InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Falling Stars ❯ Vanished ( Chapter 1 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Beautifully Breathless 
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Action / Adventure / Horror / Romance / Angst | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 03.29.2010 | Pages: 2 | Words: 3.9K | Visits: 291 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Action / Adventure / Horror / Romance / Angst | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 03.29.2010 | Pages: 2 | Words: 3.9K | Visits: 291 | Status: Work In Progress
Hello! This is my first attempt at writing in years so bear with me. =]
Chapter One: Vanished
The raven haired blob shifted under the disheveled blankets as the sun filtered its way through her bedroom window. “Just a little longer,” Came the mumbled response to nature’s alarm clock, but when the knocking sounded at her bedroom door, she knew there was no way she could ignore her body’s readiness to awaken. It seemed even given the chance to sleep in, she was too used to her feudal time frame to enjoy it, and her mother wasn’t helping any either.
“Kagome dear, if you don’t hurry, Inuyasha’ll be here soon to come get you!” Kagome groaned and sat up, rubbing her eyes with fisted hands as the blanket slid from her body. “Thanks mom, I’m up!” With a sigh, the young girl slipped out of bed and into her bathroom. ‘I’ll at least take a shower first’ She thought before turning on the water. Walking to the sink, she grabbed her toothbrush and turned the water on to brush her teeth while her shower warmed up.
~
Silver hair danced with the wind as two golden orbs searched the forest below for any sign of life, any sign of the little girl he’d come to treasure as his own. Gold gave way to red as he began his third sweep of the area. There was no way she could have gotten any further from him on her own, and at that thought, the golden flecks present in the dog demon’s crimson eyes slowly faded as Sesshomaru’s beast took total control.
~
“Pajamas, check! Extra clothes, che- oh!” Kagome stood up to grab a pair of socks from her dresser, “Definitely can’t forget more of these!” Taking a mental tally of how much food she needed for the next two or three weeks, Kagome grabbed her bag and jogged quickly down the stairs and into the kitchen only to find that her mother had left out everything she’d need. Spotting a piece of paper with writing on it, Kagome picked it up and read:
Dear Kagome,
I’m sorry to have left before you this once, but Souta was running behind this morning and needed a ride to school. If you leave before I get home, please take the Corner Mart bag with you, there’s medicine in there, and allergy season nears. I love you. Be safe, and come home soon!
Love, Mom
Silently thanking her mother for thinking ahead, Kagome grabbed the bag before looking at the clock and sprinting out the door towards the well house.
~
The surrounding forest was silent, not a sound but water in a stream nearby reached his sensitive ears. Fallen trees littered what was once a beautiful, open meadow, leaving indentions in the previously luscious grass, and in the middle of it all was the cause. He would not stop until he found who he was looking for.
Rin was nowhere to be found. Not a trace of her scent left the very place she had fallen asleep, and though Sesshomaru knew this, he could not bring himself to believe that she was taken from him, by a person whose scent he also could not find. It was as if she disappeared right from under his nose, literally. None of his conclusions made sense aside from the one he didn’t want to believe; that whoever had taken Rin was powerful enough to not only mask his scent from the demon lord, but his very presence as well as Rin’s at their departure.
Only one creature came to Sesshomaru’s mind as capable of such an act and there was only one half demon he could think of who just might have the knowledge of this creature’s location. Turning around, Sesshomaru set out to find Inuyasha. “Naraku,” he growled, fighting to keep his instincts from taking over, “You will pay with your life.” Clenching his fists at his sides, the only action to give away his rage aside from the golden hue that fought to clear the red from his eyes, Sesshomaru took to the skies in search of his half brother.
~
“Ugh,” Kagome grumbled as she hoisted her big yellow bag over the edge of the Bone Eater’s well. “I guess I’m next, but where’s Inuyasha?” Her brows furled as she shrugged her shoulders, reaching for the vines that would lead to her escape from the well. Once muscle at a time she worked her way up and out, landing safely on her feet. Grabbing her bag, Kagome headed towards the village and Kaede’s hut, intent on finding her friends and Inuysha.
“Kagomeee!” A smile warmed the young girl’s face as Shippou came barreling towards her, leaping into her awaiting arms. “Inuyasha and Miroku went to meet Lord Sesshomaru, but Sango’s back at the hut with Kaede.” Kagome frowned, ‘What could Sesshomaru be doing here?’ The brother’s hadn’t fought much as of late, but that didn’t mean they visited each other for any reason. Deciding to leave Inuyasha be, Kagome continued towards Kaede’s village with Shippou riding along in her arms.
