InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Mind Reader ❯ A Hasty Departure ( Chapter 29 )

Mind Reader

 

Chapter 26: A Hasty Departure

oOoOoOoOoOo

 

Kouga followed Sango and Sesshoumaru into the hut and saw the monk lying motionless on the floor. Kaede was nowhere to be seen, presumably out tending to the villagers. He walked over to Miroku and knocked him with his foot. “Is he dead?” he asked logically.

 

Miroku groaned and moved away from the invading foot. “…ass...” he mumbled before falling back into his unconscious state.

 

“No, but he should wish he was,” said Sango darkly. She started moving towards the fallen monk when Sesshoumaru reached out and grabbed her arm. “Are you protecting him?” asked Sango incredulously.

 

“I don't care what you humans do to each other,” he replied with a roll of the eyes. “But what I do care about is you postponing us leaving by harming the monk ever further.”

 

“Oh really?” replied Sango. “Well I seem to remember a time not too long ago when Kagome and I were ready to leave. And you were EATING!”

 

“Damn women, you always have to drag up the past,” grumbled Sesshoumaru. “And in my defense I was hungry. You must eat to survive. You do not need to beat the monk into oblivion to survive.”

 

“No, but I do need to beat the monk so girls can survive his horniness.”

 

“Aren't you overreacting just a little bit?” interjected Kouga. “I mean all he said was ass.”

 

Sango glowered at the wolf demon who had dared to make his presence known. “Your point being…?”

 

“Well, it's just an ass. And your best friend wants to pinch my ass!” said Kouga brightly.

 

For a second Sango forgot how to stand and fell to the ground. “Are you talking about Kagome?” she asked when she recovered her ability to speak.

 

“Of course I am. Who else would I be talking about?”

 

“Rin?” joked Sango.

 

“He better not be talking about Rin. She is must too young to pinch his dirty ass,” growled Sesshoumaru.

 

Sango stared at Sesshoumaru in shock and than broke out in laughter.

 

“What now woman?” asked Sesshoumaru.

 

“You! You said that so seriously! `Rin is much too young to pinch his dirty ass,'” said Sango doing her best to impersonate Sesshoumaru's voice.

 

“My ass is not dirty.”

 

“I do not sound like that.”

 

“I cannot believe that the fate of the world rests on this group's shoulders,” grumbled Kaede while entering the hut. “There are village children who act more mature than all of you put together.”

 

“I resent that comment,” said Sesshoumaru gruffly.

 

“And I don't care. Because what I said is true. Now are you guys going to stand around all day and converse, or actually pack up your stuff so you can leave?”

 

Getting the not so subtle hint Sango, Kouga, and Sesshoumaru immediately went to work packing up the supplies they would need for the journey. In about ten minutes the bags were packed and lined up along one wall of the hut.

 

“So, what's this about Kagome wanting to pinch your ass?” asked Sango as soon as the packing was complete.

 

Kaede threw her hands up in the air. “Ten minutes! It took them a whole ten minutes! Why couldn't they work slower?” she griped to herself while exiting her hut.

 

Kouga made a face directed to the back of Kaede's head.

 

“Now I see where she gets the maturity idea from,” grumbled Sesshoumaru.

 

Kouga huffed in annoyance. Then he forgot about it when he got back to Sango's question. “Well she didn't say it directly but I could tell she wanted to pinch my ass.”

 

“Swell, I don't believe you,” said Sango losing interest immediately. “When are you going to give up on her? It's obvious she loves Inuyasha, I know even you have to see that.”

 

Kouga narrowed his eyes at Sango. “Why would she love a hanyou when I'm full demon? I would be much better for her than Inuyasha would be.”

 

Sango sighed and picked up Kirara, gently setting her cat in her lap. “Kouga, Kagome isn't like that. She wouldn't care if Inuyasha were human, hanyou, or demon, she loves Inuyasha for being Inuyasha, it's as simple as that. You will never be able to change that.”

 

“Well I have been shown nothing to lead me to believe that she loves him. Until I see solid proof that she does I will have a chance,” replied Kouga stubbornly.

 

“Kouga, please don't do this to her,” pleaded Sango. “She already has so much on her mind. Akki is still out there trying to kill her. We're still fighting Naraku. We're still trying to complete the shikon no tama. And I'm sure she's still unsure about where she stands in relation to Kikyo when it comes to Inuyasha's love. All she knows is that she loves him. Please, don't make her life even harder for her by bringing back the feud between you and Inuyasha. She doesn't need it.”

