Remember Me

Chapter 10

As the three made their way out of Shanghai, Rin stopped. Placing two
fingers in her mouth, she released an ear-piercing whistle that had
Jaken covering his ears and made Sesshomaru only flinch in irritation.

She smiled at her new lord. "Shall we go," she said leading the
way.

They walked in silence for a while until Sesshomaru’s curiosity got the
better of him. "Rin."

"Yes my lord?"

"What did you do back there?"

"Well, this will be a long journey," said Rin smiling, "and we will need
some transportation."

Suddenly they heard a roar from the sky. Turning they saw something flying
towards them from a distance. As it got closer, Sesshomaru stiffened while
Jaken hid behind his legs. The two-headed dragon landed behind
them. Sesshomaru placed a hand on the hilt of Tokijin preparing to unsheathe
his sword when the human girl ran to the beast.

"About time you two showed up," she said hugging one head and then the
other. She turned to face Sesshomaru and Jaken smiling. "This is Uh and
Ah. He is my friend."

"I see," said Sesshomaru removing his hand from his sword.

"He follows me all the time. Although you didn't see him. He is always
around. Whenever I need him Ah and Uh would be there.” She stoked
the dragons long silky mane. “We can ride him. Shall we go.”

"Let's just save him for when we really need him," said Sesshomaru.

"As you wish, my lord," said Rin.

They continued their trek across China. They stopped at a small village to
get something to eat. The people stared at Sesshomaru in awe and
fright. "What is wrong with these people?" the young demon asked
agitated. "Why do they stare at me? Haven’t they seen a demon before?"

"Of course, my lord but they have never seen one with hair and eyes like yours,"
said Rin smiling. "They are unsure of you. I guess they allowed us into their
village because I am with you.” Rin turned to the window and smiled. “It
seems you have caught the attention of all the young women in the village."

He looked out the window to see a horde of human females gawking and looking
all dreamy eyed at him. "Stupid females." He grumbled under his breath.

Rin giggled and continued to eat. A young female arrived at their
table with a pot of tea and three cups. Placing them and the teapot on the table,
she turned to face Sesshomaru smiling and blushing. She said something
which made Rin snapped her head up to look at the woman. She began talking
to the servant. Just then, the elder walked up to them.

"Rin what is it?" asked Sesshomaru.

"It seems that a caravan went through here," said Rin. Sesshomaru nearly
leaped from his seat to shake the woman for more details about who was in the
caravan. However, he decided against
it. He didn't want to frighten her. Besides, he wouldn't have understood
anything she said. "But she said that she doesn't remember seeing a demon
child with white hair and gold eyes." Sesshomaru sighed in defeat. Then
the old man spoke. Rin frowned and tapped her forefinger against the
table. She nodded her head and said something to the old man.

"Xie Xie," said the old man bowing to them repeatedly.

"Bu yung dan xin,” said Rin. "Ta shi mei you wen ti." Then the old man left
them to finish their meal in peace.

"What was that about?" asked Jaken.

"Well, it seems that their is a demon living in the forest that has been terrorizing
the villagers," said Rin pouring herself a cup of tea. "The village has offered
us food for our journey if you kill it, Lord Sesshomaru."

"How dare these human precede to think that my lord would lower himself to
being a slayer." The little toad demon squawked out in indignation.

Rin cocked a brow and raised the cup to her lips. "I told them he would do
it."

"WHAT?!" yelled Jaken. Everyone in the small inn stared at them. But neither
at the table paid any attention to the gawking crowd. "How dare you."

"Well, the village elder said that this demon had laid waste to other demon
slayers." Rin sipped her tea. "Also, you aren't the only demon they have
asked to slay this creature. They say it is strong and that it can split
the Earth with one punch."

One delicate brow of the demon lord arched upward. "Did he say anything else?"

"Just that the demon called himself Raizen and that he comes into the village
every night to take their food. One time he took one of their women. When
she was returned to them, the poor woman killed herself."