“Did you behave while I was gone Shippou?” The young fox demon instantly twitched in Kagome’s arms and nodded vigorously at the assumption that he’d get a treat for good behavior. Kagome smiled and ruffled the fur atop his head. “Well, when we get to the hut we’ll see if I remembered to grab you some snacks!” Kagome winked at the young boy who smiled and promptly fell asleep in her motherly embrace as she reached the hut.
“Hey Sango, Kaede! I heard Inuyasha and Miroku went to see Sesshomaru, do you know why he’s here?” Carefully depositing Shippou onto Kaede’s sleeping mat, Kagome went to join the other girl and older woman, setting her bag down and going through the contents at the same time.
“Yes, Inuyasha sensed Sesshomaru nearing the village and chose to meet him should there be a confrontation.” Sango answered, then quickly added, “Miroku went for negotiating purposes.” Kagome nodded in understanding, watching as Sango added rice to a now boiling pot of water. Her stomach chose that moment to remind her that she hadn’t stopped for breakfast. Blood rushed to her cheeks as her hand flew to her aching belly, “That smells delicious Sango!” The older girl laughed, glad to have her sister figure back.
“It seems as if this is not a violent meeting after all.” Kagome looked to Kaede, about to ask the older woman what she meant, then she felt it, three auras, one radiating a huge amount of power, were headed for the hut. Apparently Sesshomaru was here on friendly terms? Confused, Kagome stood up, deciding to meet the three approaching males further from the village just to be sure. “I’ll be back Kaede, Sango would you join me?” Kaede nodded, smiling a bit unsurely as she watched the two girls off. “Be careful girls, something tells me Sesshomaru’s approach is not to be taken lightly, something is amiss with the demon lord.” Kagome nodded her understanding to the old woman and left the hut, Sango following moments after.
~
“Show yourself, Sesshomaru! I know you’re there!” Inuyasha yelled, immediately brandishing the Tetsusaiga and stepping into battle stance. He scoffed at the hand Miroku placed on his shoulder, glaring at his disapproving friend as he awaited his half brother’s entrance. The air was thick, tension rolled in waves from the two men as they stood there, one ready to take on the mighty demon lord, and the other hoping for a less violent meeting. No one had heard from Sesshomaru in months, why was he showing up out of nowhere all of a sudden? It just didn’t make any sense!
“I don’t have time for your foolishness, half breed. I require information containing the whereabouts of Naraku.” Sesshomaru stepped from the cover of the forest and stood before Inuyasha and Miroku, his golden eyes boring into Inuyasha’s as if searching for the answer himself. “Keh,” was his reply as Inuyasha sheathed his sword. “If I knew that he’d be dead already! Besides, why should I tell you?” In seconds Inuyasha was held firmly off the ground, neck encased in the demon lord’s deadly claws. Sesshomaru shook with the urge to snap his neck that very second, and he may have done just that had it not been for the monk stepping in.
Miroku cleared his throat before speaking, hoping to gain Sesshomaru’s attention. “Lord Sesshomaru, I can assure you that my good friend holds no such information and that if we in fact did know his whereabouts, we would be on our way there right now.” Miroku sighed as Inuyasha fell to the ground, and cleared his throat once more when he saw Inuyasha begin to make his move towards the older demon.
“Perhaps there is something you’d like to discuss that should be done in a more private location, my lord?” Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes at the monk, displeased at the thought of entering a human village, but relented nonetheless. How else would he find Rin but to join those actively seeking her captor? For his young ward’s sake, he would step into a human village to seek knowledge from his half brother and his companions whether he liked it or not. He would get Rin back. She was pack, and as her alpha, it’s his duty to locate her, hopefully unharmed. The thought of his tiny companion being touched let alone harmed by one such as Naraku sickened him to no end, but it was even more reason to seek Inuyasha’s knowledge. He would set aside his pride for the time being.
“For clarity, monk, I do not seek the aide of your group, merely information.” Miroku nodded in understanding; after all, it had to be hard for the demon lord to approach anyone for help. Squaring his shoulders, Miroku spun on his heels and began to short walk to the village, demon lord and surprisingly calm and quiet half demon following behind him. It wasn’t long before Miroku sensed the approach of the two females in the group, and judging by Inuyasha’s quickened pace, he also knew the girls were on their way to meet them.
~
Kagome narrowed her eyes in confusion as she watched the three approaching figures, “I wonder what Sesshomaru wants with us.” Sango shrugged and Kagome noticed that the demon slayer held the same unsure look that she herself did. She decided to wait where she was, they were walking towards her anyways. “Hey Inuyasha, Miroku,” Kagome waved, “Good morning Lord Sesshomaru.” Miroku waved back, a large grin spreading over his face as he neared the awaiting females.
