InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Hanyou's Heart ❯ Get Up With Fleas ( Chapter 9 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: Chevalier Mal Fet 
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Action / Drama / Romance / Angst | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 11.20.2015 | Pages: 10 | Words: 6.8K | Visits: 303 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Action / Drama / Romance / Angst | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 11.20.2015 | Pages: 10 | Words: 6.8K | Visits: 303 | Status: Work In Progress
Disclaimer: I don’t own
Inuyasha; this is a work of
fanfiction
Chapter Nine: Get Up With Fleas Episode One: Fleabite Nearing the village, Inuyasha finally slowed his pace. He'd practically run the entire way, not wanting Kagome to loosen her arms around him. However, now he decided that it was time for Kagome to walk. He didn't care overmuch what people thought of him being close to her. But anything he cared for could quickly become a target, even from pathetic villagers. He wasn't ready yet to have people giving Kagome those kinds of looks. She didn't even know how he felt about her. Kagome seemed to regret untangling her self from him, and he smiled to himself. He was pretty certain that she returned his feelings, at least to some extent. He remembered the kiss they'd shared so briefly…it was hard to tell how long it had lasted…but it could never have been enough. He wanted it to last forever. Inuyasha smiled. He didn't feel so empty lately. The village was the same as always. Humans going about their human lives. Boring and pointless to Inuyasha’s seeing. Still, something was different…he could almost smell the faint traces of some kind of demon. What demon would be stupid enough to come into HIS territory? It was obvious that the humans didn't know of any threat, or else they'd have probably been running around frantically. Feh. Humans. Kagome turned towards Kaede's hut, but Inuyasha had no intention of visiting the hag. He nodded to Kagome and walked off towards the forest. He had barely reached the edge of the village when he felt a sting at his cheek. Inuyasha swatted at the pest and kept on towards the forest. "Aaagh…Lord…Inuyasha." Inuyasha paused, recognizing the voice. He turned around to find a half-flattened flea-demon in the grass before him. Actually, it took him several seconds to find the flea. "Myouga…I am surprised to see you here. Didn't you say you weren't coming back anymore after the whole Sesshoumaru incident?" "No, my Lord…actually you said you'd kill me if you ever saw me again…eh…but things have changed now!" The flea practically tripped over its own tongue to get the words out. Inuyasha scowled. "Oh, you're right about that Myouga…You told Sesshoumaru where to find Father's tomb…That bastard poked my eye out because of you!" Inuyasha was practically roaring by the end, and the little flea-demon cringed back. "No…no, my Lord…I couldn't do anything about it. You weren't there to protect me!" Inuyasha froze in mid-act of murdering the flea. "It doesn't matter now anymore, my Lord, but I have come back to remind you of your duties." "My duties. You've failed your duties completely Myouga…I hardly think you're the person to remind me of mine. Besides, I have no duty to anyone but myself." And Kagome. "My Lord, but you do. You killed your brother. It is now your duty to return peace to your lands. You ARE the Lord of the Western Lands now, Lord Inuyasha." "I'm no lord, Myouga, and I don't intend on ruling over anything." Inuyasha made as if to end the conversation but the pest was persistent. "No, you don't truly have to reign, my Lord, but you must restore order. The fiend Naraku has intruded upon your lands and it is your duty to defeat him." The flea was strangely adamant. Normally Myouga fled at the first hint of a fight. "I'm already going to kill that bastard, Myouga. Not for my duty, but because I want to. Now leave me alone." Inuyasha was several steps away before the flea shouted to him. "But what about the Tetsusaiga? You need it to destroy Naraku, Lord Inuyasha." "What about it. I don't need that rusty old sword. My claws will be more than good enough." Inuyasha continued on, now towards Kagome, who was apparently done with Kaede and walking towards him. The flea hopped along behind him, but Inuyasha ignored him. Inuyasha took Kagome's arm and they walked towards the forest. He had something important to tell her. "What about the transformations, Lord Inuyasha? Don't you want those to stop?" Inuyasha nearly tripped over his own foot and Kagome was taken completely by surprise by the words that seemed to come from nowhere. "You want to protect your mate, don't you, Lord Inuyasha?" Inuyasha nearly squashed the flea right then. Kagome blushed and he tried his best to ignore the words and the question in her eyes. "What did you mean about transformations, Myouga?" The flea-demon paused and nodded sagely. "Ah, I see that you HAVE transformed then, Lord Inuyasha." Inuyasha growled. "Out with it flea!" "I mean to say…your youkai blood takes over and you can no longer control yourself. You turn into a youkai yourself, not just a hanyou. It happens when your life is in danger." "Feh, my life is never in danger Myouga. No one can kill me!" Inuyasha paused. "So why did I transform then, if MY life wasn't the one being threatened?" He fixed a glare on the flea. Myouga gulped. "Well…perhaps if something else was in danger…something that you valued as much as your own life?" It was a flimsy guess, but it was all the flea had. Surprisingly, the hanyou didn't squash him. Myouga risked a glance at Inuyasha’s face and saw him thinking. Maybe he'd managed to save himself after all. Inuyasha looked at Kagome. She didn't notice. She was too busy trying to figure out just what Myouga WAS. Perhaps it really did make sense…His instincts wanted to protect Kagome? Maybe even before he realized what he felt for her? She was certainly very important to him. "So…my youkai blood takes over…my instincts take over if there is sufficient reason for them to do so?" Myouga nodded, again trying to act as if he knew much about it. "Yes, my Lord, that would seem to be it." Inuyasha looked thoughtful still. "What did you say about making it stop?" "The Tetsusaiga is the only way to make it stop. It is enchanted to protect you from your youkai blood, warding you from it so that it can not take over. You must get that sword, Lord Inuyasha!" "But why would I want it to stop? As you said, it protects my life…or something I value greatly.