"My lord, you're not seriously thinking about . . ." Jaken didn't have a chance
to finish since Rin interrupted.

"Of course he is. His master told him to continue his training on this journey,"
said Rin. "This demon shall be the first of many if he wants to gain the
experience he needs to defeat Ryuukotsusei."

Suddenly the innkeeper walked up to their table. He and Rin spoke and the
girl turned to them. "The innkeeper said he will show us to our room."
Sesshomaru cocked his brow again. "You should rest, my lord. The elder said
Raizen is very strong and brutal as well. You will need your strength to
fight him."

"Very well," said the young lord. The man led them to their room to rest.
=========================================================

The sun had just went down and the moon was slowly peeking over the
treetop as Sesshomaru stood at the entrance to the forest and
waited. Everyone was locked inside their homes peeping out the windows at the
handsome young demon. Sesshomaru raised his nose into the wind sniffing. He
caught the scent of demon coming towards the village. The elder was right. This
demon was powerful indeed. The young lord calmed himself and waited. The scent
was getting closer and closer until finally the demon called Raizen stepped out
of the forest. Both demons stood sizing the other up and down. This Raizen
was an attractive demon. He wore only a pair of black pants. His broad chest
glisten in the moon light as his dark eyes seem to consume any light. The
white hair dog demon sneered in disgust. However, Raizen was a
savage. The scent of death was radiating off him. The demon's claws were still
wet with human blood. He must have come from slaughtering a nearby
village. When it snared at the young demon its fangs
dripped with blood. How revolting. It's long ice blue hair was wild and hung
down its back reaching its knees. He had a green sash tied around his
forehead. There was a strange marking on his cheek under his right eye.

"So you are this terrible demon Raizen that has the villagers terrified,"
Sesshomaru said smirking. "I can sense great power coming from you. This battle
shall be fun." He withdrew Tokijin from his side. The sword turned red as
it sensed its next victim. Sesshomaru attacked.

The battle was fierce. Raizen held his own against the dog demon even though
he had no weapon. Sesshomaru was amazed at how strong it was. Raizen had
blocked his attacks with his bare hands. The young demon smirked as he
continued his attack. Raizen had knocked the sword from the dog demon's hand
and launched a counter attack. Sesshomaru leaped out of the way as the demon's
fist smashed into the ground leaving a deep hole in the earth. Sesshomaru
stared in shock./Whoa! if I hadn't moved. I would have been dust by now./

Raizen stared up at the young dog demon smiling. He went after the younger
demon lashing at him with his claws. He struck Sesshomaru across his arm and the
sleeve of his white robe was stained red with blood. Raizen's other claws came
up and struck him just below his throat. Sesshomaru was amazed at the other's
speed. Although he wasn't as quick as Goshinki. He was fast enough. He
somersaulted over the dog demon's head landing behind him and punched
him in the back with so much force. The blow sent Sesshomaru crashing into
several trees breaking them in half. Quickly rebounding, the young demon
lord crouched on his hunches glaring at the smiling demon. Raizen charged
the young demon. Sesshomaru stood up wiping blood from his mouth. Raising
his hand, he uncoiled his poison whip and struck Raizen across the face. The
demon flinched and caught the whip the next time Sesshomaru lashed out at him
with it. Raizen growled snapping the whip and it disintegrated in his hand.

/Well now, you truly are amazing,/ Sesshomaru thought with a smirk. /But
I’m sorry to say. You will have to die. My brother and father are more
important to me than this fight./ So, Sesshomaru launched himself at Raizen
with his claws raised and dripping green poison. He slashed the other demon
across his chest. Raizen staggered back clutching his chest. Blood poured
from the opened wounds as the poison entered his body. But this did not
stop Raizen. The demon glared at Sesshomaru and charged raising its fist.
Sesshomaru leaped out of the way just as the blow hit the ground splitting
the earth in two. Raizen quickly recovered and lunged towards the younger
demon. Sesshomaru landed near his sword. Sensing the demon coming
up behind him, he grabbed his sword pivoting on his left foot. He brought
his sword around in an upward sweep and took Raizen’s head off.
==========================================================

When the sounds of fighting had stopped. Everyone had come out of their
homes to stare at the forest. With lit torches, they waited to see who
would come out. The young handsome demon or the vile murderous Raizen.

