Remember Me

A/N-I’m not quite sure about Totosai house. For some strange reason I keep seeing
him living inside a huge demon skull. if that’s not right oh well. it is UA after all.

Also with the abuse happening to Inutaisho. well, I know in the summary I
didn’t put that but when I was doing this chapter. it just sort of came to me. it
does seem like something an enemy would do to his captive. And I hope I got
the correct arm cut from Sesshomaru. I wasn’t sure if it was the right or left.

// inner thoughts


Chapter 5

It took several days for Yoko and Jaken to find the place where Totosai was
living. Yoko picked the little green toad up and leaped over the hot molten
ground to the giant skull of a demon. Yoko placed Jaken on the
ground. Pushing the curtain to one
side, they walked inside.

The old sword smith was sitting around the fire preparing his
meal. He looked up at the strangers with his great bulging eyes, screamed
and cringed in the corner.

“What are you doing here?” the old sword smith asked grabbing his
hammer. “If you’re bandits. I don’t have anything of value.”

“We are not bandits,” said Yoko.

“Are you the sword smith, Totosai?” asked Jaken. “The one who
forged the mighty Tetsusaiga and Tenseiga from the fangs of Lord
Inutaisho?”

“Yes and what do you want of me?”

“Your skills are greatly needed. Tetsusaiga has been broken by
Ryuukotsusei and the lord has been captured by the dragon,”
said Yoko.

“What!” The old man eyes bulged even more out of his head at hearing
the news about his friend. “My poor friend.” He hung his head sadly.

“Yes and Lord Sesshomaru has taken it upon himself to become the
new lord of the western lands. In addition, I am his new vassal appointed
by the lord himself.” Jaken said puffing up with self-importance.

“Actually, it was upon command from Lord Inutaisho that Sesshomaru
was to take his place if something should happen to him.” Yoko pointed
out. “And as for Lord Sesshomaru appointing this as his vassal.” He glanced
at the little toad out of the corner of his eye and smirked. “He was being attacked
by some demons stronger than he was. Unfortunately for the demons, they were
in our path. Lord Sesshomaru dispatched them and this toad has been following
him around every since that day.”

“And he made me his vassal,” spoke up Jaken.

“Only because you were a nuisance and always got in the way.”

Jaken was flustered with anger. “You Impudent whelp.”

“Enough,” said Totosai. “Where is Sesshomaru?”

“He has gone to retrieve the broken pieces of Tetsusaiga,” said Yoko.

“I was sent here to speak on behave of my lord,” snapped Jaken. “You
are merely my bodyguard.”

Yoko sighed disgusted. “Why my lord burdens himself with a useless fool
like you is beyond me.”

Before the toad could squawk out another indignation, Totosai got up and rested
the long handle hammer on his shoulder. “Let’s go. I should see what the new
lord wants of me,” the sword smith said grimly. “I’m sure by now. Sesshomaru has
discovered tetsusaiga’s defense.” Totosai walked out followed by Yoko and
Jaken.
=================================================
One day after Sesshomaru arrived back with the broken Tetsusaiga.
Totosai arrived with Yoko and Jaken in tow. The old sword smith bowed
to the young lord.

“Well Sesshomaru, I hear you are the new lord of the Western lands,” said
Totosai. “Even though Ryuukotsusei has taken the lands from you.”

“That mistake will be rectified very soon. And as for me being the new
lord.” He sighed. “It is only because father so ordered it,” said Sesshomaru
getting up from his place on the cushion. “Welcome Totosai. You remember my
stepmother?”

“Of course, Lady Izayoi. How are you fairing?” He asked kindly. “I heard about young
Inuyasha. I was very saddened by his untimely death.”

“I am doing as well as can be expected,” said Izayoi smiling sadly. “Please Totosai
speak with Sesshomaru. My husband benefited from your council. Maybe you
can help my son.”

“Mother, I did not ask Totosai here for his council. I need a sword smith not an
advisor,” said Sesshomaru harshly.

“What seems to be the problem?”

“He wants you to fix the tetsusaiga so he can fight the dragon.” Izayoi clutched
her hand over her heart. “But I don’t want him to do it. Ryuukotsusei is too
powerful for him to defeat.”

“He is not all powerful,” spat Sesshomaru.

“He defeated your father,” she snapped with bitter tears in her eyes. “I hate to
admit it also but the truth is . . . Ryuukotsusei did defeat your father in battle. So
what makes you think you can defeat him when your own father could not.”

