InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Lover Untamed ❯ Chapter ten ( Chapter 10 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Emerald green eyes watched in slight confusion as tree after tree met its demise by sharp talons attached to a rather enraged dog demon, bellows of rage and cries of anguish accompanying every vicious swipe.  He was too far gone to realize he had an audience and Shippou decided that it was a good thing he was so distracted; he didn’t want all that rage to find a new target, particularly him. The young kitsune didn’t understand just what had happened between Kagome and the dog demon, but he could hazard a guess that it wasn’t anything good if the scene in front of him was anything to go by.  Inuyasha was absolutely livid, that much was obvious, but there was also a deep seated pain behind his movements and once or twice the fox had caught a glimpse of scarlet eyes and it was obvious he was hurting.  But from what, Shippou hadn’t a clue.

When he’d heard a deafening roar come from the other end of the house, he’d immediately abandoned the video game he’d been playing and dashed toward the source, a bout of concern going through him when he found it came from Kagome’s room. Upon seeing the young woman, distraught and openly sobbing on the bed, he’d been about to go to her but Kaede had stopped him with a gentle request to follow the dog demon and keep an eye on him.  Shippou had been reluctant, wanting to make Kagome feel better, but his care taker had assured him she would see to it that Kagome was alright and would fetch him should his presence be requested.  

So now Shippou stood a fair distance away watching as Inuyasha felled tree by tree and an errant thought flitted through his mind that at least they’d have plenty of firewood now.  Briefly he wondered if Kagome was alright and he tilted his head slightly, listening carefully and was mollified when he heard the calm and reassuring tenor of Kaede and Kagome’s soft but slightly hoarse voice float out to him from the ruins of the window.  He couldn’t decipher what they were saying – his hearing wasn’t that advanced yet – but he was close enough to the abode where he could distinguish their voices and that was good enough for him.

And it was then that Shippou realized that the sounds of destruction has stopped and his attention snapped back to the dog demon, hoping he hadn’t wandered off while he was distracted, but needn’t have worried when green eyes found the silver-haired dog demon slumped against a fallen tree, head bowed, lets stretched out before him and arms hanging limply at his sides. Shippou would have thought him dead had he not detected the rise and fall of his chest and the soft, labored breathing drifting to him on the breeze.

Shippou frowned and bit his lip, wondering if he dared to try and inch closer to see if he was alright. Was he taking a break? Did his rage diminish? Would he detect his presence nearby and attack him without warning?  Wary, and ready to flee should any threat was detected, the young fox demon slowly picked his way through the debris closer to the still dog demon, keeping an eye trained on those lethal claws tipping his fingers.

“Uh…Inu-Inuyasha…?” Shippou said uncertainly.  “Are you…okay?” He stopped about two yards away from him.  He didn’t receive a verbal response; however Shippou caught out of his peripheral vision one of his ears flicking once in his direction.   Well, he knew the fox was there and wasn’t attacking him. That was a good sigh, Shippou decided.  Taking a deep breath, the kitsune crept closer still and bent down to try and get a glimpse of his face behind the veil of snowy tresses hiding his features.  

“Inu…?”
Vacant red eyes stared at the ground in front of him, cuts varying in size, some still bleeding, scattered about his face and bare chest, no doubt from pieces of wood as the trees splintered before him.  He didn’t seem to care, or even notice, Shippou saw, wincing at the blood smearing his flesh. Rivulets had streamed down his face and neck and they almost reminded Shippou of tears.

“Tears of the heart,” Kaede would say. “When one bleeds, it is just your heart saying that it feels your pain, and it grieves for you by giving its life’s source.”

Suddenly Shippou wasn’t so wary anymore and he closed the distance between them, his face conveying his concern as he tentatively laid a small, comforting hand upon the demon’s torn, jean clad leg.  He was obviously in pain, more emotional than physical, and Shippou wanted to let him know that he wasn’t alone, even if the fox was only just a child.

