InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Elemental: A Feudal Soap Opera ❯ Chapter Fourteen ( Chapter 14 )

Pale light from the half moon lit Inuyasha's path as he made his way through the forest in search of Sesshoumaru. It would not have been enough illumination for his human companions, but it was more than adequate for his sharper hanyou eyesight. Combined with his heightened sense of smell, he was fairly confident that he would find Sesshoumaru long before morning. Especially since the bastard has been hovering close for the last day or so. He had better not be planning anything. I'm in no mood to deal with his shit right now.

 

Inuyasha broke stride as the breeze shifted, sniffing the air experimentally. His eyes hardened. He's here. Swiftly veering in the direction of the wind's origin, Inuyasha took to the trees, silently following his half-brother's scent.

 

Now that he had a clear trail to follow, Inuyasha's mind was free to roam, and it did, much to his dismay. Straight to Kagome. Waiting-for-him-in-the-village Kagome. Counting-on-him-to-save-her Kagome. Soon-to-be-his-mate Kagome. Soon-to-be-dead Kagome, if you can't get Sesshoumaru to hand whatever-it-is over. He wondered, for the hundredth time, just what the hell it was he was after, and why his father would have given it to Sesshoumaru, of all people. Feh. The old man must have not known his oldest son very well, either, if he thought he'd ever mate with a human. Hell, I can't imagine that cold bastard ever mated to anyone, human or youkai. He shuddered, nearly missing his step, at the thought of a litter of tiny Sesshoumarus running around, plaguing him. “Gods, I hope I never have to hear `Uncle Inuyasha' from a bunch of white-haired brats,” he said aloud with a snort.

 

He was not so amused a second later when something wrapped around his ankle, jerking him down from the branch he had just landed on. He hit the ground on his back, the breath knocked from his lungs. He struggled to suck in air, eyes tracking to the irritated looking figure standing imperiously over him, re-coiling the whip he had just used to pull Inuyasha from his perch.

 

Inuyasha scrambled backwards and launched himself to his feet. His hand snapped to the hilt of Tetsusaiga, and he emitted a low-pitched growl. “Bastard! What did you do that for?”

 

Sesshoumaru looked down his slender nose at the hanyou. “Ignorant whelp. You have dishonored the name of our father.”

 

Inuyasha felt the fine hairs at the back of his neck rise. “What?”

 

Sesshoumaru did not come any closer, but stood perfectly still, looking at Inuyasha as if he were something filthy he had almost stepped in. “You have defiled the miko, and made the both of you the talk of the countryside.”

 

Inuyasha flushed angrily. “What's it to you?” Has the bastard been spying on me?

 

Sesshoumaru pulled himself even taller. “It is nothing to me, half-breed. What is it to you?”

 

Inuyasha took a fighting stance. “That's none of your fucking business.”

 

“Is it not?” Sesshoumaru's face was expressionless as he asked the question. “Why, then, are you here, Inuyasha?”

 

That bastard. He goddamned knows why I'm here. What game is he playing now? He loosened Tetsusaiga from its sheath with a flick of his thumb as fury flooded him. He would not let Sesshoumaru toy with him this way. Not over this. “Where is it, Sesshoumaru?”

 

Sesshoumaru merely arched a brow, managing to look bored.

 

Inuyasha snarled. “Don't play games with me, Sesshoumaru. I know father gave it to you. Hand it over.” He pulled Tetsusaiga from its sheath completely, pointing it at his half-brother before it had finished transforming.

 

Sesshoumaru scowled at him.

 

Well, at least that got a reaction. Sort of.

 

“Put your sword away, whelp,” Sesshoumaru said, scorn clear in his voice. “I have no intention of fighting you.”

 

Inuyasha stared at him for a moment, disbelieving. Sesshoumaru met his eyes, unblinking, but clearly annoyed. He's up to something. Finally, Inuyasha sheathed Tetsusaiga, although he remained tense. “Why?” He asked, eyeing the demon suspiciously.

 

Sesshoumaru's frown grew deeper. “I gave father my word,” he intoned, and something in his voice reminded Inuyasha of Shippou's whining when he had to do something he didn't want to do.

