InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Fragments of Memory ❯ Kidnapped! ( Chapter 9 )

Fragments Of Memory

Story © Akiko (Krystal)

Sesshoumaru x Kagome

Inuyasha © Rumiko Takahashi

 

Chapter 9 - Kidnapped!

 

Kouga huffed at he sat outside the hut where the elder priestess lived. Arms were crossed and eyes were on the darkening sky as night approached.

 

“Kouga!” Sango called out, poking her head through the doorway to peer upon the demon. “Why don't you come in and have some food? You must be hungry after all the running around that's been going on today.”

 

The wolf demon glanced at her and then stood up, closing his eyes. “Nah, I don't have time for this,” he explained. “I need to get back to my pack before those morons manage to somehow destroy themselves.”

 

“No order unless the leader is there, huh?” Sango laughed lightly, stepping out of the hut and standing beside the wolf demon, watching him with her brown eyes. “Relax, Kagome-chan is safe with Sesshoumaru.” He eyes watched as stars started to shine in the on coming darkness. “Kagome-chan is Kagome-chan. Even if she has lost her memory she is still who she is, nothing will change it. I know that.” Her eyes darted to the wolf. “Memory or no, she'll still loosen up around you,” she smiled. “Although is seems Sesshoumaru doesn't approve of you being near her.”

 

Kouga huffed, a small growl slipping out. “I can see the resemblance in those two as brothers perfectly!”

 

“Yes; just too bad they won't admit to it, right?”

 

Kouga shook his head and straightened up. “I'll be back in a few days to check on how things are going.”

 

“Yes, a leader must watch over his pack no matter what his emotions tell him otherwise; it's not easy.”

 

“You seem to know pretty well what it's like to choose responsibility over emotions, demon slayer,” Kouga paused and turned his back towards her as he walked a few steps from the hut. “I respect that in you…”

 

“But?” Sango pressed, knowing there was more to what he was going to say.

 

“I pity you at the same time; for a human, who has such a short lifespan, to go through that… it's worth pitying. I suggest you, being who you are, just go with those emotions. It shows you've put duty before emotions long enough…” He coughed a bit. “Just don't let the monk take advantage…” he sighed and took off.

 

Sango stood there, blinking a moment before she recovered, but by the time she had and was about to shout, the demon was already long gone. She sighed. “He's not so bad, once he loosens up a bit… but damn does he want to die something fierce,” she huffed.

 

[[[]]]

 

Rin hummed softly as she picked flowers. Her innocent gaze shifted to the toad sitting beside Aun. “Master Jakken, are you feeling all right? You sure did use up a lot of energy earlier with all those demons.”

 

He grumbled. Damnable child! “I'm fine, you annoying girl.”

 

She smiled at this and at down after she finished her flower picking. Her humming continued as her fingers wove the stems of each flower tightly together. Her eyes closed for a moment, her hands continuing to work. When she finished she stood up and walked over to Jakken, placing the flower crown on his head.

 

Jakken blinked and looked up. “What the blast are you doing?!”

 

“It's a thank you for protecting me earlier, Master Jakken!” she chimed cheerfully, placing her hands together. “If it wasn't for you I would've been dead before Sesshoumaru-sama came to save us!”

 

The toad eyed her suspiciously before he just sighed and gave up, flopping his back up against the dragon lying behind him. “I give up,” he grumbled, eyes closing.

 

[[[]]]

 

“Kikyou… I….”

 

“It will help, Inuyasha. That way you can't be near her; you can try to heal.” She closed her eyes, resting her head upon his chest. “You won't be compelled to try and get her back during those days,” she whispered. “And I won't be alone for at least a few days.”

 

Inuyasha sighed; watching the woman he held in his arms then closed his eyes. Maybe being around her, we can be like how we use to. “I'll stay with you, for a couple of days, Kikyou.” He opened his eyes, looking up past the tree branches and into the sky, watching the stars sparkle. I hope I can change her back to how she use to be.

 

She snapped her eyes opened and looked up at the half-breed in her arms, blinking. “You will?” she questioned, watching him closely.

 

“You're right; when I'm with you I'm not thinking of Kagome as much, my mind is more centered on you. There are even times when even around Kagome I'm still thinking of you. Everything is just so complicated now,” he sighed, closing his eyes.

