InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A Delayed Dawn ❯ A Walk in the Lion's Den ( Chapter 10 )

A Delayed Dawn

 

Disclaimer: Uh, I disclaim.

 

Previously: Miroku learns that Naraku isn't the only one interested in both Kagome and the jewel as Sango appears to protect Kagome under Kikyou's orders. The museum is attacked again and Miroku wonders how long it will keep up before something happens.

 

Warning: This story is posted in the mature section for good reasons. If ideas such as vulgar language, descriptive violence, and sexual situations such as rape disturb you, then you are warned now.

 

Chapter Ten A Walk in the Lion's Den

 

Inuyasha and Kouga followed the directions that were handed to them by Sesshoumaru. The cease fire between The Mikos and The War Dogs was only the beginning. They had received a message from The Mikos that they were interested in talking. Sesshoumaru was concerned that this could be a trap given that they had attacked them outright just a few nights ago. However, he wasn't one to turn a deaf ear. He sent Kouga and Inuyasha is his place.

 

They had reached the destination that was written on the paper. From first appearances, it looked like The Mikos had taken over a hospital, with some of their own added construction. Surrounding the facility was a tall fence that had a pinkish hue surrounding it. Inuyasha and Kouga recognized it as the energy that was similar to the weapons used in their last battle. Both men were scared to approach it. Inuyasha's wound was still healing. The medic had told him that his demon blood was fighting the energy and it would take longer than usual. He was hoping that in coming here, he would understand why.

 

“So, do we ring the doorbell?” Kouga asked, looking around for some way to let them know that they had arrived.

 

Inuyasha shrugged. “Fuck if I know.” He muttered, getting annoyed rather quickly. They were the ones that summoned them, why weren't they waiting out there for them.

 

Without any noise, a young girl walked out from a door hidden within the tall fence. Kouga and Inuyasha could detect her and turned to see her. The girl was smiling and bowed to the men. “We are honored that you could come. Please, follow me inside. Kikyou-sama is waiting.”

 

Kouga shook his head. “Nope. That pink shit will the shock the hell out of me.”

 

The girl giggled. “It could. But it most likely would purify your demon blood. However, Kikyou-sama is a powerful miko and can control her power. She has allowed the two of you to enter, and therefore, her power will not harm you.”

 

Inuyasha and Kouga still didn't move. It could be a trap. They had half expected that. It was one reason why Sesshoumaru didn't go. By sending his two best men, they could either fight their way out, or with Inuyasha being a member of The Pack, negotiations and talks could take place. It was a win-win situation for Sesshoumaru and a sucky one for them.

 

The girl sighed. She turned and looked up. Inuyasha and Kouga looked up and with their enhanced sight, could make out a figure standing on the roof of the facility. The figure waved their hand, and they noticed the aura around the fence shifted, so that no pink energy was around the door. Kouga and Inuyasha nodded, taking this as a sigh of goodwill on their part. They followed the girl inside the fence without getting their asses purified.

 

As soon as they were on the other side, the hairs on the back of their necks reacted to the miko energy that reappeared around the door. They both knew that they were fairly defenseless on this side of the fence. This Kikyou chick was in control now. Even if a fight started, their demon powers would not be able to combat an entire army. They continued to follow the girl, leading them inside the facility.

 

Women. Kouga and Inuyasha knew that this place was just a bunch of women. Their compound was dark and a tad dirty. This place was clean and even though it was the evening, the hallways were well lit. Names on the doors were personalized, like they had craft night or something to create the nameplates. The entire place caused Kouga and Inuyasha to feel nauseous.

 

Inside an elevator and then back out, they walked out onto the top floor of the facility. Without knowing anything about the structure, they figured it was at least eight stories, not to mention the underground levels. Inuyasha had a good idea about how these structures were built. Even their compound was initially a building that they had owned once upon a time, and it was converted into something a bit more military.

 

The girl stopped. “You may enter. Kikyou-sama is inside waiting.”

