Feelings

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha. I do own Shrugen.

*Actions*

“Speech”

(Thought)


I do humbly apologize for not keeping up a current update for either fan fiction of mine. There have been many complications concerning my family’s health and I had to take a break to help deal with it. You’ll be glad to know that the problems are over and I will come back to writing on a weekly basis. (Or at least I hope to) Please know that this has been worked in at different times so please forgive me if it is a little crappy.


Showdown


Inuyasha and Shrugen traveled for hours nonstop, intent on rescuing their friends and to finally resolve the promise of revenge between the panther tribe and his father.

“Shrugen, what can you tell me of the panther tribe?”

“Well, last I recall, there were four panther devas. You’ve already met Kauron, she wields the power of fire, Shuran, he has the power of lightning, Shunran, she commands the power of ice, and Toran, whose power you have already witnessed. She was the one who put us to sleep.”

“Any idea of their fighting preference?”

“They will attack in waves. Every deva will command a large unit of cat demons. After one wave is beginning to tire or lose too many lives, they will retreat and the next wave will take their place. Once their opponent is tired they will allow them to reach their stronghold, and attack all at once to finish them off.”

“Great. Well, I’ve caught Kogas scent. He’s just up ahead.”

Inuyahsa and Shrugen walked into a clearing and saw a frustrated Koga arms crossed over his chest pacing back and forth. Once he noticed them he ran over.

“I can’t get in! The way is blocked by a strong barrier. “

“That’s what I was going to tell you before you ran off to play hero, stupid.”

“Shove it half-breed. What are we going to do? We can’t get in because of the barrier.”

“That barrier wont be their for long. Inuyasha, if you would do the honors.”

“Gladly.”

Drawing tetsuiga he raised the crimson blade and slammed it down, unleashing the wind scar upon the barrier. The twisting energies assaulted the barrier and within moment it dissipated, leaving the path open.

(Amazing. He destroyed the barrier with just one swing of his sword. He has grown powerful. At this rate I don’t know if I’ll be even able to put up a fight against him.) Koga said staring at Inuyasha mouth agape.

(Hang in there, my love. I am on my way.) Inuyahsa thought.

“Alright let’s get moving.”

“Inuyasha! Why are you here?” said a cold voice from behind.


Sango sat up against the barrier keeping them contained and watched some villagers huddle together in fear, others futilely banging on the barrier in hopes that it would spontaneously collapse.

“Mind if I sit down?” Miroku said standing next to her. Sango nodded and he sat down.

“So…how long have you and Inuyasha been together?”

“About three weeks.”

“Sango… what did I do wrong? What did I do to drive you away?”

“You always molested me, you never stopped asking every woman you saw to bare your child, and you would expect me to have feelings for you!?”

Miroku winced “I suppose that would be asking a little too much from you.”

“Try a lot. Miroku if you want to find the right girl, don’t go asking every one you see if they will have your child. Find one that you like and get to know her. Show her some affection other that caressing her butt. Give her flowers for starters. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

“Yeah. I suppose I have been a little bit of a pervert.”

“I’m glad you understand. Now all me and Inuyasha need to do it tell Kagome, although I don’t think she will take it as well as you.”


“Sesshomaru!?!”

“I will not ask again Inuyasha. Why are you here? The panther demons have nothing to do with you. They are mine to deal with.”

“They wanted me to come, Sesshomaru. They kidnapped my friends to make sure that I would.”

“Why would they want a half-breed like you to come? Getting revenge on you would be meaningless.”

“Sesshomaru will you ever get off that high horse of yours? I would have thought having your life saved by a half-breed would have humbled you, at least a little.” Said Shrugen

“Ah, it’s you Shrugen. I am surprised to see you still alive. And for the record, you did not save my life. I would have survived that panthers strike.”

“Eh? What is he talking about Shrugen?”

“When we were fighting against to panther demons invading forces, Sesshomaru got careless and as a result, he was almost killed. I save him just before the demon could strike.”

“I would have survived the attack. The panther demons want me here to settle our rivalry once and for all. You may come along, just as long as you don’t get in my way.”

