#sanxmir

Sorry--it’s been a stressful couple weeks with my birthday and anniversary of my father’s death, so I took a hiatus.  Here you go!

Song Inspriation: Land of Confusion by Hidden Citizens

**I do not own Inuyasha or the song referenced

 Chapter 3

Inuyasha jumped and landed beside Sango who was still holding Kagome in her arms.  Her hold had only tightened with his approach. Sango turned to look at him tears now in her eyes as she clung to Kagome scared of his anger over his wife’s condition and guilt from what those demons had made her do to her best friend.  She didn’t want him to take her away until after she had checked her injuries that she inflected on her. She had been manipulated by Naraku and swamp demon in the past. The fact she had to watch and be aware the whole time made the guilt harder to bear.

Inuyasha initially had looked angry and his eyes were flashing red but now looked concerned as he was able to see what had caused Kagome’s condition and knew she wasn’t necessary in danger at this current moment. He could smell the anxiety and tears coming off the demon exterminator and tried not to let his instincts take control and rip his wife away from her and tear her down with his claws. His eyebrow twitched a little as he slightly bit his lip. He was growling in frustration as they didn’t make it in time to protect his family. He looked Kagome up and down and she made eye contact and looked relived he was there. She nodded slightly to make sure she saw his unasked question that she was ok. He knelt to be eye level with Sango as Kagome ensured she was alright for the time being.

Kagome raised her right arm to place on Sango’s left shoulder trying to reassure her she was not upset with her and that she would be fine... The only issue was she couldn’t control her breathing which was ragged from the pain she was in but she held a calm but strained expression, “Sango... it’s-it’s not your fault,” Kagome spoke through her grinding pain, “It’s okay. Pl-please... d-don’t feel guilty.”

“What happened?” Inuyasha asked sharply starting bubble again with anger hearing his wife’s broken sentences.

Sango looked back down to Kagome and trembled with her still in her arms, bangs covering her eyes. Miroku placed a hand on her other shoulder and knelt by her trying to comfort her.

“There were three dog demons who appeared with the scorpions you went to go exterminate while we were having lunch with Koga and Ayame. We pleaded with Koga and Ayame to take the children and Rin to safety knowing they could them out of here faster... We were able to take care of the scorpions and the miasma. But then they appeared and...and...”Sango shuttered and tears spilled onto Kagome’s clothes as she tried to hold in her sobs. Inuyasha had always left Kagome with her when they left the village to go demon slaying.  He trusted her to keep his wife, his heart, his everything safe... and here she was the reason she laid bleeding in her very arms...

Kagome shot a weak look to Inuyasha to not make her finish. He gazed into her eyes worriedly and nodded sighing shakily.  He knew what happened. He could see and smell the inner bruises along with the gashes from Sango’s weapons. 

Inuyasha sighed again gathering his thoughts before he spoke. He was never good with words. Kagome knew that and didn’t push a lot out of him.  She allowed him to show her more of his emotions than making him express them. They had grown far more comfortable with each other’s body language and just her words in their two years of being married.  He could see she was safe, He had to keep reminding himself that. But she couldn't give the comfort to Sango she was searching for; she clearly needed to hear from him. She was a warrior, just like him, and casualties meant failure. “Sango--it’s not your fault. Kagome doesn’t blame you and neither do I.”

“I betrayed your trust though, Inuyasha! I failed to protect her!”

“Sango, Inuyasha and Kagome do not fault you. You and Kagome clearly made tough calls and unfortunately someone got hurt. But Kagome will heal, our children our safe as I’m sure that was Kagome and your plan all along,” Miroku comforted.

Kagome nodded biting her lip nervously trying to control her tremors. Inuyasha looked back to his wife sniffing to detect how much blood she had lost. Kagome’s life wasn’t in danger... not yet. There was blood but it wasn’t enough to cause him to panic if he can get her back to village to treat her wounds.  He was anxious about the smell of pain coming off her.  He compared it to the roll of the ocean waves as it immersed off her. He extended his hand to motion to her to pass Kagome to him. His nerves were still fried. He needed to hold her. She could calm his raging mind.

Miroku patted Sango’s shoulder trying to signal her to release Kagome so he could take her place and Inuyasha’s anger would subside. Kohaku, with Shippo on his shoulder, and Kirara watched further back clearly not wanting to disturb the already delicate situation. Kohaku turned to Shippo “We should head back to the village and see if we can help Koga and Ayame secure Rin and the kids.”

