InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Hunt for the Sword of Legend ❯ In the Shadows ( Chapter 9 )

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Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha. If anyone knows where to buy him or his sexy brother, let me know.

 

 

Chapter 9:

 

 

In the Shadows

 

 

“Tanaka.”

 

 

“What's up, bastard? I figured I'd call and let you know what that idiot sword maker said.”

 

 

“Inuyasha, you are in no position to refer to someone else as an idiot. However, I would like to know what was said.”

 

 

“I shouldn't tell you since you're bastardness is exceeding its usual limit.”

 

 

Inuyasha could almost hear Sesshoumaru grind his teeth.

 

 

“It would be wise to say what you have to say now.”

 

 

“Don't get your panties in a twist Sessh. Geez, you'd think I'd pissed in your corn flakes or something…”

 

 

“Inuyasha…” Sesshoumaru ground out. It was getting to the breaking point. Inuyasha always tried to push his half-brother as far as he could before giving in. Sesshoumaru did it too. It was their private game. They were the only ones who liked to play. They were the only ones who knew the rules.

 

 

“Okay, already! He doesn't have the sword. It's in American.”

 

 

“Excuse me.”

 

 

“That's what I said. Well, maybe not in such nice words but I got my point across.”

 

 

“And why is it in America?”

 

 

“You're not going to believe this.”

 

 

“Humor me.”

 

 

“The decrepit old fart thinks that someone's bewitched the sword with hoodoo magic. Isn't that the stupidest thing you've ever heard?”

 

 

“I've heard stupider from you. Why would the sword maker think there was a hex on the sword?”

 

 

Inuyasha spelled out the tale that was told to him by Miroku, who in turn heard it from Totosai.

 

 

“I see…,” hissed Sesshoumaru. “Well, I guess that I'll be seeing you soon.”

 

 

“You never know Sessh. It could be another week before I'm through in Louisiana.”

 

 

Sesshoumaru scoffed. “I'll be picking you up from the airport in Charlotte. You are coming to stay at my house for a few days before you go to New Orleans.”

 

 

“The hell! I'm going straight there and getting that sword. I've waited too long to find that goddamn thing, and you're not going to stop me!”

 

 

“Inuyasha, it will do you no good to argue. I'll be calling Sango as soon as we are finished and tell her to make plans to land here. I've heard some things and I would like to see about them for myself.”

 

 

“What things? What the hell are you babbling about?”

 

 

Inuyasha could almost hear the smug grin swell on his hated brother's face.

 

 

“I spoke to Myoga yesterday. He had some interesting things to say about you.”

 

 

“What the hell did he have to say?”

 

 

“Well, it was more about you and a certain…girl.”

 

 

“Oh fuck…”

 

 

“Yes, fuck indeed.”

 

 

“Sesshoumaru, you bastard, what are you planning?”

 

 

Inuyasha was about ready to crack the cell phone in his hand into a million pieces. What was going on? Was the whole world against him?

 

 

“I'm not the one planning anything. Rin was listening to the conversation, and insisted upon meeting her. She was going to see if you would make a stop here before you went anywhere else. Now there is no reason for you not to. The four of you can stay one night here before you go to Louisiana.”

 

 

“Rin is trying to play match maker again, isn't she.” Inuyasha sighed and gave up. It didn't make any sense to argue now. If he refused, Rin would be calling in a few minutes with tears in her voice. He would give in sooner or later. What the hell, one day wouldn't mean anything. The only thing he feared now was Rin saying something to Kagome. He could warn her when he got there, he supposed.

 

 

“All right, she wins.”

 

 

“She always does, Inuyasha. Do you think I like going to chick flicks and artsy independent films? You would do well to learn that the woman you marry will always get her way. If you learn that now, you're one step ahead of the game.”

 

 

“I'll keep that in mind, bastard.”

 

 

“Inuyasha?”

 

 

“Yeah?”

 

 

“Do not mistake what I'm about to say for affection.”

 

 

“Fine; say what you gotta say.”

 

 

“Be careful.”

 

 

“Yeah, alright.”

 

 

Inuyasha let the phone fold together and sucked in a large gust of the night air. He let it out slowly and made his way back through the sliding glass doors of the hotel room.

 

 

Kagome, Miroku and Sango sat at a table in the tiny kitchen of Miroku and Sango's room. They had been playing poker before Inuyasha announced that he had to make a call to his `bastard half-brother'. Kagome had thrown him a scowling look for his endearing name for Sesshoumaru but kept her lips tightly sealed.