Why should I want it to go away?" "My Lord, you've felt the change. Do you want to transform again?" Inuyasha remembered what it was like…losing control…he shivered. He didn't want to do that ever again. He had to protect Kagome, even from himself. He shook his head. "Each time you transform, it eats away at your soul…eventually you will be stuck that way forever!" Inuyasha’s heart skipped a beat. Kagome was holding tightly onto his arm. He could feel the worry radiating from her. Worry for him. He was more worried for her. He looked Myouga in the eyes not easy to do, considering how small they are. "If I get the Tetsusaiga…it will stop these transformations?" "Yes my Lord, that's why it was left for you. That and to protect you and yours." Inuyasha nodded. He looked at Kagome. He loved her. He would do anything to keep her safe…to keep her happy. "Okay, I'll get the damned sword." Episode Two: Tetsusaiga Inuyasha almost didn't believe what he was about to do. He glared at the flea as if it were somehow Myouga's fault. "Kagome…you might not want to watch this." Kagome looked confused, but as he put his hand to his face she remembered and turned her back. "Gods, I wish there were a different way to do this." Inuyasha plunged his fingers into his eye, unable to bite back the short shout of pain that escaped his throat. He pulled out the black pearl, fingers sticky with his own blood. The portal tore open and Inuyasha stared at it for a second, with one eye. Blood ran freely from his empty socket, but he ignored it. Still, it was an unpleasant experience to have twice. Myouga opened his mouth to say something, but thought the better of it. Inuyasha prepared to step through the portal, but Kagome took his hand. "I'm going too, Inuyasha." He nodded, careful to keep his face turned away from hers. He didn't want to see pity on her face. They both entered the portal and found themselves once again before the massive remains of his father. Kagome was slightly dreading returning to the inside to retrieve the Tetsusaiga. She didn't want to see Sesshoumaru’s corpse. Apparently the same thought had entered Inuyasha’s head, but he shook it off and grabbed Kagome. He leapt down, deep into the remains. He landed gracefully and looked about. There was the Tetsusaiga, still as battered as ever. But to his surprise, Sesshoumaru’s body was nowhere to be found. He didn't have time to consider the implications of this, however. He wanted to get the sword and leave. He didn't like this place. Inuyasha walked over to the sword and grasped it firmly. He pulled with all of his might, but the damned thing wouldn't budge. "Damn you, Myouga! How am I supposed to wield a sword that's stuck in the ground?" But the flea was nowhere to be found. Grumbling, Inuyasha tried again. Still he had no luck pulling the sword free. "It doesn't look that stuck, Inuyasha. Why can't you pull it out?" Inuyasha growled in frustration. He fixed a glare on Kagome. "If you think it's so easy, why don't you come try?" Kagome gave him a dubious look, but shrugged. She wasn't going to ignore a challenge. It wasn't like not being able to pull the sword out would be any different than Inuyasha. "Fine, I will." Still, she hesitated. Inuyasha grinned and her hesitation was gone. Placing one hand on the sword, she gave a half-hearted tug. The sword pulled free. Inuyasha gaped. Kagome's own jaw nearly fell open in surprise. "How in the hell?" Inuyasha shook his head. "I could almost think that was some joke at my expense." Kagome had no idea what to say. She just offered the sword to him. Inuyasha took it and looked it over. It was still a piece of shit. He sighed. "Okay, Kagome, let's go." He grabbed her up and made for the exit. Once out, the portal closed and turned back into the pearl, which he gratefully put back in his eye. Not that his eye was healed yet. But it made him feel a bit better. He turned to the flee and brandished the old blade. "Great, now what Myouga? This sword is worthless. You say it will bind my youkai blood?" The flee hopped up and down excitedly. "Yes, of course, Lord Inuyasha." He looked at it disgustedly. "Feh…Fine I guess I'll keep it." "Lord Inuyasha, you can use its power." Inuyasha’s look was disbelieving. What power? "My lord, Tetsusaiga was made to protect. In order to wield it in its true power you must have someone to protect." Someone to protect? Inuyasha did have someone to protect. Kagome. He wouldn't ever let anything harm her. At this thought, the battered blade in his hand transformed into a giant curved blade. He nearly dropped it in surprise. That hadn't been something he'd expected. Still, it was a clumsy weapon…He preferred his claws. "Can you sense it, my Lord? With this sword, you can destroy an entire horde of demons. You need only use the Kaze no Kizu." "The Kaze no Kizu?" It took the flea-demon several attempts to explain the Kaze no Kizu to the hanyou, since he'd never wielded the sword himself, and Inuyasha had no demon in which to practice on. Still, Inuyasha wasn't very interested. Kill a horde of demons with one swing? He could still kill a horde of demons with his claws. He looked at Kagome, who seemed impressed by what Myouga claimed the sword could do. Still, at least now he wouldn't have to transform. Kagome would be safe from him. And HE would keep her safe from everything else. Inuyasha smiled. Episode Three: Wind Bitch The Fortress loomed up suddenly, and Inuyasha paused, despite himself. Naraku, at last. The inu-hanyou smiled a little to himself. He was going to kill that bastard. No more waiting. Kagome slid off of his back as he stood, watching the castle. There were hardly any guards, and none inside the castle at all. Apparently Naraku STILL didn't want his demons too close to him. He motioned for Kagome to get on his back again, and she did. One quick leap took him over the walls and over any sentries that might want to stop him. A second leap brought him down just at the entrance to the inner sanctum. The same entrance he had used before. Now he did have Kagome get down and walk. He wanted to be ready. No one had noticed their entry. Perhaps that Sango girl was partially to blame for that. Inuyasha had scented her and her slayers some while ago, heading for the castle. By now, the demons were probably more than aware of a half-dozen demon slayers attacking the fortress. Foolish. As if they could kill Naraku. Still, Inuyasha had more respect for Sango than any of the other Alliance rabble he'd met. It didn't take very long for them to get noticed, though. After just a few minutes of wandering towards the jewel that Kagome sensed, Inuyasha found his way blocked by a female demon. She smelled of Naraku. It temporarily confused his nose so much that he wasn't sure if he was really seeing her. She looked the hanyou up and down, as if trying to figure out what he was. Inuyasha didn't really care what she was, but that hated scent was getting to him, filling his nose. The bitch smiled. "Ah, so you must be Inuyasha. I have