InuYasha Fan Fiction / Gensomaden Saiyuki Fan Fiction ❯ Cracking Utopia ❯ Chapter 3

Chapter Three

 

 

Kagome focused on her heartbeat, pacing herself. She glanced at her watch. Four-thirty, right on schedule. She continued her light jog, following the usual route past Sweetling's Bakery, across Magnolia Avenue and up Decker Street to her final destination. Home.

 

As the steady pounding of Kagome's sneakers echoed throughout the empty streets, her focus faltered. As hard as she'd tried, she couldn't stop thinking about the mission. Was it foolish of her to hope that Sesshomaru's brother could actually be their savior? Was it foolish to cling to the belief that the end wasn't yet near?

 

Kagome frowned, pushing herself harder. Her breath was starting to come in short gasps, her lungs constricting painfully. She ignored the pain as she continued running in an all out sprint.

 

It was foolish to keep hoping. Kagome's anger wasn't just directed toward herself, it was also directed at the people. She was angry that they put all their faith in the government, believing that Uncle Sam was the answer to all their problems. In truth, most of the time Uncle Sam didn't know what the hell was going on and turned to Elite for help. And in the end, it was always Uncle Sam who took all the credit.

 

Kagome wasn't bothered so much by the fact that Elite didn't get the recognition they were due, it was the fact that the public got sucked into the government's lies. Everyone had this false idea that Utopia was in no danger, that everything was fine since the last rebellion. The president kept spewing out lies and the public ate it up because it was what they wanted, what they needed to believe.

 

With a heavy sigh, Kagome slowed down. She couldn't really blame them, though. Given the choice between facing a bleak future and living the present in blissful ignorance, it was easy to see why people would choose the latter.

 

Kagome came to a stop, bending over to catch her breath. She placed her hands on her knees, closing her eyes. She was tired of thinking about this, tired of losing sleep over the fate of the human race. After all, it wasn't her responsibility to worry about the human race. It was just her responsibility to save them.

 

Kagome stood and stretched her muscles, glancing up the street. Her apartment building was in view, its marble front gleaming in the fading moonlight. She jogged the short distance to the building and fished around in her pocket for the access card.

 

A rustling sound behind her caused her to freeze, her instincts kicking into high gear. Channeling her energy, Kagome spun around, pink energy bow glowing in her hands.

 

“Hey! Watch where you point that thing!”

Rolling her eyes, Kagome dropped her hands, the bow dissipating. “What the hell are you doing here at this hour? And why the hell are you lurking in the bushes?” Kagome asked, glaring at the blonde-haired man standing before her.

 

Sanzo pointed at the lit cigarette between his lips. “I wasn't lurking, I was smoking. And to answer your first question,” he shrugged lightly, throwing the cancer stick to the ground. “Couldn't sleep.”

 

Kagome's expression softened, feeling ashamed for snapping at him. She'd never considered that the others might be plagued by the same thoughts that had kept her awake for much of the night.

 

“How about some coffee?” Kagome asked by way of apology. Sanzo nodded, following her through the electric glass doors. The lobby was quiet as the two made their way over to the bank of elevators.

 

“You couldn't sleep either, huh?” Sanzo commented as they rode the elevator up to the sixth floor. Kagome sighed, leaning her head back against the mirrored wall. “No,” she admitted with a wry smile. Sanzo returned her smile with one of his own, something rare for him. Kagome liked how the simple gesture enhanced his appearance. She wouldn't deny that Sanzo was more than a little attractive with his golden locks, aloof demeanor that always drove the women wild and ice blue gaze that could burn right through you. But when he smiled, it was a sight to see.

 

Kagome looked down at the floor, feeling embarrassed for the direction her thoughts had taken. When she looked up again, Sanzo's gaze was trained on her, his expression as unreadable as ever. Kagome felt herself blushing, the hotness creeping up her neck.

 

Mercifully, the ding of the elevator announced they were at their destination and Kagome rushed through the doors.

 

“I've been...thinking about the mission.” Kagome said quickly, brushing aside her earlier thoughts. Arriving in front of her apartment, Kagome pressed her hand to the small plasma screen that controlled the door's lock mechanism. She lifted her hand when her handprint was copied to the screen. A moment passed before the handprint disappeared and the words “Welcome home, Kagome” materialized in its place. The door slid open and Kagome stepped into the foyer. She heard the soft whoosh as the door slid closed behind Sanzo.

 

“Huh, no surprise.” Sanzo muttered. Kagome walked down the hallway and through a swinging door off to the left. She flicked on a switch, flooding the kitchen in soft iridescent light.

 

“I still can't believe we're going outside the city gates,” Sanzo continued as he leaned against the countertop, slightly shaking his head. “After the president's been preaching about how dangerous it is to travel outside Utopia and all the money that's gone into rebuilding the border walls, it just seems ludicrous.”