 

 

She hadn't really said more than two words to him since they returned from Totosai's. The only thing she would allow herself to say was what absolutely had to be said. Things like `I'll have three cards' or `pass the chips please'. Inuyasha wasn't really sure if it was a good sign or a bad sign.

 

 

She could have been thinking about giving him a chance. She might have been taking her time coming up with an answer. If that were the case, maybe Inuyasha had a fighting chance.

 

 

On the other hand, she could have been avoiding him. Kagome could very well have wanted to tell him to back the fuck off this whole time and hadn't really had the heart to do it. She was so nice and sweet that it was hard for Inuyasha to not to think about the fact that she might be hoping he had forgotten about the whole thing, so she wouldn't have to even tell him her answer.

 

 

“Inuyasha, do you still want to play poker, or would you like to play another game?”

 

 

Miroku was happily shuffling the cards and didn't look up at Inuyasha while he waited for an answer.

 

 

“How about we play Bullshit?”

 

 

“What?!” Kagome squeaked.

 

 

Inuyasha chuckled at Kagome's innocent look. “You've never heard of Bullshit?”

 

 

Kagome ducked her head and looked at him from underneath her lashes. “No…”

 

 

“Well, it's about time you learned.”

 

 

Inuyasha took the cards from Miroku and proceeded to deal the cards to everyone at the table. After all the cards were dealt, he looked up at Kagome and let a devilish smile curl onto his lips. Kagome blushed.

 

 

“It's all about bluffing, angel,” he said with a wink.

 

 

Kagome wouldn't even look in his direction as the blush got brighter. The new pet name was going to have to stay put. He felt more confident as the game was played. She would sneak peeks at him when she thought he wasn't looking, and he would wink at her again.

 

 

`Maybe I have a chance after all.'

 

 

Even with the blatant flirting going on with Kagome and Inuyasha, Sango couldn't find the interest to pay attention. She was getting the most wonderful foot rub under the table, and couldn't help but give voice to a moan here and there. Kagome and Inuyasha never acted like they heard but they seemed to be having a delightful effect on the sexy warrior sitting next to her.

 

 

Sango would let her head loll back and let out a breathy sigh on purpose just to see him tense and lick his lips unconsciously. She wondered if he would try his perusal again later. That voiced another question.

 

 

`Would I let him pursue me? How far would I let him and his wonderful hands go?'

 

 

The four of them basked in the tranquility of the moment. They were enjoying themselves for the first time in days. Not one of them were thinking about impending doom or swords that had them running around the world. They couldn't help but relax and let their worries, asides from the sexual tension type, melt away for a while. However short lived it would be, they deserved it.

 

 

-------------------------------

 

 

“Kagome, do you need something to drink?”

 

 

Kagome raised her head from her cards that were pressed very tightly together so that no one could peek.

 

 

“I'll take a soda.”

 

 

Inuyasha stuck his head in the refrigerator and grabbed a soda for Kagome and a beer for himself.

 

 

They played Bullshit for a while, but after about an hour or so they stopped because Kagome kept winning. Inuyasha chalked it up to beginners luck, so that his pride wouldn't sting. Now they were playing Spades.

 

 

Inuyasha sat back down and made his move. The game progressed for about thirty minutes before a light rustling noise came from Miroku and Sango's dark, conjoining room. Inuyasha's brows furrowed and he looked to Sango with a puzzled expression.

 

 

With what he could gather, the other three had heard the same noise and he saw his own look of concern reflected on each of the other's faces.

 

 

The rustling noise sounded again, only softer this time. Someone was in the other room and they were looking for something. Inuyasha made sure he had their attention and pressed his index finger to his tight lips. They nodded their understanding. He motioned for them to rise and they followed.

 

 

Inuyasha moved to his bag and pulled the firearm from the hostler. He looked at Sango. He pointed at her and then to the phone. Sango moved swiftly but silently at once. She picked up the phone and proceeded to dial from help.

 

 

It was funny how everyone played their role so well. Even without knowing Inuyasha for a long period of time, Kagome and Miroku knew exactly what to do; watch Inuyasha and do as he asked. He hadn't steered them wrong as of yet, and that was all that mattered.

 

 

Inuyasha moved to the door that was cracked open only a half an inch and motioned for Kagome to stand behind him. As she moved closer, he caught her hip with the hand that wasn't holding the gun. It wasn't entirely necessary, he supposed. However, Inuyasha needed to feel her. It wasn't enough to know that she was close to him. He had to touch her to make sure that she was where she was supposed to be.

