InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Awaiting the Warmth ❯ Siren ( Chapter 5 )

Angeltiger: I liiiiiiiive!

 

Inuyasha: You're a frickin' psycho!

 

Angetltiger: I knoooooow.

 

Sango: What the hell are you doing?

 

Angeltiger: I can't stoooop!

 

Inuyasha: (looks around) Where the hell's the off button?

 

Angeltiger: I don't knooooow!

 

{Crack}

 

Angeltiger: (falls, crumpled to the floor)

 

Kikyo: (dusting her hands) Found it.

 

Kagome: (sighs and steps forward) Just get the damn show started.

 

Miroku: Ooooh, Kagome swore!

 

Kagome: Now!

 

 

Sesshomaru's lips were pulled back in a feral snarl as they began to approach, hair whipping around his face and looking for all the world like a ferocious dog. It clicked, and suddenly Kagome know how to unlock his powers, though she knew he would hate her.

 

“Sesshomaru?” she called loudly over the roaring wind.

 

“Wench?” He answered.

 

“…Sic `em!”

 

(Just to refresh your memory, these bad little dudes are completely see-through with an orangish tint except for the black skeleton. Several inches of yellow goop serving as skin covers the bone. And for the record, the bone formation is relatively human.)

 

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The world seemed to stop for a brief moment, before coming back to him in full force. Sesshomaru felt his breath hitch as a warm, familiar glow enveloped him, surrounding his person and re-freezing his thawed soul. His own demon youki filled him, and he felt whole once again.

 

Eyes bleeding red, his face elongated and he felt his bone shift and grow to accommodate his desired form. With a final snarl he was finished, his demon form standing proud and tall, four legs and all…

 

 

“Smart ass.”

 

“I know.”

 

 

Kagome suddenly felt dwarfed as she and the others around her backed up behind his massive flanks, more than eager to put some distance between him and his prey. She didn't know whether she was glad to have released the beast that would protect them, or fear what he would do to them after he was finished.

 

Throwing back his mighty head, the dog-formed Sesshomaru let out a deafening howl, easily drowning out the opposing demon's torturous shrieks. The bodies of the two still conscious humans shook from their bones at hearing such a howl, and they found they were rooted to the spot, watching in fascination as the demon lord took off towards his enemies.

 

With blinding speed the Taiyoukai charged through the creatures, knocking one on its back and spat out a disgusting mouthful of acid-like saliva; melting the creature slowly, and from the sounds of its desperate cries, painfully. As soon as he was done with the first, the others took the hint and began to disperse, trying to put as much distance between them and their suddenly deadly target as they possibly could.

 

But of course, Sesshomaru would have none of that. He coated his mouth with acid and grabbed the nearest orange-gooped demon by the head, shaking him fiercely and tossing him through the air to land rather nastily in a tree, the acid eating its way down the orange body.

 

Snapping out of her daze, Kagome drew her arrow as a demon came behind the occupied Taiyoukai, drawing a glob of its own acid into its hand to throw at his back. Notching her arrow, she let it fly just as it was about to throw its own attack, the arrow slicing through the offending hand and severing it from its body. The disgusting creature screamed in agony just before it met its end by Sesshomaru's jaws.

 

After disposing of the carcass, the Taiyoukai turned and stared straight into Kagome eyes, but what he was trying to communicate was totally lost to her. Instead of pressing the issue, he went back to the task at hand: melting the terrified demons.

 

Now understanding that they would be unable to escape their fate, the creatures turned to face down their attacker to their end, bundling together and erecting a large orange ball around them. Not the least bit unfazed, Sesshomaru stepped forward to meet the challenge, his warning growl sending small tremors through the earth.

 

The remaining demons seemed to calculate their next move, taking in everything around them. When their eyes rested for more than a second on the two children, guarded by both a fierce looking Kirara and angered Ah-Un, the demon lord snarled, commanding their attention.

 

One of the demons smirked, its eyes also taking in the sight of the downed human girl and battle-weary humans beside her, its mind already forming a plan that was immediately given through telekinesis to its kin. When the vote to proceed was unanimous, they acted.

 

Quicker than Sesshomaru could think, the remaining demons clapped the bubble together, shattering it and sending its filmy surface flying in all directions. The demon lord had felt the acid on his own skin before, and could only imagine what it would to do the humans surrounding him.

