InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Fire and Ice ❯ Longing ( Chapter 19 )

A/N: Shall I even bother trying to explain my absence? Well, server crash at work, putting in an offer on a house, and two chapters that stunk so bad I just deleted them flat out. It's for everyone's safety, believe me. Hopefully someone is still reading this. I'm not 100% with this chapter, but I've made everyone wait too long as it is. It's just a nice breather in the midst of the violence. Don't worry, plenty of violence still coming.

 

Now, now, I never said Takanou was the big bad. He is just the one who has Kagome. :-) I loved the response though. I was giggling as I wrote the outline months ago, and I actually wrote “It's Takanou, OMGWTF” in my notes. I couldn't leave a loose thread like that. I just had to wait 55 chapters for everyone to forget about him.

 

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“What are you staring at, Cho-chan?”

 

“Nothing.” Cho backed away from the door she had been peeking through, blushing lightly at her mother.

 

“Really.” Giving her daughter a little push, Mayu took her place and peeked through the door. “Ah, I see. Fascinating. And your father is up! I told him to stay in bed!”

 

“There is nothing fascinating about a bunch of males arguing.” Ignoring her own words, she ducked down so she could peek through with her mother. “Father looks tired, but that is all.”

 

“One night of sleep and he thinks he is three hundred again.”

 

“He is just sitting with Merkamou-sama, Isamu-kun, and Katsuro-san.”

 

The two females listened for a moment as the four lords discussed and sometimes argued over what to do with the all of the threats arrayed against them.

 

“Mother, have you noticed a change?”

 

Mayu smiled, keeping her eyes on the male she knew her daughter was talking about. “Hai. It seems that the heir has stepped into his role.”

 

“It was just so sudden.” The younger lady's attention was glued to the black haired lord that was holding his own with the other lords.

 

“He has not had many opportunities to show this side of himself. I had suspected that there was a leader there, but with Sesshomaru-sama for a father and Mizuki-san for an older sister it must have been difficult.”

 

“And what about Kagome-sama?”

 

“Kagome-sama is a delightful lady and not a power to be dismissed, but she has no interest in ruling the West.”

 

“Very true. And until today, I thought her son was the same way.”

 

“Until his father awakes, he is the Lord of the West. He has acted as such since the battle ended, and kept order. With so many of the taiyoukai injured, it is a relief that he was able to keep control.” Mayu growled a little. “Does your father look pale to you?”

 

“Mother, he is fine. He is just sitting at a table.”

 

“I do not like this. He should be in bed.”

 

“Mother . . . “

 

“Ladies, you don't need to lurk in the door. Come in, since we can hear you anyways.” Katsuro was staring straight at them. “And we're just finishing up, so if Mayu-sama wants to take Hideaki-sama away, she can.”

 

“Please, do not help me, Katsuro-sama.” Hideaki gave his mate a trapped look. “I am fine, Mayu.”

 

“If you are done, you are going to your room. Now.” Mayu had her hands on her hips in the traditional pose of female annoyance. “Well?”

 

“If you will excuse me, my lords, it seems that my mate requires my presence.” Hideaki gave an elegant bow before leaving the room with his mate right on his heels.

 

“You are not a cub anymore! You should still be resting!”

 

Mayu's demands echoed down the hall to the room's remaining occupants.

 

“Merkamou-sama, if I ever look like I'm going to take a mate, hit me really, really hard.” Katsuro made a face as he piled his papers together.

 

Isamu and Merkamou exchanged an amused look.

 

“The foolishness of youth, to reject something without knowing its unequaled value. However, for my own amusement, I will remember your request.” Merkamou chuckled as he rose, seeing the way that a certain young female was bristling. “If you will excuse me.”

 

“Thanks, Merkamou-sama. I'll be heading over to check on father as soon as I can. I have to find Nami-san.”

 

“Till then.” Trying not to laugh outright at the danger that Katsuro had unknowingly put himself in, the hawk bowed himself out.

 

Isamu was also heading out, but paused to whisper to Cho. “Try to leave enough for us to identify the body, little sister.”

 

After the other lords had left, Cho moved to stand just in front of Katsuro. “So, Katsuro-san, you wish to remain unmated for the rest of your existence?”