"Look!" squawked Jaken pointing to the forest. Everyone tensed and
cheered when Sesshomaru walked out of the forest carrying the head of Raizen.

That night, the villagers held a great feast in honor of their hero. Sesshomaru
didn't know what to make of this. He just sat their and watched all the
smiling people that bowed and honored him. He watched the small children
play and felt his heart drop. He used to watch Inuyasha for hours playing
either to himself or with his friends. He missed his baby brother.

"Lord Sesshomaru," said Rin. He turned to her. "The village elder asks if
there is something wrong?"

"Tell him nothing is wrong," sighed Sesshomaru turning away to watch the
children play. "I just wish my brother was here. He would enjoy this."

"The elder says that if it would make you feel better. He saw your brother
and the child was doing well."

Sesshomaru head snapped around to face them. "He saw . . ."

"Yes," said Rin nodding her head. "He said that the caravan stayed here for
one night. Your brother and another demon were chain to their new 'master's'
carriage. He bought food as well as other supplies."

"Does he know where they went?" Sesshomaru tried to hide the excitement he
was feeling but failed.

Rin smiled. "I’m afraid not but I think I might know. This Route leads to only
one place."

"I see. Then we shall continue our journey in the morning." Sesshomaru
smiled. /Soon little brother, I will find you and take you home./
====================================================================

The next morning the villagers supplied them with food and water and
their hopes of the young demon lord finding his younger brother. They
rode on Ah and Uh back part of the way. They set up camp near a
small stream. Rin unpacked some of the food the villagers gave them
while Jaken started a fire.

After their meal Rin went to the two head dragon and nestled against
the beast humming to herself at first. Then her soft voice began to
sing a song her mother use to sing when her father was away on
demon slaying business.

Somewhere out there beneath a clear moon light
Someone's thinking of me and loving me tonight.

Somewhere out there, someone's saying a prayer
that we'll find one another, in that big somewhere
out there.

And even though we know how very far apart, we are.
It helps to think we might be wishing on the same bright
star.

And when the night wind starts to sing a lonesome lullaby.
It helps to think we're sleeping underneath the same big sky.

Somewhere out there, if love can see us through.
Then we'll be together somewhere out there, out
where dreams, come true.


Afterwards, Rin rested her head against the dragon's body and fell
asleep. As Sesshomaru sat around the fire he had listened to the
song. It was sweet and reminded him that somewhere out there his
little brother was thinking of him. Just as he was thinking about
Inuyasha. The young demon lord smiled. /Soon, I will find you
brother and when I do. Then we'll be together . . .forever./ Laying
down on the pallet, he slipped off into a lite sleep.

The next few days they traveled on foot until they came upon a
magnificent palace carved out of white marble seated near a
river.

"We are here," said Rin. "This is the palace of Lord Kali of India."

"Impressive," said Sesshomaru.

As they made their way through the dome shaped hallway, Sesshomaru
noticed the guard kept glancing back at him. It was becoming quite
irritating. They stopped in front of a set of brass doors. He turned to
Rin and spoke. Glancing back at Sesshomaru the man went inside the
room.

Sesshomaru growled. "What was that all about. Why did that guard keep
staring at me?"

"Who knows," said Rin shrugging her shoulders. "All I know is what
Lord Lao has told me about him. It seems Lord Kali has a thing for exotic
creatures and you are about as exotic as they come."

A minute later the doors opened and the three travelers entered the
throne room. A single brow arched on the face of the young dog demon as
he stared at the four-armed demon sitting on a throne made of gold with
rubies, and diamonds embedded in it. Seated beside him was a female with
black hair flowing down her back. Sesshomaru noticed how the woman's
eyes widened in remembrance. Rin and Jaken knelt on the cushions that
was in the center of the floor. While the young dog demon lord sat in a
lotus position.

