InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Captive Soul ❯ chapter 36 ( Chapter 36 )

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or any of it's characters

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chapter 36: Small world

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While sliding into the booth across from Inuyasha, Kagome accepted the menu from the waiter who had shown them to their seats. She placed the plastic coated paper flat on the table in front of her, opened it, then began scanning the various dishes to choose from.

The waiter politely asked what they would like to drink.

"I'll have water, please." Kagome replied as she looked up from her menu.

Inuyasha glanced up at the waiter. "Beer."

The waiter gave a nod then left.

Kagome went back to the list on the menu. "I think I will have the chefs salad."

Inuyasha looked up from his menu. "Eating light?"

She nodded. "Yeah. I need to. It will help me stay focused for tomorrow."

"Yeah, Kagome, I was wanting to ask you about that." He queried, his tone becoming serious.

"Yes, what about it?"

"What do you think might happen when Rin removes Sesshomaru's collar?"

Kagome shrugged. "I am not entirely sure. I am hoping the restraint will simply break under the releasing spell without any incident."

His brow furrowed in concern. "But what can happen...what I mean is..what's the worst that can happen?"

Letting out a solid breath, Kagome slid her menu to the side and folded her arms on the table's surface. "Honestly, the worst that could happen, even though highly unlikely, is that there would be a discharge of power when the restraint breaks. This discharge could be the result of how powerful the restraining spell is or from the pent up youkai energy the collar has absorbed over the past five hundred years. All that energy, at such a powerful release, would harm a human in its path."

Inuyasha gave a solemn nod. "Rin would be the closest."

Kagome conceded in earnest. "Correct. The escaping energy from such a blast would throw Rin back but I don't think it would be fatal. Rin would just get badly hurt. Since I am a miko, my inner strength will protect me. Sesshomaru is a full-blooded youkai. He has defenses, but Rin is merely human. The only safeguards I can give her are the Shikon no Tama and the protection spell against spiritual curses."

"But you said the blast of energy is highly unlikely, right?"

With a single nod, she replied. "The worst is purely speculation on my part. I had to think of all the possibilities before I informed Rin of the releasing spell. After Kaede told me what kind of restraint it was, I also had to think about the pent up energy that might be a factor and the curse associated with that particular restraint. I have witnessed as well as participated in a few other removals before. Nothing happened in those cases. Considering the safety measures I have taken, I think we are prepared for the worst, if that comes to pass."

The hanyou closed his menu and slid it to the side. "You are very confident, Kagome." He smiled a little. "How long have you been a miko?"

Kagome smiled. "I have been a miko for six years. I trained from age eight to fifteen with Kaede, my mentor and teacher. At fifteen, I completed my training and was given full miko status."

His features lightened in surprise. "That sounds young."

"Yes, I was the youngest fully trained miko in our history, but Kaede had much faith in me. She said I had the inner light and my powers were enhanced by my natural ability to easily control the magnitude of spiritual energy contained in my soul."

Inuyasha folded his arms on the table's surface, leaning forward a touch, his tone, curious. "So, you have complete control over all your powers?"

Kagome answered matter of factly, "Yes. If I didn't, we would not be able to remain in each other's presence for very long. If I were not fully trained, I could accidentally hurt you or purify you. An untrained miko, especially one that has vast inner power, could be a danger for a hanyou or a youkai."

Gold eyes that had been watching intently now darkened, falling to the table between them. He seemed about to speak when the waiter approached with their drinks and asked for their order.

Inuyasha blinked once before glancing at the male standing beside their table. "I'll have the ribeye steak, rare."

Kagome told the waiter her order.

After the waiter had left, Kagome sipped some of her water while watching Inuyasha pop the top off his bottle with one of his very sharp claws. That sullen hint in his expression had returned. "Inuyasha?"

He took a drink before placing the bottle back on the table, eyeing the misty top while tracing the rim with the point of his forefinger nail. "Yea?"

"Is something wrong?"