 

 

Miroku moved to the other side of Kagome when Inuyasha cast a sharp look his way. He wouldn't interfere if he didn't have to. If Kagome or Inuyasha got in trouble though, he would do what he had to, to protect his cousin and his new friends. Inuyasha nodded when Miroku was in position, and slowly let the weight of his shoulder move the door.

 

 

In the shadows a man was standing expectantly. He didn't appear to be looking for anything. He actually looked as if he was waiting for them to enter. His face was shrouded in darkness and the only light that cascaded upon him was a slivery few strands from the moon. They only served to make the stranger appear more ominous than he should have looked.

 

 

Inuyasha leveled his gun on the unwanted visitor in hopes that the man would get the picture that he was going nowhere.

 

 

“Who are you?”

 

 

A chuckle that seemed to fill the entire room spouted from the shadowy stranger's lips. It made Kagome shiver with the implicative threat and Inuyasha tightened his hold on her hip when he felt the shockwaves coarse though her.

 

 

As sudden as a gust of wind, Inuyasha felt Kagome being pulled away from his back. He blinked and turned quickly to see what had transpired. What met his hysterical eyes was enough to make his blood run cold.

 

 

After seeing the first man, Inuyasha had been distracted enough not to peer behind the door they had just entered. The dark stranger had an accomplice who currently had a tight hold on Kagome. If it were just that, Inuyasha wouldn't hesitate to put the new stranger on his ass. What stopped him was seeing the glint of gun metal in the man's right hand. The handgun was pressed snuggly against Kagome's ribs.

 

 

Without taking his aim off the first male, he fixed his most intimidating glare on the unfortunate soul who had dared to touch Kagome. He was very proud of himself for not letting his gaze or hand quiver at the thought of Kagome being held at gun point.

 

 

“Let…Go…Of…Her…,” he ground out.

 

 

“I think I might hold on to her for a little while longer.” Dead Guy # 1 (Inuyasha's new name for the second stranger) decided that having Kagome at the business end of a revolver wasn't enough for him. He hitched Kagome higher with the arm across her upper chest making her stand on her toes. The gun in his right hand found the hem of her flimsy tank top and pushed it upwards. If that weren't enough to provoke Inuyasha into a rage, he slipped his nicotine glazed tongue between the yellow teeth it was trapped behind and slowly slimed it up Kagome's right cheek.

 

“I'll kill you if you don't let her go now,” came a deadly whisper from Inuyasha.

 

 

“I think not.”

 

 

Inuyasha's head whipped around to the man he had forgotten was there.

 

 

“What do you want?” Again, Inuyasha was proud of himself for keeping his voice from having a whining quality. The only thing he could think of was Kagome's sobs filling his ears. He was lucky he could hear anything else at all.

 

 

“I need some information. If you would like Miss Higarashi to remain in one piece and untouched, I suggest you give me that information post-haste Inuyasha.”

 

 

“What the hell kind of information?”

 

 

The gun in his hand started to shake when he heard Kagome call his name in a half sob, half whisper. Inuyasha slowly turned his head once more. Dead Guy # 1 had Kagome's shirt all but off. He could plainly see the modest white bra that was barely containing her breasts. As if waiting for Inuyasha to turn again, the man let the hand that wasn't holding the gun under her chin to slowly slide down her cleavage. Once he reached the small shorts Kagome had put on for bed, he toyed with the waistband as if awaiting Inuyasha's next move. If Dead Guy # 2, aka creepy shadow guy, didn't get to the point soon, he was sure that his policy would turn into `shoot first, ask questions later'.

 

 

“I want to know where that sword is, Inuyasha.”

 

 

Inuyasha tightened his grip on the weapon in his hands. His palms were starting to sweat. Before he could answer the question, he heard Kagome's new plea.

 

“No…Inuyasha, don't…tell him,” she choked out.

 

 

Inuyasha slowly turned his head in order to question her sanity. Was the woman mad? Her quality of life depended on him cooperating. Why the hell would she ask him to do something like that?

 

 

Something flashed in Inuyasha's peripheral vision. Miroku… The two strangers couldn't see him. Miroku hadn't come all the way into the room when he and Kagome had. Inuyasha had forgotten all about him. The man holding Kagome had his back to Miroku and, while from the angle he was standing, Inuyasha could see him, the weird shadow man (Dead Guy # 2) couldn't.

