InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Falling Away ❯ Trouble in Paradise ( Chapter 30 )

DISCLAIMER: I do not, (much to my dismay) own Inuyasha and my only reward is the dedication of a few fans!

I would also like to thank my Beta, the brilliant and awesome Shigure-san!!Without her help I would indeed still be lost. :o)

 

 

Chapter 30 Trouble in Paradise

 

(Inuyasha's POV)

 

With all of the things that have happened and with all of the things still yet to do my head was swimming. I knew I had things to take care of but at this moment all I wanted to do was sleep. It almost felt as if my very soul was exhausted. I wondered how well I was gonna be able to rest with Miroku's thoughts actively buzzing through my head.

 

It seemed like the more distance we had between us the less intrusive the other persons thoughts were. Also the more focused my thoughts seemed to be the more his slid into the background. As I continued down the hall I couldn't help but think when it rains it pours. Not only am I not sure how Ru feels about me, now I'm not sure how I feel about Miroku.

 

The last encounter I had with Ru was less than pleasant. He made it very clear that I was not to think, or assume, I had any real affect on him. I would like to say the same in return but the truth of the matter is what he said to me had hurt. And I know he didn't realize at the time that shutting down the bond we shared would have such drastic consequences for me but it still rubs me the wrong way that after insulting me verbally he also felt the need to shut me out to that degree. It makes me nervous to think that something like that is always going to be his solution to problems between us when they arise. So now I am wondering if he really even wants me. Does he really care? Is he only pursing me because I fit the criteria?

 

I remained lost in thought until I saw a brief flicker of light. When I turned my head to find the source I saw one of those odd bubbles floating down toward me.

 

Yep, when it rains it pours. I'd forgotten I had this new crap to deal with as well.

 

As my eyes follow the bubble on its way down I wonder if I can touch it without harm. It stands to reason I could because if it comes from within me then I shouldn't be harmed by it. Ru's whip doesn't burn him if he touches it so I guess the same would apply here.

 

There was really only one way to find out.

 

Hesitantly I reach out my hand so it's in the bubbles path. When it landed I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding. For a moment it did nothing. Then suddenly it engulfed my hand in a blue flame that was, to my surprise, rather cool feeling to me it also seemed to give off a small vibration of sorts. I began to wonder what I could possibly do with this, and so my gaze drifted, searching for something to test it on. I didn't have to search long before my eyes fell on a large vase that sat against the wall.

 

Without really thinking about how bad this could be, I marched over to it and touched it. At first it seemed as if the only effect would e the blue flame that engulfed it, then unexpectedly and without much warning it shattered into pieces, the fallen fragments crumbling to nothing but dust.

 

Damn that was destructive.

 

I guess one had to be certain they wanted something or some-one permanently out of the way before they used that move. I sighed, turning to continue to my room, but when I turned I saw Sango headed toward me.

 

It was going to take me a while to get used to my senses not working well.

 

“How are you doing, Inu-san?”

“As fine as I can be considering.”

 

She simply nodded her head and stood there silently studying me. Feeling a bit unnerved under her scrutiny I asked her a question.

 

“Is something wrong Sango-chan?”

“No, I was just wondering if you wanted to talk about it. I know you usually discuss such things with Miroku, but considering the situation …”

 

It then dawned on me that Miroku had probably been with Sango while I talked to Tibade.

 

“Boy you're taking all of this rather well.”

 

She just smiled at me but said nothing. Confused by this my mind started replying past events and slowly they led me to one conclusion. She's known this for a while; that's why it's no shock to her.

 

“How long have you known?” I asked quietly.

“Almost a year,” Sango replied.

“Well that certainly explains a lot.”

“I am sure it does my friend,” she said with a faint smile.

“I appreciate the offer of a listening ear, Sango, and I might take you up on that later. But for right now the only thing I really want to do is sleep.”

 

I was just about to bid Sango farewell when I sensed someone approaching but I couldn't tell who. Damning my weakened senses I stood there, waiting.

 

“Is something wrong, Inu-san?”

“I'm not sure. I can tell someone's headed this way but I can't tell who.”

“Well I guess we'll just have wait and see.”

 

We didn't have to wait long because in a manner of minutes Kouga came marching up the hall and he looked mad as a hornet. Confused, I looked over at Sango and she looked back at me obviously as puzzled as I was.

