Remember Me

Chapter 17

Sesshomaru walked in front of the group lost in thought. His mind kept going back
to what the teens told him. /Maybe they are right. I should tell Inuyasha. / He turned to see his brother silently walking with the girl on one side and the boy on the other. He would answer them if asked a question but said nothing else. His brother seemed to be depressed. At that moment Inuyasha raised his eyes to stare into Sesshomaru’s eyes. In those wide golden eyes, what he saw made his heart thump violently against his chest. Was that love he saw in his brother’s eyes? He turned around to stare ahead of him. His mind was racing a mile a second. He also saw pain in those lovely orbs. /Were they right? Could my little Yasha still be in love with me, even after all this time? / Sesshomaru smiled. /But there was pain in your eyes also, brother. Do not worry. I shall make those beautiful eyes of yours smile again like they use to when you were young. /

Just then, his father walked up beside him. "I can guess what that smile is about." He smiled also.

A slight pinkish color stained his cheeks. "I'm so happy Inuyasha is alive."

"As we all are," said Inutaisho placing an arm around his eldest son’s shoulders.

"Father, I must speak to you about something of great importance?"

"Of course." He frowned at his son.

While father and son spoke quietly. Inuyasha watched the two closely. More likely, he watched his elder brother closely. He sighed, as he paid no attention to what Ashanta or Zaine was saying.

"So, brother are you happy to be reunited with your family?" asked Zaine.

"Yeah," he said unhappily not truly listening.

Zaine stared at his sister worried. "You think I should grope your brother‘s butt?"

"Yeah." He frowned suddenly turning to stare at his sister. "What?"

She laughed. "You weren't paying attention to what we were saying."

"Of course not, he was too busy paying attention to his brother’s ass,” teased Zaine. "What were you thinking of brother?"

Inuyasha sighed and looked away. "It's Sesshomaru. I don't think he loves me. I thought that when I returned everything would return to the way it was. I should have known my brother's feelings towards me would have changed. I have been away for far too long. His heart has moved on."

“Well, isn’t that a good thing?” asked Ashanta.

“No, it’s not.” Inuyasha huffed.

“But, you were just a child then,” said Zaine frowning. “If you want things to go back the way they were?” He hesitated a second scratching his head trying to get his thoughts out right. “Wouldn’t he only love you in a brotherly way?”

Inuyasha stopped in his tracks so suddenly that Jaken bumped into the back of his legs. The toad fell backward landing on his back.

“Say something when you are going to stop like that,” squawked the toad. Then he walked around the group to catch up with his lord.

“Is everything all right?” asked Sethos standing beside his mate.

“Yes, go on ahead,” said Ashanta smiling. “We’ll be right behind you.” He kissed her on the cheek and went to catch up with the others. “Well.” She turned her attention back to her dog brother.

His shoulders slumped, and he hung his head in defeat. “You’re right. I don’t want him to think of me as just his baby brother.” He sighed in defeat. “But for all I know, he may have a mate now.”

“I don’t think so,” said Zaine. “The toad guy would have said so. Remember, he said that one demoness wanted him to be her mate, but he told her she was unworthy. You still have a chance.”

“I don’t know.” Inuyasha began to nibble on his lower lip uncertain.

The two cats stared at their brother smirking. "So, are you going to give up on him?"
asked Zaine.

"I don't know. What if he rejects me? What if all he just wants to be is my brother?" Inuyasha stared at his brother's back and sighed longingly. "What if I am no longer in his heart like I was before?"

"What ever do you mean, brother?" asked Ashanta.

"When I was six, I use to always tell him how much I love him and that when I get older, I would be his mate. I know that he probably didn't think I meant it, but it was never like that for me. I truly loved him. All I ever wanted was for him to love me the way I loved him."

"Now you think since you've been away for so long, he’s not even considering you as a mate?" asked Zaine.

"Yeah." He lowered his head. "I'm so afraid. I don't know if I could live without him by my side."

