InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A Hanyou's Love ❯ America's 1790 ( Chapter 9 )

A/N: Sorry for the long wait. This chapter was very stubborn. But I finally got it all together. I am thinking of re-doing my outline, something to add more depth to Inuyasha. Anyways enough of me blabbing.

 

 

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha.

 

Chapter 9

American's 1790

 

Inuyasha leaned back in his saddle as he looked over the small town where Koga was waiting for him. Normally he disliked riding the creatures, but the constant questions from the towns he would walk into were more irritation. Walking into a town that was three days, horse ride from the last one caused too many questions.

 

But he was lucky to have come across this one. The natives had raised her; she was sturdy and sure-footed and didn't shy away from the obvious youkai that rode her back. Patting her neck, he gazed off over the low laying hills and then back to the town.

 

“And why did I agree to come out here to this place?” he wondered aloud. Raising his hand to the thick strap that ran across his chest, he fingered it and adjusted its location. Slowly moving his hand up the strap to his right shoulder, he fingered something in the air.

 

`Tetsaiga. Still after achieving transformation, he had to have the sword near him. It wasn't quite so hard to remain focused without it but there had been times that if Sesshoumaru or Koga hadn't been there to knock him out….

 

He shook his head and then checked the concealment spell on the sword. `Best not to think about it.' He thought looking back down at the town. `I guess I should see what Koga wants.'

 

Flicking the reins, he allowed the painted horse to pick her own pace. Thinking back over the years, he couldn't believe that such a wild place could be. But the pains of the states were sparsely populated. Many places were opened and allowed him to transform with out interference or scaring the population.

 

There had only been a few humans who seemed to accept him, for who he was when they found out. One had been Rikku, the last incarnation, now gone fifteen years. She accepted him just as Kikyo had.

 

Again, he shook his head. `Don't dwell in the past, baka.' Inuyasha looked out and watched as a flock of birds fly over. Then a scent played at his nose. “Koga.”

 

Silently a wolf approached him. Slowly he moved closer so as not to spook the horse. Not that she was skittish anyways. “Baka, ookami. What if a medicine man sensed you? Do you want another town attacked?”

 

Koga's ears lowered on his head and he sat back on his hunches. He didn't want to submit to the hanyou but took the discipline. Transformations required a complete release of youki and any person with spiritual training could sense them.

 

“There was an Indian village about two days by horse back the way I came. You better go and introduce yourself. And maybe mention that I am here. I'll be at the inn, come see me when you're back.”

 

Inuyasha flicked the reins and started towards the town. Koga watched him go, and then turned to follow his trail back to the village. How in the kami Inuyasha knew he had transformed in what he thought was beyond his range. Obviously, he has gotten better in the last few years.

 

Inuyasha turned in his saddle to watch the baka run the other direction. `Stupid wolf. How he managed to leave his brains behind in Japan I don't know.' That's the second time Koga was going to get it, at least this time before innocent people could get hurt.

 

Sitting with ease in the saddle, he watched the town movements. Noticing the location of the stable at the far end and where the inn was located. He changed directions, and by passed the town to come in from the other side. No sense in announcing which way he came into town from.

 

“Oi, anyone here.” He yelled into the large building.

 

“What can I do for you?” An old, stooped shoulder man came out of the office.

 

“How much for one horse and tack?”

 

“Silver a night. You want grain, that's a half cent, oats are one cent for three cakes.”

 

“Silver for the night with grain and one cent for four cakes of oats.”

 

“You trying to make me poor, boy?”

 

“No, but that my offer. I can always camp out in the next valley.”

 

“The law don't like things like that.” The old man said shrewdly.

 

“That depends on whether I mind the law knowing what I am doing here, and seeing as I don't. Then they can tell me where to camp,” Inuyasha said. He eyed the old man and waited patiently for him to decide.

 

“Fine, the silver and one cent in advance.”

 

“Not until I see the stall and oats.” The old man turned and shambled down the straw littered corridor that lead to the stalls. He stopped beside the bins that housed the feed and produced four cakes. Inuyasha took them and nodded for the man to continue.

 

He was shown to a stall on the left, finding the site acceptable, he paid the old man and began to remove his saddlebags and bedroll. Hearing the huffed sounds of another horse nearby he found Koga's dapple mare in the stall on the left of his. Yet, another horse trained by the native, which accounted as to why Koga has her.

 

“Mark, get in here and settle the horse!” The old man yelled out the back stable doors. By the time Mark came, Inuyasha had his belongings off and was feeding the mare two of the oatcakes.

 

“Give her the grain and then feed her the last two cakes in the morning.” He told the hand, Mark nodded then preceded to remove the saddle.

 

Inuyasha left the stable and walked over to the left side of town. Stepping up the wooden stairs to the raised walkway he made his way to the only inn.

 

Stepping inside he found the proprietor behind a cherry stained counter on the left. On the wall behind him were small cubicles that housed the room keys.

