InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Ghost of Love ❯ Chapter 20 ( Chapter 20 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

He smirked as he poured himself another cup of saki. What a day it had been! True, nothing had gone the way he planned but the surprises had seemingly made his discovery so much more entertaining. Jade eyes turned to the barely clad woman that had already passed out on the futon beside him.

“Risa-chan,” he chuckled, as he threw a blanket over her body, “you are still the same as ever.”

Daichi left her there snoring lightly in complete oblivion on that small futon. That woman never changed. Childhood friends, he knew everything about the girl. He trusted her more than anyone else in the world. Shortly after escaping from an angry Western Lord, he had caught up with her. Risa had been in tears, apologizing for her failure and stinking of saki. Whenever she thought she had let him down, she drowned herself in alcohol. The only person she had in this world was him and it crushed her to appear a failure in his eyes. Despite his constant attempts to calm these fears, it was always the same. Not that he could blame her, she had the worst background imaginable. As a child she had suffered terribly at the hands of her adoptive family.  The constant abuse had broken her fragile mind. It had taken him years to repair the damage that nasty clan had caused her.

He left the small tent, stepping out into the night to inspect the military he had come to control. Actually, he had Risa to thank for this too. One night, many years ago she had snuck past his guards to take refuge in his room. She was bruised, bleeding and broken. Her eyes from that time still haunted his dreams. They were so cold and empty, on that day he had hardened his resolve. He would grow to be the most powerful out of all of his father's sons. Then he would gain control of the military and build his own civilization.

He would liberate his sweet Risa-chan and finally he did. He laid siege to that tiny town that had housed the scum of all clans in the south. Daichi grinned in remembrance of that night. He had relished in the screams of those bastards as he had burned them alive. He had taken his time with the clan leader, knowing full well it was his stench that always lingered on Risa. In a way he had liberated himself that night as well. That battle had confirmed his status as a competent adult, a force to be reckoned with. He had gained both the title of Southern General as well as Risa's freedom.

From that day forward he had kept her by his side. His own precious gem for him to dote upon. Growing up in a family of all boys, he thought her much akin to the sister he never had. They were closer than friends, yet different than lovers. He would never dream of touching her the same way those beasts had. He refused to ever take that role with her.

Daichi frowned suddenly, his gaze drifting back towards the tent that was now far in the distance. It caused him great displeasure knowing that she sold herself in order to aid him. Using her body as a tool all in the aim to make him proud. He had warned her multiple times that she must put a stop to it, yet that was the one thing she always fell back on. More than a few times he had come across enemies who had dared lay with his sweet little Risa. He had great satisfaction in cutting them down. Anyone that hurt her deserved a slow and painful death. A death he was more than happy to dish out. His rounds complete he returned to his tent. Smiling when he spotted Risa curled up in his blankets, safe and sound.

He had devised a plan months ago that would rid him of that useless father of his. Thus allowing him complete control of the south and further his dreams of becoming the strongest of all his brothers. His plans stemming from the recent power struggle amongst his three elder brothers. All had been raised in the lap of luxury and in his mind, none were fit to rule. He was technically a half brother, his mother being a mistress of his father. Lineage-wise he wasn't in line for much of anything. He had the strength and brains to change his fate though.

His mother had told him stories of the great Lord of the West as a child. She had garnered a great amount of admiration for the older Taiyoukai. He had listened intently to these tales of the Inu Lord and his heroic General. What he remembered most was the story of the General and his mysterious wife. His mother had hinted that there was something other worldly about the General's wife and that she had possessed a great power. The Western official had eventually isolated her on an island, away from the constant battles of the inland. He had perished in a grand battle, died protecting the Lord he had fought beside for years.

Rumor had it that the General had left a daughter hidden away on that remote island. A daughter who likely possessed the abilities of her mother. So for years he had searched for truth in those tales, eventually learning of the close relationship between the now late Western Lord's wife and the General's.

His mind filled with great possibilities of how to use his new knowledge for his own benefit. Then it had all come together about two months prior. He had come across a hanyou, resembling all too greatly the former Western Lord. Piqued by his own curiosity he had followed him for not even a few hours, only to find him boarding a ship and disappearing out to sea. A few days later, he returned with a young boy in tow. This caused Daichi to assume two things. The Inuyoukai of the West still had ties with the general's daughter and he had stumbled across the docking port of that would take him to her island.