"Oh my brother," said Ashanta. She placed her arm around his shoulders, and he rested his head against her shoulder. "If this is who you want. Then you should fight tooth and nail to get him back. Remember, this is your happiness. You should go to you brother and tell him. Confess your feelings to him. Tell him everything you told us. You just might be surprised by what he has to say."

"I'm scared. What if he . . ."

"You'll never know until you ask him," said Zaine. "And if he should turn away from you. We will always be here for you. You could always come back with us. You know, Ngbaka would not hesitate in making you his mate."

"I know, but would it be right to be with him when my soul and all my love belongs to Sesshomaru?" He lifted his head from her shoulder.

"Well, I see two things you can do. One, you can hang around here sulking and never tell
your brother your feelings, and be alone for the rest of your life. Or two, you can throw out your chest, hold your head up high and tell him what is in your heart," said Ashanta.

"You should go for the second one. If he rejects you then at least you will know you have tried." Zaine
threw his arms around Inuyasha shoulders also.

"But remember Kumo, in the end, the decision to tell your brother you love him is up to you," said Ashanta. "Don't be afraid to take chances brother. You know we will always be here when you need us."

"Thanks guys,” Inuyasha said smiling. “I will take your advice. I promise, I will tell him the first chance we have alone.”

xxxxx

Suddenly they came to a stop. Sesshomaru raised his nose to the breeze sniffing. Just then, someone staggered out from behind a bush falling to the ground. They ran to the injured demon. Kneeling around him, Jaken gawked, "It is Commander Yoko.”

Yoko opened his glazed eyes to stare into the distorted vision of his lord.

"Commander, what happened?" asked Sesshomaru shaking the fox demon. The demon was
badly hurt, and had scorched marks over his face and body.

He clutched the silky material of Sesshomaru’s haori, and pulled the demon lord’s face close to his. "My lord. They attacked . . . from the sky,” he said panting and gasping for air. “The ones known as . . . the
thunder . . .bro-thers." He turned away gagging and coughing up blood. "You must . . .hurry before . . ." His eyes closed as his hands loosened and fell to the ground.

“Yoko!” Sesshomaru almost yelled as he shook the unconscious fox demon. “Yoko!”

“You will get no more answers from him,” said Sethos crouching down beside the dog demon lord. “He is wounded and needs to be taken care of first.” He grabbed one of Yoko’s arms, and slung the demon across his shoulders. “Something terrible has happened. I suggest we get to your encampment, quickly.”

"Right," said Sesshomaru taking off into the woods. Inutaisho picked up Jaken, and
they all followed the young dog demon lord.

They came to a stop on a low cliff looking down into a valley where Sesshomaru
army was situated and stared in horror. They watched as the two demons hovered above
his army. One sat upon a cloud while the other was using wheels to fly as they continued to attack his scattering forces with their lightning attacks. Sethos had placed the unconscious fox demon on the ground.

"No, this can't be happening," said Sesshomaru in disbelief.

"We won't let them die," said Inuyasha stepping beside his brother.

"Let's go, Kumo," said Sethos leaping off the cliff. Suddenly his demon form began to change. His long hair became spiky. At the tip of his tail and pointed ears little flames danced above them. His body became long and lean, and his nose became flat with whiskers. Once the transformation was completed, Sethos had taken on his cat form. Inuyasha jumped off the cliff onto the huge red cat's back. A dark brown aura appeared around him as he raised his hands.

Just as Hiten sent another bolt of lightning at the retreating forms, the earth rose up arching over the men protecting them from the attack. Hiten turned to see the huge cat coming straight for him. He moved a little too slow, and the paw of the cat sliced him across the face. Then Inuyasha and Sethos landed on top of the arch protecting the men below.

"Brother!" Sesshomaru said in awe. Inutaisho was just as shock to see his son using magic. "But how?"

"He was trained by the dragons of Ethiopia," said Ashanta smiling. "Just as he is a member of our Pride of lions. He is also a member of the dragons, and as such was taught their magic."

