InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A Killer In Hindsight ❯ The Things Nightmares Are Made Of ( Chapter 8 )

A Killer In Hindsight

Chapter 8: The Things Nightmares Are Made Of

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha and Co. This work of fiction is solely for the enjoyment of the reader's and myself.

“Speech”
`Thought'
OOO - Flashback
XXX - Break in point of view, or scene.
<><><><><><><><> <><><><><><><><><>< ;><><>

The rapid beating of my heart resounded in my ears. I swallowed heavily. I could feel the sweat beading upon my forehead, it dripped down to my lips and I could taste my own nervousness and fear upon my tongue.

A man appeared before me from the shadows and I immediately knew who he was. He spoke to me but I could not hear him over the roar of blood in my ears. I clenched my hands into fists and squeezed my eyes shut. My lips formed to move the Our Father, but no sound escaped my mouth.

My papery lids slowly opened to reveal my terrified blue eyes. My lips moved faster as my vision came in contact with the being before me. His gaze burned deep and I felt as though I was looking into the deepest fires of hell. Visions of my family flashed in my minds eye. All thought escaped me.

And just like that my head fell from my body and I was no more.

XXX

Kagome bolted into an upright position, hitting her head on the bunk above her and she gasped for some much needed air. A cold sweat covered her body and she shivered lightly, goose bumps rising on her arms. Rubbing her head she threw back the covers and rose from her tiny bunk.

It had been three days since they had found Ayame and the rest of the plane wreck survivors. Making her way to the kitchen the young cook grabbed a glass from one of the cupboards and filled it with tap water. Hopping up onto the counter she took several large gulps of the cool drink before setting the glass down and losing herself within her own thoughts.

That had to have been one of the strangest dreams she had ever had. Rubbing her neck she recalled the feeling of the cool sharp blade against her neck. Taking another sip of her water Kagome frowned. She couldn't recall ever having known the Our Father, she wasn't Catholic after all. So why would she be reciting a Catholic prayer?

The whole thing just gave her a bad feeling and she decided not to dwell on it anymore. Swallowing the remaining contents of her glass, she set the cup in the sink. Heading back down the short walk to her bunk, the cook jumped when the door down the hall clicked open.

“I thought I heard someone.” The captain's husky voice washed over her from the darker depths of the cabin. Kagome could just barely make out the glow of his amber eyes. “Everything alright?” he asked.

“Yeah, just a bad dream.” Her voice shook almost as much as her knees and she watched as the door opened a little wider. Soft light spilled from the crack of the door and outlined Inuyasha's form in the darkness.

She tried to swallow around the lump in her throat and failed miserably. Kagome could just barely make out the frown on the captain's face.

“You wanna talk about it?” He asked stepping out of his room.

“No. Everything's fine now.” She assured him, leaning on the bunk's frame to steady herself.

“Well…if you're sure…” He trailed off.

“Yeah. Just a bad dream…it was nothing.” She smiled, knowing he could see it in the dark. She knew he wasn't completely convinced but she let out a sigh of relief just the same when he stepped back into his room.

“Okay then, get some sleep.” And with that he closed the door and the hallway was dark once again.

Flopping down onto her bed Kagome blew at the lock of hair that settled over her face. She watched as it was forced upwards with the puff and then gently fell back down upon her face. Great, now she couldn't sleep. It was going to be a long night.

XXX

The sounds of silverware tinkling against the plates and joyous laughter filled the humid morning air. A little ways away they could hear the exotic birds chirping and waves lapping against the beach and the sides of the boat.

Inuyasha hadn't slept much in the days that his crewmembers had gone missing. They had talked some about what to do, but they were all too afraid to actually put any plan into action. Ayame and her group had continued to tell them horror stories about Naraku.

The dark circles under his eyes had continued to grow with each passing hour with no word or sign from Naraku. He was beginning to think the worst for his crewmates and it did not settle well with him. Glancing around the table he could tell the others were just as worried but they continued to push it to the backs of their minds.

“I'm gonna go up and get some air.” Miroku rose from the table, no one seemed to mind him much as he headed for the stairs. Pulling himself up and onto the deck he continued on his way outside. His head hung, he shoved his hands in his pockets.

XXX

He knew Inuyasha was taking on most of the worry for the other crewmembers. He had tried not to think about the kidnappings as much as possible. They weren't prepared for something of this caliber, mentally or physically. From the way Ayame and the other's spoke they would need an army to take this man down, and they were definitely no army.

Rubbing his face with his hands, he closed his eyes and continued to wander to the middle of the deck. He foot came in contact with something and he frowned. Taking his hands from his face and opening his eyes. His breath caught in his throat and his eyes widened to the size of dinner plates.

