InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Being Watched ❯ Being Watched: Chapter 9 ( Chapter 9 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

I do not own Inuyasha & Co.

Chapter 9

Everyone at the mansion resided at their planned posts, waiting for the minions to arrive. Koga was stationed within the mansion while Ginta and Hakkaku stood at the entrance on either side of Sesshomaru, the owner of the grounds. They heard a howl come from a distance off to the west—one of Koga's wolves stationed at the outskirts of the property, instructed to howl at any sign of the yakuza's arrival.

Kagome and Inuyasha sat in the dojo alone. Inuyasha gripped his Tetsusaiga when the howl hit his sensitive ears. Kagome looked to see his expression change. “What is it?”

“They're coming.” His brows scrunched in determination, as he listened for another indication.

Kagome's breath hitched in her throat. Inuyasha stood and stepped out into the hall. He motioned for Shippo to come into the dojo. Shippo walked in and sat before Kagome. Inuyasha sat beside Kagome, facing Shippo.

“Shippo, it's time. Remember, you have to stay high enough, and out of sight for them to think you're just a big bird flying high in the atmosphere.” Shippo nodded. Inuyasha turned to Kagome. “Do not fear, just hold on tight.”

“But what if a gust of wind blows her off kilter, that could spell disaster, Inu.”

“Good point.” He stood, and opened the supply cabinet in the back of the dojo. He found some rope, and lanyards to build a harness. “We'll build a harness. Shippo, you will need to have this rope around you. Transform.”

“In here?” He exclaimed.

“Yes, in here, I need to set up the harness, and secure Kagome to it. Plus, the sooner you get her up in the air before those jerks come, the better off we are.”

Shippo transformed into the bird. Inuyasha unraveled the rope and wrapped it around Shippo once, tied it securely, and then called Kagome over. He then sat her on his back, wrapped the rope around her torso three times, tied it securely, and used the excess rope to create a loop, to secure her to the rope around Shippo with the lanyard.

“Okay, take care of her, Shippo, I'm counting on you,” Inuyasha said.

“You got it.”

He stepped up to Kagome, lifted her chin and kissed her tenderly. “Don't worry about me, my love. I'll be fine.”

“I hope so. Inu, how will we know when the fight's over?” Kagome asked.

“I'll shoot Wind Scar into the air when it's safe to land,” Inuyasha replied. “Now, go,”

Shippo flew off into the air, a good breeze swept through Inuyasha's hair as the large wings flapped, sweeping them up out of the dojo and into the sky.

Inuyasha took a deep breath, and turned toward the front yard when Sesshomaru appeared before him and said, “It's time.”

Inuyasha nodded and exited the dojo. He stood in the doorway and watched as men in black suits, white shirts, black ties, and sunglasses appeared, one by one, through the tree line. Inuyasha stood his ground, his eyes watching each yakuza lackey enter the grounds. After about twenty men encircled the yard, a man Inuyasha did not recognize, appeared. He split the circle, and stepped forward toward the group of demons.

Sesshomaru stood before him, not moving an inch. His face as straight as usual. Inuyasha didn't move either, just looked through his eyes, causing the leader discomfort.

“You,” the man pointed, “You are Inuyasha, aren't you?”

“What of it?” Inuyasha barked.

“You are the one we have a beef with, not these other vermin. But before we kill you, where is Kagome?”

“Where you can't get at her.”

“In the trees, check them,” he sent the lackeys out to search the forest surrounding the mansion.

Inuyasha smirked as the men spread out and disappeared into the trees. “If you think they will find her, you're mistaken. We're not that stupid.”

“Doesn't matter. Once your head is on a pike, I will search the mansion, if she doesn't come running out after your carcass, that is.”

“You're barking up the wrong tree, ass wipe. I'm not human. I will wipe the ground with your sorry excuse for a human body,” Inuyasha challenged him.

Hiro observed him for a moment. “Your eyes; you have gold eyes. And your hair, a very unusual color. You're not from around here, are you?”

“You're mistaken, these are my family's lands, you insignificant human.”

“Insignificant, what?” His eyes went wide. “You're—you're not human?”

“Oh, I'm only half human, but what's it to ya?”

“I get it! No wonder why Toru hated seeing you with Kagome. You're dead for sure!” He shot his gun at Inuyasha.

“My name is Hiro Shirada, second in command of the Tokyo Yakuza. I have killed many men, and I'm damn near hard to wound.” He pulled out two shiny guns and cocked them simultaneously.

