Chronicles of the West

Chapter Seventy Four

Dawn came, bringing the damp chill of dark hours past. The court was awake early and preparing for the death match to come. Sesshoumaru refused to allow Aislin to watch, despite her arguments. It seemed that she, like his wife was immune to his growls and bad temper… but not sturdy locks. Kagome didn't want to see it either, she knew who the victor would be anyway, she would stay with Aislin.

Sesshoumaru sat with Ayeka and Inuyasha in the high seats overlooking the ring. Ayeka disliked such fights but had confidence in her son. Besides, she'd once fought in such a place herself. She let her eyes wander to where Koga and Ayame sat with Madu.

Apparently Koga was willing to accept the desired match of his son. Elda on the other hand seemed slightly resistant. She'd given Sesshoumaru her answer. She'd agreed, but wasn't really certain why. She liked the wolf, even if he did make her fur ruffle in irritation.

Ayeka had witnessed the small confrontation between them in the garden just yesterday. "What the hell are you thinking?" she had thundered at him, having followed his scent to his current location. Madu had arched a brow at her.

She stomped right up to him, her eyes flashing with anger, "A match? You want a match?" she asked. He nodded. She lashed out and slapped him hard across the cheek, "Why didn’t you ask me and not send Lord Sesshoumaru to do it? What if I don't want to marry you?!"

Madu recovered from the slap quickly. With a snarl he caught her against him and silenced her with a harsh kiss. She was stiff in his arms, her fists curled into his haori. Both growling at the other. Then his tongue slid over her lower lip and his hands gentled on her flesh. Before she'd realized what she'd done, she had parted her lips and allowed him access. Her blood heating as his tongue slid against hers.

Madu broke from her with a low growl nosing his way through the hair at her temple. "You will have me woman and that is that" he'd said. She'd snorted and tugged away from him, "We'll see about that" she'd snapped. Intending to walk away and leave the wolf alone with her threat, she'd spun and headed off.

Madu had other ideas. His arm banded around her middle and dragged her against his chest. His low warning growl rumbled through her. His clawed hand fisting the length of her dark hair, yanking her head back against his shoulder.

His hot breath rasped against her ear and despite herself, she responded. Only one other had dared be forceful in this manner with her. "You. Are. Mine". His voice a gruff rumble against the shell of her pointed ear. Her heart raced within her chest. His hold was strong, very. However she noticed that it was not painful.

It was then that it struck her. He would never hurt her. Never allow her to be hurt. In his eyes she had some value. "I am the alpha" she reminded him, "My people see me as such". He chuckled and nipped the point of her ear, "Well, they'll learn quickly enough that I am the alpha male".

She sucked in a breath, "They'll learn? You would come with me?" she asked. Madu nosed along her shoulder, his tongue lapping over the exposed length of her throat. Scenting her enough to make a point. "I would not ask that you remain here" he told her, "Besides I have long wanted to see what lies beyond the sea".

She relaxed a little against him and he rumbled in approval, "Your answer will be yes". She sighed and he seemed to take that as an affirmative and released her. She hurried away from him to the hall leading inside, "Maybe" she told him and fled.

Ayeka had smiled watching them. At least Taisha would be relieved. Her most ardent suitor had finally given up.


Now, waiting for Adus to meet his end, she supposed that this was best for Elda. She hadn't forgiven the female for her attempts to trap her son, but she understood that sometimes one did things they didn't want to.

Elda was currently sitting with Silvana near the sidelines. Ryu stood as Toga's second, though it wasn't needed. Adus had no one to stand as second and knowing that protocal demanded it, Souta had agreed. He didn't like the bastard, but he knew that he wouldn't be fighting Toga anyway.

The air was strangely hushed. No one saw this as a contest. This was to be a slaughter and Toga was legend for such things, even beyond the sea. He stood, waiting for his opponent at the edge of the ring. His father standing above him.

His long, pristine hair pulled into it's customary hightail. His garments purely white. He had no idea just how very much like the senior Toga he looked at that moment. There would be no weapons, other than what nature had given them. Claws, fangs, poisons if they had them. Toga was expected to rip the wolf apart with his bare hands and he was looking forward to it.