“Hello to you too Kagome, and Sango, might I say you look rather beautiful this morning.” Sango’s eyes widened dramatically as red slowly crawled up from her neck to cover her face. Narrowing her eyes suspiciously, Sango turned around and headed back towards the hut, hoping that was where they were headed. Kagome giggled lightly at the should be couple’s antics. ‘Poor Sango,’ she sighed then, wishing Miroku’s lecherous ways would soon come to an end, yet knowing that was far too much to ask for. Inuyasha nodded his hello to her and continued to walk in front of Sesshomaru towards the hut, Kagome by his side as soon as he reached her. They continued in silence until they reached their destination, then slowly, one by one, the five stepped into the hut and greeted the old woman sitting next to the fire. Even Sesshomaru nodded towards Kaede as he stepped into her home.
“Good morning, Lord Sesshomaru. What is it that brings ye to this humble ones abode, if I may ask?” Kaede lowered her head in respect from her seated position. Sango sat down next to her and began stirring the rice as they all anticipated Sesshomaru’s reply. It seemed he wished to make them wait. Inuyasha, who had chosen to stay silent for the most part, decided then that the peace had apparently run out, and so had his half brother’s welcome.
“Yeah, Sesshomaru, hurry up and get on with it so you can be on your wa-ow! What’d you do that for?!” Inuyasha looked down into a set of angry blue eyes, that seemed to darken with her mood right then and there. “Keh” was the intelligent response to the small woman elbowing him. “We don’t know where Naraku is. We only come across his while we’re searching for the jewel shards and we find him going after the same one.”
Sesshomaru nodded. “This Sesshomaru has no interest in the pieces of the tainted jewel, I am inclined to find him for a more-” He paused, seemingly unsure of what to say. He did not wish to give away that his ward was missing, if anyone found out and wished to act against him, there was the possibility they would go after her on their own, in order to claim a reward. Yet as unlikely as anyone finding, let alone taking something from the filthy spider was, Sesshomaru could not risk his ward’s disappearance to be known.
“Perhaps, Lord Sesshomaru, if it is Naraku you seek, you may search with us for some time. If we come across a lead, you will have Naraku, and if we prove unsuccessful you could continue the search on your own.” Miroku ignored Inuyasha’s growl, knowing that he would pay dearly for this offer later. “Do not think of this offer as pity or even your acceptance of our help, for if we come across Naraku in our search, it will truly be you who is aiding us in his defeat.”
“Sit.” Sesshomaru glanced at the fallen half demon. Truly he held no manners, or he would not have found himself in such an undignified situation. Subjugation beads would never be found on his person, it was degrading. Taking a moment to survey the small group residing within the hut, Sesshomaru pondered his options. He could tag along with his worthless brother and his human followers and have a bit more of a chance to encounter Naraku than he would on his own, or he could make the journey himself with no leads, after all, it had been some time since Sesshomaru heard any news pertaining to the half demon on his lands, and unless the lands being bothered were his own, Sesshomaru paid no mind. ‘Rin.’ She would suffer longer if he did not find her as quickly as possible.
Uncaring of five sets of eyes on his person, Sesshomaru continued to think, stretching the silence and prolonging the tense atmosphere. “I will join your quest,” he decided aloud, “but I will not aide in the capture of your jewel. I will await Naraku’s trail and choose my plan of action when the time comes.” Once said, Sesshomaru turned around and made to exit the hut, but not before adding, “I see you have prepared a meal, I will return in one hour to begin the hunt.” At Sesshomaru’s brisk exit, everything went to hell
“What the hell do you mean we don’t have a choice? No one asked me if it was okay for the bastard to travel with us!” Inuyasha, though still remaining on the floor, was livid. Of course he couldn’t do anything to change the circumstances, as Kagome had made clear by use of the word, ‘sit’. “I don’t give a damn what he’s looking for! It’s not up to us to help find it. Maybe he shouldn’t have lost it in the first place!” A foot slammed into the ground next to his ear, and as he flinched his eyes traveled up the foot and finally came to rest on an angry Kagome’s face.
“Look, I know Sesshomaru’s done nothing but cause harm in the past, but if he’s willing to ask for our help, in a sense, than something must be really wrong! So if you could put your big ego behind you for a minute and stop acting like a baby I’m sure we’d all appreciate it!” Inuyasha’s eyes widened in shock before narrowing dangerously. “Fine, but if he kills us all in our sleep just remember that it’s YOUR OWN FAULT!” Kagome glared at him before turning around and walking out of the hut, “Real mature Inuyasha!”