For a moment the scarlet-eyed youkai didn’t move, just continued to stare at the ground before him, and then emerald eyes watched as those ruby orbs wavered slightly and drifted over to the tiny hand upon his leg.  His brow furrowed slightly, as if confused where the small appendage came from, then his gaze traveled up the arm it was attached to and finally landed on the young face of that kitsune child his mate doted on. Slowly he blinked, taking in the soft features of the child, features, Inuyasha realized, that were drawn into a look of…well, he didn’t know what to call it, but it seemed to portray to him that he was not alone, and suddenly Inuyasha disliked the kitsune tyke a little less.

Inuyasha released a breath in a whoosh of air and the sound startled Shippou slightly, but he didn’t draw back.  Scarlet eyes drifted closed and his head dropped back to rest against the tree that propped him up.  Shippou blinked, not exactly sure what to make of the gesture, when his eyes popped open again and his head lolled to the side to catch his gaze as a soft rumble emitted from his chest and instantly Shippou recognized it as a sound of acknowledgement, saying without words that his gesture was accepted and appreciated.

Reassured, Shippou made a small noise in the back of his throat and unafraid, climbed into the demon’s lap, uncaring of the blood that still smeared his chest and stained his jeans as he sought to share the older demon’s pain. Kagome was important to him too, even though he had only just met her, and even if he didn’t understand what had transpired, he was old enough to grasp that something had happened between them.

A soft grunt sounded in the dog demon’s throat and a large clawed hand wearily lifted to rest upon the child’s back, accepting his warmth and the telling gesture.  He released a ragged sigh and closed his eyes again, hoping he hadn’t completely destroyed his mate’s trust in him, hoping he hadn’t destroyed what they had.

After Kaede had gotten over her initial shock of seeing a giant hole in the wall of her house where the window should have been, the elderly woman had given Shippou instructions to watch after the culprit before hurriedly making her way toward the distraught woman, sitting upon the bed beside her and without words taking her into her arms where Kagome instantly clung to the older woman and just cried heart wrenching sobs that had Kaede’s heart breaking as she uttered soft assurances.  Several times Kaede had tried to get Kagome to explain what happened, but the only thing she could derive from the young woman were two words; “Kouga,” and “betrayed.” It didn’t take long after that for Kaede to piece the puzzle together and surmised that perhaps Kagome had betrayed this Kouga of hers somehow.  Had Inuyasha had something to do with it?

It was highly likely and the elderly woman didn’t want to know why Kagome was in naught but a towel when she’d arrived.

Said woman was still clutching fistfuls of Kaede’s blouse and her shoulders only shaking with silent sobs now, having calmed down considerably.  The older woman was stroking her hair, genuine concern shining brightly in her one eye.  She hadn’t attempted to get anything more out of the raven-haired woman, and hoped she would divulge the information herself once she’d composed herself.  

And after what seemed like a small eternity, Kagome finally took a deep breath and pulled away from the warmth of Kaede’s shoulder, her hands releasing the fabric of her blouse to take the bed’s comforter and wrap it around her shoulders so she was a bit more covered.  She sniffled and thought she probably looked like a mess but couldn’t bring herself to care at the moment.  Thoughts of what she had done whirled around in her mind, stabbing at her heart, making her stomach clench and making the pain that much deeper.  It was inexcusable what she had done and though she felt horrible at how she treated Inuyasha, it was for the best that he wasn’t around at the moment. She didn’t know if she’d be able to face him again so soon, let alone if at all.

Grimacing, forcibly shoving those thoughts away to mull over at a later time, Kagome heaved a haggard sigh and finally lifted her tearful gaze to the elderly who had let her cry on her shoulder and had been nothing but patient and kind as she held Kagome in her arms.  Said woman offered a wan smile, hoping to appease her hostess, but Kaede’s frown of concern only grew deeper, obviously seeing straight though Kagome’s attempt at cheerfulness.  At that Kagome’s smile faded and she closed her eyes, biting her lip as she hugged the blanket closer around her.  Silently she debated on whether or not to tell the elder woman what had happened between the two of them.  If she did, would Kaede think her a harlot?  A shameless woman willing to throw away a faithful two year relationship for a demon that had kidnapped her and destroyed her answering machine and didn’t know the meaning of personal boundaries and looked at her with deep soulful red eyes that begged her to help him, to accept him, to want him, to love him…

Wait.  Where was she going with this?

