Remember Me

Chapter 16

Inuyasha stood there holding the tall form of his elder brother draped awkwardly over his
shoulder. "He fainted." He looked over at her father shocked. It was something he thought he would never see in his lifetime. His big, strong elder brother fainting like a little girl. Inuyasha held his brother tighter and began laughing.

"Well, imagine that," said his father smiling.

"Do you guys mind helping me with him?" Inuyasha griped out struggling trying to keep the
demon lord from falling. "He may look lit, but he is heavy as hell.”

Sethos and Inutaisho helped Inuyasha to carry the limp form of Sesshomaru over to the fire,
and laid him down. "Should we wake him?" asked Ashanta.

"No, let him rest," said Inutaisho stroking his son‘s long hair. "After all, we all
thought Inuyasha was dead. It's quite a shock to the system to see him alive after eleven years."

“Wow, you were right Kumo.” Ashanta bend down to take a closer look at the unconscious lord,
looking into his tense face. “He is very attractive.” She ran her claws through his hair
and gasped. “And his hair, it’s like silk and shines like moonlight. You know, if you want to trade, I wouldn’t mind . . .”

Before she could finish her statement, Sethos stepped beside her resting a hand on top of
her head. “But I would mind.” Ashanta straighten and hugged him.

“You know I was only kidding. I love you and only you.” She giggled. “Besides, he already
has his mate, right Kumo.” She turned to her brother smiling.

Inuyasha had turned red with embarrassment as he knelt beside his brother. Seeing the scar
across his forehead, he reached out, and ran his thumb across it. Sesshomaru moaned turning his face away from the fire. Only one word fell from his lips. “Inu-yasha.” He smiled at hearing his name from the mouth of his beloved. Finally, he noticed the empty sleeve of his kimono. Inuyasha was about to ask his father about it, but was interrupted.

They jumped with a start as they heard an obnoxious shrieking voice call out. "Lord
Sesshomaru! Where have you gone?” They turned just as Jaken stumbled out of the forest. The toad's large eyes nearly bulged from his head. He stared at the five strangers, and then at his lord lying unconscious on the ground. "What have you beasts done to Lord Sesshomaru?" he
demanded, raising his staff preparing to attack, if he had to. “You lay one hand on him,
and I will roast you all alive.”

"Who the hell are you?" asked Inuyasha scowling at the little demon.

"More like, what the hell are you?" said Zaine. He and Ashanta quickly surrounded the toad
to take a closer look at the demon.

"Wow, he's really short," said Ashanta sniffing him. "Are you a frog?"

"Insolent whelp, it does not matter who I am. I demand to know what you did to my lord."

"Since your lord is incapacitated," said Zaine smiling wickedly at his sister, and winking
an eye. "There is no one here to save you."

Jaken stumbled backwards and fell to the ground shivering. His large eyes stared up at the
two demons in fear.

"It's been a long time since I’ve had frog legs for dinner," said Ashanta licking her lips
at the trembling form. "I hope you're not too tough."

"Lord Sesshomaru, HELP!" He closed his eyes cringing, and waited for the blow that would
end his life. Nothing happened. He could hear laughter. As he opened his eyes, he
saw the two young demons leaning against each other laughing hysterically. Realizing that
he was in no real danger, he became angry. "Hmph, very funny," Jaken said indignant and got to his feet.

"All right you two," said Inutaisho approaching them. "Now, how about we start over." He
smiled at the little demon. "Who are you ? And how do you know my son?"

"I am Jaken, Lord . . ." He stopped and stared at the tall demon in shock. "Did you say,
your son?" Inutaisho smiled nodding his head. "Then that means you're. . ." Immediately,
Jaken fell to his knees bowing. "Please forgive my insolence, my lord."

"It's all right. Now Jaken, I believe you said that is your name.”

“Yes, it is Jaken, Lord Inutaisho.” He continued to grovel at the elder dog demon feet.
Inuyasha rolled his eyes. Sethos just shook his head. Zaine and Ashanta just snickered at the groveling toad. “I have heard so much about you, and . . .”

Inutaisho stroked his forehead trying to stop the headache that was threatening to pound
against his head as he listen to the sniveling little demon go on and on. “Enough!” snapped the dog demon raking his fingers his long silver hair. He sighed, and stared down at the gawking Jaken. “You were going to tell us how you know my son."

"Oh! Well, your son rescued my people from a demon that was attacking my village,"
said Jaken. "He told the demon to move, because he was in his way. Of course, the fool
didn't know who it was and challenged him. Lord Sesshomaru cut the demon down with his whip. As he and his group moved on, I decided to follow them. Lord Sesshomaru asked me why I was following him. I told him I wanted to thank him for saving my people. I asked if I could come with them. He said nothing. He just turned and walked away. We walked for hours until we came upon a waterfall. Reaching behind the fall he pulled out this staff. He turned to me and said, if I can use this staff, I could follow him.”

