Till The End Of Time [Inuyasha Fanfiction ]
Chapter 113

Shui stood smilingly staring at the youkai of the southern land golden spider clan in front of him. Behind, his ten subordinate bodyguards stood upright with expressionless faces.

"Thank you, Shui-sama," the golden spider clan leader said to Shui respectfully. "We really don't know what to do if you're not around."

"No need to thank you," Shui replied with a smile that was still on her pretty face. "I'm indeed looking for the humans who have destroyed some of these villages."

"After all, our golden spider clan from the southern lands remain grateful to you, after all" said the golden spider clan leader again and bowed his body. "Our village will have the same fate as any other village if you don't exist."

Along with the words and attitude of the golden spider clan leader, his followers who were behind also bowed in thanks to the savior of their village.

"Thank you, Shui-sama."

Shui walked to the front of the golden spider leader. Poking out his hand, he helped the youkai stand up. A friendly smile still filled his face. "I accept your thanks, so don't be like this anymore "

The leader of the golden spider did not say anything, but seeing Shui's smile, inevitably, he joined in smiling. The respect in his heart grew even greater, as news circulated, Shui, the honorable of neutrals was truly an honorable youkai. He could understand now why it was this white-eyed youkai who was chosen to be the leader of all the youkai in the neutral ground.

"My task here is done," Shui continued again and chuckled. "I won't stay here much longer."

The golden spider leader immediately nodded with a smile on his face. He did not dare to hold back their village savior any longer, Shui who was willing to be in the village until the circumstances had been brought under control had truly been more than enough.

Not saying anything more, the golden spider leader saw Shui, the most respected youkai on neutral ground jumping up into the night sky and flying away followed by his subordinates. Her charming figure made the golden spider youkai below once again bow their heads in reverence.

The golden spider youkai had only just returned to standing upright when Shui had completely disappeared from their sight.

"Elder," called one of the golden spider youkai while looking at their village leader. "The southern palace sent a message; koga-sama is on his way here."

The leader of the golden spider did not say anything hearing the news. Silently silent, he can only think, the arrival of Koga to their village is now no longer needed, because their village is safe now.

"Make what?!" shouted one of the other spider youkai all of a sudden. His face was full of anger. "Our village has been attacked, my mother is dead, and they're just coming??!!!"

"Yes!!" agree with the others. "Where is Akihiko-sama when we need him?!! He was in the western lands in pursuit of a human woman!!"

"Akihiko-sama did not protect us at all!!"

"Southern landlord is unreliable!!"

The leader of the golden spider clan remained silent hearing what the golden spider youkai said. The human attack on them this time was completely unexpected, and also, the casualties and damage there was extremely painful.

The golden spider clan was not a powerful youkai clan, they were the weakest clan in the southern lands that focused more on making the cloth in peace. Therefore, when the humans attacked, they were unable to do much, moreover, the attacking humans were truly extremely powerful. Their villages and clans would completely be destroyed without a remnant if Shui did not appear.

"We better get out of the southern lands and join the neutral only, elders," said the golden spider youkai who was beside their leader suddenly. "Shui-sama can protect us more than Akihiko-sama!!"

"Yes!!"

"I agree!! Why do we swear allegiance to the land of the south, if the land of the south cannot protect us!!"

The golden spider's youkai greeting was immediately welcomed by the others. The loss of a family and the destruction of a village made them feel very disappointed with the leadership of the ruler of the southern lands.

The leader of the youkai golden spider clan still did not say anything. What the others said was very based, but the big decision was better if they took it after they saw what Akihiko would do for them after this. Sighing, he then opened his mouth letting out his voice. "Stop! We are still a youkai clan in the southern underground."

"Elder!!"

"Why do you still think like that, elder?!"

The protest of the golden spider youkai filled the night sky, they stared disapprovingly at what the golden spider youkai leader said.

"We better see what the decision and response from Akihiko-sama to the condition of our village, before making a decision," continued the golden spider youkai leader. "How did you guys massage?"