“You’re right--but how do we break it to them.”

“Grrrrr... You act like I don’t have ears sometimes you brats!” Inuyasha growled.

“Then we will take our leave! We will meet you there Inuyasha! Miroku, take care of my sister!” Kohaku jumped back onto Kirara with Shippo still intact as Kirara took off toward the village.

“We should be going as well. The fact they disappeared could only mean they either meant to regroup and that we were not their primary target...”

Sango finally lifted her head glaring with tears, “They will pay for this.”

“Get in line. When I get my hands on them, they’ll regret the day they thought they could try to deceive us.”

Sango looked back down at Kagome looking determined and Kagome smiled softly and nodded her head in agreement. She lightly shifted Kagome to be in his arms. Inuyasha sighed relief as he finally had his wife in his arms. He grasped her injured shoulder lightly as he stared down into her eyes. She gazed back into his golden eyes and lifted her right arm to brush his cheek lightly speaking softly only for him to hear, “I’m okay, Inuyasha. It’s okay.”

Sango stood with Miroku. “We will get a head start, Inuyasha.” Miroku picked up Sango’s weapon that was laying behind her after she dropped it in order to catch Kagome when they fell after the threads of control were severed and passed it to her and they took off running to follow where Kirara flew off to.

Inuyasha exhaled deeply as if he was holding in his breath once Miroku and Sango were out of earshot distance. Kagome still had her hand on his cheek. He started to disrobe and carefully wrap his wife in his red robe of the fire rat. 

“Don’t...” Kagome squeezed out. “Do n-not blame yourself. You cou-couldn’t have known.” She squeezed her eyes shut and grasped her shoulder gasping in pain. It was starting to burn more now that the adrenaline of the fight was wearing off. With Inuyasha by her, she couldn’t help but relax--which unfortunately was becoming her undoing. 

He was now glaring at her still holding her close to his chest, eyes beginning to flash crimson, “I could have stayed! They didn’t even need me! You warned us and we didn’t listen to you, Kagome! And now--look at you! You can’t even finish a sentence without wincing in pain. You’re going to be lucky if Sango didn’t break anything! I can literally smell your internal bruising Kagome! I don’t know why Sango was bothering blaming herself when it is clearly my--”

“Stop it!” She yelled smashing her lips against his. She shuttered slightly making him try to pull back so he could continue his self-deprecation, but she followed him up and took her hand that was on her shoulder and pushed on the back of his neck to stay in contact with her until he could calm himself. When he lost his temper over her safety, or felt her in peril, he was more than likely to succumb to his demonic self. Something they learned after they had married and mated, which Myouga had to clear up after an incident that occurred only a month after they were bonded...

A demon ogre had come through the forest near the village while she was out with Rin and Kaede picking herbs. He had claimed he in search of the priestess that could control time and could bring back the Sacred Jewel. Unsure how the rumor started or where it could have emerged from, she tried to stop the demon before he caused any actual havoc on the village.

Inuyasha having sensed the demon from the fields he and Miroku were working in rushed to her.  He arrived a moment too late as the demon swatted his large brown hand at Rin demanding answers since she was the closest to the demon and unguarded. Inuyasha watched in horror as Kagome leapt in front of her, knocking Kagome unconscious. The demon having lost his patience grabbed her and Rin and hurled them into the air where they dropped in the river. Kaede had to bear witness as Inuyasha snapped, while still in position of his father’s fang, transform and gut the demon mercilessly leaving her in shock of his ruthlessness towards the other demon as he shot off towards the river. Inuyasha barely even took note of her which she was thankful for as she had only heard tales of him losing his humanity and how he had extreme difficulty identifying friends versus foes.

She followed as fast as she could to try and calm him before he made his way back into the village where the river flowed but found him standing menacingly over Rin who had managed to get Kagome to shore. She was kneeling with Kagome laying on Rin’s lap, stomach on the ground, arms outstretched over her knees. Rin’s arms were over her back like she was about to flip her over to try and breathe air into her unconscious caretaker.  His claws raised to his face full of blood, eyes crimson red with the bright blue irises, looking ready to strike Rin down if she made any sudden moves. Rin shook in fear only having seen him like this once inside the Naraku during the final battle but knew wasn’t himself.  She tried to call out to him and only was growled at with ferocity. Kaede had tried to approach and speak to him softly to bring him to his senses but she received the same treatment and a look of sheer murder from the half-demon.  