 

“How do you know she loves him?” asked Kouga softly.

 

“Kagome is like a sister to me. When you are that close to someone you can tell when they're in love. And you even saw it. When she was in that nightmare she kept calling for Inuyasha. And she was immediately calmed when he grabbed her hand.”

 

“Sango is right,” said Miroku, managing to shock everyone. “Kouga, you're simply in denial. You've been chasing after Kagome for so long now you can't bear to lose. But, and I do feel bad for saying this, you never really had a chance. It was all a dream for you to be able to claim Kagome as your own. Kagome loves you as a friend, nothing more than that. So please, like Sango already requested, cease chasing her. You'll only manage to hurt her if you continue. I think she's already been through enough pain.”

 

Kouga stiffly stood up. He kept his head bent so no one could see his eyes but Sango was almost positive that if he did raise his head there would be tears in his eyes. “I…I'm…I'm going to go outside for a bit. Whenever we're ready to leave just call and I'll come back,” he said thickly.

 

Sango stared sadly at the stooped figure of the strong wolf demon leaving the hut. She felt horrible. She felt like she had just ripped out Kouga's heart and crushed it between her hands.

 

“Sango, we did the right thing, you know this,” said Miroku.

 

Sango put Kirara back down and sat down beside Miroku. She rested her forehead on her bent knees. “If it was the right thing to do than why I feel so terrible?”

 

Miroku rubbed her back in soothing circles. “Sometimes doing the right thing hurts. Would you rather not have said anything and continue to watch Kouga chase after Kagome?”

 

“No,” came the muffled response.

 

“Then we did the right thing.”

 

“I know,” she sighed. “But I still feel horrible.

 

“I don't feel much better myself,” said Miroku.

 

“Stupid sentimental humans,” grumbled Sesshoumaru.

 

“Hey guys? Where was Kouga going? He looked sort of down,” asked Kagome, entering the hut with Inuyasha on her tail.

 

Sango looked up, a forced smile on her face. “He just said he was going to take a walk. But he told me whenever we're ready to go just yell and he'd come back.”

 

“Then let's go,” said Inuyasha.

 

The sooner we kill Akki the sooner Kagome can relax.

 

Kagome smiled softly at Inuyasha's thoughts. “Well, are we ready to go?”

 

There's no way Kouga is ready to go. But how can I stall without giving anything away?

 

Kagome looked at Sango inquisitively. Just what was she hiding for Kouga?

 

Stupid sentimental humans and demons. They all annoy me.

 

“We leave now,” said Sesshoumaru gruffly. “And if Kouga doesn't shot up we leave him behind. We've already wasted enough time. Need I remind everyone that in three days we are to face off against both Naraku and Akki?”

 

“Oh no, that must have slipped my mind. Thank you for reminding me my oh so thoughtful brother,” said Inuyasha sarcastically.

 

“But Inuyasha, knowing you that could have been fully possible,” replied Sesshoumaru without missing a beat.

 

“Actually, I'm impressed both of you remember,” said Miroku. “Inuyasha is…well…Inuyasha. And Sesshoumaru always thinks about Rin. Really Sesshoumaru, just what is it with you and that girl?”

 

Sango slapped Miroku on the back of his head. “Now would be the perfect time to shut up,” she said out of the corner of her mouth.

 

Unfortunately, like almost always, Miroku ignored her good judgment.

 

“I mean, I don't even stoop that low. I at least hit on girls who are of age. But what is Rin? All of seven? Or is it eight? Whichever it is, isn't that kind of lame? I mean would Rin even know if you were hitting on her? Ah ha! I got it! You got mad when I called you Sesshy because that is Rin's pet name for you!”

 

Miroku truly was a suicidal monk. If continuously groping Sango wasn't enough he now had to also anger the great demon lord. Well, he was either suicidal or just plain stupid. But as he also came up with good ideas and knew a lot of information it would be safer to say that he was simply suicidal.

 

Now while Miroku was once again talking without thinking everyone else had been slowly backing away. In fact they had been backing right out of the door. Soon only Sesshoumaru and the soon to be dead monk were left in the hut. Once the door slammed safely shut behind her Sango let out a huge groan.

 

“Why does he insist on annoying Sesshoumaru? That is definitely the wrong guy to anger.”

 

“Maybe your continuous bashing of his head with your boomerang finally did him in,” commented Inuyasha dryly.

 

“He deserved every bashing he got,” replied Sango. At the sound of many crashed, bangs, booms, as well as few yelps of pain and cries for help Sango's eyes grew big. “You think Sesshoumaru will let him live this time?”