~
True to his word, Sesshomaru returned an hour later, though this time he did not approach the village, but stayed in the surrounding forest. The group of shard hunters approached him with visible confidence, belying their wariness of the situation. Of course they’d agreed, all but Inuyasha that is, that Sesshomaru was welcome to travel with them, and though none of them removed their consent, the three humans still had their sanity intact, and unfortunately for them all Sesshomaru could take out every one of them if this went wrong.
“Miroku?” Sango whispered to the robed male walking beside her, continuing at his nodded acknowledgment, “I have faith in Lord Sesshomaru’s honor, though not Inuyasha’s temper.” Her eyes swiftly moved to the half demon walking directly in front of Kagome, fists cleanched at his side while his twitching ears gave away his protective gestures. Inuyasha would be ready for anything, no doubt, but could he handle Sesshomaru’s strength if the he manages to provoke the older demon? Probably not.
“Though I do understand your concern Sango, Inuyasha deserves our support. He hasn’t let us down yet, and I don’t expect our added traveling companion will give him reason enough to put us all in danger, not when we are searching for Naraku. Think of it this way, Lord Sesshomaru wields an incredible power, and while traveling together, he is on our side.” Sango nodded as she pondered the monk’s words. Though they were true, she couldn’t help but feel threatened by the intimidating male. Taking in a deep breath, Sango squared her shoulders, deciding that she would believe in Miroku’s thoughts and relax. After all, perverted as he was, he was wise beyond his years and Sango had faith in his wisdom. Sango and Miroku reached the clearing minutes after Inuyasha and Kagome, just in time to see the fireworks begin.
“Alright Sesshomaru, we’re here, and now that we’ve agreed to let you follow us, I want some damn answers!” As a melodic feminine voice reached the half demons ears, Inuyasha froze just as he was pulled to the ground. “Damn it Kagome, what the hell do you think you’re doing?” He muttered from his position on the ground. Dainty feet reached his line of vision as he awaited the spells release of him, and he followed them up to meet the fire of Kagome’s disapproving gaze.
“What he meant to say, Lord Sesshomaru, is welcome to our group! When do we leave?” Kagome directed as much enthusiasm as she could towards the demon lord, hoping to get a positive response from him. Instead he said nothing, but his gaze roamed over each one of them, stopping longest on the young fox demon in Kagome’s arms. Said demon gulped, burrowing his face into his protector’s neck.
“Woman, perhaps you should consider leaving the fox child behind.” Kagome’s eyes traveled to the young boy she loved as her own, and though she hated the idea of leaving him behind, she knew Sesshomaru was right. She had her own personal battle every time they left the village, not wanting the young boy present through the danger that he shouldn’t have to witness. His innocence was stripped more and more with every battle he saw, every life he watched fade from existence. She was selfish, she decided, he needed to be where he could assume the life of the child he was, and Kaede would have no trouble at all keeping him around.
Shippo shook his head as Kagome turned around and left the clearing, headed straight back to the village they were to be leaving that day. “I’m sorry Shippou, Lord Sesshomaru is right.” Her voice cracked as tears filled her eyes, but she couldn’t let them fall or Shippou would cry too, and she couldn’t bear to leave him crying for her while she left him alone. ‘Not alone. He’ll be with Kaede.’ She reminded herself. “If I had it my way Shippou, I’d take you everywhere I go, but we’re searching out Naraku now and I can’t have you hurt.” His protests landed on deaf ears, and though Kagome couldn’t fathom the idea of not having the furry body to snuggle with at nights, she reminded herself that it was for his own safety.
They arrived quickly at Kaede’s hut and to Kagome’s surprise; Kaede was waiting outside for her. “This old one felt your approach child, and the upset that rolls from your aura.” Kagome smiled weakly and held her arms out, depositing the now sobbing demon child into the elderly priestess’s awaiting embrace. “I gather he is the reason for your upset.” She stated, and at Kagome’s wary nod, Kaede smiled in understanding. “He will be well here, you know this. Ye should pride yourself Kagome, tis always hard for a mother to leave her child behind, and in your case, tis no different. Ye have done what is right by him.”
“I truly hope so Kaede, thank you. Shippou, I’ll come back for you soon, I promise!” She blew a kiss to the young boy, bringing a smile to his face, and he waved back calling after her as she ran towards the clearing she just left. “You better come back! Bye Kagome!”
