InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Forever a Shadow ❯ The Unexpected Turn ( Chapter 21 )

21. The Unexpected Turn

 

 

 

He sat in stunned silence in the night darkened hospital room, at any moment he began to think the sun must rise, and maybe things wouldn't be so bad. Yet each trickle of thought led him back to Kagome, Kagome is pregnant with my child, he could not outrun the thought nor could he deny he heard such hushed voices speaking the secret. The brief hours he spent with Kikyo had given Inuyasha's heart a reason to soar; now his brother had shot him right out of the sky, unintentionally. Inuyasha sat on the floor leaning on the door to the room his clawed fingers digging into his scalp out of frustration, once again his very spirit was being torn asunder, he and Kikyo had the possibility to make amends, yet it was he who abandoned Kagome, how could he simply move on as if nothing happened? The idea that Kagome was somewhere out there alone, carrying his baby nearly paralyzed him with fear, especially the fact that the ex-fiancé was hunting her, if he found her…

 

 

“I would never forgive myself.” Inuyasha whispered, rising to his feet, going to his sleeping Kikyo and kissing her tenderly on her parted lips. “I love you, but I have to do this, please understand.”

 

 

Inuyasha stepped into the hall to find Miroku sleeping uncomfortably against the wall a mere inches from the door; the hanyou kicked at the counselor's foot.

 

 

“Miroku get up.” Inuyasha kicked at him again. “Get up, you'll have plenty of sleep when you're dead.”

 

 

“You do know you're an insensitive ass, right?” Miroku raised his head rubbing at his bleary eyes. “What's up?”

 

 

“I want you to tell me where she is.” Inuyasha stared down at his best friend, a look of hard resolve in his eyes.

 

 

“Where who is? Come on man. I'm not a mind reader.” Miroku gracelessly made it to his feet. “What's this all about Inuyasha?”

 

 

“Where is Kagome?” Inuyasha stood face to face with a shocked Miroku, mere inches from his nose.

 

 

Miroku side stepped the hanyou who was obviously agitated, yet the man knew full well Sesshomaru would have his head is he said so much as a word to implicate where the woman of so much controversy was, but just what was he supposed to do? He had an irritated, quick-tempered hanyou in front of him, and trying to dance around the subject would more than likely end with him getting pummeled, and Miroku was not very fond of pain, even if they were in the best hospital in the city. At the moment he would have given his right arm to have Sango here to talk Inuyasha down.

 

 

“Hey I don't know, go ask your brother.” Yea, play dumb Miroku, he'll buy it. Miroku stared down at his feet, meeting Inuyasha's gaze was not practical at this moment, and his friend could always tell when he was lying an uncanny feat when any judge or jury in the state never could. “Why do you have a itch again?” Maybe not the best thing to say right now, you idiot. “I mean I thought you and Kikyo—“

 

 

Inuyasha cut Miroku off by grabbing him by the shirt collar and slamming him into the wall, Miroku's head unceremoniously bounced off the unforgiving surface, in response the attorney hissed in pain.

 

 

All right definitely not the best thing to say. “Come on Inuyasha, stop screwing around, that hurt.” Miroku met Inuyasha's crimson tinted gaze, a look he had not seen from the hanyou in many, many, years, jolted into sudden submission Miroku ceased struggling. “Why Inuyasha?”

 

 

“I have been the passive lap dog far too long, I am sick of doing things my brothers way, now it's my turn. So speak up, where is Kagome?” Inuyasha dangled Miroku higher up off the floor, his claws tearing through the fabric of Miroku's shirt, his fingers shifting position the hold him about the neck with adequate pressure to let Miroku know he meant business.

 

 

Deep within his chest came that predatory growl that both he and Sesshomaru fought so hard to control, but now Inuyasha seemed to have lost all restraint. Sesshomaru would be absolutely livid to see his brother in such a state, Miroku was glad the Taiyoukai had gone back to sleep, if not there would have been an all out brawl on the hospital floor. At least now it would only be Miroku roughed up, especially if he stayed tight-lipped about Kagome, to an obviously emotional Inuyasha.

 

 

“Inu…Inuyasha don't put me it this situation. I…I can't say anything, Sesshomaru will—“

 

 

“If I were you I would stop worrying about what Sesshomaru will do and be a bit more concerned about the man holding you by the throat.” Inuyasha spat out between clinched fangs. Inuyasha's eyes flashed for a split second, and the grip around Miroku's neck tightened. “Don't fuck with me right now, I will not be responsible if you do something stupid that gets you hurt. So just talk.”