orders to stop you. Naraku wants you dead, hanyou." Inuyasha looked behind him to check on Kagome. She seemed all right. A bit nervous, but confident that he would protect her. He gave her a quick smile and turned back to the bitch. "As if you could kill me. I'm going to kill Naraku and anyone else who gets in my way." He scrunched up his nose. "Why do you smell like Naraku, bitch? Are you his woman or something? How many times has he taken you, for you to smell COMPLETELY like him." Inuyasha was surprised by the anger in the demon's face, but smiled inwardly. So she doesn't like Naraku all that much, does she? "I am NOT his woman! I am Kagura, the wind sorceress, and I'm here to kill you, Inuyasha!" "Feh. Whatever, Wind Bitch." Inuyasha crouched in preparation for attack, but Kagura didn't. Instead she actually leapt back away from him. Straightening, Inuyasha gave her a glare. "I thought you were going to stop me, wind whore, not run aw-" Inuyasha jumped aside as the blow landed. He was surrounded! There were demons all about now, some of them dead, and some of them alive. Where had they come from? He cracked his knuckles. Oh well, the bitch would have to wait her turn. Inuyasha sliced and clawed at the demons pressing about him. No matter how many he killed, the others seemed unphased, as if they weren't really there. A quick glance at Kagura explained it. She was moving as if manipulating strings or something, and the demons followed her movements like true puppets. He was getting nowhere like this. Inuyasha made one last messy swipe with his claws and leapt over the horde of demons, straight for Kagura. She noticed him and managed to dodge at the last second, landing roughly on the floor. Kagura scrambled back to her feet as Inuyasha watched, smirking. "It's time to die, wind bitch." He raised his claws to strike, but Kagome's scream stopped him dead. He saw the demons rushing for her, and there was no way he could get there in time. There was only one thing to do. Inuyasha drew the Tetsusaiga and it instantly transformed. He'd tested it briefly before entering the castle, when he felt demons nearby. Something about colliding auras let out the Kaze no Kizu. He'd not managed to use it yet, but he thought he knew how. Almost in slow motion, Inuyasha swung the sword. The demons seemed to freeze on their attack. Kagome was falling, fear plain on her face. Inuyasha felt the sword tear through something. The ground in front of him exploded in a bright light and suddenly time returned to normal. The explosion flew forward, enveloping the demons, dissolving them. The furthest demons had a split second to see death coming at them, but never enough to react. The blast hit them before they were closer than a few steps to Kagome. Inuyasha thought for the first time that it was lucky Kagome hadn't been directly behind those demons. He doubted a human would have been any safer than a demon in that explosion. Inuyasha stared down at the Tetsusaiga. Who would have thought it could do that? He could certainly have killed those demons on his own…but not nearly as quickly. It had been a lot cleaner too. No demon blood spattering him, or even the walls. Kagome stared too. So did Kagura. For several moments no one did anything, but Inuyasha snapped out of it, turning to face the wind bitch. He could try that trick out again. Kagura gave the sword one look and then she exploded into a tornado that caused Inuyasha to jump back, covering Kagome from flying debris. Kagura was gone, along with a goodly section of the wall and roof, but Inuyasha didn't really care. Kagome was safe. He looked down at the fragile girl in his arms. She was so beautiful. Unable to resist the sudden urge, Inuyasha bent down and took her lips with his own. She tasted so good. He wanted more…but now wasn't the time. Not wanting to break the kiss, he was in a dilemma. It was so perfect. It would have to wait til later. After all…later they could do more than just kiss. Finally ending the kiss, after what he knew had been a very long time, Inuyasha tried to pull back, but found her arms wrapped tightly about him. He smiled and wrapped his own about her, hugging her head to his breast. He wouldn't ever let her go. Episode Four: Shikon no Tama Kagome led Inuyasha towards where she felt the jewel. He was certain Naraku would be there again, so he forced her to lead from behind him. His body wasn't completely covered in gore for once, though he thought to himself that there was still Naraku to kill, and he was almost happy to be so relatively clean. Kagome hadn't been spattered at all this time, and no doubt she was happy too. She always complained about how hard it was to get the stains out of her clothing. Inuyasha was surprised how quickly they arrived at the room Kagome felt the jewel was in. There hadn't been any more guards, and no notice of Naraku…Still, Inuyasha pushed Kagome completely behind him and opened the door. It was another display room, large and mostly empty, save one pedestal against the far wall. Inuyasha could see the jewel glowing faintly pink from where he was. Aside from the jewel on the pedestal, the room was barren. Even Naraku was missing. Surely Naraku wasn't just going to LET them take the Shikon no Tama? Inuyasha took a step towards the altar. "Stop hanyou. I can not let you take the jewel." Kagura stepped out of a door closer to the back of the room. "I wasn't expecting such a trick from your sword, but I hold no fear of it. It is time to die, Inuyasha." Inuyasha smirked and brought up the Tetsusaiga. It would be overkill, but he was still enjoying his semi-clean state. Something was wrong though. Inuyasha couldn't smell the scar that he was supposed to cut though. All of the air in the room…it was Kagura's. Still he swung anyways, hoping to somehow unleash the Kaze no Kizu. Nothing happened. Kagura laughed. "Fool hanyou! I'm the wind sorceress! I control the wind, which means I control your precious attack." Inuyasha fehed and sheathed Tetsusaiga. It figured…now he'd end up all messy. Before Inuyasha could launch himself at her throat, wind came rushing at him, like blades. He made to dodge, but Kagome was directly behind him, and if he dodged, she'd be hit. He shouted in pain as wind-blades cut into his flesh at four points. One, between a pair of ribs, throbbed especially painfully. His right shoulder ached and bled freely, but the other two had been minor injuries. The hanyou turned to Kagome and signaled for her to hide, then leapt at Kagura, but she was fast. Her control of the wind was absolute, and he couldn't get close enough to hit her before she'd swoop away. He growled in frustration. He wasn't going to let a petty youkai like this take up his time. He wanted to get back to spending time with Kagome. Inuyasha dipped his claws into his wounded shoulder and flung it at Kagura, the blood forming into blades as they traveled. It wasn't technique he'd used for a while. He preferred to make the enemy bleed, not himself. But Inuyasha knew