“No. He did not defeat my father fairly.” Sesshomaru denied vehemently. “He only
won because father was still mourning Inuyasha.”

“Are you saying you can defeat him because you do not mourn for the lost of your
brother?” asked Izayoi. “I think not.” She answered him before the young lord could
utter a word. “You may act like you don’t care but I know better. I can see that
your heart is still raw and bleeding because of your lost.”

Sesshomaru looked away. He could not bear to see the tears fall from her eyes.
“Can’t you understand mother. That bastard took away the only person I
cared about besides you and father.” Sesshomaru could feel the anger rising
inside of him. “And what makes it so bad is that we could not even bury him
because that damn dragon took his body.”

“Wait, you mean you didn’t have Inuyasha’s body?” asked Totosai interrupting
their conversation.

“No. I know what you’re going to say but he is dead. I found his clothes,” said
Sesshomaru. “Blood . . . There was blood everywhere. I doubt that even a
full-blooded demon could have survived such a massive blood lost. His red fire
rat clothes were his favorite. He wore them everyday. Father gave them to
him as a gift. He told me that he would always take care of them.” He felt
the sting of tears in his eyes and quickly wiped them away before they fell
down his cheek. “Now, I did not ask you hear to talk about the past. I
need you to fix the tetsusaiga.”

Totosai sighed and sat down on one of the cushion. “I cannot fix the
tetsusaiga.” He stared down at his skinny feet. “I would need a fang . . .”

“Use one of mine,” offered the young lord.

“I’m sorry. Your fang will not work. It would have to be from either your
father or . . .”

“Or.” Sesshomaru urged the old man to finish.

“Or from Inuyasha.”

Sesshomaru stared at the old man as though he just grew another
head. He sat on the cushion across from the sword smith. “Why
would we need a fang from Inuyasha?”

“I’m sure you know even though the sword is broken. You cannot
touch it,” said Totosai. The young demon nodded his head. “Well, the
sword was made especially for your brother to handle. Your
father placed a spell on it preventing any full-blooded demon from
using it to hurt innocent people. In addition, he did it so no demons would
be able to use it against Inuyasha.”

The young demon lord nodded his head. He guess he could see the
wisdom in his father’s decision. But the fact still remain, he needed
a sword of his own if he is to rescue his father. He turned his gaze
upon the sword smith. “Totosai, I need you to make me a sword. One
in which I can use against Ryuukotsusei.”

“That’s a pretty tall order, my lord,” said the old sword smith. “You do
realize that it will be difficult. The only sword that could possibly
defeat the dragon is broken into pieces. Any other sword would
be useless against someone like Ryuukotsusei. He is as old as your
father and just as strong.”

“Nevertheless I need my own sword. Tenseiga is of no use in a
fight,” said Sesshomaru. “Will you do this for me, Totosai?”

“As my lord, I have no choice. I will do as you ask. However, I will need
at least five days to fix your sword,” said Totosai.

“Very well, while you are doing that. It will give me time to devise a
plane to rescue father.” Sesshomaru could have kicked himself as he
heard the gasp from Izayoi. He did not want her to know that her
mate was alive yet.

“Inu . . . my husband is alive?” She stared at her son with hope shining
in her eyes. Sesshomaru sighed and nodded his head. “Why didn’t
you tell me this from the beginning.”

“I didn’t want to give you any false hope. Ryuukotsusei could still kill
him and I didn’t want to see you hurt any more than you already are.” He
took her hand in his and squeezed them.

“I understand but please next time tell me. Just because I’m human doesn’t
mean I am as weak as you may think.” Izayoi smiled up at her stepson.

He kissed the back of her hands and turned to Totosai. “It’s time we got to
work.”

Totosai had went back to his home to begin the construction of Sesshomaru’s new
sword. While the young lord along with his commanders began to make plans
to rescue Inutaisho from his prison.
========================================

Inside the dungeon of the palace of the West Ryuukotsusei pushed opened
a heavy wooden door. He smiled in glee at the battered, blooded and bruise
body of his long time enemy. The great dog lord hung limp in the chains
that held him suspended in the center of the cell. The dragon walked
inside and picked up a leather whip that sat on a nearby table.

“Good morning to you Inutaisho,” said the dragon unfurling the whip. “I
had a wonderful dream about whipping you like a dog. Then I opened my
eyes and realized that my dream was real.” He snapped the whip across
the dog lord’s scarred back. Inutaisho howled in pain as he jerked against
his constraints.