Madu had approached him about taking the battle himself. He'd made a verbal claim to the female in question and she'd been abused by the bastard. Toga had denied him. His honor had been questioned and that was a killing offense.

Sesshoumaru watched the progress of the sun in the sky. Kurama should be back soon. He was confident the thief had procured the item he requested. Pity, he would have liked to rub a failure in that oh so perfect nose. He snorted and his wife lifted an eyebrow.

He glanced in her direction and she smiled knowingly. "What is amusing woman?" he demanded. Inuyasha's ear flickered and he turned to watch in amusement. Spats between these two were always good. "I was just thinking how glad I am" she cooed to her mate.

His eyes darkened with suspicion, "About?" he asked. She sighed, a dreamy sound, "That Kurama will be back today, there is something I need to ask him". Inuyasha almost choked on his suppressed laughter. Sesshoumaru's left eyelid twitched..once…twice.

Ayeka decided not to rile her mate further. Unseen by the crowd, she reached over and covered his hand with hers. Lacing her slim fingers with his. His fingers moved carefully to prevent his claws from nicking her. "I was teasing Sessh" she told him.

He stared straight ahead, no expression, "Woman do not tease this Sesshoumaru" he commanded gruffly, his fingers gently stroking hers. Inuyasha snorted with amusement, his brother the ice prince as a big fat softy. He was about to burst into laughter when a sharp lump on the back of his head stopped him.

He blinked at Ayeka and she smiled brightly, "Don't pick on this Sesshoumaru" she told him stoically, her eyes sparkling. Sesshoumaru sighed heavily and stood. "Bring it out" he commanded. His guard moved to gather the waiting prisoner.

Adus blinked into the bright light, his eyes fighting to adjust quickly. Countless faces stared back at him, down on him. It made his flesh crawl, but he slapped a smirk on his face and swaggered forward of his own will.

Several wondered if he thought he would win today. Others merely wondered what he had to smile about. Adus watched the eyes move over him. He knew they wondered at his confident manner, ah, but he had a secret. Today was the day he left this fortress and planned his perfect revenge.

Yellow eyes swept the ring, and landed on Toga. The dog looked bored. Well, that would change soon enough. His eyes moved on. There she was, his treasonous sister. He'd be killing her for certain and beside her sat the object of his desires. The elemental.

"You are here to atone for your crimes" Hatori's voice rang out, "Let the match begin". Both fighters moved to the center of the ring, yellow locked with gold. One taunting, one promising.

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Kurama growled angrily, his shoulder throbbing. He'd taken an arrow an hour past and since that time had rushed headlong toward the west. He had not time to stop and see to his wound, the item in his possession far too valuable to risk losing to his pursuers.

He panted against pain, the odd burning of the wound telling him that yet again he'd been exposed to poison. Well wasn't that just wonderful. That asshole Sesshoumaru would probably jump with glee over it…behind closed doors of course.

He caught a scent a moment before a body collided with his. Surprised as he was, he and his attacker tumbled to the ground. He rolled, pinning the body beneath his, claws poised to strike the killing blow. A slight yelp of pain rose from the body. A feminine yelp. Silver hair, wide golden eyes, slowly these things registered in his mind.

He blinked down at the female form beneath him, recognition sparking. "Saio?" he rasped. She blinked up at him, her hard gaze softening with…relief. "Kurama?". He lifted himself from her, staggering slightly at the pain that shot through him. Golden eyes landed on the half broken arrow protruding from his shoulder.

Saio pulled herself up, "You're hurt" she pointed out. Kurama growled in annoyance, "Brilliant deduction Saio. Why did you tackle me?" he demanded. His discomfort pushing his charm to the back. She shook the leaves from her hair, "I didn't know it was you and I wasn't really….". She blushed and Kurama finished for her, "Watching where you were going?".

She nodded, "True" she bit out, clutching her ribs, "Time is of the essence, and I don’t have much energy left". His eyes moved over her form, taking in a multitude of small cuts and scrapes from her flight through the brush. She cradled her ribs and her breathing was labored.

She saw his gaze and gave a sigh, wincing as she did so. "Broken" she told him, "Not sure how many. I have to hurry Kurama. My uncle is waiting for news". He nodded, reaching into his shirt and taking out a thick length of bandage.