it to be a very useful attack. Kagura was taken completely by surprised and barely managed to dodge, one of the blood-blades slicing her across the leg. She glanced down to check her wounds and when she looked back up all she could see were claws coming at her neck. There was a wet tearing sound as Inuyasha sliced through the youkai, blood spraying out and all over him. Kagura collapsed instantly, still spraying all over the floor. Kagome started towards the jewel, but Inuyasha motioned her to wait. Not because of any threat, but because Kagura was still making a mess of the room, and he didn't want to listen to Kagome moan about her white clothes. Eventually, after what seemed an eternity, Kagura ran out of blood, from a geyser to a fountain to a trickle and finally nothing. Inuyasha grumbled. But at least his clothes were already red. If only his hair weren't so hard to clean. Again Kagome came forward and stood before the altar nervously. Though if she was nervous about touching the jewel, or that Naraku would burst in on them again, he wasn't sure. Hesitantly, Kagome reached down and picked up the jewel. It had been slightly tainted from Naraku's presence, but it again completely purified. And no Naraku. Inuyasha waited, tapping his foot impatiently. Kagome grew more and more nervous. It quickly became obvious that Naraku wasn't showing. Maybe those pathetic humans had managed to kill him after all…no, Inuyasha wanted to kill Naraku! Finally he threw up his hands. "Come on Kagome, let's leave." He grabbed her hand and pulled her along behind him, grumbling the whole way. Inuyasha sulked until they left the castle, still unopposed. With a sigh he took Kagome on his back, the only part of him not covered in gore, and leaped the wall and into the forest. Damn Naraku…wouldn't even show up for his own death. Episode Five: Lay Down With Dogs Kagome was getting anxious. Inuyasha had left her to wash his clothes in a nearby stream and she was all alone, with the sacred jewel…not more than three hours from Naraku's fortress. She could feel eyes on her, and even though she knew it had to be her imagination, it was making her fidget. How long could it take to rinse a shirt? Unable to wait any longer, Kagome headed towards Inuyasha had gone. The girl came crashing through the trees, faster and faster, as her own steps echoed in her ears, making it seem as if someone were following behind. Finally, she burst out of the bushes and nearly fell over into the stream. She managed to catch her balance, but froze upon seeing Inuyasha. He was standing in knee-deep water and holding his red pants in both hands as if he'd been twisting the water out. He wasn't wearing anything though. Kagome's face went red then white then something beyond red. Inuyasha didn't blush. He was still surprised and not sure what was going on. He'd barely moved at all, though he'd noticed how hard Kagome was breathing and how her chest rose and fell with each breath. She was so beautiful… Kagome's blush deepened, though it couldn't darken any more. The water apparently wasn't too cold…Inuyasha started as if suddenly realizing that he was standing naked and…excited…in front of Kagome. He growled and flapped his still-wet pants down in front of himself. It didn't help, since wet clothes tend to conform to the body. Kagome was still bright red. Inuyasha cursed. "You COULD turn around Kagome! Instead of just staring and staring!" Kagome didn't seem to hear him though. He waved a hand, but she didn't respond. Good gods, he'd killed her. He hadn't realized she wanted him THAT badly. Inuyasha dragged on his wet pants to cover himself a bit better only a little bit and snapped his fingers in front of her face. She blinked and stared at him stupidly. "Kagome? Are you all right?" He was actually a little worried that something might be wrong with her. Maybe Naraku had cast a spell on the jewel? Kagome finally seemed to wake up. She jumped, literally, and started stammering. He could make out some sort of apology and something about being alone. Inuyasha sighed and put his arm around her. He led the still stammering Kagome back to their camp site, leaving behind everything but the pants he was wearing. He sat her down in his lap, finally able to since he'd been concentrating very hard on everything but Kagome's body, and held her in his arms. She seemed not to mind, and rested her cheek against his bare chest. He stared down at her and stroked her hair with one hand, noticing with each stroke how nice it felt. She was so beautiful. He loved her… Inuyasha took a deep breath, causing Kagome to look up at his face. It grew very serious, but still deeply caring. "Kagome…I like the way you make me feel. I haven't been so happy in…forever. It seems like somehow, you were the perfect thing-the only thing-that could make me remember what it was like to be alive." Kagome just watched, swallowing in expectation. How was he supposed to say this? "Kagome…I…I hate the idea of you being hurt. It hurts me much more than any other wound I've taken. I hate the idea that I could hurt you…Now that I have the Tetsusaiga, I don't have to worry about that so much…but…" Inuyasha looked almost miserable for a second before inspiration struck. "Kagome…I love you." He watched her face to gauge her reaction. Kagome's face was uncertain for a moment before she smiled, tears in the corners of her eyes. Inuyasha wasn't certain if this was a good sign or not. "Inuyasha…thank you…I love you too." Before she could utter another word, his mouth was on hers, and his arms clutched her tightly to him. She loved him! Inuyasha lost himself in her eyes, in her taste. He hugged her close as if trying to erase the line between them. He finally broke the kiss when he could no longer go without air, his head swimming. Kagome was breathing just as hard as he, but she made no move to stop him as he began kissing her chin and neck. He wanted to taste her again and again. His mind started to haze over. How he wanted her. "Kagome…" Inuyasha breathed in her ear. He thought he heard her echo him, whispering his name happily. Somehow they ended up laying down, arms and legs tangled, as they lost track of the number of kisses shared. Inuyasha felt her hands on his bare back, and somewhere in the back of his mind he realized that one of his hands had slipped up under her skirt and gotten tangled in it, while he massaged her back. It wasn't long before even that much sense left him. Inuyasha awoke as morning was dawning and looked down at Kagome. She was so beautiful. He wrapped her up in that blanket she insisted on bringing, so she wouldn't get cold, and went to retrieve his clothes. The night before was a blur, and his blood was still rushing through his veins. Somehow he wanted to forget his clothes and return to her side and take her again and again. He blushed…hadn't last night been enough? No, never. He loved her, and he'd never get enough of Kagome. For as long as he lived, he would always want her. Would always love her.
