InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Hunt for the Sword of Legend ❯ Perspective ( Chapter 12 )

Disclaimer: This would be the part where I make some really crappy joke about how I don't own Inuyasha and make no monetary gain off this fiction, but…I got nothing.

 

 

Chapter 12:

 

 

Perspective

 

 

After what felt like a week to Kagome, the girls returned with a carload of clothes and other items. Kagome learned quickly not to linger on one item too long or Rin made her put it in her arms for purchase. After hours of shopping, Kagome had a full wardrobe and matching jewelry. It really didn't sit right with her, but she figured that it was the last time she had to endure Sesshoumaru and Rin's brand of making things right. Kagome vowed never to let herself be the object of debt for them again. It was very tiring.

 

 

Sango went to her room to pack her things and Rin and Kagome went to Kagome's room to do the same. After they were about halfway through unhanging and packing all of the new items, Rin took it upon herself to kill the companionable silence.

 

 

“So, do you like it here in North Carolina?”

 

 

Kagome smiled and let the image of green surround her. “I love it here. There is so much untouched land. It is nothing like Tokyo.”

 

 

Rin chuckled. “No, I suppose it isn't. Um Kagome, I want to ask you a question without offending you.”

 

 

Rin could see the curious look in Kagome's eyes and waited for her to respond to the statement. It wasn't a question, just a way of warning Kagome to expect something that might be hard to talk about.

 

 

“Rin, it is hard to offend me. It makes me like you even more, knowing that you would be concerned for me. If you like, you can ask me anything. I can't promise I'll answer, but I won't be mad.” It was okay for Kagome to let her guard down around Rin. It was hard not to like the girl and want to be comforted by her warmth. It wasn't as if she was ever going to see her again after this was all over, so why try to shut herself off.

 

 

“I'll try not to pry too much, but there are some things I wanted to ask you. Actually, I wanted to know if you had ever had panic attacks before now.”

 

 

“Well, that is an easy one. I used to have them as a child, but it has been a long time. I had separation anxiety when I was younger. I guess all the stress of what's going on triggered a reaction.”

 

 

Rin looked troubled, and it wasn't lost on Kagome. “What,” she asked.

 

 

“Well, I couldn't help but notice that both times you had one, it was because of close contact with a man. I was wondering if you didn't feel comfortable around men, or if you had a bad experience.”

 

 

Kagome sat down on the bed and Rin followed. Rin put a hand on Kagome's back and gently rubbed up and down, trying to let her know that she was still there if Kagome wanted to confided in her.

 

 

Kagome looked at Rin and wondered why it was so easy to tell her things. It was easier with her than with Miroku.

 

 

Dragging in a deep breath, Kagome began to explain. “Well, it's not that I don't feel comfortable around men, it's just that I don't want to be close to them. I don't want them to touch me in a familiar way, or to know me at all. When it happened with Inuyasha, I was afraid.” Tears started to prick her eyes when she remembered the crestfallen look in Inuyasha's eyes. It hurt that she had hurt him, but she didn't understand why. “I was afraid that he was getting too close, that I was letting him get too close. The other guy…” Kagome could feel the hands that weren't there slither across her body. She opened her eyes so she could see for herself that they weren't there, but she could still feel them. The only time she couldn't feel the sensation was when Inuyasha was near. She supposed that was the other reason she sought refuge in his bed that morning.

 

 

She hadn't spoken in a while and could feel Rin's worried glance on her. “I'm fine,” she said in a whisper. “I can still feel him, Rin. I've taken so many hot and cold showers trying to wash the feeling off. The truth is that I still feel the panic rising, but somehow, I can stop it before it becomes too much. I have to be strong because if Inuyasha sees that it affects me, he'll blame himself. It wasn't his fault and he did nothing wrong.”

 

 

Rin seemed confused. “How do you just shut feelings like that off?”

 

 

“I don't know. At the time it was happening, I guess I pretended that it wasn't me in the man's arms. It was like I was floating outside of my body. Now, it's the same sensation. I know that it was me that it happened to; I can just make it feel like it was someone else. I know that it's probably not the healthiest way to deal with it, but it's all I can do for now. I have a shrink back home, and I'll talk to her once this is all over. I honestly thought about calling her once or twice.”

