InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Nightwalker ❯ Perplexity ( Chapter 7 )

Guess who comes back in this chapter, and he's NOT happy! Ooooooooh, somebody's in trouble!

 

How's this for a fast update? I REALLY wanted to get this chapter out, so basically it's about two in the morning here and I'm still working on it. Please enjoy and if you do review, do me the kindness to write more than “update soon.” So now that I'm finally done, (YAY!) I can go to sleep. Anyway, please comment. Tell me what you like, dislike, think, or wonder what will happen. I hungry for reviews.

 

^_^ Anyway, Nightwalker has been nominated for Best AU! MY GOD am I excited! If I win, sweet, if not, oh well, I was nominated, that's not bad. OH! And Happy Halloween!

 

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha nor do I own the lyrics from Pink Floyd's “The Wall,” that Claire sings in this chapter. They are the sole property of their ingenious creaters.

 

 

Part Seven: Perplexity

 

Kagome knew that she had said something strange when a long pause came between them. Rukiya looked into her eyes as if searching for something dubious and dishonest. Her eyes then locked onto the book in her hands.

 

“That book.” She began.

 

Kagome brought the old text up to her chest. “Sorry, is it private or something? I'll put it back.” She returned it to the windowsill.

 

“So, umm, can I ask what an Asrealine Bloodstone is, or is that more confidential information that he doesn't want me to know.” Kagome said hopefully.

 

“It's a stone that we are searching for.” Rukiya answered.

 

“Is there something interesting about this stone?” Kagome asked.

 

“Not really. Let's just say that the stone will help us with a little quest.”

 

“What quest?”

 

“You've heard of our Bastard King, haven't you? Well let's just say that the stone will help us in our fight.” Kagome did not feel the need to ask any further questions about the bloodstone. That strange commanding tone underneath Rukiya's statement, made her feel that there was no way she would enlarge her explanation.

 

Kagome sighed. What had she gotten herself into? It was still so overwhelming. How was she to know that night that she would be thrown into this world. Would her life have some semblance of normalcy left? What would have happened if she hadn't given into Inuyasha's presence and been ravished?

 

Kagome's eyes widened as her hand fell to her belly. What if…Rukiya laughed and Kagome sent her a baffled expression, her heart speeding at her sudden realization. “What if I'm-“

 

“Relax. There's no way you would get pregnant.” Rukiya smiled, placing a warming hand on her shoulder.

 

“But-”

 

“Think about it, there is no way two different species can have children. If you were a nightwalker then it would be a different story.”

 

Kagome breathed out a sigh of relief. If she were with child, she didn't know what she would have done, not that she didn't want children, but Rukiya's words stirred a curiosity in her. “So, then can humans become nightwalkers? If he keeps biting me, will I become one of you?”

 

Rukiya look as though she were about to speak but just then a loud slam echoed through the house.

 

“We don't need no education.” Claire's voice resonated through the foyer. “We don't need no school control. No dark sarcasm in the classroom. Teacher leave us kids alone.”

 

Rukiya turned and exited the library. Kagome, unsatisfied and worried, followed her to the front door, where Claire was seen tapping her foot to the music of her song as Inuyasha came through the door behind her. Lilliana walked out of the nearby parlor to join them.

 

“How'd it go?” Rukiya asked as Claire took out her earphone, looking quite frustrated.

 

“He's a complete and utter dumbbell! I have no decent human descendents at all.” Claire exclaimed, placing the earpiece back.

 

“You shouldn't speak of him that way.” Rukiya said with a knowing smile.

 

“Why not? I'm older and more mature then he'll ever be in a billion years!” Claire stormed up the stairs, raising the volume of her music player, blocking out the rest of the house.

 

“She's a bit temperamental.” Inuyasha commented.

 

“I heard that Gloomy!” Claire yelled from her room's doorway.

 

Rukiya chuckled, shaking her head. Kagome joined her while Lilliana stared stoically at the brown folder that Inuyasha was holding in his hand. “Is that the only thing Richard had for us?” She asked.

 

“Yes. Too bad it's only archives of books that may have information about the bloodstone.” Inuyasha said, handing the folder to Rukiya, who opened and searched through it.

 

“Hmm, a lot of books can be found in England. If I can contact Bill and Christiano, maybe they can go search. Maybe Claire can join them.” Rukiya said aloud.

 

As if right on cue, Claire came rushing down the stairs. “Really? I get see Bill again? Sweet!”

 

Rukiya nodded and, turning, proceeded to head into the parlor, her eyes pinned to the material in the folder, with Claire chasing after her. Lilliana, looking slightly disheveled, her skin pale, excused herself. As she left, her eyes traveled over Inuyasha and then to Kagome.

