InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Daybreak ❯ Spider Thread ( Chapter 10 )

A/N: Big thank you to Lunabell for your lovely review and to Feulner for your wonderful encouragement- and breaking the 40 review/comment mark! (I hope photoshop is treating you well!)

 

So yeah, the computer is fixed! Thankfully it wasn't a virus or anything burning (thanks for all the advice, though, Feulner). Turns out, the problem was actually Spybot! I downloaded it and my computer went into something called a `Boot Loop'. I'm not much of a techie so it was kind of scary! Usually, people don't have trouble with Spybot, but if any of you are thinking of downloading it, just be very careful. Anyway, it's all good now, so on with the story!

 

More Japanese lessons: itachi = weasel

hebi = snake

 

Don't own Inuyasha.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 10- Spider Thread

 

 

A horrific scream erupted from the stillness of the rocky mountain ranges. Naraku smirked as his victim slumped against the wide trunk of an ancient tree. The dark hanyou flexed one of his tentacles, lodged deep within the creature's shoulder. It cried out again, blood flowing from the wound.

 

“Oh my. I'm sorry, Itachi-sama,” said Naraku, a dangerous chuckle passing through his lips. “My temper seems to get the better of me when my patience is tested.”

 

The little weasel youkai looked up with pained eyes at his attacker. “P-please! I don't know anything!” he stuttered.

 

Naraku lightly shook his head. “Itachi-sama, you are the sneakiest weasel youkai in existence. Your hundreds of years of life have created quite the reputation for you.” Naraku twisted the tentacle in the itachi's shoulder, receiving a whimper in return. “Every wise youkai knows that you have all the gossip of the demon kingdom. It's what your kind does, isn't it? Gather all the information you can, so you can use it against anyone for anything? How very sneaky…”

 

“B-but, I told you. I d-don't know anything about that!” the weasel wailed. Naraku knelt down to stare directly at the pathetic creature, the smile now completely gone. The little youkai gulped at the dark expression on the hanyou's face.

 

“You know all there is to know about youkai dealings, so surely you know what happens to those who cross me…” he said in a low voice.

 

The weasel sobbed before taking in a shuddering breath. “Housenki,” he squeaked. “The jewel wizard, has gone into hiding. He's staying with-”

 

“I'm not interested in the jewel making youkai,” hissed Naraku. “I want to know about the time pearls. Is it true there is only one left?”

 

The itachi nodded his head furiously. “Yes, yes! From what I have heard, all the others were used up!”

 

Naraku continued to stare at the weasel as the painfully thick silence dragged on. His victim was now violently trembling.

 

“And?” he asked, a sharp edge in his voice. The weasel widened his eyes in fear and launched into hysteric chattering.

 

“They say there is only one left because Housenki's father, Housenki senior, used them all up and they take you to the past and someone told me they take you back as far as their size allows and for a certain amount of time and you can't touch one without being sent back but they say humans aren't affected by the youkai magic but it doesn't matter anyway because no one knows where it is-!”

 

He was cut off by Naraku pushing his tentacle into the creatures shoulder a little more. He let out a strangled cry.

 

“Oh God!! I swear I don't know where it is!! It's been missing for fifty years!!! Housenki threw it away because he couldn't destroy it!”

 

“What was that about humans not being able to use the pearl?” demanded Naraku in a strangely calm voice. The weasel sobbed a couple more times, sweat dripping down the side of his face. He finally spoke again.

 

“Only youkai have used the pearls to travel back in time,” he whimpered. “I heard that humans can't use the youkai magic stored inside the pearl. So they can touch them. But Housenki junior didn't say anything about it…”

 

Naraku's eyes flashed victoriously as the side of his lips curved up. “And pray, tell,” he began smugly. “Where was the last place anyone saw the time pearl?”

 

“He said… he said he threw it away in some old abandoned ruins. No one goes there. Humans or youkai. That's all I heard…” he whispered, shuddering.

 

Naraku continued staring at the creature for a moment before breaking into a wide smile. “Thank you so much for the information, Itachi-sama,” he grinned as he yanked his tentacle out of the weasel's shoulder.

 

His victim shrieked and collapsed to the ground, his clawed hand covering the bleeding. Naraku chuckled softly.

 

“You are lucky you are so useful,” he said sinisterly. “Otherwise your life would have ended the second you refused my generous offer. But I'm glad you saw the light in the end.”

 

He stood up, his shoulders squared as he looked down in triumph at the sobbing mess. “That will do for today,” he smiled as he turned away.

 

“T-that's all?” shuddered the youkai. Naraku stared at him out of the corner of his eye before looking up at the sky. A swarm of poisonous wasps descended around him as he began to float off the ground.