“Tag along with you two mutts? I don’t think so. I’m better off on my own.” Said Koga and headed north into the woods.

“Insolent wolf.” Said Sesshomaru “Inuyasha if you are intent on doing battle you are on your own. Cross my path and I will not hesitate to kill you.” He said and headed south.

“Cocky bastard. If Sango weren’t in trouble, I’d show him just how strong I’ve become.”

“Well the good thing is we have people attacking from three directions. The panther demons will have to split their forces and make it easier for us to break through their defenses.”

“Then let’s go. Once I know that Sango is safe, I can finish the panther demons once and for all.” Inuyasha said and both he and Shrugen continued east.


“Shunran, our scouts report that Inuyasha and Sesshomaru have split up. Inuyasha remains to the east and Sesshomaru went south. Also, a wolf demon is attacking from the north. He seems to be with Inuyasha.”

“Shuran I want you to take care of the wolf demon. Kauron and Toran, you will face of Inuyasha and I will fight Sesshomaru.”

“Why do we face the half-breed? He is barely worth an effort for one of us, let alone two.”

“Because Kauron, Even though he’s a half-breed, he wields a tremendous power, his Tetsuiga. He wields it unruly and poses an even greater threat than Sesshomaru to our plans. Go now and eliminate him before he reaches our stronghold. I will lead Sesshomaru here so the master my deal with him when he arises.”


“I’m surprised that we haven’t met any resistance yet. We’re deep enough in their territory that we should’ve been attacked, but so far it’s been easy goings.”

“Don’t be mistaken, they know that were here. I have no doubt that they have been following us since we entered their domain. See? Look up ahead.”

Inuyasha looked ahead and in the distance could see a lone figure standing in their path. At first glance it looked like a young girl dressed in a bright pink kimono, but as they got closer Inuyasha could see subtle differences. She had long auburn hair and her eyes resembled that of a cats, the color of them emerald green and the faint smell of cherry blossoms could be smelt.

“I remember that scent. You’re the one who knocked us out!”

“Guilty as charged. My name is Toran and I have been given the duty of eliminating you.”

“Along with me.” Said a voice behind them. Looking back, Inuyasha could see Kauron standing still with her arms folded on her chest and a large group of cat demons behind her.

“Keh, guess I should be flattered. Two come to face me, while the others just get one. Well, lucky for you two I’m feeling generous. If you get out of my way right now, I won’t kill you.”

“You talk big for someone who is out numbered and outclassed. Unfortunately for you Inuyasha, by now our master has been resurrected and has already finished devouring your friends. Your assault on our home was all for naught.” Kauron said and lunged at him.

(She couldn’t be telling the truth, could she? No, she has to be lying. Sango can’t be dead! I refuse to believe it!)

Sensing his distraught, Kauron pressed her attack. Lashing out she spoke again. “Oh yes, by now their souls have already become apart of him, empowering our master and with the added power of the jewel shards, he will be invincible!”

Inuyasha felt like he was going to be sick. He fell on his hands and knees. (No… it, it can’t be… Sango, Sango I’m so sorry. My mate… my love I failed you.)

“That’s right.” said Kauron laughing evilly. “Bow down, accept your fate. Your friends are dead and now you will join them in hell.” She said while powering up a fireball.

(You. You’re the cause of this. You’re the reason she’s dead. I will kill you all and avenge her death. None shall survive I swear it!)

As Inuyasha thought this he suddenly felt a wave of warmth overcome his body and felt it pulse with energy. He looked up at Kauron and with a feral roar attacked. Caught off guard by his sudden attack, Kauron shot the fireball into to air and barley managed to evade Inuyashas claws, but the cat demon that was behind her wasn’t so fortunate. As soon as his claws grasped the cat demons throat, Inuyasha felt the warmth flow from him to the demon. The cat demon screamed in pain as immense purifying power scorched its body, threads of energy dancing across it as if it were being continually being struck by lightning. A moment later the demon combusted and fell to the ground dead; both Kauron and Inuyasha looked and the corpse in bewilderment.