Kali raised a dark brow to glare at the young demon. Then he spoke.

"Welcome to India," Rin translated for Sesshomaru and Jaken. "I am Lord
Kali and you are my humble guests."

Rin bowed and spoke to the Indian lord. "He wishes to know what brings you
to his country."

"Tell him I search for my younger brother," said Sesshomaru. "Tell him the
child has long white hair, gold eyes like me and have two puppy dog-ears
on top of his head."

Rin re-laid the message. Kali stroked his chin seeming to think about
the description. Then he shook his head speaking to the girl. "He claims
that he has seen no demon child like the one you described," said Rin.

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes in suspicion. Something was not right. He could
tell just by the woman's reaction to seeing him. She looked as though he had
reminded her of someone. Is this demon lying? And if so, why? It's obvious
that his little brother isn't here. So why lie at all? He was pulled from
his thoughts when Kali spoke again.

"He says that he wishes us to stay the night and dine with him and his wife."

"Something is wrong Rin," Sesshomaru whispered to the girl.

"I know but we can't do anything while in his palace," the girl whispered
back. "I'm going to accept his offer." Then Rin bowed to Kali and accepted
his gracious offer.

That night Kali threw a huge celebration. There was music, dancing, singing
juggling and other forms of entertainment. There were piles of meats, fruits
and vegetables splayed out on the table. Not wanting to be an ungrateful
guest, Sesshomaru ate a small amount of food. He was hating this. With the
time wasted here with this idiot, he could have been back on the trail of his
little brother. But etiquette dictated that he must stay and accept his host
generosity.
==========================================================

It was late into the night when everyone finally retired. The three were
led to three adjoining rooms. As the servant left them alone, Sesshomaru
vented his anger.

"That Kali is an idiot," growled the young lord. "If it wasn't for the fact
that he was royalty I would have left as soon as he said he had not seen
Inuyasha. Although I know he's lying."

"So, you realized it also," said Rin.

"What do you mean, my lord," said Jaken puzzled.

Sesshomaru rolled his eyes. "Jaken, it's obvious that this Kali was lying. I’m
willing to bet that he had seen Inuyasha."

"You're right in your assumption, lord." Rin sat on the bed. "I overheard some
of the servants talking about you. They were saying you looked something like the
cute little demon child that came through here a year ago. They said Kali tried
desperately to buy him from the man that bought him but it was no good. The man
would not sell Inuyasha to him."

"That's good at least. I have a creepy feeling about that demon."

"You should be aware, my lord. I watched Kali all through dinner tonight and he
could not keep his eyes off you."

Sesshomaru sneered in disgust. "As if I would let that disgusting swine
touch me." Then he sighed. "You two should go to bed. We leave at first light."

"Good. The quicker we leave from here the better." Then Rin and Jaken went
into the other two adjoining rooms.

Later that night Sesshomaru didn't know how long he was asleep before he was
awakened by a strange smell. Opening his eyes, he noticed several lit candles
in a corner. The strange odor was strong and sweet. It felt as though his
lungs were suffocating from this scent. Fresh air. He needed to get out of
the room. Then it hit him. It's the candles. Just then, his vision began to
blur. Slowly, he got to his feet and staggered over to the window. Unfortunately
the candles were beside the window and the suffocating scent was leaving
him light headed. He fell to his knees and crawled the rest of the way to the
window. However, when he got there. The windows were locked and his
strength was waning fast.

Sesshomaru opened his mouth to yell for Rin but nothing came out. He fell
backward staring up at the marble ceiling. He tried hard to draw air into
his aching lungs but all he had to breath was the scent of incense candles.
/Damn, what a fool I am,/ he thought berating himself. /I can't believe I
let myself get trapped like this. Master Kei would be very disappointed in me.
I’m such a lite sleeper. I can't believe I let someone slip into my room
unnoticed./

Suddenly someone stepped into Sesshomaru's foggy vision. He tried hard to
focus but it was no use. Although he didn't need to see to know that, it was
Kali.

