InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Adi (Odi) Et Amo ❯ Chapter Seven: The Defiance of a Leader ( Chapter 7 )

Adi Et Amo

By: Wildfire Sky

Ok guys...uh forgive me if I'm not responding to your reviews, but that's because I can't see them for some reason. I'm only able to view the first 12 (any one else have that problem??). So if someone knows how to fix it, email me at: wildfire_sky@hotmail.com. I'm friggin desperate now!! Remember to R&R still...or email me, whatever you choose.

Adi Et Amo

Chapter Seven: The Defiance of a Leader

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ < p class="MsoNormal">Inuyasha wanted to gut the first youkai he came across. Rip the poor bastard limb from limb until he found utter satisfaction. Instead he had to settle for storming through the woodlands, taking his frustrations out on helpless trees and shrubbery that couldn't fight back. He drove Tessaiga deep into the trunks of inanimate objects, grunting from exertion as he drew it out and whirled around to destroy yet another.

Fucking Akumu...fucking Kouga!!

He pushed Tessaiga into another thick limb with a fierce snarl. For a moment he paused as he tried to yank his unmoving weapon from the tree, his surprise quickly mounting to anger as the timber wouldn't return his precious item. Releasing the handle, Inuyasha flexed his claws charging the tree and hacking at it with every ounce of power he possessed.

I can't believe I lost them...I can't believe they're gone...

He lunged at the tree again, driving his claws deep into the bark around Tessaiga. He snarled at the tree, attacking it with both teeth and claws, taking out his failures on the plant. He wrapped both hands around his blade, shoving his feet against the trunk and heaving back with all his might. In a flurry of wood and splinters, the Tessaiga exploded from the weak tree, taking Inuyasha down to the forest floor.

The hanyou glared at what was left of the offending tree, letting out a gruff bark. Inuyasha looked down as he bloodied hands and blunt claws. He would have to spend countless hours cleaning and sharpening his claws tonight, working to get them back into fighting standards. He had to keep them in top shape, or the consequences could be dire.

"I depend on you too much." He mumbled, staring down at his red hands, "Way too much..."

He silently leapt to a high bough, squatting down on the limb and examining his injuries. He slowly and meticulously licked his wounds, flinching slightly from the sting of his healing saliva as it dripped into his cuts. He allowed his mind to wander as his rough tongue slid over his palm, basking in the moonlight.

They had been on Akumu's trail...so close to capturing the wolf and his lackey, Kouga. No more than a day ahead and Inuyasha had been pushing to catch up and retrieve what was his. He deserved revenge now more than ever and he would have it!

Inuyasha looked down at his scar less hand, smiling slightly at the irony of it all. If only he could solve his problems with a simple lick of his hand, then all of his anguish would be cleaned away and he could live, and die, happily...but Fate does not show favor towards weak, ugly hanyous. It smiles upon humans and youkai more than the ones who really need a break.

A bird lightly landing on his outstretched leg, tilting it's head curiously at him and hopping from foot to foot anxiously. Inuyasha sneered at it, challenging the tiny creature.

"What the hell do you want?"

The bird froze at his voice, flapping it's wings and letting out a tiny chirp. Annoyed, Inuyasha batted at the small beast, letting off a gruff bark. The bird wheeled into the sky, jittering angrily and swooping around his head. Snarling, Inuyasha took a quick snap at it, sending the poor bird careening into the surrounding tree tops.

Even the birds hate hanyous, Inuyasha thought bitterly. He released a worn sigh, standing precariously on the tree limb. There was no time to wait; he had to set off to find Kagome immediately. They'd been resting long enough and it was time to press on with their search. He leapt from his perch and began dashing through the trees, a red blur to the human eye. Inuyasha allowed himself a moment to clear his mind of his problems and simply enjoy the feeling of running and jumping...the feel of the cold breeze ruffling his hair as it trailed behind him.

The hanyou's sensitive nose picked up the tell-tale signs of fire and smoke and he jumped to the ground without breaking his stride. As he neared the camp, a new smell bombarded his nostrils, a strange, yet familiar smell that he'd missed. He quickly slowed to a stop, falling to the ground and pressing his nose in the dirt, giving a loud sniff.