The leader's question made the golden spider youkai speechless. What their elders said was indeed true, their clan better see what Akihiko would do first before making a decision.

The golden spider youkai leader sighed looking at the golden spiders that had regained their composure. Not saying anything more, he then raised his head staring at the night sky. There was sadness in his heart, in a world where the strong lived and the weak died, would their clan be able to survive?—more so now, when humans turned out to be so strong. Not only youkai, humans have become a terrible danger to them.

....xoxOx....

"Shui-sama!!"

"Shui-sama!!"

The youkai disguised as a human kneeling gave a salute to Shui who landed in front of them along with his ten bodyguards. Smiles and laughter filled their faces upon seeing their leader, moreover they knew that their task had been completed.

However, they had not had time to say anything, all of a sudden, ten subordinates of Shui darted forward while brandishing weapons. Giving no chance, they beheaded, pierced the hearts or slashed the bodies of the soldiers.

"Ohh!!!

"Shui-sama!!! Why!!??"

The sound of cries of pain and incredulous gazes filled the faces of the youkai disguised as humans staring at Shui. They did not understand at all why the leader of the neutral youkai clan who was famous as the white one killed them.

"W-why Shui-sama? K-we have obeyed your command to destroy the village." asked one of the surviving soldiers. His eyes looked straight at Shui who was right in front of him full of fear, while his hands held back the blood that kept flowing out from his sword-pierced chest.

Shui did not move, he stood staring at the look of confusion, fear and disbelief of the soldier. A smile suddenly filled her beautiful face. There was a feeling of joy in his heart seeing the expression of that face. "You ask me why?"

Slowly, Shui then pulled out a piece of cloth from behind his kimono. Opening it, he let the dying soldier in front of him see what was written on the cloth.

The fear on the face of the soldier disguised as a human became even greater when he saw what was written on the cloth. What was written was none other than the fact that the one who attacked and destroyed the youkai village in neutral, east and north was none other than a youkai disguised as a human and most likely a subordinate of Shui.

"You have failed and been discovered." Laughter Shui happy. Both of his white eyes were gleaming with joy.

"Shui-sama!! We ti-" cried the soldier, but his shout immediately came to a halt as one of Shui's subordinates had raised a sword and beheaded him.

Shui continued to laugh seeing the youkai warriors disguised as humans one by one die in front of him. His two white eyes shone with excitement, and the moment they had all died. A smile filled with satisfaction filled his face as he saw one of his guards blaming the fire and burning the corpses of the youkai.

The red flames quickly devoured the corpses of the youkai. After a while, with a glowing look full of excitement, Shui then turned his head to stare at the bushes that were quite far from where he stood.

Raising his right hand, an ice spear suddenly appeared. With a smile still lingering on her face, Shui quickly threw the ice spear towards the bushes.

Instantly, before the ice spears pierced the bushes, the figures of three small youkai jumped out. The three little youkai figures were none other than Shippo, Yuki and Sora.

"White mouse?" shui muttered as she looked at Yuki and Sora. The smile that filled his face grew even wider. "Oh, so you guys, huh? Everything must have been recorded with the red eyes of your white rat clan, right?"

Shippo gulped looking at the smiling Shui towards them. He could clearly see the abnormal smile on the face of the neutral land youkai leader, and most importantly, he could clearly sense the danger before their eyes. Not wasting any time, immediately, the little fox youkai turned his back pulling Yuki and Sora, running away. "Run!!"

Yuki and Sora did not say anything, the two of them also knew clearly with the danger at hand. Shui had seen them and most importantly, he had also said clearly would the red eyes of the youkai white rat clan—Shui would not possibly let them live again.

Shui did not move, his two white eyes looked at the figures of Shippo, Yuki and Sora who were running away. Laughing for a moment, he smiled again. "Kill."

Simultaneously with his words, the ten bodyguards that were beside Shui darted quickly after the three small youkai in the.

