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

Part 20

I am forced to watch as Sesshomaru and Akuhei fight. Sesshomaru doesn't make it easy for himself as he tries to protect my parents as well. I'm glad and surprised that he does so, but it worries me at the same time. It allows openings to form in his defense which Akuhei greedily takes advantage of.

I cringe every time Sesshomaru is hurt in some way. I feel useless as I am. How could I let myself get caught up like this? How foolish of me to let my guard down and then let my own weapon be used against me.

Akuhei laughs at Sesshomaru, mocking him. "You're a fool. You do realize I will only kill you faster if you keep protecting them." Sesshomaru slashes his sword at him, a small cut appearing on Akuhei's arm to his surprise. "It's what I have to do." he states calmly. "Hn. For the girl? How weak." Akuhei spits. "No, I was told that... having something to protect... makes you stronger." Sesshomaru states in between slashes.

I blink at the realization of his words and what they must mean to him. But I don't have a chance to dwell on them as I see Akuhei piercing Sesshomaru's shoulder and upper leg. "Ah... Sesshomaru..." I groan as I try to move.

"I'm afraid that fairytale you believe in wasn't enough." says Akuhei as he forces Sesshomaru on his knees. Sesshomaru cringes as the tentacles twist in his wounds, blood flowing from them like red rivers. "I do hope you're paying close attention to this. I'd hate for you to miss this moment, when the great youkai Sesshomaru breathes his last breath by my doing." Akuhei says over his shoulder at me.

Fear grips my heart. No. He can't take Sesshomaru away from me. I grip the sword at its blade. It instantly cuts into my hands as I try to pull it up and out of me. "Say farewell to your beloved." he says turning his attention back to his prey.

He gathers energy into his hand as he laughs at the immobile form of Sesshomaru. I pull harder on the sword as it slips through my hands as it's covered in my blood. "Die!" yells Akuhei crazily before thrusting his hand out, releasing his blast.

He then freezes before looking down, my sword sticking through his abdomen. Sesshomaru can't avoid the hit anymore though as Akuhei's hold on him weakens. He readies himself to take the hit head on, being fully aware that his chance of survival is slim.

He is surprised when a body moves in front of him, taking the bulk of the attack for him. The body is engulfed in the blast, causing great damage. When it passes, the body falls to the floor, nothing moving but their lips. "Please...take care...of my..daughter." they say before a last breath passes their lips.

Sesshomaru looks up, his eyes searching mine as they look at the fallen body horrified. My head spins, the reality of this too hard to comprehend. "Daddy..." I breathe out before falling to my knees in despair.

I crawl over to him, ignoring the physical pain and turn him over and touching his face. Tears start to slip from my eyes. "Dad?" There is no reaction. I grip onto his hand and lower my head to his chest, trying to find a heartbeat. But as hard as I try to search for it, I can't find any. I grip onto him tightly, my breath speeding up as sobs are working their way to the surface. Tears stream freely and soak my father's shirt.

I grit my teeth as I hear a familiar laugh. Turning my head slightly, I see through blurry eyes Akuhei pulling out my sword with relative ease, throwing it away. He doesn't seem to care that he's bleeding. "What a spectacle. A desperate act from a weak man."

"He isn't weak!" I yell at him. "Heh. You're just like him. You will never be able to protect your loved ones like that. I should just put you out of your misery by getting rid of them now. That way you won't ever have to worry about such nonsense again." Akuhei says glancing at mother.

"Don't touch her!" I warn him. "What will you do about it?" he mocks and steps towards her. He is surprised when I appear in front of him. "Get away from her." I hiss at him.

Shikigami power surrounds my body as anger starts to overwhelm me. Tears still stream down my face. He smirks and tries to get closer. I thrust my hand out, clasping it around his neck. "You will not harm anyone anymore. I won't let you."

Suddenly he just flicks a finger, shooting a bullet of energy past me. It impacts next to mother's face. I watch as a small cut on her cheek starts to bleed. "Aaah!!" I yell out as I swing my fist at him, my energy flaring out. It bursts like an explosion, blinding myself. "Time to go." I hear before all turns black.

............

~Sesshomaru

I watch as Kaname's power flares in her anger. Everything about her glowing; her eyes, even her tears. It's beautiful, but not right. I stand up abruptly as Akuhei smirks in satisfaction. She's doing exactly what he wants!

"Time to go." says Akuhei before they are completely engulfed in the light. "Kaname!" I yell out as I squint to see any sign of her. I try to reach inside for her but only catch air.

When the light passes, it's left extremely dark. There is no sign left of the two of them. I stare at the empty space before me. Have they really left for the heavenly planes? It hits me hard and I realize that wherever they went, I can't follow. It leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. I can't protect her now. I can only hope she returns to me safely.

An annoying sound bothers my ears and it's coming closer. Soon flashes of red light come near as well. Over the smell of blood I can sense many humans approaching. Of course, this couldn't go unnoticed.

I look at the two bodies on the floor. Making a quick decision, I pick them both up. Kaname's father is turning cold. I wonder if maybe...

Before the humans arrive I make my getaway, returning to a more familiar time and leaving the mess that's been made behind me. I glance at the stars one last time before leaving. "Kaname."