Backing away, he turned and ran for the railing of the boat, heaving his previously eaten meal into the ocean. Squeezing his eyes shut, he gripped the railing until his knuckles turned white. `Oh Buddha, Why?' Miroku continued to question as he gagged until all that came up was the acidic liquids in his stomach.

XXX

“Someone should be up there with him. I don't trust leaving anyone by themselves right now.” Inuyasha frowned as he stared at the stairs.

“I'll go. I need to talk to him anyway.” Sango offered. She rose from her place at the table, scooting past Kagome, Shippou and Kirara, she made her way to the stairs.

A few seconds were all that had passed before a blood-curdling scream ripped through the air around them. Birds and other small animals scattered, the remaining people on the boat, demons and humans alike ran up the stairs, and somewhere on the island a pleased smile spread across menacing features.

XXX

Inuyasha stopped in his tracks and ran his fingers through his hair. Kagome fell to her knees next to him, leaning against his leg for support. One by one everyone joined them and Ayame turned to keep the children from seeing the horrific sight that lay before them.

Jinenji's head stared at them, blank eyes and mouth agape. Miroku finally faced them and fell against the side of the boat, sliding till he was seated. Sango continued to gaze with unseeing eyes, her hands over her mouth, to keep herself from screaming or losing her breakfast, she wasn't really sure.

“We told you this would happen.” Came Bankoutsu's strangled voice from the back of the small crowd. “We told you he would do this…but you didn't listen. You see what happens when you don't listen!” his voice steadily grew until he was yelling. He marched forward and grabbed the captain by the collar of his T-shirt.

Glaring, he shook Inuyasha. “You see now?! He will not show you any mercy!”

“Stop it! Stop yelling!” Sango screamed, turning on the two. “What were we supposed to do Bankoutsu?! We don't know what we're up against! How are we supposed to take down this monster?! We're fishermen! We're not equipped to handle this!”

Dropping Inuyasha, Bankoutsu turned to face her only to be stopped when the captain grabbed his arm. Sharp claws dug into his skin, drawing blood. The two males proceeded to glare at each other and a battle of wills ensued. Jakoutsu stepped forward, helping Kagome from the floor and stepping next to Bankoutsu.

“Inuyasha let him go.” The hanyou turned to look at her. His jaw clenched and he slowly released the other man from his grasp. Rubbing his arm, Bankoutsu stepped away and Jakoutsu placed a hand on his shoulder. He turned to speak to Sango over his shoulder, his mouth pressed into a grim line.

“We understand that you have not seen what we have, therefore, we do not expect that you would believe us so readily. But now that you have seen what he is capable of you know that if you want to live, we will have to fight him.”

Sango stared down at her feet, shaking her head, she wiped furiously at the tears in her eyes. Miroku came to stand next to her; he placed his arms around her.

“I'll just take the kids inside. Ayumi, Eri…why don't you guys come with me?” the two girls nodded to Ayame and followed her as she ushered the children inside, much to their disappointment.

Kagome dared to ask the question that had been on all of their minds since they had discovered Jinenji's head, “Where's the rest of his body?”

XXX

It had been a few hours since their initial discovery and everyone had gone back inside, trying to figure out what to do with said discovery. Inuyasha had disappeared into his room a short while ago, after slamming the door quite loudly.

Kagome glanced, yet again, towards the captain's quarters. She was busy fixing lunch, mustard grilled-cheese sandwiches and salad; she had been growing more and more worried since Inuyasha had shut himself in his room. She knew this was affecting him the most, he felt responsible.

Taking the open-faced sandwiches from the oven she placed them on the counter to cool, setting in another tray. Glancing over at everyone in the living area she smiled softly, watching the children play their third game of `Clue'. She never did quite understand the rules to that game.

The timer `dinged' and she took the second pan from the oven. Setting it next to the first, she stuck her hand in the refrigerator to take out the lettuce for the salad. Pouring the crispy leaves into the large wooden bowl, she took the sliced cucumber and tomatoes and poured them into the bowl too. Grabbing a bottle of dressing she called out to others to come and get their dinner.

No one really rushed to get lunch; the kids seemed to be the only ones that were hungry. Grabbing two extra plates, Kagome took a couple of the sandwiches and tottered off to Inuyasha's room. Knocking on the door she waited for him to answer. When none came she poked her head into the room.

“Hey…can I come in?” She noticed his prone form lying on the bed, face down in his pillow. `How does he breathe like that?' She thought to herself, furrowing her brow a little in confusion. When he didn't answer her question, or even acknowledge her, she entered the room and closed the door softly behind herself.

“How are you holding up?” she asked, sitting down on the bed next to him and almost falling over. “You have a water bed?” She grinned mentally at the idea. He merely grunted in response. “Are you hungry? I brought lunch.” He grunted again and she set the tray on the nightstand.