 

“Inuyasha…”

 

“I've put Kagome through a lot she should never have gone through and now, because of my inability to protect her, she got hurt by Kouga, someone I had been able to trust her protection with. She nearly got killed.” His silver bangs fell into his eyes, hiding his expression. “No matter how bad the danger she was always willing to stay by my side. She even had the chance to leave, to stop it all, but she chose to stay by my side despite my feelings for you. You think I would be able to at least protect her in return for her friendship! And now… she can't even remember me; she doesn't want to remember me.”

 

Kikyou blinked and reached her hands up, placing them to Inuyasha's cheeks. “She was never meant to come to this world, Inuyasha,” she whispered softly. “If there is anyone to place at blame for this whole incident, it would be myself and my inability to protect the Shikon no tama from demons, for my heart that was far too kind back then to where I would harbor the very criminal that ended up taking my very life from me, Inuyasha. But such incidents happen, that there is no turning back to fix, Inuyasha,” she explained, her gaze locked on the hanyou's amber eyes.

 

“It just so happens we've made these situations with our mistakes. We find these mistakes in our lives and we work to fix them, and try to prevent them from happening once more, that is all we can do, Inuyasha.”

 

Inuyasha blinked, his mouth opened slightly, wanting to say something in response, but not knowing what to say. “Kikyou… I…” He paused, and then just hugged the priestess tightly to himself, closing his eyes as he buried his face into her neck. She's not just full of hatred like I thought.

 

“Kikyou, why have you been acting so cold since you were brought back?”

 

[[[]]]

 

“Sesshoumaru…?”

 

Kagome continued to stand there, watching him.

 

“What is it?”

 

She bit her bottom lip lightly, before she finally spoke. “How… how did your father die?”

 

He was silent.

 

“I mean, every time Inuyasha comes around you're bringing up your father's death and how you won't follow his path.”

 

He turned his back towards her. “I refuse to follow his path; this is no concern of yours, mortal.”

 

Kagome blinked, then ran to catch up. She grabbed each of his sleeves in her delicate hands, eyes closed as her forehead rested upon his back.

 

He paused and stared straight ahead. He wondered what she was doing.

 

“I… I know I'm prying into information I shouldn't be prying into…but…I just… I want to know. I want to know how he died and why.” She opened her eyes, her grip on the fabric tightening. “You say you won't follow, you refuse to follow. Maybe…maybe if I knew how and why, then I could help to keep you from following his mistakes. I'm sure you won't want or need the help, but please…” she whispered. “Please, let me help.”

 

She stayed quiet after that. There was a silence between them that was driving her insane. Would he tell her or not? Would he permit her to help him? She hoped he would.

 

“For Inuyasha's mortal mother and Inuyasha himself, he died. He ran to their rescue the night Inuyasha was born. He was wounded from another battle, but that didn't stop him. She and Inuyasha got out of the burning castle…he was not as fortunate. He stayed; fighting a mortal man whom claimed to have loved her but was disgusted she was in love with a demon and was birthing his child. He died the night Inuyasha was born.”

 

Kagome blinked and looked up to the demon. She stepped in front of him, wanting to see the expression that was upon his face. It was blank, or seemed to be to any normal person. But she could've sworn she could see some pain behind all the ice in his golden amber eyes.

 

Her hands reached up to brush over the demon's cheeks, her eyes still locked on his. Then a gentle smile graced her lips. “Well, that won't happen,” she explained. “You're much too strong to get hurt in a battle, it seems.” She dropped her hands from his cheeks, turned around and started to walk away. “Anyways, you'd never fall in love with a mortal,” she continued. “So, no need to worry.”

 

She stopped and turned, facing him once more. “I won't let that happen anyways, if that situation ever, somehow, came up for you. I'd fight to save the mother and child so you wouldn't need to. That way, if someone does die it's not you, m other, or child. It'll be me,” she finished, a gentle smile on her lips before she turned and continued back towards the camp where Jakken and Rin were at.

 

Sesshoumaru watched Kagome as she vanished into the tress, still standing where he had been. He had caught more than one glance at the bite mark he placed upon her neck. He remembered making it, the way the kiss had started, how her pleased sounds urged him to go further than he should have. He remembered her taste and the curve of her body as it had pressed tightly against his own; and how warm she had felt in his arms.