 

Kagome nodded in agreement as she set about preparing the coffee. “I've thought about that too but who would be more better for the job than Elite? The CIA certainly couldn't handle such a task.”

 

“Humph,” Sanzo snorted. “You'd think they'd be a little more appreciative since we're saving their asses all the time.” Kagome smiled, handing him a steaming cup of the dark brown liquid.

 

“You know why they treat us the way they do,” she said quietly, taking a sip from her mug. Kagome saw the flash of anger cross his face before it disappeared.

 

“Yeah, because we're nothing but freaks to them.”

 

His voice was hard, cold. Kagome looked away from Sanzo's gaze, not wanting to be reminded of their earlier days with Elite. It had been hell for all of them and it wasn't something Kagome liked to dwell on.

 

“I'm sorry.” Sanzo said quietly, his gaze softening when he saw her apparent discomfort. Kagome looked up, giving him a small smile. “It's ok. You can make it up to me by treating me to breakfast.”

 

Sanzo looked at her with mock disdain. “I'm not that sorry.” Kagome glared at him, a slight twinkle in her eye. “Oh, really? Well I guess I'll just have to make you sorry!” Without warning, she lunged at him. Sanzo, prepared for the unexpected, sidestepped her attack and swiftly moved behind her, locking his arms around her. Kagome struggled to move her arms, but Sanzo's grip was ironclad.

 

“Give it up, Kag. You know you can never beat me.”

 

Kagome smirked, placing her hands on his legs. She let loose a small amount of energy, enough to shock Sanzo into loosening his grip. “No fair!” He protested. Kagome crossed her arms over her chest, a satisfied smile on her face.

 

“So…breakfast?”

 

Sanzo sighed in mock defeat. “Fine. Breakfast.”

 

~*~

 

“Give it up, Sesshomaru! You're never gonna get your hands on Tessaiga!”

 

The dog demon peered at him with narrowed eyes. “Do you really think that you truly deserve such a weapon, Inuyasha? A mere hanyou like you doesn't even deserve to share the same blood as I.”

 

Inuyasha bared his fangs, a growl starting low in his throat. “Well, if you wanna do something about it, then let's go!” His hands tightened around the hilt of his sword as he charged at his brother. Sesshomaru barely moved as he lifted an arm, a glowing green poison whip lashing out. Inuyasha sidestepped the whip and jumped in the air, Tessaiga raised above his head.

 

“Foolish half-breed,” Sesshomaru muttered as he unleashed another whip, this one wrapping around Inuyasha's neck. Inuyasha gasped in surprise as the whip squeezed his neck, swiftly bringing him face to face with the demon lord.

 

“Pitiful!” Sesshomaru spat, replacing the whip with his hand. He flexed his claws, the razor-sharp tips digging into tender flesh. Inuyasha smirked. “Well, this pitiful half-breed managed to take your arm with no…problem.” He gasped out the last words as Sesshomaru's grip tightened with each word. With a flick of his wrist, he tossed Inuyasha aside.

 

Inuyasha winced as he hit the ground with a hard thud. His vision blurred for a second, but he quickly jumped to his feet, clutching Tessaiga with both hands.

 

“You bastard! I'm not finished with you yet!”

 

Sesshomaru eyed Inuyasha with a raised brow. “Keh,” Inuyasha huffed. “I'll show you just how pitiful I am.” He raced toward the demon lord, a determined look in his eye. Sesshomaru reached down and unsheathed Toukijin.

 

“Always so reckless, Inuyasha.” He ran full-force at Inuyasha, his movements quick and sure. Inuyasha gritted his teeth, keeping his eyes on Sesshomaru. He knew that if he looked away even once, it would be a costly mistake. As he neared closer to his target, Inuyasha suddenly realized that Sesshomaru wasn't after him. His stance was too lax and his eyes were fixed on Tessaiga. He realized it was too late for him to do anything.

 

Sesshomaru struck swiftly, watching the confused look on Inuyasha's face as Tessaiga was knocked from his grasp, instantly transforming to its original state as it landed a few feet away.

 

Before Inuyasha had time to react, Sesshomaru breathed the one word that stopped him in his tracks.

 

“Naraku.”

 

Spears of electric energy crackled through the sky as Naraku appeared out of thin air, surrounded by a barrier. Inuyasha's eyes narrowed at the half-demon's manifestation.

 

“So glad to see you again, Inuyasha.” Naraku greeted him, a cold smile on his thin lips. Inuyasha growled, his hands clenched into fists. He should have known that this chance meeting with Sesshomaru was anything but. His brother was nothing if not a cold-hearted, calculating bastard.

 

“What the fuck are you doing here?”