Returning to his own mobile fortress he had began to carefully construct his own plans. First off he needed to rid himself of the useless father of his. That's when it dawned on him that the current Taiyoukai of the West might just be the one for the job. Only the son of the former great Lord could be capable of destroying a dragon youkai. If the Inuyoukai's father had taken on Daichi's own uncle, the former general of the south, and won, surely his son would be capable of a similar feat.

Within days he had put his plan into action. Risa had been given the task of delivering a document to the Western lands. Daichi had thought that if he threatened the island the Lord Sesshoumaru's mother held so dear to her, then that would mobilize the great Western army in a valiant effort to protect it. Once the Western troops crossed over the border into the south, it would be instantly perceived as an act of aggression. The main southern army would be forced into battle.

He had also made sure to isolate himself from the battlefield. Days prior to all of this he had sectioned off his most loyal soldiers and informed his father that he was headed to the East for diplomatic measures. With the general away, the reigning Lord was forced to assume command of the nation's army. Thus meaning it would be his father and the Inu youkai waging war. All things moving in the direction he believed they would, his aging father was headed for his own end.

When he had in fact headed towards his southern island rather than the East, he had found a humble little cluster of humans. The silly creatures had adamantly refused to give him any information on his sought after treasure. Even after he had razed their village to the ground had he failed to find any trace of the illusive maiden he sought. It angered him greatly to think of these worthless humans confining such a fragile little flower on this pitiful island. Just like Risa, she deserved her freedom.

Sighing he pulled the blankets tightly around Risa. Unfortunately for him things hadn't gone the way he had planned. The West hadn't taken his bait.  Despite Risa's best efforts, the taiyoukai hadn't seemed the least bit concerned over the attack staged for the hidden island. What was bothering him the most know was why did his maiden show up after the fact?

Then there was that miko she had with her. What a woman! A fiery little bud she was. With careful hands she would bloom into a beautiful flower. Even though she was human he could tell she held an immense amount of power. And from all things he witnessed, she was loyal to his little princess.  He had every inclination to gather them both up and whisk them away to his own private garden. Great women such as they needed to be free and given the opportunity to grow uninhibited by the rest of the world.

Yes, it would be he who would create a world for them. He would use destruction to rid the South of destruction. Fight evil with evil. A new age was most certainly dawning.

The air was cold, biting and unrelenting as it pushed its way past them. She was uncomfortable enough as things were, why did the elements seem hell bent on making things worse for her. Reluctantly she buried her frosty nose into the warmth of his collarbone. Kagome cursed to herself once more as she tried to suppress a full body shiver. Failing miserable, her body shook with full force. Strong arms gripped around her, forcing her closer into the heated body behind her.

Inuyasha hadn't said more than a few words to her after their argument, only following his brother to this tiny shelter and forcing her out of the top layers of her soaked clothing. Then he had proceeded to settle against the wall and wrap them both in his haori. Unfortunately Kagome was in no mood for cuddling.

She had spent the better part of the last hour warring silently with herself. Mad at Inuyasha and upset with herself she had battled her own guilt and his misgivings, trying to find a clear winner. The more she thought about it the farther she found herself in that unmistakable 'gray' area. Understandably Inuyasha would be upset but didn't he realize her intentions? Then again, she shouldn't have been so irrational at the time. Now here they were, both clearly upset with each other and both brooding on the matter.

Inuyasha was most definitely having similar thoughts she reasoned and she could tell by the way his hands and legs were twitching that he was still in a bad mood. Tempers aside this would have been a more tempting situation. She had been waiting for a moment alone with Inuyasha and certainly an opportunity to be held, just like this, in his arms. The damn fight had ruined everything though! She was far too uncomfortable to enjoy anything at the current time.

Sighing she shifted her weight again. Her clothes were still damp, her muscles sore and overall she was really missing the comforts of the civilized world right now. She closed her eyes hoping that sleep would come quickly so the time would pass even faster.

Inuyasha gritted his teeth when Kagome once again moved. He was agitated and with good reason. He didn't know how much more he could take of the petite miko squirming around in his lap. His body was far too aware of that firm little bottom that was moving back and forth. His arms tingled where they held her and his chest burned where she rested against him. Constantly he found himself reminding his body that she was far too fatigued, angry and uncomfortable for him to be having such, well, stirring thoughts. Every time she shivered he chided himself for the multiple ideas that sprung up in his mind on how he could warm her up. This was neither the time nor the place for such perverse trains of thought. He quickly quelled the mischievous grin that bloomed on his face when she shivered and he drew her in closer. Oh what he wouldn't give for it to be one of those places and one of those times!