END CHAPTER
Well, short and simple I think. I hope anyone that read enjoyed and I will happily update as soon as I finish chapter two. =] Any questions can be left in a review and I’ll answer them in the next chapter!
Chapter One: Vanished
The raven haired blob shifted under the disheveled blankets as the sun filtered its way through her bedroom window. “Just a little longer,” Came the mumbled response to nature’s alarm clock, but when the knocking sounded at her bedroom door, she knew there was no way she could ignore her body’s readiness to awaken. It seemed even given the chance to sleep in, she was too used to her feudal time frame to enjoy it, and her mother wasn’t helping any either.
“Kagome dear, if you don’t hurry, Inuyasha’ll be here soon to come get you!” Kagome groaned and sat up, rubbing her eyes with fisted hands as the blanket slid from her body. “Thanks mom, I’m up!” With a sigh, the young girl slipped out of bed and into her bathroom. ‘I’ll at least take a shower first’ She thought before turning on the water. Walking to the sink, she grabbed her toothbrush and turned the water on to brush her teeth while her shower warmed up.
~
Silver hair danced with the wind as two golden orbs searched the forest below for any sign of life, any sign of the little girl he’d come to treasure as his own. Gold gave way to red as he began his third sweep of the area. There was no way she could have gotten any further from him on her own, and at that thought, the golden flecks present in the dog demon’s crimson eyes slowly faded as Sesshomaru’s beast took total control.
~
“Pajamas, check! Extra clothes, che- oh!” Kagome stood up to grab a pair of socks from her dresser, “Definitely can’t forget more of these!” Taking a mental tally of how much food she needed for the next two or three weeks, Kagome grabbed her bag and jogged quickly down the stairs and into the kitchen only to find that her mother had left out everything she’d need. Spotting a piece of paper with writing on it, Kagome picked it up and read:
Dear Kagome,
I’m sorry to have left before you this once, but Souta was running behind this morning and needed a ride to school. If you leave before I get home, please take the Corner Mart bag with you, there’s medicine in there, and allergy season nears. I love you. Be safe, and come home soon!
Love, Mom
Silently thanking her mother for thinking ahead, Kagome grabbed the bag before looking at the clock and sprinting out the door towards the well house.
~
The surrounding forest was silent, not a sound but water in a stream nearby reached his sensitive ears. Fallen trees littered what was once a beautiful, open meadow, leaving indentions in the previously luscious grass, and in the middle of it all was the cause. He would not stop until he found who he was looking for.
Rin was nowhere to be found. Not a trace of her scent left the very place she had fallen asleep, and though Sesshomaru knew this, he could not bring himself to believe that she was taken from him, by a person whose scent he also could not find. It was as if she disappeared right from under his nose, literally. None of his conclusions made sense aside from the one he didn’t want to believe; that whoever had taken Rin was powerful enough to not only mask his scent from the demon lord, but his very presence as well as Rin’s at their departure.
Only one creature came to Sesshomaru’s mind as capable of such an act and there was only one half demon he could think of who just might have the knowledge of this creature’s location. Turning around, Sesshomaru set out to find Inuyasha. “Naraku,” he growled, fighting to keep his instincts from taking over, “You will pay with your life.” Clenching his fists at his sides, the only action to give away his rage aside from the golden hue that fought to clear the red from his eyes, Sesshomaru took to the skies in search of his half brother.
~
“Ugh,” Kagome grumbled as she hoisted her big yellow bag over the edge of the Bone Eater’s well. “I guess I’m next, but where’s Inuyasha?” Her brows furled as she shrugged her shoulders, reaching for the vines that would lead to her escape from the well. Once muscle at a time she worked her way up and out, landing safely on her feet. Grabbing her bag, Kagome headed towards the village and Kaede’s hut, intent on finding her friends and Inuysha.
“Kagomeee!” A smile warmed the young girl’s face as Shippou came barreling towards her, leaping into her awaiting arms. “Inuyasha and Miroku went to meet Lord Sesshomaru, but Sango’s back at the hut with Kaede.” Kagome frowned, ‘What could Sesshomaru be doing here?’ The brother’s hadn’t fought much as of late, but that didn’t mean they visited each other for any reason. Deciding to leave Inuyasha be, Kagome continued towards Kaede’s village with Shippou riding along in her arms.
“Did you behave while I was gone Shippou?” The young fox demon instantly twitched in Kagome’s arms and nodded vigorously at the assumption that he’d get a treat for good behavior. Kagome smiled and ruffled the fur atop his head. “Well, when we get to the hut we’ll see if I remembered to grab you some snacks!” Kagome winked at the young boy who smiled and promptly fell asleep in her motherly embrace as she reached the hut.