"Well, my exotic little pup," Kali said in a lecherous tone. Sesshomaru stared at the
demon in shock. Was Kali speaking in Japanese. "It seems that
you are all mine." He lifted Sesshomaru’s limp body into his arms and carried
him back to the bed. "So, the littlest pup was your brother. I can see the
family resemblance." Kali laid Sesshomaru on the bed. Then he stripped the
young lord of his clothes. "You are quite beautiful." He leaned down and ran a
tongue over the stripes of his left cheek. Sesshomaru shuddered involuntarily. He
cursed the sensitivity of his markings.

"I bet you're wondering how I know your language," said Kali standing up straight. "Well
I had purchased a translator from Yin some years ago and she taught me."

Removing his robes, Kali laid on top of Sesshomaru grinding his hardened
cock against the dog demon's awakening length. Sesshomaru cursed as he felt
his own cock become hard. He had to get away before it was too late. He
placed a hand against the broad chest of his attacker and pushed. It did
no good. The incense was sapping his strength and arousing his body. Kali
leaned up to the pointed ear of his victim and whispered, "I shall savor every
inch of your delicious body." And nipped Sesshomaru on the ear. Sesshomaru
opened his mouth to voice a protest but all that came out was a moan.

Kali covered the other's mouth in a bruising kiss. His tongue forced its way
into the young demon's, mouth plundering and raping its softness. Kali's lips
moved down to suckle his throat. He nipped, kiss and lick the expanse of
smooth creamy pale skin. Then he moved lower. His lips closed over one
nipple and sucked. Sesshomaru's back arched off the bed as the other demon
sucked and licked the nub until it was hard. A lite sheen of sweat covered the
young dog demon body as Kali's four hands caressed and stroked the sensitive
flesh of the other. Sesshomaru bit his bottom lip to hold back the moans
but it was not helping.

Those four hands were caressing, stroking, and teasing him with such intensity
Sesshomaru felt as though he would burst into flames any minute. The demon
above him moved lower leaving kisses across his belly. And when he reached
the placed he desired to be, Kali swallowed the young lord’s throbbing arousal.
Sesshomaru howled as his sharp claws dug into the mattress. Damn his traitorous
body. He did not want this. His body began to thrust upwards into Kali's
mouth. He felt a slight sting at the corner of his eyes. No, he would not
cry. He had to stay strong for his brother's sake. He had to find Inuyasha and
bring him home.

Sesshomaru was dragged out of his thoughts by Kali sucking harder on his aching
arousal. With one final thrust, he spurted his seeds down the other demon's
throat. He lay there feeling ashamed that he, Sesshomaru, let this vulgar demon
excite him like this. He felt hard lips press against his own. Feeling
disgusted, he turned his head to the side.

Kali laughed and grasp Sesshomaru’s chin in a harsh grip forcing the young
lord to look at him. "You were sweet." He nipped the lord on his lips. "Too
bad I wasn't able to convince Abdul to sell me your brother. The two of you
would have been heavenly and that tight little ass of your brother would have
been divine."

That was it. Kali had stepped over the line. He could say what he wanted about
him but when he spoke so crass about his otouto. That was the final straw. A
growl of rage rumbled in the young lord's throat. Pooling his strength, he
flung the demon off of him and against the wall. Sesshomaru felt his disgust
and rage turn his blood to liquid fire. The incense no longer affected
him. His hatred of the sick, deprave monster before him was evident as his
eyes bled red, his claws extended and began dripping poison.

Kali stood. "You . .. " Before he could say anything more. Sesshomaru lunged
towards him slashing him across the throat. Kali stumbled back clutching his
bleeding throat. He stared up at the enraged dog demon.

"Die, you pig." Sesshomaru brought his claws down again and punched a hole in
Kali's chest crushing his heart. The four-arm demon fell to the floor dead.