With fast hands he wrapped her ribs, easing the pain somewhat. She rasped as he tied the knot. He cast a wary glance around, "We have to hurry, I was being followed" he told her. She nodded, "I think I was too".

Wounded as they were, they rushed at the barrier, Kurama letting his youki flare to signal Sesshoumaru. They failed to sense the slight presence of another nearby.

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Sesshoumaru stiffened in his seat, feeling the rush of power beyond the barrier. Kurama. And someone, something else. Something dark and twisted and powerful. Something he didn't want loose in the west. What the hell had the fox brought back with him? He could leave the barrier up and leave Kurama to his own fate and thereby maintain the integrity of the western defenses.

That would be the simplest solution. However, simple defined nothing in Sesshoumaru's life. He had sent the fox out there on an errand and he would be damned if he would accept the death of the arrogant ass for his lack of action.

Toga and Adus were swiping viciously at each other, Toga clearly laying more damage against the wolf. Everyone was engrossed by the fight at hand. Sesshoumaru growled softly and Ayeka and Inuyasha looked over at him, knowing this particular sound to be a warning rarely used… except in the past.

Sesshoumaru was going to kill someone.

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Kurama saw the barrier shift and part and he grabbed Saio darting inside, taking note of the strange form that swept over his head as he did so. He pushed Saio to the forest floor and growled. "Something came in with us" he whispered.

She struggled against him, "We have no time!". Whatever had entered seemed specifically headed towards the palace. It paid no heed to them, giving Kurama the impression that it was not what chased them.

They ran swiftly toward the walls, Saio's lungs burning. This was not good, but she refused to give in. She had a duty to see to. She'd run so long and so hard, had she not been injured she'd have flown. Kurama kept a firm hold on her wrist, dragging her behind him.

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Sesshoumaru's hand felt to Tokijin, "Inuyasha" he growled, "Prepare yourself". Ayeka found herself pressed behind the two. Others felt the shift of power and looked around as though dazed. Sesshoumaru caught the cocky grin on that wolf's face and knew….somehow…. He was part of this.

A large shadow crossed overhead and Sesshoumaru stared upwards to see a strange creature indeed. Long golden hair and white wings flared out behind him. And he was not alone. There were others, that looked very similar to the thing bound in his home.

They swept over the crowds, demons tensing to fight but these winged ruffians were not after that. Not today anyway. Silvana's eyes sought Ryu down in the ring and he was leaping across the seats towards her. Suddenly she shrieked, feeling hard arms band around her.

Sesshoumaru's orders were barked across the distance and soldiers filed into the chaos. They managed to spear and pin a handful of the would be conquerors. Ryu lunged with a roar of rage as Silvana was lifted into the air. She fought wildly, and was dropped, only to be caught up by another.

Elda sprang after her, her hands catching a slim ankle. She refused to let go, not when she could hear Adus laughing maniacally below. The winged creatures tore at her, jeering and laughing as they did so, but she held fast. She heard a distinct roar and peered down to see Madu racing after her.

Sesshoumaru was enraged that someone had dared breech his home. It was unthinkable and he knew that angel winged bastard was to blame. He fluttered above Sesshoumaru with a small smile playing across his features. Golden eyes stared at the demon lord, mocking him.

Satoru shoved his way to the front and paused beside his father. "There is no demonic aura coming from him" he said, "He is made with demon parts and demon intent, but his soul…..is…human". Sesshoumaru grunted, "No matter, he shall perish".

The beautiful face turned to Satoru and smiled, "Long time Satoru" he said. The demon didn't even blink. "Who the hell are you?" he asked. "I am Josin" he replied, "At least I am now. I am sad that you don't know me".

Suddenly the stoic demon clasped his chest and growled, his eyes going wide. Recognition moving through him in a painful wave. It couldn't be, it just couldn't….it mustn't. Josin fluttered higher, laughing lightly, "Oh I have missed you. But don't worry Satoru, I shall repay what you have done". Satoru lurched forward, his hand reaching toward the airborne figure that grew smaller and smaller. "Don't do this!" he shouted, the next word echoed loudly through the silent and still yard. The enemy having fled. "Reny!".