“Hey Sango, Kaede! I heard Inuyasha and Miroku went to see Sesshomaru, do you know why he’s here?” Carefully depositing Shippou onto Kaede’s sleeping mat, Kagome went to join the other girl and older woman, setting her bag down and going through the contents at the same time.
“Yes, Inuyasha sensed Sesshomaru nearing the village and chose to meet him should there be a confrontation.” Sango answered, then quickly added, “Miroku went for negotiating purposes.” Kagome nodded in understanding, watching as Sango added rice to a now boiling pot of water. Her stomach chose that moment to remind her that she hadn’t stopped for breakfast. Blood rushed to her cheeks as her hand flew to her aching belly, “That smells delicious Sango!” The older girl laughed, glad to have her sister figure back.
“It seems as if this is not a violent meeting after all.” Kagome looked to Kaede, about to ask the older woman what she meant, then she felt it, three auras, one radiating a huge amount of power, were headed for the hut. Apparently Sesshomaru was here on friendly terms? Confused, Kagome stood up, deciding to meet the three approaching males further from the village just to be sure. “I’ll be back Kaede, Sango would you join me?” Kaede nodded, smiling a bit unsurely as she watched the two girls off. “Be careful girls, something tells me Sesshomaru’s approach is not to be taken lightly, something is amiss with the demon lord.” Kagome nodded her understanding to the old woman and left the hut, Sango following moments after.
~
“Show yourself, Sesshomaru! I know you’re there!” Inuyasha yelled, immediately brandishing the Tetsusaiga and stepping into battle stance. He scoffed at the hand Miroku placed on his shoulder, glaring at his disapproving friend as he awaited his half brother’s entrance. The air was thick, tension rolled in waves from the two men as they stood there, one ready to take on the mighty demon lord, and the other hoping for a less violent meeting. No one had heard from Sesshomaru in months, why was he showing up out of nowhere all of a sudden? It just didn’t make any sense!
“I don’t have time for your foolishness, half breed. I require information containing the whereabouts of Naraku.” Sesshomaru stepped from the cover of the forest and stood before Inuyasha and Miroku, his golden eyes boring into Inuyasha’s as if searching for the answer himself. “Keh,” was his reply as Inuyasha sheathed his sword. “If I knew that he’d be dead already! Besides, why should I tell you?” In seconds Inuyasha was held firmly off the ground, neck encased in the demon lord’s deadly claws. Sesshomaru shook with the urge to snap his neck that very second, and he may have done just that had it not been for the monk stepping in.
Miroku cleared his throat before speaking, hoping to gain Sesshomaru’s attention. “Lord Sesshomaru, I can assure you that my good friend holds no such information and that if we in fact did know his whereabouts, we would be on our way there right now.” Miroku sighed as Inuyasha fell to the ground, and cleared his throat once more when he saw Inuyasha begin to make his move towards the older demon.
“Perhaps there is something you’d like to discuss that should be done in a more private location, my lord?” Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes at the monk, displeased at the thought of entering a human village, but relented nonetheless. How else would he find Rin but to join those actively seeking her captor? For his young ward’s sake, he would step into a human village to seek knowledge from his half brother and his companions whether he liked it or not. He would get Rin back. She was pack, and as her alpha, it’s his duty to locate her, hopefully unharmed. The thought of his tiny companion being touched let alone harmed by one such as Naraku sickened him to no end, but it was even more reason to seek Inuyasha’s knowledge. He would set aside his pride for the time being.
“For clarity, monk, I do not seek the aide of your group, merely information.” Miroku nodded in understanding; after all, it had to be hard for the demon lord to approach anyone for help. Squaring his shoulders, Miroku spun on his heels and began to short walk to the village, demon lord and surprisingly calm and quiet half demon following behind him. It wasn’t long before Miroku sensed the approach of the two females in the group, and judging by Inuyasha’s quickened pace, he also knew the girls were on their way to meet them.
~
Kagome narrowed her eyes in confusion as she watched the three approaching figures, “I wonder what Sesshomaru wants with us.” Sango shrugged and Kagome noticed that the demon slayer held the same unsure look that she herself did. She decided to wait where she was, they were walking towards her anyways. “Hey Inuyasha, Miroku,” Kagome waved, “Good morning Lord Sesshomaru.” Miroku waved back, a large grin spreading over his face as he neared the awaiting females.
