The Dragon and the Fox Part 2

As Inuyasha sprang forward Master Orochi simly raised one arm and deflected Inuyasha's blow as they made contact and his chi pulsed in just that instant of contact sending Inuyasha straight into the ground powerfully as the man gracefully lowered his arm back down "Block the attack and concentrate your chi to erupt exactly where you make contact and the result is deadly whether you are attack or defending. Dragon Sage Wudong-Chi taught me that in my youth."he said as he helped Inuyasha up off of the ground "You might want to draw your sword next time"he said with a laugh "Would you like to try again?"

Yukine couldn't help but laugh as Inuyasha was sent crashing into the ground. The monks had made frequent visits to their home to broading their magic under the training of Lord Sekai and she had already learned a few of their teachings but she was very impressed at the power the human possessed "Demon slayer arts and the Fist of the Steel Dragons, you are quite the lethal weapon"

The dragon looked down at her before lowering his head as his large amber eye came up to her "You? The next Empress?"he said as he eyed her up and down "IF you are the next Emperor, then what is your part? Rei Yuan was the Heart of the Dragon. Uryu Yuan were the claws of the Dragon and Ayame was the other Heart of the Dragon. What shall the next Emperor be blessed with hm?"he asked

Akuma then cleared his throat. He knew this not only from his studies of the family tree, but also because something inside of him was telling him that he knew the answer "The Spirit of the Dragon....she is the Empress but I am the Spirit of the Dragon...because Rei Yuan and Hyorinmaru are inside of me...is that right?"

inuyasha picked himself up and looked rightfully, surprised. He wiped his mouth and drew his sword. "Won't surprise me this time. Block This!" He shouted and ran at the monk, swing his large sword in a high arch down at the monk
Sabreal then raised a hand and counted down, "Into the wall in 3...2...1.."

Artemis was chuckling as she stood there watching, "don't damage to much of the land now Inuyasha, with either your body or your sword" she called and shook her head when he pulled out his sword to slam it down towards the man. "So long as he doesn't use the wind scar or anything like that I think we all should be fine."

Asura glanced at her brother and nodded, the two of them were destined to rule together. She as the first born was entitled to the right as Empress while her brother may have been born with the aspect that all the rulers before them held...such as now the spirit. "As eldest it is my right to rule...my brother will serve beside me in our father's place.."

Master Orochi held up a hand as he easily caught Inuyasha's blade in it without damage as he smiled brightly at Inuyasha as his hand pulsed a second time blowing Inuyasha backwards and into the wall just as Sabreal had finished counting "Chi can be a very lethal force all of its own right"he said still smiling "Now then, shall we all begin our training?"

The dragon looked them both over once more before the ground seemed to shake beneath them as the large silver dragon began to uncoil from his position blocking the path further into the cavern as he unwound himself before he stood, many hands higher than even Sho who was already a large dragon to begin with "Those who have claimed the blessing of the dragons and the right to rule shall be granted access into the Steel Dragon's Den, but be warned, not all who enter leave alive"

Inuyasha trained a bit as he picked himself up and sheathed his sword. Sabreal chi holes in his throat as the group from lower Orochi into a meditation for concentrating their Chi.

"Then I guess we will be of the few that make it out alive." Asura stated as she looked up at the large dragon, bowing her head once more towards it. "When the war against the angels ends...I will make sure our mother comes to visit you all...it was an honor to meet you Lord Steel Dragon" she said before passing him as she headed into the caverns. She wasn't going to back down because of one dragon saying they'd die...if she didn't throw her life into this fully....then all those that suffered against the angels...wouldn't follow her if she wasn't prepared to die for them.

Artemis would watch the two before she would move to sit down upon Orochi's order, her legs folded as she took a deep breath. She had meditated before out of bordom...to clear her head and to focus on the task at hand....now she would learn a proper way to do it...maybe even unseal her own ability so no one else had control over it.

