The Sacred Trees

Thanks, Thanks, Thanks everyone for the mega support and the reviews. I LOVE all the reviewers soooo much. I am Real sorry I cant respond to the reviews in this chappie, am going to Turkey for a conference/holiday next week and have a LOT of work to catch up with so am pressed for time.

I have however edited ALL the earlier chapters in this story and am now reposting them (not yet posted here done in other fan..fic site.:). Some slight improvements to the story has been made, but the plot and stuff have not been changed at all. Hopefully this will make for better reading for everyone.

Coming close to the end of Sacred Trees, sigh.... ah well. Such is life. :)

So do enjoy.

Read, REVIEW and Enjoy.

Chapter 31 : The Battle is Joined

The silence stretched out on the ice flats. Nothing seemed to move, only small puffs of breathe could be seen at random intervals on the unforgiving islands. 2 huge icebergs with a series of small ice bergs created a natural straits, where the Japanese alliance would force the incoming army to surface. A strange tension filled the air, each individual was ready, no energy was wasted in words, they all knew their parts, now all they could do was wait.

Sesshoumaru, the Dragon Lord, The Feline Lord, and the Lightning Lord were as statues tall and still, they dominated the highest point in the battle field. Kouga stood with the main heavy army (Dragon and main Canine warriors) on the right Ice burg; Dionne with the Canadian army and the felines took the left ice burg. Both forces occupied the lower flats where the close combat fighting of forces would take place. The lighting demons stood spread out on the higher flats, they were to provide the ranged attacks for the army. Raining death in the form of lightning bolts. The winged army stood beside them waiting for Shippo's signal to take to the air.

The Kitsune and humans battalions were hidden among the ice shelves, their role to provide the magic and support; not to directly engage with the enemy. Shippo (also mounted on one of Kilala's descendants) and the Hanyou forces were hidden in the clouds above. From his vantage point Shippo would instruct the Mountain Kitsune still back at the base as to where to focus their magic, coordinate the aerial forces and coordinate the relief effort.

Inuyasha, was with Bunza and the two dozen leopard seal demons that were to bring up the subs. The combined brain power of Sesshoumaru, Kouga and Dionne had finally come up with a way to keep Inuyasha out of trouble for at least 10 minutes (They hoped), they had put Inuyasha in charge of Bunza's safety. He had to lead the effort to bring up the submarines (which was very dangerous, but they could not avoid it) and once they were up, get Bunza back to safety on the base where the non-combatants had support duties to do. Since there was sufficient danger involved and keeping friends safe was Inuyasha's specialty he had not argued -too much, the Hanyou had every intention of coming back to the battle field as soon as he dumped Bunza to safety, that he could do it in a much faster time period then the others expected was not something he intended to tell his mate, he figured he'd just surprise them.

Inuyasha's small team were in a position almost directly opposite from Sesshoumaru's. The small team were at the lowest point of the battle field right at the entry of the straights. The Leopard Seal demons were crouched at the water's edge ready to dive in when given the command, Bunza was nervously checking and double checking the strange devices each seal carried. Inuyasha dressed in his fire rat robes, Tessaiga at his waist stood with his hands tucked into his sleeves, the chilly air tossed his silky sliver hair, head down, ears twitching, Inuyasha sensed the connections around him. He felt the slight energy given off by microbial plankton deep in the icy waters, even here there was life, and the Hanyou was saddened when he could see that even in such a remote place the scars of human progress was damaging the once pristine waters. Still it was salvageable, when this was over the Canines and the Youkai would help return balance to nature.

For now there was another battle to fight. Inuyasha's senses stretched out, he waited for the enemy to arrive.

**

The submarines were 20 clicks away from the ice shelf, Inuyasha gave the order. The Seal demons slipped into the waters, Inuyasha and Bunza, protected by a Tessaiga formed barrier slipped into the waters behind them. The two stayed close to the surface to ensure the proper deployment of the weapons. The seal demons quickly reached the submarines, the Youkai within the subs sensed the demonic presence outside, but as it was weak chose to ignore it. That was a tactical mistake for the history books. The seal demons opened the canisters that they carried and allowed the jelly like substance to cling to the metal of the ships. The seal demons, their parts done quickly swam away, their task now was to cause the glaciers to close behind the subs, to ensure that there was no way out.