Shippo tried to run as fast as he could, as well as Yuki and Sora. Confusion and fear filled her heart, Shui had known everything, but most importantly, why was their message on the kimono cloth on her?—they clearly left the cloth for the northern land lord in the ruined village of the fire lizard clan. What the hell is going on?

But, no matter how fast Shippo, Yuki and Sora ran, their feet still could not win from the pursuers. It didn't take long, the three of them had been surrounded by Shui's bodyguards.

Stop running, Shippo's eyes looked around trying to find a gap to escape. However, no matter he searched, he did not find it. Will she die here today?—for the first time Shippo felt like crying after such a long time. The faces of Kagome, Inuyasha, Miroku, Sango were reflected in his mind, if only they were here, he would definitely not be in this position!

The youkai surrounding Shippo, Yuki and Sora did not show the slightest expression on their faces. Walking closer to the three frightened and desperate little youkai, one of the Youkai bodyguards Shui raised the sword in his hand upwards, aiming it right above Sora's head that trembled in fear.

Yuki immediately hugged the frightened Sora tightly. Making the body as a shield for his sister, he prepared the heart to receive the sword pointed at him.

Shippo who saw what happened also moved quickly. Pushing over Yuki and Sora's bodies, he shouted loudly. "Revelation!!!"

"Shippo-kun!!" yuki shouted in fear as he realized Shippo who had now replaced himself received the sword that had moved down.

Shippo could hear the frightened voice of Yuki and Sora, his eyes could clearly see the sword aimed at him, only, he also knew, that; it was too late. He will never be able to avoid the sword again.

The sword moving down felt very slow for the sickly Shippo. However, before the sword injured him, from the side, a golden-coloured staff shot out as it spun rapidly against the sword.

The sword slipped out of the hand of the youkai that was gripping it and bounced back up. Simultaneously, everyone there turned their gaze immediately at the spinning stick flying back like a boomerang into the hands of the pitcher.

"Nights like this, you chase and train little children" a monkey youkai laughs as he rubs his beard. A single smile filled his face, while his pair of green eyes stared intently at all of Shui's bodyguards youkai. "May I know what happened?"

"Kenji-san!!!" call Shippo happy. The fear on his face soon dissipated seeing Kenji's appearance. He knew the monkey youkai, they had met several times in the western land palace at Sesshoumaru's wedding and the Rin—youkai would definitely stand by his side.

Gathering all the energy and courage that exist, Shippo again shouted loudly. "Help us!! They want to kill us!!"

Shippo's words immediately made the Shui guards stunned by Kenji's appearance come to a realization. Not allowing the opportunity that existed for the three little youkai before them to speak more, they all re-appointed weapons in hand to obliterate the lives that their leader wanted.

Kenji also wasted no time, darting fast, he jumped forward. He had predicted that Shui's bodyguard would act quickly to shut up Shippo and the two white rat youkai. His instincts to the south were not wrong, the three little youkai were probably what he was looking for, a clue to what was really going on.

Landing right in front of Shippo, Kenji swung his wand. Moving it swiftly and forcefully, he managed to hold back and repel the Shui guards backwards.

Plok-plok

The sound of someone's applause and laughter suddenly sounded filled the tension. Kenji did not turn his head at the source of the voice, for he knew the sound of laughter was none other than; shui.

"Kenji-san," called Shui smiling widely. Both of his eyes sparkled with admiration staring at Kenji. "While you're old, you're still very strong."

"Thank you for the compliment." Replying Kenji flatly, still not turning his head to look at Shui, he lowered his gaze on Shippo, Yuki and Sora who were now trembling in fear beside him.

"Kenji-san," called Shui again with a smile that remained on his face. "How about you hand over the three little children beside you to me?"

Shippo, Yuki and Sora did not say anything hearing Shui's words. Staring at Kenji, their eyes could not hide the fear in their growing hearts.