With Kali dead, Sesshomaru’s eyes returned to normal and his hate disappeared
leaving him victim once again to the scent of the incense. He quickly pulled a
sheet off the bed to wrap around his body and rushed
out of his room into the hallway. He greedily inhale the clean unscented air.
Taking several more breaths, he leaned against the wall for a while. He knew
that once Kali's body was found. They would be in serious danger.

"Lord Sesshomaru!" He heard a familiar voice. He looked up to see Rin and
Jaken running towards him.

"My lord, are you all right?" asked Jaken. Rin cheeks blushed red as she
took in her lord’s state of undress.

He nodded his head as he tied the sheet around his lean hips. He arched
a brow as he saw Kamala and several guards coming from around the
corner. The dog demon crouched in an attack posture baring his claws.

"No my lord," said Rin placing a hand on his arm. "She helped us. She removed
the sleep incense from our rooms."

Sesshomaru stared at the woman lowering his hand.

"Is he dead?" Kamala asked.

"So, you can understand and speak Japanese also."

"Just a little."

"To answer your question, yes he is dead," said Sesshomaru standing tall.

"Thank you." She bowed to the young lord. "Thank you for freeing the people
of this land from the evil of my husband. I shall tell the people that their days of
suffering is over." She turned her back to them. "The sun will be
up soon. You should go now." Kamala walked away followed by the guards. "And
I hope you find your brother." Sesshomaru heard her say.

"Gather your things. We're leaving."

In no less than five minutes, Rin and Jaken had gathered their few belongings.
Mounting the back of Uh and Ah, they left the palace far behind them.
======================================================================
They made their way across India and came across several villages that were
celebrating the death of Kali. In a way, Sesshomaru couldn't blame them. He
had first hand experience of just how deprave the demon was.

Two weeks later, they arrived at Karachi. They made their way along the
street passing by several shops. When a young woman accidentally bumped into
Sesshomaru dropping her basket of fruits and vegetables. The demon guessed
the woman was apologizing as she began to babble in the strange language of
this land's people. She looked up and gasped in shock as she stared at
Sesshomaru. The young woman said something and pointed to him.

"My lord," Rin said hurriedly. "She said you look like a child she knew called
Inuyasha."

The demon lord's eyes widened in shock. He grabbed the girl by the shoulders and
began shaking her. He began to rain down question upon question at her. Both
Rin and Jaken grabbed the anxious demon lord trying to pull him away from the
frighten girl.

"No my lord." Rin tugged hard on his arm. "You're going to scare her. She
does not understand a word you are saying." Realizing his mistake, he released
the frighten girl.

Rin turned to the girl and was about to speak when the girl spoke. "I can
understand you. I too am a translator. My name is Shakir."

"Where is my brother?" Sesshomaru asked tensely.

"We should not be discussing this outside," said Shakir. They looked around
to notice that the people were staring at them. "Follow me." Shakir led
them to a small house on the outskirts of town.

"My husband will be back soon. Would you care for something to eat?"

"No thank you," said Sesshomaru. "What about my brother?"

"Well, I will leave that to my husband to tell," said Shakir.

Sesshomaru growled angrily and slammed his fist against the small
table breaking it in two. "I am sick to death of people yanking me around,"
he said through clenched teeth. "Now you will tell me where my brother is
or . .. "

Rin stopped him. "My lord please, do not upset her. Can't you tell she is
pregnant."

For the first time since he met the woman, he took a good look at her. Rin
was right. Seeing the slight bulge to her belly, the woman was indeed
pregnant. Sesshomaru exhaled and lowered his head to her. "I'm sorry. I
hope I haven't caused you too much stress."

"It's all right," said Shakir smiling rubbing her swollen belly. "I understand
your anxiety."

Just then, a tall dark hair demon with gray eyes stepped into the house. "Well,
it seems that we have company."

The three leaped to their feet to stare at the demon standing in the
doorway. The demon saw Sesshomaru and his eyes widened in recognition.
He bowed to the young lord and smirked. "So, you came after all,
Lord Sesshomaru."

