Remember Me

A/N Sorry it took so long. the motherboard of my computer was fried and i had to get
another computer. Anyway thanks to everyone who left such wonderful reviews. and also
thanks to Anon who pointed out i had put up chapter seven twice. Well, i've fixed that mistake
and put up the real chapter seven. sorry about the mix up. but enjoy.


Chapter 22

When Ashanta awakened she groaned as her entire body burned and ached. She tried to
move but was restrained. She glanced at her wrist and saw her mate holding down her arms.

"So, finally awake," said a deep voice somewhere to the right of her.

Turning her head in the direction the voice came from, Inuyasha and Sesshomaru was standing in the corner. Inuyasha walked over to her and knelt down beside her. "So, how are you feeling?" He brushed a few strands of black hair from her face.

"Like someone use me for a battering ram," she said hoarsely with a slight smile.

"So, what happened to you?" asked Sesshomaru.

Inuyasha frowned when he saw the pained expression on his sister's face. "You don't have
to tell us if its too painful."

"It's all right." She took a deep breath. "That Naraku guy wanted to use me against you, but I refused. So, he had me beaten almost into unconsciousness. Then he shaved off four pieces of that jewel. He placed three in my back and one in the two tail's forehead. That's all I remembered."

"You don't remember attacking us?" asked Zaine.

The demoness groan as she banged her head against the pillow. "I was hopping that was a nightmare. Damn it all." She buried her face into the pillow ashamed to look at her friends and mate. "It was like looking at all of you through someone else's eyes. I tried to stop myself, but I had no control over my actions." She groaned again in dispair. "I can't believe how pathetic I am. I let myself get caught and then attacked my family, friends and mate. Gods, you must be disgusted by me."

"Don't be silly," said Sethos leaning down and placing a kiss on her cheek. "We could never be angry or disgusted with you."

"Besides, it wasn't your fault," said Miroku. The monk was sitting on a bench near an opened window beside Sango. The demon exterminator was stroking the tiny cat in her lap.

"Miroku is right. It was those tainted shards Naraku put in your back," said Sango. "He was able to control your mind with them."

"Yeah, well. Anyway, we have to be wary of that demon. I have a feeling that this Naraku is not happy with the current situation. I think he plans on double crossing his master."

"Well, it wouldn't surprise us one bit," said Miroku. "Naraku is treacherous."

"I am ready to begin, my lords," said a strange voice above her. She turned her head to see an elderly dog demon standing over her.

"Begin," said Sesshomaru.

"What's going on?" Ashanta asked.

"Beloved," said Sethos. "The wounds on your back are infected. The healer has to cauterize them before he can heal them."

"Are you ready?" asked the healer.

"No, but I guess I have no choice." She sighed unhappily. Inuyasha tied her hair into a ponytail with a piece of string and laid it across her shoulder out of the way. He gave her a sympatheic smile and went back to his place beside his mate.

The elder demon picked up a clay jar filled with an organe ointment. He rubbed a generous amount over the wounds. Ashanta hissed as the ointment burned her already raw back. "This will help with the pain a little."

The healer walked over to the fireplace and removed a dagger from the flames. The blade was white hot as he walked over to his patient. "Make sure you hold her steady."

Both Zaine and Sethos grunted their acknowledgment and held her down tightley. Then the
healer placed the tip of the blade against an ugly enflammed, pus filled lash on her back. As the blade sliced through the infected flesh, Ashanta screamed in agonizing pain. She dug her claws deep into her palms piercing the skin. Sethos began to whisper words of endearment into her ears, but the pain was terrible. Tears welled up in her eyes falling down her cheeks as she arched her back away from the searing blade. Her already sore throat became raw from screaming. Blood trickled down the corner of her mouth. A yellowish pus oozed from the wounds as some of Naraku's poisonous misama rose out of her body. Inuyasha gasped in horror as he watched the crystal tears that fell from his sister's eyes turned into a purplish black like Naraku's misama. He truly hoped that this was her body's way of exspelling the foul poison from her body. As the healer sliced into another infected wound, Ashanta released a pain filled scream and fainted into oblivion.

xxxxx


It had been three days since they got Ashanta back and Inuyasha was becoming worried. His adoptive sister had yet to awaken. According to the healer, it seems that Naraku's misama
is still in her body and nothing the healer does seems to be working. All they could do now is wait and hope that Ashanta's own healing abilities will take care of the poison.