When Kouga neared us he did not slow his stride. I think he would have stomped right by us if hadn't spoken up. Once I did, I regretted it.

 

“What's the matter Kouga?” I asked.

 

He stopped and turned his angry gaze on me and without meaning to I took a step back under the weight of it.

 

“Well, well, if it isn't the `Lover-boy of the West'. Did you stop me so you could put moves on me next?”

 

My eyes grew wide at his words and I heard Sango's startled gasp beside me. I was so stunned I couldn't even speak. So Sango did instead.

 

“Kouga! What on earth has gotten into you!?”

“Shouldn't you be asking Mutt-face that question?” Kouga sneered.

 

I would be lying if I said Kouga reverting back to that old taunt didn't sting. I just can't figure out why he's so pissed. I haven't seen him in days so what could I have done to put him in such a foul mood? I was about to ask him what his problem was when Rin and Shippou came flying down the hall squealing my name.

 

“INUYASHA you're alright!” screamed the Kitsune as he launched himself at me.

“YAY! YAY!! Lord Inuyasha has recovered!” Rin shouted as she danced around.

 

Immediately Shippou assaulted me with a barrage of continuous questions. I was caught between the fox's inquiries, Rin's dancing and cheering and Kouga's icy stare. Then, as if that wasn't enough, Ru decided to join the crowd.

 

“What is the meaning of all this noise?” he asked.

“I think the children are just excited about Inu-san's recovery, Lord Sesshoumaru,” Sango answered.

“Inuyasha, is there any particular reason you have yet to grace me with your presence?” Sesshoumaru asked dryly.

“Uh…no…I mean…” I stammered.

“He's probably been too busy keeping Miroku company,” Kouga mumbled under his breath, but I knew if I heard it so did Ru.

 

My brother shot Kouga a look then immediately turned his intense gaze on me. I was desperately trying to come up with something that would diffuse this situation and allow me to continue my quest for sleep when Tibade walked up to us talking to his hand. Upon further inspection I realized it was Myouga the healer was talking to.

 

“See I told you flea, Lord Inuyasha is fine now will you stay out my chambers!? And while you're at it find your dinner elsewhere!” Tibade said as he used his other hand to flick the flea in my direction.

“Nice to see your health has improved Master, and I hope the events of yesterday haven't changed your blood in the slightest,” said Myouga as he dove back into my hair.

 

So there I was in the middle of the eastern hallway with two demons giving me evil looks, another demon standing on my shoulder talking my ear off, a demon slayer to my right, a little girl hugging my left leg, a flea demon treating me like lunch and a healer that looked like he was about to give a lecture.

 

“What are you doing out here partying Lord Inuyasha?” Tibade asked, “This sort of activity is not good for your continued recovery.”

 

Boy if this is what Tibade considered a party I would have to get the man out more once I felt better. That is if I managed to survive this.

 

“Uh well… Tibade you see I…” I began

“You should really listen to him Lord Inuyasha, he always makes Rin better,” Rin said in a sing song voice as she started to circle us.

“Yeah you big knuckle head,” cried Shippou.

“You haven't answered me Inuyasha,” persisted Ru and the irritation in his voice was evident.

 

Kouga mumbled something else but I didn't make it out this time.

 

Apparently Ru did and he immediately told Kouga to watch his words and mind his tone. Sango stepped in and tried to get the children to calm down. I'm guessing she saw how the situation was getting out of hand. Tibade started speaking again but by this time I had started to block it all out. All I knew for certain at that moment was if they all didn't get away from me soon I was going to run away screaming.

 

Just when I thought I would lose it I heard Miroku's voice clear as a bell.

-- What in all the seven hells is going on over there Inuyasha? --

-- I don't know Miroku but I want out. --

-- I am on my way. --

 

(Miroku's POV)

 

I was rather worried about the jumbled thoughts running through Inuyasha's head. Not much of what I was getting from him was making any sense. With this in mind I made my way to the eastern hall. As I approached I saw why he was so out of sorts. Everyone was all but standing on top of him and each one of them were carrying on about something. I was appalled that the adult demons in the group had not sensed the amount of distress coming off of Inuyasha.