 

Kagome flinched inwardly. It may have been her imagination, but for a moment, it seemed like Lilliana had given her a complete look of loathing before she left. Brushing it off, she hoped that she was just seeing things. Already getting friendly with Claire and Rukiya, Kagome didn't want an adversary with one of the nightwalkers that was keeping watch over her at night.

 

“So who's this Richard guy?” Kagome asked, trying to distract herself, turning on Inuyasha who stood silently at by the doorway.

 

“The leader of the humans who like to call themselves the `Nightwalker Hunters.'”

 

“So can humans become nightwalkers too?” Kagome asked apprehensively, eager for some kind of reassurance.

 

“They can.” He answered and Kagome felt her hope falter.

 

“How?” Even though her voice was calm, Kagome tensely reached for her mark. Inuyasha laughed and she threw him an irate look. He could hear her heartbeat speed up. It was quite interesting to see her, trying to be tough when he knew just how uncomfortable she really was.

 

“You don't need to be so afraid of becoming one of us. The chances of you becoming a nightwalker are slim to none.”

 

“But if you keep biting me-”

 

“You won't change. There's only one way to change you and I won't be doing that anytime soon. I'm not planning to make you a member of this family.”

 

Thought after thought rushed over Kagome's mind. The suspense fluttered over her consciousness, creating one dreadful idea after the next. Just what were the conditions of becoming a nightwalker, and when it did happen, what comes after? And what about the fact that she ages faster then he does?

 

“What will happen to your addiction after I'm gone?” Kagome asked.

 

Inuyasha was finding her inquisitiveness both bothersome and intriguing. She seems like an impressionable child when she was asking questions, nothing like it was this morning when she was demanding answers. It was a bit refreshing to be able to deal with her when she wasn't hostile toward him. Yet, it was also infuriating. He could not tell her his kind's secrets. Something told him that she would jump at the chance to escape from him and he would not risk private knowledge should she get in contact with the “nightwalker hunters.” At this point, he knew perfectly well that she would meet Richard's followers; they already had her picture sitting in their leader's office. There was no such thing as a completely loyal human. He had to learn that lesson the hard way.

 

“Are you worried about me?” He finally answered.

 

“No! I was curious. You know I will die before you do. What will happen to you afterward?”

 

“You don't have to worry about that.”

 

Kagome was again getting the feeling that he was strategically avoiding her questions. Maybe he was slyer then he took him for. “So, what's the one way for a human to become a nightwalker?” Kagome pondered.

 

At this question, his face hardened and he looked at her, scrutinizing. “I'm not going to answer that.”

 

Kagome inflated with irritation. “Still big on the discrimination, jackass?” She glowered.

 

“Still one to insult me, bitch?” He countered, straitening, crossing his arms and narrowing his eyes.

 

Kagome growled, gritting her teeth. Looking up at him, Kagome realized the major difference in their height. She cursed her short posture and how she seemed less powerful in his shadow. He was probably a good five feet, eleven inches, and she was a measly five. She barely reached his shoulder. He wasn't big or brawny, but his frame did emit masculinity and power. How did he ever take her without crushing her in the process? Kagome's face heated at the thought.

 

Seeing the flush and hearing the increase in heartbeat, he gave her one long fascinated and piercing stare. She turned her eyes away. Capturing her chin, he forced her to look back at him and asked, “What were you thinking about?”

 

Blood rushed through her body and he felt the urge to bite her again. He hated that base weakness but pushed it back, more interested in her answer. The deep red in her face made him wonder, as he tilted her head to the side, seeing the scar, just how much she was worried for her wellbeing. Even though he hated that she was his lifeline, that she was human and untrustworthy, that he was intrigued by her in ways he could not describe, that he involved a human…again…he still felt pity, as unwelcome as the feeling was, for what she had been through and what she will go through.

 

The flush on her face faded as she noticed him immerse himself in thought. His eyes darted to the mark he had given her then to her face again. “Inuyasha?” She called. His eyes widened and he focused her on face with such intensity, that it would seem like he never saw her before.

 

“What did you say, Kagome?”

 

“I didn't say anything.” She replied.

 

“That's the first time you said my name.”

 

The flush returned. “No I didn't. I've said it before.” Her eyes dilated with realization. “But you just said my name.”

 

He looked as though he would have said something, but his eyes trailed from her face to something that was behind her. “I know you're there, Claire.” He barked, his face no longer astonished or amused, but quite annoyed.