 

So that's it. “Poor Sesshoumaru, having to help me out for a change. That must really stick in your craw, huh?” Inuyasha nearly snickered as he delivered the taunt, but managed to control it. No sense in pushing his luck. Sesshoumaru might decide to not be so cooperative after all, and while Inuyasha usually welcomed a fight with his sibling, he had more important things to be attending to. He could not, however, stop the smirk that stretched across his face. Ha! At least the old man did something right.

 

“Hmm.” Sesshoumaru's gaze blackened for a moment, before a rather sadistic light entered his eyes. “However,” he continued, “There is a requirement.”

 

Inuyasha's smirk vanished as quickly as it had appeared. “What requirement?” He asked tersely.

 

Sesshoumaru didn't answer immediately. Instead, while Inuyasha kept a wary eye on him, he made his way to a nearby stone, sitting himself down as if he were an emperor taking his throne. With a graceful flick of his hand, he motioned for Inuyasha to take a seat on the ground before him.

 

Inuyasha bristled in indignation. No way will I sit in the dirt in front of him like a child...or one of his damned flunkies. What the hell is he on about? He glared at Sesshoumaru, throwing in a rumbling growl for good measure.

 

Sesshoumaru waited, unmoving.

 

Realizing that the bastard wasn't going to tell him anything until he complied, Inuyasha threw himself down on the grass with a huff, all the while imagining gutting his pompous half-brother in as many ways as he knew of.

 

One of these days, I'm going to turn him into a rug.

 

Sesshoumaru shot him a look of distaste. “Control yourself, Inuyasha.”

 

With a start, Inuyasha realized that he had been snarling again, and quickly got a hold on himself. He shoved aside a last, happy vision of Sesshoumaru's decapitated head rolling across the clearing, and took a calming breath. “I don't have time for this, Sesshoumaru. Just fucking get on with it.”

 

“Very well,” Sesshoumaru replied with something that almost sounded like amusement tinting his voice. “There is a requirement, hanyou, to you getting this.” He pulled an object from his robes. It was a small, wooden box, only a couple of hand spans across, unlaquered, with no adornment.

 

Inuyasha narrowed his eyes at it, but didn't reach for it. Knowing Sesshoumaru, it's rigged with some sort of trap. “What is it?”

 

Sesshoumaru reached around to the front of the box and flipped the small metal clasp fastened there. The box sprang open.

 

Inuyasha leaned forward in spite of himself, eyes widening slightly. Inside the box, lying on a cushion of blood red silk, were five thin hoops made of finely beaten gold, each engraved with symbols he did not recognize. One hoop was larger than the others. He gave Sesshoumaru a questioning look.

 

Sesshoumaru touched the largest hoop. “The collar.” Inuyasha's eyes widened further. His half-brother ignored him, touching the next two hoops lying on the silk. “Wrist cuffs.” He then indicated the final two hoops. “Ankle cuffs.” His eyes returned to Inuyasha. “All designed to hamper the purifying power of a miko during mating, without inhibiting the youki itself.” Sesshoumaru watched, seemingly fascinated, as a burgeoning blush colored the hanyou's face crimson.

 

Then he did something that damned near terrified Inuyasha.

 

He smiled at him.

 

Holy shit. Inuyasha felt nervous sweat begin to pool between his shoulder blades.

 

“Father's final requirement, Inuyasha, to which I reluctantly gave my word. Prepare yourself,” he said, smile growing until his sharply curved canines were visible, a look of unholy amusement settling on his patrician features.

 

Inuyasha's had to resist the urge to scoot backwards, away from that disturbing look. I don't think I like where this is headed.

 

“Whelp, it is time for you to learn Inu youkai mating tradition.”

 

Shit. The Talk...from Sesshoumaru?

 

Fucking kill me now.

 

***

 

Miroku came awake slowly, blinking around in the predawn glow inside the tiny hut. He didn't know what had disturbed his sleep; he sensed no movement inside the room. He began to roll over, hoping to return to the very pleasant dream he had been having involving a certain, attractive demon exterminator. Instead, as he turned, he caught sight of the female of his dreams sitting with her back against the wall, staring blankly in front of her.

 

“Sango,” he inquired in a whisper. She started, jerking around to face him. She looked weary, with darkened circles under eyes that lacked their usual fire. Miroku felt a twinge of concern. “How long have you been awake?”

