"Sesshoumaru-kun," the terrified woman cried and threw his arms around him.
Sesshoumaru looked up to see his father engaged with the huge demon. He didn't like the idea of leaving his father to such a deadly adversary, but he had been given an order. An order that he would be thoroughly punished for if he chose to disobey.
"Come," Sesshoumaru said as he picked up Miyae. "Father has ordered me to take you to safety." <And maybe get some help, if I hurry.>
---
Kenaruji was having a hard time with the youkai. The creature had exceptional healing abilities, even for a demon. Every time Kenaruji managed to cut through the demon's thick flesh, it would heal itself almost immediately.
He was grateful, at least, that Sesshoumaru obeyed him about getting Miyae to safety. He knew it couldn't have been easy for Sesshoumaru to leave him to fend for himself.
<At least, they will be safe once they get to the castle. I just have to hold him off until they can.>
Kenaruji drove his sword deep into the creature's back, but it wasn't enough. As he was trying to pull it out, the demon lashed out and grabbed Kenaruji in one of his massive claws. Kenaruji struggled fiercely against the youkai, but to no avail. He could feel his bone snapping as the youkai tightened its grip around him.
<This is it.> He thought as his breath was being crushed from him
The youkai smiled as he looked down at Kenaruji's lifeless body. <When word gets out that I killed the Great Dog Youkai Lord of the West, I'll be feared throughout the land. But first, I'll find that delectable little human. And I'll even bring her a gift.>
---
Sesshoumaru ran as fast as he could toward the castle, carrying Miyae. He tried his best not to jostle her too much. Humans were fragile creatures, especially when with child.
"Kenaruji-sama," Miyae cried softly.
"Don't worry," Sesshoumaru said. "I'll just get you to the castle, then me and some of the servants will go help father finish it off if he hasn't finished it off already. Father's strong. He'll be fine."
He spoke the words for her benefit. In reality, he was very much concerned for his father's well being. He could tell that the youkai wasn't the regular, run-of-the-mill demon he was used to dealing with. <Father, don't die so easily.>
Suddenly, he sensed something coming toward them from behind.
<Father? No, it's not him.> His eyes widened as he identified the scent. <The youkai. But I smell Father's blood as well. It can't be>
Miyae looked over Sesshoumaru's shoulder and let out a terrified shriek. Sesshoumaru heard the youkai's growled and leapt out of the way just in time to avoid its claw.
"No! Kenaruji-sama!" Sesshoumaru heard Miyae cry.
Sesshoumaru looked up to see the youkai carrying his father.
"Father!"
The youkai smiled. "Is this yours?" It threw Kenaruji's body down before the two.
Sesshoumaru set Miyae down and rushed to his father's side. He heard his father's ragged breathing and faint pulse, but he could tell it was to late to help him. Miyae threw herself on Kenaruji, tears streaming down her face. "Kenaruji-sama! Kenaruji-sama!"
The youkai laughed, making Sesshoumaru snapped his head up.
"Kisama!" Sesshoumaru yelled. "You did this!"
The youkai nodded. "That's right. So why don't you just hand over that little human female and I *may* let you live."
Sesshoumaru growled and his features began to change. His eyes became blood red and the lines on his face became bolder.
"So the little youkai brat chooses to face me? I won't have any problem killing you either."
They lunged at each other.
---
"Kenaruji-sama," Miyae moaned. She was so engulfed in her grief, she was barely aware of the battle taking place just a few yards away. "Kenaruji-sama."
"Miyae."
Miyae's eyes snapped open at the sound of her husband's weak voice. "Kenaruji-sama! You're alive. Don't move; don't speak. You have to save your energy."
"It's too late for me," Kenaruji said.