InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Nightwalker ❯ Allies ( Chapter 31 )

Ello Guys. Jian is back. Anyway, lotsa hints in this chapter, plus I'm setting up for things in the next. Enjoy.

 

Also ScarletRaven1001: no the king did not take that away from Narek. You're review really made me laugh when I read it. Don't worry he's still a man, but he did take something that Narek really cares about.

 

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha, nor do I take credit for Romiko Takahashi's genius.

 

Part Thirty-one: Allies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repeated failed attempts at killing the two thorns at his sides were beginning to grate his patience. He had all but squashed the nightwalkers that dared to rebel against him in the past. Fenrir had tried to gather an army of nightwalkers in an attempt to form a coup against him but even she had been disposed of in the end for no one could ever truly make him fall. Yet, the king snarled, there was one family that continued to elude him. He will not begin his true rule until Sesshoumaru's family was finished.

 

They have been doing this irksome dance of avoidance for decades. He would have no uprising against him! There was no such room for that kind of weakness. As long as a single family opposed him, there was a chance that his plans for the humans will fail and he was not one to leave anything to chance. However, he was increasingly annoyed by the fact that his two sons were still alive.

 

Their family had escaped death from the hordes of nightwalkers he'd sent after them. They had even managed to stay alive after so many encounters with his strongest servants. Even Narek was now beginning to lose his worth. It the time came, he had no doubt that he would have to discard of the boy should he no longer be of use.

 

“Jeromaru, Kageromaru.” He called. In a flash his two elite nightwalkers appeared in the blackness of his room. “ You know what to do.” He said.

 

“As you will my lord.” Said Kageromaru.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kagome bent forward on her knees and took a long breath before she charged at Claire and Inuyasha again. Claire jumped backward and Inuyasha came at her from the side. Seeing him, she jumped upward, landed on his shoulders and then jumped toward Claire. Anticipating Kagome's move, Claire grabbed Kagome's fist when she aimed a punch and then used the force of Kagome's attack to hurl her toward the ground. Quickly before she slammed into, Kagome pressed her palm into the ground, flipped and landed back on her feet several steps away from Claire.

 

“You're definitely getting better at the acrobatics.” Inuyasha said from behind her.

 

“I almost feel insulted.” Kagome huffed.

 

“Excuse me?”

 

“Getting better? I thought I was pretty good.” Kagome pouted at him.

 

Shrugging, Inuyasha said, “Most enemies wouldn't wait for you to make your moves and then attack.”

 

“Oh lighten up Gloomy.” Clare said from the other side of the room. “She's trying ain't she? For someone who has only been a nightwalker for almost three months she's not doing too bad. All she needs to do is hold on the bloodlust for longer then seventy two hours and she'll be fine.”

 

“Thanks Claire.” Kagome smiled.

 

“Even so, it doesn't hurt to remind you that enemies won't be this easy on you.” Inuyasha rubbed his shoulder. “I think this should be enough for one night. Sesshoumaru and Rukiya should be back soon and I'll have to be ready. Maybe you should go and see how Lilliana is doing.” Inuyasha stretched, walking out of the large room they had been using for practice.

 

Sighing, Kagome said goodbye to Claire before she made her way out of the room. Since moving to Los Angeles almost a month ago, the family had been staying in a big mansion, once again secured somehow by Kagura and Sesshoumaru, near Bellaire. Maybe she would never get used to living in these kinds of mansions. When she asked Inuyasha about it, he simply told her that the family liked the space and not necessarily the luxury of living in such large houses.

 

At the top of the stairs, Kagome caught sight of Lilliana's door and debated whether she should desturb her or not. Though Lilliana had made a full recovery a week after they arrived in Los Angeles, it seemed that she wanted to spend most of her time alone. Even though she still taught Kagome and helped her with her bloodlust, Lilliana still preferred to be alone whenever she wasn't needed. Kagome couldn't blame her. She herself wasn't completely over the fact that she had become a nightwalker and mated with Inuyasha. Almost a month wasn't enough time to come to terms with being the mate of an enemy, at least Kagome thought so.

 

Had it really been eight months since she first met Inuyasha? That September night felt like eons ago, and Kagome laughed when she reminded herself that it only April now. Her birthday was coming in May. If the war was ever over, could she go back to Tokyo and live out her life the way she had intended to do as a human? Could she meet her parents again, at least to reassure them that she was alive? Would the family let her do that or was being that close to humans all the time against the rules? Or would going back even be a good idea? What if she feed from her parents or her brother? Kagome became somber at that thought. Nightwalker or not, she still wished she could see her folks one more time.