 

“You want to bet on it?” asked Kagome.

 

RAMEN!

 

“RAMEN!!” shouted Inuyasha immediately.

 

Kagome jumped at the identical shouts of `RAMEN!' that plagued both her mind and ears at the same time. `Stupid Inuyasha is going to give me a heart attack one of these days.'

 

“Ramen?” questioned Sango slyly. “Kagome asked if we wanted to bet on Miroku's survival.”

 

“Yeah, I never asked if you wanted ramen,” continued Kagome.

 

“No…RAMEN!!” shouted Inuyasha again.

 

Kagome looked over her shoulder. “Ramen? Where? Do you see any ramen anywhere Sango?”

 

Sango shook her head. “Nope, no ramen walking around from what I can see.”

 

“Damn women,” growled Inuyasha. “We bet…RAMEN!”

 

Ramen sucks.

 

“But I don't like ramen,” said Sango.

 

Kagome's eyes suddenly lit up. She whispered something to Sango which caused Sango's eyes to also light up. Inuyasha grew worried. Very worried.

 

“How about this,” began Kagome. “Sango and I bet against you. If you win we will make you lots of ramen. If we win you have to answer a question for us.”

 

“A question? That's easy,” scoffed Inuyasha.

 

“Oh really?” asked Sango.

 

“Yes really.”

 

“You sure about that?” asked Kagome.

 

“Of course.”

 

“Positive?” asked Sango.

 

Damn women.

 

“YES!”

 

“Then let's shake on it,” said Kagome, sticking her hand out. Inuyasha quickly shook both her's and Sango's hands.

 

“That was stupid,” commented Sango.

 

“What was?” asked Inuyasha.

 

“You shaking our hands.”

 

Inuyasha looked at his hands. He saw nothing wrong with them. “Why?” he asked suspiciously.

 

Kagome smiled. “Because you had no idea what the question was.”

 

Shit.

 

He growled. “You tricked me!”

 

“No we didn't. We clearly asked you three times if you were sure. You said you were each time. No tricking there,” said Sango.

 

I hate women.

 

“You still tricked me!” insisted Inuyasha.

 

“How?” asked Kagome simply.

 

“Umm,” responded Inuyasha. He decided to give up. “What is the question?”

 

“Who should tell him?” asked Kagome to Sango.

 

“Oh definitely you.”

 

I have no desire to face Inuyasha's wrath by being the one to tell him.

 

`Oh what a sweetheart,” thought Kagome to herself. But she still really wanted to ask Inuyasha. So she did. “It's simple really. What would you rather have Sesshoumaru know: your time of month of being human or the fact that you once proposed to Miroku while drunk?”

 

I did WHAT?

 

“WHAT!?” screamed Inuyasha. “What the hell are you talking about? I never…proposed…ew! That's just sick!”

 

“Maybe, but it's true,” said Sango with a twinkle in her eye.

 

“No it isn't!”

 

“Well, Sesshoumaru thinks it is,” replied Kagome innocently.

 

WHAT?!

 

“WHAT?!”

 

“Yeah, we kind of made up a story about you proposing to Miroku while drunk,” said Kagome quickly.

 

I hate you!

 

“Damn you! Are you purposely trying to kill me or do you just find this all amusing? What the hell made you tell him something like that?”

 

“It was either that or tell him the truth about you and the new moon,” defended Sango.

 

“Why did he know anything about me and the new moon to begin with?”

 

“Oh, well I kinda let it slip that you'd be pissed because it was a new moon,” said Kagome.

 

“Kinda?” asked Inuyasha crossly.

 

“Well, which one would you have rather him know?” asked Sango hopefully.

 

“I'm not answering that.”

 

“You will if we win the bet,” said Kagome cheerfully.

 

I hate you.

 

“Dammit.”

 

“So who's betting for what?” asked Sango when a cry of `I'm sorry! I didn't mean!' filtered out of the hut.

 

“I'm betting my brother kills him,” said Inuyasha quickly, a look of pure disgust on his face. Why did he have to shake their hands so fast?

 

There's no way he'll let the monk live after accusing him of hitting on Rin. Miroku just can't survive.

 

Kagome grinned. “All right. So if Miroku lives you answer the question.”

 

I still hate you.

 

“Feh.”

 

“Hey, we shook on it. You can't back out now,” said Sango.

 

“When he dies I want a ton of ramen,” said Inuyasha.

 

“What makes you so sure Sesshoumaru will kill him?” asked Kagome.