Inuyasha sat on a branch in a tall, tree. With his back resting against the trunk of the tree, he stared up at the big fat silver blue moon. He was amazed at how peaceful looking up at the full moon made him feel.

"So, what are you thinking about, otouto?"

Inuyasha looked down to see Sesshomaru standing beneath the tree looking up at him. He
smiled and turned his gaze back to the moon. He felt the branch dip as his mate settled
beside him in the tree.

"I was thinking about my adoptive family and about how selfish I'm being by placing them in the middle of a war that is not theirs to fight."

"Well, there is nothing you can do about it," said Sesshoamru raising his hand to brush a strand of hair out of Inuyahsa's face. "Those three are determined to fight along side you."

"I know. That is why I think we should gather our forces and attack the dragon tomorrow," said Inuyasha sitting up. He inched over to his mate and rested his head against the elder demon's shoulder.

"Are you sure about this otouto?"

"Yeah. I don't want to have them hurt anymore than they already are."

"You know they will not agree to be left behind."

"I know. That is why I told the healer to place some sleep incense in their rooms," said Inuyasha. "I told him to make sure to keep the incense going until we return."

"Very well, but are you sure about attacking tomorrow," said Sesshoamru. "Are you sure you will be able to utilize the tetsusaiga's power."

"Of course. I have been training with father."

"How? I know about the Wind Scar, but how were you able to practice with the Backlash Wave? According to what father told me about it. You would have to be up against a very powerful demon in order for that attack to work."

Inuyasha sat up and turned away from his mate. ‘Should I tell him. He will be so mad with me, but he should know.’ Inuyasha was brought out of his thoughts by his brother's voice.

"Who have you been using the Backlash Wave on, Inuyasha?" Sesshomaru was beginning to have an unsettling feeling. /No, he wouldn’t dare./ "Tell me otouto."

Inuyasha placed a finger in his mouth and began nibbling nervously on his nail. Suddenly Sesshomaru eyes widened in anger. "Inuyasha, please tell me that you have not been practicing on father with that attack," he demanded as his eyes flashed red.

"Well, he told me to do it," Inuyasha said in a small voice.

"Dammit Inuyasha! What possessed you to use the Backlash Wave against father!" The elder demon yelled at his brother.

"He told me." Inuyasha cringed away from his angry mate. "He told me that next to Ryuukotsusei, he was the most powerful demon in the land, and that if I wanted to defeat the dragon I would have to use it against him."

Sesshomaru stared incredulously at his brother. He could not believe what he was hearing. Then he exhaled a deep breath and hung his head shaking it from side to side. How could his brother be so naive? “That was very irresponsible of you, otouto. Father could have been seriously hurt.” /Or worse, killed./

Inuyasha flattened his ears against his head and began to nuzzle his nose agaisnt his
angry mate's neck. A soft apologetic whine came from the younger demon's throat. Sesshomaru sighed and wrapped his arm around his brother's waist pulling him close.

"I'm sorry, brother," said Inuyasha.

"It's all right," said Sesshomaru. "Father wasn't hurt so everything worked out fine in the end."

"That was because father knew how to counter the Backlash Wave." He inhaled his brother's scent. The scent of jasmine clung to his skin, and he just had to taste him. His tongue slipped out of his mouth to taste the skin along his brother’s neck. Sesshomaru moaned and shivered from the contact. He closed his eyes and let his hand roam inside the younger demon's haroi. Closing his fingers onto a hardened nipple, Inuyasha moaned as he began to nip at his brother's neck.