Shrugen watched this happen as he fought off other cat demons. (This is not good.) He thought (It’s to early for him to be using his powers. He has no control of them yet. I don’t event know how he was able to use it so soon. We need to get this done and over with fast before his powers get out of hand.)

“Inuyasha, MOVE!” Shrugen yelled as he drew his sword. Focusing his power, his sword began to radiate intense heat and then ignited. “Searing Winds!!!” He shouted and slashed out with his sword, shooting out a vortex of fire and super heated air. Most of the demons he was aiming for managed to evade or get thrown back from the force of the swirling fires but the few that didn’t were immediately incinerated it the overwhelming fires. While the cat demons were recovering from the sudden attack Shrugen hastily spoke to Inuyasha.

“The way to their fortress is clear. You get going; I can handle the rest. Besides Kauron and I have some unfinished business to take care of.”

“Their already dead! Kauron-”

“Would you believe an enemy over your own instincts? Think Inuyasha. Have you smelt any human blood, or heard any cries of anguish? She was only toying with you. Now, get going. I’ll cover your back.”

Nodding his head in agreement, Inuyasha raced off towards the panther fortress just as Kauron finished reassembling her troops.

“Damn! Toran, go after Inuyasha, and the rest of you as well. Inuyasha must not get to the fortress and interrupt the ritual. I will handle Shrugen.”

Obeying her commands Toran and the remaining cat demons took off after Inuyasha. Before Shrugen could try and stop them he was struck by a fist in the face which sent him to the ground. She began to circle him, like a predator stalking her prey.

“You know Shrugen; you caused me quite a bit of trouble when you escaped. I was the point of ridicule for many years. The very fact that you escaped under my watch was humiliating enough but when they heard how it happened, the embarrassment was enough to drive me into obscurity. I swore that I would get my revenge one day and lo and behold, that day has finally come.”

“You dream, Kauron.” Shrugen said wiping blood from his mouth. “Before you could have killed me permanently without even breaking a sweat, but now you are hardly a threat.”

“Hardly a threat?!? I am more than strong enough to take you down. You and that whelp of a half-breed Inuyasha.”

Shrugen laughed at her last statement and rose to his feet, readying his sword.

“Are you truly that ignorant?” he said facing a confused panther deva. “What do you think happened just a moment ago with him? That was not a random lightning bolt striking the demon, that was him. He purified it.”

“That’s impossible! No being with demonic blood in their veins can wield purifying powers. It simply cannot be.”

“Oh? Then I suppose a demonstration is in order.” Shrugen said and held out his hand. Instantly a white flame ignited covering his hand, the flame dancing on it.

“I call this the sacred flame. What still don’t believe me?” he said mockingly and then threw the flame directly at a dumbfounded Kauron. Hitting her in the right shoulder she fell back and grunted in pain.

“Now, since you wield the power of fire you should be completely immune to attacks like mine, yet I managed to harm you with a simple little fireball. The only way that could happen is if I had purifying powers that could breech your immunity. Get it now?”

(This… this is impossible! How can he wield purifying powers?! No half breed has ever been able to do so, and yet he says that not only he but Inuyasha as well can use them?! )

Kauron got up and holding her wounded shoulder, sneered at him.

“If that’s the extent of your power then I’m not impressed.” (I cannot show fear. I refuse to be intimidated by him.) she thought.

“Oh no, I have more strength than that. I would guess I have enough to reduce you to ash if I put up an effort. Inuyasha on the other hand is much stronger than me.”

“Ha! It makes no difference. My brother and sisters will make short work of him. He will never stand a-”
“SILENCE!!!” bellowed Shrugen. “I’m not finished. Like I said Inuyasha is far more powerful than me. Whereas I could probably destroy a handful of your kind, Inuyasha can destroy hundreds, nay thousands, of your kind in a single strike. Oh and here’s the kicker. You know how he got his power? His mother is Midoriko.”

Looking at Kauron, Shrugen could tell her will was faltering. She was on her knees and her face was pale, a look of shock seemingly etched on her face. (She’s weakening. Good. Now to strengthen the assault. Let’s see if my slightly insane/ power hungry approach will do the trick.)