 

Kouga and Inuyasha shared looks. Inuyasha reached out for the doorknob, waiting for the shock. Inside, it was just an ordinary doorknob. He opened and they entered, closing the door behind them.

 

The tall woman stood from behind her desk. Women. The men thought again. The office was both uncomfortable and comfortable at the same time. There was carpet on the floor, pictures and books on the walls, and furniture. Which was fine, except that it was pictures of flowers and the furniture was too girly for both Kouga and Inuyasha's liking.

 

“Please, have a seat.” The women spoke. Her voice was calm and steady, but lacked any emotion. Kouga and Inuyasha sat down in the two armchairs they saw. The women walked from behind the desk and to an area behind them. “Something to eat, drink?” She asked.

 

Kouga and Inuyasha looked at each other, looking to one another for permission. “Uh, no thank you.” Inuyasha said. Kouga also declined. Kikyou poured herself a cup of tea and carried it over the couch, sitting down across from the two men.

 

Inuyasha decided to begin. “We, we were surprised to get your message.”

 

Kikyou placed the cup of tea on the table, folded her hands on her lap. She looked at Inuyasha. He could sense her sadness and anger. It was also apparent in her eyes. They did lack life, as Kouga pointed out. Guilt washed over Inuyasha. He couldn't help it.

 

“I must begin by apologizing. We received from bad information.” Kikyou began. “I know of the reputation of The War Dogs and as soon as I was informed of who you were, I decided that we should meet. Our goal is one in the same. Peace.”

 

Inuyasha nodded. “Of course. But I don't see why this needed a meeting.”

 

“Since we have the same goal, is not better to work together to accomplish that goal?” She asked as her response to Inuyasha.

 

“I guess.” Inuyasha mumbled. Why had Sesshoumaru decided to send him out here to talk? This type of peace stuff was for him to deal with. Inuyasha decided he'd rather be training.

 

“While those who are here are strong, we can still be easily over powered by demons.” Kikyou stated.

 

Kouga scoffed. “You almost kicked our asses.”

 

Inuyasha shot a glare at Kouga, trying to tell him to mind his language. This was diplomatic crap and there were rules or something to follow.

 

Kikyou nodded. “I am not denying the strength of the miko powers, however, it requires a great deal of energy on our part and we tire easily. We would not have lasted much longer if the cease fire was not called and your troops would have easily won. Mikos are better for healing than continuous fighting.”

 

“So, we fight, you heal, is that the deal?” Inuyasha asked, trying to sum up her words. Watching her, his mind flashed back to that night, the girl, with the raven hair and legs. His questions were being answered by her silence, her attitude. This is what happens to a broken girl who decides not to die, at least not physically. Everything else about her dies and all that is left is a walking, talking doll with incredible powers. Inuyasha wonders why he didn't feel her power before.

 

Kikyou nodded. “An arrangement like that would be beneficial to both our groups.”

 

Inuyasha looked over at Kouga. “What do you think?” Inuyasha asked in a voice he was sure only Kouga could hear.

 

Kouga shrugged. “It's up to either you or your brother. As long as this isn't a trick, it doesn't sound too bad.”

 

Inuyasha nodded. He looked up at Kikyou. “We can't make any kind of decision. Our council must make a decision.”

 

“Of course.” Kikyou replied. “I wasn't expecting an immediate answer.”

 

“Good. We'll go and then let you know.” Inuyasha stated as he started to stand up.

 

Kikyou stood up quickly. “No.” She commanded her voice sharp and cold.

 

Inuyasha looked up at her and then looked back over at Kouga before looking back at Kikyou. “No?” He asked.

 

“This may be a trick on your part. Please, one of you remain. A sign of goodwill.”

 

Inuyasha nodded as he sat back down. “As long as you send someone from your gang with Kouga.”

 

“That can be arranged.” Kikyou walked over to her desk and picked up the phone. “Bring her in.” Kikyou walked back over to the couch. The door opened and a young female with dark hair bounced in. “This is Rin.”

 

Kouga shook his head. “No, Inuyasha, you're not leaving me alone with some Miko.”