 

Naraku cocked his head to the side. “Now is that any way to talk to the person who is going to be the new owner of Tessaiga?” He walked over to Sesshomaru. “I think you should play nice if you don't want things to end -”

 

“Enough.” Sesshomaru commanded, his eyes never leaving Inuyasha. “I didn't come here to talk, I came for Tessaiga. Get the sword, Naraku.”

 

Inuyasha glared at the two, having no intention of handing over the sword. “If you think I'm gonna give you Tessaiga, you've got another thing coming.”

 

Naraku laughed, the sound cold and unnatural. “And who is going to stop me?” Naraku taunted. He moved toward the dormant weapon, but no sooner had the words left his mouth when an arrow whizzed through the air, nearly piercing through the half-demon's barrier. Inuyasha turned to see Kikyou standing behind him, bow raised.

 

“I told you to stay away!” He said harshly, suddenly concerned for her safety. Kikyou's eyes narrowed, trained on the dark-haired demon looking at her coldly. “I sensed Naraku's aura and knew something was amiss. Seems I was right.” She lowered the bow and walked to Inuyasha's side.

 

“You're so predictable, Kikyou.” Naraku chuckled. Inuyasha glanced from Kikyou to Naraku, something nagging at him. Maybe it was the look in Naraku's eyes or the convenience of the whole meeting, but something wasn't right. Sensing the immediate danger of the situation, Inuyasha sprinted over to where Tessaiga lay, scooping up the fallen sword.

 

“So predictable,” Naraku muttered again as a tentacle shot out, heading straight for Kikyou. Inuyasha realized his mistake, realized the trap that had been set. He moved toward Kikyou, but Sesshomaru's poison whip prevented him from going any further. He was knocked back, his head hitting a rock. This time, Inuyasha couldn't stop his vision from swimming before him, objects blurring into one another.

 

Fighting against the pain, Inuyasha struggled to his feet, leaning heavily on Tessaiga. His eyes widened as he watched Naraku's tentacle pierce Kikyou's body, a look of surprised pain on her face. The bow dropped from her loose grasp, her arms reaching out.

 

“Inu…yasha.” She gasped, her eyes pleading. Inuyasha reached out to her, but was pounded with another poison whip. Naraku's tentacle retracted, bringing Kikyou with it. He held Kikyou's limp body in his arms, looking down at her with cold eyes.

 

“Now I will possess the Shikon no Tama and it's all thanks to you, Inuyasha.”

 

Inuyasha shook with anger, momentarily forgetting his wounds. He grasped Tessaiga tightly, feeling it transform. “Get your fucking hands off her!” He shouted, racing toward them. Naraku rose in the barrier bubble.

 

“I suggest you take care of your little brother, Lord Sesshomaru, if we're to take Tessaiga.”

 

Inuyasha pushed himself faster, sensing that Naraku would escape if he didn't do something now. Sesshomaru readied Toukijin, intending to get rid of his bothersome half-brother once and for all. A slight frown marred his perfect features as he studied the look on the hanyou's face, a look he hadn't seen before now.

 

Raising Tessaiga over his head, Inuyasha howled, “KAZE NO KIZU!” Sesshomaru's eyes widened slightly, sensing the power behind the attack. He braced himself against the attack, feeling Tenseiga pulse at his side.

 

A powerful blast emitted from the sword, blazing a trail toward Sesshomaru. Naraku studied the scene below him, impressed by Tessaiga's powerful display. “No wonder the dog demon has such a strong desire for the weapon,” he murmured.

 

The blast engulfed everything in its path, scorching the landscape. When the dust settled, Sesshomaru stood glaring at the younger half-demon. There seemed to be a silent battle going on within him, his body rigid with rage.

 

With a huff of disgust, Sesshomaru rose in the air, a light blue mist materializing beneath him. Inuyasha called out hoarsely, his strength failing him as he fell to his knees.

 

“Kikyou…” he whispered brokenly, knowing he'd failed her.

 

<>

 

Inuyasha's eyes flew open, the whisper echoing in his ears. He felt droplets of sweat slide off his body, his hair plastered to his face.

 

“Another fucking dream,” he muttered in the darkness, running a hand through his moist locks. The air inside the abandoned military bunker was stifling. He closed his eyes, images of Kikyou's blood-spattered face haunting him. No matter where he was or what he was doing, memories of that day always followed him, grim reminders of what a failure he was.

 

“Goddammit!” He yelled, his frustrations getting the best of him. He'd walked right into Sesshomaru and Naraku's trap, foolishly believing that he was keeping Kikyou safe. In the end, she'd paid for his stupidity. Naraku had gotten what he wanted; the Shikon no Tama. Sesshomaru, however, had not gotten what he wanted and that was what kept Inuyasha on the run. Still, the Shikon no Tama in the wrong hands spelled trouble and Inuyasha could only guess as to what their intentions were. With rumors of a third rebellion floating around, Inuyasha figured they'd make their aim known soon enough.

