Chapter 21

"…" is a character's dialogue.

'…' are thoughts.

Flashback and Dreams: in italics

Dog demon or demon native language is in Bold.

Looking around wildly for him he watches the cursed blade gleam in Basilisk's grip. Watching him mouth with a wicked grin. "I win, you lose pathetic dog."

He knows he won't make it in time. His body does not have adequate energy to sit up let alone flash where he desperately needs to be. Everything seems to slow down and his heart feels already shattering.

His hackles rise feeling a darkness so cold, so deep, so potent and devoid of warmth his blood feels like ice. The world will bleed and wither when he's through. Nothing will be left standing and humanity will finally know what a true demon embodies.

Basilisk throws Sesshōmaru's damnation right in her direction. Smoke and debris everywhere her body is obscured but it matters not. With nothing to stand in the way it will strike precisely since now his blood and very essence lies within her. He thought he saved her and what he did was condemn her to certain death.

Rin turns to look into her beloved's eyes one last time before falling into eternal darkness without him. Sounds of a sqwelp, thwump, popping accompanied by a gasp was all he heard before his world went dark.

Sesshōmaru's vision is pitch black like his mind. He cannot see nor hear, just imagine her prone form lying a bloodied mess on the cold dirty floor. This place he's in is frozen and void of light or warmth.

Just as well. His source of light and happiness is gone and lost to him until he joins her in death, but he will make the world feel his loss before he joins her. Family and friends be damned. Stay out of his way or suffer his cruel fate.

On the outside Sesshōmaru is still as a statue eyes shut off to the world. His body is relaxed and ramrod straight. Kagome and Inuyasha stand up looking horrified. They watched Basilisk throw the sword towards Rin but couldn't get there to help.

The smoke dissipates and reveals something shocking. Rin on the ground holding in her arms Akemi with, "Arms of eternal sleep", deeply imbedded into the middle of her chest. It ran straight through her. Blood is spurting from her mouth as her breathing is sporadic.

"Why did you do this?" Rin's voice is mournful as her orbs glisten.

"You are…worthy." She coughs bringing forth more blood. "You alone deserve my beloved son. I do not deserve…" She takes a raspy breath in…. "his forgiveness nor yours. This is the only way to atone and be able to face him, Katsuo and you."

Rin helps her sit up carefully as much as she can with a blade impaling her. Her legs spread wide cradling Akemi's body a bit to the side to not disturb the cursed blade. She would have died instantly if it struck her.

Lady mother saved her and will pay the ultimate price for it. She shakes her head crying. Her loss will affect Sesshōmaru deeply no matter how angry he is at her this moment. Her grandson will feel tremendous pain too.

Inuyasha clears the distance in a few seconds landing on his knees. He knew something felt horribly wrong about her after revelations but this, this is unimaginable. His eyes are taking in her state frantically not knowing what to do. His heart is racing and a foreboding feeling creeps over his core. He feels sick to his stomach as shaking hands hover above her.

Kagome runs over kneeling as well thinking of ways to help her survive. She discreetly eyes Inuyasha pondering briefly despite the dire circumstances discovering something he probably isn't ware of quite yet. Her eyes soften in grief for him or happiness, this answer isn't known yet.

"You're fucking crazy! Now look at ya!" His voice is gruff with reprimand but underlying with sadness.

"It would not be the first time you think me so." Akemi's eyes alight with mirth though laced with agony.

"Is there anything you can do?" His voice is much softer, but he doesn't turn to look at Kagome as he asks her. She contemplates if there is anything she can do. She presses both hands respectively healing with blue light.

"This blade is meant to kill instantly so why is she still alive?" Kagome's question was meant to be rhetorical but ended up being said out loud.

"Because the old queen doesn't have ill intent." The voice is said right into her ear making her slightly jump. All eyes turn to look at the source.

His big eyes studying the mortally wounded Akemi. "Old man Tōtōsai?" Inuyasha squints sniffing subtly. Yup, that stench of Old Spice is all him alright.

"Doesn't change the fact she will die though." He shrugs scratching his goatee.

"No, there has to be something. Don't just show up out of nowhere saying useless shit! Help or get lost! Why did you help father create such a thing anyway?!"