Akuma bowed his head letting his sister do the talking as he just followed beside her as the dragon lowered his head to them before closing its eyes once more to rest as they headed towards an opening in the rock and as they arrived Akuma let out the huge breath he had been holding. Bathed in bright moonlight from an opening in the rock above big enough to let dragons slide through was an underground waterfall in the mountainous cavern where below hundreds of dragons could be seen curled up in their slumber and on a small island in the center of the lake of the waterfall a small green glow could be seen flashing faintly in the dim lighting exactly where the moonlight was entering and where sunlight shone during the day "There is a protective barrier around that island, my hair is prickling with its energy. It's supernatural."

Once they were all seated Master Orochi began his instruction "Close your eyes, clear your thoughts and breath deeply. Most of you are demons so you know how it feels to control your youki for your energy abilities. Except now we are going to feel the natural energies around us. Feel the natural energy your body gives off as well. Not as a demon, but as a living being of this earth. Take that chi and let it flow through your body and awaken every muscle with new life and energy. Let it pool and concentrate in your belly, the epicenter of your chi. Then let it flow to the tips of the fingers and the bottoms of the feet to charge your fists and kicks, then let the energy go and take in new, energy, release the negative and absorb the positive, that is how you control the chi."

Inuyasha huffed as he and sabriel took up the last too spots with Yukine and Artemis between them and he placed his sword on the ground beside him as he awaited ororshis instructions.

Miaka sighed as she stepped out of the meeting hall. The meeting with the generals and sublords went well and she decided to get some air. "You and sesshoumaru did well in there my girl." Sekai said as he approched his daughter. "Very well indeed." he said with a warm smile and supportive hand on her shoulder as they walked out into the garden.

Asura glanced down towards it as she then looked at him, "you think thats where the rune or even the dragon glass could be?" she asked as she looked around, noticing the hundreds of dragons. All of them had some form of respect towards their mother...but to her children that was another matter. "If we can get close and see whats in it...maybe we can learn about it."

Artemis took a deep breath just as the monk instructed, reaching out to feel for her demonic aura as well as any 'thread' or grasp she could have upon her more angelic side. Anything she could grasp she would take. She let out another breath searching for the new energy he was stating but so far felt nothing.

"No..."Akuma said pausing as he squinted his eyes "No way...follow me"he said as he stood next to his sister as he released a wave of his chi letting it flow beneath their feet and carry them down to the ground floor of the cavern as he took her hand leading her over to one of the cavern walls away from any of the dragons "The stuff on the island isn't dragon glass because this...."he said as he held up a bright glowing ball of chi agains the wall were it light up brightly on a smooth reflective glass-like surface "The walls are all lined with the the stuff!"he said excitedly

Yukine breathed deeply as she tried to concentrate but every time she attempted to reach for her chi, all she felt was the powerful youki from Mizen overwhelming her senses though she supposed if she could control his energy better than that would also help as she began to let it flow around her body

Master Orochi moved between them adjusting their posture and helping them breath in rhythm "This area is an energy rich environment in all forms. Vitality prospers under the blessing of dragons. Even if you do not make full contact in this attempt focus on pinpoint control of your energies"

Sesshoumaru watched Miaka move off with her father as he now had to go report to the Empress as he turned moving silently down the halls before reaching the royal wing knocking to let his presence be known before entering having special privileges as Commander-General now "Empress, Emperor"he said respectfully

"Thank you father. I hope to do you and mother and lord Sol proud.....but it's strange."
"What is my dear?"
"The gods...sesshoumaru....ryoko....the empress.... It all brings back so many memories for me. I'm not even sure the empress is even aware of how close friends her mother and I were considering what the fox did." She said with a sigh. "I'm finding myself distracted from my duties and letting my mind go astray."


Inuyasha struggled to catch on, as he said he was leap into action kind of fighter. Meditation...sitting still....is wasn't his thing.

Ayame would glance to the side when she saw Sesshoumaru and Miaka entered, a scroll placed in her fingers as she would bow her head. "Commander-General it is good to see you...and Lady Miaka as always you bring a fresh bit of air to your stubborn mate." she stated teasing clearly as she chuckled, "I see you have something for us...or something to which you wish to discuss.."

