InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ FIGURE IT OUT! ❯ The Return ( Chapter 8 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Sango lay staring at the ceiling, her eyes half mast. She had left soon after Kagome, heading

straight for her room. She turned her head slightly as the sound of Rin and Shippou echoed

down the hall. Their shadowed bodies showing through the shoji door. Sango watched as

they said goodnight before leaving to their rooms. When Sango had first been shown her

room she was impressed by this part of the castle. It was a long hall with doors on both sides.

In between all the shoji doors was a painting of a demon, some human looking others not but

all were beautiful. At the end of the hall were large wooden doors with a dog demon carved

into them. It’s massive head was thrown back as it howled at the crescent moon. That room,

she had been told be a demon, was Lord Sesshoumaru’s. When she had first seen it she had

stared opened mouthed; Much the some way she had when she had seen her room. It was

simple looking but on one side was a fire place with seats in front. There was even a table

placed against the wall bellow a window; quells, ink and parchment neatly placed on top. On

the opposite side of the fire place the futon sat, it was hidden from view by a black and blue

screen. Speaking to Rin and Shippou before dinner she found that all the rooms along the hall

were like this. Sighing Sango lifted herself from the floor and sat in one chair in front of the

fire. Kirara, who was laying curled up on a fur rug, twitched, making her coat shine in the

fire’s warm glow. The demon slayer turned to look out her window; it was still dark but dawn

was fast approaching. Tears came to her eyes, when that same sun falls in the west Miroku

will be buried. Bringing her knees up she wrapped her arms around them, resting her head on

top. Her feelings for the monk were true in the beginning but now she felt like he was more a

dear friend. She no longer knew why she was going to marry him. Some part of her thought

of it as an obligation. Looking into the red flames Sango breathed deep. Death was a part of

life, she may never get over the loss of a friend but she had to move forward with her life.

Standing she tightened the obi around her white yagata. She needed to at least get a little

sleep. Padding silently to the futon she slid under the cotton sheet. Turning on her side, her

brown hair falling over shoulder, she closed her eyes. The heart wrenching sorrow of losing Miroku will always be there. She was soon asleep as silent tears fell to her pillow. The

young demon slayer was never aware of the small shadow that sat in a tree outside her

window. It watched her shadow through the screen as her breath evened out.

“I will always watch out for Sango.”





Sesshoumaru sighed as he sat behind his desk. The way things were going he would never get

to bed. After his talk with Kagome the little Miko had fallen asleep, not wanting to leave her

alone Sesshoumaru brought her to his study. She now lay on a fur covered futon beside his

desk. Her peaceful breathes calmed the young lord as he read. It was a decent sized room

with a fire place, a large wooden desk, chairs from the west sat in front of the desk and shelf

upon shelf of scrolls. Every scroll was written by an Inu No Tashio during his life. Many held

battle strategies, and others how to run the Pack better. Every new thing found by an Inu No

Tashio was written down for future leaders to read so they could better themselves. The

scroll Sesshoumaru now read was not from one of his predecessors, it was from one of his

spies. The sound of the door sliding open drew his attention. Kaze walked in, his silver hair

in it’s usual braid. Sesshoumaru frowned, Kaze’s usually happy smile was not in place,

instead his face was grim his eyes ringed in red as his lips lifted in a snarl. Stopping in front

of the desk Kaze through several rolled letters onto the desk. Gazing down at them

Sesshoumaru also snarled as HIS faint scent wafted off the parchments.

“So he sent more.”

“Yes! And my mate is worried sick about her and our daughters safety! I have read these,

these pieces of CRAP and the things written in them leave nothing to the imagination!” His

voice was growing louder as he spoke, causing Kagome groan in her sleep and roll over.

Suppressing a growl Sesshoumaru lifted his hand and motioned to the sleeping Miko.

“Sorry.” Kaze rubbed his face before falling backwards into a chair. “I’ll be more quiet. It’s

just these letters. Sesshoumaru my friend, you now how he is. What will I do? I don’t even know how he gets those damn things in my room.” Sesshoumaru stared at the letters, his face

unreadable, his golden eyes cold and uncaring. There was no need to read the letters or ask

what was in them. He knew from previous letters what they read. Some would be sweet, how

he would care for her and bring her flowers. Some were violent, telling Tsuzuki how he

would kill her mate and daughter. And others were how he would pleasure her. Make love to

her. Sesshoumaru’s lip lifted slightly in disgust, he was always a pervert. Moving the letters

into a draw the young lord picked up the parchment he had been reading and handed it to

Kaze.