“Guns? Come on! Are you shitting me? You have no chance of wounding me with such weak weapons, jack ass!” Inuyasha pulled Tetsusaiga from its sheath. Bright light surrounded the blade as it transformed and grew to its true form.

“You talk big, but with my aim, you'll never even get close enough to leave a scratch with that ancient weapon,” Hiro said as he took aim at Inuyasha.

Inuyasha took his stantz and narrowed his eyes. Hiro smirked, and Inuyasha sneered, bearing his fangs. As they studied each other, a growl formed from deep within Inuyasha's chest, and grew in volume. Suddenly, he leapt into the air, and Hiro shot, missing him.

“Hard to hit a moving target, isn't it?” Inuyasha exclaimed as he let go of his wind scar.

Hiro jumped out of the way, just missing being hit by the energy blades shot from the sword's blade. A couple trees fell behind him as he took aim again, just missing Inuyasha, as he dodged the bullets in midair.

“You can't dodge my bullets forever!”

“You'll run out of bullets eventually, whereas I have unlimited supply of energy to shoot at ya!” Inuyasha swung again, just about slicing the man.

When Inuyasha landed, a bullet tore into his left arm. Inuyasha didn't react to the pinch of pain. He just dug his claws into the bloody wound, and backhanded blades of blood at Hiro. One blade of blood sliced through his torso on the right side, splattering blood onto the grass. Hiro doubled over in pain, his left hand over the wound.

Inuyasha walked up to Hiro, and lifted his bleeding arm. “This flesh wound didn't even itch me, but I was able to wound you enough to stop your aim. Give up now, while I'm willing to let you to live. Your gun can't harm me, so turn back now, and tell Toru that his daughter is safe, and sound, and out of his reach.”

“Why would you think I would accept mercy from the likes of you? I was told to kill you, and bring back Kagome. If I don't, I'm as good as dead anyway. So you must kill me, since it looks like you're not all talk after all,” Hiro made eye contact with Inuyasha and spit blood in his face.

Inuyasha slapped the blood from his face, and held his sword level with Hiro's nose. “I don't kill those weaker than myself. My brother, however, he's not the kind to give mercy to anyone, no matter who they are.”

Sesshomaru stepped forward and stopped between Hiro and Inuyasha.

Hiro smirked. “You defeat me? You're unarmed, and I have two guns. At least he has a sword to fight with. If you think you're going to kill me unarmed, you've got another thing coming. As soon as you kill me, the others will attack you at once, and they're all heavily armed, I assure you.”

“You obviously know nothing about my brother and me,” Sesshomaru said.

“What do you mean?”

“We don't necessarily need weapons to kill and survive a fight. Your bullets won't even itch,” Sesshomaru raised his right hand before him, his fingers sprawled out to attack.

Hiro took a shot at him. Sesshomaru blocked the bullet with his poison whip. The bullet ricocheted back and hit Hiro in the shoulder. He grunted in pain, his right hand covered the bleeding wound.

“My brother may be half human, half spirit. I, however, am all spirit, and my abilities are deadly. Shooting that gun at my little brother just signed your death warrant.”

“Shut up! Don't make me laugh!” Hiro cocked his gun, aiming it at Sesshomaru.

Sesshomaru didn't blink as the bullet shot free of the barrel.

“Sesshomaru!” Inuyasha shouted.

Sesshomaru's hand shot up and his whip deflected the bullet once again. “Your gun is useless. Give up, and go home.”

“No way!” Hiro pulled clips from a pocket in his jacket, re-armed his guns and began shooting again. None of the bullets reached their mark. Sesshomaru leaped up, and landed close to Hiro, clocking him with a right hook.

“You are pathetic,” Sesshomaru lifted Hiro off the ground by the neck. With the slightest twitch of his hand, Hiro's neck snapped, and the guns fell from his lifeless hands.

Suddenly, the other men jumped to action. Inuyasha blocked a couple bullets with his sword, and smacked the nearest yakuza member off his feet. Sesshomaru whipped each one of Toru's men with poison. Each mark left by the poison whip left a debilitating mark on their bodies, the poison eating away at their skin.

“Sesshomaru!” Inuyasha blocked a stray bullet from a sniper hiding in the woods. He stepped up and set his back to Sesshomaru's. “We need to fight these guys together. I know we never enjoyed fighting together, but if we're going to win this fight, it's a must.”

