InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Finding Kagome ❯ Finding Kagome - Chapter Eleven ( Chapter 11 )

A/N: I do not own the characters (or their previous incarnations) Takahashi-Sama does, I only play with them (sometimes nice and sometimes mean) and do not receive any kind of financial benefit from doing so. I do not wish to offend anyone so here is a friendly...

 

 

WARNING: Contains Profanity, Graphic Violence.

 

 

FINDING KAGOME

 

 

 

 

Chapter Eleven

 

 

The sun cast panels that filtered through the trees, as the two followed what had become a narrow trail, the bright sounds of birds chirping around them echoed lightly in the surrounding woods. The trees were smaller here, yet still vast in size. Seeing where they broke just ahead, Inuyasha followed the path of a ring tailed hawk, which circled lazily on the breeze. There was a low rumbling ahead, that he recognized as the sound of vehicles on a road, not unlike what he had heard within the city. This modern era was a noisy place.

 

“We near the road, halfbreed. Time to move up,” informed his limping companion, looking up into the branches. He glanced around sniffing, measuring his environment. He looked down at the demon's injured appendage.

 

“You shouldn't be jumping around on that leg,” the hanyou responded. He stopped, putting his arm out to block the demon's progress. “How far?”

 

“It's not far,” and Sesshoumaru nodded east of where the hawk had been. They were both exhausted, but Inuyasha did not like the idea of confronting mortals, looking like the haggard mess that they were. They had washed somewhat back at the river, but their clothes were still covered with gore, and he knew the sight would bring too many questions, not to mention that he had left his hat in the car.

His ears twitched, as he considered his options.

 

“Ok,” and he turned away from his brother kneeling on one knee. “Hop on,” and he pointed to his back. “I can get us there.”

 

Sesshoumaru stood, unmoving as he looked down at the hanyou. His leg was on fire, but he had made the journey this far without complaint. Although he had leaned a bit on his brother's shoulders for support for a time.

 

“Look, jackass... I really don't like this any more than you do, but the only alternative would be for me to carry you like a girl.” He started to rise, looking back at his elder. “You wouldn't want anyone to see that would you?” He moved closer, positioning his arms as though he would pick the demon up and carry him in his arms.

 

“STOP, halfbreed,” a look of murder flashed in Sesshoumaru's eyes, though he remained unmoved. “Your arm... will not allow that,” he commented flatly, nodding toward the still weeping tear on the inside of Inuyasha's forearm. They both would need attention from the staff healer immediately, once they arrived at the compound. “This Sesshoumaru will not be... carried.”

 

“Well... shit.” The consternation caused Inuyasha's ears to twitch, irritably. “You have a better idea, jackass??”

 

“I said,” Sesshoumaru put his hand on his brother's shoulder, then reached around grasping around his neck as he had for support earlier, “it's not far, with mutual effort the trees will not an issue.”

 

Inuyasha looked down to see that the demon had raised his bad leg, and flexing slightly on his good one dipped lightly as he leaned on him.

 

“Oi, I get it... like a three legged race...” and he grinned and nodded. “Alright then, let's go!”

 

They jumped together to a lower branch, testing their combined coordination. Sesshoumaru adjusted his grasp a little more tightly and looked up to another branch, nodding. Inuyasha's eyes followed the demon's and they jumped again, this time much higher and to the east, where they could see the park and ride lot, and the waiting limousine.

 

Progress was slower than it would have been if the demon had allow Inuyasha to carry him, but after a short while of jump, adjust and coordinate to jump again, they reached the trees nearest the lot. There was a wide strip of grassy area separating the tree line and the parking area, and as they reached the edge, Sesshoumaru whistled piercingly, causing Inuyasha to shudder, cringe and pull his ears flat on his head.

 

“DAMN, that HURT!” He hissed as he adjusted his left arm's grip on his brother. “Did you have to do that right next to my EAR??” The demon glanced at him apologetically as he hopped slightly on his good leg, clawed foot gripping the wood under them. Eyes watching the car on the far side of the parking area, a low growl began to radiate from his chest.

 

“We are here, idiot,” he stated in a slightly louder than normal tone, dripping with anger.