Kenji did not know what was happening, but looking at Shippo, Yuki and Sora's terrified expressions, as well as Shui's undisclosed killing intent, the monkey youkai clearly knew what he was thinking just now was true; indeed, it was true; these three children must know something about what is happening in this land of Japan.

Grunting dislike, Kenji then raised his head and looked at Shui. He laughed out loud. "If I don't want to?"

Shui laughed at Kenji's laughter. From the beginning, he had been able to guess what the monkey youkai's answer would be; kenji had not changed in the past. "Then I will seize, Kenji-san."

Shui's laughter was like a cue, he finished laughing, all of his guards jumping with raised weapons attacking Kenji, Shippo, Yuki and Sora.

Kenji immediately moves his baton, hits and restrains the attack, trying to protect Shippo, Yuki and Sora. However, the monkey youkai also knew, the circumstances were unfavorable. This fight from the start was clearly one-sided, it was only a matter of time that he would lose.

Shui smiled very widely looking at Kenji who was starting to get overwhelmed. "Silver must be waiting for you in nature," he laughed softly. "Do you want to visit her now, Kenji-san?"

Kenji laughs at Shui's question, interrupted by the movement of restraining the directed attack on him and the three little youkai at the side. "I don't intend to visit the dog so soon."

Moving all his strength, Kenji then swung and turned the stick in his hand. Then, along with the rotation, the wand extends and enlarges like a tree for hundreds of years.

Shui's bodyguards jumped backwards, as Kenji's baton created a strong wind that could blow them away.

Seeing the opportunity and the gap created, Kenji immediately pulled out three small balls from behind his kimono. Throwing it down, thick smoke suddenly appeared and covered the surrounding view within a radius of dozens of meters.

Shippo, Yuki and Sora were staring at the spot in shock at what was happening. Then, at the same time, they felt their little bodies lifted from where they stood. Kenji's voice was clearly heard above them. "What are you waiting for? We have to run!"

"Eh??" shippo exclaimed, Yuki and Sora were shocked. But having not had time to say anything, Kenji had run as fast as he could while hugging the three little youkai.

"You think I'm as strong as what? I can't possibly win against Shui and his entire bodyguard while protecting you." Kenji said slowly as he jumped up a tree and ran away from where they were.

Shui who was in a thick fog was unable to sense the existence of Kenji and the others. Smiling, he closed his eyes and chuckled. Kenji, the general and friend of Inu No Taisho who is full of tricks, what he is doing now is not at all surprising.

Opening her eyes and pulling out the sword that was at her waist, Shui then swung it. A strong wind was immediately created and swept away the thick smoke until it disappeared.

Looking at Kenji, Shippo, Yuki and Sora who had disappeared from sight, the smile on his face grew wider, while the twinkle of excitement within his two white eyes grew stronger. "Cursue."

Kenji's running facial expressions with Shippo, Yuki and Sora in his arms became more and more serious, as he could clearly feel that Shui and his bodyguards had now run after them.

"Kenji-san," Shippo's voice in Kenji's arms suddenly sounded. There was fear felt in his trembling voice. "A-are you sure we can get away with them?"

"May or not, we should." Reply Kenji quietly without turning his face to Shippo. Both of his legs were still trying to run as fast as he could.

Swallowing his saliva and venturing out, Shippo let out his voice. "I have an idea."

....xoxOx....

Name no naka

Kaze no naka

Yume no naka's

Sesshoumaru's ears could clearly catch the soft sound of singing. Stepping slowly, he headed towards the source of the voice that was none other than within his own bedroom.

The golden face and eyes of the ruler of the western land were flat as emotionless as ever, he also paid no heed to Kiri and Kira who were in front of the door of the kneeling room saluting at the sight

Sesshoumaru-sama doko ni iru

Jakken - sama wo shita naete

Opening the room shoji door quietly, she was stunned to stare at the singer who was a human woman. Sitting on a futon, with eyes closed and a gentle smile on her pale face, the woman remained extremely charming.