 

It would be nice if she could see into her own memories, Kagome thought. At least she'd be able to see her mother's face more clearly. Since touching Lilliana she hadn't been able to see into any other family member's memories. At first, she felt that looking into someone's memory was a complete invasion of privacy, but Kagura and Sesshoumaru had insisted she try and learn to tap into her power as soon as possible. She'd asked Rukiya how she would concentrate on a person's thoughts, hoping that there was a trick to it that could teach her how to see into people's memories. Rukiya's answer was that she simply needed to concentrate on hearing someone's thoughts when she wanted to, but no matter how much Kagome practiced, she couldn't enter another person's memories.

 

Looking down at her hand, Kagome thought about how she saw the memory when she touched Lilliana. She was certain that touching someone might help trigger it. Claire had volunteered to be her guinea pig, but Kagome never saw into her memories even when she held Claire's hands. What was the point of having this power if she couldn't use it? And how could she use it against enemies when she had to touch them? And it didn't even help that the no one in the family ever heard of such a power.

 

Kagome was certain that this was a power she shared with her creator. There was proof in what Narek had said to Fenrir before he killed her. If only she could use his memories against him. If there was one thing Narek was afraid of, it must have been his past, why else would he avoid it altogether. Kagome couldn't help thinking about what Narek had said before he had bitten her. So he had a wife, and she had been killed with his unborn son. Kagome would've felt sorry for him if he weren't such a monster.

 

“They're back!” Claire shouted from downstairs.

 

Glad to be pulled away from her sorry thoughts, Kagome descended the stairs to see that Rukiya and Sesshoumaru had returned. Since the first night in LA, Sesshoumaru, Kagura and Rukiya were always making rounds and keeping contact with Kanna, who was making her way toward the city with some of her family members, all the while trying to find any nightwalkers that might join their rebellion. When she thought about it, Kagome couldn't help but suppress a sigh. They were always either running for their lives or making plans. Even if they had more then seven families, who had joined them thanks to Kanna, Kagome couldn't help but wonder when this revolt would actually end?

 

Kagura and Inuyasha came by the stairs to greet Sesshoumaru and Rukiya. “What did Kanna say?” Kagura asked.

 

“According to members of her family, there have been no casualties so far. All the families that have joined us are slowly making their way toward the city. They are each taking different routes and detours and it doesn't seem that the enemy has suspected anything from their migration so far.” Rukiya said.

 

“That's good.” Inuyasha said. “Now we should concentrate on finding the bastard king.”

 

“True, but there's also one more opportunity I'd like to explore.” Sesshoumaru said as he faced his brother.

 

“What is it?” Inuyasha narrowed his eyes.

 

“There's a rogue family in this city that we know. I'd like you to talk to their leader. If enemies attack us while we're here it might be fair to warn them by alerting at least one rogue family we know. Also, even if it's futile, maybe you can talk him into helping us?”

 

“Who are you talking about Sesshoumaru?”

 

“You know the man quite well Inuyasha.”

 

Inuyasha was silent for a moment before his mouth dropped wide open. “You can't mean Kouga? HE'S here? SHIT!”

 

“Who's Kouga?” Rukiya and Kagome asked.

 

“An old rival of Inuyasha's.” Kagura smirked.

 

“Rival? More like an old bastard I'd like to beat to a pulp.” Inuyasha ground his teeth.

 

“I care not about your feeling for him. He refuses to me see me and you know him best. You should go.”

 

“Like he'll really listen to what we have to say Sesshoumaru.”

 

“There's always a chance.”

 

“No. Fucking. Way.”

 

“Listen, little brother, I don't have time for your immature grudge. You will go.”

 

Inuyasha glared at Sesshoumaru for a full minute before he finally said, “Fine, but don't blame me when he disagrees to our terms.”

 

Before he could pass Sesshoumaru to head to the foyer, Kagome tapped him on the shoulder. “Want me to come with you?” Kagome asked. She was eager to get out of the house. Plus, if they were going to go out into the town, she could try to practice controlling her bloodlust.

 

“Come if you want, but I should warn you that Kouga is a major pain in the ass.” Inuyasha said.