As soon as the Seals were safe, Bunza watched the Jelly spread on the subs and slowly change color, from a translucent gray to a bright pink. He looked solemnly at Inuyasha and nodded. Inuyasha drew the Tessaiga once again, it transformed into the the dragon-scale Tessaiga, the Hanyou's powerful Youki burst forth, it swirled around more powerful than a level fire hurricane. Inside the subs, Youkai panicked as the energy recordings went from weak to off the charts. Recording machinery unable to handle the sudden surge crackled and exploded in the subs.

The lead Youkai in the subs, snapped orders and ruthlessly took control. Finally sensing the threat, Torpedoes crafted from machine and magic were sent in the direction of the perceived threat. Inuyasha transformed the sword again, his Youki surge fading as he called forth an underwater wind-scar to destroy the missiles. 20 subs targeted the Hanyou, and he was not a fool, before they could release their second barrage, Inuyasha dragging Bunza behind him was out of the water. The crews of the subs cheered as they had overcome the first threat without having to surface.

The Jelly like substance, still unnoticed, had absorbed the Youki released by Inuyasha. The Jelly turned a bright red, on all the subs they came alive. Faster then imagined, fed by the powerful Youki the Jelly grew and spread. It ate at the hulls of the submarines, absorbing only the synthetic metals on the Subs body. The sensors on the subs, overwhelmed by Inuyasha's earlier Youki, failed to even notice the subtle danger until it was far too late.

The cheers of success turned to shouts of fear and confusion as water rushed into the subs, they had no way to stop a structural failure they did not understand. Baron Damon cursed, he had been out maneuvered. Still, a dangerous smile crossed his lips, he would finally face the Shogun in battle, albeit a little earlier then he planned. Excitement sang in his veins, as he ordered his armada to surface, and be prepared for immediate battle. His forces were well prepared and ready for war, this was his time he knew it. When he defeated the Shogun who had dared to stem the rise of his power and killed the irritating Hanyou, the rest of the world would fall under his dominion with ease.

Baron Damon was calm and in control, his plans were in place. He was going to win this war, it was his destiny he knew it. Curling golden hair tossed on his shoulders, the ice green, hard eyes, gleamed in anticipation of the battle, he donned his royal purple robes and took his place at the hatch of the submarines. He had a surprise of the attacking forces.

Inuyasha holding Bunza, did not stop to see if the plan had worked, he sprang off, with huge leaps the Hanyou sped back to the base. He heard sounds of battle and cursed as he knew he was missing some of the good stuff. Still he did his job, he got to the base; a good half mile away, the Hanyou noticed that Lady Shiba and Lord Koudo was standing on the battlements waiting for him. He grinned as a new idea poppedd into his head. He suddenly stopped reversed his hold on Bunza, who sensing immediate bodily harm began splattering and twisting. But it was no use the Hanyou had a good grip.

"Hey Lords! INCOMING" the irrepressible Inuyasha yelled as he leaned back and flung the Lynx demon, tearing and screaming in fear at the Lords.

"Inuyasha! ARE YOU MAD! NO!" screams from the battlement mixed with Bunza's as they scrabbled to catch the demon that was flying towards them in astounding speed.

There was a huge crash as Bunza hit the other Lords, and they ended up in a messy and undignified heap at the bottom of the battlements. Lady Shiba her dignity totally damaged, cursed a blue streak, promising to punish the Hanyou severely. All the demons watched in amazement, someone managed to capture the whole screen on their mobile camera phone, hiding it quickly before it was discovered. The recording would be sent to the Hanyou after the battle, as he was the only one who could see to its proper dissemination without fear of being poisoned or being dropped from really, really high places.

Inuyasha who had shot back to the battlefield, would be forever grateful as he; focused on battle had missed he climax of his own action.

**

The two dozen submarines, surfaced. The Japanese Youkai had expected that the hatches would open and the army pour out, their movements hindered by the subs. Instead as soon as the subs surfaced, the top half of each sub exploded outwards, catching the ambushers by surprise. Shrapnel spread out, magic barriers were quickly raised. The Japanese warriors were too seasoned to be killed by the barrage, still first blood in the battle went to the attacking armada.