"Why are we standing here while Kumo and Sethos are having all the fun," said Zaine.

"You're right. Let's go brother." The girl jumped off the cliff.

"Right behind you, sister." Zaine leaped off following her. The two dog demons and toad watched as the lions ran out onto the battlefield.

"So, you've finally decided to show yourselves," said Hiten smiling and wiping the blood from his cheek. "Ryuukotsusei will be pleased when we bring you back to him."

"Although, he never said in what condition to bring them," said Maten laughing.

"You are so right, brother."

"Hah! It will take someone better than a jerk and an ugly toad to take us captive," spat
Ashanta.

Maten became angered. "Why you wench!"

"You're just an ugly fat toad with no hair." She taunted and laughed. "I bet the women leaps to their death when they see that ugly face."

"You . . .You . . .Bitch!" Suddenly a ball of lightning appeared in the demon's mouth as he sent the blast down at Ashanta, she reached into her pouch and pulled out a diamond-encrusted dagger.

Everyone watched in horror as the girl stood there and took the full blast head on. There was no way the girl could have survived such a devastating attack. However, as they continued to watch, they stared in awe as not only was the lion demoness still alive. She had control of Maten's attack.

Spinning the dagger above her head, she turn the attack into a wheel of destruction. "Hey ugly, my mother taught me that I should always return things when I am finished with it. So, I think this belongs to you." She slung the wheel of lightning at the demon. Maten widened in terror as the attack struck the cloud he was sitting on, disintegrating it.

Maten fell from the sky screaming. As he was falling down, Zaine was coming straight for him ejecting his long, sharp claws. "Iron Reaver Soul Stealer!" He sliced the toad demon across his throat. Turning in mid air, he sliced his arm open, and dipped his hand into his own blood. "Blades of Blood!"

Just as the toad hit the ground, the sharp blades rained down on him cutting his body in half. "MATEN!" yelled Hiten going to his brother's side. He knelt beside his brother and held the top half in his arms. Tears fell from his eyes. Then he turned to glare at the four strangers. His eyes were red with rage. "You killed my brother! I'll kill you all!"

He got to his feet, grabbed his staff and thrust it towards them sending a bolt of lightning at them. They jumped out of the way.

"Are you all right, Ashanta?" asked Sethos helping his mate to stand. She nodded and watched the last of the Thunder Brothers take to the air.

"What now?" asked Zaine as he and Inuyasha ran over to join them.

"Well, it's the wheels on his feet that is keeping him air borne," said Ashanta. "We need to get him on the ground to beat him."

"Heads up!" yelled Zaine. Another blast came at them and again, they dodged it. "This guy is really starting to work on my last nerve."

"What say we take him out," said Sethos. "Ashanta and Kumo can take care of the wheels. Zaine and I shall take it from there."

"Hey, why can't you two take out the wheels," said Ashanta.

"Because we're not the ones that can use magic," said Zaine.

"Uh, you guys want to work this out fast because here he comes again," said Inuyasha. They all jumped out of the way, as the lightning attack came at them.

"Let's end this now," said Ashanta. She broke away from the group and threw her dagger at Hiten.

"You!" Hiten snarled. He thrust the staff at her, and the attack engulfed her in its power. Nevertheless, her dagger struck one of the wheels shattering it. He fell to the ground. Landing on his feet, he watched as the others went to their fallen comrade.

"Ashanta!" yelled Sethos. The three men knelt around her still form. Sethos took her into his arms and buried his face against her neck. "No, you can't be dead. You just can't be."

Inuyasha held his head down. In the distance, they could hear Hiten's cruel laughter. Suddenly a deep guttural growl split the silence causing even Hiten to cease his laughing.

"Brother," said Zaine hesitant. "Remember what our teacher taught you. You must control the demon inside you."