End of Chapter Nine -Chevalier
Chapter Nine: Get Up With Fleas Episode One: Fleabite Nearing the village, Inuyasha finally slowed his pace. He'd practically run the entire way, not wanting Kagome to loosen her arms around him. However, now he decided that it was time for Kagome to walk. He didn't care overmuch what people thought of him being close to her. But anything he cared for could quickly become a target, even from pathetic villagers. He wasn't ready yet to have people giving Kagome those kinds of looks. She didn't even know how he felt about her. Kagome seemed to regret untangling her self from him, and he smiled to himself. He was pretty certain that she returned his feelings, at least to some extent. He remembered the kiss they'd shared so briefly…it was hard to tell how long it had lasted…but it could never have been enough. He wanted it to last forever. Inuyasha smiled. He didn't feel so empty lately. The village was the same as always. Humans going about their human lives. Boring and pointless to Inuyasha’s seeing. Still, something was different…he could almost smell the faint traces of some kind of demon. What demon would be stupid enough to come into HIS territory? It was obvious that the humans didn't know of any threat, or else they'd have probably been running around frantically. Feh. Humans. Kagome turned towards Kaede's hut, but Inuyasha had no intention of visiting the hag. He nodded to Kagome and walked off towards the forest. He had barely reached the edge of the village when he felt a sting at his cheek. Inuyasha swatted at the pest and kept on towards the forest. "Aaagh…Lord…Inuyasha." Inuyasha paused, recognizing the voice. He turned around to find a half-flattened flea-demon in the grass before him. Actually, it took him several seconds to find the flea. "Myouga…I am surprised to see you here. Didn't you say you weren't coming back anymore after the whole Sesshoumaru incident?" "No, my Lord…actually you said you'd kill me if you ever saw me again…eh…but things have changed now!" The flea practically tripped over its own tongue to get the words out. Inuyasha scowled. "Oh, you're right about that Myouga…You told Sesshoumaru where to find Father's tomb…That bastard poked my eye out because of you!" Inuyasha was practically roaring by the end, and the little flea-demon cringed back. "No…no, my Lord…I couldn't do anything about it. You weren't there to protect me!" Inuyasha froze in mid-act of murdering the flea. "It doesn't matter now anymore, my Lord, but I have come back to remind you of your duties." "My duties. You've failed your duties completely Myouga…I hardly think you're the person to remind me of mine. Besides, I have no duty to anyone but myself." And Kagome. "My Lord, but you do. You killed your brother. It is now your duty to return peace to your lands. You ARE the Lord of the Western Lands now, Lord Inuyasha." "I'm no lord, Myouga, and I don't intend on ruling over anything." Inuyasha made as if to end the conversation but the pest was persistent. "No, you don't truly have to reign, my Lord, but you must restore order. The fiend Naraku has intruded upon your lands and it is your duty to defeat him." The flea was strangely adamant. Normally Myouga fled at the first hint of a fight. "I'm already going to kill that bastard, Myouga. Not for my duty, but because I want to. Now leave me alone." Inuyasha was several steps away before the flea shouted to him. "But what about the Tetsusaiga? You need it to destroy Naraku, Lord Inuyasha." "What about it. I don't need that rusty old sword. My claws will be more than good enough." Inuyasha continued on, now towards Kagome, who was apparently done with Kaede and walking towards him. The flea hopped along behind him, but Inuyasha ignored him. Inuyasha took Kagome's arm and they walked towards the forest. He had something important to tell her. "What about the transformations, Lord Inuyasha? Don't you want those to stop?" Inuyasha nearly tripped over his own foot and Kagome was taken completely by surprise by the words that seemed to come from nowhere. "You want to protect your mate, don't you, Lord Inuyasha?" Inuyasha nearly squashed the flea right then. Kagome blushed and he tried his best to ignore the words and the question in her eyes. "What did you mean about transformations, Myouga?" The flea-demon paused and nodded sagely. "Ah, I see that you HAVE transformed then, Lord Inuyasha." Inuyasha growled. "Out with it flea!" "I mean to say…your youkai blood takes over and you can no longer control yourself. You turn into a youkai yourself, not just a hanyou. It happens when your life is in danger." "Feh, my life is never in danger Myouga. No one can kill me!" Inuyasha paused. "So why did I transform then, if MY life wasn't the one being threatened?" He fixed a glare on the flea. Myouga gulped. "Well…perhaps if something else was in danger…something that you valued as much as your own life?" It was a flimsy guess, but it was all the flea had. Surprisingly, the hanyou didn't squash him. Myouga risked a glance at Inuyasha’s face and saw him thinking. Maybe he'd managed to save himself after all. Inuyasha looked at Kagome. She didn't notice. She was too busy trying to figure out just what Myouga WAS. Perhaps it really did make sense…His instincts wanted to protect Kagome? Maybe even before he realized what he felt for her? She was certainly very important to him. "So…my youkai blood takes over…my instincts take over if there is sufficient reason for them to do so?" Myouga nodded, again trying to act as if he knew much about it. "Yes, my Lord, that would seem to be it." Inuyasha looked thoughtful still. "What did you say about making it stop?" "The Tetsusaiga is the only way to make it stop. It is enchanted to protect you from your youkai blood, warding you from it so that it can not take over. You must get that sword, Lord Inuyasha!" "But why would I want it to stop? As you said, it protects my life…or something I value greatly.