 

The icy tones of Cho's voice made Katuro's head snap up. `Uh oh. That doesn't sound good.' “Well, I didn't really say that. I was just telling Merkamou-sama to . . . uh . . . “

 

“To punish you if you ever showed signs of making such a decision.” Cho was not sure why she was so aggravated with him. She just wanted some sign that he was serious about her! Was he even mature enough to do that?

 

Sighing, Katsuro shoved the papers away and stood up. “I wasn't serious. It was a joke, since your mother was yelling at Hideaki-sama like that. I'm more then a little tired since I haven't slept since that battle, and we still can't find Mama. Father's still out, so he can't help, and Ki-chan is off doing who knows what with Seiji-san. Akira-sama is not moving, and the healer is getting really worried about her. If she doesn't wake up soon . . . “

 

“I understand. You are tired. However, you have not instilled much confidence in me about your intentions.”

 

“Intentions?” Katsuro gave her a blank look before the problem finally dawned on him. “You don't think I'm serious.”

 

“When are you ever serious, Katsuro-san?”

 

Cho turned to leave the room, and Katsuro was moving before his tired mind could even catch up with it. He caught her by the arm and spun her back around, hard. His mouth dropped on hers, catching her completely off guard and taking full advantage of it. When he nipped at her lower lip she felt her knees go weak, her head spinning while her pulse thundered in her ears.

 

Her arms moved up to slide behind his neck, pulling him even closer if that was physically possible. The ink black hair slid against her hands, as his tongue brushed across her lips. She allowed the entrance, hearing the faint growl as his arms tightened around her.

 

When they finally broke apart, Cho was not allowed to move away. The emerald eyes were still so very close, and had an intense look to them.

 

“Still think I'm not serious?”

 

“Katsuro-kun . . . “

 

A crash echoed through the building, making them both jump. Katsuro kept her flush against him with one arm while the other went to his sword. “What the hell?”

 

“Your father is awake!” Yuriko ran past the door, most likely looking for her own father. She stopped and doubled back. “Put that down and go do something about him!”

 

“That?” Cho looked very put out.

 

“Oh, fabulous.” Katsuro started to run for the door, then turned back and pressed a fast, hard kiss on Cho's lips. “We'll finish this later. After father is done destroying the place and finding Mama.”

 

Katsuro ran from the room, almost slamming into Yuriko as she tried to go the other way.

 

Hand over her heart, Cho stared after him. `Sugoi. I will not question his intentions again, unless, of course, he will react the same way. How long will it take before my heart returns to its normal rhythm?'

 

----

 

Longing that was sharp enough to be pain.

 

Sesshomaru's eyes snapped open, only one thought in his mind.

 

`Where is Kagome?'

 

On his feet in half a heartbeat, his eyes scanned the room, trying to piece together what had happened. The healer just about fainted when the Lord of the West was suddenly awake and glaring at her.

 

“Where is Kagome?”

 

“I do not know, my lord.”

 

A convenient table was flung across the room and through a wall. “What has happened to my mate!”

 

“Eep!” Yuriko ran from the room, looking for anyone that could help with the enraged taiyoukai.

 

Sesshomaru could feel the faint tugging, pulling him towards his other half. `She is alive, awake, and unharmed. Very unhappy, but unharmed. I can track her.'

 

The doorway was blocked, and he attacked in a blind rage.

 

“Ow, damn it, father!” Katsuro dodged the worst of his father's attacks, but still got his arm sliced open. Pulling his sword, he slammed the pommel into Sesshomaru's stomach, trying to get his attention. “It's me! Katsuro!”

 

Grabbing the obstacle by the throat, Sesshomaru hauled him off the ground.

 

“Father!” Slamming the sword into his father's arm, Katsuro broke free. “Wake up, already!”

“Damn.” Merkamou appeared behind Katsuro. “I do not think he is entirely sane right now.”

 

“Ya think?”

 

The next attack sent Katsuro flying backwards into Merkamou, sending all three tumbling out of the door. Merkamou recovered first, tackling Sesshomaru and pushing him back into the great room. “Calm down, Sesshomaru-sama.”