 

Kirara threw herself over Shippo, screaming as she was covered in the acid while Ah-Un took quick position over Rin, only a snort escaped twin nostrils as the goo did nothing but slide right off their scales. Miroku quickly erected a barrier over himself and Sango lying at his feet, but could do nothing for Kagome, who was too far away.

 

Kagome was unable to do more than stare at the shards of acid racing her way, closing her eyes and waiting for the pain to hit her helpless body. It came, but not quite as she expected.

 

Instead of being impaled by a million drops of fiery liquid acid, she was hit by something hard, knocking her to the ground and taking her breath away.

 

White covered her all around, and it didn't take her long to realize it was white fur from the taiyoukai's form, the low, steady growling coming from his chest above her another dead giveaway. She could hear his skin hissing away as it melted above her, and her heart tugged as he she felt him quiver in pain, though she heard nothing vocally other than anger.

 

This is for earlier, human. Now we're even.

 

Kagome blinked, had she just heard Sesshomaru? In her mind?!

 

Yes.

 

Mental note, Kagome: stop consuming mass quantities of candy bars before you enter a fierce battle…

 

There's not much time, they're escaping. I'm not sure how much damage I can do to them once I catch up.

 

Thoroughly confused, but oddly intrigued, she decided to speak up. “What do you mean?”

 

She was answered by a gruff ruble in his chest, When I get up, you will grab your weapon and climb upon my back, we'll go after them from there.

 

Leaving no room to question, he rolled off, nearly rolling his eyes as a relieved sigh came from the monk behind him. Kagome sensed the urgency in his words, and immediately snatched up her bow and abandoned quiver, pulling herself over his crouched body. He stood up quickly, causing her to squeak and dig her hands into the nape hair of his neck to keep from falling as he took off after the stragglers.

 

“What do you want me to do? We already know I can't kill them with these arrows.”

 

Just strike one down, I want it alive.

 

Kagome shivered, feeling as if his voice traveled up her arms and seemed to force itself into her head. She could only nod dumbly, but realizing he probably couldn't see it, voiced out a weak compliance.

 

It didn't take long to catch up, one that with half a mutilated leg was significantly farther behind than the others. She felt again the rumble from the demon lord, and took that as the signal to let fire, so she notched her arrow, finding it harder to take aim on a moving creature while riding on one.

 

But her arrow hit true, hitting the connection between its spine and skull, and knocking it down instantly. Through some kind of unspoken agreement, Kagome jumped off and landed surprisingly well behind the downed creature as Sesshomaru leapt a few more bounds to secure its front, looking more worse for wear than he acted.

 

Kagome notched another arrow and kept aim at the demon, for some reason missing the warmth that Sesshomaru's fur gave her. Confused as what to do now, she voiced her question, but got no answer. Either he simply didn't care enough, or was unable to speak, as she'd never seen his mouth move…

 

Sesshomaru's acid-filled mouth enclosed around the demon's head giving it a shake before everything went still. Kagome's eyes widened as the creatures lungs seemed to fill up with some kind of liquid before the Taiyoukai tossed it away like a useless rag doll.

 

Her eyes showed clear confusion, “What was that about? I though you wanted him alive?”

 

He shook his head, coming closer and placing his muzzle on her arm, still outstretched from holding the bow. I did, I got what I wanted.

 

Kagome's eyes fluttered closed, the now-familiar vibrations his voice sent soothing her. “Can you only communicate through touch?”

 

Clever human.

 

“You don't have to be rude,” she protested.

 

I was giving a compliment. You should be grateful, I don't give them often.

 

“I have no doubt,” she concluded before her eyes took in his battle-beaten form. Large patches of fur were missing and his coat of was heavily matted in his own blood. Why hadn't she noticed it before? “Sesshomaru! You're hurt!”

 

They belonged to Naraku. He stated, completely ignoring her concern. That's all I was able to get out of him before he suffocated himself with his own skin. Disgusting creatures are smarter than I gave them credit for.

 

Still fussing over a nearby mass of black skin, she turned to look in his overly-large eyes, “Naraku's? I've never seen him use any demons like that before…”

 

Inuyasha did say the half-breed obtained the services of new species of demons.

 

“Right…” she turned back, removing her hand from his leg that held one of many wounds and severing their connection. “Well, we should head back. Not only because you need looking after, I also need to check up on Sango. And Kirara got hurt pretty badly as well…”

 

Sesshomaru watched as she began ticking off the list of things she needed to do when she got back, momentarily thinking of slaying her right then since he had his power back. But the words of his damn brother echoed in warning:

 

See, Sesshomaru? You're stuck with a leash in the hands of this human girl, sucks ass doesn't it? And guess what? There's nothing you can do about it. If she dies, you're power goes with her. How's that for motivation?