Why should I want it to go away?" "My Lord, you've felt the change. Do you want to transform again?" Inuyasha remembered what it was like…losing control…he shivered. He didn't want to do that ever again. He had to protect Kagome, even from himself. He shook his head. "Each time you transform, it eats away at your soul…eventually you will be stuck that way forever!" Inuyasha’s heart skipped a beat. Kagome was holding tightly onto his arm. He could feel the worry radiating from her. Worry for him. He was more worried for her. He looked Myouga in the eyes not easy to do, considering how small they are. "If I get the Tetsusaiga…it will stop these transformations?" "Yes my Lord, that's why it was left for you. That and to protect you and yours." Inuyasha nodded. He looked at Kagome. He loved her. He would do anything to keep her safe…to keep her happy. "Okay, I'll get the damned sword." Episode Two: Tetsusaiga Inuyasha almost didn't believe what he was about to do. He glared at the flea as if it were somehow Myouga's fault. "Kagome…you might not want to watch this." Kagome looked confused, but as he put his hand to his face she remembered and turned her back. "Gods, I wish there were a different way to do this." Inuyasha plunged his fingers into his eye, unable to bite back the short shout of pain that escaped his throat. He pulled out the black pearl, fingers sticky with his own blood. The portal tore open and Inuyasha stared at it for a second, with one eye. Blood ran freely from his empty socket, but he ignored it. Still, it was an unpleasant experience to have twice. Myouga opened his mouth to say something, but thought the better of it. Inuyasha prepared to step through the portal, but Kagome took his hand. "I'm going too, Inuyasha." He nodded, careful to keep his face turned away from hers. He didn't want to see pity on her face. They both entered the portal and found themselves once again before the massive remains of his father. Kagome was slightly dreading returning to the inside to retrieve the Tetsusaiga. She didn't want to see Sesshoumaru’s corpse. Apparently the same thought had entered Inuyasha’s head, but he shook it off and grabbed Kagome. He leapt down, deep into the remains. He landed gracefully and looked about. There was the Tetsusaiga, still as battered as ever. But to his surprise, Sesshoumaru’s body was nowhere to be found. He didn't have time to consider the implications of this, however. He wanted to get the sword and leave. He didn't like this place. Inuyasha walked over to the sword and grasped it firmly. He pulled with all of his might, but the damned thing wouldn't budge. "Damn you, Myouga! How am I supposed to wield a sword that's stuck in the ground?" But the flea was nowhere to be found. Grumbling, Inuyasha tried again. Still he had no luck pulling the sword free. "It doesn't look that stuck, Inuyasha. Why can't you pull it out?" Inuyasha growled in frustration. He fixed a glare on Kagome. "If you think it's so easy, why don't you come try?" Kagome gave him a dubious look, but shrugged. She wasn't going to ignore a challenge. It wasn't like not being able to pull the sword out would be any different than Inuyasha. "Fine, I will." Still, she hesitated. Inuyasha grinned and her hesitation was gone. Placing one hand on the sword, she gave a half-hearted tug. The sword pulled free. Inuyasha gaped. Kagome's own jaw nearly fell open in surprise. "How in the hell?" Inuyasha shook his head. "I could almost think that was some joke at my expense." Kagome had no idea what to say. She just offered the sword to him. Inuyasha took it and looked it over. It was still a piece of shit. He sighed. "Okay, Kagome, let's go." He grabbed her up and made for the exit. Once out, the portal closed and turned back into the pearl, which he gratefully put back in his eye. Not that his eye was healed yet. But it made him feel a bit better. He turned to the flee and brandished the old blade. "Great, now what Myouga? This sword is worthless. You say it will bind my youkai blood?" The flee hopped up and down excitedly. "Yes, of course, Lord Inuyasha." He looked at it disgustedly. "Feh…Fine I guess I'll keep it." "Lord Inuyasha, you can use its power." Inuyasha’s look was disbelieving. What power? "My lord, Tetsusaiga was made to protect. In order to wield it in its true power you must have someone to protect." Someone to protect? Inuyasha did have someone to protect. Kagome. He wouldn't ever let anything harm her. At this thought, the battered blade in his hand transformed into a giant curved blade. He nearly dropped it in surprise. That hadn't been something he'd expected. Still, it was a clumsy weapon…He preferred his claws. "Can you sense it, my Lord? With this sword, you can destroy an entire horde of demons. You need only use the Kaze no Kizu." "The Kaze no Kizu?" It took the flea-demon several attempts to explain the Kaze no Kizu to the hanyou, since he'd never wielded the sword himself, and Inuyasha had no demon in which to practice on. Still, Inuyasha wasn't very interested. Kill a horde of demons with one swing? He could still kill a horde of demons with his claws. He looked at Kagome, who seemed impressed by what Myouga claimed the sword could do. Still, at least now he wouldn't have to transform. Kagome would be safe from him. And HE would keep her safe from everything else. Inuyasha smiled. Episode Three: Wind Bitch The Fortress loomed up suddenly, and Inuyasha paused, despite himself. Naraku, at last. The inu-hanyou smiled a little to himself. He was going to kill that bastard. No more waiting. Kagome slid off of his back as he stood, watching the castle. There were hardly any guards, and none inside the castle at all. Apparently Naraku STILL didn't want his demons too close to him. He motioned for Kagome to get on his back again, and she did. One quick leap took him over the walls and over any sentries that might want to stop him. A second leap brought him down just at the entrance to the inner sanctum. The same entrance he had used before. Now he did have Kagome get down and walk. He wanted to be ready. No one had noticed their entry. Perhaps that Sango girl was partially to blame for that. Inuyasha had scented her and her slayers some while ago, heading for the castle. By now, the demons were probably more than aware of a half-dozen demon slayers attacking the fortress. Foolish. As if they could kill Naraku. Still, Inuyasha had more respect for Sango than any of the other Alliance rabble he'd met. It didn't take very long for them to get noticed, though. After just a few minutes of wandering towards the jewel that Kagome sensed, Inuyasha found his way blocked by a female demon. She smelled of Naraku. It temporarily confused his nose so much that he wasn't sure if he was really seeing her. She looked the hanyou up and down, as if trying to figure out what he was. Inuyasha didn't really care what she was, but that hated scent was getting to him, filling his nose. The bitch smiled. "Ah, so you must be Inuyasha. I have orders