“It matters not how it's done. I am only here to get them off my land.” Sesshomaru cracked the knuckles on his hand.

Yakuza members attacked from all angles, with various weapons and others with guns from a distance. Inuyasha swung his sword in all directions, and released his wind scar to destroy their weapons. Sesshomaru cleaned house with his poisonous whip, and claws. The fight seemed never-ending.

Kagome and Shippo watched the fight from high up in the clouds.

“My god, this fight is getting ugly.” Kagome said.

“Eh, this is nothing.”

“How so, Shippo?”

“They've fought zombies before, this fight is ridiculous. Those humans will never outlast those two. They have ten times the energy those mere humans have. This fight won't last much longer, I assure you.”

Kagome continued to watch, holding on tightly as Shippo circled the sky above the mansion. As they'd hoped, none of the members thought to look up at the large bird circling.

“I wish there was something I could do to help Inuyasha.” Kagome said.

“No, don't even think of interfering. Inuyasha doesn't like it when his thunder is stolen. He's a loner when he fights. I've seen him and his brother bicker over fights before, it can turn ugly, no matter who is trying to help. The only people he never had a problem with were Kikyo, Sango and Miroku.”

“Why's that?”

“Because he found them worthy to fight at his side. Kikyo was a fierce priestess who needed no protecting. Sango had vast knowledge of how to take demons down, and Miroku's wind tunnel and strong spiritual powers were useful. You, however, you have no fighting spirit to speak of. On top of that, you're his lover, and as a dog would protect his owner, he would protect you at the cost of his life, if that's what it meant.”

“I see. I just wish there was a way to avoid this fight. He may say that he can handle it, but I don't like seeing him hurt over me.” Kagome lowered her gaze to Shippo's feathers.

“Like it or not, he's a warrior at heart, and this is how he shows how much he loves and cares for you—in the heat of battle.”

Kagome looked down upon the fight once again, watching Inuyasha's every move. He was graceful. He moved effortlessly amongst the humans. His legs swung above is head and he circled on one hand, kicking several guys away into the trees. He got back onto his feet, knocked another few unconscious, and tossed them off the property like they were dirty rags. Just seeing him fling them away like they were nothing made her smile. His sense of humor and raw fighting style showed her his true colors. Shippo was right. As a hermit, working on imagery on his computer, she never imagined him capable of such things. He seemed to be enjoying knocking them to a fro.

Before she knew it, she found herself shouting, “Get `em, Inuyasha!”

Inuyasha somehow heard her accolades, but didn't react. He refused to give away her location. Hearing her cheering him brought a smile to his face. She was watching the fight—watching him at his best, doing what he loves most, kicking ass, and taking names.

After Inuyasha whipped the last weakling into the forest, he turned to see Sesshomaru thrust his poisonous claws into the stomach of one of the un-named yakuza members. He cried out in pain.

“Where is your leader?” Sesshomaru asked him.

“He's—not—here—“

“That's not what I asked. Where can I find this leader of yours?” Before the man could answer, he coughed up a lot of blood and his head fell to the side.

“Sesshomaru, what are you doing?” Inuyasha ran to him and knelt beside the man he'd just killed.

“What, you care for this fodder?”

“No. If you wanted to know the location, you could have just asked me! You didn't have to torture this man!”

“Whatever. You should have told me before I tortured him. His death is your fault.”

“You bastard.” Inuyasha barked. He stood from the corpse and looked at his brother.

“This fight is over. If you want to go after the leader, he is downtown, in Tokyo. We'll get there once we take care of the men in the forest.” Inuyasha leapt off toward the trees and started knocking them unconscious.

“If you only knock them out, they will certainly come back for us!” Sesshomaru directed.

“Shut up! They just need to be shown they have no chance in hell against us!” Inuyasha hit a guy's hand so hard it broke.

“I never do as you tell me. They mean nothing to me, so death is all they will find.” Sesshomaru continued killing the men one after another.

At the sight of seeing Sesshomaru dismembering their comrades, the members started running off with their tails between their legs. Inuyasha turned and saw his brother covered in the blood of Toru's men. Their blood dripped from his claws, his arms, and splattered his clothes completely. Inuyasha looked away and clenched his teeth. He remembered what it felt like that time hundreds of years ago when he ripped a band of brigands to pieces when he lost control of his spirit blood. Seeing his brother unfazed by the blood encompassing him strained his spirit. He leapt off toward the mansion, focusing on shooting off the Wind Scar.