“Hahahahahaha! That’s right!” he said with a maniacal tone. “The very person that fought and sealed away the last of the ancient demons, who’s soul is trapped along with the demons soul, endlessly fighting it within the sacred jewel, her blood runs through his veins, as well as her unequaled power!”

Kauron was slowly scooting away sweat now glistening off of her body, a cold chill running down her spine. (Yes its working! She’s on the ropes. Now for the final blow.)

“You look scared Kauron. You should be because that’s not all, oh no. Inuyashas has taken a mate. One of the women he travels with, and you know how protective dog demons are of their mates. If what you told him comes to pass by the time he reaches your stronghold, you’ll soon find out if your immunity to fire includes that of hells inferno. Chances are it doesn’t.”

(He speaks the truth I know it. This changes everything. Such power…it’s unbelievable. I must go warn the rest. If our master is resurrected and feasts on Inuyashas mate, we are doomed.)

Jumping up, Kauron summoned a huge fireball and aimed it at Shrugen. He merely stared intensely into her eyes and gave a devious almost sinister smile. Instead of firing at Shrugen, Kauron threw it to the ground creating a gigantic wall of fire and smoke. When the flames died down Kauron was nowhere to be seen.

(I win.)

Inuyasha ran towards the panther devas stronghold like his life depended upon it and in a sense it did. (Sango, ever since we confessed our love to each other I had a new reason to live. Your love means everything to me Sango. If I were to lose your love, to lose you, I don’t know what I would do. No that’s a lie, I do know. I would go mad with grief. I would go insane without seeing you in my arms every morning. Even now it is torture not to see your face. But worry not love, I will be there soon.)

While he was lost in his thoughts he failed to notice Toran and a fleet of cat demons appear in his path. Growing angry Inuyasha drew his Tetsuiaga and pointed it at her. “I have not the time or patience for you girl. Stand aside or die!”
“Your threats are meaningless Inuyasha. I have been sent to kill you and kill you I shall.” Toran said and nodded to the cat demons who then attacked.

“So be it. May you burn in hell!” Inuyasha shouted and swung Tetsuiga sending out the wind scar. The attack appeared normal but Inuyasha could tell that something was different about it. It seemed stronger somehow. The attack eliminated all but a few demons the rest were badly burned for some reason.

(That attack was more powerful than I was told. I sent in over two hundred cat demons and he obliterated all but three. I am not strong enough to handle that kind of strength. I will let him reach our stronghold and then all of us will kill him. We are strong enough… aren’t we?)

“Inuyasha, I have decided to allow you to reach our stronghold. But know that when you do, it will mean your death.” Toran said and ran into the forest.

“Bah, allowed my ass.”


(Inuyasha where are you? What’s taking you so long? Are the panther devas too much for you? No, what am I thinking, they can’t be. But I hope you get here soon Inuyasha. The moon is almost in place for the ritual, and I can’t fight them off them or their leader without my Hiraikotsu. Please Inuyasha, hurry!)

Just as Sango finished her thoughts she saw two of the panther demons come back from their skirmishes. Moving closer she could faintly hear their conversation.


“Toran what are you doing back here? Where is Kauron? Have you defeated Inuyasha?” Shunran asked

“No we didn’t. He is too powerful for only two of us. We’ll have to eliminate him once he gets here.”

“Damn. That means we’ll have to deal with both Inuyasha and Sesshomaru. It could be difficult but with our master resurrected it should go smoothly.”

“If that’s true then you won’t mind one more person joining the battle.” Said Shuran “The wolf demon was too fast for me. I managed to weaken him so when he gets here he shouldn’t be a problem.”

“Very well. Where’s Kauron? Wasn’t she with you Toran?”

“She was but stayed behind to deal with Shrugen. She should be back any time now.”
As if on queue, Kauron entered the fortress and went over to them. (She looks shaken.) Sango thought (I wonder what happened to make her so scared?)

“Kauron what happened? You look like you’ve seen death itself.”

“I-Its Inuyasha. H-He’s-”

“Here!” shouted a scout from the forest. “Inuyasha is here, as well as Sesshomaru and the wolf demon.”

“Very well then. Prepare for battle!” Shouted Shunran “Kauron we’ll speak later.”