 

“Itachi-sama,” he said mockingly. “Do be careful in the future. A weasel is not the only thing that has tricks up its sleeves…”

 

The weasel youkai watched through his tear streaked eyes as the evil hanyou disappeared over the tree tops and out of sight.

 

 

*****

 

 

“Inuyasha,” called Miroku over the wind. “Are you sure this is Onigumo's trap?”

 

“Keh! Isn't it obvious?” Inuyasha spat. “The mangy wolf told us he could smell him not too far from here! I'll bet he was keeping an eye on us, waiting for a good opportunity to strike!”

 

He tightened his grip on Kagome's legs as he leapt onto a high tree branch and pushed off to land on the other side of a river. The giant Kirara caught up with the red blur before their conversation continued.

 

“But how is this a good opportunity?” asked Sango loudly. “He's completely lost the element of surprise!”

 

“That's how he is!” yelled back Inuyasha. “He seems to like big shows! Likes to go straight into a battle head first!”

 

“That reminds me of someone I know,” said Miroku quietly to Shippou.

 

“Hey!” shouted the hanyou.

 

“But then, is this such a good idea? We know it's a trap so why are we risking Kagome-chan by heading straight into the danger?” cried Sango.

 

Inuyasha came to a stop at the top of the hill, directly looking down at the smouldering village, not two hundred metres away. The smell of smoke was stronger; thick black clouds continued to rise from burning huts and barns as orange flames licked at the left over debris. Kagome couldn't help but feel a sick feeling squirming in her stomach as she gazed at the destruction through the trees. She felt Inuyasha let go of her thighs and place her gently on the ground.

 

“We're not,” he said, finally answering Sango's question.

 

Kagome stared at him. “What?!”

 

“You're staying here, Kagome. With Shippou, Sango and Kirara. Miroku and I are going down there.”

 

He didn't look at her. Kagome felt her eyebrows pinch together. “That's not fair, Inuyasha! He's after me-”

 

“And that's exactly why you're staying here!” he yelled. Kagome raised her arms to argue.

 

“Don't be stupid and reckless like always, Inuyasha! You might need me!” Stopping herself, Kagome sighed and relaxed her shoulders. She hadn't realised how tense she had become. “Please! I promise I'll keep out of your way!”

 

“I'll protect Kagome!” said a determined Shippou, his little fist clenched.

 

“Keh! I don't need anyone!” the hanyou said, folding his arms. “You're staying here, so you don't distract me by having to save you all the time!”

 

“Inuyasha…” said Kagome, slightly surprised by his words. It was so strange he wanted her away from him now. The past few days he hadn't left her side and now he wanted to leave her by herself? Well, Sango, Shippou and Kirara would be there, but Inuyasha wouldn't! They would protect her, but what about him?

 

Inuyasha's shoulders slumped a little as he caught her eyes. A lump caught in her throat when she saw the sincere intense molten gaze she had grown to love. “We gotta keep you away from him. This is the best way to protect you.”

 

As he continued to look at her, Kagome was suddenly reminded of the intimate moment they had shared in the clearing a few minutes ago. Kagome felt her face flush pink and quickly looked away, praying her heart would slow the heck down. She couldn't think about that. Not yet, with these circumstances.

 

“I'll admit I'm not crazy about having Kagome-sama within Onigumo's sights,” said Miroku carefully. “But what if this is to separate us? To us lured down there while he actually takes Kagome, hiding in the hills. It wouldn't be the first time we've been aware of the danger and still fallen for their trap.”

 

Kirara growled. Sango patted the little cat seated on her shoulder. “What's wrong, Kirara?” she crooned.

 

Inuyasha, sensing something wrong sniffed the air and recoiled as the cat transformed and faced the wood away from the village.

 

“She can smell them,” said Inuyasha grimacing.

 

“What?” asked Kagome.

 

Inuyasha stared in the direction Kirara was looking. Her fur was on end as she hissed into the forest. Everyone stood motionless. Silent. The only sound came from the furious spiting of the fire cat. The side of Inuyasha's mouth twitched.

 

“Hebi youkai,” he rumbled.

 

“Onigumo's snake demons?” Miroku exclaimed.

 

“Yeah. We're surrounded.”

 

Kagome glanced around the still woods trying to find some movement to indicate their presence, although she knew she probably wouldn't be able to see them. The silence was eerie. Almost as if it were too loud.

 

“So he doesn't want us to be separated!” shivered Shippou, cowering into Kagome's legs. “He wants us all down there, doesn't he?”