“Music to my ears. You may as well cease your struggling because I had those
magical chains and manacles made especially for you.” He lashed the
whip repeatedly across the injured
dog demon’s back opening old wounds as well as creating new ones. “You
must be so disappointed in your son.” The whip cracked over Inutaisho’s
back. “It must hurt to know that you’ve raised a coward. Hahaha, that
half breed brat showed more courage than your eldest.”

“In-u-ya-sha,” the dog lord said gasping for breath. A faint smile tugged at the
corner of his chapped, cracked lips.

“Yes, the little bastard had the audacity to claw me in the face.” Ryuukotsusei
held the left side of his face snarling as he remembered that day. Then he
walked around to face the dog lord. Raising one hand his claws grew long and
he raked them across Inutaisho’s chest. The dog demon howled in pain as
blood poured from the open wounds. “Believe me dog, your punishments will
become worse each day.” Ryuukotsusei grabbed Inutaisho under the chin and
raised his head up. “Come in,” he yelled. Suddenly a rather large bull demon
walked into the cell. It was a brute standing at almost seven feet with thick,
hard muscles all over its bronze body. It had a silver ring dangling from its
snout. The demon walked on hoofed feet and thick mats of hair covered its
lower half all the way down to its ankles. It wore a wolf pelt around the
lower part of its body. And two great horns grew out on either side of its head.

“This is Minataru. He will be your next punishment.”

Inutaisho snarled at the demon. “I eat . . . losers like . . . you . . . for a . . . lit
snack,” he gasped out at the bull demon. Ryuukotsusei chuckled at the
dog demon’s constant defiance. Minataru snorted smoke out of his
nostrils as his dark eyes flashed red with anger. The bull demon stormed over
to the battered dog demon. His thick fingers tore the blood stained hakama
off of Inutaisho. Then he removed the wolf pelt revealing a very large and
very thick cock. Minataru grabbed the dog lord by his hips and rammed his
cock into his unprepared body. Inutaisho released a blood-curdling scream
that scared away some birds that were resting in the nearby trees.

Ryuukotsusei laughed in delight as the bull continued to pound into the
injured demon. “Calm down Minataru. Don’t hurt him too much. You
have plenty of time to make the great dog lord of the west
regret his bold words.”

The bull demon snorted and smiled showing his yellow teeth in glee. Through
the fall of blood stained hair he saw the dragon smiling at his pain. He bit back
his screams and glared up at the dragon in defiance. He will not let
Ryuukotsusei or this brute break him no matter what they do to him. He
would not die not until he has avenged the death of his little Inuyasha.
=======================================================

The five days was up and Sesshomaru waited impatiently for Totosai to return with
his new sword. The young lord paced the floor like a caged animal. “Where is
he?” he said more to himself than to anyone in particular.

“You know Totosai. He has to make sure everything is perfect before he hand
over your new sword,” said Izayoi walking up to him. “Must you do this? I am so
afraid something will happen to you.”

“Nothing will happen to me mother.” He grasped both her hands and kissed them.

“But, I’ve already lost my baby. My husband is locked away in a dungeon. If
something was to happen to you I . . .” She could not continue. She turned away
from him and wept in her hands.

“Mother.” Sesshomaru wrapped his arms loosely around her neck and
rested his head
against the back of her head. “Nothing will happen to me. I know you are
worried but for now, all I am going to do is get father away from that bastard.”

She turned in his embrace and laid her head against the crook of his neck. “If
something goes wrong. . . Promise me, you will get out whether you rescue
your father or not.” She raised her head to look up at him with tear soaked eyes.

Sesshomaru cradled her cheek in his hand and smiled. “I promise, but you will
see everything will be all right and I will bring father home.”

Just then, Jaken rushed into the room. “My lord, Totosai has returned.”

“Finally,” said Sesshomaru anxious. He rushed out of the palace and down to
the courtyard. Outside he found Totosai sitting on the back of his three eyed
oxen. “It’s about time Totosai. Where is it?”

“That’s the problem with youngsters today. No patience,” grumbled the old
sword smith. Then he held out Sesshomaru’s new sword. Sesshomaru took
the sword and drew it from its sheath. The blade was long and beautifully
created. And along the length of the blade, there was writing on it. When the
blade caught the rays of the sun the courtyard was bathed in a burning light
that had everyone looking away.

“What a magnificent sword, my lord,” said Yoko. “What is it called?”

“Look at the blade,” said Totosai. Everyone looked at the writing on the
blade. “Chi -ka- ra,” said Jaken.