 

On the right side of the room there were dinner tables set up, which currently had two women at the back of the room enjoying tea and a soldier from the fort that was in the last valley, devouring the gravy covered steak and potatoes. The smell of the under cooked meat caused Inuyasha's stomach to heave and his nose to wrinkle at the smell. `Hope that's not the only thing on the menu.'

 

The sound of a throat clearing drew his attention back to the proprietor. Inuyasha walked up to the counter and looked over the keys too many were present. Signally that he would have to haggle about the price. No wonder the stable had been against his lower price.

 

“Good day sir. How may I help you?”

 

“Need a room. Don't know for how long exactly.”

 

“We have several nice rooms as well as an indoor bath. Newest invention to hit the area.” Inuyasha grunted. “Breakfast is also included in one nights stay.”

 

“What's your asking price?” Inuyasha asked trying to get done with this man.

 

“Two silvers and a half.” Inuyasha winced. He didn't have much money and wasn't sure about how long his stay will be.

 

Haggling for his horse was one thing. These inns were not known for their generosity. “Two silvers and a large cent was the asking price at the last place.”

 

“They didn't have the new bath facilities. For two silvers and a quarter, I will have to cut into my daughters dowry.”

 

“For the silvers and a dime you would have leftovers to add to her dowry. Water comes from the river nearby free of charge.”

 

“There is also the breakfast included.”

 

“From the sight of the meal currently served, I may decline the offer.”

 

“I have a small room that could be let for your price.”

 

“Keh.” Inuyasha fished out the required coins “I'd like that bath now please.” This stay was going to put him in a sore spot. `Koga better have something to repay me with.'

 

A young woman, no doubt the proprietors' daughter, came and led him to the second floor. “Here is your room. I will start the water heating for your bath, which is at the end of the hall.” She left down to the bathroom door and Inuyasha stepped into his new home for a short period of time.

 

He stowed his belongings into the chest at the foot of the bed and then quickly removed his duster and scarf, then removed the hat. His ears moved and a soft sign escaped his lips. They were sore despite the clearance the wide brim hat had, the slop of the sides still pressing into the appendages.

 

At the soft knock on the door, he replaced the hat and then opened the door. “Your bath is ready. The dinning hall will be open until sunset. Have a good stay.” She left quickly and Inuyasha turned to grab his change of cloths. Stepping out of the room, he locked the door and then proceeded down the hall.

 

O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.

 

Inuyasha slipped back into his room about an hour later. Turning from the door, he found Koga in tan buckskins lounging on the bed, cutting an apple with his belt knife.

 

“Bout time you finished, didn't know you liked to soak.” Koga said around a mouthful.

 

“Sore from the long ride. How did your visit go?”

 

“Fine. Did you know they had one of their great spirits there?”

 

“I thought I had sense one awhile back.”

 

“Well, I ended up having to fight him.”

 

“You didn't kill him, did you?” Inuyasha asked, concerned that he may have started another conflict.

 

“No, just till first blood. I gave him a nice nick on the chin. The chief let me go after that. So how was your trip?”

 

Inuyasha looked at Koga and really thought hard about why he was a friend with the mangy wolf. He had been having a fine vacation in china when Koga's message reached him. “Long, I was in the middle of china before word reached me.”

 

“Well, it's worth it. I found you wondering spirit.” At this Inuyasha perked up. “But you won't believe me if I told you. So tomorrow I will introduce you.”

 

“She's here, in this place?”

 

“Sort of,” Koga shrugged.

 

“What do you mean by `sort of'?”

 

“You'll see.”

 

“Keh,” Inuyasha rolled his used clothes up and piled them next to the door. He had spotted a laundry tent at the end of the street and seeing as he didn't enjoy the chore, he would be willing to part with a few more coins.

 

A commotion was heard out the window and they each went to see what some cowboys were going to start. Koga was still on a high from the village and Inuyasha was itching to rid himself of some tension.

 

Looking out they could hear the sound of horses running hard through the town. Soon they could feel the vibration, and then dust rose and soon twenty horses rounded the corner down to the right. In the lead was a painted horse carrying a small bundle.

 

“That's my horse!” Both said as Koga caught sight of his horse next to Inuyasha's. They ran from the room and rushed down to the streets. Looking in the direction the small herd was going, the two ran to the back of the inn and once out of sight, increased their speed to over come the herd in the next valley.

 

As they reached the back of the herd, Koga sped up and by-passed the hard running horses and when he reached the next saddle in the low hills, he released his youki, enough to grab the attention of the herd. At the same time, Inuyasha did the same at the back of them.

 

The sudden jump of youki in the valley caused the herd to mill around in the center of a meadow; all of them had wide eyes and would no doubt bolt in a random direction at the slightest spook. All accept two horses that once they caught the feel of their companion headed in their direction.

 

Koga's mare came up to him, he vaulted to the bare back, and using his knees, he guided the horse towards Inuyasha.

 

Inuyasha's painted horse with the bundle on top looped over to him; despite the urgent yanks on the lead rope coming from the bundle. The mare stopped short of him and waited patiently as Inuyasha looked at what she currently was packing.