 

“Good luck.” Rukiya said as the two of left the room.

 

Outside the house, Kagome saw Inuyasha run a hand unenthusiastically through his bangs. Peeking at his frown she asked, “Is Kouga really that bad?”

 

“Bad? He gets on my fucking nerves.” Inuyasha said as he jumped into a sprint, heading into town.

 

“What did he do to you anyway?” Kagome asked him as she raced alongside.

 

“Let's just say we've been on each other's cases for a long time.”

 

After half an hour they entered downtown LA. Kagome made a conscious effort to stay close to Inuyasha and ignore anyone on the street. The pollution from car exhaust made it easier not to focus on people, but it also made her nose twitch at the nasty stench. “So um, how do we find Kouga?”

 

“Easy. Look for man that smells like wolf-shit. If I know Kouga, he's probably with his buddies behind some club or something.” He paused at an intersection while the light was still green. “I can smell them already.” He clicked his teeth. “Follow me.”

 

Making his way through across the street, Inuyasha followed his nose till he came onto a steel door in an alley. Kagome could already hear the roaring music on the other side. She knocked on the door and a moment later, a tiny window slid open to reveal two eyes from the other side. “Go around the front.” The person huffed.

 

Inuyasha starred at those eyes for a moment and by their unnatural orange color, it was obvious they didn't belong to a human. “No can do. I'm looking for someone named Kouga.”

 

“How do you know Kouga?”

 

“Let's just say I'm an old buddy.”

 

“Are you with the king?”

 

“No.”

 

“Um. Can you call Kouga here then?” Kagome asked, sensing that their conversation wasn't going to go anywhere soon.

 

“Why?” Said the man on the other side.

 

“How else can we prove to you that we're not here as enemies?” Kagome returned, thinking that he didn't let them in for safety reasons.

 

The two orange eyes didn't answer for a moment and then he said, “Wait here.”

 

“This is a pain.” Inuyasha said when the man left.

 

“Do we have to go in there?” Kagome asked him. “I'm not even inside and I'm already getting a headache. What would a nightwalker be doing at a club anyway?”

 

“Nightwalkers have interesting ways to hunt and we can be as diverse as people. Some nightwalkers run nightclubs and they feed from the people that come to join. The good news is, rogue nightwalkers follow the rules and don't kill their prey, just lure them here.” Inuyasha sighed. “Though I'd rather travel. I can't stand the shit they play in these places, and the noise. I'll never understand Kouga.”

 

Kagome bit back a comment, but she couldn't stop the squeak that came from her mouth. “What?” Inuyasha asked.

 

“You sound like an old man. Of course what do I expect from someone over seven hundred years old.”

 

“I'm not an old man. I'm fairly young for a nightwalker.” Inuyasha glared at her.

 

“I never said you were an old man. I just said that you sound like one.” Kagome smirked.

 

“ Gee, I feel complemented.” Inuyasha said, but before he could continue, the slit in the door opened to reveal a pair of red eyes instead of orange.

 

“If is you.” Said the person from the other side before the door slid open. A tall nightwalker opened the door. His hair was white and it had a streak of brown running down the middle of his spiky hairstyle. “ Hi Ginta. Is your boss home?” Inuyasha asked.

 

“Yeah. Follow me.” Said Ginta.

 

He led Inuyasha and Kagome through the crowds of dancers. Kagome focused on Inuyasha's back for having humans bump and rub into her wasn't something that helped keep her concentration off their blood. In fact, when a cute looking boy hit her shoulder with his hand, she had to keep from watching him as he danced with his girlfriend. Thankfully, Ginta led them away from the humans by lifting a flap that led to the counter behind a bar. He then went around the bar tender and indicated a door behind the whine shelves.

 

The moment Kagome and Inuyasha went through it, they came into a large, soundproof room that was lined with tables, couches, chairs, carpets, all arranged in no particular order, as though they were just placed wherever they fell into the room. In all the seats, there were nightwalkers. Some were speaking amongst themselves; others came and went from the room with humans that Kagome guessed were their prey. Most of the nightwalkers didn't pay attention to them.

 

“Where's Kouga?” Inuyasha said impatiently. “I'll be back,” said Ginta and he disappeared behind another door on the far end of the room, which Kagome guessed was probably Kouda's private room. Inuyasha huffed and Kagome raised a brow at his impatience. Why did he hate this guy so much?