"To stop that you ungrateful mutt." Everyone looks towards where his lithe finger is pointing towards. Sesshōmaru is standing perfectly still in the middle of the wide space, mane whipping around in slow motion as if they are alive.

His head bowed, muscles taut and bulging, fluorescent green, blue and red veins on the surface, chest rising and falling exponentially. This cannot be good in anyway.

"Arms in eternal sleep is meant to be the last choice. You dogs have exponential power. Ever growing and all consuming. He created this with a heavy heart but with humanity in mind."

Basilisk growls in frustration in the background. Once again, his plans foiled by a useless spectator. Well at least someone close to him will perish. He wanted to diminish his resolve and squash his power by killing his heart, Rin.

At first, he didn't want her dead just to force his bidding upon her for defying him. He has always had a soft spot for her however Basilisk is a man of many avenues. He compromised and decided to get rid of her.

He is studying Sesshōmaru with apprehension. Something feels completely eerily wrong with him. He is quietly gathering his strength for what is to come. Fighting Naraku, Inuyasha and the royal pain in the ass king of the West have affected him.

"In his deep despair he will annihilate everything in his path and probably will not ever realize it. No one is safe." He turns to look at Rin for the first time since arriving. "Not even you." Tōtōsai picks his ear nonchalantly.

"But she didn't die. How is it possible for him not to recognize her?" Kagome gasps feeling Sesshōmaru's evil dark aura still tending to Akemi. It is nauseating and truly frightening.

"His subconscious is gone. Nothing but his anger and grief is left. Tōga knew this could happen to him as well. It was prophesied so he had no choice if he wanted to protect kin and the occupants of this plane."

Inuyasha's blood runs cold with realization. His brother is going to die by this sword after all? If the blade strikes now it will kill him immediately. The thought scares him more than he ever thought it would.

"But what if the ill intent is gone?" Kagome asks in a hushed tone as if any louder would break them all.

"Well, there is a failsafe. If something good remains within no matter how small the sword can purify the evil and weaken significantly thus be left alive." The collective sighs are palpable. "But, you can feel it, can't you young priestess? He's gone and nothing, but pure malice remains. He cannot be saved. The sword will do what is was meant to from the very beginning, end the existence."

Akemi begins to whimper with such sadness as her orbs glisten with unshed tears. "My ill-fated son. I am responsible." Her voice is so frail and afraid for her son. Inuyasha whines in her ear low and soothing that no one else can hear.

"No! I didn't sacrifice his affection and respect for me for nothing! All those that loved, protected and cherished me!" They suffered so much with her well planned betrayal. "I will get through to him! I will prove to you, father Tōga and fate that my mate is not evil! I know him best!" She shifts Akemi carefully onto Inuyasha who grimaces as Akemi groans her pain out quietly.

Rin stands up quickly heart beating out of her chest but not in fear but from determination. He has saved her countless times and even bestowed her half of himself without reserve. This time too she will prevail.

Naraku had been watching and listening intently getting closer. He is half way down the stairs. He will not let these humans that have become irreplaceable to him die at the hands of any one. A part of his mind acknowledges Sesshōmaru doesn't deserve this, thinks about Katsuo and especially Rin. This is will devastate so many.

Ari has finished eliminating the misguided demons that tried to attack them. His chest is bear and with nothing left to take out his frustration on he turns to study his master. He had heard the ominous talks.

He will not let Sesshōmaru turn into a callous murderer again. His heart is thoroughly broken with the prospect of having to take down his master and more than that, someone he considers a father, brother, friend and mentor.

All thoughts are broken when Sesshōmaru opens his orbs taking a deep breath. They are bottomless pits of black lacking any feeling or logic. A single jagged glowing red line that looks like a crack stemming from left to right of his irises, up to down makes them sinister. They are big and curve up higher.

His visage characteristics are much sharper too. The markings throughout his body are now black as well. The fluorescent green, blue and red remain but are darker. He now looks like a true demon spawn from hell. Whatever was left of Sesshōmaru, king of the West, is absent.

Rin whimpers at the sight as tears cascade down quickly. Basilisk starts to shift feeling the obvious slaughtering intent coming in droves from Sesshōmaru. His muscles start to expand and rip through skin. The sound of flesh ripping can be sickening.