 

Kagome picked up the little fox and held him tightly, stepping in closer to Inuyasha. At least he couldn't argue now. She would be coming with him no matter what. If he left her here with Sango, they would eventually be pushed down into the village from the snake youkai surrounding them anyway. Despite it being what she wanted, Kagome couldn't feel happy about this. She gasped in realisation.

 

“He's already got us in his trap, doesn't he?” she whispered.

 

Miroku clenched his staff and spoke. “Everybody, take one step back towards the village. See what happens.”

 

They took a step. Inuyasha's upper lip curled back in a silent growl.

 

“They moved with us,” he said.

 

“So they are drawing us to the village,” said Miroku grimly.

 

“Houshi-sama!” cried Sango in revelation. “An ofuda! We can create a barrier to protect Kagome-chan from the youkai!”

 

Miroku shook his head in frustration. “No, I have run out of ink and parchment. Ironically enough, I was hoping to replenish my supplies at this next town… They've indeed been watching us, to find us so unprepared…” He took out a small beaded bracelet. “I only have this. This warding talisman is hardly strong enough to create a barrier, but should be enough to ward off any dark force as a last resort.”

 

Sango cursed silently under her breath. “Don't worry, Kagome-chan,” she assured quickly. “We'll protect you. I promise.”

 

“Sango-chan…” murmured Kagome. She felt so full of gratitude yet at the same time, so full of fear and guilt. She didn't want her friends to get hurt because of her. It was obvious Onigumo was no normal enemy. And how were they supposed to fight him without endangering Hojo's body? Hojo's life? She knew her friends wouldn't dare try to hurt a classmate of hers, but then… what method did that leave them with?

 

“Well, I suppose we should head down,” Miroku suggested. “I have a feeling the hebi youkai won't attack until we reach the village.”

 

Kagome looked to Inuyasha. He was still staring out at the trees, his back to her.

 

“Inuyasha?” called Miroku. “Shouldn't we get the battle over and done with?”

 

Inuyasha's ears twitched and he shifted his head to the side. “I…” he trailed off.

 

Kagome tightened her grip on Shippou. She never saw this hesitant side of Inuyasha before. Not when a battle was so close. He would usually leap head first into it, without giving any of the dangers a thought! But now… seeing him hesitate was strangely off putting. She reached out a hand to squeeze Inuyasha's arm reassuringly. He brought his gaze down to her, uncertainty on his face.

 

Kagome smiled. “Let me stay by your side,” she said simply.

 

That seemed to do the trick. In a second Inuyasha turned to face the village and cracked his knuckles. “Fine. We're gonna teach this bastard not to mess with us! Kirara!” he barked. “You're staying by Kagome's side no matter what, got it?”

 

The fire cat roared enthusiastically.

 

“Good,” said Miroku nodding. “Sango and I will take care of the other snake youkai and keep watch over Kagome as well.”

 

“Sure, do whatever you guys want,” murmured Inuyasha as he stared down at the smoking village, a savage gleam in his eyes. “But leave Onigumo to me. I wanna personally waste that son of a bitch.”

 

 

*****

 

 

Kagome gripped onto Sango's waist as Kirara hit the ground beside the furthest hut from the village square. Already the smoke seemed to be clearing away thanks to a hot wind blowing from the south. The fires were reduced to nothing more than feeble tongues of amber licking at broken splinters of wood scattered around the houses. Sango hopped off the giant cat before turning to help Kagome down. She almost fell over in surprise when Inuyasha appeared by her other side, his eyes darting rapidly.

 

Kagome licked her lips. “The hebi youkai?” she asked.

 

“Are staying around the edge of the village,” he answered, never looking away from their surroundings.

 

“They probably won't move until Onigumo gives the order,” said Miroku quietly.

 

Shippou jumped from Kirara's back into Kagome's waiting arms as the six of them continued further into the village. A horrible burning smell assaulted Kagome's nose as they walked. Trying to ignore the stench, she looked around despairingly. The same uncomfortable silence she felt in the forest seemed to be amplified a thousand times here. Even with the quiet crackling of the dying fires, the quiet was suffocating. Any second now, they would be attacked. Kagome reached for her bow slung over one shoulder while her other hand held the kitsune child closer. Any second…

 

They continued their slow pace, unwavering, as they reached the centre of the village. Kirara hung closer to Kagome's left and growled.

 

“Where are the bodies?” whispered Sango. “With all the hebi youkai, there should be some corpses left over from their breeding…”

 

“The smoke,” said Inuyasha darkly.

 

“The smoke?” asked Miroku.

 

“It smells of humans,” whimpered Shippou into Kagome's chest. Kagome looked to the dying pillars of smoke. Beneath the small flames, she could make out mounds of bodies, slowly burning away. She nearly chocked. The burning smell was that of human flesh.

