InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A Killer In Hindsight ❯ Strange Encounters Of The Curious Kind ( Chapter 11 )

A Killer In Hindsight

Chapter 11: Strange Encounters Of The Curious Kind

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha and Co. All right reserved Rumiko Takahashi. This story has no monetary value and is written purely for the enjoyment of my readers and myself. All recipes are taken from the book Flavor of The Week, which I also, do not own.

Important Note to those of you MM: You may need to re-read the meeting between Kanna and Kagome, as it has changed some.

`Thought'
“Speech”
OOO - Flashback
XXX - Break in scene or POV
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Stepping from the interior of the Tetsusuaiga, they observed the damage done by the storm. Inuyasha grimaced as he saw what was left of his beloved boat, more boards had been torn loose and were scattered about the beach. The door to the wheelhouse had been blown completely off its hinges and was currently nowhere in sight, however, a palm tree was sitting quite innocently in its place.

`Fucking palm trees…' the hanyou thought, making his way up to said tree. Tearing the offending flora from what used to be the wheelhouse, he cringed again when he saw the damage inflicted upon the very expensive equipment.

Looking over the mangled railing, the half-demon kept watch as Kouga and Miroku went to inspect the damage done to the exterior of the boat, he silently added up the costs of the damage. The captain's eyelids became hooded and his head nodded in a desperate want for sleep. He jumped to attention when a startled “Oh shit!” was shouted from below.

“What?! What is it?!” Inuyasha hollered as he raced towards Miroku and Kouga. Coming upon the two men, the captain almost lost his breakfast. “Holy shit.” His golden eyes burned as they landed on the gruesome sight that had his first mate puking in the bushes. There before him, stuck in the ground like some kind of ritual sacrifice, was Hiten, his face barely recognizable.

XXX

The small group returned inside, their faces grim and sallow. Nodding towards Jakoutsu, the group of four went back to the room that held the stainless steel table on which, they had conducted Jinenji's autopsy.

Sighing, Kagome returned to her spot in the kitchen, her thoughts flashing back to the night before and her strange dream.

OOO

She felt her pulse quicken, the tingly feeling had become more intense, and a sheen of cold sweet glistened on her body. The young girl could almost feel the breath of the “being” across the back of her neck, making the hairs on her nape and forearms stand on end.

“It is important that you listen to me very carefully…” The soft voice became urgent. Kagome nodded her head again and the feeling of being watched became almost overwhelming. “My name is Kanna. I serve the master Naraku and Kagura is my sister. Do not fear me…I am here to help you. Naraku has killed two of your crewmates and more will die by his hand. I am doing all that I can to help you. I am the one who left the note in Jinenji’s mouth and I am the one who warned you of Kagura’s presence.”

“Why are you telling me this?” Kagome heard herself whisper.

“It is what I have forseen, I cannot tell you now. I must go.” Her voice became urgent and panicked, “I will warn you when it is necessary.”

OOO

She sighed and rubbed at her arms, a chill settling over her. Shaking the mysterious encounter from her head Kagome turned to check on their limited food supply.

Having thrown out everything that had become moldy or rotten, or just plain didn't look right, they were left with very little, mostly cans and packages of ramen. She knew that if they were to survive this, they would need to leave the Tetsusaiga in search of food. Just the thought of having to confront Inuyasha on the subject gave her shivers all over again.

Just then the heavy footsteps of the four men could be heard overhead. `Speak of the devil…' she grumbled in her mind. Wiping at the sweat that had gathered on the back of her neck she readied herself to hear of death once again. When their grim faces appeared, the cook's thoughts flashed back to her visit from Kanna `More will die by his hand…' she sighed and left her lonely spot on the counter to join the other's in the living room, all waiting to hear what the four men had to say.

“Well….” Jakoutsu started off, his feminine voice taking on a rough, tired, edge. Kouga plopped himself down on the floor, his face nestled in his hands. Bankoutsu blew out a puff of air and Inuyasha crossed his arms, clearly frustrated.

“Well…” Jakoutsu started again, his entire being sagging under the weight of what he was about to reveal. “I don’t know what to say…he was obviously sodomized,” the entire room cringed, “their were deep lacerations all the way to the bone, his right knee cap was shattered and he had several fractures to his nose and orbital bone. All in all, he showed extensive, brutal, abuse.”

