After the Mask (Secret of the cursed mask game sequel)

Part 16

There is no mistake that this is Naraku's son. He looks so much like him. I can't help but wonder how he stayed hidden all those years. "Yes. I have been wondering what you want with me. I figured I'd ask you in person before ending your life." I say holding my weapon in front of me in case he tries something.

He laughs, greatly amused. "Sure, I'll humor you with the answer, but don't be so sure about the ending of this meeting." he says before moving his hands.

The ground rumbles beneath our feet and I step aside when a crack appears just beside me. From all around the rocky surface, minions appear. They are very big and their bodies appear to be made out of clear crystal. I notice that we are surrounded and it worries me.

Sesshomaru stands next to me, Bakusaiga drawn and a glare directed at Akuhei. "You should have just stayed under the rock you were hiding under before. Naraku was no match for us, what do you think a young and arrogant boy like you can do?" he taunts. Akuhei seems unfazed.

"You're the arrogant one. I thought someone like you would know better than to underestimate your opponent. But it doesn't matter, you're just a minor obstacle in my way. She is the real prize of the game." he says pointing at me.

I look at him warily, feeling uncomfortable. "What do you want from me?! Revenge?!" I ask. I wish he would just get to the point already.

He smirks in amusement. "Now why would I want that? Because you were partially responsible for the destruction of my father? Don't be a fool. I never cared about that man. No, there is a much more interesting reason. You have such great potential that is just calling out to be used. I'm surprised my father couldn't see it before."

"What are you talking about?" hisses Sesshomaru.

"There is hardly a limit to how far her power can grow. It can reach so far, in the literal sense, that it can reach the Gods themselves. I want to use that power to take me beyond this world. I'll destroy the heavenly planes and recreate this world to my liking. And perhaps, if you're nice enough girl, I'll keep you around to play with." Akuhei explains, though to us it makes little sense.

I can only gape at his words. Is he for real? "How do you plan on making me do such a thing for you?"

He smirks. "You forget who my father is. I can make you of course. Also, the Gods favor their little shrine maiden. They will let you in their sanctuary. Too bad for them, you won't be alone."

"I have heard enough of your nonsense. Prepare to die!" growls Sesshomaru. Clearly his patience has run out.

"Very well." says Akuhei coolly before sending his minions after us. This leaves me no time to think about his crackpot ideas.

They seem to focus more on Sesshomaru though as they drive us apart. Realizing what is happening I turn to Akuhei just in time. He was trying to sneak up behind me. I swing my sword at him and release a stream of Shikigami power to keep him at a distance. I don't want him too close.

"You're smarter than I thought, but you won't keep me at a distance for long." he says chuckling.

"I sure can try!" I yell at him as I let my power flow through me. Putting my sword away I fold my hands together. "Chaotic Flame!" I watch as Akuhei is blown back from the force. I know that I didn't finish him yet, but it gives me time to focus on other things. I need Sesshomaru's help to defeat this guy, but he has his attention elsewhere. Maybe we can get rid of those minions first and attack Akuhei together.

Running up close to him, I call out his name. He glances at me and nods, seeing what I want to do. He holds out his sword while I chant, making it glow an eerie red. He then slashed forward doing a Dragon strike, sending it into the ground. It cracks and tears swallowing the minions inside.

I look on satisfied as they disappear, but don't get to enjoy it for long as I'm startled by a sound behind me. I look to see tentacle coming straight at me. I gasp when it stops right in front of my face before dropping to the ground; It had been cut by Sesshomaru. "Thanks." I tell him.

"Stay on your guard." he warns. I nod at him. It would be stupid to screw up in this fight just because I wasn't paying attention.

More tentacles come our way and Sesshomaru slashes them all to pieces. Akuhei frowns at him. "You are in my way Sesshomaru." he says before holding his hand out while a strange purple glow envelops it. Before either of us can react he sends a blast at him.

Sesshomaru barely gets to step back before it hits the ground before him, making an explosion occur. Debris is flung every way, also hitting myself. As the debris rain stops, Sesshomaru comes to a halt several feet back, full of scratches. He growls at Akuhei annoyed and goes to attack him but is pinned to the ground by crystal-like hands.

I gasp as he goes to fire his blast at Sesshomaru again. I can only image the damage when it will hit dead on. I go to move, but find myself stuck as well. I look down to see crystal crawling up my legs. 'No matter, I won't need my legs, but I have to hurry!'

Trying hard to focus I feel myself be engulfed in Shikigami power. It's hard to keep this amount controlled as I haven't perfected this attack yet, but I must try it and I have only one chance. I open my eyes to see a white and yellow energy flow around me wildly.

In the meanwhile Akuhei grins evilly as he prepares to hit Sesshomaru with a killing blow, but is surprised to see Sesshomaru smirking calmly. "It isn't me who you should be paying your attention to." he comments.

As Akuhei turns to me I see his eyes widen in surprise. "You see, she doesn't really need my help to defeat you." Sesshomaru says smugly.

With that said I feel like I finished powering up my attack. Holding out my hands towards Akuhei I yell out my attack, "Light of Judgement!" Lightning bolts drop from the sky hitting him and destroying everything nearby. I can hear him yell out when all of a sudden the attack mixes with a purple light. It soon dissolves to reveal a beaten up and panting Akuhei. I gasp at this. He managed to get out of it alive!

He chuckles, "Did you really think you could kill me?" He holds out his hand before freezing. He frowns. "We have company." he mutters before being enveloped in a cloud of miasma and disappearing. The crystal around our feet disappears with him.

"Damnit." mutters Sesshomaru. I can't help but be disappointed at myself. I worked so hard, but it wasn't enough. It will only be a matter of time before we cross paths again. I just hope we have more success next time.