 

 

Rin smiled. At least Kagome knew that she needed to talk to someone about what had happened. She was an extremely well-educated woman and it showed in her every thought and action. “I think that's an excellent idea Kagome. Here I thought I was going to have to convince you to seek some help.”

 

 

“Don't worry, I know all about talking to a professional when it comes to things of this nature. There are some things my doctor and I disagree about in my life, but she is always there to lend support. Actually, you remind me of her.” That was the reason. Rin didn't look like the good doctor she had met over a decade ago, but she spoke like her, and offered her the same kind of understanding and support. That was the reason Rin felt so comfortable to be around.

 

 

“I'm glad I remind you of someone you obviously hold in such high esteem.”

 

 

Kagome started to fidget. Since Rin did feel like someone she could talk to, maybe she could ask her for some advice and insight on another problem she was having. But, would Rin spill everything that was told to her? Kagome didn't really know Rin, and it stood to reason that she didn't know what the woman would repeat once the cat was out of the proverbial bag. But, something told her that she would be like the doctor in that aspect. She could just feel that Rin would be more honorable than to run around and gossip behind her back.

 

 

“Can I tell you something in confidence?”

 

 

“Of course, I'll never tell a soul, if you don't want me to.”

 

 

“Um, Inuyasha said that he liked me.”

 

 

Rin's eyes became as big as saucers. Well that was a surprise. It was wholly unlike Inuyasha to come right out a say something like that. Rin was used to reading between the lines when it came to her brother-in-law.

 

 

“Really!?”

 

 

“Is it that surprising? I mean, am I not his type or something?”

 

 

“No, it's not that.” There was a long moment of silence when it seemed that Rin was battling something within herself. “Well, if I keep a secret for you, will you keep one for me?”

 

 

Kagome softened her features to convey that she was genuine. “Of course.”

 

 

“When Inuyasha was in his freshman year of college, he fell in love with a girl named Amanda. They were supposed to be married by the following year. It was all very sudden.”

 

 

Kagome felt a sharp pain in her chest. Her subconscious knew what it was, but Kagome, herself, was reluctant to admit what the feeling was; jealously.

 

 

“What happened? He's not married, is he?”

 

 

“The day of the wedding, Amanda took off with some guy that she had met a few weeks before. She called him a few hours after the ceremony was supposed to take place and told him that she had fallen in love with someone else.”

 

 

Kagome felt her eyes fill with tears. What a horrible thing to have to go through.

 

 

“That's why it's so surprising to me that Inuyasha told you how he feels about you so soon. He's afraid that it will all happen again if he lets himself go down that road. We've tried to set him up a few times, but most of the time he only goes out on a few dates with them, and then never sees them again. He never lets it get too serious.”

 

 

Kagome's lungs seized and she felt like her chest was collapsing. Inuyasha had gone through something so traumatic, yet he was able to get over it when it came to her. Why couldn't she be that brave? Okay, so she liked him, too. He was sweet and gentle, caring and brave. Kagome found resolve. If Inuyasha could take a chance, why couldn't she? He was willing to have certain events happen again if it gave him a chance to be happy with her. Was she really worth it? Well, Inuyasha felt she was. `Is it worth it?' Maybe, just maybe, she could be brave for once. Fate couldn't be that cruel, could it?

 

 

“Kagome, do you like him?”

 

 

Rin's soft voice filled her ears. “Yes,” she replied in a whisper.

 

 

“Well then, you should tell him.”

 

 

Kagome let a smile cross her face and nodded.

 

 

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

 

 

Inuyasha woke up the next morning and turned to his side. Much to his disappointment, Kagome hadn't joined him in the middle of the night again. He sighed a lingering sigh and sat up in the bed.

 

 

He hadn't really expected her to come to him again. Kagome was so embarrassed when she finally told him what she was really up to. She acted as if she had tried to seduce him in his sleep. She said that she couldn't sleep; however, she really had seduced him unknowingly. Feeling her skin and her hair in such close contact with his own, it was enough to send stutters through Inuyasha's system even thinking about it. Maybe, he could sneak into her room tomorrow night. It was a thought. What's good for the goose is good for the gander, his mother had always taught him. He doubted that his mother had this particular situation in mind but the lesson still held true, didn't it?

 

 

Inuyasha stretched and got up from the queen sized sleigh bed. His brother had put it in for him since it was his favorite style. Sometime his brother surprised him in the strangest ways.