“This is called Chikara, the sword of power,” said Totosai. “I did my best
my young lord but even with its powers. It will still not be enough to slay
the dragon.”

“I do not care. Now, tell me what can Chikara do?”

Totosai sighed and led Sesshomaru into the forest where the young
demon could practice.

Totosai was surprised. It took Sesshomaru only three days to get the hang
of his new sword. He had laid waste to one- third of the forest. He was finally
ready to bring his father home.
================================================

Ryuukotsusei walked into the cell smiling most viciously at the naked
bloodied scarred body of the once great dog lord of the west. It filled his
black heart with great joy to see his greatest enemy beaten like a dog. No
puns intended. He sniffed the air and could smell the distinct odor of
sex. Minataru had been doing his job and has been doing it well. Ryuukotsusei
thank whatever higher being there is for him finding such an enthusiastic
torturer. There were deep bloody slashes all over Inutaisho’s back, front
and thighs. Mingling with the scent of sex was also burnt flesh. Black
scorch marks marred the dog lord’s body as well. Blood glistened over
his body as well as trickle down his legs. “I wonder what your whore
would think if she saw her beloved dog boy like this?” The dragon
mused. Then he clutched a handful of Inutaisho’s dirty bloody silver
hair and yanked his head back. Ryuukotsusei brought his face so close
to Inutaisho’s that their noses were almost touching. “How does it feel
to be the whore of a low class demon?” Then he shoved the dog lord’s head
forward and laughed.

“A little birdie told me that that foolish son of yours is coming here to
try and rescue you.”

Inutaisho stiffened upon hearing that news. Ryuukotsusei noticed the
reaction and continued. “Seems that he’s gotten that old sword
smith . . . What’s his name . . . Togo . . .Tobsui . .. Oh yes, Totosai. The
old nut case has made your boy a sword. Unfortunately for him, it still
will not be enough to defeat me.” He grinned. “Poor Inutaisho. First
you lost your youngest because you were careless. Now you shall
lose your eldest because you are weak. How can you live with yourself.” He
began laughing.

Ryuukotsusei stopped laughing when he heard a muffled sound coming
from the dog demon. Again he clutched a handful of hair and yanked the
drooping head back to glare into those golden eyes that still held fire in
them. “What did you say little doggy?”

For his answer, a glob of bloody spittle hit the dragon in the face. Wiping the
spit from his face, Ryuukotsusei became enraged. He backhanded the dog
demon across the face splitting his lip. Then he stalked over to the
table and picked up the whip. He proceeded in beating Inutaisho all over his
body, and across his face. The whip hit his left eye. Inutaisho howled in
pain. “Maybe you would like for that pretty little boy of yours to be here
with you.” Inutaisho tried to growl but it came out a whimper when the whip
landed against his back. His screams of pain echoed through the castle. After
about two minutes of beating the battered demon, Ryuukotsusei
stopped his assault. His chest heaved, still filled with rage. Minataru was
not there so, the dragon decided to exact more pain on the already
battered dog demon.

Ryuukotsusei stalked over to the table and picked up a .long thick metal
rod. Walking back over to the defeated dog lord. He placed a hand on
the sagging shoulders. “Hold still, this may hurt a lot.” And he rammed
the rod into Inutaisho’s already bleeding torn anus. The dog lord
released such a pain filled howl that it was hard to believe that any
creature could have made that sound. He pulled the rod out to the
tip and shoved it back in farther and deeper. The dragon did this
several more times until the great Inutaisho passed out from the awful
pain. When he heard no more of the lovely pain filled screams he
dropped the rod. “Don’t worry, my old nemesis I will not imprison
the whelp. After all, his pain will mean nothing to me. It’s you
I want but the brat will have to be taught a lesson about
respecting those better than he.” The dragon turned on his heels
and left.
================================================

Sesshomaru waited hidden in the forest that surrounds the palace.
While Sesshomaru led the main bulk of his army in a frontal
attack. He left the rescue of his father to Yoko and a few others.

It was noon. Time to begin the attack. But they were stunned for
a moment when a group of dragon soldiers rushed out the gate to stand
in front of it.

“My lord, you don’t suppose they are waiting for us?” asked one of
his commanders.

“Can’t be. I only just decided today to launch our attack,” said
Sesshomaru narrowing his eyes. “If there was a spy in our camp. He
wouldn’t have had time to send word to Ryuukotsusei.”