Thankfully, Kagome coughed up water at that moment and opened her coffee eyes turning her head away from Rin’s belly towards the aura that overtook her; she confused as it was not the same aura they had just been facing in the fields of herbs.  She took in the furious Inuyasha in his demonic form and gasped eyes widening.  She sat up quickly and he turned back to face her turning away from Kaede. Their eye met and she was able to gauge he recognized her. She stood slowly to not scare him and hoping to not get more intense reaction out of him. Rin grabbed her arm to slow her down from getting up too quickly while voicing that Inuyasha wasn’t his normal self only for him to jump by Kagome sweeping her away from Rin. He started to swipe his arm down to attack Rin’s hand. Kagome reached out and grabbed his right arm that wasn’t swinging and cried his name to stop trying to pull away before he could get too close to Rin squeezing her eyes shut.

The air was quiet as she held onto his arm and all was silent. It was almost like time stood still. She finally opened her eyes to see if she has stopped him. He was looking at her with his blood red eyes. His eyes slowly fading in and out back to his normal amber from his blue. She loosened her grip and moved to embrace him; slowly, her arms wrapped around his waist she buried her head into his shoulder and said his name breathily and told him it was ok.  Slowly his arms pooled around her and he sank into her embrace shaking slightly saying her name in a husky voice.

Myouga was in a nearby village and began to hear of the tale retold by villagers to take heed of the half-demon and his protectiveness of his wife, the beautiful young priestess who was training under Kaede who appeared from no-where. Having reached Inuyasha a day later, he explained that after Inuyasha took Kagome as his wife, his demonic nature changed to not only have to protect his own life, but her own as well as his inner blood recognized her as his mate.  While he always held love and felt protective of Kagome, once they mated it created a bond demons cannot break easily.  

Inuyasha said he didn’t truly understand as he knew demons had to “mark” their mate and he didn’t even know how he had done it.

Myouga, of course, was able to sniff it out and show his master the scarred bite marks on Kagome’s right shoulder near her neck and explained his demonic nature probably did it and he probably didn’t notice because there wouldn’t be much of a difference once it was performed.  He said it usually occurring during the actual mating process. Myouga continued to explain that that bite links their lives together and can be a blessing in the facts that demon gains untold strength to protect their beloveds, but it can even be a curse as if a mate dies, typically their counterpart does not have long left in the world either. They will essentially die from a broken heart.  He equated what happened to Inuyasha’s father and how Izayoi passed closly together.  It was not normal for a wealthy princess to die so young especially with such a young child. She held on for as long as she could to care for Inuyasha, but the bond pulled at her heart until it ultimately gave out.

The explanation behind his mother’s death was not surprising, but it still hurt the same to learn that she was as sad as she was until she passed. Kagome tried to comfort him saying clearly Izayoi’s love for Inuyasha is what kept her going for as long as she could and that he should feel guilty. Izayoi was probably as happy as she could be with Inuyasha which Myouga agreed to.  What he meant was typically mates die within weeks, not years of each other. Izayoi held on for much longer than anyone thought she would.

Myouga continued to explain that is why demons often do not take mates unless they are certain that is what they truly desire—to be linked to another in such a way is quite literally an eternal commitment. Kagome slightly panicked not knowing how to absorb what she was hearing. A Life-bond? The idea of being without Inuyasha was not one she wanted to ever think about or vise versa, she never wanted him to be alone, but to be near immortal?  They had never touched on the idea that she was human and would age slower, but knew it would be struggle when they came to it... But now, that was something they wouldn’t have to face... Obviously, that meant they would outlive their friends. Did that mean she’d be able to see her family again? Inuyasha was a half-demon and sure, he alluded he was far older than she was saying he unsure of how old because eventually years pass like days and being alone for so long... you lose track. She prayed she would never be in Izayoi’s position of picking between her child and following her mate…

Inuyasha felt guilty not really knowing all these facts. He had planned on becoming human with Kikyo and so never really investigated what demon culture did and how a mating mark would effect his intended. He didn’t even consider seeking to consult Myouga or even his asshole of a brother before marrying Kagome because there was no question in his she was always meant to be with him. She accepted him in any form he took without hesitation. Myouga never had before shared such information and his prick of a brother barely managed to wave at him in passing. Now his poor wife, his mate, was looking like she regretted their decision. He had planned on discussing with Myouga after they had been married for awhile and had a moment to discuss the subject of mortality…

Kagome saw the look in his eyes and realized he was misinterpreting her anxiety for regret and placed a hand on her husband’s taking hold and squeezed. She smiled at him and said how happy she was she wouldn’t ever have to leave his side again and she was merely overwhelmed that she would be able to perhaps she her family again.