 

She drew her knees up closer to her chest, looping her arms around them. He noted the fact that she was wearing the clothing she wore to fight, rather than the kimono she usually donned when in the village. He filed the information away to examine later. “I couldn't sleep.”

 

Miroku sat up, scooting a little closer to her so that they could speak without waking Kagome or Kaede. Sango tensed and gave him a sharp look. “What are you doing?”

 

Miroku sighed. “Just moving to where we can hear each other without shouting,” he said, not awake enough yet for his usual game of needling her.

 

Something in his voice must have hinted at this, for she relaxed a bit, offering him a conciliatory smile.

 

He scooted closer, careful not to touch her, and asked, “What is troubling you, Sango?”

 

She gave a little snort that he found ridiculously adorable. He gave a mental snort, himself. She could paint herself in mud and sing off key, and I'd find her adorable. He had to suppress a grin at the thought of Sango covered in mud...and nothing else. Okay, I'm awake now. Thankfully, she drew his attention before his imagination could get completely out of hand. “Do you really need to ask me that, monk?”

 

He felt a breath of annoyance at her title for him even as he acceded her point. “Miroku, Sango. It's not that hard to remember, and no, I suppose not. You're worried about Kagome. We all are.”

 

Sango settled back against the wall, closing her eyes wearily. “I thought I'd try a couple more villages at sunrise,” she said after a moment. “There's a small settlement close by that we haven't been to, and we should return to the village we went to the other day. The miko we were seeking should have returned by now. Kaede thinks that she is the one most likely to know how to help Kagome.”

 

Miroku was only half listening to her. The sunrise she spoke of was fast approaching. Already, fingers of translucent light were spilling through the solitary window, outlining the smooth curve of Sango's cheek and throat in gold. Miroku was transfixed. She looks like something that is...divine. Touched by the Gods. He was struck, momentarily, with the absurd desire to throw himself down at her feet and thank her profusely for simply allowing him to sit in her presence. Shaking off the urge, he realized that she was still speaking to him.

 

“Weren't you listening, Miroku?” She asked, sounding exasperated, but he noticed the blush that was beginning to stain her cheeks. He knew he was staring at her, but he couldn't seem to look away. She caught her lower lip in her teeth, and Miroku's eyes dropped to follow the action closely. She released her lip, reddened slightly from her worrying it, and moistened it with the tip of her tongue. Miroku went very still, eyes locked on her mouth. Once again, her voice broke through his reverie. “Why are you staring at me?”

 

He raised his eyes to hers, speaking before he really thought it through. “Because you're beautiful.”

 

Her blush intensified and she looked away, but not before he caught the pleased smile lighting her features. He carefully hid his own answering smile, not wanting her to think that he mocked her. After a moment, she cleared her throat and turned back to him, smile gone. “I asked you if you would like to accompany me to the other villages today.”

 

“Of course,” he replied. “You do not even have to ask.”

 

She nodded once, accepting that, then frowned.

 

Miroku couldn't help but wonder what had put that look there now. “Sango, what is it?”

 

Sango glanced over to where Kagome lay sleeping, her expression darkening even more. “Inuyasha. He ran off last night when he should be here, helping us figure out how to save Kagome.”

 

Miroku raised an eyebrow. He had noticed that Sango had developed some amount of anger toward Inuyasha ever since Kagome had awakened, although he wasn't sure why. He knew she didn't truly blame the hanyou for the events of late. “I'd hardly say he ran off, Sango. You heard him. He said he was going to see Sesshoumaru.”

 

“I know that,” she snapped, turning irritated eyes to him. “But now isn't the time for him to be indulging in petty squabbles with his brother. Kagome needs him here, damn it.”

 

Miroku stared at her, surprised by her vehemence. She fairly shook in her indignation, and her voice had risen incrementally with each word. He realized that her combined stress and exhaustion, along with the fear of losing someone else that she considered to be her family, had her stretched nearly to the breaking point. Reaching out, he took her hand, warming it between his own. Satisfied that she wouldn't pull away, he spoke, careful to keep his voice low and soothing. “Sango, you know Inuyasha is as worried as the rest of us. You saw him. He would not even leave her side while she was unconscious.”