“Unfortunately, these letters are not the only thing he’s been up too. My spies tell me that

Kurai has been spotted with large numbers of youkai near the eastern and southern borders.

That was some time ago, now they say the numbers have grown and they are getting closer

to the west. Also Shoji has been seen with him.” The captain’s eyes darkened and the already

present red grew as he read the scroll.

“Is this all they know? By this they say the numbers are great, how could they not know

more?” Sesshoumaru’s shoulders slightly sagged.

“My spies have been disappearing lately.” He pointed to the scroll with a clawed finger, the

purple markings on his new arm showing. “The one that sent me this is gone also. No one can

find him anywhere. Kaze, do you think he wants war?” The dog demon squinted as he looked

to his lord. The dawn light momentarily blinding him. Kaze always believed that

Sesshoumaru had his desk put in front of the window not because it faced the door but

because from dawn to midday, unless he closed the shutters, the sun would blind all who

looked at him. The effect only making him look more sinister.

“Sesshoumaru, to tell the truth I don’t know what he is up to. But I wouldn’t let my guard

down.” Standing Kaze bowed before turning to the door. Sliding it open he attempted to grin.

“Maybe I should get some sleep. It has been far to long since Tsuzuki and I tried to create

life.” With that he left. Glancing down at his little Miko Sesshoumaru prayed to all the gods

that a war was not what Kurai was planning, but he, like many others, knew that pray to be filled with false hope. Standing gracefully he turned to stare at the rising sun.





Shoji rubbed his neck as he paced back and forth in the small clearing. Upon hearing that “it”

was only a portal away Kurai had ordered Shoji and three others to go and collect it. Turning

to once again look at the centre of the clearing Shoji grabbed the small pendent that hung

around his neck in one hand. His clawed finger stroking it slightly. His men had found the

pendent wit the scrolls over seas. It was the key. Running his hand through his short purple

hair he growled. It frustrated that the pendent had led them so far from camp. Looking to the

sun he growled again. It had been two hours since they left and wit the army moving in the

opposite direction to their location it would take even longer to get back. Maybe nightfall. As

the wind blew through the trees he shivered at the cold breeze. A crackling sound brought his

attention to the centre. Slowly a portal was opening. Cocking his head to the side he stared at

it as it grew. It look like the ocean In a violent storm. Shoji grinned and stepped forward as a

demon emerged from the blue swirl. The demon was young, his cat like tail twitched behind

him. His green hair flew about as the portal closed wit a loud crack making them both wince.

He bowed to the dog demon, his red eyes meeting black as he straightened. Shoji looked him

over, he looked like he had been in a fight. Clutched to his chest was a gourd the size of a

baby, red string tied around it’s middle and words he couldn’t read carved into it. Taking the

gourd by the string Shoji tied it to his sash.

“Mo, why are you alone?” Mo shifted from foot to foot as he answered.

“They are dead, it seems the guardian of the fountain didn’t like us taking the water.” Shoji

nodded, he didn’t care if they all had died, he only cared that “it” was now at his waist ready

for Kurai. Turning he beckoned the cat demon to follow. Kurai would be pleased. He would

be rewarded. But, so would Mo. Turning to the cat demon he blocked his path. Mo looked at

his master, his expression puzzled.

“I can’t have a split reward. Don’t worry Mo when the battle starts you would have been arrow fodder anyway.” Mo’s heart sped up as he quickly turned to run, Shoji laughed, the

sound making all who heard shiver. Before Mo could get far a sharp pain stabbed his back

and chest. Looking down his eyes grew wider as he saw his own heart in Shoji’s clawed

hand. Pulling his hand out the lifeless cat fell at his feet, blood staining the grass a deep red.

Staring at Mo’s heart Shoji turned and continued back to camp.

“Waste not want not.” He said before biting into the still warm heart. Blood dripped down his

chin as his fangs sunk deep.