to stop you. Naraku wants you dead, hanyou." Inuyasha looked behind him to check on Kagome. She seemed all right. A bit nervous, but confident that he would protect her. He gave her a quick smile and turned back to the bitch. "As if you could kill me. I'm going to kill Naraku and anyone else who gets in my way." He scrunched up his nose. "Why do you smell like Naraku, bitch? Are you his woman or something? How many times has he taken you, for you to smell COMPLETELY like him." Inuyasha was surprised by the anger in the demon's face, but smiled inwardly. So she doesn't like Naraku all that much, does she? "I am NOT his woman! I am Kagura, the wind sorceress, and I'm here to kill you, Inuyasha!" "Feh. Whatever, Wind Bitch." Inuyasha crouched in preparation for attack, but Kagura didn't. Instead she actually leapt back away from him. Straightening, Inuyasha gave her a glare. "I thought you were going to stop me, wind whore, not run aw-" Inuyasha jumped aside as the blow landed. He was surrounded! There were demons all about now, some of them dead, and some of them alive. Where had they come from? He cracked his knuckles. Oh well, the bitch would have to wait her turn. Inuyasha sliced and clawed at the demons pressing about him. No matter how many he killed, the others seemed unphased, as if they weren't really there. A quick glance at Kagura explained it. She was moving as if manipulating strings or something, and the demons followed her movements like true puppets. He was getting nowhere like this. Inuyasha made one last messy swipe with his claws and leapt over the horde of demons, straight for Kagura. She noticed him and managed to dodge at the last second, landing roughly on the floor. Kagura scrambled back to her feet as Inuyasha watched, smirking. "It's time to die, wind bitch." He raised his claws to strike, but Kagome's scream stopped him dead. He saw the demons rushing for her, and there was no way he could get there in time. There was only one thing to do. Inuyasha drew the Tetsusaiga and it instantly transformed. He'd tested it briefly before entering the castle, when he felt demons nearby. Something about colliding auras let out the Kaze no Kizu. He'd not managed to use it yet, but he thought he knew how. Almost in slow motion, Inuyasha swung the sword. The demons seemed to freeze on their attack. Kagome was falling, fear plain on her face. Inuyasha felt the sword tear through something. The ground in front of him exploded in a bright light and suddenly time returned to normal. The explosion flew forward, enveloping the demons, dissolving them. The furthest demons had a split second to see death coming at them, but never enough to react. The blast hit them before they were closer than a few steps to Kagome. Inuyasha thought for the first time that it was lucky Kagome hadn't been directly behind those demons. He doubted a human would have been any safer than a demon in that explosion. Inuyasha stared down at the Tetsusaiga. Who would have thought it could do that? He could certainly have killed those demons on his own…but not nearly as quickly. It had been a lot cleaner too. No demon blood spattering him, or even the walls. Kagome stared too. So did Kagura. For several moments no one did anything, but Inuyasha snapped out of it, turning to face the wind bitch. He could try that trick out again. Kagura gave the sword one look and then she exploded into a tornado that caused Inuyasha to jump back, covering Kagome from flying debris. Kagura was gone, along with a goodly section of the wall and roof, but Inuyasha didn't really care. Kagome was safe. He looked down at the fragile girl in his arms. She was so beautiful. Unable to resist the sudden urge, Inuyasha bent down and took her lips with his own. She tasted so good. He wanted more…but now wasn't the time. Not wanting to break the kiss, he was in a dilemma. It was so perfect. It would have to wait til later. After all…later they could do more than just kiss. Finally ending the kiss, after what he knew had been a very long time, Inuyasha tried to pull back, but found her arms wrapped tightly about him. He smiled and wrapped his own about her, hugging her head to his breast. He wouldn't ever let her go. Episode Four: Shikon no Tama Kagome led Inuyasha towards where she felt the jewel. He was certain Naraku would be there again, so he forced her to lead from behind him. His body wasn't completely covered in gore for once, though he thought to himself that there was still Naraku to kill, and he was almost happy to be so relatively clean. Kagome hadn't been spattered at all this time, and no doubt she was happy too. She always complained about how hard it was to get the stains out of her clothing. Inuyasha was surprised how quickly they arrived at the room Kagome felt the jewel was in. There hadn't been any more guards, and no notice of Naraku…Still, Inuyasha pushed Kagome completely behind him and opened the door. It was another display room, large and mostly empty, save one pedestal against the far wall. Inuyasha could see the jewel glowing faintly pink from where he was. Aside from the jewel on the pedestal, the room was barren. Even Naraku was missing. Surely Naraku wasn't just going to LET them take the Shikon no Tama? Inuyasha took a step towards the altar. "Stop hanyou. I can not let you take the jewel." Kagura stepped out of a door closer to the back of the room. "I wasn't expecting such a trick from your sword, but I hold no fear of it. It is time to die, Inuyasha." Inuyasha smirked and brought up the Tetsusaiga. It would be overkill, but he was still enjoying his semi-clean state. Something was wrong though. Inuyasha couldn't smell the scar that he was supposed to cut though. All of the air in the room…it was Kagura's. Still he swung anyways, hoping to somehow unleash the Kaze no Kizu. Nothing happened. Kagura laughed. "Fool hanyou! I'm the wind sorceress! I control the wind, which means I control your precious attack." Inuyasha fehed and sheathed Tetsusaiga. It figured…now he'd end up all messy. Before Inuyasha could launch himself at her throat, wind came rushing at him, like blades. He made to dodge, but Kagome was directly behind him, and if he dodged, she'd be hit. He shouted in pain as wind-blades cut into his flesh at four points. One, between a pair of ribs, throbbed especially painfully. His right shoulder ached and bled freely, but the other two had been minor injuries. The hanyou turned to Kagome and signaled for her to hide, then leapt at Kagura, but she was fast. Her control of the wind was absolute, and he couldn't get close enough to hit her before she'd swoop away. He growled in frustration. He wasn't going to let a petty youkai like this take up his time. He wanted to get back to spending time with Kagome. Inuyasha dipped his claws into his wounded shoulder and flung it at Kagura, the blood forming into blades as they traveled. It wasn't technique he'd used for a while. He preferred to make the enemy bleed, not himself. But Inuyasha knew it to be a very