Asura was in awe as she saw the vast amount of dragon glass, this much would forge more than just one sword her hand sliding up to gently touch, the energy she could feel made her shiver. "This...is outstanding...there's so much here..." she whispered, but her mind soon went back towards the barrier in the middle island. "but if this is here....what is within that barrier? The rune?"

"We have finished conducting our reports from the Generals from all Houses. We are ready to move our armies into place behind Raizen's Chasm and open that portion of the portal for direct warfare in order to reinforce the others on your orders Empress"Sesshoumaru said as Wu nodded his head "That is rather impressive the speed in which that was accomplished, most impressive indeed"

Akuma turned to face the alter on the island "I think it is not just the rune we are looking for, but the other thing I was looking for as well....the Dragon's Eye Gem. It's a jade necklace that Emperor Rei Yuan used to wear that is told to hold hidden secrects and was also supposedly used to reinforce the seal on the rune here."he said

"Each commander and sub lord have sent for part of their armies, leavening some to protect the borders." Miaka said and pulled out a map, "the last known location we were able to ascertain from Artemis before she left, was here." Miaka pointed to the circled section of the map. "To avoid a too early confrontation, we directed the armies to take seperate and more discreet paths and converge with your armies here." Miaka pointed out the paths and the location of the imperial forces outside the barrier. "I have also sent for our best barrier specialists from the south. They should be here to help in the support of the barrier for the enforcement and expansion within a day's trae."

"Well lets get the glass first then worry about that barrier....I don't want to piss these guys off they care little what we are doing over here...but I have a feeling the closer we get to that island we will be fighting." she said as she glanced at the glass, wondering if small pieces would be better or if to grab up the largest she could. "I'm not even sure how to get this out of here...or how hard it is to crack."

Ayame nodded listening, though looking at the map she would speak "The half angel...can you trust her words so easily?" she asked looking at the two of them. "I do not wish to judge the girl considering if she is telling the truth on her past..." she glanced over towards her husband. "what say you Wu? your character judgment has always been better where mine...well is far more brash"

"Her voice seems earnest in her concern for her mother and his disdain for the angels. I do not think she is leading us astray. The learning that she is of Raizen's kin seemed to strengthen her ties to our side. Plus she will be traveling with the twins and other noble youkai children. She doesn't seem the type to put herself in some sort of jeopardy such as that by betraying us when she doesn't have use to 100% of her power, she doesn't strike me as the foolish type. Send Ryoma and his recon team ahead first to scout out to verify her information and you are in control to make your own judgment call Commander"Wu said as Sesshoumaru nodded his head "Sir."he said affirmatively as he turned to the Empress again "Do you have any more need of us Empress?"he asked happy to hear that they had been doing their job correctly

Akuma noddded before turning back to the dragon glass "Ya know....that's a good question none of us thought to us. And I know it's strong but once it's forged but the books never mention raw dragon glass out in nature.....I brought a bag"he said pulling out a long drawstrong cloth bag "I guess we just....punch it as quietly as we can and find out?"

"I fell that we can trust her Empress." Miaka said and bowe her head at their commands before collecting the maps to discuss the scouting areas for Ryoma to look over.

"Very well then..." Ayame stated watching the two of them and would smirk slightly once they left, "feels rather nice not having to do anything for a change...." she stated as she glanced to Wu, "maybe we can retire" she chuckled.

Asura would nod her head, as she cracked her knuckles some and took a deep breath. "Ok...this is going to be tricky but..." she would move into a stance, as she slid her eyes shut listening as her ears twitched faintly. Before her hands moved, slamming against the glass as it didn't even seem to crack till where her palm had struck it began to fracture "uh...we might want to move....I think I hit it to hard..." she stated as she would quickly move back just as the wall began to crack that much more.