His claws became long, jagged dark lavender strips appeared on either side of his face. His eyes bled crimson as long, sharp fangs extended from his mouth. Rising to his feet, he turned to face the Thunder Brother. Moving away from his family, he stood facing Hiten. His growl became feral. He ran towards the startled demon. Hiten raised his staff, and sent attack after attack at the blood lusting dog demon. Inuyasha dodged each attack. He was about a yard or two away when he seemed to disappear before Hiten's eyes, and reappeared right in front of him. The dark haired demon’s eyes widened in horror as he felt the clawed hands of the dog demon go through his chest. “Who . . . are . . . you?” He gurgled out as blood flowed from his mouth. The feral crimson eyes of this mysterious demon was the last thing he saw before the demon pulled his heart out. The lifeless body of Hiten fell to the ground.

Tossing the disgusting organ away, Inuyasha turned and walked back to the others. The jagged strips disappeared. His fangs and claws returned to their normal length. His eyes changed from blood red back to their normal golden tone. He knelt beside his sister and took her in his arms. Suddenly, he felt arms around his shoulders.

"Why so sad, brother?" she said softly. "Have you forgotten who I am."

"Sorry," he said pulling away from her wiping tears from his eyes. “Sometimes, I forget, but will you promise me something.”

“Anything.” She smiled at him.

“Don’t ever put yourself in danger like that again. You know us guys wouldn’t know how to survive without you around.” Inuyasha smiled.

“Whatever you say, brother,” she said hugging him tight. Then he helped her to stand up. Raising her left hand, her dagger flew back into her palm. Putting it back into her pouch, they went to check on the wounded.

Up on the cliff, Inutaisho and Sesshomaru watched the battle in amazement. "That was incredible," said Inutaisho with awe and pride. "Did you see your brother? He was able to control the demon blood in him."

"Yes father, I saw," said Sesshomaru smiling. "It doesn't really surprise me. He is, after all, your son."

"Come let's go help with the wounded." They turned to Yoko, and the fox demon was leaning against a tree watching the battle also. “So, you are awake.”

“Yes, my lord,” said Yoko getting to his feet with a little difficulty, but soon, he was steady. “I just needed time to rest and heal.” He bowed to the elderly dog demon. “Welcome back, Lord Inutaisho.”

“Thank you.” Then they went down to the battlefield.

xxxxx

Naraku sat by an opened window looking out when he saw one of his insect flying in. He stared into the eyes of the large wasp, and through its dark bulbous eyes, he saw everything that happened on the battlefield. He saw the Thunder Brothers attacking the camp. Then the four strangers appeared and killed both brothers.

"I guess that takes care of those fools," said Naraku smirking. "But still, their ability to use lightning could have been useful. Oh well, nothing can be done about it." He motioned to the insect to leave, and it flew out the window.

"So, you were right, after all," said Kagura walking into the room with Kanna coming to stand beside her.

"I'm always right, Kagura. You should know that by now." Then he turned his attention to Kanna. "What about your mirror, Kanna?"

"It will be completed by the end of the day," the girl said in her emotionless tone.

He nodded his head in approval.

"One question," said Kagura. "Are you sure it's wise to double cross the dragon? He's not as stupid as some of the other demons we have come across." Kagura tapped her fan against her lips. “He could prove to be troublesome.”

"Believe me Kagura, I am very aware of how intelligent our 'master' is," said Naraku smiling. "But don't worry. If everything goes as planned Sesshomaru and his little rag tag army will take care of the great Ryuukotsusei for us. And once his powers have become mine, there will be no one alive that can stop me from ruling all of Japan." His sinister laughter echoed in the room.

xxxxx

It took them about an hour to gather up everyone that was killed during the attack. They laid them out side by side. Sesshomaru stared at the fallen men who had come to him to join his cause. "Stand back," said the young demon lord. He grasped the hilt of the Tensaiga and drew the sword from its sheath.

"What is he doing?" Zaine whispered to his brother.

"I have no ideal," said Inuyasha frowning. He leaned towards his father. "Dad, what is Sess going to do?"