 

A moment later, Ginta came out of the room with another nightwalker coming. Kagome guessed that he was Kouga, because his strode with his chin high and without looking across to the nightwalkers in the room. He stomped toward them like he owned the ground they were standing on. When he reached them, he looked from Inuyasha, who scowled at him.

 

He was the same height as Inuyasha, although he had slightly more physique. His hair was long, dark brown and tied up in a tail. There were a few studs on his right ear and he wore a leather jacket with fur on the hood and collar along with a white undershirt and jeans. Not to mention, Kagome thought when he tore his gaze from Inuyasha to stare at her, he had the most icy, blue eyes she'd ever seen.

 

“Hey there sweetheart, what's a babe like you doing here?” He said to her.

 

Kagome blinked, looking about herself to see that no other nightwalkers were close to the four of them. “Are you talking to me?”

 

“Who else?”

 

“You should learn not to hit on other people's mates Kouga.” Inuyasha growled, coming forward to stand in front of Kagome.

 

Kouga looked flabbergasted. “She's your mate? A woman who smells that delicious? Too bad, she's kind of cute.”

 

“Kouga, what are you talking about?” Said a Ginta behind him. “She's the most plain girl I've ever-” Kouga punched him in the nose before he could say anymore. “Ow! No call for that!” He whined but did not retaliate.

 

“So dog-shit, why have you decided to show your face to my family? You here for a favor?” Kouga snapped at Inuyasha.

 

“You know jackass you could stand to use better language. For a family head, you have little respectability.”

 

“Is this how you plan to get me to work with you?”

 

Inuyasha sighed. “I came here with a proposition.”

 

“I thought I told your brother I want no part in this war. I'm a rogue nightwalker. I'd like to keep it that way. There's no way I want my wolves in danger.”

 

“Why would a rogue nightwalkers be in less danger then us?” Kagome thought aloud.

 

“Good question sweetheart.” Kouga winked at her.

 

“Watch it Kouga.” Inuyasha hissed. Kagome tried not to giggle.

 

“Whatever,” Kouga rolled his eyes, “the `king' knows little of rogues.” He began explaining. “In the nightwalker world, you're either with the king or an enemy against him. Us, well we didn't want to fight nor do we want to join the bastard. So we all avoid the king and his lackeys by keeping a low profile in the human world and moving about without starting conflict with his followers.”

 

“Basically you run and hide. Do you plan to dodge forever?” Inuyasha asked.

 

“Listen dog-shit, I may be taking the coward's way out, but at least I know I'M keeping my comrades safe. I'd rather run then watch them throw their lives away fighting.”

 

“For the House of Wolf, you guys sure don't have the courage of a wolf. If you want to run so fucking badly, then that's none of my business, but I came here with a proposition and I'd appreciate it if you'd let me finish before you decline my offer.”

 

“Why you…” Kouga growled, leaning forward and glaring at Inuyasha, who mimicked his stance and bared his teeth.

 

“Please wait a moment!” Kagome stepped in front of Inuyasha before the two could tear each other apart.

 

“Kouga, Inuyasha is not the only one here who is asking for help. Please at least hear us out.” She said.

 

“I'm not listening to anything this shit tells me!” Kouga snapped without tearing his eyes away from Inuyasha.

 

“Good, because I'm not in the mood to deal with a chicken-shit like you anyway!” Inuyasha returned.

 

“FINE!” Kagome yelled, stomping her foot. “Then will you listen to me…alone?” Kouga tore his gaze away from Inuyasha to stare at her. “What?”

 

“If you two can't talk come to a compromise then maybe it would be better if I explain the situation. Please hear me out then you can reject the offer. Just because the two of us were sent here to ask for your help, doesn't mean we are the only one that want it. Our family and that of Kanna's and many others that will be coming here to help us all would your attention for a little while. Uh…please?” Kagome gave him her best puppy-dog face, hoping that his strange attraction to her would make him agree.

 

“Hmm.” Kouga considered. “I'll listen, but only to you. I don't want him in the room. Just looking at you pisses me off.”

 

Inuyasha flipped him off before turning to Kagome. “What the hell are you thinking?” He demanded.

 

“Just trust me okay?” Kagome said.

 

“Fine, but I'm going to be outside the door. If you do anything funny…” He warned Kouga.