 

“Oh, you had to go ruin the scene, didn't you Old Gloomy?” Claire appeared and Kagome saw her out of the corner of her eye. Her face became warmer.

 

“Little brat. One of these days, I'm going to teach you a lesson about privacy.”

 

“Oh poo! And one of these day's I'm going to pull your ears so hard they're going to as long as a rabbits.”

 

“Shut it! Leave.” He clicked his tongue as Claire, grumbling, left the room. Turning his attention back to the girl, he found that she had managed to escape his hold and place some distance between them.

 

“So, how did you like your first night here?” He asked as she snapped her blushed face back up to look at him.

 

It was…nice actually. She was able to finish all her work without having to hear cars and trains constantly flash by. The library in the house was large and full of great books. The baths were nice, and for the most past, the people in the house were really kind when she was near. Rukiya was becoming less and less intimidating and Claire had this happy presence that made it easy to speak with her. As for Lilliana, Kagome wasn't sure. She never really spoke to the girl, and hadn't seen much of her.

 

“It was…pleasant.” There was no way she would tell him that she actually enjoyed it. Despite the fact that it hadn't been as horrible as she imagined it would be, Kagome pegged for her freedom and the ability to step outside after sundown. She could not imagine doing this every night. Strangely, Rukiya seemed really sympathetic to that need for liberty.

 

“Glad to hear it. Shouldn't you be getting to bed? It's past midnight.”

 

Kagome looked at her watch. Two-twenty three. “Holy crap! It is late. Well, good night…or good morning, I guess?” She turned and rushed up the stairs, not looking behind her to see him walk toward the parlor. She did not see or hear Claire rush into Lilliana's room either.

 

“Lilliana you have seen them! They were…” Lilliana drowned our Claire's voice, not wanting to listen, feeling her heart shatter. She concentrated on what Narek had said. She should tell Inuyasha, but what about the human girl? What would he do about her?

 

 

 

Kagome opened her eyes and was welcomed with warm sunlight. She came to a sit, her eyes wondering to the window of her apartment, focusing on Inuyasha as he stood with his arms crossed, leaning against the glass.

 

“When did you bring me here?”

 

“Five minutes ago.”

 

“And I slept through the whole thing?” Kagome swung her legs over and hopped off the bed, walking across the room. “So uh, anything you need to tell me?”

 

“Just to be home before sundown.”

 

“Whatever.” Kagome turned on her radio as he turned to leave from her balcony.

 

“The mayor has asked for an emergency meeting today.” Inuyasha paused, listening to the news.

 

“Last night at three a.m. seven bodies were found at the local train station. Several people have gone missing and haven't appeared for days. Early this morning, the authorities urged citizens to avoid narrow spaces and to be home by dusk.”

 

Kagome turned the radio off, rounding on him. “Why are there more victims?” She demanded.

 

“I don't kill my prey, you're living proof of that. When we hunt, we leave the faintest marks that we ever bit anyone. Our enemies are different. They don't like letting humans think that they only dreamed of being attacked. They don't think that humans are worthy of knowing we exist, so they kill. Not to mention that the bastard king loves to feed off dead bodies.”

 

“So now what?”

 

“Your mayor might just put up a temporary curfew. It won't help though. It always happens like this when our enemies choose a battleground. People disappear and don't come back, people die, and some, who are lucky, escape with only a bite mark. It's all what those fucking bastards are doing. Make sure you get home before sunset.” He warned before he left the room.

 

Kagome sighed, and reached for her clothes. Ready for school and locking her front door, she headed down into the street were the sounds of cars and traffic filled her ears. It was strange to suddenly feel foreign to this sound after a single night of utter silence. As the light turned green and Kagome prepared herself mentally for the day's classes, she realized just how un-crowded the street was. Everyone was rushing by without a word to each other, scurrying to a destination. The entire town is on edge, she thought.

 

After she attended her classes, Kagome was slowly beginning to feel a weighing negativity settle and increase over the town. No one spoke in her classes before the teacher came in. People came and went quickly, not bothering to stop and linger for a small chat. Mothers shooed their children away from parks and every time someone spoke it was in a hushed whisper. Even her friends disagreed to coming together after classes.

 

Kagome sighed as she headed home, seeing the sun head west. All in all, it had been a depressing, unproductive day. “Well hello.” Someone said from behind as she waited at the intersection.

 

Turning, Kagome met the man that had helped her the day before. Standing next to him was a brown-eyed woman with her long hair tied high behind her crown. “It was Miroku, right?” Kagome asked.

 

“I'm glad you remembered.” He answered with a smile. “This is Sango.”