Battle between the heavy forces was joined almost immediately, the fighters of both armies met in a clash of metal and claw. Guns from the subs were trailed on the Japanese army, Shippo gave the signal and the Flying demons took to the air, their targets the guns on the submarines, the lighting Youkai providing cover to the aerialist as well as support to the ground forces. The Kitsune and human forces were hard pressed to keep up the barriers and take their injured men to safety.

Shippo dropped from the skies making lightning attacks, the Hanyou forces held back. Lord Damon had not revealed himself, the 4 Daiyoukais stood unmoving from their vantage point, it was not yet time.

The first wave of attacking demons had been made up of a mix of ape demons, wolverine demons, bear demons and others, there was no sign of the human demons.

A piercing sound suddenly rent the air, a second wave of demons leapt out of the subs, 500 or so human demons with powerful Youki joined the battle. Energy blasts that they released was aimed at the Lightning Youkai who were forced into defensive maneuvers and stopped the ranged support. Then in unison the Human Youkai transformed, a powerful wave of Miko energy swept out. The wave was immediately met by a corresponding wave from the Human forces. Though smaller in number the energy of the humans, were bolstered by that of the mountain Kitsune and the wave of combined energy was able to match that of the the Human Youkai, match but not over power it.

The Youkai caught in the middle of the two waves were forced to the ground, friend or foe it did not matter, the stunning wave of Miko energy paralyzed the fighting forces. This was where the sheer numbers of human Youkai worked to the disadvantage of the Japanese forces. With half the Human Youkai maintaining the wave attack, the other half began to make their way to the immobilized forces. Weapons drawn they began the slaughter the Japanese and Canadian fighters.

Battle cries rent the air, the adamant barrage pierced through the weaker frames of the Youkai in humans form. The Hanyou forces leapt off their mounts and finally joined the battle. The unique mixed blood gave them a level of immunity to the Miko energy and with their defenses intact the Hanyou fell on the Human Youkai's. With whips and scythes as their weapons of choice, the 26 Hanyou were able to take out an average of 7 human Youkai in each of their attacks. Inuyasha tipped the scale and the Hanyou went through the Human Youkai like hot knives through butter.

Hard pressed the Human Youkai transformed back and the Miko wave subsided, the demons on both sides rose as the battle continued. The Human Youkai back in their demonic selves targeted the Hanyous, but before the attack was joined, all the Hanyous save one, leapt up and were caught by Kilala's descendants. Mounting up, the Hanyou took to the skies, to get out of weapon range once again. The aerial forces quickly maneuvered between the Hanyou and the Youkai's attempting to follow. Effectively giving the Half-demons cover in their strategic retreat. The Japanese army had successfully nulled the Human Youkai's greatest attack.

The Human Youkai found the remaining Hanyou, was more then a match for any of them.

Finally unable to stomach his precious human Youkai being killed, Baron Damon and his generals emerged from the Submarines. Powerful Youki filled the air, as the DaiYoukai on both sides finally released their energies. The combatants stopped once again, almost in unison, the armies disengaged and respectfully withdrew. The Leaders of the Armies had taken center stage, the warriors (Yes even Inuyasha, who had been yanked back by Kouga) stepped back to make way for the confrontation.

The four Demon Lords floated down, almost casually. The two ancient enemies met for what would be the first and the last time.

Baron Damon focused on Sesshoumaru. "Well Shogun, it is good to finally make your acquaintance. Rumors of your power and demeanor have proved to be very true. It is extremely fulfilling to meet with such a magnificent foe." He said with a polite Western bow.

Sesshoumaru his face impassive returned the gesture with a polite bow of his own. "Indeed, this Sesshoumaru has been looking forward to this meeting. Lord Baron, it has been most impolite of you to make one wait these many centuries."

"Indeed, I do apologize for the grave oversight. But being Lords we both know that it takes up a great deal of our time and attention, to manage our vast holding." the Baron said seriously. "As the guest to your lands, it is only proper for me to leave the choice of the next event in your capable hands, my dear Shogun, shall we allow this party to continue, or shall we dance?"

"It would be most unbecoming of me to refuse such an invitation, by all means, let's dance." Sesshoumaru''s smile was deadly.

The forces on both sides fell back even further as the two DaiYoukai faced off against each other.

---tbc---

.So what do you think.... review PLLLEEEEAAASSEEE. This is hard writing.