 

 

To outsiders, Inuyasha supposed that it looked like the two of them hated each other. He and Sesshoumaru didn't hate each other. No, they just had a healthy dislike for one another. However, they had the utmost respect for each other. It was a strange thing to feel. Inuyasha resented his brother for so much, but he couldn't seem to make it a week without wanting to talk to him, wanting to get on his nerves, wanting to feel as if he were part of a family. He had no one but Sesshoumaru. Well, he did count Myoga sometimes as family, but that was different. Sesshoumaru was his blood. He didn't have anyone else to whom that would apply. His father had died before he had turned seven and his mother died when he was almost eighteen. He had been on his own since then.

 

 

It wasn't until Sesshoumaru married Rin that he even felt he had a brother. As kids, Sesshoumaru had always picked fights with him and taunted him. Sesshoumaru insulted his mother to her face and held no remorse for letting her know everyday that she wasn't his mother. After the Sesshoumaru and Rin's wedding, Inuyasha started noticing a difference in his half-brother. It was subtle at first, but it was unmistakable.

 

 

Every time he saw him after the wedding, Sesshoumaru no longer looked at Inuyasha with distain or indifference. The look in his eyes portrayed remorse and self-loathing. At first, Inuyasha was leery. As time passed, Inuyasha began to realize that Sesshoumaru really did feel bad for all he had done to him and his mother. Sesshoumaru even went as far as replacing the very meager tombstone he had scraped to pay for with a beautiful marble statue of an angel that stood well over seven feet. That act alone was enough for Inuyasha to make up his mind to forgive his brother.

 

 

Speaking of his brother, Sesshoumaru had mentioned something about revenge the other morning, hadn't he? With new energy, Inuyasha got dressed and made his way to the kitchen.

 

 

After a quick breakfast, he set off to find his half-brother. Only moments later he found him in the hall with Rin. Rin had a sheepish smile on her face. They obviously hadn't noticed him yet because Sesshoumaru still had her pressed into the wall, whispering sweet nothings into her ear and making her giggle every few seconds.

 

 

For a brief moment, Inuyasha felt jealously. He wanted what his brother had. He wanted a wife who loved him with all her heart. He wanted someone whom he loved with every breath he took. As he stood there watching, an image came to his mind. Instead of Sesshoumaru and Rin, he saw himself and Kagome. He could see it very clearly in his mind.

 

 

He could see himself pressing her into a wall; passion filling her gaze. He could imagine himself whispering in her ear, telling her how beautiful she was. He could hear her giggling with embarrassment, and he could almost feel the sexual tension.

 

 

Inuyasha cleared his throat and smiled at the pouting look thrown his way by Rin. She always did hate it when he interrupted her little moments with his brother.

 

 

“I'll see you later, love,” Rin said to her husband.

 

 

“I'll hold you to that, lover.” Sesshoumaru bent and gave her a chaste kiss before swatting her behind as she skittered away.

 

 

“Must you always ruin the mood, Inuyasha?”

 

 

“I wouldn't if you two would keep that shit in the bedroom.”

 

 

“This is my residence, foul mouth. I will use my kitchen table if I like.”

 

 

Inuyasha's nose wrinkled and he stuck out his tongue. “Eww…I ate off that table only fifteen minutes ago. I hope you used bleach.”

 

 

“What is it you want, Inuyasha?”

 

 

Inuyasha schooled his face into a look of seriousness. This situation called for it. It was the most important thing at the moment, and he wanted his brother to know how grave he was about this.

 

 

“You said you might be able to help me get that asshole back.”

 

 

Sesshoumaru knew that it was coming. He was prepared accordingly. “How about we retire to my study?”

 

 

“Fine.”

 

 

The two of them walked down a few halls and a flight of stairs before they finally reached their destination.

 

 

“I think you should sit.” Sesshoumaru waved at the chair across from his desk. Inuyasha complied, albeit with a sour look on his face.

 

 

Sesshoumaru tossed a black and white photo across the large, cherry desk. “Is this the man?”

 

 

Inuyasha picked up the shiny paper and eyed it closely. A sneer marred his face only a few short seconds later. “Yeah, that's the bastard.” Inuyasha tossed the picture back with a little more force than necessary. It was hard for him to keep his emotions in control while looking at the ugly mug of the man who had dared lay a threatening finger on the most beautiful woman in the world.