“Hello to you too Kagome, and Sango, might I say you look rather beautiful this morning.” Sango’s eyes widened dramatically as red slowly crawled up from her neck to cover her face. Narrowing her eyes suspiciously, Sango turned around and headed back towards the hut, hoping that was where they were headed. Kagome giggled lightly at the should be couple’s antics. ‘Poor Sango,’ she sighed then, wishing Miroku’s lecherous ways would soon come to an end, yet knowing that was far too much to ask for. Inuyasha nodded his hello to her and continued to walk in front of Sesshomaru towards the hut, Kagome by his side as soon as he reached her. They continued in silence until they reached their destination, then slowly, one by one, the five stepped into the hut and greeted the old woman sitting next to the fire. Even Sesshomaru nodded towards Kaede as he stepped into her home.
“Good morning, Lord Sesshomaru. What is it that brings ye to this humble ones abode, if I may ask?” Kaede lowered her head in respect from her seated position. Sango sat down next to her and began stirring the rice as they all anticipated Sesshomaru’s reply. It seemed he wished to make them wait. Inuyasha, who had chosen to stay silent for the most part, decided then that the peace had apparently run out, and so had his half brother’s welcome.
“Yeah, Sesshomaru, hurry up and get on with it so you can be on your wa-ow! What’d you do that for?!” Inuyasha looked down into a set of angry blue eyes, that seemed to darken with her mood right then and there. “Keh” was the intelligent response to the small woman elbowing him. “We don’t know where Naraku is. We only come across his while we’re searching for the jewel shards and we find him going after the same one.”
Sesshomaru nodded. “This Sesshomaru has no interest in the pieces of the tainted jewel, I am inclined to find him for a more-” He paused, seemingly unsure of what to say. He did not wish to give away that his ward was missing, if anyone found out and wished to act against him, there was the possibility they would go after her on their own, in order to claim a reward. Yet as unlikely as anyone finding, let alone taking something from the filthy spider was, Sesshomaru could not risk his ward’s disappearance to be known.
“Perhaps, Lord Sesshomaru, if it is Naraku you seek, you may search with us for some time. If we come across a lead, you will have Naraku, and if we prove unsuccessful you could continue the search on your own.” Miroku ignored Inuyasha’s growl, knowing that he would pay dearly for this offer later. “Do not think of this offer as pity or even your acceptance of our help, for if we come across Naraku in our search, it will truly be you who is aiding us in his defeat.”
“Sit.” Sesshomaru glanced at the fallen half demon. Truly he held no manners, or he would not have found himself in such an undignified situation. Subjugation beads would never be found on his person, it was degrading. Taking a moment to survey the small group residing within the hut, Sesshomaru pondered his options. He could tag along with his worthless brother and his human followers and have a bit more of a chance to encounter Naraku than he would on his own, or he could make the journey himself with no leads, after all, it had been some time since Sesshomaru heard any news pertaining to the half demon on his lands, and unless the lands being bothered were his own, Sesshomaru paid no mind. ‘Rin.’ She would suffer longer if he did not find her as quickly as possible.
Uncaring of five sets of eyes on his person, Sesshomaru continued to think, stretching the silence and prolonging the tense atmosphere. “I will join your quest,” he decided aloud, “but I will not aide in the capture of your jewel. I will await Naraku’s trail and choose my plan of action when the time comes.” Once said, Sesshomaru turned around and made to exit the hut, but not before adding, “I see you have prepared a meal, I will return in one hour to begin the hunt.” At Sesshomaru’s brisk exit, everything went to hell
“What the hell do you mean we don’t have a choice? No one asked me if it was okay for the bastard to travel with us!” Inuyasha, though still remaining on the floor, was livid. Of course he couldn’t do anything to change the circumstances, as Kagome had made clear by use of the word, ‘sit’. “I don’t give a damn what he’s looking for! It’s not up to us to help find it. Maybe he shouldn’t have lost it in the first place!” A foot slammed into the ground next to his ear, and as he flinched his eyes traveled up the foot and finally came to rest on an angry Kagome’s face.
“Look, I know Sesshomaru’s done nothing but cause harm in the past, but if he’s willing to ask for our help, in a sense, than something must be really wrong! So if you could put your big ego behind you for a minute and stop acting like a baby I’m sure we’d all appreciate it!” Inuyasha’s eyes widened in shock before narrowing dangerously. “Fine, but if he kills us all in our sleep just remember that it’s YOUR OWN FAULT!” Kagome glared at him before turning around and walking out of the hut, “Real mature Inuyasha!”
