InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Forgotten Hope ❯ Chapter 4 ( Chapter 4 )

Chapter 4

Inutashio paced back and forth in his study. The attack from Naraku had been unexpected. The damages had been heavy. The Inuyoukai's northern borders had faced the brunt of the battle. His southern and western borders had also been attacked, but the offenses of his borders had only been a distraction.

Naraku's real purpose had been on the Keeper, Yoshi. And now Yoshi, Inutashio's best friend and advisor, was dead. Kagome was with Inuyasha in his bedroom; Asami and Souta curled up in a guest bedroom. Ai was attending the media, making sure the guards didn't let anyone through. Miroku was outside playing with Dai and Shippou and Rin was in the library, patching up Sesshomaru's shoulder.

From what Inutashio had been told from Sesshomaru, Naraku had not obtained what he was looking for. That, however, did not mean he would stop. That meant all the Higurashis were in danger. Cursing, Inutashio picked up the phone. "Get me Masahiro."

^_^

Ai muttered a final curse and hung up her phone. The media were all over this. The Western Lands had been the only ones attacked.

Sighing, she was tempted to run down to the kitchen and grab a beer, but getting drunk was not an option at the moment. Ai shook her head and headed for Asami's room. Her friend sat on the edge of the bed, watching Souta sleep. Buyo was curled up by her feet.

"Asami," said Ai, moving to her friend's side.

"He's gone," she said quietly.

Ai didn't say anything. She just took her hand and tried to offer a little comfort. "I know. I am sorry, my dear friend. I cannot imagine what it would be like to lose a mate."

"It hurts." Asami's throat closed up. "It hurts more than I would have thought possible."

"What do you wish to do now? You don't have to decide right away. You and your family are welcomed to move in here."

"Kagome would like that," said Asami.

"I'm sure Inuyasha would too," replied Ai, getting a smile out of her friend.

"I'm sorry. I just-" Asami's voice broke. "I just don't think I could live so close to where-" she took a deep breath and tried again. "I can't live here anymore."

Ai nodded in understanding. "Don't worry. I'll ask Inutashio to make arrangements so you all will be safe." Ai paused and glanced at her friend. "Now, I want you to listen very closely to what I'm about to tell you Asami. Your decision just might be the world's salvation."

^_^

Miroku tucked Dai and Shippou into bed, pulling the covers up to their necks. The sun had set hours ago and the two children had fallen asleep watching a movie. The day's events had taken a toll on everyone. Even the maids looked more haggard.

He closed the door to Dai's bedroom on his way out and then headed towards Inuyasha's room. He knocked on the door gently, then opened it slightly before slipping in. The room was dark and silent.

Miroku could make out Inuyasha sitting by the bed, holding Kagome's hand. The girl had cried herself to sleep. In Miroku's mind, he had never seen Inuyasha look so worn and miserable. "How is she doing?" asked Miroku.

Inuyasha shook his head and answered. "She's taking it really hard. I'm-" Inuyasha took a deep breath and swallowed his pride. "I'm worried."

"As am I, brother. We need to make sure this does not happen again. We have all lost something to Naraku."

"Except me."

"You lost an Uncle," Miroku replied without hesitation. "You have lost more than you realize."

Inuyasha sighed at looked down at Kagome's sleeping face. "That wind youkai, Kagura. She said she was searching for the Keeper, that Uncle Yoshi was the Keeper. What was Uncle Yoshi guarding?"

Miroku sighed and bit his lip before replying. "I think it's time we had a conversation with father."

^_^

Miroku entered Inutashio's study and silently sat down in front of the Inuyoukai. Inutashio glanced at him, said a few words into the phone and than hung up. "What is it?" he asked.

"Why did Naraku want Yoshi?" asked Miroku.

Inutashio sighed and sat down behind his desk. "Where is Inuyasha?"

"With Kagome. He sent me to talk to you. He doesn't want to leave Kagome's side."

"No, I imagine not." Inutashio released a breath and looked up to Miroku. "Yoshi was the Keeper of something very important. The thing he held in his possession could either win or lose this war. He was guarding it until we could find a priestess strong enough to purify it."