 

 

Inuyasha remained quiet and kept his eyes averted as Miroku snuck up behind the burly guy, being careful to use said man's bulk as a way to keep the first unwelcome visitor from seeing him. Miroku raised his hand and swiftly jabbed a thumb into his neck. The only sound that was heard was a grunt and swoosh of air. The gun fell on the carpeted floor with a thud, and Miroku pulled the guy towards himself to keep the bulk from falling on Kagome.

 

 

“Kagome!” Inuyasha felt the wind being knocked out of him as she barreled into his chest. Tears were streaming down her face and her nose was a bright scarlet color. Wrapping her arms around Inuyasha's neck, she pulled on him until her legs wrapped around his waist and her ankles locked behind his back. It was a good assumption that she wasn't letting go anytime soon.

 

 

Inuyasha vaguely heard a door behind him close and Miroku shout `stop'. All he cared about was getting the girl in his arms to calm down. Kagome sounded close to hyperventilation and if she didn't regulate her breathing soon, she was going to have another panic attack. Inuyasha was on his way to a panic attack, as well. Every time he closed his eyes he could see that vile man with his hands on the hysterical woman in his arms.

 

 

Sango walked over and took the gun from his hand. Inuyasha let go willingly and tightened his grip on Kagome.

 

 

“Let Miroku try to get that guy. I'll stay here and watch this big oaf until the authorities arrive,” came Sango's soothing voice. Inuyasha nodded and for once didn't argue with her. Sango always did know what to do in situations such as these. All that mattered to him was Kagome.

 

 

Without losing his grip on her, Inuyasha carried a still sobbing Kagome into their room and shut and locked the door behind him. He sat on the bed and tried to figure out what to do next.

 

 

`Okay, first thing to do is get Kagome to unlock her ankles' he thought. Slowly, he loosed his firm grip on her back and ran his hands down her legs in a soothing motion. She was still gasping for air, but the tears had all but stopped.

 

 

“Kagome,” he whispered in her ear. “I need you to relax. Try to relax your legs for me. I have you now. I won't let anyone hurt you. You're safe now. I promise.”

 

 

He thought for a second that she wasn't going to heed his words when she tensed even more. However, Inuyasha could feel her gradually letting the muscles in her legs loosen up one by one. He stood up again and tucked her calves under her thighs so she would be comfortable. After scooting to the back of the bed and resting against it, he started the harder task.

 

 

“Kagome, I need you to calm your breathing. Listen to my voice. Listen to me breathing. Try to copy it. Breath in through your nose slowly.”

 

 

After what felt like forever, Kagome's breaths started to even out. He rubbed her shoulders and back in comforting circles as the death grip on his neck started to slacken. Once he was sure she was out of danger of having another panic attack, he leaned back and pushed her forward. Kagome's face came into view and all at once his throat constricted and the air hitched in his lungs.

 

 

Kagome's body might have relaxed, but her face was still painfully constricted. Her eyes were tightly shut. Now that she was no longer buried in his shoulder, he could hear her agonizing whimpers.

 

 

“Please, look at me. You're safe with me. You know that. Please Kagome, open your eyes.”

 

 

She shook her head fiercely and tired to latch on to him again. Inuyasha was having none of that. He fought against her constricting limbs and captured her face between his hands that looked massive against her delicate cheeks. He swept his thumbs across her high cheek bones and begged her in a softer voice to open her eyes. Slowly they opened and twin tears ran down her cheeks. They were caught quickly by his thumbs. Her mouth parted and a ragged sigh was forced from between her teeth.

 

 

“Angel, I've got you. I wouldn't let anyone hurt you. You know that right?”

 

 

Kagome let her head bobble up and down in between Inuyasha's callused hands. She sniffled and closed her eyes without slamming them shut. Inuyasha allowed that. He closed his eyes in turn and instantly saw the image of Kagome with a gun shoved into her side; those club-like hands sliding down her skin. He shivered and shook his head to dispel the vision but try as he might, it only taunted him.

 

 

“Oh, God! I'm so sorry, angel. I should have paid more attention. I should have let you stay with Sango. I'm sorry.” The apologies were rasped out and his head shook more and more violently. The image wouldn't go away. It just latched on tighter and burrowed deeper into his brain.

 

 

“I'm okay, Inuyasha. You protected me. Don't blame yourself. I don't blame you.”

 

 

Inuyasha only gathered her up and held her tighter. Her choked words only made him realize even more what could have happened. She could have been raped or worse if Miroku hadn't been there.