He grunts in pain as his body converts into its true form. A thick strange fog forms obscuring his true nature. The spectators become alarmed more than before. Slowly the mist starts to dissipate.

A loud combined shriek and roar echoes off the walls causing for some to wince. What is revealed is utterly frightening. A twelve-foot-tall serpent human hybrid appears where Basilisk once was.

His upper torso, which still looks humanoid, including arms are covered with scales dark olive and black in color. You can see his strong abdominal muscles and bulging biceps are more pronounced. Two wings also the color dark olive with inside red scales are revealed as they spread out wide.

The bottom half below his navel is that of a snake. It is coiled like a spring. The color is pitch black with dark olive undertones. The only characteristic remaining human in shape are his eyes. They glow brightly emerald green though. He smiles eerily displaying sharp fangs with nails on his hands to match.

Inuyasha doesn't know what to do. On one hand he wants to help his brother but isn't sure he even needs it against Basilisk. He wants to pull out the abomination sword but afraid to make things worse for Akemi. Only Kagome's constant healing is keeping her conscious. He is debating whether to pull it out or not. Things are escalating ugly quickly on all ends.

"Inuyasha, we're going to have pull it out." Breaking out from his trance, Inuyasha looks at Kagome who is visibly shaking with so much stress. Who can blame her?

Sesshōmaru turns his face towards a target unhurriedly. He sizes up Basilisk with a snarl of disgust. Cracking his stiff neck and stretching his muscles he takes one sure step forward then another towards him without an ounce of fear or hesitation.

Basilisk coils down lower ready to pounce at the precise moment. When Sesshōmaru flexes his long jagged clawed hands and picks up the pace determined to reach him, basilisk strikes.

His body wraps around Sesshōmaru's tightly. He hisses squeezing tighter around him trying to snap bones. Sounds of success has him laughing in triumph. His captive has blood dripping down the corner of his mouth. Oh, what a fool to boast so early.

Sesshōmaru gives no indication of pain even though bones snapped. Instead he inhales and upon exhaling expands his chest and limbs with it. In fact, he is growing. Basilisk tries to constrict with every fiber of his being even sinks his poison carrying claws into Sesshōmaru's neck.

It doesn't work so he starts to uncoil himself from his body but Sesshōmaru is having none of that. He holds onto Basilisk's flesh sinking his own claws pumping copious amounts of his own special brand of poison.

When he is satisfied he picks up the bulk of his tail and starts to spin him using both hands. Basilisk is feeling the effects of the venom and tires to grab purchase from nearby objects even the floor.

The winds are starting to pick up and debris fly around again. Naraku takes a hold of Rin before she flies off since he was closer to her. He braces them up against a wall. His arms bracing around her and his body shielding her from anything flying around.

Ari jumps over to the three on the ground. He's blocking things from hitting them by smashing them with his bare fists, feet and legs. Inuyasha holds onto Akemi tighter. Kagome looks over at Naraku protecting Rin and smiles gratefully.

Sesshōmaru is thumping him from side to side like if he was a worthless rag doll. Basilisk feels bile rising as dizziness creeps in. He roars in anger and indignation, so he throws his weight backwards onto Sesshōmaru.

It took a lot of strength to fight against gravity and the iron grip swinging him around. He got poisoned again as well. He promised himself after what the dead old dog king did to him, never again.

Sesshōmaru lost his footing as Basilisk's momentum drove him backwards. He hasn't made a sound not even a grunt or growl in pain or exasperation. That pisses Basilisk off further. His tail snags Sesshōmaru holding him high upside down by his legs. He begins to give him the same treatment swinging him from side to side. Dust and debris once again scatter about. This time walls breaking as Sesshōmaru's body collides with them.

"HOW DO YOU LIKE IT? FEELSSS GREAT TO PULVERIZE YOU!" Basilisk is still seething with rage from the earlier rough treatment.

"Sesshōmaru!" Rin cries desperately trying to get free.

"Stay here! If you go there now you will die! If there is any chance at getting through to him, it's you!" He must yell above the small whirlwinds. Naraku holds her tighter as the air and auras run rampant.

"But Tōtōsai…" Rin has never saw nor felt such malice and hatred from Sesshōmaru. She hates having to doubt him.

"Doesn't know what a true mating bond means." Naraku looks at her sharply.