"What about Queen Hisu?"

Inutashio shook his head. "My mother-in-law is powerful, but she does not have a pure soul. As far as I am aware, no one on this planet has the combination of power and purity strong enough to purify the jewel. Yet."

"Jewel?"

"The Shikon no Tama."

"I thought it was a myth!" gasped Miroku.

"No." Inutashio shook his head. "It is very real, and very dangerous."

"Where is it now?"

"I don't know," replied Inutashio. "Yoshi was the only one with that knowledge."

"Is there a way to find it?"

"Yes."

"How?"

"With the right incentive, Kagome could sense the jewel and maybe even purify it."

"Kagome could purify what the High Queen could not?" Miroku asked in disbelief.

"No. Not yet. But when she comes into her power, she just might. Kagome comes from a strong holy bloodline; the magic runs through her veins. She might not come close to anywhere near as powerful as Queen Hisu, but she has the right combination of purity and strength to accomplish the deed."

"Does she know this?"

"No. Not even Asami did, until perhaps a few minutes ago. I imagine Ai is telling Asami what I have just told you."

"I should go tell Inuyasha," said Miroku, standing up.

"Go ahead. And when you're done with him, tell Sesshomaru."

"Yes, Father."

^_^

"What do you think?" Miroku asked Inuyasha, leaning against the wall next to the bed.

Inuyasha sighed and shook his head. "The world just became a very dangerous place for Kagome."

"I have no doubts in your ability to protect her Inuyasha. And I am here if ever needed."

Inuyasha nodded and gave his friend and brother a rare smile. "Thank you . . . brother."

"Think nothing of it. Now I must go and speak with Sesshomaru. Would you like some food sent up?"

"Yes. Incase Kagome wakes up. Send up something that won't go stale."

"I'll see what I can do. Try to get some sleep yourself Inuyasha."

"I won't be able to sleep tonight."

"Try."

^_^

Rin looked at her handiwork and nodded to herself. "Done!" she told Sesshomaru, packing up the remaining bandages.

"It was just a scratch," the ice-cold youkai replied for maybe the sixth time.

"I don't care. You were bleeding everywhere. That called for bandages."

"You are infuriating, wench."

"Well, that makes us about even Fluffy."

"FLUFFY!"

Rin smiled and closed the first aid kit. "There is more than one reason Dai and I get along so well."

"She told YOU!"

Rin smiled at the look on Sesshomaru's usually emotionless face. "She wrote it out for me. She's really amazing, you know. She's only two years old and already she is reading and writing."

"It compensates for her voice," he replied evenly.

"Just because she's mute doesn't mean she's disadvantaged in anyway."

Sesshomaru looked up in surprise at the heat in the human's words. "No, perhaps not," he agreed after a moment.

Miroku entered the next second; looking more dejected than ever. "What is it?" asked Rin.

"You guys might as well sit down. This might take a while."

^_^

Kagome woke in some place that wasn't her bed. She recognized it instantly as Inuyasha's however.

"Kagome?" came his voice through the haze.

"Inuyasha?" she replied.

"How are you feeling?"

Kagome took a deep breath and couldn't stop her throat from closing up. The next moment she was in his arms, being held tight against him. Eventually, the tears ceased and Inuyasha drew back enough to look down at her. "Would you like something to eat?" he asked.

"No," she replied. "I'm not hungry."

"You need to eat something," Inuyasha said sternly.

Kagome raised an eyebrow at his tone but nodded at the same time. "In a bit. Right now I would just like a bath."

"Alright," sighed Inuyasha. "You stay here and I'll go run you a bath."

Kagome's arms tightened around Inuyasha. "Don't leave me. I don't want to be alone."

"But I thought you wanted to take a bath?"

"I do, but . . . Can't you just keep your back turned?"

Inuyasha gave her a small smile and nodded. "Sure, Kagome. Anything you want. And if you're up to it, there are some things you're going to want to know."

"To know?"

"I'll tell you later."

"Okay," she sighed, letting him help her up. Her legs collapsed underneath her and Inuyasha had to catch her.

"You don't need to carry me," Kagome muttered when Inuyasha picked her up bridal style.