Kagome saw Inuyasha appear from the forest unscathed. He looked up, aimed the Wind Scar upward, sparking the victory. Shippo immediately descended. Upon landing, Inuyasha ripped the ropes and lifted Kagome off Shippo's back and into his arms.

“Kagome, I'm so glad you're safe.”

Inuyasha trembled as he held her to his body. She felt his anguish. His muscles taught, and quivering beneath his skin. She held him tightly and buried her face in his neck to kiss his skin. His skin was slick with salty sweat. His scent was of war. His clothes wet with the smell. Kagome didn't care. He needed her, and that was all that mattered. When Sesshomaru appeared from the tree-line, Kagome's eyes saw the blood. She gasped.

Shippo shook his head. “This is nothing new, Kagome. Sesshomaru has no remorse for killing, whether they be human, spirit or demon. Red becomes him, I assure you.”

She lifted her head from Inuyasha's shoulder and looked to see his eyes emotionally afflicted. “Inuyasha? Are you alright?”

“I will never kill as he does. I do not live to rip flesh from bone. I never liked the smell of human blood on my hands.”

“Then, where did the ones you attacked go?”

“They fled when they saw him rip their buddies to shreds. It was gruesome. I saw him rip the skin from one of them, and then dismember him. Just at that sight, the rest fled without thinking twice.”

Kagome gasped and buried her eyes into his shoulder. Inuyasha held her tighter, protecting her from the sight of his murderous brother. “Sesshomaru, if you ever do that to another human again, I will return that favor.”

“You do not have the strength to do something so vicious, little brother, admit it.” He walked off into the mansion to clean himself of the putrid human juices.

Inuyasha gathered Kagome into his arms and leapt off toward the vast forest. “Where are we going?” She asked.

“I need to be away from the mansion for a bit. I need you to help me calm down.”

She nodded and held on tight as he leapt from tree to tree, leaving the mansion grounds, and Shippo behind. Once he'd found a decent tall tree to settle in, he let her down onto the thick branch, and sat down beside her. The birds in the trees around them, and the breeze calmed them both. He closed his eyes and let his ears enjoy the calming sounds. The scents were sweeter, and his energy and heart began to calm. Kagome watched him silently as his face relaxed. He slid his hand to hers and held it tenderly. She looked down at his large hand encasing her small one. The grip was soft, needy, and warm. She looked at every visible line, and tender red spot, showing inflammation from hitting those men. His claws holding steadily, none broke.

She lifted her gaze back to his façade. The man beside her was so strong. He fought over twenty men, killing none, and suffering barely a scratch from their attacks. His principles were just as strong as his body. It was apparent that he lived best in the heat of battle, but his tender human side contradicted that, but in a balanced way. Never allowing himself to go too far, never harming for no reason, and just showing the opponent his strength without ruthlessness. The polar opposite of his older brother.

“Inuyasha, are you alright now?”

“Yes. I couldn't stand to be assaulted by the smell of human blood. It pains me.”

“Why's that, Inu?”

“Remember what I told you about my transformation? If I am cornered and in danger?” Kagome nodded. “What I didn't tell you is I slaughtered a band of human bandits terrorizing a village. As I slaughtered them, I laughed, enjoying every moment of spilling their blood. I didn't stop until Sesshomaru picked a fight with me, knocking me unconscious.”

“Oh, Inuyasha…” Tears welled up in Kagome's eyes when she saw the pain in his face.

“I refuse to go through that again. It took a while before the scent of the blood left my claws. Not only that, but their blood stained my clothes. Seeing Sesshomaru in that condition, was too close a reminder of that day.”

“I see…” Kagome put her left arm around his shoulder and leaned into him, giving him comfort. “You're a good man, Inuyasha. That is in your past, not your present. You did well today. Focus on that. We can stay away as long as you wish.”

Sesshomaru stepped from the bathroom, pristine, as if the carnage he dealt never happened. Koga and his comrades looked upon him with distaste. “Where is Inuyasha?”

“He and Kagome left into the forest about an hour ago. They haven't come back yet.” Koga replied.

Sesshomaru averted his gaze and took a seat on the other side of the pillar from Koga, staring off into the tree-line ahead. Silence fell over the small group. Shippo just sat, picking individual blades of grass, and compared them, out of boredom.

“Well, Sesshomaru, for someone who complains about Inuyasha tainting your land, you certainly did a number on it yourself. It reeks of human flesh and excrement from those you dismembered.” Koga complained.