What is it...?

Inuyasha crawled forward, following the scent trail through the woodlands. He chanced upon their camp, ignoring the surprised looks on Miroku and Sango's faces. They silently watched as Inuyasha rounded their camp, sniffing in all directions. The hanyou slowly made his way towards Miroku, giving his robes a quick sniff. Inuyasha reared back, a look of disgust falling over his face. He looked between Miroku and Sango, eyeing them warily.

"Take a bath, Miroku," Inuyasha stated before resuming his tracking.

Miroku, his face a deep shade of red, stood up, stepping in front of Inuyasha, "And what are you doing, might I ask?"

"I caught a scent back there and I'm following it."

Shippo eagerly leapt onto Inuyasha's back, gripping the red fabric in excitement, "Is it Kagome? Did you catch her scent?"

"No." Inuyasha straightened to a crouch, frowning in concentration, "I'm not sure what this smell is...its familiar, but..."

"But you don't remember from where..."

Sango was instantly beside Inuyasha, "Can you describe it?"

Inuyasha sniffed carefully, "It smells like...fruit...nectarines...and flowers..." he sniffed again, "And a little bit like...like..."

"Human?" Sango suggested.

Inuyasha nodded slowly, a glazed look falling over his eyes. "Yea...it's a really nice smell..."

Inuyasha pitched forward, Miroku stretching his arms out to catch the unconscious hanyou. The monk looked up at Sango worriedly, "What's happened to him?"

Sango waved a hand over Inuyasha's eyes, heaving out an annoyed sigh, "It's an old trap tactic used by villages to ward off demons." She opened Inuyasha's eyes, examining the dilated pupils with some amount of amusement, "They emit a smell that can only be picked up by demons, such as Inuyasha, and knocks them out so the villagers can kill the youkai or run away. Demon-slayers usually frown upon this because it also affects our own animals, even dogs."

Miroku scratched his head, "But Kirara and Shippo weren't affected."

"That's because the trap was probably laid years ago and not some of its more potent smells." Sango sat back on her haunches, staring up at Miroku, "He'll be out for the rest of the night. These traps are pretty powerful as you can see...the one Inuyasha happened upon has to be at least three years old and it can still knock out a fully grown hanyou, and he's not even full youkai!"
The monk shrugged, "I keep telling him to relax before he hurts himself, but did he listen to me? Hell no."

"I guess we're staying here for tonight," Sango began to unravel her bedroll, "Are you going to take first watch?"

"I'd much rather sleep," Miroku replied with a stifled yawn. He stretched sliding down and resting against a large tree trunk, "What are we going to do with him?"
"Put a blanket over him and leave it at that." Sango turned over, curling up against Shippo, "Wake me when it's my turn."

"Sure." Miroku agreed even though he had no intention of awaking the young woman. He'd let her sleep through the not and not have her bother with watching camp. Besides, with Kirara here, there was little threat of anything sneaking up on them and attacking with out giving off some sort of warning.

He sighed, gathering his robes closer against the chilly night air. He watched Inuyasha's still form, his eyes heavy with fatigue. Slowly his head drooped forward; eyes closing in need of need rest from the push of the day. Black gently enveloped Miroku as he was rushed into a state of dreams and peace.

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Inuyasha was sitting beneath Goshinboku, silently appreciating the whispers of winds as they flirted and played with the tree leaves, gently tossing them through the air in their game of tag. The creatures of the day were out, no longer fearful of the blackness of night and the dangers it held. He could hear the laughter of children in the distance as they played in the village, the fall of plows and the grunts of men as they worked.

A wave of pride rushed over him. This was his territory...he ruled over every living creature in this forest and protected that village. The people needed him to watch their boarders and drive away the threats of youkai and humans alike. They needed his protection, whether they wanted to admit it or not.

"Inuyasha!"

The hanyou's ears perked up as his name rolled on the wind towards him. He sat forward, sniffing the air as a mischievous smile cross his face. He rushed across the clearing and leapt into a tree, watching as Kagome emerged from the surrounding foliage, pushing the damn contraption of hers. The girl looked around, eyes narrowing in frustration.