"Let me take care of you Kagome."

She sighed and leaned against Inuyasha's chest. His scent was so comfortable to her.

Inuyasha set Kagome down on a stool inside the bathroom and moved next to the tub, turning on the taps. Kagome watched Inuyasha the entire time, never taking her eyes off of him. When the tub was full, Inuyasha helped Kagome stand and made sure she was balanced before turning his back.

Kagome undressed and quickly sank into the warm water. Inuyasha moved the stool behind him and sat down, keeping his back to Kagome. "So what happened?" she asked.

"Are you sure you want to know?"

"Yes. Tell me everything."

^_^

"Naraku?" Kagome said when Inuyasha had finished.

"Yes."

"But, my father would never have something like that. In the Armed Forces he was just an enlisted solider, no one important."

Inuyasha was glad to hear Kagome was beginning to recover. "I don't know all the details Kagome. For that you're going to have to ask my father."

Kagome nodded and sighed. Inuyasha's shoulders drooped and he said very quietly "I'm sorry I couldn't save him."

Kagome glanced up at Inuyasha. "It wasn't your fault," she replied without hesitation.

"Still, I should have been paying more attention. I should have noticed the scent of a foreign youkai-"

"It wasn't your fault Inuyasha," Kagome said heatedly.

She stood up and reached for a towel, wrapping it around her. "Let me get you something to wear to bed," said Inuyasha, changing the subject.

"Okay. Thank you."

"You don't have to thank me Kagome."

Kagome smiled and followed him into his room. "Yes I do."

Inuyasha snorted and opened his closet, looking for something that might fit Kagome. "Here," he called, tossing her one of his T-shirts and a pair of boxers. "You can wear those for now. I'll get you some clothing in the morning from one of the maids."
Kagome nodded and waited for Inuyasha to turn around before dressing. When Kagome had dressed, she crawled into Inuyasha's bed and called him over. "Are you going to sleep Inuyasha?" she asked.

"No. You sleep," he replied, taking his seat by the bed.

"Get in bed with me," she yawned. "I don't want to be alone."

"I'm right here Kagome."

"Not close enough."

Inuyasha smiled and crawled in bed beside her, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her up against his chest. "Happy now?" he asked.

Kagome nodded and buried her face into her chest. "I remember when we always use to sleep like this."

Inuyasha grinned. "Yeah, until you turned twelve and our parents said we couldn't anymore."

"Yeah. I never understood why that was. You never questioned it."

"I'm an Inuhanyou," Inuyasha replied, blushing a bit.

"So? What does that have to do with sleeping like this?" Kagome cracked open an eye.

"Sometimes my instincts are a little hard to control if you get my meaning," Inuyasha blushed.

"Oh!" said Kagome, her eyes widening. Then her face turned thoughtful. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"Tell you what? I can just imagine the scene. Me telling a twelve years old Kagome we can't sleep together anymore because her being in heat will set my instincts off. Hum, I wonder how that conversation would have gone," Inuyasha said sarcastically.

Kagome giggled and shook her head. "I can just imagine it. Kami, no wonder my mom made sure to know where I was every night."

"Yeah, she was giving me evil glares for a full six months."

"Really? I didn't notice."

"Of course you didn't notice!"

Kagome giggled again and sighed. "It's okay if we sleep like this now, though, right? I don't want you to feel uncomfortable."

"It's okay Kagome," Inuyasha replied. "My instincts are going to behave themselves. You go ahead and sleep. We'll deal with the world in the morning."

"'Kay. Hey, Inuyasha?"
"Yeah?"

"You know you're my very best friend and that I would be miserable without you, right?"

"Now I do."

"Good. Night," Kagome yawned and then added a very soft 'luv ya.'

Inuyasha's eyes widened for a second before looking down at the girl in his arms. She was already asleep. "Love you too, Kagome."

^_^

"Mama?" said Kagome, walking into the dinning room where everyone was seated.

Inuyasha held her arm and had not left her side for more than five minutes in the last two days. Kagome had spent all of yesterday in bed, only getting up to use the restroom. She had seen no visitors besides Miroku. Her mother and brother were still dealing with the grief with each other. Kagome found, if not somewhat guiltily, she dealt with the death of her father better if Inuyasha was by her side.