She swallows the lump formed in her throat and nods with a watery smile. She hugs him tightly appreciatively. She needed words of encouragement though deep down inside she knows but she's never been mated before.

Her cheeks burn crimson as the realization that she is indeed her lord's mate. At that moment feeling giddy, Rin giggles hysterically like the innocent youth from centuries ago before reality callously shatters forgotten dreams.

Basilisk is laughing boastfully until a clawed furry hand grabs his tail. The next moment an agonizing pain vibrates up his back. Sesshōmaru has bit cleanly through his tail. About two feet from the tip to the middle.

Blood spurts everywhere. Sesshōmaru now half beast, half man spits out the chunk of flesh in his mouth right at Basilisk's face. His body has black and white peppered fuzzy hair all over. His face remains oddly humanoid just wider and more distorted.

The collective gasps can barely be heard. Rin shudders not in revulsion but in recognition. A darker more primitive part of herself recognizes this is her mate in his most primordial form.

Naraku looks down into her dilated dark cinnamon orbs and snickers to himself. Her breathing kicks up a notch or two. Females are indeed formidable and are meant to be one of the greatest enigmas to behold.

She is aroused for Sesshōmaru even when he has become an insane killing demon. This is his true mate. Her human mind is trying to rationalize by feeling apprehension, but her instincts and true nature trusts her mate without a doubt. That is how you know there is no fear of him but for him. To want to be one even when hell itself is at their heels. Especially if said hell is being handed by Sesshōmaru.

She is trying to get loose again and reach him but Naraku knows well enough right now isn't the time. This fight will be to the death and anyone caught in between them will suffer the same fate. He will not risk her life.

Basilisk howls painfully and sees red literally and figuratively. The onlookers cover their ears. Using the rest of his muscled body Basilisk quickly coils up and runs his clawed hand into Sesshōmaru's gut. The other hand grips his hair tightly tilting Sesshōmaru's neck back awkwardly widening his mouth like the giant snake that he is.

Rin screams in agony. Orbs releasing water in torrents watching what's happening to her mate unfold with pain etched on her suddenly pale face. She doubles her efforts to break free from Naraku's safe strong hold on her.

Inuyasha growls in frustration between helping his different looking brother and remaining holding Akemi. Kagome hasn't stopped healing. They haven't had a chance with everything unfolding so quickly and violently.

Ari makes up his mind and runs towards them. He is livid. 'HOW DARE THAT FOUL CREATURE?!' He is going to skewer that disgusting reptile.

He is about to reach them when Sesshōmaru without looking back snaps his left arm back straight and releases an invisible aura. Ari goes airborne and as Sesshōmaru's raises his arm higher, he goes flying up slamming hard into the ceiling.

Plaster and debris rain down from the impact. Ari shakes his dizzy head when he feels the same force bring him down and no matter how he tries to move he cannot. Sesshōmaru brings his arm down and Ari knows this is going to hurt something awful.

He only has a moment to steel his body when he slams down into the ground heavily. He is effectively rendered useless and out of the way. This all happened so fast no one moved not even Basilisk.

The entire time Sesshōmaru's soulless diabolical eyes remained locked onto Basilisk's widening dislocating jaw. It happens in the blink of an eye and for years to come no one will comprehend what occurred.

A shrill cry is heard from somewhere amongst the chaotic room adding to the ominous tension. That same arm snaps back to his side now holding arms of eternal sleep. Several questions to ponder amid the eerie bloody atmosphere. How can he hold that sword? Did the sword answer Sesshōmaru's call? Better yet, when did he get the sword.

Akemi's eyes are wide and unseeing after releasing an embarrassing display of weakness. She felt the sword pulsing within her impaled body before sliding out the way it came in like hot knife through butter.

With every ragged breath, more blood comes forth. Too much life's vital essence spilling freely. Inuyasha doesn't know what to do. The hole is jagged and big. One of his hands tries to stanch the flow uselessly.

Kagome's mouth is wide open in shock. "KAGOME! FUCKING DO SOMETHING"! She comes out from her shock hearing the desperation in Inuyasha's loud gruffy voice. She doubles her efforts even though she is at the point of exhaustion.

