he used his Youkai strength and instincts to ignore the pain and exhaustion in his body for the brief moment and lifted Arbel off from his feet, spun him 360 degrees around him, gathering speed and force before letting go of him, so he flew towards the shrine twice as fast as they would have run…

 

 

As this happened, Jei and Arbel had arrived inside the shrine and while Jei seemed pretty calm, Flint was panting like crazy… when they heard Hanataro shout: “Look out everyone!!” Before he got out of the way just time as Arbel flew through the open door, landing with a loud grunt on the floor, as Chizu, Sumira, Renko and everyone else saw this, they were all shocked beyond belief what had just happened, even Jei's eyes widened from the shock he felt… if Arbel had just flown in alone… then that meant…!

 

 

As they all gathered at the entrance to see what they refused to believe, they all saw it… Arcerdo stood there, his back towards them, facing the charging insect, without his swords and barely able to stand straight, they couldn't do anything… all they could do was watch as the worst happened…

 

 

While they all looked at him, Arcerdo was looking at the face of charging insect and finished in his mind what he had almost said to Arbel: `I'm afraid… I'm not afraid of death itself but I fear what will happen if I die… because if I die, my mate will also die. Yet, even when I am aware of that, I keep risking my life… because if I walk away when I could have helped, I would not be able to look my mate nor my parents in the eyes ever again without feeling horrible…'

 

 

And then, the insects right hand along with the sabres came straight came crashing down towards him, his body could not move without being in tremendous amounts of pain, yet he still forced it out of pure reflex and instinct alone to move… as the sabres came down, he quickly sidestepped to the left, seeing the sabres digging into the spot where he had just stood, briefly wondering why he had dodged… it had done nothing really but prolong the inevitable… hell, he wasn't sure why he was doing this at all, he knew he was going to die, it scared him, despite what he had just thought, he was scared… yet, even when he was scared, he didn't feel any fear, just the numbness caused by the pain, it was now so high that it was numb rather than painful.

 

 

As he stopped his sidestepping, he nearly tripped onto his own legs from the sluggish movements, his mind filling with memories… then, when he saw in slow motion as the insects sabres moved from beneath the earth towards him, like it was about to backhand him, as he saw the sabres coming out of the earth, closing in on him…

 

 

His entire mind went blank, completely white as he felt the backhanded hit from the sabres hitting him against his ribs, feeling at least two or three breaking from the impact… yet, no pain came through, he barely felt it as the force of the blow sent his spiralling high up into the air, nor could he barely hear the insect as it flew towards him, then above him, coming down to finish the job by slicing his head off…

 

 

None of that registered in his head… all that did come through was his own life, fast tracked and flashing before his eyes, everything from birth to this moment flashed before his eyes, his mind assaulted with all the feelings he had had in his whole life, from happiness to warmth, the joy of playing with his parents… the wonders of life when he was barely 2-3 years old… going into kindergarten for the first time with Shippo and Katou… starting elementary school, middle school… the anger and betrayal he felt when he found out he was a quarter Youkai, the depression a few years ago until recently… and then, lastly…

 

 

… Meeting his mate for the first time… the love he had felt for her, the love she had for him… the hopes and dreams they had together…

 

 

It would all come to an end now…

 

 

`I'm so sorry… my mate… I couldn't find you after all, I'm so sorry… I pray you can forgive me, but I just couldn't let someone die while I could do something about it, am I being selfish…? Yes, most likely I am… but… this is who I am, I cannot help it… so please, forgive me, my mate… please…'

 

 

And at that moment, his instincts snapped…

 

 

On the outside though, the others did not see very clearly what happened up there in the air, but they saw the insects sabres coming in contact with Arcerdo and then, before they could blink, they both came crashing down onto the earth, creating a massive cloud of dust in front of them…

 

 

And seeing this, while none of them could say anything, it was Chizu, who shouted with tears in her eyes: “ARCERDO-SAMA!!”

 

 

 

 

To be Continued…

(Evil, I know… but you didn't review, so evil cliffhanger is what you get! HAHAHAHAH!!!)

 

 

“It is over… I've fought and lost…

 

I tried, I really did, yet it wasn't enough…

 

This person known as Arcerdo could not win, he was defeated…

 

… But the `other me' has some very different plans in mind.”

 

- Arcerdo Higurashi

 

 

Next chapter: =Battle Cry of the Awakening Demon=

 

 

 

A/N: Whew, that was fast… I didn't know I could write this fast myself! Wow… Anyway, this was written fast because I don't want it to be another 2-3 months before I update again, so I kicked myself to start and finish this chapter.

 

Also, it is short because I didn't get enough reviews, so I made a shorter chapter with an evil cliffhanger, review now, or the next chapter is going to be… ANOTHER CLIFFHANGER! Ahahahahahhahahaa!!!!!

 

 

Seriously, if you liked this, review, if you didn't, leave a bad review… if you can't decide, don't review… but I seriously you people review, since they give me the extra drive I need to write faster, hehehe.

 

 

- Zelix, see ya next time!