"Kagome." Asami smiled when her daughter sat down across from her.

"What's going on?" asked Kagome, looking towards Inutashio.
Sesshomaru joined the group then, Rin close behind. Dai and Shippou were already seated at the table, as well as Ai and Miroku. "We've come to a decision," said Asami.

"Decision?"

Inutashio answered her. "I released the damage report to the public this morning. In it is the entire list of deaths by Naraku's forces. You and your family are listed, along with Inuyasha and Miroku."

Kagome looked shocked. "You told the world that Inuyasha and Miroku and I were dead? And Mama and Souta?"

"You're safer that way, Kagome-chan," replied Inutashio. "There will be more people after you than just Naraku from now on. Naraku's attack simply drew the attention here."

"Then what is going to happen? Are we all going to live indoors for the rest of our lives?" asked Kagome.

"No," said Inuyasha, taking Kagome's hand. "Your mother and Souta are going to go live with your grandfather."

Kagome looked over to her mother and frowned. "Just Mama and Souta? I don't understand."

Asami sighed. "Kagome," she started. "You have to trust us. It will be safer for you if you go with Inuyasha and Miroku."

"I don't want Kagome to go!" cried Shippou.

Kagome tried to reassure the crying kitsune with a smile and then turned back to the conversation.

"Go where?"

"We don't know that," said Inutashio. "You will be taken to the farthest borders of my lands and given a car. You are to drive until you find somewhere you wish to stop and then get rid of the car. Travel wherever you want, but the safest place for you all would be as far away from here as you can get."

Dai frowned and looked up at her brother. 'I want to go with Inuyasha,' her hands said.

"No," replied Inutashio. "You must remain here with me and your mother."

Dai sighed and frowned unhappily. "When do we leave?" asked Kagome.

"Tonight," replied Inutashio.

^_^

"I love you so much," Kagome told her mother, giving her one last hug.

"I love you too, dear," her mother replied.

Souta had started crying and threw himself into Kagome's arms. "I'm gonna miss you sis."

"I'll miss you too."

Kagome looked up at her mother and then back down on her brother. Someone was touching her foot. Kagome glanced down on the ground and saw Buyo. "You should take him with you," Souta said.

"Are you sure you don't want to keep him?" asked Kagome.

"He's your cat sis. You should keep him."

"Okay." Kagome picked up the oversized cat and smiled affectionately.

Inuyasha stepped forward and started to lead Kagome towards the car. "Don't worry," he reassured Kagome's family. "She'll be okay."

"I know," Souta replied. "You'll keep her safe. You're the best Inuyasha-niichan."

Miroku smiled at Inuyasha's new nickname. "Farewell," he said, getting into the passenger seat of the car.

The three had already said their good byes to Inuyasha's family. Asami had wanted to see Kagome off. Inuyasha could see Dai out of the corner of his eye, watching them all steadily, her face expressionless. "Bye, Mama," said Kagome, crawling into the back seat.

"Don't worry," Inuyasha said one last time and got into the driver's seat.

"I'm a mother," Asami replied in good humor, "Worrying is my nature."

Inuyasha gave her one last smirk and started the engine, pulling away from the house and onto the roads that led deep into the forest and towards the farthest border.

A few tears slipped from Kagome's eyes. Inuyasha glanced back at her and sighed. "You'll see them again Kagome."

"I know. It's just sad to say goodbye."

"I know."

Kagome sighed and slouched against the seat. "Do you know where we're going?"

"No," replied Inuyasha. "I figure we drive for three days a least, and then keep on going until we find a town we like."

"Then what will we do?"

"Work."

"Work?"

"Work."

Inuyasha heard Kagome muttered something under her breath and couldn't help but smile. "It won't be that bad, Kagome."

Kagome sighed and nodded. "How long are we going to have to stay hidden?" she asked quietly.

Inuyasha frowned and glanced back at Kagome. "I don't know."