Watashi wa hitori de machimashou

Shura wa hitori de machimashou

Wareware wa hitori de machimashou

Sesshoumaru's golden eyes softened to see the slow movement of the woman's tiny hand that stroked her huge belly with great affection.

Sesshoumaru - samomodori wo

Walking in, Sesshoumaru slowly could see the singer's eyes open. The smile on that beautiful face grew wider and fixed on her.

"Accept, Rin." Reply Sesshoumaru slowly. Sitting down, he kissed the woman's forehead softly.

Rin laughed softly as she felt the warmth on her forehead. The warmth that immediately spread filled every recess of his heart.

Slowly, Sesshoumaru directed his gaze at the large belly of his kisak. Moving his right hand slowly, he stroked it gently.

"Here you go, Shura." Rin said slowly looking at Sesshoumaru's soft hand which gently stroked his stomach. Then, as if hearing his mother's words, the child in his stomach moved right where his father's hand was.

"Shura welcomes you, Sesshoumaru-sama," Rin laughs happily. Smiling, he moved his hand touching Sesshoumaru's hand. His two clear brown eyes stared at the gentle western land lord. "Shura also says okaeri."

Rin's laughter, smile and speech made Sesshoumaru inevitably smile. Moving slowly, he then moved to the back of his kisak. Hugging the waist and belly of the woman he loved slowly, he leaned Rin's back against his chest.

Rin again chuckles and lets Sesshoumaru do what has become their sitting position if together. Leaning his head on that inuyoukai chest, he then closed his eyes.

Slowly, his fingers touched Sesshoumaru's hands, with his eyes still closed Rin opened his mouth and sang softly.

Anata no nayami o sutete

Ashita wa atarashi hi ga

akishimete, osoreru koto wa nanimonai

Anata no yume wa tikunaikara

Atama o yoko ni shite

Anata no yume ga watashi no ai o hikitsugu

A gentle voice filled the room, opening her eyes slowly, Sesshoumaru's golden eyes stared at the peaceful face of Rin who was in her arms.

The warmth and smell he liked filled the sense of smell of the ruler of the western land. Close his eyes, the inuyoukai let himself dissolve in the peace that exists.

Yoku kiite, Nishi no musuko

Sekai wa zankokudesuga

Mada kagayaku hikari ga arimasu

Watashitachi no jinsei no mottomo kurai

The song that Rin sung was gentle, the love and affection that was promised, Sesshoumaru knew, how much Shura, their son meant to him.

A small smile again filled Sesshoumaru's handsome face. He knew that, one day, when their son had been born and was great, he had to tell him how much his mother loved him.

Subete no kibo ga ushinawa reta ni mieru toki

Soshite, anata wa anata no michi o mitsukeru koto ga

Sora o mitsumeru toki no koto or kangaete

Moving his hands slowly, Sesshoumaru again gently stroked Rin's large belly.

Rin always sings this song for Shura, as well as the strange song she sings while waiting for her return, and honestly—Sesshoumaru really likes it.

Later, if their son had been born, he hoped, they would always go through a day like this. When he came home, when he opened the door, the two most important existences in his life would always be his happy little family.

Ko kozan, anata no mirai wa akarui

Anata no chichi no chi ga anata no jomyaku ni

Kurayaminonakade, watashi wa anata ga tatakau koto o inoru

Sekai ga sugu ni anata no namee o shiru you ni narukara

The song he was singing had finished, opening his eyes slowly, Rin looked at his hand and the hand of Sesshoumaru that was on his big belly. Smiling, he stroked her stomach "Sesshoumaru-sama.." she called out slowly.

"Eh." Reply Sesshounaru slowly. He did not open his eyes, the inuyoukai still allowed himself to dissolve in the warmth.

"The humans have gathered their forces, right?" rin asked quietly with a smile still on his face.

Rin's question keeps Sesshoumaru in check. Opening her eyes, she sees Rin distancing her body and turning her back to look at her. A gentle smile filled that pretty face. "Rin wants to know when the humans came, Sesshoumaru-sama."