 

 

“But I didn't protect you! He could have…I don't know what I would have done if he had…oh, God.” He could feel the panic gripping him. Everything turned out semi-okay this time, but what if there was a next time. Could he really trust himself to keep her out of danger now?

 

 

Kagome tried to stifle another sob, but somehow it made its way out of her constricted throat. She wasn't upset anymore about what had happened only twenty minutes ago. It just scared her for a moment. She simply couldn't listen to Inuyasha beat himself up like this anymore. He sounded so resigned. The struggling quality of his words made her heart break for him. He sounded as if he had given up. She couldn't let him do that. He was her hero. Heroes weren't supposed to give up. Heroes were supposed to be brave in the face of danger and overcome all odds. She wasn't going to let something like this break him. Somehow the comforted was going to become the comforter.

 

 

Inuyasha was holding on so tight, it was almost impossible to get him to release the grip he had on her. Once she had managed it, she cupped his face in her hands as he had done for her.

 

 

“Inuyasha, will you still be my hero? Don't let something like this stop you.”

 

 

Inuyasha opened his raw, gritty eyes to look at her. He was shocked at what he saw. Gentleness and kindness were swimming in those deep blue depths. After a few seconds he could see absolute resolve and unwavering confidence. He nodded.

 

 

“I'm sorry, Kagome. It won't happen again. I won't let anyone touch you again.”

 

 

Kagome smiled. “It's okay, Inuyasha; I'm okay. I'm still in one piece and no worse for the ware. You did a good job. You protected me.”

 

 

Inuyasha sighed and shook his head. He didn't believe that it wasn't his fault, but he was sure that she wasn't going to give up, so in the interest of letting it go like she seemed to want, he gave in first. He gathered her up again and sunk into the bed they were sitting on. He was afraid that Kagome would climb from his arms the first chance she got, but much to his relief, she didn't. She seemed content to stay in his arms as much as he was to have her embrace. They both needed reassurance and this was the best they had to offer each other. It was no use to fight the invisible force that seemed to be keeping their limbs tangled, so they both went with it.

 

 

Inuyasha reach over and shut off the lamp beside the bed they were sharing. After such a long day, this was the best way to end it, he supposed. Lying in comfortable silence with the woman that had somehow stolen his heart in a matter of days. Kagome couldn't remember the last time she was so content. It scared her in so many ways. Foremost was the closeness, but that was not the point. Inuyasha needed to know that she still felt safe with him. If this was the only way to show him, then it was what had to be done.

 

 

As they drifted off to sleep, they each gave of themselves in that moment. A part of themselves that they would never get back.

 

 

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I know it's short, but it seemed like a good stopping point. I love to write long chapters but sometimes it's not in the cards.

 

 

I would like to thank those of you who have consistently reviewed. I love you and apperceive it more than you will ever know. You know who you are. However, reviews fan the fire of my creativity. I write faster because of them. I am a people pleaser through and through. If you let me, I will try my best to give you a great story for the simple fact that I love nothing more than to make people happy. If there are some of you out there that like my writing and want more, faster; let me know. Even if it's only `great chapter' or `update soon' or `man you suck', I would love to hear it. Thank you.

 

 

Reviews:

 

FF.net-

 

KP: I'm glad you liked it. I laughed the whole time I wrote it picturing the look on everyone else's face when she tried to kill him. Thanks for the review.

 

LoVe23: I hope you got my message before but just in case, thanks for the tip. I do remember now seeing broken URL but didn't think anything about. So, here it is again.

 

http ://www . mediaminer . org/fanfic/ view_st.php /143408/

 

This is the `unclean version' for all those on ff.net. Glad to hear you're still enjoying it. Thanks for the review.

 

MM.org-

 

InuGoddess715: I'm glad I conveyed the `funniness' well enough in the last chapter. I was afraid that everyone would take it too serious. I'm also glad you like the way Inuyasha is portrayed. I know he's a little OOC (well, a lot) but I have seen so many fics where Kagome peruses Inuyasha. I want Inu to have a little bit of back bone for once. Anywho, I hope you like this chapter. It was fun to write.

 

Inu Kagome 4Life: I'm love having a #1 fan. It makes me feel all fuzzy inside. I'm glad you liked it. I know it seems like Kagome's the one making all the mistakes now, but just you wait. I can't have it all one sided now can I. Hope to hear from you soon on how you like this chapter.