 

The answer was a fist to the side of Merkamou's head that threatened to snap it clear off of his body. Even as the world spun about in a way that made things rather confusing, the hawk dragged his friend back down. “Do not make me hurt you, Sesshomaru.”

 

Snarling, Sesshomaru reached for Tokijin. Merkamou threw him hard, cracking the floor from the impact. The inu-youkai was not as quick to get up, but his eyes were still not sane. Tackling him again, Merkamou tried to keep Sesshomaru's hands away from Tokijin. The building would most definitely not survive that.

 

There was another crash as Sesshomaru broke away, sending Merkamou to the ground. The stubborn hawk gritted his teeth and lunged back up. The taiyoukai was closing on his son again, and Merkamou grabbed onto the back of his clothing with both hands, dragging him back. Twisting, Sesshomaru grabbed onto Merkamou's arm and dug his claws in. Kicking out, the hawk knocked his friend's feet out from underneath him, sending them both down to the floor again.

 

“How are you going to save Mama if you are going to go on a rampage like this? You'd destroy every village between here and wherever she is! We aren't letting you out until you can at least talk!” Katsuro blocked the doorway again, sword in hand. “You damn arrogant bastard!”

 

Sesshomaru stopped, staring at his son. Recognition kicked in. “Katsuro.”

 

“Hai?”

 

“What happened to Kagome?”

 

“This appears promising.” Merkamou eased his grip on the taiyoukai. “She was taken in the fighting, Sesshomaru-sama, at the same time that you collapsed.”

 

“And she has not been found?”

 

Katsuro hung his head. “They concealed her trail. We couldn't find her.”

 

“Hn.” Removing his claws from Merkamou's arm, Sesshomaru glanced around the room. “And how long have I been unconscious?”

 

“A night.”

 

`And that is why I am still able to function. It has not been very long.' Standing, he hauled Merkamou up with him. “I will find her.”

 

Katsuro continued to block the door. “And I'm coming with you.”

 

Sesshomaru and his son exchanged dark looks. “I do not require assistance.”

 

“Where do you think what's left of that army went? I'm coming with you.”

 

“As am I.” Merkamou ripped a part of his kimono to bind his arm. “I could not leave Kagome-sama in danger.”

 

“And I am coming.”

 

All eyes swiveled to find Mayu behind Katsuro, her face set in stone. “Someone is aiming for the Ladies, and I intend to find out why as well as deliver a slow and painful death.” Her eyes tracked over to where Akira was still unmoving, pale and cold as death, her son on guard at her side. “That is my son's mate. He will not go, so I will.”

 

“The more, the merrier.” Merkamou smiled, even if it did not have the usual energy. “Yuriko-chan will insist in coming as well, and where she and Katsuro-sama go you will find Shippou-san.”

 

“Sounds like a regular festival to me.” Katsuro finally resheathed his sword. “Can you tell how far away she is, father?”

 

“No.”

 

“Damn. We should organize a bit, then. What time of day is it?” Katsuro moved to the hole his father had created, poking his head out. “Okay, everyone grab what you need and head to the center of the village.”

 

There were mumbled assents as the group scattered to find weapons and armor.

 

Sesshomaru was looking at his son with a strange expression, and it was not missed by Katsuro. “Nani?”

 

“You are giving orders.”

 

Katsuro's eyes got really big. “I didn't mean to take over, I really didn't.”

 

“It was your duty.”

 

“Well, yeah, when you were out, but now you should be giving the orders.”

 

“As long as you follow my orders, you are free to give orders to others.”

 

Blood returned to its normal rhythm as Katsuro started to breathe again. “So you aren't going to beat me up for usurping your authority?”

 

“Not today.”

 

“Oh. Well, okay.” Katsuro gave an uneasy smile. “I've got to grab some weapons. Just don't attack anyone. We'll go find Mama.”

 

----

 

“I have met some big losers in my time, and I've been alive for a long time now. But you take the cake, Takanou.” Kagome sat at the back of the cell, trying to ignore the pain of separation in her chest. “I'm just going to sit here and wait for my mate to charge in here and finish you off.”

 

“He will never find us.” Takanou smiled at her through the bars.

 

Kagome shut her eyes, a smile of her own easing across her face. “He's on his way. And, unless I'm mistaken, he's bringing half of the taiyoukai with him.”