“Maybe he has a Seer,” said another commander.

“My lord,” squawked Jaken anxiously. “If he has a Seer. He probably
know about Commander Yoko and his group.”

“Don’t worry about him. Yoko can take care of himself.” He drew Chikara
from its sheath. “Attack!” The demons flowed from the forest to collide with
the dragon soldiers. The sounds of shrieks, howls, blood and death filled the
battlefield.

Sesshomaru struck down every dragon soldier that was foolish enough to
challenge him. His sword was stained with the blood of his enemy. He
glanced up at the wall and saw the dragon standing there smirking down
at him. A growl rumbled deep in his throat. “RYUUKOTSUSEI!” He yelled
furiously and slashed another enemy soldier. He drove the blade of
his sword into the stomach of another soldier. Withdrawing the blade he
shoved the body to the ground.

Ryuukotsusei drew his own sword and jumped down from the wall. He landed
a few feet away from Sesshomaru. “It’s a good day to die,” said the dragon.

“Since you will be the one dying. Yes, it is a good day to die,” said Sesshomaru
launching himself at the dragon. The battle raged between the two
combatants. Sparks flew from the blades as the swords collided.

“Well, you haven’t completely made an idiot of yourself,” the dragon
smirked. “But you’re still a weakling. That half-breed brother of yours put up
more of a challenge than you.” Knowing that the subject of the little hanyou
would open up old wounds and cause the young lord to lose his
concentration. He was not disappointed in the outcome.
.
The memory of his brother was still raw in his heart and it filled him with rage to
know that this bastard was the one that took that piece of sunshine from his
life forever. Rage began to course through his body as his
eyes flashed red. He began to swing his sword wildly. In his wild
rage, he left his right side unguarded and the dragon took advantage of
the young lord’s mistake.

Ryuukotsusei slashed Sesshomaru across his unprotected side. The dog
demon howled in pain and leaped away from the dragon. He fell to one knee
clutching his side. He swore as he glanced at his wound.

“Poor puppy. Is that the best you can do,” goaded the dragon. “You’re
suppose to be the son of the great Inutaisho. You are worse than those
pathetic ningens that use to be on my lands.”

“You bastard. These lands belongs to my father.”

“Not anymore. They are mine.” The dragon smirked. “Oh and if you think your
men will rescue your father. You should think again. I have a surprise waiting
for them.”

Sesshomaru growled fiercely.

“Did you really think I would let you take away my personal toy. Oh no, that
dog bastard is mine and I will never. let. him. go.”

“You son of a . . . BITCH!” roared Sesshomaru as he got to his feet. Forgetting
the pain in his side, he stood tall and proud before his enemy. His eyes
were like chips of ice as he clutched the hilt of his sword. “Now, taste the
wrath of Chikara.” Slashing the sword upward in a diagonal motion a blast
erupted from the blade tearing across the land to strike Ryuukotsusei in the
chest. The blast had sent the dragon through the stone wall of the
gate and crashing
into the side of the palace. A small part of the palace crumbled and buried
the dragon beneath it. “I hope that was enough bite for you.”

Suddenly the debris exploded off of the dragon. He stood in the mist of the
rubble glaring at the young dog lord. Heaving heavily, Ryuukotsusei stalked
over to Sesshomaru. “Not bad for a little puppy.” The dragon eyes flashed
white with fury. “But in the end, I still will win and you know why?” Before
Sesshomaru could even grunt the dragon spoke. “It is because you are
weak. You couldn’t save your brother and now you can’t even save your
father.” The dragon launched himself at the angry Sesshomaru. The dragon
sword strokes were filled with his fury. He pressed his attack not giving
the young lord time to counterattack. All Sesshomaru could do was retreat
from the onslaught.

It was time to end this. With no effort at all, he dislodged the sword from
Sesshomaru’s hand. The sword went flying and Ryuukotsusei brought
his sword down just above Sesshomaru’s elbow severing the
young lord’s arm.

Sesshomaru roared in such pain until the entire battlefield fell silent. The young
lord fell to the ground clutching his bloody stump. The pain was like nothing
he could have imagined. Sweat poured from his face as he stared up at the dragon
through pain filled eyes. Ryuukotsusei raised his sword preparing to strike his
final blow. Sesshomaru closed his eyes and prepared himself for death.

/Little brother, I will be joining you soon. Please, wait for me. Inuyasha./ He
smiled as he thought about seeing his little brother again. But the blow never
came. He opened his eyes to see his men attacking the obnoxious dragon
pushing him back. Then he felt arms lifting him up. He turned to see Yoko.

