Rushing out the main doors and down the path it was covered in ash and hollow samurai armor. Most the handy work of Inuyasha it appeared, noticing the large cuts in the ground and stone around them. Some were still burning from the fire pits and torches that had been knocked over during the attack and lit them ablaze and others were nothing more than husks before coming to a courtyard. It was there they found all of their friends in attendance trying to fight their way towards the fortress. They were all exhausted, many having collapsed to the ground and were breathing heavily as others struggled to remain standing. Miroku was in the worst condition, his cursed hand having turned purple in color and that was when they knew that he had used his Wind Tunnel to put a dent in the enemy's forces. But the trade off of the sacrifice had poisoned him as Sango pulled him onto the back of Totosai's cow. Akiko noticed only half of the pack had ventured inside and they rushed to their sides wondering what had happened.

"Are all of you all right?" Shippo questioned.

"We're fine," Kagome answered. "Sesshomaru and Inuyasha are up there right now."

"Where are they others?" Akiko asked Aisu.

"Tending to the wounded on the outskirts," the former queen answered. Her legs were trembling slightly from exhaustion and the young woman knew the wolf was using what little strength she had left to remain standing and appear strong.

"Shouldn't we help them?" Sango questioned.

"Takemaru's army was destroyed because of you all," Akiko stated. "I think you've done more than enough." Besides, they had their own problems to worry about at the moment. The ground began quaking causing them to stumble. And the reincarnation's eyes widened watching as the ground below them began to crack. "Run! RUN!" Throwing Rin on the back of Tobi they pushed through their exhaustion and aching muscles to run back through the streets towards the main gate. Behind them the castle was beginning to collapse, followed by the pathway as it caved in on itself. No one stopped till they were halfway across the battlefield when the destruction had slowed, looking back to the sight before them in shock. The mound where the castle once stood was completely barren and jagged in appearance, but it was what surrounded it that terrified them. The ground had gave way to a great chasm that circled the section completely so deep the fall would kill any unfortunate soul who grow too close. But it wasn't just a black hole as they took notice of the movement inside. It was glowing red in color; waves of movement and loud groans filling the air as Akiko realized they were bodies. Skeletons, that emitted a dark aura as it began slipping out and causing the sky overhead to darken further and spread.

"What are those things?" Kagome exclaimed.

"Those are the dead souls of Hell," Saya stated. A hum began resonating in the air and the spirit's eyes widened. It sounded like music, the tone eerie and unnerving. "Don't listen to them! If you do, you will be drawn in!" Quickly, they slapped their hands over their ears, the wolves crouching to the ground and placing their paws over their own to drown out the sound. Not only that, but the wind had picked up, and was being sucked into the chasm in the form of a vortex trying to pull them in. Sango wasn't quick enough to protect herself, eyes growing vacant and starting to walk towards the nearby edge. She dropped her boomerang to the ground completely wrapped up in the their song and not even caring that she was about to walk over the edge. A hand shot out and grasped her wrist, halting her movement seconds before a foot went to hover over the edge.

"Sango you must be strong," Miroku stated. And his voice broke through her haze, pulling the demon slayer back her eyes clearing. Still, the monk didn't let her go just to be safe.

"Everyone, gather around me," Saya spoke up. "Kagome, take the sheath and bury the base into the ground. I'm going to create a barrier." The teen followed the order and within moments a white transparent shield circled them. The sound of the dead was greatly dimmed as their hands uncovered their ears. But they still weren't safe as the cracks in the ground began to grow, raising and collapsing sections due to the pressure building up as Hell tried to break free.

"It's so cold, Master Jaken," Rin spoke. She was shivering, but there was nothing that the servant could do as he stared helplessly. A-Un groaned lowly, sitting at her side trying to offer some warmth as Tobi moved away. The wolves were too cold with their demon sides in full force to be of help to the child and none wished to chance reverting to their other, more vulnerable form with Sounga still out there.