 

“And how would you know this?”

 

“Umm, does the word `bonded' mean anything to you? Dimwit.”

 

Takanou's smile actually grew. “Yes, I know you are bonded. There are ways around these things.”

 

“Sure, unless you're a 250 year-old ningen. Baka.”

 

“I have spent the last two centuries researching ways to gain your freedom.”

 

The cobalt eyes snapped open. “So you've been obsessed with me all this time.”

 

“Not obsessed. I have never felt for anyone what I feel for you. The idea of you being trapped with him . . . ”

 

“We'll deal with that garbage in a minute. Why would you attack all of the taiyoukai if you were just trying to get me? Why did you target the Ladies?”

 

“The Ladies? What are you talking about, Kagome-sama?”

 

“They told us that if we handed over the Ladies they would leave before they attacked. That was your army, right?”

 

“Parts of it. Other parts came from the South and the East.”

 

Kagome let her head fall back against the wall. If her hands were free she would have rubbed her temples. “Were you even there?”

 

“No. I was here, waiting for you.”

 

“What did you tell them to do?”

 

“I gave them two objectives. Kill Akira and capture you. How they went about it was of no concern to me. I did not know that he had demanded all of the Ladies.”

 

Back on her feet, Kagome started to move to the front of the cell again. “Why Akira? What did she do to you?”

 

“To me? Nothing. That was the price for Tsuki's assistance in capturing you.”

 

“Tsuki? Who the hell is Tsuki?”

 

Takanou shrugged. “A lord from the East. I believe he is looking to take over after Akira's death. With the assistance of the youkai he sent we were able to cause significant damage as well as rescuing you.”

 

“Have you even noticed that you're being manipulated? Tsuki is trying to take over, and he's using you!”

 

“He may believe whatever he likes. You are here, and I will be able to break the hold that the dog has over you. You will be with me.”

 

“Not only are you a loser, you're an idiot! I don't want to be with you. I. Don't. Want. To. Be. With. You.”

 

“That is his hold over you speaking. You will understand after I have made you my mate.”

 

The walls shook with the force of Takanou's impact, Kagome's barrier pinning him to the wall. “You will never touch me. I am not and will never be your mate.”

 

The barrier disappeared and Takanou slid to the ground. “His hold over you is powerful.”

 

“Jackass.”

 

“Be reasonable, Kagome-sama . . . “

 

“You're a jackass! Jackass! Jackass! Jackass! Jackass! Jackass!”

 

Takanou stood up, glaring at the screaming miko. “I will return with the supplies needed to break this bond. Then you will understand.”

 

“Loser! Baka! Dimwit! Moron! Stupid!”

 

Since the little miko was showing no signs of stopping, or that she had even heard him, Takanou retreated.

 

`You better hurry up and get here, jo-chan. I don't want him mucking around with the bond that's keeping me alive after all of these years. He probably can't do a thing, but even morons can make a lucky guess once in a while.'

 

----

 

“He never knew Inuyasha, but sometimes he just looks so much like him.” Shippou looked past Yuriko to where his friend was leaping from treetop to treetop.

 

“Inuyasha? I think I have heard the name before. Who was he?” Yuriko turned her head to meet the mischievous eyes behind her.

 

“Sesshomaru's half brother, a hanyou. He had white hair and gold eyes like Sesshomaru, but it's just so weird to see Katsuro jumping around just like he did. He used to travel with me, Kagome, Sango, Mirokou, and Kirara.”

 

“What happened to him?”

 

“He died.” Shippou's eyes dropped. “He went to hell with an undead priestess. I'm still mad at him for leaving Kagome-chan alone like that. Come on, Kikyo reeked!”

 

“You had some amazing adventures growing up, ne?”

 

“Hai.” His smile returning, Shippou looked up to meet her eyes. “Jealous?”

 

“Of course not. It will just take me longer to collect my own adventures. You did not have Papa watching over you at all times.” Tossing a glare at the streak of flame traveling near Katsuro, Yuriko huffed. “I have had more freedom in the last two weeks then I have had in the last hundred years.”