“I’m sorry my lord. There were soldiers watching the secret passage into
the dungeon,” Yoko said with regret. “I had to retreat.”

Sesshomaru tried to speak but he had lost too much blood and collapsed into the
comfort of oblivion.
=========================================================

When Sesshomaru awakened he tried to raise himself up on his elbows but
couldn’t. He felt a sharp pain in his left arm and looked down at his
arm. He gasped in horror as he stared at the bandaged stump. Oh God! His
arm. It was no longer there. Then
the memory of all that happened flooded his battered mind. He fell back
against the bed and groan.

“Sesshomaru,” said Izayoi bolting from her chair to sit on the bed beside
him. Tears of joy was flowing down her cheeks. “You’re finally awake. I
was so worried you would not wake up.” He raised his one good arm
and cradled her cheek in his hand.

Then he let his hand fall away and he turned from her gaze. “I’m sorry
mother. I have failed you.”

“I don’t understand.”

“I was suppose to bring father home,” he said grief stricken. “I am useless
and worthless.”

“Don’t talk like that. Your father would not want you to think that,”
said Izayoi crying.

“No. The dragon was right. I am weak.” He kept his head turned away
from her. “Please leave me alone. I need to think.”

Izayoi wanted to say something but changed her mind. He just need time to
rest. That’s all.
=====================================================

Ryuukotsusei walked into Inutaisho’s cell. Although he was
bruised and dirty, the dragon was still smiling smugly. Minataru was
in the cell ramming his cock into a silent dog demon. The bull
demon wore leather gauntlets that were covered in small hooks. Blood
trickled down the dog demon’s thighs from under the gloves.

“I have a present for you,” said Ryuukotsusei. He held the severed arm
under Inutaisho’s nose.

He sniffed the arm and jerked his head up to glare at the dragon. It was
hard to truly glare at the demon because he had only one eye. His other
eye was sealed shut.

“Yes, that is the arm of your precious son. And no.” The dragon said
seeing the question in his one golden eye. “No, he’s not dead. I’m sure
his men has taken him to a healer. But now, he is even weaker than he was
before.” The dragon laughed loudly. “I thought this day would never
come but it has. The day of the dog rule has come to its end.” He walked
out still laughing.

Inutaisho hung his head low and wept for the pain of son.
===================================================
It was two weeks after the failed attempt to rescue Inutaisho.
Sesshomaru remained locked in his room not talking to anyone and barely
eating anything. Izayoi was becoming worried about her stepson. He was
slowly being consumed by his despair.

It was now three weeks after the ill-fated rescue attempt and Sesshomaru
with the help of some servants, got dressed and went out to the front of
the palace. Izayoi, Jaken and Yoko went out to join him.

“Sesshomaru,” Izayoi said softly. “Where are you going?”

Sesshomaru sighed and lowered his head. “I’m leaving. I realized that what
Ryuukotsusei said was right. I am weak. I was ready to die and be with
Inuyasha. Even that was taken away from me. I can no longer stay here. The
memories of my little Yasha are too strong. Every time I look into your face
I see Inuyasha. At first I thought I could handle it, but now. It has become
too much for my heart to bare. Now I have failed to save my father and it is
gnawing away at my insides. I am weak,” he admitted
heart wrenchingly. “If I am to save father. I must become stronger. That
is why I am leaving. I have to become stronger so I can save father and
avenge Inuyasha’s death. I owe it to my otouto for not being there when
he needed me.”

“But where will you go?” Izayoi walked to him wrapping her arms around
him and resting her head against his back.

“Out there. Nowhere in particular. I will pit myself against the strongest
demons out there until I am ready to face Ryuukotsusei again. And this
time when we meet, I will be victorious.” He turned to face his
stepmother. His face was wet with tears. It would be the last time
anyone would see him cry. “Yoko.”

The fox demon stepped forward.

“Until I return, I leave you in charge of protecting my mother.”

“I shall guard her with my life,” said the fox demon.

“Good bye mother.” Sesshomaru pressed his lips against her
forehead in a kiss. Then he turned and walked away.

Izayoi fell to her knees sobbing as she watched her son walk away. Then
she turned to Jaken. “Jaken go with him. He will need company in his lonely
journey.”

“Of course, my lady.” The toad demon bowed to her and ran off to catch
up with his young lord.


“Come back to us safely, my son.” She continued to weep in her hands.