"I know you're here, Inuyasha! I saw you!"

Inuyasha chuckled lightly. She hadn't seen him, it was impossible. He moved to fast for the untrained human to even comprehend. She was just trying to lure him out like she always did. Well this time, it wouldn't work. He stood up, preparing himself to move deeper into the woods.

"I've got Ramen!!"

Inuyasha froze in mid leap; images of warm tender noodles noodles in their hot juices, slithering down his throat bombarded his brain. Suddenly, his mouth began to water, streams of drool dripping from his lips. Ohhh...ramen....delicious warm Ramen...

No! He could fall for that...not this time!

"It's beef!"

Inuyasha nearly fainted. Oh gods...beef ramen...food from heaven! He wanted...needed...no, no, no! Hold yourself hanyou!! Don't give into the ramen...she'll give up eventually and then you can mess with her.

"Oswarii!!"

Inuyasha winced, not from pain, but from the sounds of his body crashing through the tree limbs and smashing into the ground with a loud crunch. He remained immobile as Kagome stormed her way over to his crater, standing over him in with an angry aura.

"Ka...go...me..."

The young miko kneeled down, an annoyed look crossing her face, "Why must you always play games, Inuyasha? I just wanted to talk to you!"

"Keh! Maybe I didn't feel like talking!"

Kagome stood, hands on her hips, "Well fine then! Maybe I won't give you any Ramen then!"

"M-matte!!"

Inuyasha struggled to his feet, throwing Kagome a haphazard grin, "If I talk, will you give me Ramen?"

"As much Ramen as you want."

Inuyasha sat cross-legged on the ground, folding his hands into the sleeves of his haori. He stared up at Kagome expectantly, a blank stare on his face. Slowly Kagome knelt down next to him, gently scooting closer until she was able to rest her head on his shoulder. She draped an arm across his lap, placing the other on his knee. Inuyasha stiffened at the close contact, tiny beads of sweat popping out across his brow.

"Uh...Kagome...?"

The miko snuggled closer, urging Inuyasha to hold her body. He hesitated for just a moment before slowly putting an arm around her waist and pulling her into his lap, stretching out his legs to accommodate her. He would let Kagome talk when she wanted to, even if this was a slightly awkward position.

Kagome stared down at the grass beneath her lean legs, trailing a hand through the blades, "Inuyasha...where are you?"

The hanyou blinked in confusion, "What? I'm right here..."

"No," Kagome sighed, falling back against his chest, "I mean have you given up on me? It's been so long since Akumu attacked us...I thought you would have found me by now."

Suddenly, the entire forest seemed to plunge into darkness, the sounds of wind and wild life disappearing until the space was filled with an empty void. Now, it was only he and Kagome, sitting together, surrounded by blackness and silence.

A dream...

Kagome closed her eyes, "I know it's only a dream, and until you find me, this is the only way we can see each other now."

"Where are you? Tell me where you are and I'll find you, Kagome...I promise..."

Kagome caressed the folds of Inuyasha's haori with a sorrowful sigh, "I really don't know where I am right now. All I know is that Akumu has me and he won't let me go."

Inuyasha wanted to cry out at the pain in Kagome's voice. He wanted to comfort her, but this was only a dream and nothing was real. But even so...

"Kagome...how is this possible? How are we talking like this?"

"I wish I knew, Inuyasha...all I know is that I fell asleep and woke up here, searching for you...and now we're talking like this. I kinda like it...let's me get away from Akumu for a while."

Inuyasha's grip tightened at the youkai's name, "Is Kouga treating you right?"

"As well as he can with Akumu around. He stays by me and doesn't let Akumu bully me around too much."

"How's that?"

Kagome shrugged, "For some reason, Akumu doesn't come after me with Kouga around. Probably has a performance problem."

Inuyasha burst out in laughter, "Really? Haha, I can't imagine a guy like him having trouble getting 'it' up!"

"Oh Inuyasha..."

"What?"

Kagome stood up, staring into the distance, "It's really not that funny. I want to go home..."

Inuyasha blinked, "Home...? You want to go back to your time?"

Kagome didn't answer, her head lowering slightly. Inuyasha quickly climbed to his feet, approaching her from behind. "Will you ever come back?"