Goosebumps rose up on Kagome's arms, the feeling of being watched returned, but it wasn't Kanna. She wasn't sure how, but she could tell evil eyes were watching her. Her breath came in shallow she could feel the others around her, asking her if she was all right, but she couldn't answer. Whoever was watching her, didn't want her to.

XXX

“She will make such a nice addition to my collection, don't you think Kanna?” The oily voice slid over the small girls' arms to settle at the base of her spine. His red eyes glowed and he watched for her reaction.

“Yes, master.” Kanna never let the concern for the woman in the mirror show, her stoic mask kept firmly in place. The glimmering surface of her oval mirror rippled and the raven-haired girl's panicked face filled the surface. A sickening joy showed in the glimmering eyes of her master.

“What a beautiful sight. How I wish I could smell her fear right now.” Naraku's face became relaxed and blissful. He imagined the tiny woman with sparkling cerulean eyes before him, quaking with fear at his power, and he reveled in the image.

A cool breeze startled the gruesome man from his fantasy and his eyes snapped open in irritation. “What is it Kagura?” His tone sharp, a smirk flashed over his features at her obvious annoyance. The wind demonesses' own eyes feral, she snapped her fan closed and turned to face the rock wall surface of their most frequented hide out.

“As you obviously know by now, their most recent loss has been found.” Kagura's eyes flashed to Kanna in suspicion. She'd have to get her alone later and question the void demon. The man merely `hm'-ed in response to her statement. After a few moments of silence, Kagura found the courage to ask the question that had been bothering her since they beheaded the first crewmember, Jinenji. “If I may be so bold Naraku, what are you planning?”

A grin, once again, broke out across the handsome features. “That my dear Kagura, is a secret.” The gleam that came to red eyes, scared the wind demoness, it was the most maniacal look she had ever seen come across his face. “Now, Kanna, show her everything…”

XXX

Images flashed unbidden behind fluttering eyelids. Kagome's heartbeat raced and she felt her skin begin to glisten with a cold sweat. People she had never seen before came to her minds eye. The screaming and the sobs of the tortured and the damned flooded her ears, drowning out any other voices. She could smell the decaying flesh of the dead, the stench so palpable that she could taste it.

The images came to a sudden halt, her head reeling with the visions. Again, she could hear the dark voice of the man named Naraku. “Are we having fun yet darling?” His chuckling penetrated her psyche and ground against neurons. A major migraine bloomed behind her eyes. Kagome resisted the urge to pinch the bridge of her nose.

“What do you want?” Her voice sounded hoarse and scared even to her ears; no doubt he had heard the quiver as well.

“Why you my dear, only you.” She could feel his smirk and it sent goosebumps along her arms.

“Why me? What is so goddamned special about me?” The more Kagome's frustration mounted the more smug he became.

“Because I can dear. I can have anything in this world that I want.” His voice was slick and greasy and she resisted the urge to gag.

“Were those all the people you’ve killed?”

“Isn't it impressive?” His smirk grew larger and the girl finally snapped.

“It's disgusting. You're killing my friends. You sick twisted bastard.” She spat. His anger was tangible but Kagome didn't take the hint. Her voice rose with every word. “You are a sick son of a bitch.”

“Quiet. Accept your fate girl.” His voice mocking, “You will come to me. You will be my subservient little bitch; it's just a matter of time. Treasure what little time you may have left with your friends.” Naraku's voice faded and she suddenly found herself able to move again. Her eyelids slid open to reveal several pairs of eyes in varying colors only inches from her face.

“What just happened?” Kagome's voice was breathy and she heard Inuyasha command someone to go get her some water.

“You passed out wench.” The captain sat next to her on the couch and discretely as he could, held her hand. For her comfort or his own, neither of them were sure. A cup was shoved in her face and the girl blinked when some of the cool water sloshed over the sides to land on her neck.

Shippo's little face came into view as he peered curiously at her, the cup teetering precariously in his tiny-clawed hands. “Are you okay now?” His voice was cautious and quiet, as if speaking too loud would make her pass out again.

“Yeah, honey, I'm okay now.” Her smile was easy and she took the cup from him.

“What the hell just happened?” Inuyasha's voice was gruff, but concern made his eyes glow.

“It was Naraku.” Kagome sat up, swinging her legs over the edge of the couch. In the process-losing grip on Inuyasha's hand, both were surprised at the disappointment they felt upon the loss.