“It was meant as a warning. If the scent, and carcasses are left as they are, they will no longer think to come around again.”

“Is that really your plan? You're not serious, are you?”

Sesshomaru just turned and glared at him. Koga stood, put his hands in his pockets and started walking from the front porch. “Come on, guys, we're outta here. I can't stand this stench.” Ginta and Hakkaku followed without question.

Shippo looked off into the forest where he last saw Inuyasha and Kagome fly off into. “I wonder when they will return.”

“When the stench is gone, that's when.”

“So, you're doing this to avert Inuyasha and Kagome as well?”

“Yes. That half-breed should never have brought Kagome here in the first place. It's his fault this land smells as it does.”

“No it isn't! It's your desire to be surrounded by carnage to keep others off `your' land! You're despicable!”

“Shut-up, pup. I don't take orders from anyone. If you don't like it, then you can leave as well. I don't want that human scum to tarnish this land again. As far as I am concerned, you're not even family, so you don't belong here either.”

Sesshomaru's piercing glare burned into his eyes. Shippo stood from the bald spot in the grass he'd created and walked off into the forest in search of Inuyasha and Kagome. Sesshomaru sat, watching the tree-line in silence, not a thought going through his mind as the wind blew his long, silver hair about his shoulders.

As Shippo got further into the forest, Inuyasha's scent grew stronger. He continued on, complaining to himself about the arrogance he'd just dealt with. Sesshomaru never changed, and it was apparent that he never planned to. Life meant nothing to the spirit lord, especially after Rin died centuries ago. Rin was the only person who brought out what little humanity his soul had within. He struck Shippo as someone who felt nothing but angst, and negativity. Shippo was more uplifting, sweet, kind and felt for others. He was a spirit of action, one who did everything in his power to help others to succeed. Sesshomaru was one to knock down and destroy any kind of faith one could ever have to survive adversity.

Finally, after some time of continuing into the thick of the forest, he heard Inuyasha's voice. He was talking with Kagome up in a tall tree. Shippo stopped and looked up into the foliage.

“So, what do you think we should do?” Kagome asked.

“I don't know. I didn't expect Sesshomaru to kill as he did. I think we should just go back to the Ryokan, for now, at least.”

“I couldn't tell you what my father will do next, since the ones that fled returned with their tails between their legs. I don't want you to get hurt over me, Inuyasha.”

“You never listen, do you?” Shippo gasped at his tone. “I told you, I'm not afraid, and you shouldn't be either! You saw the fight. You saw what I'm capable of. No one is suited to protect you, but me. I will protect you, whether you fear my fighting, or not. You, Kagome, are now my life!”

The air thickened, and leaves fell from above.

“Kagome, I love you. I will not stop fighting for you until this is all over. Until you are safe.”

“Inuyasha…” Silence fell down to Shippo.

His cheeks went red as the branch creaked up above. He then turned around, and walked some distance away to give them privacy as they kissed. He felt lonely, but he stayed close until he knew Inuyasha and Kagome needed him again. Not only that, but he wanted to make sure he was close enough that Inuyasha could catch his scent, to know he was close by, but not too close. He sat under a tree some distance away from the one Inuyasha and Kagome settled in, and closed his eyes. He concentrated on the breeze as it rustled through the canopy above. The creaking of the thinner trees around his brought him comfort.

Sometime later, Inuyasha and Kagome descended from their high perch and landed before Shippo. Inuyasha had a relaxed look in his eyes, but his mouth was firm as usual.

“You done?” Shippo asked.

“Tsch…Done with what?”

“Don't play dumb, I waited here until you finished. You two are so predictable. Is that all you do, you hound dog?”

Inuyasha smacked Shippo upside the head. “Shut up! Let's head back to get our things. We're going back to the Ryokan.” He scooped Kagome up into his arms again and leapt off toward the mansion.

Shippo rubbed his head, and leapt off after them. When they arrived back at the mansion, Inuyasha covered his nose from the stench. Kagome entered the mansion, barely fazed by the smell. She gathered their belongings into a bag. Shippo held his nose closed while he made sure she left nothing behind. Once she was finished, they left quickly. Far enough away from the stench, Inuyasha let Kagome down, and they walked the rest of the way to the Ryokan.

When they arrived, Kagome and Inuyasha entered their room, and shut the door after Shippo entered the doorway. Kagome suggested Inuyasha shower and go into the hot spring to relax, and tend to his wounds. He left to shower, and then returned a few minutes later dressed in only a yukata. He disrobed, stepped out into the private back area, and slid the door shut.