“Look Inuyasha, I know you feel responsible but there's nothing that we could have done. Stop blaming yourself.” Rolling over onto his side, he propped himself up on his elbow to properly glare at her.

“How can I not feel responsible? He was part of my crew, it was my responsibility to protect him and I let him down!” `Well, that got his attention.' She thought to herself, flinching when he raised his voice. Kagome bowed her head to stare sadly at her twiddling fingers. She let out puff of air when a lock of her hair escaped from her ponytail to land across her face.

“We should have gone out and looked for him more. We should be out there right now looking for Hiten.”

“If we go out now someone else could be taken and then where would we be? For all we know…Hiten could be dead by now.” She nearly toppled over when the half-demon sat up rather abruptly. If looks could kill she'd be dead ten times over.

“Well you can give up, but I'm not. He's part of my crew and I've already failed Jinenji. I'm not going to fail him too.” His glare was fierce and determined; he wasn't going to give up.

XXX

Hiten flinched as a breeze blew over his open wounds. It was his fault Jinenji was dead. He had continued to fight Naraku and Jin, being the good man that he was, had stupidly stuck up for him. And for that, he had been killed. Decapitated right in front of his very eyes.

Since it had happened, Hiten had been afraid to close his eyes, for the burning image of the blade slicing through his friend's neck was forever etched into his mind. He flinched again when a drop of water fell from the cave ceiling and slid down his back.

His skin had become hypersensitive to everything around him. The simplest breeze sent him into spasms of pain and the smallest drop of water felt like a knife along his back. He had read once, about the seven most perfect ways to torture someone. Or was it five, he never really could remember.
There was bludgeoning, which included being beaten with a blunt object, usually to break your fingers or your kneecaps. Then the opposite of bludgeoning, cutting, which entailed being sliced with unusually sharp knives. Extreme hot and cold, like being stuck with a hot poker and then dunked into freezing water. `Oh bugger, what were the rest again? Why am I even thinking about this... ?’
He jerked again when another breeze blew past him, clenching his teeth in pain.

XXX

Coming from Inuyasha's bedroom, Kagome sighed and hung her head. What were they going to do? Heading for the living area, she glanced toward Jakoutsu. Catching his eyes she motioned with her head for him to come and join her. They took seats opposite each other on the beds.

“What is it you wanted to talk to me about Kagome?” He asked first, obviously still upset over their findings even though he had never met the man.

“Do you think you could examine Jinenji?” She made a face. “Or what there is of him at least?”

“I don't know what you think we'll find.

“If my hunch is right…there may just be something that could help us.” She said, sighing.

“What are you talking about?” he looked questioningly at her, cocking his head to the side.

“I don't know…I just…have this feeling.” She continued to clench and unclench her hands in an effort to ease her anxiousness.

“Well…okay…I guess I could do it. Do you think you can lend me some of your kitchen knives? And I'll need a sanitary place to work…” Trailing off, Jakoutsu went over the list of things he'd need in his head.

“Done.” Kagome said, rising from the bunk. “We need to do this as soon as possible.”

XXX

A short while and many disgusted faces later, found Kagome, Inuyasha, Jakoutsu, Bankoutsu and Ayame in the ice room of their small fishing vessel. In front of them lay Jinenji's head and several impossibly sharp knives.

“Are you sure you want to be here for this Kagome?” Ayame turned to look at the girl; the poor cook was starting to look a little green around the gills.

“Yeah.” She nodded her head vigorously, after all this was her idea.

“Alright, lets get started shall we?” Jakoutsu began. He wore large yellow rubber gloves and an apron, borrowed from Inuyasha. This was after all, a fishing boat.

Taking the head he set it back so it faced the ceiling. Checking the eyes, nose and ears Jakoutsu determined there was the possibility of hypothermia, and a definite lack of water and nourishment.

“That's all fine and dandy but where's the stuff that's supposed to help us?” Inuayasha asked gruffly, arms crossed over his chest and clearly showing he was not comfortable with this situation. Jakoutsu gave him a pointed look and continued checking the back of Jinenji's head for any signs of trauma.

“COD is decapitation.”

“Thank you Captain Obvious.” Inuyasha voiced.

“He may have had his head cut off but that doesn't mean he couldn't have died from something else. Plus…it's procedure. You know what they say…old habits die hard Yashie-poo.” Batting his eyelashes at the half demon, he turned back to his work checking Jinenji's mouth. Inuyasha visibly shuddered before letting out a “Keh” in response.

A frown worked its way over the medical examiner's face. Lifting back Jinenji's tongue, they could see a folded white envelope.

“What the fuck?” Inuyasha leaned closer to the table, gagging a little at the stench of decay. Taking the envelope from its hiding spot, Jakoutsu proceeded to unfold it and place its contents on the stainless steal table before him.