 

More than you'll ever know. He silently snapped to his brother, finally taking the few steps necessary to catch up with the girl. He pressed his front flank against her shoulder and sent his voice through their connection.

 

Get on, it'll be faster.

 

Kagome gave one last look at his most severe wound on his right leg before nodding her head and putting her bow across her chest. He crouched down to comply, and she clambered up with less grace than she had used in the battle, all the adrenaline drained from her system. She fisted the hair on his neck once again, and tightened her thighs around the front of his collar bone for more balance.

 

You should know this is the first time I've ever carried anyone, much less a human.

 

Kagome smiled warmly. “And this is the first time I've been carried by a demon in his true form.” She winked as he turned to look back at her, “So were even.”

 

Something flashed behind golden eyes, but was replaced quickly as he tuned around to start the walk back.

 

“Thank you for earlier.” Kagome said softly, happy to get that off her chest.

 

I was returning the favor. He answered after a time, feeling slightly weary and beginning to consider letting the human priestess treat his wounds when they got back. Besides, I can't have you dying on me until I get this necklace off. Any chance you'll remove it?”

 

“None whatsoever,” she chirped with less enthusiasm than normal, lying her head down on his neck and yawning. “Nice try though.”

 

She was greeted with silence, the demon lord still trying to get used to the feel of someone riding his back like he was some kind of horse. After a while his steps seemed to hit the ground harder as he grew wearier, You fought well today, Kagome. I'm impressed.

 

But the human girl barely heard the compliment, for she was fast asleep.

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Sango nervously paced back and forth as Miroku used Kagome's futuristic medicines to treat the miserably burnt Kirara. For the third time in ten minutes she smacked the poor monk upside the head before returning to the rut her continuous walking had beaten into the ground. The man in purple gave a sigh as he rubbed the back of his head, still not turning to face her.

 

“What was that one for?”

 

“For not going after them.”

 

Miroku rolled his eyes as he tightened the knot in one of the bandages wrapped around Kirara's foreleg. “You already hit me for that.”

 

“Then it's for stroking my ass when I woke up, perv.”

 

“You hit me for that one too-ouch,” he flinched as a nice-sized rock hit him in the back of the skull. This time he did turn around. “Hey that really hurt! What did I do?”

 

“For not letting me get my peace. Now shut up before I pummel you into the ground.”

 

The monk clucked his teeth before turning back to his work, knowing the only reason she was acting like a demon was because she feared what the one with Kagome would do to the young miko.

 

“She'll be fine; he can't hurt her you know.”

 

And for the fourth time, he was struck. “Of course he can, he just can't kill her.”

 

Deciding silence was less painful to the throbbing bruises on his head, he only nodded in agreement to appease her. She seemed satisfied enough, and returned to resume her vigil on the trampled earth.

 

Ah-Un raised their heads to the west, careful not to move their body and wake the two children sleeping against the warmth of their underbelly.

 

“What is it?” Sango asked, human eyes straining to see what the dragon could.

 

Un snorted and laid his head back on the ground, eyes fluttering closed. Ah on the other hand called out a throaty gurgle, excited to see his master's outline in the horizon.

 

Sango held her hand above her eyes to better block out the sunlight and finally caught a glimpse of what was working up the demons. “Oh my God, what the hell is that!?”

 

Alarmed, Miroku jumped to his staff as Kirara turned into her kitten form, curling up beside the children in hopes of sharing some of Ah-Un's warmth. Un cracked and eye at her, but did nothing as she settled against his side, drifting to sleep.

 

Miroku sighed in relief when he finally came to realize that the giant dog demon coming near them was Sesshomaru, and he quickly relieved Sango of her fears.

 

“God! He's huge.”

 

The monk nodded, he himself never having seen the demon lord in his true form before that evening. Though it would make since, as Sesshomaru was not foolish enough to transform with only three legs.

 

“And where's Kagome?”

 

That he didn't have and answer to. He could only wait until the demon lord's silhouette grew bigger and bigger until he reached them. The two humans noticed Kagome passed out on the demon lord's back and Sango immediately reverted to Mother Hen, commanding that Sesshomaru release her friend and fix what he had done to her.