 

 

“His name is Dan Harris. He has a permanent residence here in North Carolina. After they arrested him in China, the authorities deported him back here. It seems he has been spying on us for quite some time. There is no doubt in my mind that Naraku hired him to do so and then used him further, as a pawn.”

 

 

“Well that makes sense but what does this have to do with me getting revenge?”

 

 

“Inuyasha, did you not hear me. The vile man is here…in Raleigh…”

 

 

“So what? He's in custody. There's no way they're going to let me get close enough to him to deal some justice.”

 

 

Sesshoumaru sat down with an angry look. Was the idiot that dense? Yes, yes he was.

 

 

“Okay Inuyasha, I'll spell it out for your simple mind. I have influence in this town. So much so that this afternoon, in approximately…” he glanced at his watch, “four hours from now, Mr. Harris will be in a room with no cameras and no witness. Inuyasha, can your feeble mind guess who has the key to that room?”

 

 

Inuyasha gaped at his older brother. This was almost too good to be true. Of course it was. `This is Sesshoumaru we're talking about here.' There was something more to it.

 

 

“What's the catch?”

 

 

“You have no more than five minutes.”

 

 

Inuyasha thought about this for a minute. “When do we leave?”

 

 

“At noon.”

 

 

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

 

 

A man named Dan Harris sat in a room with only a table and a locked door to keep him company. The officer that had brought him there told him that he would be back for him shortly. `This is the last time I deal with people like Naraku.'

 

 

The door to his right started to open. He didn't look up from his cuffed hands. “Where are you taking me now,” he asked the officer who finally came back to get him.

 

 

“To hell.”

 

 

Inuyasha swiftly shut the door behind himself and stalked the greasy man that was now looking at him with fear and realization. `Good,' he thought to himself. `He should be afraid.'

 

 

Inuyasha grabbed the restrained man by the front of his institutional orange jump suit. The man sputtered and tried to twist out of Inuyasha's grasp, but found that he was pretty much helpless.

 

 

“Do you remember me?” Inuyasha could hardly recognize his own voice. It had taken on a predictor-like quality.

 

 

“Yes,” the man finally strangled out.

 

 

“Good. After today, you will remember what happens to men who put their hands on defenseless women.” With that, Inuyasha began.

 

 

By the time his five minutes were up, Dan Harris was bloodied and bruised beyond recognition. As a matter of fact, when Inuyasha was leaving the room, he could swear he smelt piss and defecation. He smiled at the thought.

 

 

On the ride home, he couldn't help but feel as if he had not gotten revenge for Kagome. Well he really hadn't considering the man that had ordered Mr. Harris to do the things he did was still at large. Hopefully that would be remedied soon. If they continued their quest, there was no doubt in Inuyasha's mind that his and Naraku's paths would cross soon. When they did…

 

 

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

 

 

After they returned back to Sesshoumaru's home, Inuyasha asked his brother to keep their little `trip' a secret.

 

 

“Consider it done, little brother.”

 

 

Inuyasha looked at the ground and scowled. “Thanks.”

 

 

“Think nothing of it. As you said, `if it were Rin'…”

 

 

Inuyasha nodded and made his way to the front doors. They would be leaving for New Orleans tomorrow. He needed to tell the others. Making his way to the kitchen where he knew they would be sitting down and having dinner, he strengthened his resolve. Naraku would pay for what he had done so far.

 

 

Coming up to the dining room, he stopped when he heard bubbling laughter. It was Kagome. Her laughter seemed infectious, he noticed, when he couldn't keep a smile from twitching on his lips. She was good for him in so many ways. Not like that other bitch. Kagome was the exact opposite of Amanda. Where Amanda had always made him buy her things, Kagome felt uncomfortable receiving even the necessities from him. Rin had already told him about them going shopping. His sister-in-law had to force her to buy more than two changes of clothes.

 

 

Another thing that appealed to him was that Kagome was almost always happy. She seemed as if she would never tire of silly, small things that caught children's eyes. He loved that about her. She wasn't afraid to look silly in the eyes of others. It was just a part of who she was. Amanda was never like that. She always held her nose up high at such notions. She never let her hair down, even in front of her fiancée.