He leans down and presses lips down into Akemi's ear whispering encouragements, pleading, as her body starts convulsing. She is dying, and her son helped her get there quicker. In that moment Inuyasha wants to kick his brother's ass into oblivion before the sword ever could.

Tōtōsai leaning on an all-black fashionable cane with a handle shaped like a hammer all in pure steel, the mid-section has scroll work also in pure steel, is scrutinizing everything with knowing eyes. Those aged eyes hold wisdom. Too bad he doesn't share too much or forgets. Take your pick.

Rin had seen Ari get thrown around like a puppet on a string. She felt scared for him. She wanted to go over to him too, but her captor won't let up. She understands his caution with setting her free but being idle is tearing her apart.

She snaps out of her silent reverie and turns along with Naraku when they hear Inuyasha yell at Kagome. The sight is unsettling for Rin. No matter what she is lady mother, she is her mate's mother, the woman who saved her despite her reservations. She trembles in Naraku's hold.

He holds onto her closely watching with tense crimson eyes at Kagome who is trying relentlessly to save Akemi. He can see and sense her weary spiritual powers taking a heavy toll upon her. He wants to help her urgently but knows moving could make things worse.

Basilisk only has a moment to register the quick sharp blunt pain. He looks down with jaw still wide open to see his former hand still impaled in Sesshōmaru's gut. Big difference is, it's no longer attached to his body.

Somehow without it being seen, Sesshōmaru cut his arm cleanly off just leaving a bloody stump up to his elbow. He stumbles back howling once more. The dog with devil pits for eyes, pulls out the hand without blinking and delivers a bitch slap using the same limb so hard Basilisk falls back.

He just got smacked by his own severed hand. Basilisk howls in laughter devilishly and hysterically. He will perish. He senses his body rendering to the eternal call of sleep, but he will take this soulless dog king with him and anyone else that gets in the way.

He is going to use the last of his strength, but he will end it and will meet his end, his way. The wind picks up and calling upon all energy and aura Basilisk starts to glow bright green and black. His remaining human skin begins to rip off like a snake sheds its skin.

He is growing so much as he expands length and width wise that the surrounding walls are breaking apart. Tōtōsai slams his cane down creating a protective barrier so that nothing falls upon the group on the ground.

Naraku using his arachnid abilities pulls the unconscious Ari and Ryuu towards him with webbing. He creates a bubble of some sort made of the strongest silk to protect them as well as Rin who is still a mess in his arms.

Basilisk has grown to be a very large serpent with large wings. He is about 20 feet tall. Still dark olive and black scales with hints of dark purple throughout. His eyes are ruby red now. Wingspan about 30 feet wide same color as before.

Words fail to describe the monstrosity he embodies. Kagome gasps feeling extremely light headed. Dark spots dance across her vision. She shakes her head willing it away with all her might.

Her blue light starts to fade as orbs glisten with frustration. She even ignored the giant deadly serpent looming over them all. "I'm sorry Inu…" She gets to say no more noticing Inuyasha's tears.

He is rocking back and forth with a stock-still Akemi. She isn't breathing as her gold eyes are closed tight. Kagome clears her throat as her own tears spill naturally. This is much worse than when she witnessed Kikyō's death.

Back then she was hurt for Inuyasha, for Kikyō, for herself. Watching the person, you love to grieve for another over and over hurts like hell, but she understood and accepted their bond. That is why she stood beside him despite that. She felt pain watching a young guilt ridden Inuyasha grieve then.

This time she can truly feel and see Inuyasha's pain now with her developed powers, so it is different. His aura is spilling so much grief, anger and sadness. Something is distinctively different now though. His aura has an underlying emotion stronger than any other present, sheer determination.

His breathing is strained bottling up his sorrow. Pure hot golden light engulfs him and Akemi as well as Tessaiga. He isn't letting her spirit go. He always watches something or someone important to him or that he covets leave.

'WELL FUCK THAT! NOT THIS TIME!' He concentrates with eyes firmly shut and trembling arms holding Akemi to him securely pressing her face into the crook of his neck. "Breath with me, breath for me you stubborn bitch...please."

Tōtōsai's smiling big black eyes look back without moving. His face is stoic and confident. Kagome gasps covering her mouth in awe. She cannot believe what she is witnessing.

Akemi takes one long loud breath and exhales sharply. She grips Inuyasha's chest trying to get as much oxygen as possible. Chest rising and falling swiftly.