As Inuyasha walked through the archway he looked around and saw that he was in a large courtyard mostly empty except for a gigantic mummified corpse of a demon, and to the right of it the villagers and thankfully his party members contained within a barrier, unharmed.

(Huh. Here I go through all this trouble and once I finally get here, there’s no one here to say hello. Well no skin off my nose. I’ll just break the barrier and get my mate back.)

Strolling over to the barrier Inuyasha could see Sango near the shimmering surface. She looked to be deep in thought and worried. Catching her attention, her face instantly brightened and she made her way over to him.

“Sango you’re alright thank the gods. I had begun to think that I was too late.”

“Inuyasha I’ve been worried about you. Listen you need to get us out of here, fast. The ritual is about to start and- Inuyasha LOOK OUT!!!!”

Just as she said this, a giant clawed hand swiped at him and knocked him away from the barrier. Landing on his feet, Inuyasha looked to see who struck him and found that the corpse wasn’t as dead as he thought it was. One if its hands had swiped at him and now it began to move from its original crouched state. Slowly it stood and raised its head; its empty eye sockets holding two small red orbs.

“You…your scent reeks of my most hated enemy.” It said in a dry gravely voice. “I will feast upon your soul and live once again!”

Just as he finished speaking, dozens of cat demons lead but the four devas leapt out of the forest in a surprise attack and descended upon Inuyasha. Before he could react, a wave of blue demonic energy arched through the air and struck the attacking force, scattering their forces.

“Inuyasha leave now. If anyone is to end the panther devas, it is I who will do it.” Said Sesshomaru.

“Well Sesshomaru it’s about time. I was beginning to wonder if you had gotten lost.” Taunted Shunran as she landed. “Now that you’re here, we can begin the ritual. At last our revenge will be complete!”

Signaling the attack the four devas and their army of cat demons circled around the two descendants, and went on a full assault. As Inuyasha and Sesshomaru fought them, the giant corpse had moved towards the villager’s intent on devouring their souls and flesh. As he just reached the barrier, he was struck by Koga, his jewel empowered kick sending the corpse stumbling backwards.

“Souls… I need…Souls…”

“Just wait a little longer my lord, and you will feat upon the souls of your enemy’s offspring.” Shunran said


As Inuyasha continued cleaving through wave upon wave of cat demons and countering some of the devas attacks, he heard someone shouting to him.

“Hey muttface! I can’t break through the barrier. Why don’t you make yourself useful and use that sword of yours to break it so I can get Kagome out of here!”

Without saying a word, Inuyasha swung his sword and launched his wind scar at the barrier nearly striking Koga who was in the way. As the winds scars demonic energies overwhelmed and dissolved the barrier Koga yelled at Inuyasha.

“YOU IDIOT! You almost hit me!”

“Almost? Damn, I thought I did.”

“Thought you… YOU SONOVA-”

“Koga!” interrupted Kagome “I need your help. I need you to help move these people to safety.”

“No! They mustn’t get away. Cat demons, stop them from escaping!” said Shunran pointing towards the fleeing villagers.

As the cat demons left to block the villagers escape route, the giant corpse lumbered over to them in another attempt to get their souls. Once again he was close to them only to be foiled again by a strike from behind from Sesshomaru. Falling forwards he was going to crush some of the villagers along with Sango and Kagome. Seeing this, Inuyasha raced towards them, hand outstretched. Seeing Inuyasha coming towards her Kagome reached out ready to be whisked away by him, only to see him pass by, his had outstretched for someone else. Eyes wide Kagome looked behind her to see Sango on Inuyashas back, rescuing her from danger. A heartbeat later Koga grabbed her and barely escaped the falling corpse, landing right next to Inuyasha.

Seeing their master o the ground the devas moved next to it to protect it from further damage.


“Souls…need souls…” it said

“Just a little longer master, then you will live again.”

“No… If I cannot have their souls… I shall take yours instead!” the corpse said and lashed out at them with his claws. Only Shunran was able to escape the blow. The others died instantly, their souls sucked into the great maw of the corpse. As soon as he finished, its body began to change. Its body became thicker and brown hair covered it. Its eyes returned to an eerie yellow with silted pupils. Three horns sprouted from its head, one on either side and one on top of it head.