 

Some of the anger in her eyes died away, but she seemed to be struggling to hang on to it. “Yes, but...”

 

He shushed her gently, still holding her fingers between his own. “Perhaps,” he said, struck by a sudden thought, “He went for Sesshoumaru's sword, Tensaiga?”

 

It was the wrong thing to say. Sango jerked, snatching her hand back and looking at him with a horrified expression. Miroku regretted his words immediately. “You mean,” she said, “he's just going to wait for her to die, and then try to bring her back with that damned sword?” Her outrage flared bright for a moment, then faded as quickly as it came, turning to something that Miroku was less equipped to handle. Her lower lip began to tremble, and his eyes widened in alarm.

 

“I...I don't know,” he hastened to say, hoping to reassure her. “I was only thinking out loud. I don't know why he went, really. Forgive me, Sango,” he said, unsure what, exactly, he was asking for forgiveness for.

 

Sango didn't look convinced. In fact, she looked even more upset than before. Miroku really could not bear to see any woman sad, and especially not this woman. He would rather see her angry, eyes flashing sparks at him. With this thought in mind, he reached out a hand again, smiling to himself when he saw her bottom lip stop trembling and her eyes begin to narrow. There's no help for it, then. In a lightning motion, his hand moved the rest of the way, smoothly caressing her hip. He kept his monk's mask firmly in place, anticipating her reaction. He was not disappointed.

 

Crack.

 

Hand to his stinging cheek, Miroku watched her stomp out of the hut. He could not hide the admiration in his eyes as he watched her go.

 

“You really are a pig sometimes, Miroku,” said a voice from behind him.

 

He swung around in surprise. “Kagome! You're awake.”

 

“Yeah,” she said, sitting up and stretching. “Kind of hard to sleep with all of the noise you two were making.”

 

Miroku had the grace to flush. “Forgive me.”

 

“Don't worry about it,” she said with a yawn. “It was time to get up, anyway.” She slipped out from under the covers and began to put on her shoes. Behind her, Shippou snuggled deeper into the blanket with a whimper, and then was still. “As I was saying, you are a pig. Fortunately, you are a well meaning pig, so I won't smack you,” she said, casting a smile in his direction.

 

Miroku blinked at her. “I don't know what you mean.”

 

“Sure you do,” she said. Kagome stood up and made to exit the hut, pausing before she went out the door. “Although you might want to find a better way of distracting Sango in the future. She might eventually cause you brain damage.” With that, she was gone, leaving the bemused monk too lost in thought to realize that he had forgotten to ask where she was going.

 

***

 

Sesshoumaru hadn't finished his damned speech until nearly sunrise, and by the time he was done, Inuyasha felt like his face would permanently be as red as his hoari.

 

I hate that smug bastard.

 

Fortunately, he had only needed to learn the formal steps of the mating ritual. He didn't think he could have sat there and listened to Sesshoumaru drone on in that snooty voice he had about the actual mating act, even though his half-brother had thrown a few veiled insults his way about that, too. I understand that part just fine, even if the first time was kind of...quick. I wasn't myself, damn it. This time is different. My brain's not all fried. He felt his face grow hotter despite his bravado, and he slowed his breakneck pace through the trees, coming to rest on the wide branch of a tall oak. He pulled the little box from his robes and carefully sprang the latch to open the top. The five golden hoops gleamed dully at him, and he snapped the box shut again, closing his eyes with a groan.

 

I have no fucking clue what I'm doing. Gods, I'm going to screw this up.

 

After a moment, he opened his eyes again, tucking the box back into his hoari with a deep sigh. He jumped down from the trees, continuing on toward the village, although slower now. I need a plan. I can't just show up and drag her off into the woods without preparing, and then there's the damned soul binding, and food...we'll need food...and...and...gah!

 

I need a plan, and a place.

 

Inuyasha continued walking, a thoughtful look upon his face. He could have been attacked by a youkai at that moment, and probably wouldn't have noticed. I know the place. I've never taken anyone there, although Myouga knows of it. Little bastard.

 

But I still need a plan...something...girls need...girl things...

 

Something to set the...what is it Kagome calls it?