“Ah yes, the staff of two heads,” said Inutaisho looking at the staff the toad held in his
hand. “So, you were able to use it.”

“Yes my lord, and he have allowed me to stay with them. Every since that day, I swore that
I would follow him to the ends of the earth. Afterwards he made me his vassal." The toad
chest puffed out with pride.

"You, Jerken, or jorken, whatever the hell your name is,” said Inuyasha.

“My name is Jaken . . .” He shrieked, but Inuyasha interrupted him.

“Whatever!” He glared at the toad. “Maybe you can tell us what happened to him?" Inuyasha
continued to stroke the scar on Sesshomaru’s forehead with his thumb. "How did he get this scar on his forehead?"

"Why should I tell you anything, dirty hanyou," spat Jaken. Both Inuyasha and Inutaisho
cocked a brow at the little demon.

"What is he talking about, brother?" asked Ashanta looking at him. "I don't see any
dirt on you. And what is this han-you?"

“Hanyou. It means half demon.” Inuyasha smirked. "See Ashanta, here in Japan half demons
are treated like dirt. We're hated by both humans and demons."

"You're not serious," said Zaine frowning. "That makes no sense."

"Half demons are prized more than full blooded demons." Ashanta scratched her head
trying to contemplate such hatred.

“They are prized where you come from,” said Inuyasha shrugging his shoulders. “Things are
different here. Half demons like me are considered trash.”

Inutaisho turned to the annoying green demon narrowing his eye. "You do know that your
lord's brother is a half demon?"

"Of course my lord," said Jaken. "But Lord Sesshomaru’s brother is dead. He got
that scar after the demon named Shirow told him the small child was claimed
by the sea."

"What do you mean? Inuyasha died here." Inutaisho frowned puzzled. As far as he
knew, they all thought his youngest died by the hands of Ryuukotsusei.

"You wouldn‘t know. I‘m sure Lord Sesshomaru would want to tell you himself, but seeing as
he is unconscious. I will tell you. We had went to China, and Lord Sesshomaru killed the dragon called Yin. It was from an elderly rabbit demon named Usagi that we learned that Inuyasha was still alive.” Jaken walked over to the fire, sat down and crossed his small legs. "So, we went to search for him, but when we came upon Shirow. Well . .. " He looked away sighing. “Anyway, I don't know what happened. Lord Sesshomaru was in so much pain after hearing this that he ran off. When he returned, he had that scar on his forehead. I remembered thinking when I saw it. A broken moon to match his broken heart."

"So, Shirow is still alive.” Inuyasha mumbled to himself smiling.

"After realizing that his brother was gone for good , Lord Sesshomaru changed. He became
cold and emotionless. He would not let anyone get close to him. In our travels around the
world, demonesses would throw themselves at his feet but, he would only use them for the
moment. One demoness wanted him to be her mate, but he only turned from her saying she was
not worthy of being his mate."

"Well well well, it sounds like a certain silver hair half demon has made himself a home
in his brother's heart," said Ashanta teasingly. Inuyasha turned red as he turned his
attention back to the unconscious form of his big brother.

Jaken narrowed his bulging eyes as he saw the crimson color that crept down the half demon's
neck. "Lord Inutaisho, I do not understand. Who is this hanyou?"

"This hanyou is my youngest, Inuyasha," said Inutaisho through gritted teeth.

Jake’s eyes were the size of saucers before he fell to the ground unconscious.

"What is it with the demons around here," said Zaine. "They're fainting like human females.”

"Is it still alive?" asked Ashanta nudging the comatose demon with her foot. Jaken
twitched. "Guess he's still alive." They burst out laughing.

xxxxx

Sesshomaru awakened to find his father, Jaken and the cat demons on the ground sleeping.
Something was wrong. Was he dreaming? Was it really Inuyasha that he saw? He looked around
the camp and saw a lone figure standing in the distance watching the sun rise. Getting to his feet, he moves silently over to the young demon. He gasped as the demon had long sliver hair with two silky dog ears sitting on top of his head. As he got even closer, the scent was so familiar. Could this young demon really be his otouto? Sesshomaru felt his heart pound in his ears blocking out all sounds. Raising a hand he rested it on the black clad shoulder. The stranger's head snapped around to face him. It was . . .