"Shhh, just watch," whispered his father.

Sesshomaru stood and watched as the tiny green emissaries from the underworld gathered around the bodies of the fallen. With one mighty swipe, the power of the tensaiga swept over all the fallen soldiers cutting the tiny creatures in half. Then he sheathed his sword and waited. No more than a second later, everyone that was killed in the attack slowly began to breathe, and then their eyes fluttered opened. Staring in bewilderment, they began to rise.

The three cat demons and Inuyasha were amazed, as well as the men that were dead. They looked around in shock. "What happened? asked one demon.

"I thought . . .weren't we dead?" a human asked looking at his body that should have been burned beyond recognition.

"You were dead," said another demon helping the soldier to stand. "But Lord Sesshomaru pulled you all back from the gate of death."

All the men looked at Sesshomaru in wonder and awe. They fell to their knees and bowed to him. Inutaisho smiled. He knew that these men, human and demon, would follow his son into hell if he asked them to.

"Look, it's Lord Inutaisho," said one of the demons. Everyone cheered at the return of the elder dog demon lord.

"Thank you, but I still would have been a prisoner if not for our new friends," said Inutaisho pointing to the three cat demons and smiled. "That's not all our new friends has brought us." He wrapped his arm around Inuyasha’s shoulder and pulled him forward. "They have also returned to us our beloved little prince, Inuyasha."

Everyone stared in shock. Suddenly someone in the back yelled his name. He saw two humans and a demon running up to him.

"Inuyasha!" the young human woman yelled and jumped into his arms. "You're alive."

Inuyasha looked into her face and frowned trying to place her face. "S-Sango?" He asked hesitant not sure if this person was his childhood friend.

"Yes." She wiped the tears from her eyes. “I’m so glad to see you. Things were never the same after we thought you were dead.”

"Do you remember us?" asked a young monk. A young fox demon was standing beside him.

"Miroku." Then he turned to the fox. "Shippo."

The young fox smiled. "It's been a long time Inuyasha."

Inuyasha smiled and opened his arm to bring the other two into his hug with Sango. "You guys. I'm so glad to see you. Wait, where is Kikyo?”

“It’s a long story,” said Sango. “We can tell you later.”

“Okay.” Then he looked at Miroku. "What in the hell are you doing in that monk outfit?"

"I know you're not going to believe this Inuyasha," said Miroku grinning sheepishly, "but I am a monk."

The hanyou stared at the young man as though he came from another world. He turned to his other friends who confirmed what the monk had said. Then he burst out laughing. "What kind of monastery would let a lecher like you into it? Even as a small child, you were a pervert."

"I am deeply wounded by what you said." He feigned hurt. "Never mind about me, what about you? What happened? We all thought you were killed by that dirty dragon."

"I know," said Inuyasha smiling. "I promise you, I will tell you everything, but first I want to see mom."

"Then let's go see your mother," said Inutaisho placing a hand on his shoulder.

xxxxx

Rin and the remaining palace guards stood protectively before a door that held behind it the Lady and her servants. They waited patiently with hands grasping their weapons for the enemy to come. They had witnessed the devastation the Thunder Brothers was causing. She knew that it would only be a matter of time before the demon brothers would come here. She put Izayoi and the servants into a room together where they could be protected. The scent of fear and burnt flesh filled the air as the guards all waited.

"They're here,” whispered a young demon sweating and radiating fear.

"Okay," said Rin unsheathing her sais. "Get ready, we have to protect the Lady."

As the door slowly opened, she was about to give the order to attack when Sesshomaru spoke up. "Hold your attack Rin. It's me."

"Lord Sesshomaru," she said relieved. Everyone exhaled a sigh of relief, and sheathed their weapons.

"Making a last stand, Rin," Sesshomaru said cocking a brow.

"Well, we didn't know what to expect," said Rin. "I thought those two demons would come here to try and hurt the Lady next. So, we were going to buy them time to escape."