"There they are!" Kagome shouted. Their heads whipped around and followed her pointing finger towards the rock slab noticing the smoke and explosions occurring throughout various points along the surface. There were flashing of light, but it was hard to make out the sound of clashing blades over the growing wind.

As the dust began to clear they finally found the brothers as they stood up against the enemy, who had transformed in a way that made him appear more menacing. Lord Takemaru was no longer, just the shell of a samurai's purple body armor covered in protruding spikes with Sounga completely fused to its only arm made of flesh with an orb where the elbow should be that glowed red with power, a similar one resting on the chest plate and seeming to take the form of a large eye. And even without a head he still looked terrifying.

"Inuyasha!" Kagome exclaimed. But her voice was lost to the noise as Inuyasha and Sesshomaru began to bicker with each other as to who was going to be the one to finish off Sounga once and for all holding the sword at bay. As expected they weren't fighting together as their attacks came one at a time, while shoving each other out of the way.

Akiko's eyes were watching the edge of Hell carefully the whole time with worry. As other sections to the right and left of the hole began to crack and break it was only a matter of time till it began to happen only a few feet in front of them. And dread filled her as the very thing she feared began to occur only minutes later. They needed to run. But if they left the barrier the song of Hell would just try to draw them in. They were running out of time as the rock began to crumble. "How fast can you and the pack run with A-Un and Mo-Mo?" Kirara couldn't even transform into her demon state, being cradled in Sango's arms.

"Honestly, Akiko, not far," Aisu answered. And the two looked at each other. "We're barely staying on our feet and to carry another person on our backs..." None of them would survive long if the cracks ventured further.

Hands coming up and cupping both ears ice formed over the area dimming all noise. "Saya, hold up the barrier," she ordered. And before anyone could say anything Akiko stepped outside of the dome.

"What are you doing?" Miroku shouted. The pack was on edge, hair standing on end watching their leader pause only few steps beyond the barrier completely exposed to Hell. Tobi was prepared to lunge forward and drag her back inside if the young woman began walking towards the edge in a trance. Instead, Akiko bent down, slamming her palms against the ground and covering it in ice. It spread and thickened as it went, burying inside the cracks forming in the ground and trying to bond the dirt together. Attempting to stall the breaking. But it wasn't moving fast enough; teeth clenching as frost crawled up the arms and over the shoulders allowing more power to surged through her. The element spread further and faster, circling the hole of Hell as spikes shot out of the surface in different directions around the edge in an attempt to hold back the souls that threatened to crawl their way out.

"Whoa," Kagome whispered.

"I've never seen anything like it," Sango commented. And all had to agree as Rin grinned widely at the sight. There was no doubt that Akiko's absence and training in the mountains hadn't been wasted as a blue aura began emitting from her form.

"There has to be something we can do to help," Tobi spoke up. Because the wolves hated feeling powerless to Sounga's wrath, while Akiko put herself at risk. Tentatively, Aisu stepped towards the edge of the dome, something Saya noticed and he shouted,

"You must not leave the barrier!" And she halted immediately. "If you leave Aisu, you will be sucked in just like anyone else!"

"You may be the former Queen of the North," Totosai said. "But this is stronger than you. I must admit Akiko managing to stand against Hell for this long without protection is impressive." But it wouldn't last forever; noticing that there were still some cracks trying to break through.

"Inuyasha and Sesshomaru must work together if we are to stand a chance!" Kagome refused to sit around any longer and watch the world fall around them. Leaving the sheath behind the teen rushed through the barrier, surprising all of them, and towards a corpse where she collected a bow and arrow.

"Kagome, no!" Miroku shouted. But it was too late to stop her.

The monk's dimmed comment drew Akiko's attention, looking to her side and watching her cousin rush up a section of the ground that had protruded from the force and stood level with the mound in the center. But there was still a gap between the two and it was too far to jump as Kagome caught sight of Inuyasha and he slid across the ground to a halt.