"I‘ve missed you, niisan," snarled Ryuukotsusei in disgust. Then the dragon began laughing
insanely.

xxxxx

Sesshomaru bolted upright panting and sweating. Clutching his hand over his heart, he
released a shaky sigh. /It was a dream./ His heart was thumping in his ears as he looked around the camp. His heart stopped for a second before it sped up when he saw the young demon claiming to be his brother, sitting across the fire, staring at him.

"Finally, you're awake," said the hanyou smiling.

Sesshomaru rested his head in his hand and closed his eyes. "You're not real. Shirow saw
you drown. My little Yasha is gone from this world. Why must I be tortured by the one
person I love more than my own life."

Inuyasha’s own heart ache when he heard the pain and anguish in his brother's voice. "You're
not dreaming Sesshy." He got up and walked over to his elder brother. Cradling Sesshomaru’s
cheeks in his hands, he tilted the demon lord's face up to look into his eyes. "I'm not
dead." Inuyasha smiled. “Hear this song and remember, soon you‘ll be home with me, once
upon a December.” He sang. Inuyasha smiled when he saw the look of hope burning in the
golden depths of his brother‘s eyes. “Do you love me?”

The gentle caress of the other’s hand made the demon lord hard exterior relax. He pressed
his cheek into the palm and began purring. Then Sesshomaru got to his knees and hesitantly,
wrapped his one arm around the young demon's waist. “Of course I love you. You are my baby
brother, and I will always love you.” He answered remembering the last conversation they
had so many years ago.

“I love you too Sesshy.” Inuyasha leaned down, planting a kiss on his brother’s lips.

“Do you really love me, little one?”

“Yes I do.” Inuyasha raked his claws through his brother's long silver hair.

“Will you always love me?” Sesshomaru's voice had gone hoarse with emotions as he let a
ghost of a smile touch his lips.

“I will love you until the end of time and even then my love will last for you, forever.”
Vowed the hanyou.

His one hand clutched the wool fabric of Inuyasha‘s tunic. "Inuyasha. My Yasha.
You're . . .alive." Then the floodgate of his emotions burst as he wept against Inuyasha’s
stomach.

Inuyasha knelt before his brother and pulled him into his arms. "I'm alive niisan, and I’m
not going anywhere."

xxxxx

The next morning Sesshomaru awakened to find himself wrapped in the warmth of his brother's
embrace. He smiled as he took in every inch of his brother's beautiful face. It had been
eleven long, torturous, lonely years for him. He gently ran his fingers across the smooth
tan skin of Inuyasha’s face. His fingers traced the curves of his succulent lips. Inuyasha’s
mouth opened slightly revealing his pink tongue. Leaning close to his brother, Sesshomaru
gently pressed his lips against his brother‘s. His tongue softly traced the outline of the
other’s lips only darting in slightly to touch his brother’s tongue. Inuyasha moaned, and
Sesshomaru pulled away just in time to see Inuyasha’s tongue slip out of his mouth to lick
his soft lips.

Smiling, he snuggled deeper into the embrace of his younger brother. Sighing in contentment,
he was about to go back to sleep when he heard giggling. Raising his head, he saw the two
cat demons watching and snickering at them.

"You lovebirds want us to leave you alone," said Ashanta giggling.

Sesshomaru heard a growl coming from beneath him. "Shut up," snapped Inuyasha
sitting up. Then he looked into his brother's eyes. "Ohayou Gozaimasu."

"Ohayou Gozaimasu, otouto," said Sesshomaru looking into those beautiful golden
orbs of his young brother. His heart was now beating in his throat. His youkai screamed to
him to kiss the lovely creature sitting before him. He couldn't. It wouldn't be right. They have been apart for too long for him to take such liberties. So, instead of giving in to his youkai and kissing the beautiful creature, he pulled away getting to his feet. He walked over to the fire and sat down. He did not see the look of hurt on his younger brother's face when he turned from him. Sesshomaru looked around camp. "Where are father and Jaken?"

“The toad guy went to clean up at the nearby stream,” said Zaine. “As for your father, he
and Sethos have gone hunting.” Zaine frowned at the distress look on his dog brother's face.

"Is that wise, considering Ryuukotsusei is still looking for him," said the demon lord
cocking a delicate brow.

"You needn't worry," said Ashanta. "My mate may look like a delicate female, but he is very skilled at fighting. Your father is safe."

"But still . . ."

"I'll go look for them," said Inuyasha jumping to his feet and running off into the
woods.

Ashanta glared at Sesshomaru while Zaine just looked at him in pity. "You're such
an idiot," snapped Ashanta.

Sesshomaru glared over at the girl. "How dare . . ."

"Don't give us your holier than thou crap. Why didn't you kiss him," she demanded. "He
wanted you to kiss him."