Myouga went over more in their little visit on his demonic nature and instincts and made it clear Kagome was the only who would be able to bring his back from the edge when her safety was in concern by proving she was, in fact, not in danger of death...

 Inuyasha fought hard to be released from Kagome’s hold that was trying to calm him. His blood literally felt like it was boiling. Even though he felt like he was drenched in guilt and his demonic energy was trying to rise and take control over his body, Kagome was disarming him with soft whispers from her lips. How did he get so lucky to have her? Someone who would show him in a way only he could understand and push herself to discomfort to make him feel better? He must’ve been a saint in his previous life to be given this woman here and now.

“You should rest Kagome…Don’t strain yourself to protect me when you’re in so much pain. I’m fine,” he said as she pulled away.

“I had to m-make my point cl-clear. I’m okay, Inuyasha. I’ll be f-fine.”

Inuyasha sighed again pushing his forehead against hers. She brushed her hand over his cheek and they both closed their eyes and took solace in their presence until he was finally in complete control again. He readjusted his arms to hold her up bridal style and stood. He started to leap back towards the village now that he and his wife cleared the air. 

It didn’t take long for them to catch up with Sango, who was now in her demon slayer uniform, and Miroku. They ran together back to the village hoping to arrive before more trouble appeared...

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Koga and Ayame skidded to a stop outside of Kaede’s hut per Rin’s directions. Sesshomaru, Jaken, and the old priestess exited the hut, no doubt, sensing the wolves’ presence.

“Lord Sesshomaru!” Rin greeted anxiously her Lord pushing out of Koga’s arm staggering to him in a hurry to try and explain the current situation with her friends.

Sesshomaru looked perplexed, his typical unemotional eyes but slightly softened just a bit for Rin as she ran to him; he was questioning why she was being carried by the wolf. The other question in his mind was where his useless brother and friends were. Just before he opened his mouth, he sensed something approaching from above him, a familiar aura striking down; he quickly dashed forward to grab Rin out of the way as cloud of poison gas flooded down on the area where she had been running towards.

He stopped by the wolf and set her down and stood in front of her, his hand grasping his sword ready to strike down whoever had the audacity to harm what was his. His eyes narrowed as he recognized the scent immediately. 

“Ah, still quick on your feet Lord Sesshomaru,” his uncle descended slowly from the clouds, “And for a human no less...” he eyed Rin suspiciously. The girl stood as tall as Sesshormaru’s bicep. She dressed in nicer clothes but lacked shoes, making her an orphan.  But why did she have such fine clothing? She edged closer behind Sesshomaru her big brown doe full of unease taking in the way he was staring at her—breaking her down to figure out why Sesshomaru had bothered to snap her up from the ground to shield her from the poison gas he has expelled.

“What is it you want?” Sesshomaru questioned growing annoyed by his scrutiny of Rin; he took another step-in front of her to hide his view of her. He did not like the look in his uncle’s eyes or the knowledge he was assessing.

“Koga, who is that?” Ayame whispered still holding the girls in her arms.

“Dunno...but stick close,” Koga replied. He was nervous but didn’t outwardly show it to try and keep his mate calm and collected in case more trouble occurred. It was clear this other dog demon knew Sesshomaru and was aware he would be here. He had intent on making trouble for him...what he found more stressing was how similar they smelled. They were obviously related. The Great Inu-Taisho died centuries ago though... could he have had a brother? If so, how was it Sesshomaru took over for his old-man and not his brother? He obviously held centuries of power and could have easily overthrown Sesshomaru. Not that was what Koga wanted; he and Sesshomaru had come to understanding about their territories and how they would run their lands.

“You disappoint me, Lord Sesshomaru. You don’t seem as prepared as I hoped you would be when I told you to be when I returned. All it looks like is you gathered some strays,” he gestured to Ayame and Koga. “Not even powerful ones...just smelly wolves...”

They both growled at the insult and glared the dog who made such a degrading insinuation. They were the leaders of the Demon Wolf Tribe. They ruled the north and maintained strong relations with Sesshomaru who ruled the west. How dare this dog question his rulers in this area.

“I need no one to destroy the likes of you, Uncle...”