His eyes darted to where Sesshoumaru and Sumire were. His sister-in-law had crashed, her steady breathing easily detected with his keen ears. Sesshoumaru didn't appear the least bit uncomfortable and Inuyasha was beginning to wonder if any of the Taiyoukai's testosterone was placed where it should be. Honestly, shouldn't his brother be having some of the same thoughts he was? One would think it would be more embarrassing for Sesshoumaru who didn't really even know the girl who was nestled so intimately in his lap.

When Sesshoumaru quirked an eyebrow as if to inquire on what was on his mind, Inuyasha shot him back an annoyed glare. Like hell he was going to go into details on what was occupying his thoughts. Especially if his brother was so frigid that such topics hadn't even affected him. The man really was a cold and passionless being. That or half dead! Sumire had more than adequately filled out so he was damn certain she should be having the same impact on Sesshoumaru as Kagome had on him.

Kagome shifted again and sighed, her cold nose pushing up against his collarbone. Restlessly he wiggled his toes and a feeble attempt to keep his mind otherwise occupied. This was going to be a long night! Kami help him!

Hours seemed to pass before at long last, he heard the steady deep breaths that signaled her sleep. This woman really was going to be the death of him. He honestly could say that over the last two decades he hadn't missed their fights. They left him feeling constantly on edge. Tonight was no different.

His eyes shifted to the source of his conflict with Kagome. Sumire still slept soundly, completely oblivious to anyone's presence. He thought back to the day he had met her on the island. How completely innocent she was and how much she loved the people who inhabited this island. Nothing remained of that quaint village now.

That girl had been thrust upon him by an ancient promise. He in turn had handed her over to her rightful protector. The reluctant bride had created quite the problems since meeting his own trouble bound miko. What had happened on this island was proof of the situation escalating. Once again he was being drawn into someone else's problems. Kagome had an uncanny knack of doing that for him.

What was on his mind was the future. Sumire had a gift that would no doubt see her becoming a well sought after possession. Concerning enough was the appearance of this Daichi character. He was certainly a powerful opponent. One he wished to steer clear of if at all possible. His eyes shifted to the girl in his arms. Just what did all of this mean for Kagome and himself?

Sesshoumaru observed his brother with keen interest. Something had made him acutely uncomfortable but what that was, Sesshoumaru was at a loss for. Occasionally the hanyou would look over at himself and Sumire, often frowning in puzzlement and contemplating the miko in his lap. Curiosity was filling his brain with plenty of scenarios as to what was going through Inuyasha's head. Not that it really mattered as it was likely to do with the silly argument he had had with the miko early – clearly nothing of concern for a Taiyoukai like himself.

What did create concern though was the girl in his own lap. She was certainly causing him a great deal of grief. He didn't appreciate having to pick his way through enemy territory just to chase after her. Had she no idea of the greater things he had to deal with at the moment. Just being away from his citadel in these times was a great nuisance. He had a multitude of issues to deal with concerning his own lands.

Furthermore, he was sincerely angered at the fact that she had went out of her way to conceal her trail from him. Clearly he was going to have to spend some time educating her on how she was allowed to act. So far her actions had been entirely disgraceful.

He had to stifle a growl when an image of the Southern General forcing a kiss on her came to mind. Furthermore her rash behaviour had no doubt landed her in some rather difficult situations today. Thus causing not only him stress but herself as well. He was instantly reminded of how she had struggled to erase the evidence from her lips.

A painful squeeze in his chest perplexed him. Why was it whenever he pictured her teary face something inside of his chest seemed to tighten? Another strange side effect of the bonding between them likely. Looking down at her he was reminded of the child version of Rin and how she had slept on him many an occasion.

Sumire was not so different than that child. He remembered the baby that had been thrust into his arms so very many years ago. The way his mother had laughed as he awkwardly held that tiny bundle. The odd feeling he had gotten when those tiny eyes had open, unusually violet orbs looking up at him in innocent wonder.

He had never forgotten that infant yet whenever his thoughts had strayed to her, he could never envision a grown version. She would always be a child in his eyes. Something to protect, to educate and nurture. He sighed, disappointed at being saddled with such a burden, especially now. He was too busy to take care of this child in his arms. In the morning they would head North once more, this time sticking to the coast and eventually they would be back in safe territory.