Frowning in irritation at herself, Kagome shook her head to rid of those thoughts and wrinkled her nose, punishing herself by bringing back the thought that she had betrayed Kouga and was a lying, cheating whore.  She flinched, the tears threatening to come back and her throat tightening to hold back a sob that wanted to escape.  

Something warm landed on her shoulder and Kagome’s eyes fluttered open to find Kaede’s weathered and tanned hand lying upon her shoulder gently and the simple act gave Kagome the strength to lift her gaze to the kind woman’s face and this time aimed a small, but genuine smile at her.  

Kaede didn’t return the smile however her face softened and she gave Kagome’s shoulder a tender squeeze.  “Are ye alright, child?” she finally asked and the question nearly had the young woman breaking down into tears again.

Sucking in a breath, Kagome made a face and sighed softly, dropping her gaze down to her lap and frowning thoughtfully.  “I’ll…be okay,” she finally offered and Kaede nodded, accepting that answer.

“I’ll make arrangements to have that repaired today,” Kaede said, nodding toward the blown out wall.  “In the meantime, I will be out running some errands today and collecting some favors I am owed. Kagome,” she said seriously and waited until said woman lifted her gaze. “Will ye be okay here…?” She didn’t have to finish her sentence for Kagome to understand what she meant; would she be okay here alone with Inuyasha wandering about.  

She wasn’t truly alone with Shippou here and she said as much to which Kaede nodded again and stood up.  “Very well.  I do have a mobile phone should you need to contact me, and the number is on the white board on the refrigerator.  I shall tell Shippou what is happening before I leave and please, dear, help yourself to anything in the kitchen if you get hungry.  I won’t have you starve.” Kaede finally gave the woman a kind smile and Kagome returned it with one of her own, albeit it wavered slightly.  It was an improvement, nonetheless.  “I’ll try not to be too long.  Take care, my dear.” With that the elder woman left the room, leaving Kagome hunched on the bed and curled in a blanket that smelled like lavender fabric softener.  The scent was soothing, she found, and Kagome found herself slowly relaxing until she was leaned against the headboard and staring listlessly out of the gaping hole in the wall across from her.  Nothing but trees could be seen through the opening and briefly, before she could stop herself, she wondered where Inuyasha had run off too.

But just as soon as the thought appeared, it was savagely pushed away as her heart gave another pang and she closed her eyes, wondering if the guilt, the torture, would ever end.  A nasty little part of herself kept saying that she deserved this pain, that she brought it on herself and it was only right to dwell in it, suffer in the complete wrongness of the awful act she had committed.  Another part of herself, a more reserved and rational part was telling her that she only made a mistake, a onetime thing, that it wouldn’t happen again and that she was only human, everybody makes mistakes.

It was an inside battle and both sides were relentlessly wreaking havoc on her already weakened state of mind.

So to distract herself Kagome finally managed to heave herself up off the bed and get dressed into some jeans and a tee shirt.  She brushed out her hair, still damp from her shower, and because she didn’t feel brave enough yet to venture out of the room – and she doubted a certain dog demon would come sniffing around any time soon – Kagome ambled over to the hole in the wall, a gentle breeze caressing her face and bringing with it the scent of pine and deep woodsy scent that put her at ease.

Cinnamon eyes studied the jagged pieces of glass that littered the floor at her feet and a flash of blue caught her attention.  Frowning, Kagome kneeled to get a better look and reached out to touch what appeared to be a piece of denim snagged on a section of glass. For a moment she wondered how it could have gotten there, and then her eyes widened as realization dawned.  Inuyasha’s jeans must have gotten caught when he jumped through the window.  Kagome’s throat tightened and her face flushed as she without thinking went to grab the cut of fabric. What she got for her efforts was a sliced finger from a hidden piece of glass and she gasped at the slight pain, snatching her hand back and lifting it up to eye level to see a small cut seeping blood across the tip of her index finger.  

“Well, that was stupid,” Kagome mumbled as she stared at her finger, just watching silently as a bead of blood developed and trailed down her finger…almost like a teardrop, Kagome distantly noted.  Smiling ruefully, Kagome straightened and let her gaze linger on her cut finger a second longer before letting her arm fall limply to her side, her chocolate eyes staring out the window as another droplet of the life giving fluid formed on the tip of her finger and then tumbled to the floor, forgotten.  