“What do you mean?” Sango questioned, not missing the blushes and glances passed between the captain and the cook.

Shrugging, she cleared her throat before she spoke. “It was like…he was in my head.. How long was I out?”

“The entire afternoon.” Eri piped from her spot on the floor near the couch. Kagome made no response but instead turned hooded eyes back to the dog-eared captain. Upon noticing he was looking at her too, they both turned away blushing. `When did it get so hot in here?' The younger girl thought to herself, the heat in her cheeks was scorching. No one noticed the two children sneaking away, mischievous looks on both of their faces.

XXX

“Inuyasha and Kagome look so cute together. Don't you think Shippo?” Kirara gushed, peeking through the curtains of the bunk.

“That's what I need you for Kirara. I wanna get them together. Inuyasha's kind of become…I don't know…like my big brother. And I know Inuyasha really likes her and maybe if they get married they'll…” The little blond haired girl patted the kitsune's back.

“They'll adopt you?” She asked. Shippo's bowed head nodded, he turned away, ashamed. “I'll help you get them together, if you help me with one itsy bitsy thing…” Her sentence trailed off and Shippo sat at attention ready for anything. “You need to help me get Ayame and Kouga together. She's all over him like a hobo on a ham sandwich. The girl needs to get laid.” The little cat demon gave a despondent sigh and Shippo rolled his eyes.

He could see the wheel's working behind her eyes; she leaned in close to him whispering conspiratorially “So here's the plan…”

XXX

Silence clung heavily to the air like a babe to its blanket. “We really need to do something about him. I don't care what it is but action needs to be taken in the very near future.” Kouga's voice was gruff as it passed over the rooms' occupants. Some jumped at the sudden sound, several nodded in response.

Ayame absently noted the little ones weren't with them, figuring they went off to play another one of their card games; she shrugged and turned her attention back to Kouga. He was one fine specimen of the male variety. `If only he wasn't so darn cocky…' she thought to herself, eyes glazing.

“This is probably not the best time to bring this up, but…” Kagome trailed off, her gaze switching from the ceiling to her hands, wringing in her lap. “We're going to need to leave the boat soon in search of food.” She held her breath, waiting for the violent response from their captain.

“What do you mean woman? There's plenty of ramen left.” The young cook rolled her eyes, typical Inuyasha.

“Contrary to your belief, ramen is not a food group and we can't live off of it.” Blue eyes snapped and clashed with his own amber.

“So what are you suggesting Kagome, that we risk our lives in search of food?” Sango's voice broke the two out of their heated staring contest. The deckhand could only imagine the fight that would ensue if she let them continue at it. When Kagome's head nodded in the affirmative the room became deathly quiet again.

“Every time we leave someone else gets abducted.” Hojo's protest showed his obvious fear.

“I know, but that's only when we split up, if we're all together there's less chances of someone being taken. Besides, Ayame and the other's know this island like the back of their hand, they would know the best places to find food. I don't know about you guys but I can't take much more ramen.” All eyes whipped from the cook to the wolf demoness, Kagome had a point.

“Feh, I've lived off the stuff for the last twenty years.” Inuyasha pouted.

“And it shows.” Bankoutsu's witty remark earned a glare from the sulking captain.

“It isn't gonna kill you. Leaving this boat is what's gonna kill you.” His frustration and lack of sleep made Inuyasha snappy. He made a solid point as well; the crew was torn between leaving in search of food and possibly being abducted, and staying on board where they'd stay alive.

“It hasn't killed you yet. Heaven knows I'll kill myself if I have to eat anymore of that junk.” Everyone nodded collectively, Kagome made yet another valid point.

“Look, we'll talk about this later. Let's take this one thing at a time. Right now we have some sustenance, let's not leave until we really need to. I think first and foremost we need to make the repairs to the boat.” `Miroku, always the peacemaker'. Sango blushed at her thoughts, switching her gaze from the man in the purple shirt to the captain who seemed to be mulling the thought over.

“Miroku's right, let's fix this piece of junk and then we'll worry about food.” Inuyasha scowled even more at Kouga's remark.

Rising up from the couch, Inuyasha took Miroku, Kouga, and Bankoutsu down to collect every hammer, nail, bolt and nut they could find. Hojo checked on the children, finding them secure in Shippo's bunk playing Monkey Shoes, he retreated to his own bed to finish his book.