 

...the mood?

 

He made a frustrated sound. Oh yeah, I'm gonna screw this up. I'll be lucky if she'll even speak to me afterward.

 

His ears flattened to his head. “Keh. I'm just doing this to save her.”

 

Yeah, right. Admit it. You want her to like it.

 

Inuyasha snorted. Of course I want her to like it. I sure as hell don't want her to hate it.

 

He kicked at the ground a little as he walked.

 

I want her to like me. He clenched his jaw, but didn't examine the thought any closer.

 

I need a fucking plan.

 

Inuyasha's pace slowed even more as he finally realized where his absentminded steps had taken him.

 

The well, and the portal to Kagome's time.

 

He wandered over to it, leaning over the wooden frame and peering into it. A scowl touched his face, and he remembered his half-brother's earlier words, delivered in that infuriating tone of his. “I do not care if you ever take a mate, half-breed, but you will not dishonor our father's name. You have behaved with less control than an animal. Your ignorance will probably kill you before I get the chance to. Nevertheless, I gave my word to father, and you will hold your tongue and listen.”

 

The only thing that had kept Inuyasha from slicing Sesshoumaru in half then and there had been the fact that Sesshoumaru had still held the box. He had gritted his teeth while his half-brother had droned on, occasionally slinging an insult at Inuyasha. Inuyasha had been both snarling and blushing by the end of the speech, which almost seemed to amuse the other youkai.

 

“Are you finished?” Inuyasha had asked, still sitting cross-legged in the grass, glaring up at his half-brother.

 

“Quite,” Sesshoumaru had replied. He stood up and tossed the box to Inuyasha. “I have kept my word. Do not come to me for help again, Inuyasha. I will not be so amicable.”

 

Inuyasha had jumped to his feet, nearly falling over in the process. He had been sitting in the same position for so long that his legs had fallen asleep. Cursing, he righted himself. “I didn't ask for your help, you asshole! You insisted on it,” he had shouted, but Sesshoumaru had already gone.

 

He really is a bastard.

 

Inuyasha forcibly pushed the thoughts of his brother away, returning to the present. He didn't have time for this. He still had things to do, and he was beginning to have an idea. He looked up at the lightening sky, then back down into the well. Kagome's mother will be awake soon. He nodded slightly to himself, coming to a decision that he hoped he wouldn't regret.

 

Screw you, Sesshoumaru. I can do this.

 

He sucked in a breath, then jumped into the well.

 

***

 

Kagome found Sango sitting outside polishing her boomerang, Kilarra curled up at her feet.

 

“Sango,” she called. The other girl looked up, giving Kagome a smile of welcome.

 

“Kagome! You're awake early.” He smile faded a little. “Are you feeling all right?”

 

Kagome waved her hands in front of her, hastening to reassure her. “I'm fine, really. I just slept so much in the last few days, I guess I'm all caught up.” She gave her a rueful grin. “I heard you and Miroku talking.”

 

Sango made a face, returning to vigorously polishing Hiraikotsu. “That monk! Every time I start to think he might be...you know...he has to go and revert to his lecherous self.” The demon exterminator radiated aggravated frustration.

 

Kagome laughed softly. She's really worked up over this. Sango glanced at her sharply at the sound of her laughter, and Kagome sobered. “He did it because you were sad, you know.”

 

Sango went still, then turned to face Kagome. “What do you mean?”

 

“It distracted you, didn't it? His groping. You didn't get sad. You got angry, instead. It's just his hare-brained way of cheering you up.”

 

Sango eyed her, a strange, almost hopeful look on her face. “He told you this?”

 

Kagome glanced down, blushing. “No,” she replied softly.

 

“Oh.” The strange look disappeared from Sango's features, and she returned her attention to her boomerang. “So, you heard what Miroku and I were talking about?”

 

“About Inuyasha, you mean?”

 

Sango nodded. “Yes.”

 

Kagome lowered herself to the ground to sit beside her friend, petting Kilarra absently. “I heard.”

 

“Sorry.”

 

“It's alright,” Kagome said. “You're wrong, though.”

 

Sango didn't reply, but Kagome could tell by her posture that she didn't believe her. She heaved a sigh. Just tell her already.