 

There sat on her back a large wide hat and what looked to be an old herders coat. The small legs straddling the horses back were covered in torn breeches. Inuyasha tested the air and found the scent of a very scared little boy.

 

“Calm down, you'll make the horse nerves. I won't do you any harm. I just want my horse and the others as well.”

 

The boy nodded causing the large hat on his head to slip off to the side. A small face emerged with tightly closed eyes, and judging by the dirt packed on the face and the rather rugged clothes he was wearing, Inuyasha decided he must be an orphan.

 

“Running, huh?” Another nod, that just about causes the hat to fall completely off. “From who?”

 

“…”

 

“The mistress at the boarding house?”

 

“…”

 

“She treat you wrong?” A shake no, and this time the hat fell off to reveal short, unruly brown hair. The boy kept his eyes closed and his hands that were clutching the lead rope and mane tightened more till his knuckles were white.

 

“Then why?”

 

“A race in the next town.”

 

“A race, huh. The reason for stealing my horse, I take it.” Another nod.

 

“Ken.” Sighed Koga as he came up to them. “You know I would have taken you there tomorrow morning.

 

“I want to be in the race. Not on the sidelines. Besides, you went into the inn; you only go there to see the girls. So I thought I had better leave now, cause once you start with the girls you won't be out till midmorning.” Ken said and then he opened his eyes and shot Koga a glare. Inuyasha's breath stopped as the soul that was hidden behind the eyes lids came soaring through.

 

`No it can't be. Not this little boy.' Inuyasha thought. “Just how much longer am I going to have to wait for her?'

 

“Inuyasha, I would like to introduce Ken, Ken this is my friend Inuyasha. I was going in the inn to meet him. And you know when I say I will do something I will, damn it!”

 

“Well, how was I supposed to know? You didn't exactly tell me you were meeting someone.” Ken yelled.

 

“Easy up with the voice, pup. You'll scarce the herd.” Inuyasha said.

 

“Pup, who you calling a pup. I ain't a dog.”

 

“No but he is.” Koga said.

 

“Shut-up Koga. And don't be telling him lies.”

 

“He already knows what I am. He might as well find out about you.” Koga said.

 

“Hello, I am right here. I hate being a kid. People act like you don't exist.” Koga nudged his horse closer to the kid and then flick his ear. “Ow, what was that for?”

 

“Respect your elders. Now lets go get that herd and get back to town. Once there hi-tail it back to your room. I don't want to have to explain to the mistress what you were doing.” Koga said as he started back to the herd.

 

“Alright, you ride Sassy here till then.” Inuyasha turned to follow Koga, still in shock over the unfairness of life. `What Kami did I tick off?'

 

O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.

 

Inuyasha sat back in his chair and looked over the monitors. He hated these late night shifts. They were always boring. He looked at the clock and realized that Kagome should be getting back in town from picking Shippo up.

 

His cell phone came alive and he looked at the number. He grinned as he answered it.

 

“Hello, Kagome. How was the ride?”

 

“Fine. I could use some sleep though. Shippo says hi and he's sorry that you weren't able to come. But he is looking forward to seeing you tomorrow. You are coming down to the track, right?”

 

“Just tell me what time?”

 

“Um, I think Miroku said we had the track at 10:00. But why don't you come by the house at 8:00 for breakfast?”

 

“I think I can arrange that. If I happen to see Koga, shall I invite him as well?”

 

“Sure, the more the merrier. Well, I need to get in to bed. See ya.” Kagome said around a yawn.

 

Inuyasha chuckled, “See you tomorrow.” The phone line went dead. He really was looking forward to see them all. Despite his act last weekend, her friends welcomed him back without a sign of regret. Maybe he could see if they need an extra person on the team. It couldn't hurt to ask.

 

He yawned, and then looked at the clock, he sighed, just a few more hours and then home to bed.

 

 

A/N: Well, how was that? I really need to re-do my outline. I am thinking of adding more past experiences of Inuyasha in the story, some thing to tell what makes him tick. Please review, and maybe drop some hints of things he could have done.

 

Also, I have a challenge for those who do fan art. How about a pic of the boys from this chapter in their get up, just a thought.

 

PS. Thanks to stars on ice I just got another fic idea. Song `Who wants to live forever'. That pair of skaters did a great performance for the song. A&E special. I'll see what my muse thinks later.

 

Responses;

 

FF.net

 

Inu Faceness: Thanks for the up beat review. I am glad you like that I am taking my time with their relationship. And you actually do a good job on you fics with their relationships.

 

Neko-Yuff16: Glad you liked it. Hope you liked this chapter too.

 

Kira Granger: Sorry, I was just about to but a kiss, but then realized that Kagome hasn't gotten over her last boyfriend. And Inuyasha really needs to make this relationship last.

 

LadySword04: Thanks for you review. I really do like this plot. I just need to re-do my outline.

 

Ra: Well here you go. I am working on it.

 

MM.org

 

Lil Sesshi: See, I updated, just been awhile.

 

Reader1: I did!!! (Hides behind computer) Don't hurt me. Please.