Sesshomaru's eyes rolled back into his head as his mate began to suck and nip at his neck. He could feel his body hardened in anticipation. Then he remembered that they still had things to discuss. Placing his hand on Inuyasha's shoulder, he gently shoved the enticing hanyou away from him. The soft whine coming from his brother almost made him change his mind about continuing their talk, but it had to be done.

Clearing the fog of lust that was starting to cloud his mind, Sesshomaru went back to their conversation.

"Reallly?" He cleared his throat and pulled Inuyasha close to him. "How did he do it?"

"Sorry, but he made me promise not to tell anyone. Not even you," said Inuyasha as he laid his head onto his brother's shoulder. "He said he didn't want the enemy to know. Remember, they do have a way of finding things out."

"Very well, I shall let it go for now." He kissed the top of Inuyasha's head. "Anyway, are you sure about the attack tomorrow?"

"Yes, I am posistive. The west has been in the hands of Ryuukotsusei for far too long. It is time for the rightful ruler to take back the land."

"Very well, but tell the healer to place some of those incense into our parents room," said
Sesshoamru. "Although he does not say anything. I know that his time as the dragon's prisoner has affected him."

"You're right. I'll go tell the healer right now," said Inuyahsa. He pressed his lips against his mate's lip in a tender kiss. Then he jumped down out of the tree. "You go and prepare everyone to leave."

xxxxx

Naraku sat by an opened window gazing at the dog brothers through Kanna's mirror. The spider demon smirked as he looked away from the mirror to stare up at Kagura. "Finally,
they are going to attack the castle tomorrow." Kageroumaru sat curled up beside Naraku with his head in the dark hair demon's lap. "At last, my plan shall come together. After years of waiting, Ryuukotsusei shall finally meet his demise."

"Are you so sure about this," said Kagura slapping her fan into her palm. "His people doesn't call him the dragon god for nothing. Even with the help of the jewel, you still could not defeat him."

"True but this will be my chance to take Ryuukotsusei out of the picture for good." He began to stroke Kageroumaru's hair like a pet cat. "Once the dragon is out of the way, all of Japan will be mine for the taking."

"Or Ryuukotsusei could be setting a trap for you. He may already know of your treachery and just waiting for the right time to kill us all for betraying him."

Naraku scoffed. "That fool dragon has been so occupied with getting Inutaisho back that he hasn't had time to concentrate on anything else."

Kagura just turned away in disgust. Naraku narrowed his crimson eyes at the wind witch. "And Kagura." He said drawing her attention back to him. She arched a delicate brow in question. "If you even think about betraying me to Ryuukotsusei." He held out his hand and a beating organ appeared in his palm. Kagura’s eyes widened as she stared at her own thumping heart. Closing his fingers around it, he squeezed it tight. Kagura fell to her knees clutching her chest where her heart should be. "I won't hesitate in killing you on the spot." Then it disappeared. "Now come, we must go and tell our 'master' that the dogs of japan are coming with their teeth bared."

xxxxx

It was three hours after sunrise as the army of the young dog lord prepared their weapons for battle. In a tent that was erected for the lord and his commanders, they were arguing about a strategy that would defeat the dragon and his allies. As Inuyasha and his two human friends walked into the tent, all arguing ceased for the moment.

"Why didn't you wake me ?" asked Inuyasha irritated.

"You tossed and turned all night," said Sesshomaru. "I thought it wise to let you sleep a while longer."

Inuyasha grunted not sure if he actually believed his brother. "So, what are you doing?"

"We're trying to come up with a plan that will defeat the dragon," said Yoko, "but we have
yet to come up with anything feasible."

"How about using a strategy that the lion demons in Africa used. It is called the bull." The hanyou picked up a stick and drew two arches in the dirt. "We use our strongest and fastest to flank the enemy. They are the horns." Then he drew a rectangular beneath the arches. "This is the body. We use the experience warriors to lead the attack, and the young warriors are the loin. They will be the reserve." He etched a square beneath the rectangle.

