Nocturne - An Inuyasha Fanfic

Chapter Twenty-Five: Taken

Nocturne - Chapter Twenty-Five: Taken

Rated - M (for suggestive adult themes, references to some violence, and coarse language)

o - o - o - o - o : Indicates scene or POV change

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha.

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The western wind was behind him, aiding in his haste even in the form of light. Even the elements were aware of his need to push east.

Sesshomaru could feel the small house on the outskirts of the village was empty. He landed in front, all the same, intent on surveying the area.

The scent in the air did not have anything odd about it outside of a strong, pungent odor that immediately indicated his half-brother had frequented the area.

The smell was most potent from the outside. Good. Inuyasha had taken his words to heart and obeyed. Sesshomaru would be very likely tempted to kill his brother had there been other scents mixed in here.

He quickly followed the path towards the village where Rin lived with the older miko. It was closer to the town when he began to sense struggle and death.

Sesshomaru could feel his hackles rise from the sensation. The death was a mortal one wand he'd invested too deeply with those as of late.

Arriving at the miko woman's house, he ripped aside the curtain without his usual grace and peered inside.

Empty! Even from the old woman who required assistance to move. He could smell something else that tickled the edge of his consciousness with familiarity. The room was even darker now than it had been upon his last visit, though his vision was unimpeded by the lack of light.

He scanned the room until his gaze settled upon the item that had barely registered—a small table in the room held candles, flowers, and a peculiar feather. With one reaching stride, he moved towards the table and pulled the feather up, assessing it. Poison, he determined, throwing the quill down and exiting the house.

Sesshomaru followed his nose to find his brother. It only took a moment to reach another human dwelling somewhat more prominent than many of its neighbors. Without bothering to announce himself or wait for an invitation, he strode inside.

Familiar faces turned to him, none surprised by his entrance, though none wore the countenance of whom he sought.

"Lord Sesshomaru," the houshi nodded his head in deference and rose, followed by his woman.

Both looked nervous, unsure of how he would react to whatever news they had to share. The woman, ever confident, took charge and stepped in front of her man. The houshi gave a subtle nod, and the taijiya squeezed his arm in acknowledgment.

There was a separate room just beyond where his brother's scent emanated. From within, he could also pick up two more known scents. However, one was missing, and the pair before him were doing their best to impede him for unknown reasons.

"Stand aside," he ordered callously. It was clear his brother had failed in the simplest of tasks. Why they would protect his pathetic half-brother was beyond him.

"I beg you wait and hear us out, Sesshomaru," the taijiya exclaimed.

He issued an icy glare, his look daring her to try and stop him. His patience was worn thin, and nothing had been said nor done to deter him. The woman sensed his trepidations and grimaced but stepped aside to allow him through unimpeded. Sesshomaru stalked past the pair and entered the next room, scanning the space.