With a halfhearted smile, he glanced at her. "I'm sorry, Kagome. I guess I have a lot on my mind." His contemplation fell again to the bottle he held, tilting it back and forth. "All this with my half brother...along with...other things."

"Want to talk about it?"

He set the bottle upright. The dark honeyed gaze came up to lock with hers. "You resemble someone I know."

"Really? Who?"

His eyes searched for a moment before he replied. "A woman named Kikyo."

At this, Kagome grimaced slightly.

The hanyou furrowed his brow, obviously catching her reaction. His voice lowered, asking within a statement. "You know her...don't you, Kagome."

Relinquishing a tired sigh, Kagome nodded. "Yes, I know Kikyo. She is my cousin."

Inuyasha winced at her admission. "Do you...see her...often?"

Kagome looked away, unconsciously seeking a diversion to the pain she saw within his question. "She was in town for about a week, staying at my house, but left early Sunday morning to go back home. I see her about once or twice a year."

Unable to shake the somber feeling, Kagome masked her sudden unease, switching her gaze back to him. "How do you know her?"

For some reason, she was inwardly hoping that Kikyo was not an old girlfriend or more importantly, a present one.

Leaning back, Inuyasha grabbed his bottle and took another drink of his beer, then set the bottle back on the table with a sigh. "She is an old...acquaintance."

She dared to ask, "Girlfriend?"

For an instant, despair quivered in the amber depths before his gaze dropped to the tables surface. "Yes, we were in a relationship... that ended several months ago."

Why her heart sunk at this knowledge, she did not know, but the odd feeling persuaded her to venture another personal question. "Do you still have feelings for her?" Immediately, she regretted the intimate query for his countenance drooped along with his furry white ears.

He did not speak for several moments, a silent battle of reluctance seemingly hindering his reply. "In a way...yes."

Leaning forward, he reached a clawed hand across the table, absently playing with the sugar packets. His tone became wistful, reflective. "I...cared for Kikyo...very much but...we were not meant...to be."

Concern now plagued her heart. Kagome wanted to know why so much sorrow filled his soul, but she did not want to push him. Even now, he appeared to be closing in, withdrawing from her.

Reaching out, she touched his hand, bringing him back. "Hey, I'm sorry, I was being nosey."

His demeanor lightened with a faint smile. "You are easy to talk to."

Heat warmed her cheeks, rendering her almost speechless under his sincerity. "I..uh..."

Thankfully, the nervous moment was interrupted by the waiter bringing the food. After the waiter had left, Kagome reached for the salt, unintentionally brushing up against his hand which had been reaching for the same thing. Again, Kagome felt her face warm up as she withdrew her hand. She smiled shyly. "Uh, sorry."

He grinned, pink tinting his cheeks as he picked up the shaker and handed it to her. "Here."

Kagome accepted the salt. "Thanks." She used it then handed it back. This time, their fingers touched, sending a delicate shock up her arm, causing her to drop the shaker. "Ooops."

Inuyasha laughed while picking up the fallen salt shaker. "Butterfingers."

Giving the silver-haired hanyou a good-natured glare, Kagome proceeded to pick up her fork. "So, you work for the government?"

While slicing into the meat on his plate, he shook his head. "Not exactly, I am a free-lance private investigator."

Kagome watched Inuyasha sink his canines into a large piece of steak. "Free-lance?"

Swallowing the bite, he replied. "I was fully trained by one of the government agencies in this country. My training centered on current methods of investigation. I worked for several years in the government before going out on my own. They call me back from time to time and request my help in certain cases involving dangerous youkai. Mostly I do private work such as finding lost information, items or missing people, human, hanyou, or youkai."

"Do you enjoy your work?"

"Yea, especially when I find lost children."

After taking a bite of salad, Kagome thoughtfully chewed before drinking some of her water. Placing her glass back on the table, she asked, "Have you ever...not found a child?"

He shook his head. "No, I have always been fortunate to get the assignment early enough and find the child before something bad happens to them."

Kagome was impressed. "You must be very good."