"Sshh, calmly with me." She holds tighter to him as an anchor to the ocean floor. Moments pass and soon her frantic breathing matches his. Inuyasha keeps rocking with her body in between his holding her closely. "That's it Akemi, breath like me."

He leans down and whispers something only she could hear. Akemi in turns buries her face even more into his neck holding on for dear life. Kagome stifles a happy giggle not hearing a thing but feeling so happy for Inuyasha, for what he still has not discovered yet.

She looks at the sword and then up at the open sky. 'Thank you.'

"Let me out Naraku! He is going to die! I know you're heartless but please!" Rin gasps instantly regretting what came out from desperation for Sesshōmaru's life. "I…didn't mean it. Oh God, I am so sorry, please forgive me Naraku."

He nods his head though gaze locked in Kagome's direction. "I cannot let you walk into certain death. Trust that instinct you have. That faith you have in him. That strong connection is why he will not lose."

Rin looks back at the ghastly sight in front of them. The webbing is strong but still they have a clear view above them. They didn't witness what occurred with the other group.

'Please my lord, my love, my mate, survive for me. Don't leave me. Do not die.' Rin grips onto Naraku for support praying for all she's worth. Something she rarely did. Remembering when she did, it was Sesshōmaru she used to pray to.

Her blind faith in him then was something to behold. So why change that now? She wills all her love, devotion and trust in him towards their bond hoping with every fiber of her being, he feels it.

Sesshōmaru stares up defiantly as Basilisk slinks his head lower towards him and shrieks loudly towards his frame. Sesshōmaru's hair flies around from the strength of his breath. His body moves back some from the force as well.

For the first time since this darkness infiltrated, Sesshōmaru displays an emotion. Sitting upon his devilish face appears very slowly a purposely wicked smirk full of amusement. Eyes narrowing in mock cheer before enlarging.

Fangs are elongating as a heavy mist swirls around his heating up skin covering his entire body from head to toe. Only his glowing mocking red and black enlarged eyes remain, until those too disappear among the fog. A menacing growl so deep, so guttural, so raw it shakes the remaining walls around them, preludes the promise of death.

Author's note: *slowly creeps back in* Hi my incredibly understanding wickeds! ^^' Hope you are all doing great, healthily and living life to its fullest!

So, it has been a while. I apologize for that, but my health went south. I was in the hospital for a week after fighting things for quite a while. It has been a slow recovery since it has been a slew of health woes.

I also want to apologize for the short and not too good chapter. I just really wanted to let you all know this story is not abandoned and I will see it through to the end. I just hope I didn't lose too many of you and that you will have more patience since life is one hurdle after the next.

Gin, on the edge of something sounds inspiring to me! Hope it didn't die too much. I am sorry it took so long. This is truly late, but you have a great day as well! ^^'

New Fan, thank you so much for the sympathy! It turned into pneumonia. Lol...I am not too sure on the length and making a sequel hadn't really entered my mind. I am not the type to leave loose ends because I don't like reading them myself. It is a pet peeve. This might turn out to be lengthy. ^^' Lol…I'll take the suspense, thank you very much for that!

Stella, a "fantastic job", really gave me life! I needed to hear that. Thank you very much! I think most don't know what to do with this Naraku. Lol I am happy you like them! Indeed, they are together! Hopefully without too much more heartbreak. I am a meanie sometimes. Lol

Jcat007, that is exactly why I did it! We needed that win to help cope with all the bull our girl went through! Lol…Naraku jump in front? Hmmm, sorry to disappoint. ^^' Thank you so much for liking my meager action!

Guest…sorry this turned out to be exactly what you didn't want, a long wait. ^^' I can't even promise it was worth the wait. Lol Sorry, I must laugh otherwise I'll get myself depressed even more.

Guest #2, welcome! For you, it wasn't such a long wait. Lol...Your reward, a bit more suspense. Hehehe

I appreciate and love every single one of you. Every review/those that favorite/those that follow/ those that read silently, even those that challenge me, are irreplaceable. Right now, it is keeping me grounded, inspired and motivated to continue even when my spirits are low. Please hold on for me a bit. I will continue to try my best and do better. Don't give up on this story or me. I know it is a lot to ask.