 

 

Kagome was different. This time, it was different. Kagome would never treat him heartlessly. She could never be so callous and cruel. It wasn't in her nature to do something so malicious. Inuyasha doubted if Kagome had ever even killed a gnat, let alone crushed someone's hopes and dreams.

 

 

“Inuyasha, are you going to eat?” He was so into his own thoughts, he had failed to notice that the four of them were now looking at him. He shook his head and moved to the closest empty chair.

 

 

After wolfing down a plate of food, he cleared his throat to get their attention. Once all their eyes were on him, he began.

 

 

“We're leaving tomorrow. We'll drive to keep from having to give our names at airports. This way, there is less chance that Naraku will know where we're going, unless he has us followed. Being followed for two days is something that we would have a hard time not seeing.”

 

 

Kagome nodded and stood up. “In that case, I'm going to take a bath. Miroku, will you come with?”

 

 

Miroku nodded absently and keep eating. “I'll be there after I finish eating.”

 

 

“Okay,” she said and left with three other people gaping at her. Sango, Inuyasha, and Rin were all looking at him in shock when Miroku finally looked up to see what was with all the silence.

 

 

“What,” he asked.

 

 

Inuyasha glared at him pointedly. “You're going to go with Kagome to take a bath.” His nose scrunched up at the thought.

 

 

Miroku sighed. “Yes, and she's my cousin for the god's sake. She just likes for me to sit with her sometimes when she has something to talk about. I have no idea why, but Kagome feels better talking when she's bathing.”

 

 

Sango hesitated. “You're not like, going to watch her, are you?”

 

 

 

Miroku rolled his eyes at the three of them. “What the hell is wrong with you people? I'm the closest thing she has to a best friend. Try to gain a little perspective.”

 

 

Sango sighed. “You're right. It just seems strange, is all. I'm sorry to have offended you.”

 

 

“Yeah.” “Me too,” added Rin and Inuyasha.

 

 

“It's alright. I'm used to the speculation. Kagome's just quirky, and I go along with it because I would like to keep my cousin from running away from me. Besides, I'm curious as to what she has to talk to me about most times. I wonder what it will be,” finished Miroku while fixing an amused look on Inuyasha.

 

 

Miroku laughed at Inuyasha while walking away. If the man's grumbled curses had meant anything, this could be a highly enlightening bath.

 

 

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Sorry it took so long to get this chapter out. I know I usually post a chapter on Sunday but I was camping this weekend. I hope you all like it. As always, please review.

 

 

Oh yeah, I almost forgot. I know where I eventually want this story to go, but the chapters come off the top of my head every week. I don't really have anything written in stone. As such, I may miss plot holes that you guys would catch. If you find one, please feel free to let me know. I know it's kind of risky writing a story this way, but it's the way I operate. I can't help it. Thanks for the help.

 

 

Reviews:

 

MM.org-

 

InuGoddess715: I'm glad you enjoyed all the fluff. I love writing it. Inuyasha is doing a really good job so far. He'll continue to do so for a little while longer at least. Oh my, did I just give something up? He he he. By the way, I'm still looking for that so called corny name. Thanks for the review.

 

Ethereal Siren: I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for the offer of help but I'm afraid you're right. Voodoo really is a mystery religion. Especially the branch I'm really interested in; New Orleans Voodoo. It's so strange that a religion so fascinating is so hard to find information on. Your right also, they really won't be that exposed to it. I told you guys I'm OCD. I almost need to know. Thanks for your help anyway. Anything you could throw my way would be much appreciated.

 

jflorea: She so lovesick, it's really a shame. All will be revealed in due time. I hope you people aren't waiting for some crazy twist or something. I really hate to disappoint. Her secret will be in the next five chapters or so…I hope. Thanks for the links. I haven't really gotten to look at them yet but I saved your e-mail. I'll let you know how they turn out. I'll also e-mail you back tomorrow. Thanks for everything!

 

FF.net-

 

Pnkrockninja101: Thanks for the review. I hope you like this chapter as well. Let me know.

 

LoVe23: Thanks for the support. I have come into a wonderful place in my life and my fiancée has helped a lot. I can talk about it now with out fear that I will see it in my head. I'm sorry you had a similar situation. I admire your courage. I'm glad you like the title. I haven't really decided to change it; I just wanted to see if anyone had any better ideas. So that's one vote yes I suppose. lol. Thanks for the continued support.