 

“Pleased to meet you.” The woman said, extending a hand. Grasping it, Kagome offered a grin saying, “The pleasure's mine. What can I do for you?”

 

“Actually…” Sango began.

 

“Would you mind joining us for some coffee?” Miroku cut across her.

 

“I can't. I don't want to be out after sundown. I'm sorry.” Kagome looked back toward the intersection to find that the light had turned green again.

 

Miroku sighed saying, “I'm afraid we have no choice Sango.”

 

“Kagome, would you please spare us ten minutes?” Sango tapped her shoulder.

 

“What is it?”

 

“It's about that scar on your neck.”

 

Kagome's breath caught. Would these be the nightwalker hunters that Inuyasha mentioned? No one other then her friends had noticed his mark. What would they do to her? Trying to sound calm and casual, she said, “It's just a bug bite. Not big deal.”

 

“No that's a nightwalker mark. Please, come with us, we want to help you.” Sango said slowly, pleading.

 

“What are you talking about? Nightwalker mark?”

 

“Please, we don't want to start a scene here.” Miroku fished inside his jacket, bringing out a shiny badge. Several people in the street paused to stare at them. Kagome, stiffening in defeat, nodded and followed Sango and Miroku as they began to lead her into a nearby coffee shop.

 

Sitting at a table, sipping the warm tea she had ordered, Kagome looked apprehensively across the table to Sango and Miroku. Pulling her cup down, she began, “So what's this about a nightwalker?”

 

Miroku and Sango exchanged looks. “Have you had any recent dreams about being bitten by a vampire of some sort?” Miroku asked.

 

“Well, I did have one dream. Why?” Playing dumb seemed to work.

 

“Hmm…when did you have this dream?” Sango mused.

 

“About a month ago, I think.” Kagome said, truthfully this time.

 

“Did it seem, vivid? Can you describe it?”

 

“Why are you asking me about my dreams? What does that have to do with my bite mark?”

 

Miroku cleared his throat. “Well, that is all we need. Thank you for your time, Kagome.” He set his blue eyes on her for a moment, as though looking into her mind, but then smiled and rose from his seat, placing a few dollars on the table.

 

“The tea is on us.” He said.

 

“Thank you. I'll see you later.” Kagome bowed and rushed out the door.

 

A few minutes passed and Sango turned to Miroku. “So what do you think?”

 

“She seemed too surprised when we mentioned the mark. It makes me think she knows more than what she lets on.”

 

“Yes, she did seem eager to get away.” Sango confirmed.

 

 

 

The moon was rising. She closed her eyes as the wind wrapped around her soothingly. It cooled her skin, ruffled her hair, and made her breath out a smooth sigh. Kagura closed her eyes, marveling the short bliss, the temporary peace from the imminent struggle.

 

Crunching, a different sound then the wind's melody, made her turn her head to the side, opening her eyes, watching as someone came from the shadows. He immerged, radiant and impressive as always, golden eyes focusing on her, softening.

 

“Kagura. Good evening.”

 

“Welcome back. How was Rome?” Kagura asked as she came closer to him.

 

“Secure. It seems that our enemies prefer this area as their playground.” He wrapped a strong arm around her back as she came within arm's reach. Kagura rested her head against his shoulder, breathing in his scent. Somehow, there was antagonism resonating from him.

 

“Are you angry with me?” She asked slyly.

 

“Not you. A certain fool.”

 

“I see.”

 

“Is it really true?”

 

“Yes it seems. I haven't met the girl yet, but Rukiya tells me she's something for a human. You do not favor the situation do you?”

 

“Of course not.” Sesshoumaru hissed. “Taking care of a human has never been a particular strength. I'll make sure to punish him tenfold for this.”

 

His mate stirred, looking up at him. “Isn't it strange? Didn't you wonder why Inuyasha had such a strong attraction to her blood? He only bit her once. He broke something that was deemed impossible.”

 

“I have given it thought, but I'm afraid I don't have time to ponder this. News of the King's whereabouts have been traveling in Rome. I will make sense of my brother's mistake at a later date.”

 

“That reminds me. Sesshoumaru, Lilliana mentioned something about a clue. `The king will come to a large sapphire fall at the time when night and day are equal.' Rukiya thinks this will happen on the equinox…but it was Narek that gave Lilliana that clue.”

 

Kagura felt Sesshoumaru growl at the name. “Narek? That traitor? How can we trust what he says? It could be a trap.”

 

“The equinox is only days away. If we are going to make use of this information we should do so quickly.” Kagura urged, feeling him tighten his hold on her.

 

“Hmm.” Sesshoumaru released her, turning to stare at the dark house beyond them. “I would like to settle something for now.” He said, walking into the house.