Jaken’s eyes widen, “Un-uncle!?”

Kaede, by his side, watched with concern unsure if they meant to do battle in the middle of her village. They already had it destroyed by Naraku five years—they didn’t need to rebuild again. But how was she supposed to guide the fight away from here? She was getting on in age—Kagome had already taken over as head priestess of the village last year.  They worked side by side still, but Kagome handled anything that required more than an hour’s time. Her power had weakened over the years and she knew she had no authority to order them away to take their fighting elsewhere.

His uncle laughed manically, “Oh Lord Sesshomaru, you are such a fool. You think you, a son of Inu-Taisho, can defeat me?”

“Small words from such small vermin,” Sesshomaru stood ready about to draw his sword when he felt something tug on him. He tried to draw his sword, move his foot, any type of movement but he was locked-- frozen. His eyes narrowed and he started to growl as he felt the tug on his arm to draw his sword and then to turn around to face Rin and the wolves.  His movements were jerky and not normal for how Sesshomaru who was graceful, moved like the western lord he was; currently he looked like a puppet tangled in strings.

“Lord Sesshomaru?” Rin asked worriedly.

“Tsk tsk tsk... I think you forgot I did not return alone. You remember my sons, do you not Lord Sesshomaru? They have an interesting power when they combine their demonic aura,” the older demon taunted with a wicked grin exposing his fangs. His sons landed from the sky beside their father their arms extended towards Sesshomaru.

“They are capable of controlling even the most powerful demons... like yourself. I will give you one last chance to surrender this land to me. If you refuse,” he said as he raised his left arm top his face and snapped his fingers.

Sesshomaru felt the pull and he fully released the Bakusaiga aiming the tip directly to Rin’s face which made her gasp. Her big brown eyes enlarged and she was no afraid for her lord who was snarling, eyes tilted away from her towards the other demons who arrived.

Koga immediately pulled Rin away more or less throwing her back to Ayame as he shoved Komori into her arms.  He snarled out of ferocity and confusion as he was unsure how to release Sesshomaru and protect those were in his charge now.

Koga’s children released his back and ran to hide behind Ayame who was still grasping Sango’s twin girls in her arms. She set them down and took a defensive stance in front of Rin as well with the children that were now shoved behind Rin and her. Her emerald eyes were narrowed and furious at the idea this demon was not only going to threaten humans, but children to get what he wanted. He was a filthy excuse for a demon. Her anger got the best of her when she started yelling at him.

“You’re pathetic! You’re literally using women and children to get what you want rather than fighting an honorable fight! You’re disgusting!”

“Pathetic, am I? I don’t see why not use the opportunity to remove weaknesses from the playing field. Once they are removed, a true fight for the Kingdom at hand can be had! Hahahahaha! Now, say goodbye, foolish wolves.”

Sesshomaru struggled, his eyes shifting from red and white trying to fight off their control. He was fighting a losing battle. He slowly lifted his sword high and Koga slowly lowered to a defensive stance.

“Rin!!!!!”

Rin turned back to a familiar voice that was behind her eyes widening, “Kohaku!!”

Shippo launched off Kohaku transforming in a cloud of smoke and expelling leaves to cover all yelling “Transform!” Twenty Shippos appeared while Kaede, Jaken, Koga, and the others all disappeared as Sesshomaru swung his sword down on the fake Shippos. The green energy from his sword spread and dispelled the fox magic. He let out the breath he had held in anger and panic as it sliced through the decoy that puffed into smoke a green leaf.

The older dog demon eye’s narrowed and he shot a look to his sons in anger. “You missed!”

“Where did they go?” the silver-haired son questioned.

“Nowhere for you to follow!!!” Inuyasha answered and swung down his sword releasing the wind scar on the four standing by the stairs to the shrine of the village. He didn’t give a rat’s ass of where they were. They had to go. If that meant he’d have to spend weeks rebuilding this damn village again so be it. But they have fucked with them more than enough.

The four jumped out of the way landing on Kaede’s roof looking down on him and his father’s sword.

Inuyasha landed near the destroyed stairs glaring up at them holding Tetsusaiga in both hands as it rested on the ground from where he swung. Not only did these four harm his wife, but also had intentions of making his brother slaughter everyone else in his village. He didn’t care deeply for his brother and they weren’t exactly close, but he wouldn’t allow them to make a mockery of him and destroy what they had both sworn to protect.

“Who the fuck are you and why are you in my village?” Inuyasha demanded voice low and full of venom.