"Inuyasha!" she shouted over the wind and clashing blades. But she managed to catch his attention as the half-demon whipped his head towards the cliff and spotting the human putting herself in danger. "You have to join forces with Sesshomaru!"

"You know I won't!" Inuyasha snapped back.

She was growing increasingly frustrated and without any other options turned towards the demon lord still clashing with Sounga as they came to a draw. "Sesshomaru, please!" she begged. "Work with Inuyasha! I know you can hear me!" But the teen was ignored.

"Lord Sesshomaru, don't join forces with that half-breed Inuyasha!" Jaken encouraged. That did not earn him any pleased looks as every head turned towards the imp in irritation. And without hesitation all, but Rin and the wolves, smacked around the demon servant till he was covered in bumps and bruises. "Please milord, I implore you to join forces with Inuyasha," he groaned. He then fell over weak from the beating, but wasn't earning any sympathy from the others as their arms crossed in irritation. Even Rin just shook her head and sighed out,

"Oh, Master Jaken..."

"You have to work with your brother! There's no other way!" Still her words fell on deaf ears and that annoyed the teen to no end. "You must work together! If you don't everyone will die! I don't care what kind of problems you have with each other, but please!"

"Akiko, get back inside the barrier!" Tobi shouted from below. And looking towards the ground Kagome realized that the soil was becoming unstable around her cousin and threatening to give away at any moment. But Akiko refused to back down and release her hold on the ice fearing that everything she had worked for would crumble in an instant taking them with it.

Finally having enough, the student drew her bow and arrow, taking aim at the enemy across the vast space. "You two can be such idiots sometimes!" Releasing the purified arrow, the tip embedded into the flesh of the arm attached to the sword emitting a blue light and distracting Sounga for the moment. Sesshomaru attacked as the half-demon went to follow suit only to be distracted by Kagome's shout from behind.

Looking over a shoulder he was horrified watching as the cliff she stood on was beginning to crumble from the tremors leaving her to clutch tightly to the edge in an attempt to hold on. Without hesitation he came to her aid, lifting her up onto more stable ground and holding out the sheath for his sword. "Hold on to this, it will protect you!" But the surrounding land began to quake, the pressure from being held so tightly together by ice trying to release itself and tearing into other areas.

"Dragon Twister!" Standing protectively in front of Kagome they watched Sounga's growing attack barreling towards them with impressive speed.

"Backlash Wave!" the half-demon shouted. The wind managed to counter the twister and sent it crashing into another section of rock.

"You're not half bad," the sword laughed. "I'm amused!"

"Damn, I missed," Inuyasha scowled. "I'll be back, Kagome. Get somewhere safe."

Lunging towards the possessed sword the enemy's arm rose as the orb glowed red in color with its growing power. "Hey kid, how's this!"

Having forgotten Sesshomaru, Sounga was unprepared for the poisonous green whip to wrap around the base of the blade before jerking it down to prevent its strength from growing further. Though the action did cause it to release a large red orb with various currents of wind circling the surface as it bore down on Inuyasha as he landed back on the mound. Releasing another Backlash Wave to break it, the offensive attack cut right through the wind. "What the–? It's not working!" With nowhere to go, the half-demon stuck his blade into the ground as the energy circled him. The force pushed him back towards the ledge, barely managing to hang on as it dissipated. In anger and irritation he watched as Sounga turned his attention on the older brother and rushed back into the fray.

"Akiko!" Tobi barked. "Get away from there!" The edge of the chasm was only drawing closer as it crumbled leaving only fragments of ice in place.

"You're not helping me concentrate!" she shouted back. But the young woman was starting to breath heavy from the strain. With the amount of damage done to the area the ice was moving as fast as it could in an attempt to fill in the gaps. Looking up towards the battle she watched as Sesshomaru and Inuyasha continued to fight against each other and trying to land their own separate blows to Sounga. But nothing was slowing the enemy as he lunged away to distance himself from the brothers and drew back his arm. Neither of them noticed the impending danger too concerned with each other's obnoxious involvement.