“It’s almost like…my heart is crying,” Kagome breathed as her cheeks were stained with tears of the more salty variety.
It didn’t take long for Kaede to find the dog demon; she just followed the path of destruction.  Well, at least we won’t run out of firewood for a while, was the thought that crossed her mind as she surveyed the area.  Her gaze settled on the twosome on the ground and her brows rose, not having expected to see her young charge comfortably settled on the demon’s lap and with Inuyasha’s hand protected covering his back.  The two seemed to be dozing, however Kaede knew better; she hadn’t missed the way the older demon’s ears swiveled around in her direction, so she knew he was aware of her presence.  Shippou hadn’t caught wind of her scent yet, so he was still oblivious.  

Stopping a few yards away, Kaede placed her hands behind her back and silently watched the two, content to patiently wait until one of the two acknowledged her.  As it turned out Shippou was the one who did; about a minute later his nose twitched and he opened green eyes to regard her curiously.  

“Shippou,” she addressed him though her gaze remained on the older demon’s face.  “I need to run a few errands today and I would like for you to keep Kagome company while I’m away.  She’s feeling better and asking for you.” A lie, but she needed him absent for the conversation that was about to take place between her and the silver-haired demon.

The fox tyke’s eyes widened and he nodded, turning back to Inuyasha and giving his cheek a reassuring pat before hoping off and scurrying toward the house, eager to get to Kagome and see for himself how she was feeling.  

Inuyasha’s eyes were open now and staring blankly at her, though his ears were lowered in suspicion.  The elderly woman didn’t miss the way his muscles tensed and his hands curled into fists at his sides.  It was obvious he was preparing for some sort of admonishment from destroying the window, his body going into flight or fight mode.  

Still Kaede said nothing and merely continued to stare at him with her one eye, her expression neutral and her stance as unthreatening as possible.  There was a reason Miroku and Sango brought Kagome and Inuyasha to her; she knew what she was doing.

The two had a stare down for what seemed like hours, but in reality was only a few minutes until finally Inuyasha relented and looked away, muttering a soft “Keh” and allowing his body to relax again.  

Kaede relaxed slightly too and her features softened.  “Inuyasha,” she began.  “I know not what transpired between ye and your mate—” The demon’s head snapped around and Kaede fought the urge to smile knowingly.  “—however I gathered from the state I found Kagome in ye two were intimate.” It wasn’t a question and Inuyasha didn’t bother to answer. She arched a brow.  “Are ye aware that Kagome has a significant other?”

 A thunderous growl was her answer and this time she couldn’t stop the small quirking of the corners of her lips.  She continued, “I believe his name is Kouga—”

At the name Inuyasha finally seemed to find the strength to move and he swiftly jumped to his feet, lips peeled back into a snarl, ears pinned back and scarlet eyes flashing dangerously as he tensed his fingers, his claws glinting in the sunlight that filtered in through the canopy of trees.  

Unafraid, Kaede raised her chin and regarded him with a steely look.  “Bridle that temper, Inuyasha.  You do not frighten me and I will not hesitate to enchant the beads of subjugation.” Her expression turned grave. “Do not give me a reason to do so.”

Almost instantly the growl stopped and was replaced by a low rumble in his chest and he lowered his hands, but didn’t relax.  He glowered at her.

Satisfied, Kaede waited a beat before continuing. “Kagome is in a rather delicate state, Inuyasha.  I suggest you give her some space and don’t attempt to reconcile.  As much as it would pain you to hear, you are the last thing she wants to see as you are the primary reminder of what Kagome has done.  To you, it would seem natural, but to her, it was a heinous act that will haunt her for days, perhaps even months, to come.  Seeing you will only drive the knife in deeper.  I must go now.” Her one eye narrowed at him and Inuyasha involuntarily shuddered.  “Shippou will be my eyes and ears.  If I find out you got near her…” She let the threat trail off and satisfied she got her point across; Kaede turned and disappeared back to the house to gather a few things before she headed off to town.