Very slowly awareness came back to Kagome. Opening her eyes she quickly closed them as

she was blinded by light. Sitting up with her eyes still closed she stretched till she heard a

pop from her back. Once again opening her eyes she blinked rapidly as they adjusted to the

light. Looking around she found herself in her room. Funny, she thought, I don’t remember

going here. Standing she walked pass the screen to the window, looking out she gasped as

she saw it was pass midday. Sighing she closed the shutters and walked to a large chest. The

chest stood to her thigh and was carved out of bone, gold was encrusted around the edges and

a dog was carved on the lid. It had been a gift from Sesshoumaru the first night he’d shown

the rooms. Opening it she pulled out a simple two layered kimono. The under bit was plain

white while the top was a solid blue. Miroku had always liked blue. Closing the chest she

placed the Kimono on top while she undid her yakata. She sighed sadly as the fabric fell to

the floor. Today was the day they would bury Miroku. Her clouded with tears as she pulled

the first layer closed and grabbed the second. The cold, salty water slid down her cheeks as

she tied the yellow obi into a simple bow at her back. Kagome was brought out of her sorrow

by a soft knock on her door. Wiping her eyes she called for who ever it was to enter. Shippou

nervously stuck his head in. His eyes were puffy and red, like her he had cried.

“Kagome, they are burying Miroku now. Sesshoumaru sent me to fetch you.” Kagome stood

surprised for a short moment before rushing to the door and following Shippou out. Why had

he moved it up? Wasn’t he meant to be buried at dusk? Looking up she found that they had

exited the wall and were now walking up a high mountain, not as high as the one in the Pack

but still pretty dawn steep. She frowned as Shippou easily sped ahead of her.

“Damn demons and their damn stronger muscles.” Kagome grumbled as she climbed the rest

of the way up the mountain. It was she could do not to burst into tears. At the top she looked

for Sango. Spotting her near Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru she walked towards them with

Shippou at her side. Standing next to Sango with her arm wrapped tight around her shoulders

Kagome looked around. There were many demons from the Pack there, all paying their

respects to the dead monk. Kagome stared at the raised earth; his body already under. As

Inuyasha placed the last stone for the headstone on top of the waist height pile he used his

claw to carve Miroku’s name clearly into the cold rock. Stepping back he mumble a goodbye.

Kagome watched as Shippou stepped forward to pour Sake on the headstone. The bright sun

was a harsh contrast to the sorrowful mood on the hill. Everyone lowered their head and

prayed for his soul. Many bowed and left the silent hill, leaving only their lord, a Miko, a

sobbing fox, a withdrawn slayer and a seemingly uncaring half breed. Kagome jumped as a

hand rested on her shoulder. Turning she stared into Sesshoumaru’s unreadable face.

“Come Kagome. There is a reason these things don’t last long.” Nodding she glanced at

Sango as she followed Sesshoumaru, Shippou held tightly in his arms. Sango watched sadly

as Kagome left. Now only Inuyasha and Sango stood near his grave.

“Sango… I’m sorry.” Sango merely sat down and stared at him.

“Saying sorry won’t make it all better. You weren’t there when he died, you didn’t see the

pain he went through. What was so important that you had to leave your friend?” Sango’s

brown eyes held his golden ones. He broke her gaze with a sigh turning to walk down the hill.

Sango snorted, “I thought so.” Sitting on the hill staring at Miroku’s resting place Sango

drifted into herself. Sango was so deep into herself she never heard the footsteps behind her.

She screamed as a hand came to rest on her shoulder. Facing her foe she saw a young dog

demon, his silver hair cut to his shoulders, golden eyes stared at her as he covered his ears. Blinking a few times she stood bowing and apologising repeatedly. Raising his hands he

placed them on her shoulders, instead of two streaks a black marking that ran from ear to ear

across his face.

“Don’t worry. I bet a lot of women would have screamed if someone snuck up on them.”

Sango smiled sadly. Staring into his golden eyes her smile grew happier. Removing his hands

with a blush he rubbed his head.

“Sorry. My name’s Shoji by the way. You must be Sango.” The slayer nodded. Shoji smiled,

it made her heart clench.

“I came to pray for your friend. I’m sorry he’s dead.”

“Thanks. He meant a lot to us.”

“Wow. I didn’t think this many people would turn up.” Sango stiffened at the familiar voice.

Turning slowly she stared wide eyed at a monkey. Shoji’s jaw was open as he watched the

monkey walk forward to stand in front of Sango.

“So? Hello?” Sango fell to her knees with a gasp.

“Oh my god! Is that you!”