 

At that moment a violent crash sounded in the hut causing the whole building to shake.

 

“That,” said Inuyasha smugly.

 

If Sesshoumaru actually does kill him than that stupid demon will also die.

 

Kagome glanced slyly at Sango. Her friend was now threatening to kill Sesshoumaru if he killed Miroku. That would be very entertaining to see. But of course it wouldn't happen. Kagome knew that Sesshoumaru wouldn't actually kill Miroku…would he?

 

“So guess we wait?” said Sango.

 

“Guess so,” replied Kagome.

 

For another five minutes the three of them stared at the door of the hut, waiting for Sesshoumaru and Miroku or just Sesshoumaru to appear. All they heard were more crashes, bangs, and moans.

 

Inuyasha sighed.

 

Hurry up and kill him already. I want to leave!

 

Once again a vicious crash sounded. The whole hut shook violently. Suddenly a piece of roof fell in.

 

The three of them stared soundlessly at the hut. “What?” asked Sango, voicing the question on all of their minds. As they watched more roof starting crumbling. Without warning the walls collapsed.

 

BOOM!!

 

“Holy shit!” yelled Inuyasha staring at the scene of destruction in front of him. Something for once that he did not participate in.

 

“The hut…fell…” said Kagome slowly.

 

“Oh…my…god…” gasped Sango.

 

A chunk of debris suddenly rose and when it fell away there stood Sesshoumaru, holding both the now unconscious monk and the still injured Kirara.

 

“Kirara!” shouted Sango rushing to pull her cat out of Sesshoumaru's arms. Once she had her cat she punched Sesshoumaru. “You idiot! You could have killed her!”

 

“Yes, and I could also you. But I don't. So please refrain from punching me in the future.”

 

She punched him again.

 

Sesshoumaru sighed. He looked to Kouga when the wolf slid to a halt in front of them.

 

Kouga stared with shock at the collapsed hut. “What the hell…”

 

Inuyasha pointed a finger at his brother. “My really really smart brother knocked down Kaede's hut. He's going to have hell to pay when she finds out. I almost pity the poor soul.”

 

But I would never think of pitying him. Oh no. Especially since he now thinks I proposed to Miroku.

 

Sango and Kagome were slightly shocked to see the stoic demon lord look a little green. He fidgeted somewhat nervously.

 

“I think now would be a good time to leave,” said Sesshoumaru, looking over his shoulder.

 

That old lady is going to have my head when she finds out I kind of destroyed her home.

 

Kagome shielded her mouth with her hand to hide her smile. Oh yes, Kaede would be more than a little ticked when she got back.

 

Shippo and Rin suddenly ran up to them.

 

“What was that noise?” asked Shippo in alarm. His eyes trailed to the remains of Kaede's hut.

 

Oh shit! Who did that?

 

Kagome jumped in surprise. Shippo had just cursed! Granted, it was only in his head. But…he cursed! Her Shippo didn't curse! He must have learned it off of Inuyasha. Kagome sent Inuyasha a penetrating gaze. Inuyasha gulped nervously.

 

Just what did I do this time? I had nothing to do with the hut falling down! For once I'm innocent!

 

Sesshoumaru dropped the monk and quickly grabbed Kirara out of Sango's arms.

 

“Hey!”

 

He ignored her and deposited the cat in Rin's arms. “When Kaede gets back give Kirara to her,” he commanded.

 

Rin nodded dumbly. “Ok…but what happened?”

 

“Shoddy construction,” grumbled Sesshoumaru walking back to the remains. He rifled through them for a few seconds and retrieved all of their bags. He threw the monk over his shoulder and glared at everyone. “We are leaving. Now.”

 

“But…” began Inuyasha.

 

“No buts,” snarled Sesshoumaru. “We leave NOW!”

 

“Uh, ok,” said Kouga, still confused about what had happened while he had been off moping.

 

“Good. Let's go.” Sesshoumaru started to practically jog away. He was that eager to leave. Or escape before his doom had a chance to catch up with him.

 

Shrugging his shoulders Kouga followed, Inuyasha a few feet behind him.

 

Kagome and Sango shared a small laugh before also following the demon lord.

 

Shippo stared at the leaving group. He raised his arm in a halfhearted wave. “Um, bye?” he called out. Getting no response he stuck his tongue out at them all. His body suddenly convulsed from head to toe. He turned slowly back to the hut, his eyes wide with fear. “No…no…it can't be…” he stammered out while taking small steps towards the hut's remains. He jumped head first into the rubble. “My CHOCOLATE!”