 

I know I have the upper hand when it comes to what he's actually thinking but I would have assumed one of them would have realized he was about to crack. As I drew closer to the group something started nagging on my senses like I was in danger. At first I tried to shake it off but the effort was in vain. Not being able to ignore it I started looking around for the threat. I was about to consider my instincts off when I glanced up. And what I saw made my heart drop. Quite a few feet above everyone's head was one of those bubble things Inuyasha was telling me about when our minds were linked. The only difference was this one was huge. It was not coin sized as he had described it. No this thing was larger than memuch largerand it was descending.

 

I took off toward them as fast as my feet would carry me. When I got close to them I yelled for them to grab the children and get down. When Sesshoumaru heard my shouts he followed my line of sight and soon saw what had me so worried. For the first time ever, I saw fear flash through the Demon Lords eyes. Just as Inuyasha looked up Sesshoumaru grabbed Rin and Shippou and as he did I pushed all of the energy I had left into a barrier. And I prayed it would hold.

 

-- I'm trying to make it go away Miroku…it's not working.--

-- Well I suggest you start praying because…--

 

Then it hitand it hit hard. I could feel the impact down to the core of my being. It took every ounce of willpower I had left to keep that barrier up. Then just when I thought it would go on forever, the energy died down and was gone.

 

When any of us dared look up from our positions on the floor all we saw was devastation. Everything around us, as far as we could see was almost charred beyond recognition. From floor to ceiling was nothing more that crisp charcoal.

 

Once the initial shock wore off, everyone was looking at Inuyasha for an explanation. My poor Hanyou friend opened his mouth to say something and collapsed before he could make a sound. I had every intention of going to his side but I didn't make it two steps before the darkness claimed me as well.

 

(Sango's POV)

 

We should have all seen this coming. It was obvious to me that Inuyasha was exhausted. He looked drained in a way I had never seen before. When I came up to him in the hallway and he turned to look at me, it was plain as day that he was in no frame of mind to talk and was in dire need of rest.

 

As I see Kouga and Lord Sesshoumaru picking up my fallen friends I curse myself for not having put it together sooner. Once I did figure it out I tried to calm the children in hopes of at least getting them away from Inuyasha, but it was already too late for my efforts to be of any help.

 

I looked at the somber expression on Kouga's face as we all follow the healer Tibade to his quarters and I know the wolf demon is regretful of his earlier actions. As well he should be, I know he is upset and why but that still does not excuse his behavior.

 

I was very surprised to see Lord Sesshoumaru question Inuyasha like that in front of so many. He has always struck me as a very private being, so for him to shatter that image of the `calm collected Demon Lord' greatly surprised me; and it left poor Inu-san floundering for words. He looked so lost and confused I could have screamed for him.

 

When we came to the end of the eastern corridor, Tibade tells Rin and Shippou to go play in the gardens and that he would send someone for them so they could see Miroku and Inu-san when they woke up. The kids were reluctant to leave, but a firm look from Sesshoumaru sent them on their way.

 

As we continued on, I saw the way Sesshoumaru and Kouga were looking at the unconscious men in their arms and I knew then that what Miroku said about him and Inu-san going to visit Kaede will be a trip the two of them needed to make alone. I have not had any past experience being so close to demons when things like this occur; but from what I can tell, deep-seated emotions are not something they handle well. That, coupled with the fact they are all male is an outline for disaster if ever I've seen one.

 

Upon reaching Tibade's chambers, he directed Lord Sesshoumaru and Kouga to take the pair and place them in the last room on the left. When they returned he asked everyone to leave. He was quick to state that he could not order his Lord to do anything but he feels it would be best if he left as well. Surprisingly, Lord Sesshoumaru did not argue and he and Kouga left without a word. I turned to leave with them, but Tibade called me back.

 

“Might I have a quick word with you?”

“Of course.”

 

He motioned for me to have a seat and when I did he nods in appreciation and retreats further into his chambers to check on Miroku and Inu-san. He takes his time returning and I have no doubt it's because he is making sure the two demons that left are well out of earshot. When he returns his face is set in a firm grimace and for a moment my stomach knots.

 

“Are they okay?” I asked softly somewhat afraid of the answer.

“Yes I suppose they are considering the circumstances. I feel this is somewhat my doing. I should have never let them leave that room.”

“Do not take this upon yourself Tibade you had no way of knowing this would happen.”

