InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Young at Heart ❯ Confrontations ( Chapter 2 )

[ P - Pre-Teen ]

By: Cierah

Chapter Two: Confrontations

He reached the ground quickly and darted away from the cave he had placed his son in. Knowing that Sesshoumaru was safe for the time being, Inutashomaru raced towards the forest they had camped in. His keen sight quickly found the orange glow from the torches, and he leapt into the branches of a great oak tree, staring down at the group of men, who were glancing around them, fully armed. Narrowing his eyes, he overheard their conversations with one another.

“It's around here somewhere. Keep searching!” One man shouted.

“The camp was abandoned. Are you sure it was a youkai?” Another called out.

“I saw it! He had something with him, I am sure he was the one who took the child!” The first man yelled. “Keep searching.”

Inutashomaru felt his eyes narrow even more. Hissing under his breath, he glanced over his shoulder, barely seeing the cave his son was hidden in. `What child?' He thought to himself, glancing back at the men below.

“This way!” Another man cried, pointing to the ground where faint foot prints he had left, littered the forest floor.

The men all charged towards the direction he had run in, and he growled low in his throat. Blowing enraged air out of his nose, he back tracked to head off the men who he knew now were hunting him.

Jumping to the ground, he pulled out his sword and hefted it in front of him, awaiting the men who would stumble upon him in mere minutes. The sword flared to life, glimmering golden as it took on its shape of his fang that he had it crafted out of. “Tessaiga.” He whispered.

The men came over the slight incline shouting, and pointing in his direction.

“There he is! Kill him!” The men all shouted with rage and charged.

“Foolish humans.” He hissed under his breath. “Wind Scar!” He cried out, hitting the forest floor with his sword. Immediately the sword awoke and burst into flames, shooting its massive fire at the men who suddenly stopped in terror.

Growling, he noticed a few able to jump out of the way before the attack completed, and he narrowed his eyes at the leader of this group.

“Give back that child!” The man shouted looking around him at the remains of some of his men.

Confused, but holding his face in a solid mask, he barked out in fury. “What child?”

The man barked out commands to his men, who now were regaining their feet after jumping out of the way of the fire that had almost engulfed them. “Kill the youkai! Get to your feet you worthless tyrants!”

The men hesitantly looked at their leader, then at the youkai who stood with his sword raised once again. Seeing the figure standing there made them gasp at the fully armored impressive youkai.

Smirking, Inutashomaru hissed again. “What child?”

The leader yelled out angrily. “The one you stole from his mother!”

Frowning, Inutashomaru shook his head. “You are mistaken human.”

“I saw you, you filthy youkai!” The man shouted, angrily.

“I have no patience for impertinence. You have mistaken me for another, so be gone.”

“You will die one way or another. You are a youkai! Kill him!” The leader shouted out again. His men didn't move.

“You command your men to attack me, yet you do not hold a weapon yourself. Why don't you come kill me, human?” Inutashomaru scoffed.

“Fine!” The man drew his weapon, and charged without a second thought.

Sighing in frustration, he raised his sword again and met the sword of the foolish human. Their swords clanged against one another, and Inutashomaru pushed against the weaker being. The man flew back, but charged again. “Foolish human!” Inutashomaru growled. “I grow tired of your attempts. Be gone!” He pushed back once again, knocking the human onto his back.

Turning away from the men, with his sword held over his shoulder, he stopped a moment before walking away. Looking over his shoulder, eyeing the man who lay on the ground he ground out between clenched teeth. “Be sure of the abductor before attacking those who are innocent. Insolence will find you a quick death in these woods. “

“I saw you!” The man snarled. “You had a child with you!”

Inutashomaru stopped, and turned around, his eyes flashing dangerously. “I am not amused!”

The man pushed himself to his feet painfully. “All we want is the child back.” He looked up with hatred in his eyes.

“The child that you saw me with does not belong to you.” The youkai snarled.

“Then whose child is it you carry?” The man snarled.

“That is none of your business, human. I keep to myself, and you should do so also.” Without another word, he about faced and curled his lip in anger. `This human just doesn't know when to quit.' He thought to himself as he heard the man race up to him. Reaching out his left and spinning around quicker then the eye could follow; he gripped the human by the throat and pulled him off his feet, squeezing his hand tighter. “I had figured I gave you ample warning!” He hissed under his breath, squeezing his hand tighter. “This does not amuse me.”

The man kicked his feet, his hands clutching the arms of the youkai who had him, choking and trying to loosen the hold. Sharp nails dug into his arms, and Inutashomaru curled his lip in irritation.

“I do not like involving my affairs with those of lesser status, human. I already told you that you were mistaken in the identity of the abductor. I do not have the child you seek, so therefore remove yourself and your men from my presence or you will find yourself a slow and painful death!”

The man kicked his feet faster, ramming the toes of his war boots against the legs of the youkai's, his face growing heated by the force of the grip. Inutashomaru released his hold, allowing the man to fall to the ground in a fitful coughing heap. Turning away one final time, he walked into the forest calmly.

Sheathing his sword in its rightful place at his side, he glanced up at the moon that shone through the trees. Shaking his head, he walked slowly through the field, keeping his ears out for sounds of pursuit. None reached his ears, and he made his way up the cliff to the cave above. Stepping up to the entrance, his eyes caught white near the entrance, but far enough in to remain hidden.