With a shrug, Inuyasha cut another piece of meat. "I try my best."

Inwardly smiling at his modesty, Kagome let curiosity compel her to inquire about another subject. "Where are you from?"

He answered before bringing the fork to his mouth. "I am from a country in the far east, a little island that is part of the eastern provinces, but it's been a while since I've been home."

"Do you miss it?"

"Sometimes. I was raised in what is called 'The Westernlands', basically the western part of the country. My father reigns over The West. He is the sovereign ruler, has been for the last fifteen hundred years. It is one of the most peaceful lands in the country. After the warring era, my father brought a new age of prosperity where human and youkai co-exist in harmony."

Realization hit, unexpectedly bringing about a harsh cough as she tried to swallow her food. After clearing her throat with a drink of water, Kagome set the glass down and blinked at the hanyou sitting across from her. "So...that means...you are...a...prince?" She knew he was probably royalty from what her father had asked Sesshomaru at the family dinner but this was a little more than...royalty, the hanyou was a direct heir to a Lordship.

Inuyasha seemed oblivious to her astonishment as he offhandedly shrugged. "Huh? Oh, Yea, I guess you could say my brother and I are.." He raised his hands, bending his index and middle fingers in a quotation gesture, emphasizing the word. "...Princes."

Dropping his hands, he grabbed the beer, taking another drink. "Father has been trying to get me to claim the thronr so he can step down, but I have been dodging it. Too much responsibility. I like the way I am, free to help people and roam. Guess you could call me a 'free spirit'."

He set the bottle down. "Now that my brother has been found, I'm off the hook. Sesshomaru can take over Father's position as Lord of the Westernlands. I think my brother is more suited to the role anyway. He always has been a pompous, self-important, arrogant..."

Kagome frowned as Inuyasha tapered off. "Sesshomaru has changed, Inuyasha. You know this."

Inuyasha sighed. "Yea...he has." With a grimace, he leaned back, dropping his fork. "I should have been able to find him, Kagome. Whatever it takes, I will protect him now. I have to... for Father."

As Kagome listened to the old wound in Inuyasha's voice, a brief scene of Kikyo and Sesshomaru flashed through her thoughts. Kikyo, Inuyasha's old love, had tried to hurt Sesshomaru in more ways than one. Inuyasha did not know this. If he knew, would it cause him more pain? Yes. It would. Telling Inuyasha would do more harm than good. Plus, she had sent Kikyo packing, making sure her cousin could do no more harm to Sesshomaru. In a way, she had protected the inu youkai...for Inuyasha.

It was getting gloomy at the table. Inuyasha appeared to be brooding, staring at his empty plate.

With a soft smile, she reached over the table to him, nudging his arm. "Hey."

Furry white dog ears swiveled in her direction before his eyes followed their lead. "Mmmm?"

"Wanna go see a movie? My treat. How about something funny, a comedy?"

The amber in his gaze softened as he smiled. "Hey, you're my date. I'll be paying the tab."

Grinning, Kagome shook her head. "As you wish, Inuyasha."

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An early summer breeze swung them back and forth as they lay cradled together within the soft cottony mesh of the hammock. It was evening and she had spent most of the late afternoon with housework while Sesshomaru strolled in the garden. Now she lay with him, eyes closed, listening to the tinkle of wind chimes and the hushed chirp of crickets which seemed to echo in lulling rhythm with the beat of his heart and the low whispers of his breathing. Every once in a while she could hear a distinct rumble in his chest. She smiled to herself wondering if he was snoring. To her, it kind of sounded like a low canine rumbling grunt, one a dog makes when you rub its stomach. Her smile edged into a playful sneaky grin as she began rubbing circles on his abdomen. Rin almost giggled when she heard the noise again, but the sound was short lived for it abruptly stopped.

His voice, thick and somewhat drowsy, chided in a question. "Rin, what are you doing?"

She couldn't help but let out a small giggle then replied with mock innocence. "Me? Whatever do you mean?"