"Rin.." call Sesshoumaru slowly. His face was flat emotionless, but his two golden eyes were unable to hide the emotions present. Anger filled his heart. Wh who? Who told Rin all this?!

Moving his right hand, Rin touched Sesshoumaru's left cheek gently and chuckled. In this world, despite being a human, he was the only living being who understood inuyoukai the most in front of him. What the ruler of the western lands had in mind, he knew.

"Nobody told Rin, Sesshoumaru-sama," Rin said slowly and smiled again. "Rin knows for himself."

Rin knows, Sesshoumaru who starts to leave himself often and heads to the study to hear reports from Kiri and Kira, Inuyasha's uncaring face and Kagome's face, Miroku and Sango who always try to hide the difficulties and confusion—really, the reality they want to hide from him is clearly visible in his brown eyes.

"Rin is no longer a child, Sesshoumaru-sama." Rin laughed then quietly.

Sesshoumaru did not move hearing Rin's words. The anger in his heart disappeared replaced by a stunned feeling. Moving his left hand, Sesshoumaru caught Rin's right hand touching it. Turning back to close her eyes, she kissed the hand gently.

Not a child.

Sesshoumaru knew, Rin was not a child anymore, but more than anyone, inuyoukai wanted the human woman to remain like a child. Little children who live without worry, without fear, without sadness— are free and full of happiness, full of smiles and laughter.

"Sesshoumaru will always be there for the two of you" Sesshoumaru said slowly. Opening her eyes, she looked straight at Rin's face. "Sesshoumaru's sworn to it."

Rin smiled and nodded his head slowly. "Yes, Rin knows. Sesshoumaru-sama will always be there for Rin and Shura."

"This sesshoumaru will not let anyone hurt you" Sesshoumaru continued. His voice was flat but filled with determination, his two golden eyes sparkling full of emotions full of unstoppable madness. "This Jesshoumaru will kill anyone who dares to try it."

"Yes" said Rin slowly. The smile on his face did not change, there was no fear he felt when he saw the expression on Sesshoumaru's face now. "Rin knows."

Sesshoumaru will always be there for him and Shura, Rin never doubted him. Therefore, whoever dares to come to injure himself and their child, the inuyoukai will exterminate him.

Moving slowly, Rin then hugged and leaned her face against Sesshoumaru's chest which reflexively immediately returned her embrace tightly. Closing his eyes, he let the warmth of his beloved inuyoukai envelop him once again.

What is the fate of the humans if they dare to come, Rin knows—death. A death that would be terrible, a death that would be unavoidable and terrible. Then, when it came, Rin asked herself, what should she do?

A strange and cruel world, a world that was never fair, as well as a selfish human.

Selfish.

Rin thought, may she be selfish for this time only?—for Shura the child in her womb, may she close her eyes and let Sesshoumaru kill all the humans who intended to harm their child?

Rin really doesn't know.

....xoxOx....

Running in the night forest chasing after Kenji, Shui remained calm. His white eyes stared straight ahead, a smile filling his face as he managed to catch the figure of the monkey youkai back that was still trying to escape with three small youkai in an embrace.

Not wasting any time, Shui raised his hand and created the needle-stick

sharp little ice needles. Throwing it, the ice needles shot rapidly towards Kenji.

The running Kenji could feel Shui's attack darting rapidly towards him. Without even looking back, reflexively, the monkey youkai immediately jumped to the side dodging with Shippo, Yuki and Sora screaming in fear in the arms.

Youkai are creatures that have a very fast movement speed. The few seconds that Kenji used to dodge the attack, had immediately made the distance between them and their pursuers become very close.

"Give the kids over, Kenji-san. I don't intend to hurt you, I just want those kids. " Shui's laughter sounded again. Once again, he re-created the ice needles to attack Kenji.

Gritting his teeth hard, Kenji again jumped away from the ice needles. He knew, they could not run like this all the time, but, he also had no other choice.