“At last, I live again!” the creature shouted

“M-Master… how could you?” Shunran asked

Ignoring her, the creature turned to Inuyasha and Sesshomaru. “Now that I am alive once more I shall raise an army and conquer the western lands! But first, I shall eliminate the last of the dog general’s offspring. You two shall soon see your father in hell!”

Dodging its first attack, Sesshomaru retaliated with a energy strike from his Tokijin only to have it harmlessly bounce of the creature. Inuyasha tried his wind scar, but it was deflected as well. Roaring with laughter the creature attacked without mercy.

“Inuyasha! Its throat! There are four jewel shards in its throat!” Kagome hollered as she launched an arrow at the creature.

Narrowly dodging the sacred arrow the creature looked towards her and with a snarl and thrusted its hand at her and its claws launched from its hand, rocketing towards her and Sango. Inuyasha barely got there in time to parry the claws.

“Sango, Kagome, get out of here. I can handle this.” He said in a dead serious tone.

Hesitantly they both left and once they were out of sight, Inuyasha focused his attention on the creature.


Shrugen had just reached the stronghold when he saw the villagers fleeing from it. Pointing them to the right path out, he saw Sango and Kagome running towards him with Koga trailing behind, a look of panic on their faces.

“Shrugen! You have to help Inuyasha! The creature is nearly invulnerable!” Sango said

“Alright, you guide these people out of here and I’ll help Inuyasha. Take Koga with you. He’ll be more of a hindrance than help.”

“Hey!”

“Oh, shut up and get going.”

Just as Shrugen passed through the doorway he saw Sesshomaru off to the left his hand holding his wounded shoulder an Inuyasha standing in front of the giant creature.

“You kill your own kin just so you can live again? You bastard!” he growled “And you even dared to harm my mate! That is unforgivable!”

As soon as he finished speaking he griped his Tetsuiga tighter and felt a familiar warmth flow into him; a faint aura began to form around him.

“You seek to control everything you see and kill those who are in our way! I lost everything to demons like you, my family my home and nearly my life. It took me years but I finally have some happiness in my life again and I’ll be damned if it s taken away again!”

The aura around him increased dramatically, the warmth increasing to a searing heat.

“I will strike you down, invulnerable or not, you will die by my hand! BURN IN HELL!!!”

And with that he swung his sword to unleash the wind scar. But instead of the wind scar, something else came forth. An enormous wave of purifying light shot out from Tetsuiga with tremendous speed and enveloped the creature. The sheer power of the strike vaporized it and once the light died down, no remains could be seen, except for the path of ruin that the attack made and three orbs floating in midair, one red, one pink, one bright blue.
(By the gods! He did this with his purifying powers!?!) Thought Shrugen (Hes only had his power for not even a day and he can do this? He will be unbeatable once he learns to control it. Hell, he will change the course of history!)

Looking at Inuyasha he could tell he gave it his all in that attack. He didn’t even have enough energy to stand. Walking over to him, Shrugen slung one of Inuyashas hands over his shoulder and helped him up.

“Ugh. What happened?”

“You just vaporized a great cat lord and about half of a forest as well.” Hearing that snapped Inuyasha out of his stupor.

“I what? I did that?!” he said pointing

“Yep, not bad for your first time using your full power.” (Isn’t that the understatement of the century.) Shrugen thought mentally kicking himself at his verbal blunder

“Inuyasha, are you alright? We saw I bright flash of light and-oh my!” said Kagome as she surveyed the battle scene. Sango on the other hand immediately went to Inuyasha side and helped him up.

“What happened? Who did this?”

“Kagome!” said Koga running up. “All the villagers are safe. Now I can help with- HOLY SHIT! What happened?!"

“Yes Inuyasha, why don’t you explain what just happened?” Said Sesshomaru walking towards them. “And what’s this I heard about you having a mate?”

In an instant, all eyes were on Inuyasha. “Well,” he said nervously. “Seems I have a lot of explaining to do.”