useful attack. Kagura was taken completely by surprised and barely managed to dodge, one of the blood-blades slicing her across the leg. She glanced down to check her wounds and when she looked back up all she could see were claws coming at her neck. There was a wet tearing sound as Inuyasha sliced through the youkai, blood spraying out and all over him. Kagura collapsed instantly, still spraying all over the floor. Kagome started towards the jewel, but Inuyasha motioned her to wait. Not because of any threat, but because Kagura was still making a mess of the room, and he didn't want to listen to Kagome moan about her white clothes. Eventually, after what seemed an eternity, Kagura ran out of blood, from a geyser to a fountain to a trickle and finally nothing. Inuyasha grumbled. But at least his clothes were already red. If only his hair weren't so hard to clean. Again Kagome came forward and stood before the altar nervously. Though if she was nervous about touching the jewel, or that Naraku would burst in on them again, he wasn't sure. Hesitantly, Kagome reached down and picked up the jewel. It had been slightly tainted from Naraku's presence, but it again completely purified. And no Naraku. Inuyasha waited, tapping his foot impatiently. Kagome grew more and more nervous. It quickly became obvious that Naraku wasn't showing. Maybe those pathetic humans had managed to kill him after all…no, Inuyasha wanted to kill Naraku! Finally he threw up his hands. "Come on Kagome, let's leave." He grabbed her hand and pulled her along behind him, grumbling the whole way. Inuyasha sulked until they left the castle, still unopposed. With a sigh he took Kagome on his back, the only part of him not covered in gore, and leaped the wall and into the forest. Damn Naraku…wouldn't even show up for his own death. Episode Five: Lay Down With Dogs Kagome was getting anxious. Inuyasha had left her to wash his clothes in a nearby stream and she was all alone, with the sacred jewel…not more than three hours from Naraku's fortress. She could feel eyes on her, and even though she knew it had to be her imagination, it was making her fidget. How long could it take to rinse a shirt? Unable to wait any longer, Kagome headed towards Inuyasha had gone. The girl came crashing through the trees, faster and faster, as her own steps echoed in her ears, making it seem as if someone were following behind. Finally, she burst out of the bushes and nearly fell over into the stream. She managed to catch her balance, but froze upon seeing Inuyasha. He was standing in knee-deep water and holding his red pants in both hands as if he'd been twisting the water out. He wasn't wearing anything though. Kagome's face went red then white then something beyond red. Inuyasha didn't blush. He was still surprised and not sure what was going on. He'd barely moved at all, though he'd noticed how hard Kagome was breathing and how her chest rose and fell with each breath. She was so beautiful… Kagome's blush deepened, though it couldn't darken any more. The water apparently wasn't too cold…Inuyasha started as if suddenly realizing that he was standing naked and…excited…in front of Kagome. He growled and flapped his still-wet pants down in front of himself. It didn't help, since wet clothes tend to conform to the body. Kagome was still bright red. Inuyasha cursed. "You COULD turn around Kagome! Instead of just staring and staring!" Kagome didn't seem to hear him though. He waved a hand, but she didn't respond. Good gods, he'd killed her. He hadn't realized she wanted him THAT badly. Inuyasha dragged on his wet pants to cover himself a bit better only a little bit and snapped his fingers in front of her face. She blinked and stared at him stupidly. "Kagome? Are you all right?" He was actually a little worried that something might be wrong with her. Maybe Naraku had cast a spell on the jewel? Kagome finally seemed to wake up. She jumped, literally, and started stammering. He could make out some sort of apology and something about being alone. Inuyasha sighed and put his arm around her. He led the still stammering Kagome back to their camp site, leaving behind everything but the pants he was wearing. He sat her down in his lap, finally able to since he'd been concentrating very hard on everything but Kagome's body, and held her in his arms. She seemed not to mind, and rested her cheek against his bare chest. He stared down at her and stroked her hair with one hand, noticing with each stroke how nice it felt. She was so beautiful. He loved her… Inuyasha took a deep breath, causing Kagome to look up at his face. It grew very serious, but still deeply caring. "Kagome…I like the way you make me feel. I haven't been so happy in…forever. It seems like somehow, you were the perfect thing-the only thing-that could make me remember what it was like to be alive." Kagome just watched, swallowing in expectation. How was he supposed to say this? "Kagome…I…I hate the idea of you being hurt. It hurts me much more than any other wound I've taken. I hate the idea that I could hurt you…Now that I have the Tetsusaiga, I don't have to worry about that so much…but…" Inuyasha looked almost miserable for a second before inspiration struck. "Kagome…I love you." He watched her face to gauge her reaction. Kagome's face was uncertain for a moment before she smiled, tears in the corners of her eyes. Inuyasha wasn't certain if this was a good sign or not. "Inuyasha…thank you…I love you too." Before she could utter another word, his mouth was on hers, and his arms clutched her tightly to him. She loved him! Inuyasha lost himself in her eyes, in her taste. He hugged her close as if trying to erase the line between them. He finally broke the kiss when he could no longer go without air, his head swimming. Kagome was breathing just as hard as he, but she made no move to stop him as he began kissing her chin and neck. He wanted to taste her again and again. His mind started to haze over. How he wanted her. "Kagome…" Inuyasha breathed in her ear. He thought he heard her echo him, whispering his name happily. Somehow they ended up laying down, arms and legs tangled, as they lost track of the number of kisses shared. Inuyasha felt her hands on his bare back, and somewhere in the back of his mind he realized that one of his hands had slipped up under her skirt and gotten tangled in it, while he massaged her back. It wasn't long before even that much sense left him. Inuyasha awoke as morning was dawning and looked down at Kagome. She was so beautiful. He wrapped her up in that blanket she insisted on bringing, so she wouldn't get cold, and went to retrieve his clothes. The night before was a blur, and his blood was still rushing through his veins. Somehow he wanted to forget his clothes and return to her side and take her again and again. He blushed…hadn't last night been enough? No, never. He loved her, and he'd never get enough of Kagome. For as long as he lived, he would always want her. Would always love her.
End of Chapter Nine -Chevalier