Landing above the ground, Kenji immediately ran through the bushes in front of evading the chase. But, not long after he ran, his legs then came to a halt. Both of his green eyes were wide-eyed as he looked at the deep and steep ravine ahead.

Preparing to jump up into the sky, Kenji clenched his arms at Shippo, Yuki and Sora who had not let out the slightest sound from fear. Merely, he hadn't had the chance to do that yet, Shui's ice needle attack shot back, and this time, even though he didn't manage to dodge anymore. The needles stuck into his arm that held the three little youkai.

"Ugh!!" muttered Kenji endured the pain that attacked him. His embrace of the three little youkai slipped and fell to the ground. Holding his balance, he immediately squatted down.

"Kenji-san!!" call Shippo hard. Frightened he raised his head to look at Kenji. His eyes widened when he saw that the two arms of the youkai had now been enveloped in hard ice. "Are you okay??"

Yuki and Sora did not say anything, but their two red eyes stared fearfully and apprehensively at Kenji who was injured for protecting them.

"I'm fine." Answer Kenji slowly. Raising both eyes forward, anger filled the heart as it saw the smiling Shui and his pioneers had again surrounded himself and the children.

Shippo, Yuki and Sora who were aware of Shui's whereabouts and his bodyguards grew even more frightened. Not saying anything, the three of them immediately hid behind Kenji's back.

"I won't attack you like this if you give them up on me, Kenji-san," Shui said softly. A friendly smile filled her beautiful face. "You're brother's best friend. I can't hurt you."

"Just keep your words, Shui," Kenji replied, his green eyes staring straight at the hateful Shui. "What are you planning?"

"What I planned has nothing to do with you, Kenji-san." Shui laughed softly. Raising his head looking up at the night sky, he smiled. "I just want to take back what's rightfully mine."

"Your rights??" cut up Kenji and laugh. Both of her green eyes looked at Shui with a condescending look. "Will the land of the west?? You don't have any rights in the western lands, Shui!!"

Shui lowered his head to look at Kenji and returned a smile. "If I am not entitled, I just make myself have the right. Isn't that simple?"

Kenji did not reply to Shui's words. Seeing the smile on that face, he felt that whatever he said would not be understood by the neutral youkai leader. Rather than wasting time talking, he better think of a way to escape the unfortunate circumstances now.

Shui didn't say anything more seeing Kenji's attitude, he knew what the monkey youkai had in mind just now, and he couldn't possibly let it go. Stepping forward slowly, with a smile still on her face, she then approached Kenji.

"Shippo," call Kenji slowly to see Shui approaching them. Taking out two small balls from behind his kimono again, he whispered softly. "Run."

Hearing the orders and seeing Kenji again throw the small ball in his hand on the ground, Shippo wasted no time. Pulling Yuki and Sora's hands together, he immediately stepped foot to run away.

Thick smoke returned to meet the view. Gathering all the remaining energy, not caring about his ice-covered hand, Kenji again swung the staff in hand and ran forward towards Shui and his bodyguards who also came forward.

Once again, Kenji lengthens and raises the stick in hand. Withstanding the existing attack, he attempted to repel the enemy in front. "I'm fighting you, you son of a bitch!!" loud shouting.

Withstanding all available attacks, Kenji attempts to create time for Shippo, Yuki and Sora to escape. Then, all of a sudden, from within the thick smoke in front of him, dozens of ice spears shot out at an extremely incredible speed.

Kenji's face instantly paled, he who was still resisting the attacks of the Shui guards did not move at all to resist the attacks. But, what made his pale face even more pale was when he realized that the ice spear was not directed at him, but at Shippo, Yuki and Sora who were not far behind him. "Shipooo!!! Watch out!!!"

The loud cry of Kenji makes Shippo, Yuki and Sora allow their simultaneous gaze on the monkey youkai, and a second later, Yuki, they bounced back with ice spears that had pierced through their entire small bodies.