"Oh," gasped Shakir. "This is Inuyasha's older brother."

"Yes it is."

"This is my husband, Shirow. He was a slave along with your brother," said
Shakir.

"That's nice," said Sesshomaru. "So tell me, where is Inuyasha?" The hope
was burning bright in his eyes.

Shirow sighed heavily and sat down next to his wife. He took her hand in
his and didn't look into the dog demon's hopeful eyes. "I'm sorry Lord
Sesshomaru but . . .but your brother is dead."

Upon hearing that the young lord's heart shattered into a million tiny
pieces as Shirow told them what happened that awful day.

==================================================================

*Flashback*

When Shirow and Shakir made it up on deck. The elder demon stared in
shock at the bodies scattered on the floor. Standing in the mist of
the chaos was the small hanyou. He was covered in blood. His
face was streaked with blood as well. Shirow knew that the child's demon side
had taken control and from the looks of it it was not going to
relinquish its hold on the boy. The blood-crazed child stood facing them with
glowing red eyes. Lightning cracked across the sky lighting up the
the night. The face Shirow saw was not the kind face of the hanyou
but that of a demon on a bloodlust rampage. The smile on Inuyasha’s
face made his blood run cold. Inuyasha raised his clawed hands and
they dripped with the blood of the slain sailors.

The bloodthirsty demon did not notice the storm raging around him. The
ship rocked violently. Wave after wave washed across the deck soaking
the lone figure. The storm became more violent as the waves were getting
larger. As he slowly made his way over to the stunned Shirow and
Shakir a bolt of lightning came from the sky striking the mast sheering
part of it off. That piece of the mast fell striking the enraged demon across the
head knocking him unconscious.

Shirow and Shakir ran out to him. Just as they made it to the small child
Shakir screamed in terror pointing out to sea. Shirow looked and saw the
world coming to an end. A huge wave that blocked out half the sky
barreled down on top of them sinking the entire ship. They were pushed
deep below the ocean but Shirow fought his way to the surface. Breaking
through the surface, the storm raged savagely around him.

"INUYASHA! IIINNNUUUYYYAAAASSSHHHAAA!" he yelled over
the raging storm. Peering through the sheet of heavy rain, he saw something
floating in the water. Swimming over to the body, it was the girl. The young
human was clinging onto a barrel. "Shakir. Shakir are you all right?" he
asked shaking her by the shoulders.

"Yes," she said coughing up the salt water.

*End of flashback*
==============================================================

"We drifted at sea for days until a ship finally found us and
brought us back here," said Shirow.

"You can't . . ." Sesshomaru said feeling the life drain from him.

"I'm sorry, my lord. He was still unconscious when the wave hit
us." Shirow looked away. "There is no doubt in my mind. He is dead."

Upon hearing that, Sesshomaru felt his world shatter again. He had gone
numb. He slowly got to his feet without saying a word turned and
walked out of the house.

"My lord," Rin and Jaken called. They got to their feet and ran outside.

"Lord Sesshomaru!" yelled Rin.

"No, don't," said Shirow stopping the girl when she would have ran after him. "He
has just received word that his brother is dead a second time. He just needs
some time alone."

"I guess you're right." Rin watched heavy hearted as her lord walked away from
the city lost in a world of pain and heartache.
===============================================================
Sesshomaru stumbled out of the city falling to the ground. Getting back
up, he made his way along the well-worn road. His eyes that use to shine brightly
with hope was now clouded with pain and anguish. Tears welled up in his eyes to
spill down his cheeks. When he had first heard that, his brother was alive from
Usagi. He felt his heart overflow with joy. With each village they came
across his hope began to fill his soul with warmth and love as the villagers
remembered seeing the little white hair demon with the golden eyes and the cutest
little puppy dog-ears.