 

 

Inuyasha tightly closed his eyes, his head lolling down, the pure youkai blood that lay dormant was awakening, and the last person Inuyasha truly wished to hurt was his best friend, but Miroku knew where Kagome was, and he must find her to protect his child. The pieces were coming together in his mind with the blood of his father rekindled; there were no coincidences, the wolf wanted Kagome to get to Sesshomaru, screwing Sesshomaru's brother over in the process was just a bonus he surmised, Onigumo was the uncle of said wolf, and Onigumo was in love with his wife to the point of killing her for spiting him. But why, somewhere somehow it all came back to the bloodline, and that piece eluded Inuyasha's mind, he had the sneaking suspicion that Sesshomaru knew the final pieces, was it all to stop an all out war?

 

Inuyasha's brief inner dialog allowed Miroku to wrench his neck from Inuyasha's grasp, but not without drawing blood, it was the blood scent that pulled Inuyasha back from what ever ordeal he was playing out in his head. If Miroku had a shred of self-preservation he would have run, awakening Sesshomaru, but no, he was a friend, and Inuyasha needed him.

 

 

Miroku's tentatively placed his hand on Inuyasha's tensed shoulder. “Okay screw Sesshomaru, I can't believe I'm doing this,” Miroku took a deep breath looking up into Inuyasha's stressed features. “Kagome will be flying home from Scotland today, well, really late tonight. But you don't know any of this.” Inuyasha met Miroku's gaze, his eyes returning to their normalcy, the trickles of blood from his neck catching the hanyou's eye for a moment. “So can you at least tell me why you're giving up of your marriage?”

 

 

“I'm not giving up on my marriage, hopefully Kikyo will understand because of the…never mind it's just I can't let Kouga kill Kagome.” Inuyasha almost slipped about his knowledge of the child, he wanted to remain in the dark about that to the others as long as he possibly could. With all of his heart he prayed that Kikyo would understand, he wasn't doing this to ease Kagome's heart, as a father he was going to help her for the life of his child.

 

 

“Let Sesshomaru handle her protection, you should be worrying about your own family.” Miroku gingerly put a hand to his neck, withdrawing it, not at all surprised to see the blood. “Kikyo will be furious.”

 

 

“Sesshomaru can not protect her until she is in his presence, Kagome is still in danger as long as she's away from me, you know the pack is after her.” Inuyasha slipped back into Kikyo's room for a second, quietly returning with his coat, and hidden beneath the leather was the recognizable hilt of Tetsusaiga. Holding the hilt in view to Miroku Inuyasha actually grinned. “Only I can protect Kagome.”

 

 

 

----------***----------

 

 

 

After nearly three weeks of living in a poison induced delirium Onigumo Naraku regained his full facilities, even if he was a bit shaky on his feet. Of course he neither expected nor wished for any real help form his `prick' of a nephew. Fortunately Naraku assumed Kouga did not know about the true way his anatomy worked, what poison would easily kill others his body would eventually neutralize. With no help from others, and it was a good thing to, Kagura told him the next day Kouga saw Doc the wolf alpha snapped his neck in the kitchen. Naraku chuckled to himself as he sat in bed with his relieved wife sipping coffee, he didn't think he had ever heard Kagura talk so much in her life with him. The woman he called wife was actually cheerful to have him back to his normal asshole self. However Naraku could not help but sit there next to Kagura thinking about how quickly he would have healed if treated by his breathtaking angel of mercy, Kikyo.

 

 

A bit later Kagura had caught him up to date about the cases he was working, not to mention the mess his nephew was making across the globe. Just what the hell was that masochist Kouga thinking? The impulsive pup would be the clan's downfall if he weren't careful, not that Naraku gave a flying fuck about the wolf clan anyway, his sister married into the pack not him. They were just the means to an end when it came to getting to Kikyo. He would count the days until she was within his arms once again. Naraku sat smiling and nodding to his wife, all the while envisioning the exquisite woman of his dreams, he still hadn't come to any conclusion if he would allow Kagura to live or die, but there was still time. Now was the time to get to Kikyo, sense the wolf and his idiotic mob were across the Atlantic, time to do what he did best, even if he was a bit rusty living among mortals for so long, it was time to return to the old ways, when youkai were feared for their ruthlessness, Naraku would once again become the monster of his far reaching past.

 

 

The youkai sat next to his wife, a deviously psychotic smile spread across his thin lips, Kagura took notice and inwardly shivered, something had entirely changed within her husband, as if a switch had been flipped in his head, and it terrified her to the very core of her being.

 

 

 

----------***----------

 

 

“You know they have her trapped on a train don't you.”

 

 

“Yea, I'm working on it, I am sending two guys to get them off, do you honestly think I'd let anything happen to your sister Sota? Come on now, I was the first love of her life.”

 

 

Sota chuckled on the other end of the line. “You wish, just call me when you have her. Sesshomaru has a small army waiting at the station to take custody, so you have to do it before the train stops. Which will be in about forty-five minutes from now.”