“Hahahaha… quite a temper you have dear nephew.  I would expect nothing less from a half-breed,” his uncle hissed to Inuyasha. He showed pure disgust for him in the way he said the derogatory word.

“Nephew?” Sango questioned beside Miroku, who now held Kagome in his arms, still wrapped in Inuyasha’s red fire-rat kimono, glaring at the demons in front of them. They stood where Koga and the others had been before Sesshomaru had struck.  Sesshomaru remained frozen sword swung into the ground having missed its intended target, his eyes shifted to his younger brother who was now going to have to defend them.

Sango gripped her weapon tightly waiting for her chance to strike. She would not go without vengeance. They had made a mockery of her strength and now they were playing with Sesshomaru. Who were these demons and what did they want?!

Kagome looked on weakly trying to get her spiritual powers acclimated to sense out who these demons were. She could sense the three demons who had attacked her and Sango earlier were clearly note that they were following order from the older demon.  Their auras similar to his—weaker, but as stronger as Sesshomaru when they were fusing their power together.  She could see the threads they were weaving around his body. Her eyes shifted back to the old dog demon and his aura was threatening. Dark. There was a massive amount of power. She couldn’t figure out if he was more powerful or equal in strength to Sesshomaru. She could tell his powers were being altered by something, something blocking them from being fully exposed. She had learned through her training old demons often hid their full strength in order to remain out of sight and away from trouble.  She also took note probably in her era that’s how most demons operated in order to survive the times.

As if sensing Kagome’s prying eyes his golden orbs shifted to her. Her eyes widened as she realized he was doing the same to her as she was to him—probing her. She literally felt her skin crawl as he smirked wickedly reveling his elongated fangs.

“Your mate is quite strong for breeding with you, half-breed… Most priestesses lose their powers when they lose their purity, let alone give it to a mutt like you,” he said degradingly. He tilted his head still analyzing her. “I haven’t heard much about you, priestess. When I visited two years ago your name hadn’t even been mentioned by my sons when they came to check on the village. All I had known was the old hag was on her last leg… guess she had no choice than to pass down her legacy to filthy half-breed lover. Beggars can’t be choosers, or so the saying goes.”

Inuyasha started snarling, hands tightening on his sword. Kagome glared at the demon and spoke without trepidation, “Trust this ‘filthy demon lover’ when I say this; you will eat your words…”

“Ah, but I don’t think I will,” the demon lord replied haughtily and snapped his fingers.

Sesshomaru moved again and turned to Inuyasha who noticed the sudden movement.  Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes and began growling jumping in the air and swung his sword down at Inuyasha.  He blocked without much effort. This must be the trick they were using on Sango….If they can even use it on even someone as strong as Sesshomaru—we’re in trouble, he thought to himself as their blades energy collided like lightening.

“Sango, we need to separate those brothers—together they are able to control Sesshomaru. If they are separated we may stand a chance to snapping their web,” Miroku stated.

Sango smirked and raised her weapon. “With pleasure, Hiraikostu!!!” She pulled back and swung her weapon from her hand and aimed in the middle hoping to be able to break them apart when the older dog demon jumped in the way and swiped down her weapon and then made a mad dash for her. Inuyasha and Sesshomaru continued their strikes at each other; Inuyasha’s were merely defensive while Sesshomaru still struggling to gain control over him body was on the offensive. Inuyasha gasped looking on in horror still trying to evade Sesshomaru and his strikes to be able to get back to his friends and wife, Sesshomaru glancing behind him but unable to do anything but continue locking swords with Inuyasha.

Miroku knew he couldn’t make a run for it without hurting Kagome further and couldn’t erect a barrier fast enough to hinder the oncoming power; he was more or less forced to watch in horror as his wife was approached by the hunter. Sango drew her sword quickly seeing him speed towards her jumping back to the right away from Miroku and Kagome to try to keep them uninvolved.

The demon reached out, poison leaking from his claws in a purple glow about to strike her down when he collided with a purple barrier. His eyes widened as did Sango’s in shock. They both turned to see Kagome glaring daggers at the demon lord. Miroku released a breath he didn’t realize he held and glanced down in realization. She can use her powers on command in so much pain? We haven’t had her on many extermination travels with us and I haven’t trained with her in over a year… Her power… how is it this expansive? It’s greater than Kikyo’s ever was! Miroku thought to himself in shock.

“You…” The demon hissed turning towards her away from Sango.