^_^

Inuyasha glanced at the rearview mirror to make sure Kagome was asleep in the back seat before shutting off the engine of the car. Miroku opened the passenger door and stepped out of the car. Inuyasha followed in suit, gently shutting the car door so as not to wake Kagome. "Do you see them?" asked Miroku.

The forest around them illuminated the night sky but left the ground below to the darkness. Miroku could see nothing with his limited senses. Even the shadows of the trees were difficult to distinguish.

"Yes," Inuyasha replied evenly.

Two figures approached them through the forest. The first, who appeared to be human, had long black hair and purple eyes. The second was an ookami youkai. A quick glance and Inuyasha dismissed him as muscle. "Uncle Akira," Inuyasha greeted the human.

Inuyasha had no family to speak of on his father's side other than his father and Sesshomaru. His mother's side of the family however had many complicated family lines. Inuyasha's mother had four half-siblings. Her father, Masahiro, had four children other than herself. Out of those four, only one had enough power to have a suspended life; Akira.

"Nephew," Akira replied. "My, you have grown since our last meeting. I assume Higurashi Kagome is in the car?"

"She's asleep," replied Inuyasha.

Akira nodded. "I'm not surprised the trauma from the last few days wore her out. It must be wearing on you as well. As far as the world knows, you are dead. Tell me, did your father and mother reveal just why you had to go into hiding?"

"To protect Kagome," Inuyasha replied.

"But why must you protect Kagome?" Akira mused. "Did they tell you?"

"No," said Inuyasha. "I must simply trust in their judgement."

"You are very trusting."

"Whatever," Inuyasha snorted. "There is a reason you're here, isn't there?"

Akira nodded and pulled a manila envelope from his jacket. Miroku took it and looked inside.

"In there is everything you need to start a new life," began Akira. "Passports, birth certificates, even highschool report cards. There is also several million dollars to see you through. They are all written out in small amounts, so nothing will draw any attention to you. Even I do not know the new identities of your person; they're top secret. A spell is on them to hide all until the owner comes into physical contact with them. My suggestion would be to drive as far away from the Western borders as possible and settle down in some quiet town where no one asks questions. Keep a low profile but don't do something other than normal."

Both Inuyasha and Miroku nodded. "Is that all?" asked Miroku.

"Yeah," said Akira on an after note. "Stay clear of other youkai. The humans may not be able to distinguish either of you as something other than ordinary, but youkai will be able to smell your curse, and smell your human blood," Akira turned to Inuyasha. "There aren't many hanyous out there, probably next to none. You're one of a kind, little nephew, which will make you stick out. There is a spell in the envelope that will conceal many things about you, but if any youkai truly pays attention to your scent, let's just say your goose is cooked."

"Understood," Inuyasha replied.

"Good. Good Luck, by the way. You're going to need it."

Akira turned around and headed back into the forest, the ookami youkai following. Inuyasha and Miroku stared off into the darkness for a long moment before Miroku spoke. "Aren't you curious?"

"About what?"

"Why it is us protecting Kagome."

Inuyasha was silent for a second and he glanced down at the ground. "She holds what Naraku seeks."

"How do you know that?" Miroku's head shot up.

"From that Kagura bitch. She didn't find whatever she was looking for on Uncle Yoshi, so maybe it's Kagome that is really the Keeper."

"This is all theory?" Miroku asked skeptically.

"Think about it. It makes perfect sense. Why else would father pronounce both of us dead just to protect Kagome?"

Miroku nodded. "I agree. So what is to be done?"

Inuyasha sighed and shook his head. "We won't know the answers until we learn the questions."

Inuyasha's ears twitched towards the Kagome who was mumbling in her sleep. "Let's get going. I don't want Kagome to know what went on here."

"Why not?" asked Miroku.

"Because my Grandfather's family is not something anyone would want to get tangled up in."

Inuyasha got into the car and started the engine. "Weren't we suppose to get another car?" asked Miroku.

"Yeah," replied Inuyasha. "That's what my father thinks. We're going to ditch this one tomorrow night and then take the train from there."

"Why?"

"Because we don't want anyone to know where we are, not even our family."

"They would never do anything to hurt us."

"I know," replied Inuyasha.

"Than why must we also hide from them?"

"Because what they don't know can't hurt them, or us."