 

They had nearly reached the centre of the town square when the ground began to shake.

 

“W-What is this?” cried Kagome, clutching the kitsune.

 

“Something's coming up from below!” shouted Inuyasha drawing out his tessaiga. They watched a large crack split the rocky earth in front of them. Huge rocks burst away from the ground as a large head thrust its way into the sky.

 

“Shit!”

 

Pushing Kagome behind him, Inuyasha shoved the sword into the ground before them, deflecting the hunks of rock that flew their way. Kagome cracked an eye open once the earthquake had stopped. She gasped as she saw the gargantuan hebi youkai looking down on them menacingly. It was larger than the one they had fought at the castle. Its red glowing eyes watched them intently as its slimy red tentacles madly twisted around each other, anticipating the taste of blood.

 

“Hm. So he's just gotten a little bigger. Is that it?” smirked Inuyasha as he aimed his sword. “Fucking get ready.”

 

“Be careful, Inuyasha,” cautioned the monk. “The big ones have the ability to reform themselves.”

 

“Keh! I know that! You guys need to watch you're backs; these are probably just distractions!!” he shouted as he leapt forward. He was about to bring down the sword when another crack formed in the ground along side the giant snake. Another scaly head with red mouth extremities burst out of the ground next to its sister.

 

“There's another one!” cried Sango.

 

Still stuck in the middle of his jump, Inuyasha had no choice but to change the direction of his attack onto the new foe as its tentacles reached for him. Successfully knocking the second snake back with his fist, he landed and turned to his original opponent. Kagome drew a sharp breath when she saw the hanyou being struck across the chest by the first hebi youkai's tail.

 

“Inuyasha!” she cringed.

 

“They're fast, aren't they?” stammered Shippou.

 

As soon as Inuyasha hit the ground he was up again racing back toward his attacker. “Don't fucking sneak up on me like that!” he shouted, sword above his head.

 

“KONGOUSOUHA!!!”

 

The giant snake was torn to pieces while its sister slithered forward ripping the ground into a rocky mess. Inuyasha grinned over his shoulder at the snake that approached him rapidly. It opened its squirming red jaws. In one swift movement, he twisted himself around sliced the head in two with a satisfyingly thick sound.

 

“Stand back, Inuyasha!” called Miroku as he loosened his rosary beads. In one second the remains were sucked up into the black vaccum of the Kazaana.

 

Inuyasha knotted his eyebrows together and rested the tessaiga over one shoulder. “That was easy,” he grumbled in annoyance. “Why didn't he use that as a chance to attack the rest of us? Pretty lame attempt...”

 

“Actually,” said a horribly familiar voice. “That was just a warm up.”

 

Kagome swivelled her head to look up at a nearby hut. A figure, silhouetted by the dying sunlight, stood on the battered roof staring down at them. Her heart gave the tiniest jump before she reminded herself they were expecting his arrival. She could just make out the confident leer on his face. On Hojo's face. But there was something about his physique that was different…

 

“Omigumo…,” she heard Inuyasha growl. “You sayin' that was just practise?”

 

Onigumo's grin widened. “Of course, to get you prepared for the real fight. I'm just that sort of generous person.” He turned to look down at Kagome. She gripped her bow in quiet anger and returned the eye contact. She wasn't going to be intimidated by some murderous wild-thief.

 

 

“Interesting how it's only been a few days,” he continued. “Already, I'm thirsty for more action. And you, Kagome?”

 

He chuckled when she narrowed her eyes.

 

“Bastard!” shouted Inuyasha. “Quit playing around and get to it! How did you do it?!”

 

Onigumo raised his eyebrows. “Whatever do you mean, you dog bastard?”

 

Inuyasha gritted his teeth in disgust. “I don't know how you've done it, but you fucking reek!”

 

Kagome stared at Inuyasha. What did he mean `reek'? He never said anything about Onigumo's smell before other than he smelt of snake and ash...

 

Onigumo smiled and leapt off the roof with abnormal human agility and landed ten feet in front of the group, facing Inuyasha. Kagome gasped as she took in his body in the better light.

 

Strange spikes stuck out of the young man's back. Muscular blue arms with thick yellow claws rested where human arms should have been. Light green scales ran from his neck down over his bare chest, exposed through the loosely tied robe. And glinting in the light, Kagome felt ill to see two fangs set in his wide grin.

 

“Onigumo…” Kagome breathed. “What have you done to Hojo's body?”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A/N: Ooooh, yes, it's a minor cliffy. Review if you feel the need :) I always love your comments!

 

Till next time!

 

GoldenDust