Sesshomaru looked away. "I couldn't."

"Why?" asked Zaine.

"I just couldn't, okay!" He got to his feet and turned from them. After about a minute
of silence, he spoke. "It's been too long. When Inuyasha vowed that he would always
love me, he was just a child of six. Although I knew it was just a childish love, I held
on to his promise as though it was a lifeline for me. I truly loved my brother, and
although he may not have realized it . . . I had given him my heart."

"So what's the problem?" asked Ashanta gently.

"The problem is he was six when he said those things. He is a grown man now. He may
not feel the same way towards me as I do about him."

"And how do you feel towards our brother?" asked Zaine.

"In China, when I was told he was alive, I thought my heart would burst with love and
joy." He sighed and turned to stare into the fire. "After I was told he had drown
in the sea, my very world came tumbling down around me. I never wanted to love again. It
hurt too much when the person you gave your heart and soul to is taken away from you." He
stared up at the two young cat demons. "Besides, although the child Inuyasha loved me,
the grown up Inuyasha may not."

"So, you are afraid of being reject by the one you love," said Ashanta. He nodded his
head. “You know what. You maybe right.”

Zaine frowned, looking at his sister. She turned to her brother and winked at him. “Once
this battle with the dragon is over with, Kumo should return to Africa with us. After all, our older brother loves him very much, and wants Kumo to be his mate.”

“Never!” growled the demon lord as his eyes flashed red. “I’ll never let anyone take him
from me again. He is mine! You hear me! MINE!”

Both Zaine and Ashanta smiled at the feral look on his face, the possessiveness in his
golden eyes, and both nodded their heads in approval.

"Listen, will you promise us something?" asked Zaine.

"It depends," said Sesshomaru sitting across from them.

"We rescued your father. You are indebted to us," said the female smiling.

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes at the two young cat demons. "So you did. Very well, what
is it you want?" he asked finally.

"We love Kumo very much, and we want to see him happy. We would like for you to tell all
this to him," said Zaine smiling. "I’m pretty sure you did not see his face when you
wouldn't kiss him. He was hurt. He probably thinks you don’t love him anymore.”

“That’s foolish. I would do anything for him.”

“But Kumo doesn’t know that,” said Zaine crossing his arms across his chest. Then he sighed. “Listen, for as long as we have known him, his dreams have been plagued by images of only you."

"Of . . . me?" He stared at the demons in shock. "But I thought . . ."

"It is not our story to tell," said Ashanta smiling. "Please talk to him. Tell him
everything you told us, and he shall tell you what is in his heart."

Sesshomaru stared at the two demons for a while before he smirked saying. "You two
really do care for him."

"Of course we do," said Zaine looking offended. Then his face became deadly serious. "But
if you do anything to cause him pain."

"We will make you suffer like you never have before," swore Ashanta.

Sesshomaru cocked a brow. "Is that a threat?"

"No, it's a promise." Ashanta smiled, stood up and ran to greet her mate coming out of the
forest with Inuyasha, Inutaisho and Jaken. "Welcome back brave hunters. What did you get?"

“My lord,” Jaken squawked when he saw Sesshomaru up and sitting around the fire. He ran
over to Sesshomaru, babbling about nothing of importance. Everyone rolled their eyes.

"Fish," said Sethos holding up their catch.

"Ugh, fish? Couldn't you have gotten some real meat. That's something you would feed to
the . . .dogs.” She laughed at the playful growls coming from both Inuyasha and Inutaisho.

"Then you won't get any," said Inuyasha walking past her.

"Hey, come on, I was only kidding," She walked up behind him and jumped on his back. He
carried her back to camp while his father and Sethos followed them.

xxxxx

Ryuukotsusei was in a black mood. The demon nearly destroyed the entire palace
in his rage. With each report coming in that they could not find a trace of the
dog lord, his mood became darker and darker.

Kneeling before the dragon lord were the Thunder Brothers, Hiten along with his ugly
toad face brother, Maten.

"Well, did you find them?" demanded the dragon.

"No my lord, we still have found no trace of their whereabouts," said Hiten lowering
his head.

“But, it shall only be a matter of time before we find them, oh great dragon lord,” said
Maten keeping his head bowed low.

The dragon growled, slamming his fist against the armrest of the throne. "Double your
efforts! I want that mangy dog and those bastards found!"

“Yes, my lord,” said the brothers bowing once more, and stood up.

"That won't be necessary," said Naraku walking into the chamber with Kanna behind
him. They stood beside the Thunder Brothers. "We have found them."

Ryuukotsusei jumped from his seat and rushed to the crimson eyes demon. "Where is he! Show
me!"