 

Inuyasha watched the car, then glanced at his brother. Obviously the whistle had been a summons, and the driver had not responded to the command. The demon whistled again, and this time Inuyasha was better prepared, though he did raise his shoulders a bit ducking from the sound, which caused the demon to tighten his grasp. The look of venom in Sesshoumaru's eyes increased, and though there was no scent of it, he glanced down at the demon's claws to make sure they weren't dripping. The engine on the limousine started and it peeled around to the west side of the lot toward them, into the grass and right up to the tree.

 

The fat little driver jumped out and ran around to open the back door nearest them, then dropped to his knees, forehead to the grass, as though in prayer. Sesshoumaru looked around for any activity, then out to the road as he watched the sparse traffic pass. He then nodded to Inuyasha and they jumped together down to the limousine, where upon Sesshoumaru let go of his brother's neck and in one swift movement, pulled Tokojin, twirled around on his good leg , and sliced down on the driver's neck, decapitating him.

 

“What the... FUCK??” shouted Inuyasha in agitated shock and confusion.

 

Sesshoumaru stood next to the body, anger still seething from his countenance. “This Sesshoumaru would do it again, and yet again if time allowed. Slovenliness, inattentiveness, lack of attention to detail... the list goes on,” he vented in irritation.

 

“So you don't like this guy... is that any reason to kill him?” Inuyasha, upon hearing an approaching vehicle, jumped to the door and reached into pull his hat from the seat, sliding it onto his head. He didn't know about the body, or the mess their clothes were in, but at least his ears wouldn't be drawing any attention. “Why didn't you just fire him? I mean, SHIT!!” he continued as he pulled back out of the car.

 

Sesshoumaru just stood there, his features completely inexpressive.

 

The vehicle continued on down the road, no sign of the travelers noticing the macabre scene as they passed. It was far enough away, and they were on the far side of the limousine, hidden from easy view.

 

“Hand me my case,” Sesshoumaru directed. Inuyasha looked at him, not certain what he was talking about. Seeing the hanyou's confusion the demon clarified, “the container for my swords.”

 

Nodding, Inuyasha reached into the back seat and pulled out the wide cylindrical case by the strap, and handed it to his brother. It was then that it dawned on him where this was going, and he swallowed noticeably.

 

Sesshoumaru, with remarkable deftness, hung the case on his shoulder, then opened it with his one hand. Unbuckling Tokojin he dropped his weapon into the case pulling out the twin sword, Tenssaiga. Then removing it from the sheath, he unceremoniously touched the blade to the body laying before them. His task complete, he resheathed the sword and returned it to the case, closing it.

 

There was horror, and fascination in the hanyou's eyes as he watched the transformation that followed. Even though decapitated, the body twitched and the fingers moved, as he saw the head roll back toward the body, joining at the neck. Now whole, the body shook slightly, and the eyes opened to look around. Rolling to his back, the driver tested his muscles, and brought his hand up to his face flexing it, before slowly rising, to stand in a subservient bow before his lord.

 

“Get in the vehicle,” came the demon's order, and Inuyasha quickly obeyed, as did the reanimated driver. Once everyone was seated, Sesshoumaru directed the driver, “home... NOW!”

And the car peeled out of the parking area onto the highway.

 

Inuyasha sat straight in his seat, his hat tilted back, as he stared wordlessly, eyes wide at the Demon Lord. Yet another bazaar string of thoughts to ad to his list, since he was unable to do much more than react automatically to his environment, as exhausted as he was.

 

Sesshoumaru reached to the side, opened a small box and pulled out two cold bottles of water, silently handing one of them to the hanyou. He looked at the bottle, considering it before turning it around in his hand, then gripped it with his lower three fingers, he twisted off the top with his thumb and index finger, the cap falling to his lap. Taking a deep pull of the refreshing drink, he then stared back at his brother.

 

Inuyasha was familiar with these bottles, not unlike the ones that Kagome had brought back with her to carry water for their group. The cap was tighter than he remembered, and he pulled at it with clawed fingers, finally breaking the seal to take a drink. He then returned his gaze to the demon, and they sat in silence for a time. The events of the last 24 hours swirled like a strange mosaic in his mind, landing on the scene of the dead driver, and the demon's use of Tenssaiga to bring him back.