"You are...rubbing me. I can tell by your scent that you are...messing, as you call it."

Rin continued the motion, her grin almost straining her cheeks. "Do you want me to stop?"

From deep inside his chest, she heard him take in a long breath, the silence of a fathomed sigh. He remained quiet, not answering her question. Maybe he did like it, but Rin knew he would never admit it. So, she continued the simple motion but in a slow languid movement. Sighing in contentment, she snuggled closer. Soon, a late cool wind brushed along her thighs. Somewhere in her drowsy thoughts, Rin could sense night approaching.

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The sun set, allowing shadow to creep into the garden surrounding them, but it was not a lonely darkness that invaded the serenity. No. Sunlight had faded to an enshrouding twilight, a starlit embrace, one that held them together under the twinkling pinpoints of light. He gazed up to the vastness of nights beauty as Rin's warm breath evened out. This had been the first place Rin had lied close to him. Sesshomaru allowed the faintest hint of a smile. She was so innocent, so pure. Her purity of heart had helped heal him, strengthen his spirit. It was a strength he had lost long ago to....her.

Sesshomaru blinked once, veering away from the painful memory. In a way, he had beaten her, he had survived. No longer would that woman torture his memories, and after tomorrow, no longer would the witch's curse torment him. He would be free.

The moon began to rise. Finding the night breeze too cool for the young woman in his arms, Sesshomaru slid out from under her and out of the hammock. While still asleep, Rin protested with a low whine. Gathering her sleeping form, he carried her to the house, up the metal steps of the balcony, and through the windowed door of her room. Gently, he laid her down on her bed. Instinctively, she reached for the pillow and hugged it close then fell into a deeper slumber. For a long moment, he watched her breathe, wanting very much to lie next to her, but he refrained. No. Tonight, he would sleep in his room, in his bed, alone. This would be the last night of his servitude. It was the end and Rin would not be a part of it. She was his beginning. Tomorrow, he would begin to live again, with her.

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Kagome slammed her hand down on the alarm clock. She sat up groggily, looking around in a daze before she glanced at the time. The digital clock read eight a.m.. For several minutes, she sat there, thinking about what she needed to do. Inuyasha said he would be coming by at ten to pick her up. He had offered to take her to Rin's house this morning. After stumbling out of bed, Kagome headed out of her room and to the bathroom across the hallway. She needed a good hot shower.

---------------------------------------------------------------- -----The doorbell rang just as she had finished gathering everything that she would need and placing the items in a large leather bound bag.

Kagome went to the front door then grasped the brass knob. She opened the door, ready to greet the expected visitor, but the 'good morning' stuck in her throat as she froze, startled by the sight on her doorstep.

There Inuyasha stood, dressed in ancient attire, a bright red outer jacket and white inner shirt, along with billowy red pants. She shut her mouth, realizing she had been gaping. Early morning sunlight highlighted his silvery white hair. His gold eyes widened as he blinked back at her, looking her up and down. "Kagome?"

Suddenly, she realized what he was staring at. Kagome shook out of her amazement, gesturing with her hand to what she was wearing. "These are ancient miko's robes. We wear them when we have important gatherings or when we perform sacred rites. I figured it would help me concentrate on my spiritual powers if I wore them." She smiled, blatantly looking him up and down. "What's your excuse?"

At first, he seemed to have not heard the question but then blinked out of his daze. "Huh? Oh, uh..." He glanced down at what he was wearing before looking back. "....this is my fire rat robe. It protects me in several ways. I thought it would be a good idea to wear it. Just in case."

Kagome raised a brow. "One thing is for sure. If we stop anywhere before we get to Rin's house, we will be getting quite a few weird looks." she waved for him to come inside. "Come on, I have some things that you can carry for me."

Inuyasha followed her inside. She gestured to the items on the coffee table and couch, her large leather satchel and three heavy leather bound books. "This is it."

He nodded once before grabbing everything and heading out to the car.

Kagome shouldered her quiver and arrows, picked up her purse then walked out the door, locking it behind her.

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