XXX

“They've discovered his head.” A clearly feminine voice said from behind a decorative fan.

“Good.” A smooth malicious chuckle slid over the woman's skin and she shuddered in disgust. A groan from the floor made them both look down at the unconscious figure there. The man's handy work clearly displayed in the various burns, bruises and cuts. A look of pity crossed the woman's faced before quickly being hidden away.

“Kanna, come.” A small girl stepped from the shadows at his orders, dressed completely in white and clutching a small mirror.

“Yes, master Naraku?” She asked, her voice a mere whisper. “What is it you wish to see?”

“What have they done with their discovery?” His eyes were alight with malicious intent and just a hint of glee.

Flashing her mirror an image became clear of the group standing around the table. It was obvious two of the young men were arguing, before the one with the gloves turned back to the dismembered head. A frown crossed his features as the mirror continued to scan the other occupants of the room.

“Kagura you told me they were dead.”

“I thought they were. I could not find them…I figured they would soon die anyway.” Lying, she tried to hide her deceit.

“Do not lie to me, you who knows what I am capable of.” His frown deepened.

“I apologize master.” She bowed her head to hide her disgust.

“Be sure it does not happen again. It is…unfortunate…however, that we now have a new problem. Take care of it.” Naraku turned back to the mirror as it scanned over the face of a young woman. “Stop. Who is this girl?”

Looking towards the mirror Kagura replied, “Her name is Kagome.”

A new smile appeared on his face, wiping all traces of the frown away. It lit his eyes with something dark and sinister. Something nightmares are made of. This however was no nightmare but a sick reality. His eyes glowing, he turned away from the mirror. Waving his hand he dismissed his servants and turned back to the man upon the floor. A new fire was alight within his veins.

XXX

A group of extremely bored humans and demons sighed collectively. The children had quieted down and passed out some time ago. Having heard of the death both had been extremely upset and had tired themselves out with crying.

The adults however, could not sleep, and not having been allowed down into the makeshift autopsy room, they were stuck with nothing to do but wait. Kouga groaned and slapped a hand to his face. “This is absolutely maddening.” He groaned.

“I agree my friend.” Miroku said, slumped in a corner of the room.

“So…what are we supposed to do?” Sango asked this was becoming increasingly frustrating. She wanted to cry, she wanted to scream and she wanted, most of all, to hand Naraku a very bloody, very violent death.

“Are there any materials on this stupid island we could use to repair the damages?” Kouga suddenly asked, looking to Ayumi and Eri.

“Um…yeah…I guess. We used things from around the island to build our tree-house.” Eri said, her brow furrowed in confusion.

“Are you saying we should try repairing Tetsusaiga?” Miroku perked from his position.

“Well…it's worth a shot. I know I don't want to stay on this god forsaken island for the rest of my life.” He looked pointedly at Miroku and grumbled, “If I even make it that long…” under his breath.

Rubbing his chin and trying to look distinguished, Miroku finally agreed that it was worth a shot. Shrugging he stood from his spot on the floor and headed for the stairs.

“Wait where are you going? Shouldn't we tell Inuyasha?” Hojo asked looking a little worried.

“Hojo's right.” Sango voiced, “We should tell Inuyasha where we're going.”

“I'll go tell dog-breath.” Kouga said rising from his spot on the couch. All of a sudden the lights flickered and burnt out. The small bit of light coming from the outside was the only thing they could see by and Eri and Ayumi started to panic and Hojo attempted to calm them.

They could hear Inuyasha cursing a blue streak from below. Sango and Miroku glanced at each other and then back at Kouga. He merely shrugged.

“Someone should go check it out.” Ayumi whispered, frightened, from her spot in Hojo's shoulder.

Heaving a sigh Kouga walked passed Miroku and up the stairs.

XXX

A few minutes later Kouga joined Inuyasha from his spot next to the generator. Seeing the frown on Inuyasha's face he asked, “What's the matter? Why'd the power go out?”

“Generator's busted.” He said rising from his spot kneeling next to it. Kicking the burnt out piece of machinery he grumbled some more.

“So what are we gonna do now?” Kouga asked.

“Hell if I know.” He replied.
<><><><><><><><&g t;<><><><><><><><><>& lt;>
End Author's Note: It seems like all Shippou and Kirara do is sleep. Haha. I guess I just don’t know what to do with them.
Soundtrack for this Chapter:
The Sleeping: Don’t Hold Back
Fightstar: Paint Your Target
Number One Gun: You Fail Sometimes
Vanna: A Dead Language For A Dying Lady ( I loveloveLOVE Vanna. So yummy)

Next Time on A Killer In Hindsight: Said The Spider To The Fly