Kanna held up her mirror. He watched as the swirling mist slowly disappeared to reveal his
prey. The dragon growled in fury as his old nemesis was happy and smiling, and his wounds
were healed. He watched with venomous eyes as the small group packed up their belongings and
were about to leave.

xxxxx

After their meal, they had gathered their things, and was walking into the forest
when Ashanta stopped. She could feel the hairs on the back of her neck rising. "What
is it, Ashanta?" asked Inuyasha turning to face her. The others had stopped also. The
young female bend down to pick up a rock.

"It seems that we have an audience," said Ashanta smirking. "I know you can hear me. I
suggest you cease your spying." Inuyasha, Zaine and Sethos immediately became alert. While
Inutaisho, Sesshomaru and Jaken stared at each other puzzled. Sesshomaru raised his nose
into the breeze sniffing it, but he smelt nothing.

"Who are you talking to?" asked Sesshomaru frowning.

"Shush," said Inuyasha. "Ashanta has an acute ability where she can sense magic when in use."

"Well, it seems that they want to learn the hard way about spying," said Ashanta
smiling. The rock glowed a bright yellow. "SHATTER!" She yelled and turned throwing the
stone at nothing. Sesshomaru, Inutaisho and Jaken gasped as they heard the rock hit
something. Long thin cracks appeared in the clearing they had just left.

Sesshomaru stared in shock. "It's like a mirror breaking." Jaken stumbled back falling to
the ground gawking. Inutaisho was impressed with the girl’s talent.

"Kumo. Zaine." It was all she said as the two teens sprung into action. Taking to the air
and doing a spinning kick, hitting the crack she had already made, the scene before them
shattered like glass. Then everything was back to normal.

"Well that takes care of the spies," said Sethos. "I suggest we get going before we
have the company of dragons." Nodding in agreement, they turned and disappeared into the
forest.

xxxxx

Ryuukotsusei as well Naraku, Kanna and the brothers was shocked when the mirror shattered
sending tiny slivers of glass to slash them across the face. Ryuukotsusei was furious as he wiped blood from his cheek. "Why those filthy wretches!" the dragon seethed. "I want their
heads! You hear me Naraku!"

"Of course Lord Ryuukotsusei, but it would do no good to go after them now," said Naraku
wiping blood from the cut under his right eye. "They are back within the safety of the
woods where Sesshomaru’s army is hidden."

"Are you saying you are afraid of a pack of mongrels." Hiten sneered tossing the long braid
behind his back . "I expected better from you, Naraku."

Naraku snorted. “I am not afraid, but I am also not a fool. If we followed them into the
forest where their army is waiting. They will most certainly ambush us.”

“It sounds to me like you are afraid,” said Maten smirking.

“You are as stupid as you are ugly,” said Naraku narrowing his eyes in disgust at the
youngest of the Thunder Brothers. Both brothers growled at the red eyed demon. “Fools, the forest is their territory. They would be able to fight more effectively there then we would. It's best to wait until they come here.”

Hiten scoffed and raised his two prong jagged staff. “You maybe afraid to fight them in the
forest, but I am not. With my power to control the lightning, I could easy destroy the
forest.”

“I see stupidity runs in your family. Have you forgotten how they turned Kagura’s attack
back on her, and then buried her beneath the earth.”

“That’s only because she is weak,” said Maten rubbing his large bald head.

Naraku smirked. “You should consider yourself lucky Kagura isn’t here to hear you say
that, boy. She just might have taken offense. But if you think you can defeat them, be my
guest. “

“That’s enough,” said Ryuukotsusei glaring at the three demons.

“My lord, let Maten and myself go,” said Hiten. “We shall bring back the dog demon and
those fools that challenged you.”

“You have my permission.” Then the dragon’s eyes flashed white. “If you fail, you better
hope they kill you because if you come back here, I shall make you both wish that they had.”

“Yes, my lord. We shall not fail you.” Hiten turned to Naraku with a smug smirk on his face
before walking out along with his brother.

“Fools, they don’t stand a chance,” spat Naraku.

“Doesn’t matter. If they are stupid enough to go up against an enemy they know nothing
about. Then we do better to have them out of the way.”

“So true,” said Naraku. “Anyway, I didn’t want to follow them, because they would have
come back here to face us.”

"Are you so certain of that?"

"Of course, they will come. You still hold the west. They will come to take it back, and
once they get here . . ."

"Once they get here," said the dragon smiling. "Inutaisho will be mine once again as well
as those four little fucks that escaped with him."

And if everything goes as predicted. All your strength and powers will be mine. The dark
demon bowed, turned and smiled evilly as he walked out of the room followed by Kanna.