"What do you mean?" asked Inuyasha stepping forward.

Rin frowned and turned to Sesshomaru. "Who is this?"

"A present for my wife," said Inutaisho stepping forward. The demons gasped and fell to their knees.

Rin's frown deepened as she stared at the other demons.

"You wouldn't know my father, would you Rin," said Sesshomaru smiling.

"Your . . ." Rin immediately fell to her knees, bowing her head. "Please forgive me."

"It's okay," said Inutaisho smiling. "So Sesshomaru, this is the young lady you were telling me about.”

“Yes, it is father.” He smiled at her. Rin eyes widened in shock. It was the first time she has seen her lord smile in a long time. “Rin, this is my father, Inutaisho.”

“It is an honor to meet you, my lord,” the young woman said still in shock from seeing such an emotion on Sesshomaru’s face. She smiled. She had missed seeing him smile like that. Rin wondered what happened to change her lord.

“I want to thank you for looking out for my eldest all these years,” said Inutaisho.

“It was my pleasure,” said Rin.

He nodded his head. “Now, where is my wife? Is she in that room?"

“No, she and the others are in the secret tunnel waiting. My plan was to make them think that the reason we were protecting this door was because Lady Izayoi was inside,” said Rin.

“I think I understand your strategy,” said Sesshomaru pleased at the plan Rin had come up with. “While they wasted time in an empty room, mother and the others would escape.”

“Yes, my lord. I told her that if we didn't come to get her that she and the others are to escape, and leave the country if they could."

"Leave the country," said Inuyasha startled. "Where would she go?"

"I told her to go to Master Lao in China."

"Yes, Lao would take care of Izayoi," said Inutaisho.

"Well, that won't be necessary Rin, go and get her," said Sesshomaru. "But don't tell her about father. I want it to be a surprise."

"Yes, my lord." Rin bowed and left to bring the Lady and her servants back.

"The rest of you can go back to your duties," said Sesshomaru dismissing the men. The
men bowed to Sesshomaru and Inutaisho and left them alone.

"Come this way." Sesshomaru led them into one of the many sitting rooms.

xxxxx

Ten minutes later, Izayoi walked into the sitting room and stared around. There were three strange cat demons sitting at the table, and her stepson was standing by the window talking to someone. Immediately she noticed the long silver hair of the other person.

"Sesshomaru," said Izayoi hesitantly not daring to hope. She bit her bottom lip as the man turned from the
window. Her eyes widened in joy, and then she ran to her husband. "Taisho." She flung her arms around his neck and hugged him tight. "You're alive. Thank the heavens." She kissed him feverously.

Inutaisho cupped her cheeks pulling her away to stare into her eyes. He smiled. "Even after all these years, you are still the most beautiful woman in the world." He pulled her close and kissed her passionately. When he pulled her away, she was flushed pink from the kiss and his compliment. "So," she said clearing her throat and turning to face the three strangers, "are they the ones that rescued you?"

"Yes, they are."

She smiled sweetly at them and bowed. "Thank you so much for returning my husband."

The three got up and bowed to her. "It was our pleasure. I am Sethos, prince of Egypt. This is my mate, Ashanta and her brother, Zaine." He smiled. "And her other brother, Kumo."

Izayoi frowned as she turned to the sound of an opening door. She stared in speechless shock. She remained rooted to the spot as the young hanyou walked into the room, and smiled at her. Slowly, raising her hands, she walked over to him. Pressing her hands against his cheeks, tears began to fall like rain from her lavender colored eyes. "Inu-Inuyasha?" she said hesitant and then she said his name again, but with more conviction. "Inuyasha." Her hands moved from his cheeks to stroke his hair, and to caress one of his soft dog-ears. There was no denying it. This was her son. She would know her child no matter how old he got.

"Hi mom, I’m home," Inuyasha said softly.

“My baby.” Then she threw her arms around him and held her son close to her while she
continued to cry.