But now, all that is gone. According to Shirow Inuyasha was claimed by the
sea. A tiny voice in the back of his mind voiced that he could be still alive.
But his more reasonable side crush that tiny bit of hope saying that Inuyasha
was unconscious. Even if he wasn't unconscious, he still would have drowned. He
was going to teach his little brother how to swim that summer their world fell
apart.

Sesshomaru began running. He didn't know where. He just ran. He leaped in the
air. One minute he was in his humanoid form the next he transformed into his
dog demon form. The huge white dog ran across the land with a trail of crystalline
tears following behind him. The demon dog left great gouges in the earth until
he ran straight into a mountain. The dog staggered back and glared at the
mountain. Filling with despair Sesshomaru began to slam his body into the side
of the mountain repeatedly. He growled and scratched it with his claws. He
slammed his head against the mountain carving a gash in his forehead across the
crescent moon. Blood trickled from the wound into his eyes. He raised his head
to the sky and released a heart wrenching howl that echoed across the land.

Finally, he collapsed exhaustedly against the mountain. Slowly, he began to
change back. He sat there on the ground despondent looking at his bloody
fingers. The gash on his forehead began to heal as did the broken ribs. The
healing cut left a jagged scar across the moon on his forehead. Leaving a
broken moon to match his broken heart.

"Otouto, it seems that I have to say good bye to you a second time," he said
in despair. His mind was filled with so much pain until it project an imagine
of the little hanyou sitting beside him.

(Do you hate me?)

"Of course not," he answered the phantom. "Do you hate me?"

(Why would I hate you?)

"Because I failed you. If I had made more of an attempt to find your body. Then
maybe I would have come across someone that saw you."

(That's nonsense. You don't know that.)

"All I know is that I miss you, otouto. My heart is empty and so lonely without
you," he said as tears streamed down his face. "I love you, my Inuyasha."

(And I love you as well, my Sesshomaru. I will love you until the end of time and
even then, my love for you will last forever.)

Then the phantom Inuyasha vanished.

Sesshomaru sat there for a long time staring down at the ground. He raised his hand
drying his tears. He stood up, raked his claws through his hair. The time for
crying is over. Nothing had change, actually. His brother was still dead and he
still needed to free his father. Slowly, a wall of ice began to form around the
shattered pieces of his heart. Never would he love ever again. It was too
painful and risky to love anyone. He wasn't sure if he would survive another
epic trauma like this again. Although his eyes were still the same gorgeous gold
they have always been. They seemed to have taken on a dull sheen that
was devoid of any warmth.

Standing tall he followed his footsteps back to Karachi where Rin and Jaken was
waiting for him.

It took Sesshomaru three days to return to Karachi. Rin, Jaken, Shirow and Shakir
waited for the dog lord to return. Rin was inside helping Shakir with some
cleaning when she heard Jaken call out to Sesshomaru. The girl hurried
outside and saw the demon lord walking towards them. Shirow was outside
as well as the dog demon stood facing him.

"What will you do now, Lord Sesshomaru?" asked Shirow.

"I shall continue my quest to become stronger in order to destroy Ryuukotsusei,"
he said emotionlessly.

All of them noticed the emptiness in his eyes and the iciness in his
words.

"My lord," Rin said hesitantly. He turned that empty glare upon her and the
girl shuttered inwardly. "Are you all right?"

He did not answer. "Let's go." He started to walk away followed by Jaken.

Rin turned to Shirow and Shakir and bowed. "Thank you for your hospitality."

"You're welcome," said Shakir smiling sadly as she stared at the rigid form
of the young demon lord.

"Hey kid," said Shirow. "Tell him when he returns to Japan that if he should
need help against Ryuukotsusei. It would be an honor to fight alongside
Inuyasha's brother. Also kid, tell him that no matter what Yin said to
him. Inuyasha never gave up hope of seeing him again. We shall be in
Edo. Tell him to send word there and I will come whenever he needs
me.” He stared at the young demon lord walking away. “Tell him that the
kid’s love for him never wavered."

"I will." Rin bowed again and ran to catch up with Sesshomaru while Ah and Uh
brought up the rear.