"Watch out!" Akiko shouted.

And their heads whipped towards Sounga as he shouted, "I'll send you both into the pits of Hell!" releasing the attack.

"You're in the way!" Sesshomaru snapped. And with a forceful shove the half-demon was thrown to the side. The young woman's eyes widened, watching as Sesshomaru now stood where his half-brother once did.

"Sesshomaru, no!"

It was too late though as the attack engulfed and blocked him from view. Rin and Jaken were sick with worry, watching helplessly as the wind tore into the ground around the demon, as the others were rather stunned by the display. Because of the demon lord's actions Inuyasha had been spared as the currents faded. Kneeling on the ground, Sesshomaru was panting heavily, hand gripping the hilt of Tenseiga as half of the blade had been stuck in the ground so he wasn't blown away.

"Lord Sesshomaru, thank goodness you're safe," Jaken cried.

But he wasn't unharmed, Akiko realized with how the demon took a minute to compose himself. "He protected himself at the last second with Tenseiga's barrier," Myoga stated. Yes, but it wasn't full proof as Sounga turned his attention towards the younger brother. Attempting to protect himself, Inuyasha swiped his blade through the air to form a Backlash Wave, but the wind funnel completely blew apart as the twisting orb bore down on him.

"I can't get the Backlash Wave to form!" he exclaimed. And he was engulfed by the attack, as it cut into his skin and clothing before throwing him high into the air. Inuyasha came crashing to the ground face first, worrying Kagome greatly as the dust cleared and discovering that he wasn't moving.

"Now do you realize how weak you are, half-demon?" Sounga taunted. "Sesshomaru!" He pointed the sword in the older brother's direction. "It's your turn next." Glaring, the demon stood pulling his sword free and held it at the ready, prepared for the enemy's next attack.

"It ain't over yet," Inuyasha declared. Pulling himself from the ground the half-demon got to his feet, staggering for a moment before standing against the enemy. "Remember? I said it before. I've got human blood in my veins, which is why I can't stand to give up!"

Sounga laughed maniacally, hoisting the blade high overhead as power began coursing through it, wind circling the metal. Even its aura was growing and taking the form of three dragonheads. "This time, I shall deliver the final blow! You'll fall into the pits of Hell with those mortal girls!"

"Just try me. I'll block your attack with my Backlash Wave!"

Both attacks released, clashing against each other in a stand off. "Fool, as if you think the power of Tetsuiega could defeat me alone. The world of mortals shall be swallowed up by the netherworld!"

"Shut up for once. I have someone I have to protect. And that's why I can never give up!"

Sesshomaru watched the interaction from where he stood, listening to his half-brother's words. Why did he care so much when morals were such fragile things? What was so important about the girl from another time period? But then his mind went to the reincarnation below, who was beginning to show signs of struggle. The cousin. The Queen of the North. The young woman who was making him question everything he stood for since their first meeting. It was then the demon began to realize that Tenseiga in his grasp began glowing blue and trembling.

Have you someone to protect?

His father's words had suddenly come to mind, a moment in his life he had not looked back on in nearly two hundred years. Why was Inuyasha's actions bringing that to the forefront of his thoughts as the half-demon drew back Tetsuiega and released a second Backlash Wave. And he became reminded of his servant and ward's actions over the years, both who followed him wherever he went no matter the danger. Even worried for his wellbeing at times. An emotion he always thought of as wasted on him. And again there was Akiko, only the second human he would ever fight for and the first alongside, going so far as to save her life time and time again.

"I, Sesshomaru, have no one to protect!" he declared. His pride won out for he would never admit what was truly on his mind aloud for all to hear. Even when there was a part of the back of his head that denied such a thing. Whatever he was feeling though it was enough for the demon to release the Dragon Strike as the lightning bolts raced across the rock to combine with the Backlash Wave as it continued its path towards the enemy.