Looking down, he watched his son sleep. Sesshoumaru was wrapped up in the fur, snuggled into it peacefully. A small movement caught his eyes and he allowed his eyes to travel to his son's side. There curled up on top of his son was a tiny mouse, almost completely blended into the white of the fur that surround his sleeping son. Frowning, he knelt beside his son, and poked his claw at the small baby mouse, who squeaked in surprise. Little pink eyes opened and blinked up at two golden ones filled with amusement.

Chuckling, Inutashomaru stood up and walked deeper into the cave, and sat down in the shadows. Closing his eyes, he kept his senses open for danger, and waited until daylight. His son would be well rested by then to continue on their travels, and Inutashomaru felt a smile lift the corners of his mouth.

He shifted in his fur, and opened his eyes, blinking against the brightness that entered the cave. Yawning widely, while rubbing his eyes, Sesshomaru sat up. A small surprised squeak reached his ears, and he looked down confused. There was the little white mouse that he had discovered last night. Smiling brightly, he picked up the tiny thing in his hands and rubbed his nose against it.

“Did you stay to keep me company?” He giggled as the little whiskers tickled his nose. The mouse jumped out of his hand and back onto the fur. Lifting his head, he looked around him, looking for his father. A shadow just outside the cave caused him to gasp. Shifting out of the fur, he crawled on all fours to the caves entrance, and peeked out carefully. Smiling broadly, seeing his father's tall form, Sesshomaru jumped to his feet, and ran to him. Quickly wrapping his arms around the backs of his father's legs, Sesshomaru buried his face in the soft pants.

Inutashomaru had turned his head slightly upon hearing his son start to move around. He didn't move from the caves entrance however, only stood looking over the field with his arms crossed. He heard his son's little feet pad across the ground and he smiled feeling little arms wrap around his legs. Chuckling, he looked down at the small boy who had his face buried in the backs of his legs.

“Sesshomaru.” He greeted.

The boy looked up happily. “Father, I made a friend.”

“Hmm, so I see.” He muttered looking at the caves entrance where a little white mouse sat cleaning its self. Sesshomaru glanced back and saw the little thing.

“Can I keep it father?” The little boy asked giggling as he walked up to the little creature.

Shaking his head, Inutashomaru walked over to his son who had the mouse back in his tiny hands nuzzling it with his nose. “No Sesshomaru. I'm afraid you cannot keep the mouse.” Upon seeing the small frown he quickly explained. “See how small it is?”

Sesshomaru nodded.

“This is but a baby, and has a family around somewhere. This little critter was probably left behind as you were due to danger.”

A small mouth opened in a big oh. “He is like me.”

Inutashomaru nodded, smiling. “We cannot take the mouse away from here. It was left for a reason, as you were.”

“No one would take me away would they? You wouldn't let me be taken?” Sesshomaru asked in a small worried voice.

“Worry not Sesshomaru.” Inutashomaru smiled, petting his son's head. “You are safe.” Standing up, he moved back to his former position, watching the slight breeze play across the grass causing it to dance. Something had caught his attention, and he waited patiently until it sounded again.

“Father?” Sesshomaru asked walking up to him looking up with bright golden eyes.

Inutashomaru jerked, then glanced down at his son his heart picking up pace as another sound reached his ears. “Back into the cave.” He hissed, causing his son to jump surprised. “Now!”

Sesshomaru swallowed quickly, and his hair stood up on the back of his neck. Reacting immediately, he darted off into the cave, scooping the little mouse up as he did. Holding the little thing protectively, Sesshomaru went back to his little bed and gathered up his fur holding it against his chest, with the mouse. Peeking around the corner of the caves entrance, Sesshomaru saw his father standing perfectly still, almost bristling with rage, looking at something in the distance.

His eyes traveled away from his father peering out into the field where his father was looking. He felt his mouth drop open in surprise as dark shadows came towards the cave. Loud noises reached his ears, and he scooted backwards, dropping the fur and mouse covering his ears with them trying to block out the loud shouting.

Whimpering against the sharp piercing sounds, Sesshomaru scooted further back into the cave.

Inutashomaru winced at the sounds that bombarded the air, and looked down at the men who had decided to pursue him, despite his warning. They shouted, and this time there were more then the night before. Growling deep in his chest, Inutashomaru was torn.

Drawing his sword that sat at his side he held it firmly, his knuckles turning white in anger. Growling, he jumped down from the cave and met the men in the center of the field. The leader from the night before sat upon a horse, and grinned menacingly at the youkai. Several men had bows notched with arrows, ready to fire, and others held spears and swords.

“Human, you try my patience!” Inutashomaru snarled, positioning his sword in front of him. The sword hummed in response as it was hefted, and then placed in attack formation. The sword lit up furiously, surrounding it's holder in a golden light. Forming the shape of the fang, it wavered in anticipation, singing to its master. The sword pulsed and waited.

“Give us the child, youkai and we will leave in peace.” The man on the back of the horse roared.

Enraged, Inutashomaru narrowed his eyes and curled his lip. “Leave this place!” He lifted his sword above his head and with great force dropped it to the ground.

The men situated in front were bombarded by the ferocity of the attack, while the ones further back ran out of the way. Arrows were fired, but Inutashomaru jumped out of the way, hearing the distinct whirring of the bows being released. Snarling more enraged then before, he charged the men, his only thoughts on protecting his son who was now too close to these humans for his liking. Dropping his sword the metal flared into life feeling the urgency in its owner. The air around them boomed with the youkai's growl of command as his sword hit the earth. “Wind Scar!”