 

 

“They are on their way, you know I won't let you guys down. We've already been over this, just calm yourself, take a cleansing breath, I've got it all under control. Hell, I live for this cloak and dagger stuff, nothing happens like this in my life, so thanks for giving me a call.”

 

 

Laughter came again on the line. “Hojo you're a god damn chiropractor, the only reason I did call you was that no one knows you here in person, yet you have British contacts. But still, ere on the side of caution, Sesshomaru is a very dangerous and powerful man. Not to mention the homicidal wolves looking for Kagome.”

 

 

“Don't worry the brothers I sent are professional, at least they better be for what I'm paying them. I'll call you soon as they have Kagome and the fox kid.”

 

 

 

----------***----------

 

 

 

Kagome sat in their sleeper car quietly sobbing to herself, how she still had tears to shed was a mystery, Shippo sat next to her, a protective arm around her. The Kitsune knew he screwed up, but his mind was working furiously on a way to get them out of this, but each thing would but Kagome's precious child at risk.

“Where is that awful woman?” Kagome lifted her head, her bloodshot eyes staring at the door fearfully. “Is she right outside like some sort of sick, twisted jailer?”

 

 

“She doesn't have to be right outside, she'll know if we try to make a break for it, and I have no idea how many others are on the train. Honestly I don't know what to do.” Shippo sounded so defeated; his voice was so full of sadness. “Please forgive me Kagome.”

 

 

“Oh Shippo, I'm sorry, if not for me, you'd still be back home with your father and finishing up your classes. Thank you for being such a considerate friend, I don't deserve someone like you.” Kagome turned hugging Shippo tightly, chastely kissing his on the lips.

 

 

Shippo blushed deeply; he couldn't help but smile, even in the face of such insurmountable odds. “No, I am the one who was blessed with our meeting.” A small tap on the sleeper car's door shook Shippo from his brief moment of bliss. “Stay here, I'll see what the bitch wants.” Shippo gathered his courage sliding the door open no more than four inches. “Listen we haven't gone anywhere, so what the hell—“

 

 

A squat, round, bald gentleman stood at the door, dressed like a normal tourist, Shippo took a step back in surprise. “Oh, sorry, I thought you were someone else.”

 

 

“I'm sure you did.” The man looked to his left and his right nervously before turning back to Shippo. “Listen, I don't have much time, but you will be leaving momentarily out your window over there.”

 

 

Kagome jumped to her feet. “What? Who are you?”

 

 

“My name is Manten, and my brother Hiten is waiting for you right outside that windowpane. Trust us, we are mutual friends of your brothers Miss, not to mention indebted to Mr. Hojo.” Manten once again glance over his shoulder. “It is time to go.” The large man slid the door shut; the two watched his lumbering shadow walk off down the corridor.

 

 

Kagome and Shippo exchanged confused looks, and then both in unison turned toward the window. Shippo pulled the blind to see a youkai literally flying at the same pace as the train, the person known only to them, as Hiten looked their way with lightning dancing in his eyes.

 

 

“Oh you have got to be kidding me!” Exasperated Kagome shook her head. “There is no way I'm going out there, this train is going what, a million kilometers an hour?!” She shook her main of dark hair side to side, taking a step back form the window. “No, no. I can't do it.”

 

 

“Would you rather wait to see Sesshomaru?” Shippo looked at the window hesitantly, how was he going to convince her to do something so perilous? “You can do this, if your brother sent them they have to be safer than the alternative, right?”

 

 

“But I can't.” Kagome took another step away from the glass.

 

 

“You, can, and for your baby you will, I'll be right behind you.” At that second the tempered glass erupted inward, sending a shower of glittering shards around the small room. Shippo shielded Kagome as best as he could. “Shit!”

 

 

Kagome whimpered as an unknown hand came in through the shattered out pane. “Remind me to kick Sota's ass!” Kagome nearly had to yell as the wind was now howling through the car.

 

 

Shippo pushed her toward the awaiting arms of their savior, the Kitsune pushed aside his own fears, and he'd rather be back on the run again than in the hands of Sesshomaru or the wolves. As for jumping out of the window from a moving train to god knows what, oh well, no turning back now, Shippo sighed, grapping what bags he could carry on both shoulders as Kagome disappeared from sight. A moment later the round face of the youkai who introduced himself as Manten appeared through the gaping whole, a creepy smile on his way to wide mouth. Shippo engaged the puny lock on the door, then made his escape as well, the only thought that brought him any joy was the fact that Yura would be totally pissed, god he wished he could see the look on her face when all she found was a empty room.