 

Taking a deep breath, he sat up, wrapping his hands loosely around his knees. A thick blanket of sadness settled over him, crushing him. Kikyou had counted on him and he'd let her down. He couldn't blame Sesshomaru or Naraku. The blame lay squarely on his shoulders.

 

“I'm so sorry,” he whispered. He hoped that her soul had found peace, but knew that he didn't deserve her forgiveness. There was no forgiving putting the one you love in harm's way and he'd spend the rest of his life trying to make up for it.

 

“I promise, Kikyou.”

 

~*~

 

“So that's the mission in a nutshell.”

 

Kagome let out a deep breath, her gaze instantly finding Sanzo's. He was staring at the squat, balding man standing before them as if he were on fire doing a jig while reciting the pledge of allegiance. She would have found it comical were it not for the seriousness of the situation. Sanzo opened his mouth, but before he could say something that Kagome would regret, she spoke up.

 

“We were led to believe, Mr. President, that the mission would consist solely of retrieving Sesshomaru's brother. We weren't aware that surveillance would be part of the job.” She folded her hands in her lap, trying to keep the annoyance out of her voice, but finding the task difficult.

 

“And frankly, I'm not sure I'm comfortable with splitting up my team.”

 

Franklin Pierce, better known as President of the United States, or what was left of it, frowned at the raven-haired woman sitting at the conference table. He saw the stubborn tilt of her chin, the hard glint in her eyes. Despite her appearance, he knew she wasn't one to be tangled with. He sighed, trying his best not to sound too tyrannical.

 

“I understand your hesitations, Ms. Higurashi, but now is not the time for caution. We absolutely cannot have another rebellion and I'll do anything to keep that from happening.”

 

Kagome, like the rest of her companions, heard the note of finality in the president's voice. He made it crystal clear that there would be no room for discussion on the topic. With a resigned sigh, she glanced at her friends, silently apologizing.

 

“I understand,” she said quietly. President Pierce gave them a strained smile before preparing to leave. “Now, if there are no more questions, I'll leave you all to prepare for the mission.” He turned to exit the room, two CIA agents flanking him.

 

“May God be with you,” he told them, turning briefly to face them. He couldn't help feeling guilty as he left the room. He was staking so much on those four people, knowing that they were risking more than any mere mortal should have to. But that was what they did; it was their job to do what other mere mortals couldn't.

 

Silence was left in the wake of the president's departure. Kagome looked to Sanzo, who was staring out the window. Sango and Miroku were likewise in their own worlds. Kagome could understand what they were feeling at the moment because she was feeling it also; a feeling of utter and complete fear. Although they would never admit to it, it was a feeling they were all experiencing.

 

“I bet you two wished you'd turned down my offer, huh?” Kagome joked feebly. Sango looked up, startled. After a few seconds, she smiled, shaking her head firmly. “I wouldn't want to be anywhere else,” she told her.

 

“Humph,” Sanzo snorted. “Can't say I feel the same way.” Despite his gruffness, Kagome knew he felt the same as Sango. She turned to Miroku. “And what about you, Miroku?”

 

He gave her a bright smile, putting his hands behind his head as he leaned back. “Where my sweet Sango goes, I follow.” Sango blushed, a slight smile gracing her lips. Sanzo rolled his eyes and Kagome giggled, feeling her mood lighten considerably. Knowing her friends were behind her on this warmed her heart.

 

“Thank you guys,” she said, a feeling of gratitude welling up inside. “I seriously don't know what I'd do without you all.”

 

Sanzo stood up, reaching into his back pocket and pulling out a carton of cigarettes. “I don't know about the rest of you, but this touchy-feely shit is not my style, so before you start breaking into song and dance I'm going to get out of here and get a head start on packing.”

 

Kagome smiled. In his own brusque way, Sanzo was right. If they had to leave by tonight, then they all needed to pack and rest up.

 

“I think we all need to do the same,” Kagome said, standing also. Her expression suddenly turned serious, her chocolate orbs flashing.

 

“I want you all to go into this mission in full battle mode. This isn't going to be a walk in the park.”

 

“More like a walk in hell,” Sanzo muttered. Kagome threw him a sharp look, instantly shutting him up. “Whatever needs to be done, do it. Whatever needs to be taken care of, take care of it. I want your minds focused on the mission when the time comes. Got it?”

 

They all nodded their heads, knowing Kagome was the one in charge now.

 

“Good. I'll see you all at Elite headquarters at seven sharp.”

 

~*~

 

a/n: ok, I kno I haven't updated this story in, like, FOREVER, but I decided to pick it back up. sorry for the extremely long wait…it won't happen again (I hope!) anyways, hope u like the chap and continue reading! and please review! : )