 

“I see that you have found a good use for your 'useless' sword,” he tensed slightly unsure what response would come from his observation. Tetsusaiga was still on his side, and he preferred it that way for the time being. Sesshoumaru was proving to be even more unpredictable than he had first thought, regardless of the kind words. He was still Youkai, and the culture of the taiyoukai was still a mystery to the hanyou.

 

“This Sesshoumaru holds no anger toward you, little brother. You can relax.”

 

“Right,” was Inuyasha's only response. Their eyes still locked, he took another drink from the bottle.

 

“The means with which I discipline my staff are of no concern to you. You are not a member of my staff. You are a member of my family... my pack,” and his eyes softened. “You are my brother.”

 

“Right,” Inuyasha's response still held his disbelief, and this pained Sesshoumaru, though he did not exhibit it.

 

“You will have to adjust to the differences, Inuyasha. You are now an equal to me, within the eyes of those you will deal with the most. My staff will refer to you as their lord, just as they do this Sesshoumaru. Any need you have will be met with the utmost speed. There will be teachers who will enlighten you to the more modern terminology, show you how to use the conveniences of this time. This car... will be at your disposal when you are ready to venture out.” Sesshoumaru stopped, watching the reaction of his brother.

 

“You know, Jackass...” Inuyasha sat back a bit in the seat, “I agreed for you to come with me...”

He looked at the bottle in his hands, then around the vehicles interior before gazing out the window at the passing forestland. “I didn't agree to move in with you.” And he looked pointedly at the demon across from him. “I'm not so sure that's ... such a good idea. I don't know who the fuck you are, but you aren't the Sesshoumaru I know.”

 

“My home...” the demon attempted to explain, “is an extension of the holdings of the Great InuTaisho, and consequently belongs to his heirs. You are one of said heirs, Inuyasha... whether you like it or not.”

 

Inuyasha rolled his eyes rebelliously, then finished his water.

 

“Now you are just being foolish,” came the demon's response. “How do you plan to do this, then?” Inuyasha folded his arms, a scowl taking hold on his features. “You are running on nothing but instinct now, desiring to do nothing but sniff out your mate... and claim her again. When in all reality, she will have not one clue as to who this Wildman is that is stalking her.” He stopped to let the truth sink into the stubborn hanyou's brain.

 

“Kagome would never fear me, not ever...” He muttered stubbornly, he assurance faltering.

 

“You don't know that... you know nothing about her now... not even her name,” Sesshoumaru countered. “And...” this pulled Inuyasha's gaze back to him, “I need you. The situation with Koga will not get any better, and you knew him well. I need your counsel, and your strength to subdue the bastard and clean up his mess.”

 

“That's what this is all about, isn't it Jackass??” Inuyasha unfolded his arms, and leaned forward. “You want my help... not really the other way around.”

 

“That is a falsehood that we need to clear up, right now!” his voice raised, Sesshoumaru glared back at his younger brother. The raise in volume took Inuyasha back, still unaccustomed to seeing any emotion from the demon. “Think back, halfbreed... to our conversations over the last day.”

 

“It's only been one day...” whispered the hanyou as he sat back again, feeling the exhaustion. “Feels more like a fuckin' month... OK, so you feel guilty, and you want to try to make it right... and at the same time you want the wolf on a skewer.”

 

“That is a very concise analysis, though not entirely accurate,” the elder demon leaned forward, to reach across and lay his clawed hand on that of his brother's. “Let me do this thing, Inuyasha... if for nothing else, to appease an old youkai's conscience.”

 

“You aren't old,” Inuyasha sneered, pulling his hand away. Then he took a moment to look his elder brother over more closely. He hadn't really thought about it but, the jackass did show some signs of age. He wasn't a kid anymore, though he couldn't ever remember him being a kid... But what had been a brief crossing through the well for him had added 5 centuries to his sibling. 5 centuries that he knew nothing about, which had molded the demon, matured him... he seemed to care a lot more now about others...

 

“Feh... Alright, I will stay at your place,” he announced, then pulled his hat over his eyes, and slid down on the seat. “Wake me up when we get there.”