 

Ignoring the demon slayer's antics, Sesshomaru turned instead towards to Kagome's limp body. Wake up, we are here.

 

When the girl did not respond he tried again, but to no avail. Finally giving up, he crouched low and threw his upper body into the air, sending the miko sailing skywards. Something akin to amusement sparkled in his eyes as the young woman awoke to find herself in midair, gravity eventually doing its job as she rocketed downwards, screaming bloody murder all the way.

 

But Sesshomaru was ready for her in his humanoid form, and easily caught her in both his hands and set her down before she knew what was happening. Dizzy, she grabbed his arm for support until she was sure of her surroundings.

 

Finally registering the worried faces scant few inches in front of her as belonging to Sango and Miroku, she let go of her “charge” and whirled on him. “What the heck was that for?”

 

A grunt was her reply, as he brushed past her to check up on Rin. “Do I not get an answer?” She yelled. The following silence prompted a low, “Jerk.” Before turning back to her friends.

 

“It's good to see you back up Sango.”

 

A small smile crept across they taijia's face, quickly turning into an angry smirk. “Thanks. Though the lecher's method of waking me was less than enjoyable.”

 

A giggle escaped the younger of the girls' lips, “Can't be any worse than mine.”

 

“True.”

 

“Excuse me.”

 

Two pair of eyes glared at the monk, trying to get in front of Sango to Kagome. “I do believe it's my turn to express my relief that Lady Kagome is safe.

 

“Don't even think about it, human.” Miroku's prowl was cut short by a clawed hand pressed firmly to his shoulder. “The miko is under my care now, and whatever my brother allowed you to do to her will not be tolerated under my watch. Understood?” He gave one last painful squeeze before turning to the pale form of the miko.

 

“Heal my wounds.” He commanded as the monk scrambled away to hide behind Sango.

 

“Of course.” Kagome said rolling her eyes, all thankfulness of his interference gone once he ordered her around like a slave. “Right this way, my Lord,”

 

“Watch your tone human.”

 

“Whatever you say, my Lord.” She drawled.

 

Fire lit behind Sesshomaru's eyes as he took a step closer towards her. Sango and Miroku were wide eyed behind her back, making a series of hand motions, including slicing their hands across their necks in an attempt to make him stop.

 

Unfortunately, he did not comprehend the human sign language for “cease”, and thus, did not stop in his pressing. “You will show me the proper respect here, human. Or did your air-filled head forget whom you are dealing with.”

 

“I think you're the one forgetting, my Lord.”

 

“Is that so?” he half snarled.

 

“Sure is. Here, sit down.”

 

---THUD—

 

Sango slapped her hand to her forehead, “Oh, crap,” she muttered. Miroku only nodded and continued backing away alongside her. “My bar of chocolate says Sesshomaru comes out of this victorious.” He offered.

 

“Throw in a week of your hands going nowhere near my person and you're on.”

 

“Two days.”

 

“Five.”

 

“Three.”

 

“Fine.”

 

“And if I win?”

 

“What do you want?” She asked carefully.

 

“A kiss.”

 

“….” Sango discreetly glanced to Kagome to gauge her ire, and was satisfied when the young woman looked ready to kill. “Okay. Deal.”

 

They shook on it, and both settled back to watch the fireworks fly as Sesshomaru peeled himself from the ground, nothing but crimson visible in his irises. Man this is gonna be cake. Miroku congratulated, his mind's eye already envisioning what he would turn that one kiss to…

 

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“Wow….”

 

“What, woman?”

 

“We made it through an entire session without interrupting.”

 

“I interrupted in the beginning.”

 

“That doesn't count.”

 

“I see.”

 

“…So what now? Do we continue?”

 

“For now we shall sleep. It is late.”

 

“So?”

 

“You require rest.”

 

“You're not my father.”

 

“I try not to force women into my bed. But I will make an exception if I have to.”

 

“Just try me, Mr.”

 

“Fine.”

 

“Eeep!”

 

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Angeltiger: And that ladies and gentlemen, is what you get after months of wait. I apologize profusely for not updating sooner, but I have currently immersed myself in the wonderful world of Final Fantasy XI.

 

Inuyasha: No kidding, it's like heroine.

 

Angeltiger: (red, dilated eyes) Now excuse me, I have to finish the last few paragraphs of Silence and update Real Roses Have Thorns, then I must get back to my White Mage duties! Talley-Ho!

 

Kagome: (slaps forehead)