 

He shook his head at himself. He knew what it was all leading to and it annoyed him. He knew she was growing on him and that he was starting to get fonder of her than he should be. Great. Another burden.

 

[[[]]]

 

“Kagome-neesan!” Rin shouted happily once the elder girl walked into the clearing, running quickly over to her. “I made this for you!” she chimed, holding out a crown of colorful flowers.

 

Kagome blinked and then smiled, kneeling down. “How thoughtful of you, Rin. Thank you.”

 

The child placed the crown on the elder girl's head, smiling wide. “I'm glad you like it! I could only do so much with the flowers that were around here.”

 

“It's lovely, Rin. What is it for, if I may ask?”

 

“For making Sesshoumaru-sama happy! And for traveling with us and trying to protect me,” she smiled.

 

“I'll always look out for you, Rin; it's a second nature to me, it seems, so you'll never have to worry,” Kagome explained, wrapping her arms around the young girl and holding her close. “You'll always be protected.”

 

Rin blinked and nodded, wrapping her tiny arms around the elder girl and keeping close. “I know! But I just wanted to give you a present to show my thanks!”

 

She laughed as her arms released the young child, patting her upon the head. “It was a wonderful gift and I'll wear it for as long as I can.”

 

[[[]]]

 

“I wonder if Kouga was able to win Kagome over this time.”

 

“Probably not. You know how Kouga is, he thinks he's winning her over with his acts but we all know he's not.”

 

“You're right. Wonder how he blundered it up this time around.”

 

“Most likely fell low enough to have Inuyasha save him.”

 

“I agree.”

 

“You two want to keep going on and get your faces pounded into the ground?” came an annoyed tone, causing the two to gulp and glance over their shoulders.

 

“K-Kouga!” they shouted in unison.

 

“Very perceptive of you two. Now shut up and let's go. The rest of the pack is waiting for us.”

 

“You know we were only joking, right Kouga?”

 

Kouga paused for a second, looking towards the mountains where they would be heading. He was silent, causing his two companions to worry about their own safety.

 

“K-Kouga?” one asked cautiously, taking only a step towards their leader. He was about to say something, then paused. “Is something the matter Kouga?”

 

“Nothing you two morons need to think about. Let's get going. Keep pace!” he shouted before taking off, a furious whirlwind appearing around his body as the wolf leader took off.

 

The two looked at each other, blinking. “I wonder what was on his mind.”

 

“He did seem kinda down. I wonder what it was about.”

 

“Maybe he lost an argument to Inuyasha?”

 

They sighed once more and shrugged. They knew they would never be able to figure out how their leader thought, but they were loyal to the end. “Come on! He left us behind -AGAIN!”

 

They whined and started to jog after Kouga, knowing they would never catch up.

 

[[[]]]

 

“What ever do you mean?”

 

“Kikyou, you just seem… so alone now. You act like you don't want anyone close, so you fight everyone off. Why is that?”

 

Kikyou blinked, her eyes then closing. “Inuyasha, I'm free to hate; I'm finally free to live my life the way I choose. There is no one making choices for me anymore, I can make my own and not have to worry about what penalties it will bring and upon whom they will be brought upon.”

 

He brushed his hand over her cheek, his amber gaze staying locked upon her. “Why try and push me away all this time? I think I'm getting close to you and then you threaten me, shove me away again. I'm getting so confused, Kikyou.”

 

“I apologize for my actions, Inuyasha. It is something I've merely done to keep myself safe up until now. In addition, I'm not even suppose to be alive anymore; I shouldn't be here, having you stay attached to me so tightly.”

 

“Isn't that a choice I should make for myself!?”

 

The priestess just smiled softly, her fingers wrapping around the hand upon her cheek, leaning into it. She hung onto the warm feeling coming from his skin, her smile saddening as she thought.

 

“I'll always protect you, Kikyou. Never doubt me on that. I failed you once, I won't make that mistake again, I promise. Stop pushing me anyway, now. I can't stand it when you do.”