 

Rolling his eyes, Kouga replied. “Even I wouldn't go as far as to make moves on another man's mate.”

 

Telling Ginta to leave, Kouga told Kagome to follow him into his room. Entering, Kagome noticed a large mahogany desk with a leather chair behind it and a smaller, wooden one in front. Kouga made his way behind the desk but paused before he sat in his seat. “I have a penthouse upstairs if you'd prefer there.”

 

“I think I'm fine thank you.” Kagome said as she sat in the wooden chair. What was with this guy?

 

Sitting, Kouga began, “So what's the deal?”

 

Taking a breath, Kagome spoke. “Really, all we'd like is for you to join our cause. It's been very hard for us to oppose the king with only our family and we've been trying to get other families to join us.”

 

“Why should I help your family fight the king? I'm content with keeping things as they are. How many of my family will I lose if I decide to fight?”

“We've lost a lot of people we care about too.”

 

“So this is revenge.”

 

“Not really. I've only been a nightwalker for a short while so I don't really know what kinds of terrible things he's done in the past, but from what I've seen so far, the king is a real tyrant. Do you really think that if he completely destroys our family, that he won't come after yours? From what you said, it sounds like you don't want to join the king. I'm guessing you don't like his ruling methods-”

 

“Damn right we don't.”

 

“Then isn't it fair to help us? If we defeat the king, wouldn't things get better?”

 

“That's only if you find the real nightwalker heir, and from what I know, the king has his hands on the bloodstone that reveals the heir.” Kouga huffed. “Say we do join your cause and the king wins. What then?”

 

Kagome didn't answer at first but then she said, “Listen, I'm not a real experienced nightwalker, but I'm trying even if I think it's futile. I'm too stubborn to give up and if I'm going to live my life as a nightwalker, I'd like to live it without having to worry for my life all the time, and that includes running and hiding. I'm fighting because I've seen my family struggle and keep going after what they think is right. You can join us or not, but my wish to making the nightwalker world better won't change. Doesn't it bother you that you always have to run and keep a low profile, or that you can't have any nightwalker children because the king's lackeys might come after you? Or even that the king breaks all the traditions nightwalkers followed and that he kills humans and nightwalkers alike?”

 

Kouga stared at her. “Are you sure you're a young nightwalker. You sound like someone who's been in this war forever.”

 

Kagome couldn't help but think that she had. It was only eight months ago that she met Inuyasha but her it felt like years. So much had changed, she was no longer human and she was certain that soon time would feel different for her. If she were to look to the future, she wanted it without the nightwalker king and the dangers he threw at them.

 

“I find it even harder to believe that a smart girl like you would be Inuyasha's mate.” Kouga said before he smiled at her.

 

“Want me to kill him so you can be my mate instead?” Kouga teased.

 

“What?” Kagome gawked at his question but then hissed at him. “No. Why would you ask me such a thing?”

 

“Had to try. I still can't believe someone like you is mated to the likes of him, but whatever. I'll help, but only if my family agrees.” His sudden change of topic threw Kagome off guard, so she was a little surprised when he left the room.

 

She followed him out to see Inuyasha by the door. He looked at her from the corner of his eye before speaking to Kouga. “So what's the answer?”

 

Kouga ignored him and whistled to the nightwalkers in the room. “If there are any folks from the club in here, please leave for a moment. Sorry for the inconvenience.” Any human that remained was led out of the room by the nightwalkers that had brought them in. With the room empty, Kouga turned toward his family. “We have been asked by the House of Dog to join them in their rebellion against the king. Now before you begin, I'd like to say that we have been avoiding danger for the last fifty-three years, but because of that none of us could have mates or children because of the king's tyranny. I for one wouldn't mind having my own pups and a little peace wouldn't hurt the nightwalker world. What do you say?”

 

All the nightwalkers in the room began mumbling amongst themselves. It was Ginta that spoke first. “I'm always on your side boss. If you want to fight so do I.”

 

“Same here!” Said a nightwalker female who rose to her feet.

“Thanks Ayame.” Kouga smiled at her.

 

Half the nightwalkers rose and also agreed. “Let's kick some ass!”

 

“I could use a good throw down.”

 

The remaining nightwalkers all stood and turned to Kouga, nodding. Seeing his family's answer, Kouga turned to Kagome and said, “We're in.”

 

“Thanks.” Kagome beamed at him.