 

 

 

----------***----------

 

 

 

Inuyasha had kissed his sleeping Kari softly goodbye, she was healing well, and would be released from the hospital in the next day or so, Inuyasha really hoped he would be back by the time he needed to take her home. She was so beautiful sleeping holding onto the massive white teddy bear for dear life, she loved the gift given to her by Miroku, if this would be the last memory he had of his daughter he would be happy. Inuyasha was unsure if or when he would meet up with the wolves, but a feeling deep in his gut told him it would happen.

 

 

“I love you Karibug.” Inuyasha whispered sweetly in her ear, the girl smiled in her sleep responding to her fathers' voice.

 

 

Entering the room of Suki was simply heartbreaking for him; the doctors' still did not know why his beautiful butterfly had not awakened. Thankfully the family had not mentioned to Kikyo the severity of the brain injury, Inuyasha had to fight the tears that threatened to fall each time he saw Suki, now was no different. Inuyasha sat at her bedside for a moment explaining that he was going to find her little brother or sister, and that he would be back as soon as he could. Inuyasha kissed his child's bandaged forehead and quietly slipped out, making his way to the elevator without drawing any notice from his family. Ayame actually waved to him as he stepped on the elevator form the nurses' station.

 

 

Inuyasha's mind was alive, running different scenarios, and just what he was going to say to Kikyo when, and if he returned in one piece, but deep within his soul Inuyasha knew that Kikyo would stand by him on this matter if no other. The child Kagome carried was his, and the child was an innocent, but his blood nonetheless. Kikyo would never scorn a child, her love for children was so deeply encoded in her DNA, and she had to understand. Even knowing there was a large part of her heart that hated Kagome, hated him, Kikyo could not hate the child, never would she deny love to a child.

 

 

The early morning chill invigorated Inuyasha, as his grip on Tetsusaiga tightened, somewhere out there was a demented wolf, his brothers highly trained representatives, and a woman carrying his child. As the cab stopped in front of him, Inuyasha turned looking up at the floor where his heart was waiting, his mind was screaming at him for leaving them, but his heart told him that this was the right thing to do. With heavy steps Inuyasha got into the cab. It seemed he blinked and the taxi was pulling into the underground garage, Matthew opened the door smiling in surprise.

 

 

“Mr. Chinkara! Welcome home.” Inuyasha shut the door shaking Matt's hand. “How are the misses and the rug rats?”

 

 

“Still in the hospital, but getting better everyday.” Inuyasha's voice dropped. “All but Suki. But hell, she'll pull out of it.” Inuyasha ran his hand through his hair, catching the valets' gaze. “Hey, I need you to bring my car around, and make sure the tank is topped off okay? Lets say about an hour.”

 

 

“Yes sir, glad to see you home Mr. Chinkara.” Matt smiled and opened the door into the building.

 

 

Inuyasha entered the elevator, placing his key in the mechanism that locked the private floors; he was actually at ease being in comfortable surroundings, when the doors opened to his apartment he sighed in relief to be home. All would be well when he brought everybody home, the house would feel welcoming again, Inuyasha just hoped Kikyo would allow him to be with them when the time came.

 

 

He didn't know how he would get Kagome away from the keepers his brother would definitely have waiting for her. Sesshomaru would not be pleased, but there was no way in hell Inuyasha was going to allow Kagome to be protected simply by the youkai under his brother. He caused the problems, and he would be the one to fix them, with or without his brother Sesshomaru's blessing.

 

 

 

----------***----------

 

 

 

Kouga had gone hunting with ruthless abandon after finding Kagome's brother missing from his flat. The unbridled rage was released on two prostitutes on the London streets, whose only fault was being at the wrong place at the right time for the predator. His cousins watched from afar as the sheep were raped and brutally torn asunder, identifying the victims when and if they were ever found would be incredibly difficult for the authorities. Ginta and Hakkaku were becoming increasingly worried about the blood haze their alpha was slipping into, yet neither had the gall to speak a word of concern to Kouga himself, they had seen Kouga kill members of his own pack indiscriminatingly, neither brother wished to join that exclusive list of the dead.

 

 

The only bright spot in their night was a phone call, another of their European clan had spotted Sesshomaru's people boarding a train heading into the northern UK, at least now the pack had a lead on Kouga's missing bride to be. Another informant as well alerted them as well that Inuyasha had also left the hospital, and was on the move, at least that gave Kouga something to work with. Surely Inuyasha would lead him to Kagome, and Kouga could think of nothing better than ripping Inuyasha apart in front of Kagome's eyes, before she herself was slaughtered for his pleasure alone.

 

 

“Finally something is working in our favor.” Kouga smiled slipping his phone back in his pocket, his frustrations released on the hookers, and finally decent news on his fiancée. “Things are finally getting interesting boys. Lets go.” Kouga smiled a full fanged grin as he started up their rental car, they would soon be back on Kagome's trail, and the alpha's blood was screaming for revenge.