 

“It's been a while,” she paused for a moment, opening her eyes back up and looking up in to the golden orbs watching her every movement. “It's been a while since we've been on a boat ride, hasn't it?” she finished, her smile losing it's tint of pain.

 

He just smiled and nodded, eyes closing as he brought the memory back into his mind. “Yeah, it has been.”

 

“There's a village close by where they have a boat. Shall we go on it?”

 

He grabbed her hand in his own, holding it securely in his own as he headed towards the village. He wasn't about to let her go now, not when he had his second chance.

 

It was wrong for him to be enjoying his time with Kikyou when Kagome had lost her memories. He didn't know what there was he could do for her. The more he pushed for her back, the more she shoved him away and clung to his brother. It was a painful sight and it ate away at his heart whenever his mind thought about it.

 

[[[]]]

 

He watched from the cover of the trees as Rin and Kagome hugged and laughed together, talking. He listened as Rin told Kagome she had made him happy, then listened, as she never responded to that accusation. It bothered him that she never made a respond to that assumption; that it never seemed to have even crossed her mind when she responded.

 

Why did it bother him so though? He couldn't understand why it bugged him. He never cared what someone thought of him. Never cared if he was liked or hated. He went on with his life how he saw fit and threw out observations when the time came for them.

 

When Kagome laughed and smiled he felt lighter, somehow, and he remembered how he had wanted to rip his brother's throat out when he had seen him hurting her. He remembered how comfortable he felt holding her shaking form in his arms, protecting her from what scared her. If he was the type of demon who would've gloated, he would have, but that was not the case with him. He even wanted to tear that wolf demon's throat out when he got near her. These were not normal feelings for him and it wasn't just his pride that was causing him to feel this way during these moments.

 

“That way, if someone does die it's not you, the mother, or child. It'll be me.” Those words rang through his head. The way she said those words with a carefree tone, how she had smiled so easily after she had spoken those words, it had annoyed him relentlessly after those words were said. And that she had been able to smile.

 

He rested a hand against the trunk of the tree and sighed. Her smile said she was more than willing to actually do it, but her eyes, if he had seen correctly, seemed to have held despair in them when she turned and left. What would make her feel that way? Why would she be so willing to fight and possibly die for an outcome that he wouldn't allow to happen?

 

The bite to her neck had been an unconscious doing; just as glancing over her bare form had been, as well as following her when she had run off. He watched her neck as she moved, getting a fire ready for the night to keep them warm. Her hair revealed the mark with certain movements and hid it with others. The mark would fade, heal, in time enough. It was nothing he had permanently left upon her neck.

 

[[[]]]

 

“Rin, stay here, all right? Sesshoumaru should be back soon to keep you protected. I'm going to go and take a bath.”

 

“All right; I'll let Sesshoumaru-sama know that when he gets here!”

 

Kagome just nodded and headed down towards the lake. It was engulfed by trees and rocks so she was sure she would be able to get some privacy this time around. She undressed and slipped into the cool water, closing her eyes and sinking down. The moon was full, giving her plenty of light as she bathed. It was relaxing to her.

 

Diving under the water she broke the surface again when she came up, brushing her hair from her face. Her mind reflected on what she had spoken to Sesshoumaru just moments ago. “If someone does die it's not you, the mother, or the child. It'll be me.” She groaned and slipped further into the water. “Why did I say that? That was so stupid of me. Why did it hurt to say those words to him? I don't care if he has a child with some woman, it doesn't bother me,” she told herself.

 

“I'm suppose to love the hanyou, not the youkai,” she muttered, eyes closed. “I'm suppose to love Inuyasha, not the older brother, but things seem easier just staying with Sesshoumaru. It feels easier to open up to him and feel for him than trying to remember my past. But I can't just fall in love with someone so easily like this, can I?” She groaned again. “I'm so confused.”

 

“So, it's actually possible for someone to love that cold hearted dog?” came a sinister voice from the shadows. “You truly are something, Kagome.”

 

She jumped and whipped towards where the voice was coming from. “Who's there?!”

 

“Now, now, it's just me Kagome,” she spoke, appearing out of the darkness. Her fan was covering her blood red lips, the crimson color of her eyes just beaming from over her fan. “No need to be so alarmed. I think it's time you got dressed.”

 

Kagome stood up, glaring the demon standing in her vision now. “Who are you and what do you want?”