All of sudden Miroku was pushed back and landed on the ground harshly away from Kagome noticing she had pushed him away from her with another barrier. “Ka-Kagome?! What are you doing!?” Sango, seeing the demon’s attention was away from her and still blocked from attacking him by Kagome’s expanded barrier, ran to her husband’s side and turned to watch her friend in horror as Kagome stood unsteadily breathing heavily facing the powerful dog demon who in return started to saunter his way over to her.

“Kagome!!! What are you doing?!” Inuyasha yelled as he was able to bounce Sesshomaru away to only jump towards her and have to retreat again when Sesshomaru appeared in front of him and almost made contact with his shoulder. “Dammit! Can you fucking break their control?! Some demon you are! Letting yourself be a puppet to the likes of them!”

“I’d like to see you control yourself now, half-demon,” the demon with silver hair from up above chuckled as he landed beside him and grabbed his shoulder spreading the strings onto him now.

“Ugh!!!!” Inuyasha tried to fight it—he didn’t even sense or hear him coming being distracted by trying not to be cut down by Sesshomaru but also watching the love of his life engage in deadly stare down with his so called “uncle”. But it was too late he now stood by Sesshomaru, his eyes flickering back and forth from red and white. He was beyond anger, beyond furious, he was downright blood thirsty. These animals were threatening his pack, his mate, he wanted their blood. Even with the rage building from not being able to move, he was not able to break their control.

“Hold them. This bitch is mine,” the demon seethed.

“Ka-Kagome!!!!” Inuyasha yelled as the strips on his face began to grow.

Kagome looked to Inuyasha saying his name in a whisper. She exhaled and closed her eyes focusing on just what was in front of her. Her body stilled as she held her breath. To the demon, it looked like she was admitting defeat as he quickly made his way in front of her to strike her down with his claws. Time seem to slow down for her and she felt his approach on her person.

Breathe in…Breathe out…

She heard the dirt shuffle. Barely. He was quick, nibble on his feet. He moved similarly to Sesshomaru. She clearly knew it was family trait.

In…Out…

She slowly reached behind her injured shoulder. She was still in this place herself.  Black, numb. She could feel the energy around her. She could hear the screams but they were muffled and unclear because she was pushing them out… She heard the struggled reathing from her husband fighting off the controlling threads that anchored him in place. She still heard the approaching footsteps. But she was focusing all her power in timing this correctly. She found what she was looking for in the space she put herself in and grasped onto it.

Another breath… Now!

As his claws were about to collide with her head and the others were screaming her name, Miroku trying to dispel her barrier, Sango swinging her Hiraikostu against it trying to get her to open it to save her, Inuyasha snarling away and Sesshomaru glaring murderously at the demon growling, his eyes also flashing red, she exhaled again opening her eyes, determined and swung her bow from Mount Azusa that appeared in a glow of purple at the demon knocking him back off his feet before he rolled back onto them and skidded to a stop eyes wide and unbelieving.  

“What?!”

“Augh!!!!”

All heads turned toward the three demons that were now screaming their anguish from pain as purple light was purifying them.

“How?!?! You… Goddamn you to—“

An arrow was now pointed at his neck with her standing above him. Her bow sideways to accommodate her injuries.

“Please, finish you sentence… It’ll be your last,” she said glaring at him.

He looked behind him to see Inuyasha and Sesshomaru could now move of their own free will and were making their way over to him. Sesshomaru, sword raised, glided over to him, ready to execute him, the look in his eyes could do just that and Inuyasha, eyes crimson and pupils the color of aqua, ran, claws raised, towards his way to his prey.

“Hiroshi, Ichiro, Saito—time to go,” he said as he pulsated into a golden orb along with his sons as they vanished.

Sesshomaru growled, “You will not escape this time, Uncle…” He began to glow golden as well before Rin ran out of Kaede’s hut and grabbed his kimono stopping him in his tracks yelling for him to stop. His mood changed and his eyes immediately met hers and he stepped back to examine her fully to make sure she was unharmed. Koga held the others in the hut as he gaged his surroundings realizing letting Rin run past him was a mistake.

Inuyasha’s intense snarl broke Sesshomaru’s concentration over Rin and shoved her behind him again staring at his now fully transformed brother. He pushed his sword back into its sheath but raised his claws slowly to show he was not going to allow him to harm them. Inuyasha stood aggressively about to attack the next strongest demon here as he still felt his mate was in mortal danger.