 

“No problem, and Kagome,” he snuck a loot at Inuyasha, who sent him a warning look, “if you ever change your mind…”

“Uh, I don't think that's happening any time soon.”

 

“But if you do, you know where to find me.”

 

“That's it!” Inuyasha snapped coming forward. Kagome stomped in front of him and placed her hands on her hips. “Don't punch him after I finally got him to agree with us!”

 

“Whatever.” Inuyasha glared at Kouga. “We're leaving, we've done what we came here to do.” Taking Kagome's wrist, he pulled her out of the room and didn't let go of her hand till they were out of the club and back on the street several buildings away.

 

“So, did you have a good time with Kouga?” Inuyasha scowled when they began to sprint back to the hideout. He jumped up onto the rooftops and Kagome followed him.

 

“Are you jealous?” Kagome couldn't help but say as she ran beside him.

 

“Why should I be? I'm you're mate, I have nothing to be jealous about.”

 

“I don't really like Kouga you know. He's too high maintenance for me.”

 

“And why the fuck should I care? You're free to like whoever you want.”

 

Kagome couldn't help but laugh. “For someone who's over seven hundred years old, you sure act like a disgruntled teenager.”

 

“First I'm old now I'm a teenager?”

 

Kagome laughed at his annoyed expression. Teasing him was much more fun then she imagined. “Still though.” Inuyasha said. “You did a good job. I wouldn't have gotten him to agree. Nice work.”

 

“Thanks.” Kagome couldn't tear the smile off her face. “But there was one thing Kouga said that bothered me.”

 

“What was it?” Inuyasha skidded to a stop when he landed on the roof of a skyscraper.

 

Jumping down on her feet, Kagome said, “He knew that the king has the bloodstone. Does this mean he knows about Narek or that he's reporting to them?”

 

“The king doesn't pay much attention to rogues, but I think most rogues have to gather intelligence. How do you think they know how to move whenever the king's lackeys are nearby?”

 

An idea clicked in Kagome's mind. “If so many rogues could gather intelligence about the nightwalker king without getting noticed, maybe we can ask members of Kouga's family to do some undercover intelligence gathering and find out where the king is. Or maybe we could bride other rogue nightwalkers in the city to spy for us.”

 

“That's not a bad idea. I've never thought about that before.” Inuyasha said as he cupped his chin. “It might be a good idea to let Sesshoumaru know about this. Claire has had some experience with rogue nightwalkers in the past, maybe she might know some that are trustworthy.”

 

An uneasy feeling crept its way across Kagome's skin. Trustworthy. What if…

 

“How do we know for sure we can trust Kouga?” Kagome asked.

 

“Once you belong to a nightwalker group, you can't betray them. There's an unspoken law among nightwalkers. Betrayal is unheard of in families, and also among groups of families. It's only the king's bastard followers that break that tradition.”

 

“But what about you and Sesshoumaru? Didn't you kind of betray your father by rising up against him?” Kagome covered her mouth.

 

“What did you say?” Inuyasha hissed.

 

“Nothing.” Kagome stuttered. “Never mind.”

 

“So you've seen him.” Inuyasha sighed, looking her directly in the eye. “So you know huh?”

 

“Yeah.” Kagome looked away.

 

“Fuck.” Inuyasha growled. “I was hoping you were the only one in the family didn't know.” Kagome dared to take a peek at his face. He had clenched his teeth and was looking down at the floor with his hands clenched. She could only imagine the shame that was coursing through him. So he knew that the rest of the family knew of his relation to the nightwalker king. How did he feel now that he knew she was aware as well. She could only imagine the shame. It was his father that was causing their suffering and he was part of the reason they had lost half of their family. Did he think she thought less of him because she knew this?

 

“Inuyasha, I don't think you should be ashamed. I think what you're doing is right, even if it means fighting your father.” Kagome said, feeling she needed to reassure him that his relation to that bastard didn't make her see him differently.

 

“He's NOT my father. My father died when he killed my mother and the true heir.” Inuyasha growled.

 

“He killed your mother?” Kagome repeated. Shaking, she tried to place a comforting hand on Inuyasha's shoulder but the moment she touched him the world dropped form underneath her. She stood in a dark forest. Next to her was Inuyasha and he was on his knees, his eyes wide and staring ahead. A little father from him was Sesshoumaru and he too was aghast.