 

“Rin is a human. Her family was killed by a demon gang. We found her and brought her here.” Kikyou explained.

 

Kouga turned to Inuyasha. “Are you sure you want me to go? I mean, they are sending a worthless human and they'll have you. You have some value.”

 

Inuyasha sighed. He couldn't send Kouga back with a miko, but Kouga had a good point. Shit, he thought. He really hated his brother at the moment. Closing his eyes, he exhaled a good amount of air.

 

“I'll be fine.” Inuyasha told Kouga. “Take the girl, head back; tell Sesshoumaru what is going on.”

 

“Anything else?” Kouga asked. He didn't trust Kikyou. He wasn't trusting Inuyasha at the moment. Something was off about Inuyasha, though Kouga didn't know what. And since he didn't know what, he knew it had to do something with that event so many years ago. Inuyasha had avoided women for the last five years. And now, he was being left in a compound full of them.

 

Inuyasha shook his head. “Just hurry.”

 

Kouga stood up and walked over to the cheery girl. The girl named Rin was a teenager, but he couldn't tell exactly how old she was. “Come on.” He commanded to the girl. The girl quickly ran up behind Kouga and followed him out.

 

Inuyasha leaned back into the chair, but kept his glance on Kikyou. She sat there looking at him. Both were sizing each other up.

 

“You are wondering about me?” Kikyou asked.

 

Inuyasha looked at her instead of trying to see into her. “No.” He muttered, crossing his arms and looking away.

 

“You aren't curious about me?” She innocently asked. “About mikos?” She added.

 

“Not really.” He mumbled back. Lying wasn't a characteristic of Inuyasha. But he couldn't let her know. There were so many questions, so many things to say, so many apologies and none of them would matter. He knew there was nothing he could do to make up to her what he did. How can one apologize for what he did?

 

Kikyou leaned back into the couch. “I don't know much about them either.” She started as she looked out of the window in her office. Inuyasha looked over at her. Her features changed. Her face was softer looking, her body relaxed. “It appears that miko powers were suppressed in females because there wasn't a need for it. While many girls possessed the powers, no one could remember, and the quality was dormant. Until now. It seems that such power is only needed during times as bloody and violent as these.”

 

Inuyasha kept his gaze focused on the women. Before when he looked at her, he saw the victim, the girl he raped. But as she talked, he saw Kikyou, a woman who was living a life she chose to live.

 

“I was fortunate to have been brought up in a family that still had strong ties to our history. Many females in my family had been mikos or had miko powers. They were not afraid of them, and helped me to accept them as a part of who I am. I am now bound to my duties as a miko, to protect the innocent and fight those who which to destroy peace.” Kikyou sighed. “You are lucky.”

 

“Keh. I'm not lucky.” Inuyasha blurted out.

 

“If we had met during a different time, I would have had to kill you. Mikos and demons were enemies.” Kikyou looked over at Inuyasha. “However, I do not think that even then I could have killed you.”

 

“And now?” He curiously asked.

 

Kikyou smiled, thought it wasn't much of one, it was noticeable on her, breaking her usual stoic face. “You are still alive, aren't you?”

 

Inuyasha smiled. “But for how long?” He countered back. Inuyasha relaxed some. It was a relief to see her like this. To know that she was strong enough to survive. He decided that he would not let anything else happen to her. What he had done to her was horrible enough, and this meeting was a chance given to him by the gods to repent his sins. Inuyasha silently vowed that he would protect her, it was the least he could do.

 

 

*The War Dogs Compound*

Sesshoumaru's Office

 

Kouga led the little girl into Sesshoumaru's office. Sesshoumaru stood up when the two entered his office, not as a sign of respect, but in utter disbelief. Never had a female child walked into his office. Not to mention a human female.

 

“What the hell are you doing Kouga?” Sesshoumaru started his voice deep.

 

Kouga swallowed the large lump of fear. “An exchange?” He said unsure of what Sesshoumaru was really asking.

 

Sesshoumaru sighed as he sat back down. “Take a seat and explain.” He ordered.