 

“And what have you done with it? Aggravated the hell out of Mizuki flirting with that dragon, gotten involved in a huge battle, and are now charging off on your first rescue mission. I think you're making up for lost time.”

 

“I have not been aggravating Mizuki. She insists that he is not her intended.”

 

Shippou gave her a hard poke. “Do you even like Seiji?”

 

“I have not actually talked to him much.”

 

“I've been watching those two for months now. It's a lost cause. Believe me.”

 

There had been a hint of pain to the kitsune's voice.

 

“And did you even like Mizuki?”

 

“She's a friend. She really is. It bothers me so much that she's with that guy. He's arrogant, hates hanyou . . . “

 

“Then why do you think it is a lost cause?”

 

“I just know a lost cause when I see one. Or two.”

 

The red hair fell across Yuriko's shoulder as Shippou set his head there.

 

“You are talking about Cho now, are you not?”

 

“She can't even keep her eyes off of Katsuro. Another lost cause. How can I compete with either of them? Heir of the West, heir of the East, and Shippou. Easy choice.”

 

Yuriko reached back to touch Shippou's hair. “Stop it, my friend. Mizuki was not given a choice in the matter. Cho has known Katsuro most of his life. It has nothing to do with you.”

 

“I know, I know, Yuriko.”

 

“Then do not beat yourself up over it. It is not like these two are the first females that you had ever set your sights on.”

 

“Very true. There are many lovely ladies waiting for me in the South, if I remember correctly.”

 

“You do. They have asked me about your return.” Yuriko made a sour face.

 

“What's with the face? Are there so many?” Shippou sat up straight and puffed up his chest.

 

“No. I just cannot understand your taste in females. Simpering, delicate ninnies. Every one of them.”

 

“That's just the way they are, Yuriko.”

 

Snapping her head around to glare at him, Yuriko felt her hands clench around the reins. “What is wrong with having a thought other then being beautiful and well dressed?”

 

Blinking in confusion, Shippou leaned away. “Nothing!”

 

“Then why would you not consider a female like that?”

 

“I never said I wouldn't! I just can't remember seeing any ladies that were like that.”

 

“That does it!” Yuriko hauled off and knocked Shippou right off of the dragon. “Are you blind or just stupid!?”

 

“Oh, ow.” Shippou rolled over and looked up at the irate warrior and her dragon.

 

“Well?”

 

“I'm not blind, so I must be stupid.” Rubbing his head, the kitsune sat up. “What the hell was that for?”

 

“You are such an idiot.”

 

As Ah-Un took off after the others, Katsuro came bounding up to him. “What did you do?”

 

“I'm not sure.” Groaning a bit as he stood up, Shippou shook dirt out of his clothes.

 

“You had to have done something pretty bad. She's pissed.”

 

“We were just talking! She doesn't like my taste in females, so she knocked me off Ah-Un!”

 

“Nani?” Katsuro blinked. “What does your taste in females have to do with anything?”

 

“I don't know. She said all the ladies that were after me were ninnies, and I said that's what they're like. Then she got angry and started yelling about giving other kinds of ladies a chance, and I told her I didn't know any like that . . . “

 

“You didn't. Oh, Shippou, you idiot.” Laughing, Katsuro took off after the disappearing group.

 

“Hey! Why am I an idiot this time?” Shippou kept pace easily, used to running with his best friend.

 

“You're dense. You know that, right?”

 

“Just spill it already!”

 

“You insulted her. You said that you wouldn't consider her as a female.”

 

“Did not.”

 

“Did too.”

 

“Did not!”

 

“Did too!”

 

“It's Yuriko! What does she care what I think about . . . “

 

Katsuro snorted. “Are you catching up now?”

 

“She wants me to see her that way?”

 

“If I've figured it out, it has to be pretty obvious. Especially after the stupid or blind question.”

 

“Yuriko? Are you sure? Since when did she go all girly on us?”

 

“All girly? She knocked you off Ah-Un and left you to walk.”

 

“Okay, not totally girly, but you know what I mean!”

 

“I don't know. Maybe it's because Merkamou isn't watching her so closely.”

 

“Maybe.” Shippou followed Katsuro as they leapt across a river. “What am I going to do?”

 

“No clue.”

 

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