 

Kagura followed him as he opened the door and stepped inside. There was a solitary moment before the members of the household appeared. Claire was the first to come into the foyer, her expression becoming frightful at the sight of “Old Gloomy number One.” She took the earpiece out of her ear and bowed. Rukiya, calmly followed, smiling knowingly. A worried Lilliana and finally Inuyasha joined them.

 

“Ladies, would you mind,” Crimson leaked into the corners of his eyes and the two brothers' gazes met, “leaving us?”

 

Nodding, Kagura, Claire, Rukiya and Lilliana left the room, watching the two brothers till they vanished into the house.

 

Sesshoumaru allowed for a pause, his narrowed eyes pinned to Inuyasha. Rage flared, rearing it's ugly head and making his blood boil. It was a accepted and relished feeling. Inuyasha glared at him, perhaps knowing the storm that would arise in this one small room.

 

“I thought I expressed my objection against you forming an dependence while we are in the middle of this war.” Sesshoumaru hissed.

 

“Don't give me that bullshit. You think I wanted this to happen? I had an addiction just by biting her once. Do you think I fucking planned it?”

 

“Even so, you broke our family's rules. You bit the same woman more then once. Do you realize what you will have to toil through to keep yourself alive? To keep her alive? Only if she dies a natural death will you be free from her.”

 

“Keh. I know that. I don't like the situation any more than you do.”

 

Sesshoumaru's eyes became clouded with red as he bared his fangs and looked upon his younger brother menacingly. “No, little brother, you do not dislike the situation on a level equal to mine. I will show you just how incensed I am.”

 

In an instant both males were on each other, clawing, kicking, growling, snarling, ripping and bleeding. It was rare that Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha would fight, but it was a sight to behold when they did. The noise of skin tearing and grunts of pain escaped the foyer and sounded throughout the house.

 

Finally, everything became the still tranquility it had been before. Inuyasha sat with his back against the wall, several gashes bleeding on his back. His left eye red from the line of blood flowing from his crown. His shoulder swollen and his skin dyed black and yellow.

 

Sesshoumaru stood in front of him, towering over him, ascertaining his power. His eye was black, several small cuts into his shoulder, arm and side but it was nothing to the punishment he inflicted onto Inuyasha. Brother or not, no one escaped discipline from the head of the family. He bent down, his face now returned to its usual impassive debonair, and poked his brother in the hurt shoulder for his attention.

 

“You will accept full responsibility for this. You are too watch and take care of that human. Know that in the future, if you break any other great rule, I won't hesitate to attack you. It would make tonight's wounds look like paper cuts.” Finished with his speech, he rose and left the room.

 

“Damn it.” Inuyasha hissed, tasting his own blood in his mouth. It was bitter.

 

Outside he heard Sesshoumaru say, “Clean him up.” Seconds later, Rukiya, Lilliana, Claire and Kagura came to offer him aid.

 

 

 

Kagome sighed, looking up at the clock. They was late. Usually one of them came to get right at sundown. Did they decide to avoid such punctuality? It was only a moment before the sound of her balcony door sliding back reached her ears. Looking up from her book, Kagome focused as the outline of Inuyasha's body appeared through her window.

 

Placing a mark in her book, she said, “Give me a moment.”

 

“No hurry here.” His voice sounded hoarse. Looking up, Kagome gasped as she took in his abused appearance.

 

“My god, what happened to you?”

 

He shrugged, something that looked quite painful in his condition. “Let's just say that my brother beat me shitless.”

 

Kagome jumped off her bed, discarding her book, and rushed to rummage through her closet. She returned to stand by his side with a first aid kit. “This should help. Would you mind bending down a little?”

 

Inuyasha stared at her with bewilderment. Then he laughed, his injury making his voice crack. “You're worried about these? They will heal on their own and soon. Besides, your human medicine won't work for me.”

 

Kagome put down the bandages she had gathered. “Oh right. Why did he beat you?”

 

“I have you to blame for that.”

 

Forgetting her concern for him, she growled, “Excuse me?”

 

“He's angry with my addition.”

 

“Well that's your fault isn't it?”

 

Inuyasha said nothing. The last moment her voice was filled with sincere and frantic trepidation, and now she carried her casual adverse tone with him. He didn't understand this woman at all. It was though she held the irritating complexity of a maze and he could not find the exit. He didn't recognize himself around her, or why she and he were stuck together by a blue string of impossible circumstances.

 

“You are the strangest human I have ever met.” He breathed.

 

She smiled and crossed her arms. “Well you're the strangest nightwalker I've ever met.”