He had ample time to ensure that she understood her place and what proper behavior was before they reached the Western citadel once more. No more of this traipsing around the countryside with utter disregard for the trouble she was causing other people. That would be the first thing he drilled into her head.

He considered having her sent to his mother's to learn the ways of becoming a proper lady but quickly realized that she would simply spoil the girl. His mother would only dote upon Sumire and if he brought his mother to Sumire, she would become an utter nuisance in his home. Her absence was for the best.

Another thing that weighed heavily on his mind was her state of dress. Her clothes were simply atrocious. Far too small for her now, they clung to her in the most awkward of manners. Something had to be done about that instantly as he would not have others openly gawking at her. Didn't she realize how inappropriate these tight, skin hugging hakama were for a lady of her status?  Before the seal had been broken she had looked like a boy for crying out loud.

Sumire mumbled in her sleep, a hand fisting in his haori as a single tear slipped down her face. Again, Sesshoumaru was concerned by that tightening in his chest. With a frown he wiped the tear from her face as if it was the bane of his existence. Despite being bothered by the thoughts on his mind he closed his eyes and sought some rest himself.

“Sumire,” Kagome spoke quietly as she sought the attention of her friend. They had left the island early in the morning on a cloud created by Sesshoumaru. The trek across the water back to the mainland had been a very somber one. Now they were walking along the coast, once again heading north.

“Yes,” Sumire whispered back.

“How are you feeling today?” Kagome worried about Sumire's emotional state. On the outside she looked perfectly normal, her eyes the only indication of the darkness she was battling. Those violet orbs seemed to darken and swirl with every step they took away from the girl's home.

“I'm alright, Kagome.”

Kagome was not one to be fooled by a youkai's display of bravado. Spending time with Inuyasha had enlightened her a great deal to how much one person could fight to hide their own emotions. His eyes had often reflected the same thing hers did now. Pain, solitude, anger and despair. At times she was shocked how much the two resembled each other.

Her thoughts returned to the hanyou that was walking slightly ahead of her. She sighed when she felt the beginning of another headache. She was so confused and troubled over how she should deal with him. In one breath she felt both a great distance from the changes in him and yet was drawn closer to him by the changes in herself. Once again it was more than just the fight they had weighing on her mind. How did she move forward now? The past week she had come to know a man who was something so different than the one she remembered.

Today she actually felt relieved to have witnessed the blow up he had had yesterday. That was the Inuyasha she knew. Rash and unbending, his eyes had been lit with such fiery emotion in the middle of that storm. In one moment he had destroyed the new image of himself that she had created. Gone was the mature and understanding hanyou that had been by her side the last few days, instantly replaced by the one she had grown to love.

Perhaps, the two of them hadn't changed as much as she had feared.

“Oi! Kagome!”

She snapped out of her thoughts to see an impatient hanyou waiting for her at the top of a hill. So lost in her musings she had lagged far behind the rest of the group. Inuyasha's arms were crossed, his face screwed up in an unpleasant frown. Every bit of him reflecting the image that she had held so close to her heart. In an instant her spirits soared and she found herself racing up the hill.

Ignoring his surprised expression, she launched herself at him when she reached the top. His arms instantly wrapped around her, just like she knew they would. Kagome tightened her arms around his neck, burring her face in the thick, silver mane that fluttered around him in the breeze.

“Have you lost your mind?” Inuyasha sputtered, trying hard to disguise the sudden embarrassment he felt. He still wasn't used the her mood swings even after all this time.

“Sorry.”

The words were so quietly whispered in his ear, that had he been human he may not have heard them. Smiling to himself, he tightened his grip on the fragile girl in his arms. Thank the kami that one more fight could be safely put behind them.

“Me too, Kagome. I was worried sick about you, ya know.”

When he loosened his grip on her, Kagome slid to the ground. She smiled brightly up at him. To her it felt like a huge burden had been lifted off of her shoulders. Without saying anything else she stepped back and threaded her fingers through his. Hand in hand they walked silently, following the other pair along the coastline.



A/N: Thank you once again to Kokoronagomu for editing my work. As always – too my many readers and reviewers – I cherish the reviews you send and they always motivate me to continue on.

Note: The rating for this story is changing to better reflect upcoming chapters. Please check the rating before you continue on as the story may become inappropriate for some readers. Thank you.

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