 

“Inuyasha,” she began, voice cracking. She cleared her throat and tried again. “Inuyasha...has already found a way to save me.”

 

There was a long moment of silence while Kagome waited for Sango's response. Finally, she said, “Tensaiga?” Her voice sounded strangled.

 

Kagome shook her head and stared at her hands. She noticed that her thumbnail was chipped and began to pick at it nervously.

 

Sango blinked at her, looking confused. “No? How, then?”

 

“I don't know how to put it,” Kagome said. My knuckles are cracked. I wonder if I have any lotion in my bag?

 

Sango set her boomerang down, scooting around until she was sitting facing Kagome, their knees nearly touching. “Just tell me, Kagome. You're worrying me. How does Inuyasha plan to help you?”

 

Kagome folded her hands tightly in her lap, forcing her eyes to meet Sango's. “We're going to be mated,” she said in a low voice, meeting Sango's eyes to gauge the other girl's reaction.

 

Sango only looked mildly confused. “And this will fix things?”

 

Kagome nodded. “Apparently, the same thing happened with Inuyasha's mother and father. He just has to bind our youkis properly, and I'll be as good as new.”

 

“Why wouldn't you want to tell me that, Kagome?” Sango was struggling to understand. “Isn't this a good thing?”

 

“I guess,” Kagome said with a shrug.

 

“You guess?” Sango raised an eyebrow. “Don't you want to be mated to Inuyasha, Kagome?”

 

Kagome laughed shortly. “Of course I do. I just don't want him doing it only to save me.” She turned miserable eyes to Sango. “I wanted him to love me.”

 

Sango gave a sigh of her own. “Kagome, Inuyasha has to love you on some level. Inu Youkai do not take mating lightly. At all. I can't believe that he'd tie himself to you for the rest of his life just to save your life.”

 

Kagome felt herself begin to grow a bit indignant, and tried to squelch it. “Just to save my life?”

 

Sango flushed. “You know what I mean. It's a huge commitment. You will be the mother of his children, and his companion until the day he dies.”

 

“Longer,” Kagome said with a wry grin.

 

“Huh?”

 

“Myouga said it's longer than that. What we're doing will bind us together for eternity. Even our reincarnations will be tied together.”

 

Sango stared at her, unblinking, for a long moment. “And it took you how long to talk him into going through with this?”

 

Kagome felt her face grow hot. “I didn't. He insisted.”

 

Sango stood up, pacing back and forth for a moment, seeming agitated. Finally, she turned to Kagome, who was watching her warily from her seat on the ground. Sango pointed a slender finger at her. “Kagome, you are blind, I swear! Inuyasha loves you. He would never have even agreed to this, much less insisted on it, if he did not. How could you even think that he'd do something like this just to be noble? This is Inuyasha we're talking about, for goodness sake!”

 

Kagome thought about that for a moment. “He...he never said...”

 

“He wouldn't,” Sango interrupted.

 

Kagome's eyes shot to hers. “He did say he wanted me,” she told her in a small voice.

 

Sango rolled her eyes. “Kagome, he loves you. Accept it.”

 

Kagome wanted to believe it, but couldn't bring herself to. “I'll believe it when he says it.”

 

Sango made a frustrated sound and plopped back down beside her. “You're as stubborn as he is.”

 

“Sorry,” Kagome said, smiling.

 

Sango chuckled, elbowing her lightly. “Nervous?”

 

Kagome chewed on her lower lip. “Extremely.”

 

Sango looked thoughtful for a moment, then got to her feet again, holding out a hand to help Kagome up. “Come on.”

 

Kagome allowed her to help her stand. “Where are we going?”

 

Sango tossed her a mischievous look. “We're going to scour around and find you something nice to wear. It's not every day that a girl gets...mated.” Her eyes widened at her own words, and she slapped a hand over her mouth.

 

Kagome giggled. Soon both of them were laughing loudly. Miroku stuck his head out of the door of the hut and eyed them both as if he thought they were possessed. He made a sign as if to ward off evil spirits, then disappeared back inside.

 

Maybe I am a little crazy, but I feel a lot better since I talked to Sango. She smothered a last snicker, then followed the other girl.

 

***

 

-to be continued-