 

Satisfied, Sesshoumaru sat back as well, and closed his own eyes for a time.

 

The road curved this way and that, making it impossible for either of them to reach true sleep, and the sounds and smells of the increasing traffic bore down on them gradually, as they moved further away from the forested parks region to more densely populated areas.

 

Inuyasha opened one eye, and stretched, as he noticed the strange tingling of his rosary begin again. Assuming they were close to reaching their destination, he moved himself more upright on his seat, removing his hat, to watch out the window, when he was suddenly thrown forward onto the demon, who hissed loudly at the intrusion.

 

The wheels were squealing as the car was pulled to a complete stop, Inuyasha rolled off of his brother's lap, staring out the back window.

 

“What the fuck?” his only comment as Sesshoumaru pressed the button to lower the screen between them and the driver's area.

 

“Forgive me Lord Sesshoumaru,” panted the driver, “it was an oncoming car, my Lord... Please don't be angry! There was no collision, my Lord, please don't be angry...”

 

“Silence.”

 

“Yes my Lord.”

 

Sesshoumaru leaned toward the easterly window, and peered out at the other vehicle that was precariously stopped at an angle on the highway. There was something about the passengers... and he closed his eyes, then opened them wide in surprise. This was a rarity.

 

“Go check on them,” commanded the demon.

 

“Of course my Lord,” and the driver quickly exited to run across the highway.

 

“What is it?” inquired Inuyasha, as he pushed himself across to his own seat, peering out the window, adjusting his hat on his head. He fingered the rosary, which was curiously becoming more evident on his neck. It seemed to actually be growing warm to the touch.

 

“In that car...” Sesshoumaru hesitated, “there is a person with great power.”

 

“I don't sense any other youki...” and Inuyasha looked again, “just you guys.”

 

“Not Youkai... this is a human power... like that of a miko,” Sesshoumaru's hand came up to his chin as he watched the driver speaking with a man.

 

“Put the window down, just a little, I want to hear what is said,” and he nodded to a button on the door, which Inuyasha pressed to lower the window and they both slid a little closer to hear.

 

“Shit, you weren't kidding,” whispered Inuyasha at hearing the driver refer to them as his Lords. At this Sesshoumaru simply raised a brow. He desperately wanted to know who that was in that car.

 

“He's an idiot,” he cast to the side, “No human uses that term, not around here. But you do understand some of what is being said?”

 

“Some of it, I just wish they weren't talking so fast,” the hanyou muttered

 

“It will get easier for you, you need more exposure to it,” and they both watched the driver run back to the car.

 

“The girl that was driving is ill, My Lord,” he panted, “and that is why she swerved. I could feel her, she is very strong, Sir. The young man...” the other car peeled away and down the road, “he said he was taking over the driving and that there was help for her at their destination.”

 

“Very well. Did you get a name, by chance?” Sesshoumaru asked hopefully.

 

“No Sir, I did not know that you wished for me to do so...” whined the driver.

 

“Let us proceed... NOW” and the driver jumped, and hurriedly got behind the wheel, pulling out into the lane and resuming his elevated speed.

 

“Don't you want to follow them???” Inuyasha had twisted around to watch out the back window, fingering his rosary.

 

“No,” the demon responded, “another day.” Seeing the disappointment in Inuyasha's eyes, he added, “The chances of that being the one you seek are very slim, if any at all. Though I must admit, that one was stronger than this Sesshoumaru has felt in centuries. I can investigate further after resting, the license on that car should shed some light.”

 

“License?” questioned the hanyou as he turned back around in his seat.

 

“Yes, it's a tag of identification, all vehicles have them,” Sesshoumaru smiled slightly. “I have committed that one to memory.”

 

“Hn,” Inuyasha nodded.

 

“My Lords, we will be arriving in approximately half an hour,” announced the driver through the open screen. This prompted Sesshoumaru to press the button, to raise the screen without comment.

 

“You will like our home, halfbreed. It is just north of the city, high on a hill. The cliffs allow for an unfettered view.” He watched the hanyou, who seemed to be lost in thought. “Did you hear me?”

 

“Huh? Oh, yeah... sure... whatever.” And he continued to finger his rosary.

 

 

 

 

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