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Power at Hand

By: bluemoonvixen
folder InuYasha › Het - Male/Female › Inu no Taisho/Kagome
Rating: Adult +
Chapters: 9
Views: 18,092
Reviews: 103
Recommended: 0
Currently Reading: 1
Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha, nor make money from this story.
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A Father's False Hatred and Eternal Love

Disclaimer: I do not own the Inu Yasha series nor it’s characters. I’m just writing this plot line. ^^

AN: Sorry for the late update! College has started, so I’ll be slow at replies. But I’m hoping they’ll be worth your wait. ^_^

Thank you, also, to all who reviewed!!! I’m very glad so many people are enjoying this story. ^.^

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Chapter IV: A Father’s False Hatred and Eternal Love

Inuyasha’s band had long started to head back to their destination towards the mountains, having left the ashen village deserted for wandering travelers to discover. Near the foot of the mountain, Inuyasha began to gage just how long it would take the group to reach their destination. His ears twitched in irritation, deciding it would be nice to know at least what his inner instincts were dragging him to. By dusk, Kagome had long complained that her feet hurt, which slowed the group down slightly. At the agreement of Sango and Miroku that their journey deserved a break, the group finally stopped. At least Kikyo can pull her own weight and not whine and complain about her feet hurting or needing a break. Ironically, said golem slid off her perch on Inuyasha’s back, quietly taking a seat near the edge of the river.

The red clad hanyou had long shaken off the disturbing silence of his pack, figuring that they would eventually get used to Kikyo’s presence. After all, Kagome did say she could stay, didn’t she?

Miroku and Sango, on the other hand, would cast worried expressions to their young comrade from time to time, muttering their predictions on the situation. Young Shippo did his best to cheer up the teenager, clearly seeing through her cheerful façade.

“Oh, it’s alright, Shippo! I’m fine, really. Why don’t you come with me to gather some fire wood for the ramen?”

The kitsune smiled and nodded happily, following Kagome into the woods, noting how the woman openly ignored Inuyasha’s bellowing about “being careful”.

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Sesshomaru’s tracking finally led him to a devastated village, his senses allowing him to picture the chaos from the night before. His nose could pick up a multitude of burned and bloody bodies, though it would seem the bodies had been placed into a neat line of graves.

Taking another sniff and blocking out the smell of fire and death, he picked up another scent, only it was very much alive. His eyes narrowed at the familiar smell, knowing the person to have been long gone. So why does this place wreak of my father? Unless…Hmmm…this has the stench of Naraku…

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Sugimi’s eyes were closed in an attempt to get some rest. His hunt for vermin within his cell wasn’t quite as productive as he had liked, but he could slowly feel the results. A clanking of metal against metal could be heard in the background, signaling someone’s approach to his personal hell, and the smell of a spider hybrid announced it being Naraku. The once proud demon lord struggled to hide the sneer from his face, knowing it’d only lead to an inevitable punishment later.

“ku ku ku ku….Dear Sugimi, I trust you enjoyed your outing last night?”

The dog demon trained his expression, mentally rolling his eyes at his captor. The nerve of that half breed, using a tone as if I were a common house dog…

“I’ll take you for another walk if you’d like. I’m sure you’d take pleasure in stretching your muscles slightly.”

Lifting a clawed hand, Naraku maneuvered his new puppet out of the cell and into the world, knowing of a certain Lord of the West that would be near soon.

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Sesshomaru lifted his head at the feel of a sinister aura, and that same familiar one. So, my intuition was correct. Naraku does have something to do with my father’s sudden reappearance. The dog demon started a steady march towards the vile half breed, the insult of Naraku meddling in his father’s grave now fresh in his mind.

Sugimi struggled against his invisible binds, a sense of dread forming when he realized where his new master was headed. Sesshomaru was dead ahead, and though his son was powerful, Sugimi held more experience and could easily defeat his pup. He just hoped that it wasn’t Naraku’s intention to destroy his offspring just yet.

