InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Double Vision ❯ Chapter 52 ( Chapter 51 )

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

Shippou sighed with relief when Jak finally emerged from the herb shop, clutching a large bundle to his chest. “I’ll never complain about shopping with Kagome again, Jak. You make her seem like a rank amateur.”

“Being beautiful is a big responsibility. It takes a lot of work.” Jak tossed the bundle to Shippou, whose arms were already piled high with packages.

“Yeah, right. Did you remember to get the salve and bandages, or is that all face paint and kohl?”

“I remembered to get everything we need. I even picked up a few special things for Kagome. She could use a little cheering up.” The two made their way to the woodland clearing where they had left Ah-Uhn. Jakotsu watched absentmindedly as Shippou packed one parcel after another into Kagome’s leather backpack. After the fifth large package was shoved into the backpack with ease, Jakotsu started to pay closer attention. Six, seven, eight… he began to count. “Hey, is that an enchanted pack? How clever!” Shippou tied the backpack to Ah-Uhn’s harness.

“It comes in really handy. Now, let’s go find you a sword, and then we’re outta here.” Shippou had not wanted to be gone so long. Jakotsu had insisted on examining the wares in each little shop, saving the armorer’s and the pawnshop for last.

“Shopping for weapons is the best, even more fun than buying cosmetics!” Jakotsu enthused. He realized that he would not find another sword like Jakotsutou in this backwater demon town, but he still planned on enjoying himself thoroughly. The pair strolled into the armorer’s shop, where Jak immediately cried out with joy and ran over to examine the weapons offered for sale. The armorer, a big, good-looking demon named Ken, grinned at his partner, the blacksmith. Jak’s enthusiasm was endearing, even if he was a human. The blacksmith, Kin, flexed his big shoulders, indicating Jak’s impressive physique. His partner nodded and raised an eyebrow, silently communicating that he had already noticed. Jak went through the shop, carefully examining every sword, before finally returning to stare at an exotic Tsurugi, a big Chinese sword. He looked over at the armorer, who came over and passed the sword to Jakotsu with all the appropriate decorum. Jak stepped out the door, enchanted by the big sword. “Truly a sword of heroes.” Jak sighed. He looked over at Shippou with melting eyes.

“I’m sure it’s gonna cost way too much, Jak. It’s old and it’s obviously a really nice sword.”

Shippou looked over at the armorer, who shrugged. “It belongs to Kin, the blacksmith.”

The blacksmith moved closer to Jakotsu. “You were correct when you said that this is a sword of heroes, young man. It was my father’s sword. He brought it with him when he came here from the mainland, many years ago. It has seen many a battle.”

“If we can afford the sword, it will see many more.”

“You may have it for the same price as our standard katana. My father would be pleased to see you have it, were he still with us.”

Shippou was surprised that Jakotsu did not squeal with delight and embrace the blacksmith. The mercenary bowed with great dignity, and thanked him formally.

Ah-Uhn seemed eager to return to the campsite, and the trip went very quickly. The boys gathered their purchases and unharnessed the dragon, making haste for the cave. “I can’t wait to show Kagome my new sword!” Jak squealed.

Shippou was getting worried. “Jak, I smell blood. A lot of blood.”

Jak pulled his sword, and the pair ran into the cave. Shippou, who could see in the dark, called out “Jakotsu. Sheath your sword. There is no threat, but stay back.” He pulled Kohaku off of Kagome. Jak had followed, and began stirring the embers and throwing wood on the fire. “He’s dead. Take him outside.” Jak pulled Kohaku’s bloody body from the cave. When he was out of sight of the entrance, he quickly went through Kohaku’s uniform, stripping him of several heavy purses of money and a few other valuables. “My Little Ninja,” he thought sadly, closing Kohaku’s eyelids gently. He went back inside the cave. Shippou was kneeling beside Kagome, trying to get her to wake up. “Jak, heat some water, and get out the medical supplies. Then go bury Kohaku. Make sure the grave is close, but out of sight from the mouth of the cave. I don’t want Kagome seeing it. I’ll come out later and find rocks to build a cairn.”

After Jak left to go bury Kohaku, Shippou carefully cleaned the blood from Kagome, wincing at the purpling bruises that covered her body. Kohaku had really done a number on her, but somehow Kagome had stabbed him with her short sword. Shippou carefully cleaned the blood from the sword as well, not wanting Kagome to be reminded of what she had done when she woke up. He unwound the bandages from her feet. The wounds on her feet had opened up and started bleeding again, and the punctured one was horribly swollen and purple. He applied salve and bandaged them up tightly. Next he straightened up the cave, stowing Kohaku’s weapons in an out-of-the way corner.

The two boys slept close to Kagome, not wanting her to be alone if she woke up during the night. When morning came, Jak brewed tea, while Shippou bathed Kagome’s forehead with tepid water. She was a little feverish, and seemed to be having bad dreams. ‘No surprise.’ Thought Shippou grimly.

The harsh light of the morning sun slanted through the mouth of the cave, and Jak got his first good look at the damage Kohaku had inflicted on the girl. He shook his head sadly. “Have you ever thought that all the bad things that happen us hang over our heads like a dark cloud for the rest of our lives?”

Shippou shook his head sadly. “Kohaku had a rough life. It affected him really badly. I knew he was interested in my mother, but I always trusted him to protect her. This is all my fault. I never should have left him alone with her.”

“It’s nobody’s fault, Shippou. It’s fate. Believe me. Life’s a bitch, and then you die.”