Wu chuckled "I think Sesshoumaru and Miaka can do quite a good job in our place"he said laughing as Sesshoumaru bowed his head "We are honored to hear that. We will take our leave of you now."he said

"Uh..oh..."Akuma said as he slowly backed up as the glass continued to crack through the glass before it finally splintered and shot out with thousands of shards of sharp bits of glass as Akuma rushed over grabbing his sister as he put up a barrier around them as pieces of dragonglass rained down around them

"Thank you for you time, your majesties." Miaka bowed aswell before following Sesshoumaru out. "You did well in there." Miaka commented after they turned into the halls. "I will summon Ryoma for you so we can go over his scouting mission. Has he reported to you as to wether he has chosen anyone to follow under his command yet?" She asked and looked up to him. She couldn't help the smallest of smiles to slip. She knew and understood his choice to keep their relationship simple, in a way, for having his memories still not fully returned aswell the untimely nature of it all around the war. That and she suspected Sesshoumaru, though confused about his feelings toward her, perhaps didn't trust her? Or trust not being the appropriate term, but was chosen for lack of a better on, for knowing about their previous encounters and love for one another and was going to not say anything. A choice she didn't make lightly but would make again if it kept him happy and safe....his feelings for her once almost got him killed and she wouldn't let it happen again no matter how much it pained her. But they were together now and she was happy and it often slipped through though she tried to school her expression.

"Agh! This is doing nothing!" Inuyasha grouches as he leans back in his hands. He felt he was doing everything the monk said to focus his chi but nothing was happening and his frustration grew

Asura would cover her ears some as the dragon glass 'rained' down around them and she would glance at her brother as it began to 'slow' down she only wondered what sort of chaos they woke up among the dragons as she spoke "we should gather as much as we can and get out of here....those dragons aren't going to stay asleep from all that noise" she said quickly

Artemis would glance over at Inuyasha as he seemed frustrated, "you sound like a child throwing a tantrum." she said simply as she would soon take a deep breath, "why don't you focus on something you know you can sense....like...your heart beat, then start going from there.."

"Agreed"Akuma said as he lowered his barrier as he opened his sack filling it with as many shards of dragon glass that it could hold tossing another sack to his sister "I've been trying to get a read on that barrier and I dont think it's going to hurt us....but you know what I think"he said as he paused looking at the dragons still asleep through all that noise as he looked back to the pedastal with the glimmering green gem in the center "I think that is the Dragon's Eye amulet that Rei Yuan wore...and I think that it is what is keeping all the dragon's asleep...and probably contains Yami's rune...but I don't think we can just take it so lightly."

Master Orochi looked over at Inuyasha and smiled as he headed over again "I have seen you fight before Prince Inuyasha. You use a technique of your own blood to attack correct? You must channel your youki in order to do such an attack. Focus on how you would manipulate that energy. It will only make you stronger."he said

Inuyasha sighed and closed his eyes and focused again to try and get it right. He focused on his breathing and then his heart.

Asura would grab the bag that her brother tossed to her as she began to sweep some of the glass into it, taking many of the pieces she could before letting her attention fall to Akuma. "If you take that amulet you better have a plan for how we are going to get out of here Akuma....remember what the one dragon said none who enter here make it out alive a good portion of the time....i bet its because they tried taking that" she motioned to the amulet.

Artemis would smirk some as she would take a deep breath, letting her mind calm as she would sense her own youkai within herself. The 'rage' and devastation within her blood she could feel boiling within her, and she shook her head, that wasn't what she wanted to find...but her angelic half.

Sesshoumaru shook his head "No, I will call Ryoma into my tent later and get his report. I can sense the thoughts on your mind and have decided to give myself the rest of the day off to give you the attention I seem to be neglecting."he said

"Well since you destroyed half the cliff we used to come in here on....the only way out of here is up."Akuma said as he motioned to the hole in the cavern ceiling where the sunlight shined down on the amulet "We will have to take it and make out way up and out."he stated

"Remember to breath out the negative chi and inhale the positive chi"Master Orochi said as he continued instructing them "Let it feel your mind, your thoughts, your essence. Let it invigorate your senses before expelling the negative."