Sesshomaru’s cold golden gaze narrowed at the memorable sight of his father, a forbidden chill running down his spine at the stiff backed stride the former demon lord held towards him. Naraku, or another of Naraku’s golems, walked just off to the side of Sugimi, an arrogant smirk playing on the hanyou’s lips. Sesshomaru watched as Naraku held up a hand, Sugimi’s body tensing and slowly slipping into a fighting stance. Intrigued, Sesshomaru’s foot slid back as he took on a defensive position, wondering what this new game was. Again, Naraku’s hand moved, and on command, Sugimi attacked.

Sesshomaru’s eyes widened a fraction when he realized the subtle commands and the disturbing responses. His father, his proud and noble father who had trained him into the killing perfection seemed to be no more than a mere lap dog for his most hated of enemies! Bastard! I will have his head for this insult!

Cold golden eyes followed Sugimi’s moves as a faint green glow formed on the Western Lord’s fingertips. Sesshomaru let out his acid whip, striking towards his father to test just where the former lord’s strength lay and how much he truly had recovered. Though slower than Sesshomaru would have expected, Sugimi still managed to dodge Sesshomaru’s attack, hurrying forward as his son steadily jumped back.

Sesshomaru drew out Tokijin, summoning the power of the demonic sword. He intended on wounding his father, but would kill him if the time called for it. His lands were at stake, his ward and retainer depending on his strength and protection. And gods be damned if he were to lose to a resurrected pawn of Naraku’s.

Sugimi’s gaze narrowed as his body strained against the commands to strike down his son. His aspiration to gain strength was nowhere near completed, though his heart fought desperately against his internal battle. His movements slowed with every show of independence, a silent prayer sent for Sesshomaru to leave while he still could. The fleeting hope that Sesshomaru would kill him before too much damage was done vaguely flashed through his mind before the sound of Naraku’s voice chanted a snubbed mantra into his psyche. Kill him. Kill the son. Kill the worthless pup… Over and over the words repeated into Sugimi’s mind until his eyes bled red.

Sesshomaru was growing tired of the seeming game of “cat and mouse”. For a few moments he noticed that he was on the offensive, and just as quickly he was on the defensive. Unable to decide if Naraku was toying with him, or if it was just his father, he finally came to the conclusion that he would kill his father to defend his lands. Raising Tokijin into the air, his mouth opened to bare his fangs, the sight before him turning his blood cold.

Sugimi looked at his son like he had never looked at his pup before. His eyes were blood red, Naraku’s mantra still playing at his mind, and a need to kill now evident in every move he made. His fight against the jewel shards had been lost for the night, and it was not up to his son to survive.

A clawed hand was drawn up as the former demon lord’s speed allowed him to easily evade Tokijin’s blow. Sugimi appeared behind Sesshomaru, driving his talons through his son’s amputated arm, tearing through what was left of the bone. As Sesshomaru turned to block his father’s next attack, Sugimi’s hands brimmed a neon green, signaling the dog’s acidic attacks.

For the first time in centuries, since he had been an adolescent and foolishly challenged his father to a duel, Sesshomaru felt fear. Before him was the reality of his father who was very much alive and who had little to no control over his body. Naraku had his perfect weapon, and that weapon was aimed to kill him. Clenching his teeth together, he swallowed a cry of pain as his father’s acid collided with his face and down his chest.

Regaining some stability, Sesshomaru brought Tokijin around, slicing through his father’s side. Seeing the dog general stagger slightly in pain, Sesshomaru took his chance for the final blow. Tokijin circled over Sesshomaru’s head and down towards Sugimi, the killing attack already in motion and the morbid deed would be done. The Western Lord looked up when his attack was abruptly stopped, seeing the demonic power of Tokijin searing the flesh from Sugimi’s hand.

Through his blood lust vision, Sugimi shook off the pain in his side through his adrenaline, his hand lifting just in time to block Sesshomaru’s attack on his head. He was mildly shocked at the feel of Tokijin’s power, it’s angry aura burning through his flesh and clashing through his own blood. Naraku’s words shouted through his hazed mind, demanding Sesshomaru’s death, and so Sugimi complied, gripping Tokijin and using his son’s confusion against the pup.