~
True to his word, Sesshomaru returned an hour later, though this time he did not approach the village, but stayed in the surrounding forest. The group of shard hunters approached him with visible confidence, belying their wariness of the situation. Of course they’d agreed, all but Inuyasha that is, that Sesshomaru was welcome to travel with them, and though none of them removed their consent, the three humans still had their sanity intact, and unfortunately for them all Sesshomaru could take out every one of them if this went wrong.
“Miroku?” Sango whispered to the robed male walking beside her, continuing at his nodded acknowledgment, “I have faith in Lord Sesshomaru’s honor, though not Inuyasha’s temper.” Her eyes swiftly moved to the half demon walking directly in front of Kagome, fists cleanched at his side while his twitching ears gave away his protective gestures. Inuyasha would be ready for anything, no doubt, but could he handle Sesshomaru’s strength if the he manages to provoke the older demon? Probably not.
“Though I do understand your concern Sango, Inuyasha deserves our support. He hasn’t let us down yet, and I don’t expect our added traveling companion will give him reason enough to put us all in danger, not when we are searching for Naraku. Think of it this way, Lord Sesshomaru wields an incredible power, and while traveling together, he is on our side.” Sango nodded as she pondered the monk’s words. Though they were true, she couldn’t help but feel threatened by the intimidating male. Taking in a deep breath, Sango squared her shoulders, deciding that she would believe in Miroku’s thoughts and relax. After all, perverted as he was, he was wise beyond his years and Sango had faith in his wisdom. Sango and Miroku reached the clearing minutes after Inuyasha and Kagome, just in time to see the fireworks begin.
“Alright Sesshomaru, we’re here, and now that we’ve agreed to let you follow us, I want some damn answers!” As a melodic feminine voice reached the half demons ears, Inuyasha froze just as he was pulled to the ground. “Damn it Kagome, what the hell do you think you’re doing?” He muttered from his position on the ground. Dainty feet reached his line of vision as he awaited the spells release of him, and he followed them up to meet the fire of Kagome’s disapproving gaze.
“What he meant to say, Lord Sesshomaru, is welcome to our group! When do we leave?” Kagome directed as much enthusiasm as she could towards the demon lord, hoping to get a positive response from him. Instead he said nothing, but his gaze roamed over each one of them, stopping longest on the young fox demon in Kagome’s arms. Said demon gulped, burrowing his face into his protector’s neck.
“Woman, perhaps you should consider leaving the fox child behind.” Kagome’s eyes traveled to the young boy she loved as her own, and though she hated the idea of leaving him behind, she knew Sesshomaru was right. She had her own personal battle every time they left the village, not wanting the young boy present through the danger that he shouldn’t have to witness. His innocence was stripped more and more with every battle he saw, every life he watched fade from existence. She was selfish, she decided, he needed to be where he could assume the life of the child he was, and Kaede would have no trouble at all keeping him around.
Shippo shook his head as Kagome turned around and left the clearing, headed straight back to the village they were to be leaving that day. “I’m sorry Shippou, Lord Sesshomaru is right.” Her voice cracked as tears filled her eyes, but she couldn’t let them fall or Shippou would cry too, and she couldn’t bear to leave him crying for her while she left him alone. ‘Not alone. He’ll be with Kaede.’ She reminded herself. “If I had it my way Shippou, I’d take you everywhere I go, but we’re searching out Naraku now and I can’t have you hurt.” His protests landed on deaf ears, and though Kagome couldn’t fathom the idea of not having the furry body to snuggle with at nights, she reminded herself that it was for his own safety.
They arrived quickly at Kaede’s hut and to Kagome’s surprise; Kaede was waiting outside for her. “This old one felt your approach child, and the upset that rolls from your aura.” Kagome smiled weakly and held her arms out, depositing the now sobbing demon child into the elderly priestess’s awaiting embrace. “I gather he is the reason for your upset.” She stated, and at Kagome’s wary nod, Kaede smiled in understanding. “He will be well here, you know this. Ye should pride yourself Kagome, tis always hard for a mother to leave her child behind, and in your case, tis no different. Ye have done what is right by him.”
“I truly hope so Kaede, thank you. Shippou, I’ll come back for you soon, I promise!” She blew a kiss to the young boy, bringing a smile to his face, and he waved back calling after her as she ran towards the clearing she just left. “You better come back! Bye Kagome!”
END CHAPTER
Well, short and simple I think. I hope anyone that read enjoyed and I will happily update as soon as I finish chapter two. =] Any questions can be left in a review and I’ll answer them in the next chapter!