As Inuyasha settled into the hot, soothing water, his muscles relaxed, and his mind kicked in. He had to be realistic. Even the Ryokan was not safe. If the yakuza network was as strong as Koga mentioned, they already knew where they are. His eyes unfocused as the steam continually rose, surrounding his body, clouding his vision. The options were getting slim.

“Shippo.” He called out.

“Yeah?” Shippo stuck his head out through the cracked door.

“Do you know any safe areas we can go the yakuza would know nothing about?”

“Well, aside from hiding in the mountains, not really.”

“Damn it.”

Shippo left the room, and slid the door shut behind him. “Inuyasha, you're running out of options. Maybe you should just go there to her father and stand up to him alone.”

“You know how foolhardy an option that is. It could lead to a brawl, and ultimately his death. I don't want to put Kagome through that.”

“But think about it, Inuyasha. He's just going to continue to terrorize Kagome, whether you fight him or not. I think you should try to negotiate with him, or fight him to show you are worthy of his daughter.”

“That thought will never happen. I am what I am. The only way I could ever be worth his daughter in his eyes is if I were someone else, not me. Whenever prejudice is in the question, that person will never let someone like me win. He will do everything in his power to kill me, not accept me. I'm trying to find a way to keep her safe without violent ends.”

“Yeah, like that's possible, Inuyasha. If what you're saying is true, you may have to do what you have decided to never do again.”

“That is out of the question, Shippo. I will never kill again.”

“You might just have to. He may push you to do so.”

“No. I will not prove I'm worth her in that way.”

“Then do your best to scare the shit out of him. Revert to your spirit nature, and let him know what you're capable of, should he test you.”

“No! You know what that would mean!”

“Yes, I do! Let him hurt you! Let him hurt you, and not her!”

Inuyasha couldn't get any words to form in his clenched mouth. Shippo was right. He needed to save Kagome from pain. He must endure the pain so she could be safe. He closed his eyes, and turned away from Shippo.

“I must push myself just far enough to lose control, but not fully. Do you know how fine a line that is, Shippo?”

“Yes, I do. I've seen you suffer. I've seen you lose yourself. But I've also seen you regain yourself in the thick of it too. I know you can do it. You must show him that you are worth more than any yakuza scum of a human could ever be. You need to show him who and what she chose over those he chose for her, and that it's not worth pursuing her any further. Only you can do that, Inuyasha. Trust in yourself. You are far more capable of doing this than you think.”

“Thank you, Shippo. Go ahead inside, I'll be right in.”

Once the door slid open and shut again, Inuyasha stood from the pool of hot water and grabbed the towel from the nearby stone. He wrapped it around his torso and entered the room. Kagome looked up at him with a cup of green tea in her hands.

“Kagome, I think it's time I prove to your father that I am the only one for you.”

“What?”

“I will go win your hand, Kagome. Shippo, you stay with Kagome. Protect her with your life.” Shippo nodded.

“But Inuyasha, this is dangerous! I couldn't possibly ask you to-“

“You aren't asking me, I'm doing this on my own accord. No more need to be slaughtered because you and I are in love.”

He knelt down behind the short, decorated partition in the corner, and dropped the wet towel to the floor. “He will not stop until I prove to him that his efforts are futile. Only I can do that.”

“Inuyasha, that's suicide!”

He stood fully clothed and turned to look on her with a look of determination on his face. “I will do whatever it takes to win your hand. Even by force if that is what it takes.”

She couldn't peel her eyes away from his. His heart spoke to her soul. There was no turning back for him now. A tear fell from her left eye.

Inuyasha knelt before her and wiped the tear from her left cheek with his thumb. “No need to cry, my Kagome. I will come back alive, I promise.”

“Th-that's not what-“

“What is it?”

“I may not love my father, but I don't want him to die either.”

“I will do everything in my power to do this peacefully. I don't want to kill your father. If he dies, it will be on him, not me.”

She nodded as another tear cascaded down her soft cheek. Inuyasha kissed that one away, tasting the salty liquid on his tongue. “I will hold that tear in my heart to keep my promise.”

He left the room quietly. Kagome's hands covered her eyes and she broke down. Shippo moved beside her and held her in his arms. Inuyasha heard her cries, and smelled her tears as he exited the Ryokan. He leapt off toward Tokyo alone.