Miroku and Sango stood where they were but did not move to Kagome in fear of enraging him further but Miroku tried to call to him to only be snapped at by Inuyasha forcing them to take a step back.

Kagome dropped her bow and arrow and gasped loudly in pain grasping her shoulder but turned to Inuyasha still on her feet shakily. She used all her strength to face down the name-less demon and unfortunately was not victorious. Her breaths were coming out as pants, eyes squeezed shut, as she clenched shoulder but also found it hard to suck in such hard breathes due to her ribs screaming from their abuse. “In---Inuyasha…” she begged. She opened her eyes and their eyes met. Hers, full of pain, weak, tired and pleading; his, intense, reading, and rich. He turned more towards her, away from his brother and took a step towards her. She tried to right herself and take a step to only falter and nearly collide with the ground before she saw his white kosude around her. She grasped his sleeve and tried to turn herself to face him only to be more or less pinned in his arms facing away from him as he continued to try and force the others to maintain their distance.

“This isn’t good… We need to get her in Kaede’s hands to start working on her wounds,” Sango hesitantly taking another step towards only to meet his blue irises ready to strike her down.

Kagome struggled in his arms only to receive warning nips to make her stop. “Ugh, Inuyasha! Please!” She titled her head and pushed her head up under his chin to expose her neck to him.  He had told her once it was a sign of “submission” and it would likely catch the attention of his inner demon—he said his instincts push him to be in control and it’s hard to allow her to be dominate; but he really does loves it when she fights against him and refuses to be submissive.  His inner demon also enjoys the challenge to tame her as well. Submission is only a sign to calm and soothe him when necessary he had implored.  

She felt him press his nose into her neck and take a halting breath in. She felt more than saw his demonic aura dissipate but his grip maintained its hold on her body. Koga was standing by Rin holding her back while Sesshomaru had taken the opportunity to approach his brother while his wife had distracted him and now stood only a few feet away in front of them while Miroku and Sango were a step behind them having edged closer to try and break his hold on Kagome.

“Ka-Kagome…I’m sorry. Did I hurt you?” He still had his face pressed into her neck and was holding her back to his chest, arms wrapped around her waist and chest.

“No, you didn’t, Inuyasha. Let me see your face…”

He stayed still and felt Sango place her hand on his shoulder lightly once Sesshomaru was now directly in front of him. She tried to pull lightly to turn him around to face them but he held firm. Kagome could gather he was fighting within himself to regain full control but was failing and could only hold her to regain his right mind. She readjusted where her head fell and tried to rub their cheeks together and started whispering softly to him; she was ok, that she was there, that she wasn’t going anywhere without him, their friends were only there to help them, and that he didn’t need to be afraid for her anymore.

His grip loosened as his brother knelt down before him to show him he was not hostile. He merely looked with his unemotional eyes trying to keep him calm with his vassals so close and in possible harm’s way if Inuyasha were to lose his control over his mate’s wellbeing and slaughter anyone or anything in his path.

Miroku now had a grip on his shoulder and Sango made her way to his side to try get Kagome out of his vice like grip murmuring she wasn’t going to hurt her, only help her.

Kagome, now able to move her right arm from his loosened arms, reached up and rubbed his right ear tenderly until he withdrew his arms to only be holding her with his hands and shifted her into Sango’s arms. He didn’t completely trust himself right now. It didn’t matter to him that her safety was what was driving his instincts wild. He still wasn’t even sure if he wouldn’t harm her on accident if he was too far gone. There were too many emotions swirling in his head to think clearly. Confusion. Anger. Rage. Denial. Helplessness. The complete desire for blood…

Sango picked Kagome up in a piggy-back fashion and made her way to Kaede kicking everyone, including her children, out of the hut. Miroku remained by Inuyasha, hand still placed on his shoulder hoping to keep him grounded as Kohaku, Shippo, and his children to emerged from the hut speaking quietly as Jaken ran to his lord followed silently by Koga.

“We must speak, Inuyasha,” Sesshomaru stated.

Koga was now by the dog demon bothers arms crossed and eyes gauging his reaction. He wanted to be a part of this conversation as well since these demons that appeared could very well become a threat to his territory as well. Ayame, her and Koga’s children in tow, stood with Rin and chatted with her quietly to keep her busy while the men started conversing. Ayame was confident her mate would fill her in later. Her job now as the only other adult around was to keep the children occupied while Kagome was being tended to and they shared information on their new enemy.