Again no answer. Inuyasha felt a pang of fear...could this event really be so traumatic that she would leave this era forever? No...not with the jewel here...not with her other family here. She could never leave Shippo behind so easily, could she?

He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close and resting his chin on her shoulder. Kagome leaned back against him, bringing up a hand to gently smooth through his hair, rubbing his ears. Inuyasha let out a low growl at her butterfly touches, his grip tightening as she placed her free hand over his.

For just a moment they stood there in silence, reveling in the peace this strange dream granted them. They held each other, not wanting to let go, least this dream end and they're torn apart again. It was Inuyasha who ended it, nuzzling her neck and stepping away.

"Kagome, what happens after this...even though I'm not sure how it will end...you can do whatever you want."

Kagome turning, staring into his deep, golden eyes, "Inuyasha..."

The hanyou forced a grin, "But I can't say that I won't try and keep you here."

Kagome reached up, grasping Inuyasha's face in her hands, "Inuyasha...when I make my decision, it will be for the best...for both of us..."

Inuyasha averted his eyes, "I know it will be, but..."

"Shh..." Kagome planted a chaste kiss on her hanyou's lips, "No more, ok? I don't know when I'll be waking up, and I don't want this on my mind. I have to concentrate on surviving."

"Yea, we both do."

Inuyasha could feel the dream slowly fading, his mind drifting back in to consciousness. This surreal place...it would be over soon. Kagome looked around and he knew that Kagome was waking as well. Her image was becoming fuzzy...unfocused. He had to cherish these last few moments.

Jumping forward, Inuyasha bent down, claiming Kagome's lips with his own. He held her tight pressing their bodies together. Kagome clenched her hands in his haori, whimpering as Inuyasha's lips moved along her jaw line and up to her ear.

"Get through this Kagome," he whispered, "Please, get through this for me. I love you too much to lose you."

Kagome smiled, even as her body slowly melted from Inuyasha's grasp, disintegrating along with the dream. "I love you too...koichii."

Soon Kagome was nothing more than drifting dust, slipping between his fingers. He rushed forward, trying to capture as much of her as he could before it was all gone. "Kagome!" he cried out, reaching forward into nothingness, "Kagome!!"

He fell to the ground, clenching the grass in his claws, "Kagome..." he whispered, "Please...please come back to me..."

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Kouga watched from afar as Kagome stirred into wakefulness from her damp corner at the back of the cave. She had a restless sleep; he knew...he knew because he was the one who moved forward to ease her shaking shoulders.

The wolf youkai put a hand to his forehead, kneading it slowly. This was turning into one big mess...one big nightmare started by Akumu. Where was the bastard now when his mate needed him? Out doing whatever the hell he did at night. Of course, Kouga had tried to track him, sending out two of his loyal wolves to following the enormous youkai at night. Neither returned.

Yes. This was one big nightmare. One big mistake.

Hakkaku and Ginta were the only wolves left that still listened to him, looking to him for direction before they did Akumu. At first, Kouga had feared for the lives of his wolves. Akumu was the type of demon who would slice their throats in an instant if he felt they were obeying someone else besides him. And only the gods knew what Akumu would do to him.

Kagome was looking around now, no doubt searching out her tormentor. Kouga truly did pity her. Now the only way she could escape Akumu was through her dreams. Often he found himself wondering why he didn't end it for Kagome now, let the girl escape forever. He could do it while they were marching...kill Kagome then end it for himself. He'd rather die and go to Hell for his faults than survive and have to live with it forever.

Kouga taped the katana at his side. Akumu wasn't here...there was no way to stop him from ending Kagome's pain right now. He stood slowly, guiding his way towards the girl. The dawn sun was just peaking over the horizon, a colorful haze lighting the hilltops. A beautiful day to pass on.

Kagome looked up at him as he approached, her eyes filled with hatred and confusion. "What do you want Kouga?"

The youkai faltered in his steps, averting his shaky gaze and making sure that the other wolves were still asleep. He would do this quickly...cover her mouth so she couldn't scream and then finish her. It would be quick and painless, at least for her. Kagome was still staring at him as she climbed to his feet.