It was silent in the living room; the girls and Jakoutsu huddled around the couch. Jakoutsu's thoughts drifted to a certain dog-eared captain and a sigh left him. The others turned to look at him, pouncing on the chance to have some real girl talk.

“Those ears.” The only words that passed his lips and yet everyone knew exactly what he was talking about. Kagome blushed, oh yes those ears, those hands, those eyes. Fanning herself with her hand she tried to cool her over-heated cheeks.

“So, what's going on between you and our fair captain?” Sango asked. The younger girl's cheeks flushed even more, the pretty pink color turning a dark shade of red. Jakoutsu's eyes flashed in playful jealousy and Kagome stammered out a rather pitiful “nothing!”

“Nothing my ass…” Sango scoffed.

“Well, what about you and Miroku, Sango? Or you and Kouga, Ayame?” The raven-haired girl huffed and crossed her arms, leaning heavily into the back of the couch. Said girls, responded with blushes similar to Kagome's.

“Oh for Pete's sake!” Jakoutsu threw up his arms in exasperation. “How is it that you three can get a man, but I can't? It just isn't fair!” He wailed.

“Well what about you two?” Sango asked turning to Ayumi and Eri. “Do you guys have boyfriends back home or anything?”

Eri looked to the ground and pulled at her left ring finger. Ayumi looked towards the ceiling and then at Eri. “I was engaged. I doubt he's still waiting for me though.” Eri sighed and her shoulders slumped.

“Now that can't be true. You two loved each other didn't you?” Kagome asked her eyes alight with curiosity.

“Well yeah, I guess I did. I think he really just wanted me for my money though.” Tugging at a lock of hair that had fallen in her face the despairing girl tucked it behind her ear.

“Details girl!” Sango screamed, this was definitely more fun that talking about stinky old Naraku.

“Well I am, or I was, an architect. Which brings in a lot of money by itself, but my family is also extremely wealthy and I stand to inherit millions. He insisted there was no prenuptial; he told me I could trust him. But if I were to say have a horrible accident, all of my money would automatically go to him. I had my will drawn up by the family lawyers when I first started dating him, so that if some unfortunate event did occur, he wouldn't be able to get his grubby little hands on my familys money.”

“You don't trust very easily do you?” Jakoutsu stated dryly.

“No, not really.” She stated primly, a product of her upbringing. “Ayumi and Yuka are the only real friends I've ever had.” At the look Ayame gave her she added, “and of course you Ayame. I couldn't forget about you.”

“Well, now I'm depressed.” Kagome sighed. “Who wants chocolate?”

“I thought you said we were out of everything but ramen?” Ayumi looked to the now standing girl. The cook had the decency to blush before saying, “Well, I may have a little stash, but only for emergencies and this definitely qualifies as an emergency.” She grinned before heading back into the kitchen to rifle through some of the cabinets.

“What about you Ayumi? Any boys back home waiting for you?” Sango shifted her position on the couch to get a better angle to see the meek girl.

“Well no…” She trailed off, her shy personality getting the best of her.

“She likes Hojo.” Eri stated boldly, nudging the quiet girl in the ribs. Ayumi blushed and thanked Kagome when she handed her a candy bar.

“Isn't he gay?” The cook asked, handing out the rest of the candy bars.

“I don't know, but I wouldn't be surprised.” Sango voiced, taking a large bite from the chocolately gooey goodness.

“Hey! There you go Jak, you could go out with Hojo.” Ayame smiled and threw a pillow in his direction, missing him completely.

“Not my type.” He said before throwing the pillow back. They laughed for a bit, tossing pillows around.

“What attracted you to him anyway?” Sango asked pulling a white downy feather from her long ponytail.

“He's nice.” Eri rolled her eyes before telling the real truth.

“She thinks he has a cute butt.” Grinning wildly, the bold girl dodged Ayumi's punch and the two fell over in a heap of tangled limbs.

“I do not!” She protested before pulling herself from the knot of body parts they had created.

Laughing, they continued to chat until the sun dipped below the horizon and a chill settled over the island.
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Author’s Note: So I’m guilty of not focusing all of attention on AKIH. I’m actually working on my next story (The Murder Game, summary on profile page). I have about five chapters of that done. I won’t be posting it until I’ve completed this though. I’d confuse myself. Never fear though, I will complete this, even if it kills me.


Next time on A Killer In Hindsight: Daniel, Where’s The Boat?