 

Following their eyes, Kagome saw the body of another nightwalker on the floor. She was lying in a pool of blood, her eyes wide and expressionless and standing beyond her was none other then the nightwalker king, looking at his two sons without empathy or remorse. Kagome screamed and stepped backward. Then she found herself back on the rooftop, standing in front of Inuyasha again. “Kagome, are you all right?” He called putting a hand on her shoulder.

 

The moment he touched her, Kagome threw herself at him and wrapped her arms around his neck. “What's wrong?” He asked.

 

“I'm so sorry Inuyasha!” She wailed. “I can't believe he would do that to you and Sesshoumaru. He could he!”

 

“It's okay.” Inuyasha said softly. “It was a long time ago.”

 

“No, it's not okay! He killed her right in front of you two!” She held him tighter. “That fucking bastard!”

 

“How did you…” Inuyasha stopped. “You saw my memory?”

 

“I'm so sorry. Want me to kill him for you?” She asked.

 

Inuyasha wrapped his arms around her waist. His fangs lengthened at her closeness but he pushed the feeling aside. “That's a nice offer, but first maybe you should calm down.”

 

“I'm not calming down! I'm so pissed and I'm so sorry he would do such a terrible thing to you.”

 

Inuyasha sighed, pressing his cheek against her hair. “I'm sorry too.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Kouga has agreed to join us.” Inuyasha told Sesshoumaru when the two of them returned.

 

“Really?” Said Kagura. “Good job.”

 

“Tell that to Kagome. She's the one that convinced him.” Inuyasha said.

 

“Then I suppose it's a good thing she went along.” Sesshoumaru said, nodding in Kagome's direction. Kagome couldn't help but blush. That was the closest thing to a complement she'd ever gotten from Sesshoumaru.

 

“Where's Claire?” Inuyasha asked.

 

“She's already asleep.” Sesshoumaru said. “Is there something important you have to discuss with her?”

 

“We think we might have come up with an idea of how to locate the king.” Kagome said.

 

Sesshoumaru raised his brows. “Explain.”

 

When Kagome was done retelling her plan, Sesshoumaru and Kagura exchanged looks. “The thought never crossed my mind, then again, we've never asked for aid from rogue nightwalkers before.” Kagura said. “This might be a great opportunity.”

 

“Claire knows some rogue nightwalkers. Maybe we should tell her to ask around and see if any of them would be willing to spy for us.” Inuyasha said.

 

“But I worry about sending her alone. We should have one of us accompany her.” Sesshoumaru said.

 

“How about Rukiya?” Kagome asked. “If anything happens, she should be able to get the news to us quick enough.”

 

“And I have ties to Kanna. If Rukiya is gone, I could be the one to communicate with her in her stead.” Kagura offered.

 

“Let me sleep on it.” Sesshoumaru said. “I'm not entirely sure about this yet. Even if it's a great opportunity, if there is indeed the chance that we find the king's location, I'd like to have a plan in mind for how we will be able to get close enough to kill him.” Sesshoumaru turned and left the room with Kagura following.

 

When the two of them were alone again, Inuyasha turned to Kagome and said, “You feeling okay?”

 

“I'm fine.”

 

“No, I mean about earlier.”

 

“I'm a big girl Inuyasha, I'll be fine and I mean it this time. I'm too pissed to be upset. Plus things are starting to look up, what do I have to cry about.”

 

“Well I'm glad you're okay, but I still can't help but wonder how you saw into my memory.”

 

Kagome shrugged. “I don't know how that happened either but his definitely proves that touching someone is how I can see into their memories, but I can't do it will and I don't think I can see into any other memories then what you were seeing at the time.”

 

“Maybe more time will tell how far this power of yours goes.” Inuyasha said.

 

“I think so. I'm sure I can get the hang of it. I'm learning aren't I?”

 

Inuyasha smiled, shaking his head. “I'm going to bed.” He said before he two left for the stairs.

 

Kagome stood in the foyer for a little while before she went upstairs. As she entered the hall, she saw Lilliana come out of her room. When she turned and caught sight of Kagome, Lilliana offered a smile and waved.

 

“How are you feeling?” Kagome asked.

 

“I'm doing well. I heard the good news.”

 

“About the plan?”

 

“Yeah and that you've seen another person's memories again.”

 

Kagome fidgeted. “It would be nice if I could do it at will. I've only ever done it twice and it happens when I least expect it.”