 

She chuckled. “It's truly amusing. You've even forgotten your enemies,” she mused, then frowned as she glanced in the direction of Rin and Jakken. “Dammit, guess you won't have the privileges of dressing after all. It's time to go,” Kagura huffed, walking over to Kagome and basically dragging the teen from the water. “Naraku wants a few words with you, now that you've lost your memory,” she explained, tossing her feather into the air as it grew in size, lifting the two of them up.

 

Kagome gasped and tried to get away from Kagura. “Let me down!”

 

“Sorry, no can do. I'm under orders.”

 

[[[]]]

 

“Kagome-neesan went to go take a bath, Sesshoumaru-sama!” Rin pointed out towards the lake when her lord appeared.

 

Sesshoumaru blinked and looked towards the lake, eyes narrowing slightly. “Is that so?” Rin merely nodded but he ignored it, walking past the fire and heading towards the lake. Something seemed amiss. He had heard Kagome informing Rin to stay put and that she planned on taking a bath, but he heard no sounds coming from the lake. The lake was placid, silent.

 

Once he reached the shore a growl slipped out. Her clothing was placed neatly upon the ground, but there was no sign of her in the water. He looked around slightly, then frowned, catching the scent of Kagome and Naraku. “Kagura…” he growled

 

[[[]]]

 

Kagome stumbled once she was back on the ground and hugged her arms, shivering slightly.

 

“Come on,” Kagura sighed, walking towards the castle. She stopped and glanced back at Kagome when the girl didn't follow. “Either you come with me now or you see Naraku dressed as you are. You choose, girl.”

 

Kagome blinked and scrambled after Kagura, closing her eyes once fabric was dropped over her head. “Here, it's a kimono you can wear since we had to leave your other clothes at the lake. I can't complain though, you looked more like that dead bitch dressed like that; Naraku hates her enough as it is. This way we don't have to worry about him wanting to kill you at first sight.”

 

Kagome listened to Kagura rant as she put the kimono on. She finished, then looked down at the fabric. Silk with bright colors scattered around the outfit, blues mixed with pinks and yellows. “Thank you,” she whispered, her brown eyes locking on Kagura.

 

“Don't mention it. Come on, Naraku wants to talk with you,” Kagura sighed, grabbing Kagome's arm and dragging her down the hall, pushing her into the room containing the powerful demon. “I've brought her, Naraku.”

 

“Good Kagura, you can leave now,” he ordered, standing up, the white fur of his baboon outfit hanging close to his body. He watched Kagura step out of the room and looked upon the girl standing in front of him, smirking. “Kagome, it has been some time. I hear you don't quite remember everything that has happened. How about I make a deal with you?”

 

[[[]]]

 

“Kikyou, aren't those your Shinidama chuu?”

 

Her brown eyes glanced up, catching the white serpents as they glided through the air. “It is,” she responded, standing up, watching as they floated towards her, circling around her body. “What?” she responded, eyes narrowing, “He has fallen so low. Thank you my friends,” she whispered, motioning for them to take their leave.

 

“Something wrong, Kikyou?” Inuyasha perked up, his ears twitching for a moment before flattening out slightly.

 

“It would seem Naraku has done as I thought he would.”

 

“Naraku!?”

 

“Yes, I figured he would try and get to Kagome, knowing she has lost her memory. I did not think he would have the courage to move so soon as to take her though. I had my Shinidama follow her, so I would know when he did make his move. It seems Kagura took her whilst she was bathing.”

 

“Where the hell was Sesshoumaru!?”

 

Kikyou closed her eyes, helping turn the boat towards the shore. “I'm not quite sure.” She stood balanced herself out as the boat came into contact with the shore. “What do you want to do, Inuyasha? Do you wish to go and save her?”

 

The hanyou took a step back and looked off to the side. “I want to; every fiber in my body is trying to run towards her, just like when I'm worried about you, Kikyou.” He looked back at the priestess. “Kikyou, will you come with me to save her? I don't care if she never remembers me, right now, I promised her I wouldn't let anything bad happen to her. Memory of it or not, I won't break it.”

 

“Yes, Inuyasha. I will go with you. Naraku is my enemy just as much as he is yours.”