Inuyasha glared at her retreating back and resisted the urge to stomp around like a child.  Keh.  Stupid old woman, what did she know?  What he and his mate did was none of her business and even if Kagome did think it was wrong, Inuyasha thought otherwise.  She was his mate, dammit, it was natural to do what they did, to take pleasure in each other’s body.  

But now because of that fucking good-for-nothing bloody flea-bitten wolf his mate had it in her head that what they did was…how did the old hag put it?  Han…hey…hay-ness? Something like that.  Anyway, because she thought that, his mate refused his touch, rejected his comfort, rejected him.  It hurt, hurt more than Inuyasha would have realized, even more than what he went through The Ring Leader.  His heart ached, for him and for her because he knew she was hurting, too.  He wanted so bad to get rid of that hurt, because it was his job as her mate, but he knew the old woman was right.  He was the last person Kagome probably wanted to see right now, even if he didn’t understand it, so he was forced to take Kaede’s advice and leave her be.  It was hard, painfully so because the distance between was almost a tangible thing and the more it stretched, the more Inuyasha’s chest hurt.  

But he needed to think of his mate and what was best for her.  If she needed time, even if it was away from him, then that was what he would give her.  

Heaving a frustrated sigh and thrusting a hand through his hair, Inuyasha grit his teeth and glared at a random tree that had been spared from his wrath, his ruby gaze narrowed and promising death to those that affronted him at that moment.  God how he wished that fucker Kouga would show up right about now so he could tear him limb from bloody limb and just rid of the filthy wolf so he and his mate could be together freely.

Inuyasha blinked.  Waitaminute.  That was it!

If that fucking wolf was out of the picture, then Kagome wouldn’t feel so bad about them being together and she’d be happy again, she’d accept him!  So why didn’t she just…leave the wolf?  Inuyasha frowned.  If it were that simple, then why hadn’t she done it?  Maybe she was afraid the bastard would hurt her if she tried to leave him?  Of course he was stronger than her and had the means to keep her against her will.  

A thought occurred to the red-eyed dog demon then and it made his gut clench unpleasantly.  Shit, was Kagome being forced to be with that stinking wolf?  That had to be it.  It made sense.  His bitch obviously wanted to be with him; otherwise she would have never let him touch her.  But…hadn’t she shoved him away after he gave her pleasure?   Wouldn’t that mean that she didn’t want to be with him?

No.  No, he couldn’t afford to think like that.  Kagome wanted him, he could smell it on her and scents didn’t lie.  So the only explanation that made sense was that the stupid motherfucker Kouga was forcing his precious mate to be with him and since she was too afraid to do it on her own, it would be up to Inuyasha to rid of the bastard for her.

And he would.  With relish.

The dog demon was entertaining himself of thinking about all the possible bloody ways he could get rid of the wolf when the smell of blood suddenly came to him on the breeze and the color drained from his face.  Kaede’s threat was instantly forgotten and he was running toward the house, the coppery scent of his mate’s blood urging him to go faster until he was standing in the doorway to Kagome's room, breathing hard and eyes frantically searching for any sign of danger.  What the hell had made his bitch bleed?! They would pay!

His eyes finally settled on his mate who stood frozen by the ruined window, Shippou cradled in her arms, beautiful brown eyes wide and Inuyasha regretted to find a hint of fear swimming in the deep pools that he loved so much.

I am a horrible horrible horrible terrible person.  I know.  I’m sorry.  No excuses. =/

The inspiration for this chapter came from reading a fanfic with ellipsis after EVERY SINGLE SENTENCE when a person was talking.  God it was so freaking annoying. This is what I was reading:

“Hi, how are you…”

“I’ve had better days…”

“I have to tell you something really important…”

“You can tell me over a cup of coffee at The Coffee Experience…”

See what I mean? Isn’t that freaking annoying? Like WHAT IS THE POINT OF PUTTING THEM AFTER EVERY SINGLE DIALOGUE. Just…UGH. So I had to go write something that wouldn’t drive me insane when I was reading it. >.> Yes, I do like to read my own stories, haha. All the time.  

Anyway.  I’m sorry again for the long update. Check out my devART page for journal updates. The link is in my profile.

Until next time,
Keiz

Oh, and P.S. If I hadn’t been such a lazy fatass and bothered to title my chapters, this one would be called Tears of the Heart.