Sesshomaru felt a draining feeling, one he hadn’t felt since Inuyasha severed his arm. Before he could think, he’s father’s terrifying face was mere inches from his own, those familiar paternal features now twisted into mind numbing hatred. Looking down, Tokijin trembling in his weakened grasp, Sesshomaru saw his father’s hand well lodged into his chest, pumping the acid through his veins. In the back of Sesshomaru’s mind, he could vaguely feel a sense of loss at seeing such animosity from his past idol. Just as vaguely, Sesshomaru felt that loss dissipate as he was engulfed in a bright light, the familiar feeling of his father’s protective embrace lifting him as he settled into an unconscious state of mind, allowing his sire’s protection to carry him away.

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Sugimi watched in a mixture of disappointment and relief as Tensaiga lifted Sesshomaru away from his killer grasp and into safety. An internal sigh of relief filled Sugimi’s mind at the knowledge that his son was safe. Sesshomaru may be hanging on to his last thread of life, but regardless he was alive and he was, at the moment, safe.

Naraku gave a faint snarl before turning, flicking his claws for Sugimi to follow.

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Inuyasha was sitting with Kikyo in his lap, enjoying the night for once. Now at the base of the mountain, his instincts randomly decided to leave him be. With a faint shrug, he brushed off the feelings as merely his inner conscience guiding him to Kikyo. He looked up at the sight of a shooting star, hearing Kikyo sighing in contentment as she rested against his chest. Looking down, he nuzzled her hair gently, taking in her scent.

“Never will I leave you, Kikyo…”

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Kagome and Shippo had nearly gathered all the wood they needed, though it had taken them nearly halfway towards the mountain. Shippo vaguely wondered why Kagome had bypassed so many branches that were perfectly fine only to go up the hill further.

“Kagome, why are we going up the mountain just to gather wood?”

Kagome looked over at Shippo sadly before giving a faint, almost sad smile.

“I needed to get away for a little bit, Shippo. I needed a break from…well from everything.”

Shippo gave a silent nod, accidentally bumping into Kagome’s leg. Looking up, he noticed her looking at an odd light. At first glance, it seemed like a mere falling star. But when he looked closer at the tail, it held a faint green to it. The young fox was shaken out of his thoughts when he realized that Kagome was going towards the light.

“Kagome! Kagome, it might not be safe!”

Kagome looked back and smiled brightly at Shippo.

“I need you to go back to the group and tell them where I’d be. Can you do that for me, Shippo?”

Shippo gave a nervous nod, not liking the thought of leaving Kagome behind. When he hesitated, Kagome decided to continue with half the truth.

“The aura is familiar, and wounded. I’ll be fine, but I’ll need Miroku and Sango soon if we are to bring him to the safety of the fire.”

Him? Shippo quirked his head curiously, but nodded, bounding off towards the rest of the group.

Kagome looked up, contemplating the best way to get to him. Closing her eyes and focusing her aura, she made sure it was indeed the demon lord she thought. He’s almost dead. What on earth could have done this to him? She hurried up the steep hill, her legs screaming against her to stop when she finally reached a small cave. Small is an understatement She frowned at the “cave”, having the bend low and practically craw in to get through. Her hands became her eyes as she searched through the cave. She could tell the ceiling was rising, though she didn’t dare stand for fear of hitting her head against sharp rocks. Instead, she continued her steady crawl until her fingers dipped into something thick and wet. Gasping, she trailed her fingertips through the fluids only to feel the faint fur of a pelt or tail, she wasn’t sure which. Continuing her exploration, she felt the bridge of a regal nose, then more of that thick liquid.

Tears welled in her eyes as her imagination went wild over what could have happened to Sesshomaru. He made no movements to stop her, she could barely feel him breathing, and as her fingers continued over his face, it felt as if half his beautiful flesh had been melted away. She trembled, backing up slightly to the faint light of the cave’s opening, hearing the call of her comrades. Crawling out of the cave, blood on her hands, she told Miroku and Sango of Sesshomaru’s condition, thankful for once that Inuyasha had chosen to stay with Kikyo rather than to find out what she was up to. She smiled at Shippo, silently thanking the young fox demon who probably had a hand at omitting Inuyasha from the search and rescue.

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AN: Alright, there’s the third chapter. ^_^ I was never good at writing fight scenes, so I’m hoping it turned out alright. And I think there was a request for an emailed update, if I have time, I’ll try to start emailing everyone on updates. ^_^

Critiques and reviews are welcomed and loved!!!
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