Kenji paid no attention to the attacks of the guards Shui again saw what happened. Jumping backwards, he immediately dashed towards Shippo, Yuki and Sora. Moving his hands as fast as he could, he tried to catch their bodies that had been blown away falling into the abyss behind.

"Ship—" cried Kenji. However, his yelling voice came to a halt, as well as his movements as he looked at the lifeless and shattered bodies of Shippo, Yuki and Sora falling down and disappearing into the dark abyss below.

Kenji did not move at all, his two green eyes staring in disbelief at what was happening in front of him. An overwhelming anger immediately filled him. Her green eyes turned blood red, as well as the shape of her face. There was no longer a face like a human, there was only the face of a monkey grinning with anger.

Looking back, not caring about anything, Kenji shot out with incredible speed towards Shui. Swinging his staff, he attacked the neutral land youkai leader blindly.

Shui jumped dodging Kenji's attacks backwards. Laughing loudly, he then pulled out the sword at his waist and swung it. An extremely strong wind appeared and swept out the thick smoke surrounding them.

As he landed on the ground, the smile on his face widened as he looked at Kenji who had almost returned to his original figure of youkanya—a large monkey with golden fur. "Kenji, Saru Shogun from the west, I haven't seen you in hundreds of years."

Kenji did not reply to Shui's words. He grinned furiously with blood-red eyes staring at the white-eyed youkai.

The Shui guards moved again, with weapons in hand, they darted forward to attack Kenji. However, the voice of the neutral youkai leader suddenly stopped them. "Retreat."

The command of Shui was something absolute in the life of the bodyguard of the neutral land youkai leader. Simultaneously, the ten bodyguards stopped attacking Kenji and jumped backwards.

Kenji remained motionless, his blood-red eyes not turning the slightest head from the smiling Shui and walking over to him. But, the grip of the hand on his staff tightened, and he was prepared if the enemy in front attacked.

"I don't want to fight with you, Kenji-san." Shui's laughter slowly saw Kenji's reaction. His white eyes stared at the friendly youkai monkey. "—not for now."

"What do you want?" ask Kenji slowly. His voice was extremely low, trying to hold back the anger that was within him.

Shui smiled. Both of his eyes were happy. "You're saying I don't have rights, right? Therefore, I will show you that I have the right."

"Don't dream!! You think I'll let her!?" yelled Kenji, the anger he was holding back burst forth.

"No. You won't let," Shui again laughed and shook his head slowly. Smiling a grin he looked at Kenji full of happiness. "But, what can you do, Kenji-san?"

Kenji was silent again. He didn't say anything else. To be honest, until now, he had no idea what had really happened. Neither Shippo, Yuki nor Sora had time to tell him, but, seeing the whereabouts of the two white rat youkai, he knew, the events that befell several youkai villages throughout Japan were not simple.

"What are you planning, Shui?" ask Kenji again. She knew Shui wouldn't answer, but she kept asking.

With a smile that has not changed. Not caring for Kenji in the slightest, Shui then turned his body and walked away leaving the monkey youkai. "Please look for the answer yourself, Kenji-san" he laughed loudly.

Kenji remained motionless, his two blood-red eyes staring intently at the figure of Shui walking away followed by his bodyguard until it disappeared from view. He is not chasing, because he knows, he is now unlikely to be able to win—no with this clearly unbalanced amount.

"Shui-sama," called one of Shui's bodyguards quietly. Both of his eyes looked straight at the neutral youkai leader with an expressionless face. "Do you want to let Kenji, the Shogun Saru?"

"Leave it. It's not time yet. I want her to see for herself what will happen in front of her," Shui replied with a laugh. "He won't find anything."

Kenji will find nothing, all the evidence that will point to him is now gone. He was just waiting for the time for the next round.

Not have rights?

Shui will show Kenji and everything in this world, he is the one who really has the most right to own the land of the west, even more than Sesshoumaru.

....xoxOx....