Shit...it would have been easier if I didn't have to look her in the eyes.

Kouga gripped the hilt of his katana tightly, tensing his body. After this he'd run off with the body and hide it. Dog-breath would surely sniff out her blood, so Kagome would have a proper burial. He exhaled slowly, drawing his sword from its sheath. Soon...it would end soon...

"Kouga! You bastard what are you doing with my mate?"

Both youkai and human looked towards the cave entrance where Akumu's huge form blocked almost all sunlight. The wolf ducked as he entered the cave, his shoulder blades scraping along the top. Kagome backed away as he approached, hiding behind Kouga instead of facing her so called 'mate'. Akumu snarled viciously, reaching out a hand.

"Kagome, come to my side where you belong. Stay away from that lowlife, Kouga." Akumu pushed Kouga to the side, nearly throwing him against the back wall. "You are above every other member in this pack, save me."

Kagome glared at him, backing away, "Don't you touch me, Akumu! I'm warning you!"

Akumu paused, his eyes narrowing. Suddenly he lashed out, pinning Kagome against the wall with his claws. "Bitch!" he roared angrily, "You will learn to speak to me with respect!!"

He leaned in closer, so close that Kagome could smell the rancid stench of blood rolling off his tongue, "You will learn what it means to be my mate." He turned, looking down at the sprawled Kouga, "As for you...you will keep your distance from Kagome as a lowly dog should. Understand?"

Kouga nodded lamely, "Hai Akumu."

The wolf released Kagome from his grasp, not caring of her rough landing. He turned away, glaring and kicking aside wolves that were too slow to get out of his way. "We're leaving now, Kouga. Get the pack ready for the days march."

"And where are we going, Akumu?"

The wolf snorted, "Just shut your fucking mouth and do as I say."

Kouga stood, watching as Akumu disappearing into the dim foliage of the forest. He bared his teeth at the empty space, his hackles rising angrily. Yes, Akumu was getting too comfortable for his own good. How dare he betray a wolf prince like himself, and take his mate with out hesitation.

He stiffened as Kagome's scent increased anxiously. He turned, looking at her, marking where her eyes had fallen. His unsheathed sword was loosely clutched in his hands as he stood before her. Kagome's eyes slowly lifted to his face as she slowly took a step back.

"What were you about to do?"

Kouga flinched at her tone, "Nothing." He mumbled, sheathing his katana with a huff, "Just clean yourself up. Did Akumu hurt you at all?"

"No more than you have, Kouga."

The wolf frowned, looking away, "I didn't have a choice in this Kagome..."

"The hell you didn't!"

"Damn it, Kagome, listen!" Kouga reached out and grabbed her arm, "I didn't want Akumu to take you...you were supposed to me my mate, he'd promised me that if..."

"If you killed Inuyasha?"

Kouga dropped her hand, and turned his back on her, "Yea...but, listen to me...you still have the Shikon no Tama, right? As long as you have that, you have a leg up on Akumu." Kouga glanced around at the wolves as they milled about, ignoring the pair. He pulled her deeper into the cave, "Listen to me, Akumu is scared of you...and he's not as strong as you think. He knows your power...knows what you're capable of if you're really pissed."

Kagome glared at the youkai, "I am really pissed, Kouga."

"I know...I know..."

"Then you know that you're pushing it, right?"

"I'm taking a hint..."

Kagome pushed away from him, wandering out into the open cave. She paused, throwing an disappointed glance over her shoulder, "Kouga, you do realize I will never trust you again, right?"

Kouga froze, his breath catching in his throat. He knew that Kagome might loath him...perhaps even hate him. He could handle that, handle her telling him that...but not that she didn't trust him. He could handle losing something he held so dear. Of everything on this planet, he wanted to have, if not Kagome's love, her absolute trust. And he lost it.

Kouga's deep eyes followed Kagome as she stepped from the cave, heading towards the tiny stream that lay just beyond the line of woods. He sighed, slowly following behind.

"I'm sorry Kagome..."

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I know, I know...took me long enough, right? I'll try to not let that happen again, my friends (and fans). When I can, I will update immediately after I finish my chapter. So, sorry and thanks for reading!! R&R like always!!