 

“Don't worry about that. It took me a while to be able to control my voice.” Lilliana said.

 

“About that, how do you use it?”

 

“I don't really know. It's kind of instinctual. I imagine it and feel it and I can do it. Rukiya calls it the `Siren's Song.' I used it on Narek once. He was deeply affected by it.” Lilliana turned to Kagome. “I think you're ability might have an advantage on him.”

 

“What do you mean?”

 

“Narek hates anything that reminds him of his past. I sang an old folksong that he recognized and it seemed to cause him pain. If you can make him experience his past, maybe we could get him to let down his guard.”

 

Kagome didn't expect Lilliana to bring up Narek, especially after everything that happened to her. She had some resolve and courage to be able to say his name so casually. To think that this man could be her mate after everything he had put her through. However, even though Lilliana had the mark on her chest, Rukiya insisted that she wasn't going to be certain until they saw the matching mark on Narek. If they were mates, what would happen if Narek were defeated.

 

“Lilliana, can I ask you what happens when a mate dies?”

 

“Oh, don't worry about that, it doesn't bother me-”

 

“That's not what I meant!” Kagome said quickly, looking for an excuse. “When I met with Kouga today, he offered to kill Inuyasha so he could be my mate instead. So if one of us dies, what will happen.”

 

“He said what?” Lilliana growled.

 

“I know he was only joking but…can you tell me?”

 

Lilliana stared at Kagome for a little while. “Are you having doubts?” She asked.

 

“Not really.” Kagome shook her head. True, she was still a little uncertain about her relationship with Inuyasha, but things were slowly getting better between them. He wouldn't bit her out of the blue, and he was easier to be around.

 

“If a mate ever dies, the mating contract is broken. You would be a, what's a good word, a bachelor again. It would be the same as before you had a mate.”

 

“So you could find another mate?”

 

“Yes, but there's a catch. If you mate with another you can never have children. Exchanging blood and venom is so draining and if you do it twice with two different mates, during the mating process you will lose your ability to have children. It happens to both male and female nightwalkers. Females become infertile while males become sterile.”

 

“That sucks. What if you really care for the new person?” Kagome thought. What if Lilliana found someone she really did love?

 

“I don't know, Kagome. Everything has an upside and a downside.”

 

“What about you? Don't these facts bother you?”

 

Lilliana shook her head. “Of course they do, but there are too many things happening now for me to lose my head.” She looked toward the floor. “But I must admit, I do hate how things turned out.” Kagome held Lilliana when she saw how her eyes were shinning. She knew how painful it was to cry alone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kouga was sitting at his desk waiting for his family members to bring him the okay so he could go to sleep. Running a club was a lot of work. He had to make sure all the humans were gone and close down the club until sundown the next day. It always cut into his sleep time. A knock was heard and Kouga allowed Ginta into the room.

 

“Club's closed boss.” He said.

 

“Good, now I can finally go to bed.”

 

“But I have some news.”

 

Kouga sighed and turned. “How important is it?”

 

“Some of our family members have spotted Jeromaru and Kageromaru in the area around the city.”

 

Kouga scowled. “Jeromaru and Kageromaru? The king's bodyguards? Are you sure?”

 

“I've checked with those that have seen him and they all are certain.”

 

Kouga sat back down and opened a desk drawer. He pulled out a phone and began scrolling down on a list of numbers he had saved. “Notify some of the others and tell them to be on guard when they go out tomorrow night and don't open the club. Can you get word to Sesshoumaru's family and tell them to come here?”

 

“Yes sir.” Ginta turned to leave.

 

“Ginta.” Kouga stopped him before he could reach the door. “There's one more thing. Make sure no one goes out alone because if the twins are here, then it's certain that the Death Blade isn't far behind them either. Also, if the three of them are near town, then the king is also near.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wow, this chapter has more stuff then I'd intended. I mean between the cute moments of jealousy with Inuyasha and Kagome and the moments of the family making plans, I can't believe I somehow got around to including the reason Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru hate the king do much. I also dropped some hints. I don't really know how Kouga came into this chapter either. It just worked out that way.

 

And this might just be the longest chapter I've ever written for this story. Also the longest chapter in the shortest amount of time (I wrote this in two days. Heh.) Please excuse any error, I'll fix em later. For now, to bed! Well whatever, I hope you enjoyed. Review pwease? *bats eyelashes*