 

Kouga sat down and Rin sat in the empty chair next to him. “We met with Kikyou, the leader of the Mikos. She apologizes for the attack on our people. She wants to form an alliance.”

 

“An alliance?” That was interesting. First, they attack, and now this.

 

Kouga nodded. “She explained that they lose too much of their pink energy shit when they fight.”

 

“The language Kouga.” Sesshoumaru reminded Kouga of the little girl sitting next to him.

 

“Ah, right. Anyway, she went on to say that Mikos are better at healing than fighting. And she says that if an alliance is formed, they will heal our men for protection.” Kouga hoped he had explained that well enough. This wasn't what he trained for. He was a fighter, not a damned negotiator, or even errand boy for that matter.

 

“That still doesn't explain the girl.”

 

Kouga looked over at Rin. “Uh, apparently a sign of goodwill or something like that. Inuyasha remained at the Miko compound until you made your decision and they sent her with me.”

 

Sesshoumaru looked at the girl. “Do you possess power?” He asked her.

 

The girl smiled but shook her head.

 

Sesshoumaru studied the girl. Something about her was intriguing. She really was just an ordinary human girl. Sesshoumaru didn't like to associate with humans, and used those around him.

 

“Kouga. Go back. Tell them we agree to the alliance.” Sesshoumaru stopped. “Tell Inuyasha he will stay there, and organize the Mikos. You'll take his place as commander of the Toukens until our gangs have merged.”

 

Kouga stood up and bowed. “And the girl?” He asked, wondering if he should bring her back with him.

 

“Leave her here. Traps don't always show themselves right away.” Sesshoumaru replied. Kouga nodded as he left. Sesshoumaru looked at the girl as she looked at him, smiling. He could tell she wasn't afraid of him. That was the first person he'd ever met that wasn't afraid of him. Even Inuyasha had shown fear in front of him from time to time. But this girl was completely oblivious to his power. She could be killed right there with that grin still on her face and she would never know.

 

“What is your name?” He commanded of her.

 

She couldn't reply. Rin walked up to his desk and grabbed a pen and a blank piece of paper, scribbling her name out for him. He nodded. She then continued, writing out `What is your name lord-sama?'

 

Lord, he thought. That was an interesting choice of word for her to use. A title like that hadn't been used in decades. The ways of old died out a long time ago. “I am Sesshoumaru, leader of The War Dogs.”

 

She smiled obviously feeling that the name suited the man before her.

 

Sesshoumaru went back to his work. Rin just sat there, staring at him, and still smiling. He could feel her watching him. It was annoying and strange, but he felt that it really didn't bother him either.

 

“Rin.” He spoke.

 

She looked up at him, waiting for his orders, her head cocked slightly to the side that smile still on her face.

 

“Take this to Jaken and tell him to okay the transfer.” He ordered her as he held out a file in his clawed hands.

 

Rin jumped out of her seat, grabbed the folder and headed over to the door. Before she opened it, Sesshoumaru asked her, “Rin, how old are you?” He didn't know what prompted him to ask such a question. It was too . . . blunt, out in the open. A question friends would want to ask to each other. She was not his friend.

 

Turning, she faced him, smiling. Running back to his desk, she found the piece of paper she had scribbled on before and write down her age before disappearing out of his office rather quickly. Rin was eager to help this man, this powerful demon. She felt safe with him. Safety she had felt only when with her family. When they had died, she had lost her security. Even with the mikos, fear was still lurking in the corners. Something about that place didn't seem to give her a sense of relief. Sesshoumaru did.

 

Sesshoumaru shook his head. Twenty and acting like an eight year old. That would be something he would have to change about her, though her spunk was already addicting. He would have to keep her nearby for the time being. He didn't trust anyone else to watch over her. Any other demon who hated humans as much as he did would just kill her on sight. That was something he couldn't afford to do. And it was something that he didn't want to happen.

 

& & & & & & & &

Bad me. I haven't responded to reviews yet. So, here is my attempt to rectify that problem.

 

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