 

He said nothing as he fixed his gaze on me. As the minutes passed I started to become a bit uncomfortable under his scrutiny. I was just about to ask him what he needed from me when he finally spoke.

 

“Please, young Taijiya, tell me what the hell has been going on for things to end up like this.”

 

I nodded, took a deep breath, and told him what I knew. It was obvious during my explanation of things the healer was quite aware of the situation between Miroku and Inuyasha. What made his eyebrows go up was me adding the Ookami's feelings to the mix. He (like me) had evidently been wondering why the Wolf Prince seemed so hostile.

 

After I finished going through everything, I told him I felt that once they were fit to travel, Houshi-sama and Inu-san should make the trip to Kaede's on their own. He seemed to agree and it was now my turn to ask questions.

 

“How long do you think they will unconscious?”

“Hard to say with the type of exertion they have been through over the last few days.” My head dropped at this. I suppose it was to put my mind at ease that the healer continued. “If I had to guess, I would say they probably won't wake before tomorrow and when they do I plan on keeping them somewhat sedated for the next couple of days.”

“I guess that will be the only way to ensure they get the rest they need.”

 

He simply nodded and for a time we sat in comfortable silence. I sensed he knew I was not done with my line of questioning but he was going to allow me time to gather my thoughts and my nerve. The question I wanted to ask next was rather personal and I was not sure how to phrase it. When I looked up at Tibade I noticed his eyes were once again focused on me.

 

With a loud sigh I began. “If Inu-san decides he wants to be with Houshi-sama how do you think Lord Sesshoumaru will take it?”

“I would hope to be far away from the West if that were to come to pass.”

“I see,” I said as his words sunk in. So I supposed my mind was not really exaggerating when it envisioned Miroku in several different pieces after facing Lord Sesshoumaru's wrath.

“If that is truly what my youngest Lord desires then I will advise him accordingly.” Tibade responded once he realized I had nothing further to offer.

 

Not really wanting to discuss the matter further I thanked him for responding, bowed and was on my way.

 

 

(Kagome's POV)

 

I have just about had it with all this waiting. If they don't show their faces soon I will march over to the Western Lands and drag them out myself. I'm not sure if I can believe Kaede when she said she has not seen them in months. I know it's just like Inuyasha to be that ungrateful and not visit, but I would have thought Miroku and Sango would visit the old priestess more often.

 

I still can't believe that Inuyasha has yet to come to his senses and realize he belongs to me. If it wasn't for me he would still be pinned to that tree.

 

I think Konran and I have come up with a way to ensure Inuyasha stays at my side forever. The only thing I have to do is get him away from the others long enough to put my plan into action. I guess I could find some random half-demon to try it out on until I get my chance to use this on Inuyasha. I'll just go tell Konran-sama I'm going to go find some targets to practice on.

 

(Entropy's POV)

 

This is all coming together rather nicely. I have to admit I had not actually expected to see the Western Lord himself when I dared venture onto his lands. That and the fact that I got to play with the lot of them for a bit served to amuse me well. From the swiftness and cunning they employed to free themselves form the situation I put them in was a good example of how they were able to take down Naraku.

 

I still cannot believe this foolish mortal girl wants to take on this bunch. Whether she decides to directly attack one or all of them the outcome will be the same. To attack any one in this group will ensure the she will invoke the wrath of the rest, but if she is too foolish to figure this out I will not be the one to tell her.

 

She has grown rather anxious over the past weeks and I can tell she is more than ready to go and claim what she unwisely believes is hers. From what I could tell this Inuyasha was rather important to them all, especially Lord Sesshoumaru. She has told me that they are half brothers but in her version they didn't really seem to get along. This in no way fit with the reaction I saw out of the demon Lord once he learned Inuyasha was in need of his help.

 

If the Lord of the Western lands has truly become as attached to his half sibling as it appears, she will be in more trouble than she is ready for. She's not ready for a lot of things she is itching to do, but that fact is what will make all of this a bit sweeter.

 

I look up from the scroll in my lap and I see my puppet headed this way. She has a wicked gleam in her eyes and I am a bit curious as to why that is.

 

“And just what are you up to Miss Kagome?”

“Oh, I just figured I would go find some half-demons to test our plan on before I use it on Inuyasha,” she replied.

 

I nodded in agreement and the girl happily turned to enter the woods.

 

Mortals are indeed foolish little creatures.