"That's a sound piece of stragety," said Master Kei stroking his chin. "And you say this comes from the lions that raised you."

"Yes, it was used against the hyenas and jackals," said Inuyasha. "We won the battle that day."

"Well, what do you all think?" asked Sesshomaru looking to his commanders.

"I say we do it," said Koga. "We wolves are the fastest. We will be the horns."

"Agreed." Sesshoamru turned to the others. "I shall lead the main body along with Master
Kei, Shirow and Yoko. Inuyasha, your friends and Rin shall lead the reserves."

Inuyasha was about to protest when his brother shot him a scathing look. Inuyasha shrinked away from the icy glare. Just then a young demon stepped into the tent. He whispered into Yoko's ear and then left.

"My lord, everyone is ready and waiting," said the fox demon.

"Good, then its time to remove Ryuukotsusei from the throne." He turned to Inuyasha. "Come brother, our destiny awaits."

xxxxx

It was a little after midday as everyone waited patiently within the forest that surrounds the palace. Koga and his wolves were already dispatched to take up their position. While the battle hardened, expierence warriors all waited for their lord to come out of his tent. Inuyasha was arguing with his brother.

"This is not fair," said Inuyasha helping Sesshomaru into his armor. Normally, Jaken would help him with his armor, but since the hanyou growled at the little threatening him. Jaken felt it prudent to let his lord's mate help and left quickly before the hanyou took his head off. "I don't see why I can't come with you."

"You are needed here to lead the reserves," said Sesshomaru straightening the spiky armor and picking up Tokijin. He slipped the sword into his obi.

"If you think I don't have any experience fighting. You are wrong." Inuyasha crossed his arms across his chest.

"You cannot change my mind, otouto." He raised his hand and cradled Inuyasha soft cheek. "Please, stay here and lead the reserves. Besides, if we should find ourselves outnumbered by the enemy and becoming tired. It will be up to you to rescue us."

Inuyasha sighed in defeat. Sesshomaru reached up and fondled one of the puppy ears. Inuyasha purred as he leaned into the caress. "Here," said Sesshomaru handing tenseiga to the stunned hanyou.

Inuyasha stared up at him puzzled.

"The sword will be of no use to me in battle." He placed his hand on the hilt of his other sword. "Besides, I have Tokijin."

The half demon growled as he shoved the sword back into his mate's hand. "Do you take me for a fool. Father has already told me that Tenseiga not only brings the dead back, but it also will protect you from danger."

"You will need it more than I."

"The hell I will!" the hanyou raged. "You see this. This is made from the fire rat. I'm sure you remember as a child I use to always wear this. Father gave this to me last night. It was his when he was younger. Plus, I have tetsusaiga. I neither want nor need tenseiga to protect me." He took the life giving sword from his brother and placed it at his side beneath Tokijin. "I shall lead the reserve brother, but only if you take Tenseiga with you."

"Very well otouto, you win." He pulled the half demon against his chest and pressed his lips against his young mate's lips in a passionate kiss. As he pulled away, Inuyasha cupped his brother's cheek.

"Please be careful and come back to me safe, my beloved."

"I promise." Sesshomaru kissed him once more and walked out of the tent. Rin offered him Ah and Un to ride. He thanked her and mounted the twin headed dragon. The dragon made its way to the head of the army. Then Sesshoamru lead his men out of the forest. He turned and smiled as he saw his mate standing in one of the trees watching him.

Then he turned his attention back to the demons that stood facing him across the battlefield. "RYUUKOTSUSEI! TODAY IS THE DAY YOU AND ALL WHO FOLLOWS YOU, DIE! FOR THE FREEDOM OF THE WEST! ATTACK!"

And as the two opposing armies charged each other and collided in battle. Inuyasha watched clutching his hand over his heart as his beloved fought to free their home from the vile dragons.

"Be careful," he whispered.