InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Noble House ❯ chapter 11 ( Chapter 11 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
Inu Yasha raced towards his home, Tetsaiga drawn and ready for battle. The scent of his brother's poison cloud had assaulted his nose as soon as he emerged from the well, and he thanked the kamis that Kagome stayed behind for a few hours with her family. He repeatedly cursed himself during the sprint to the house, frustrated with himself that he wasn't there to protect the others. 'Please don't let me have failed her again' he prayed. "Sango! Kaede! Shippou! Doko da?" he yelled into the forest.
dashed into the clearing, he scanned the area for the others. He was forced to hold one voluminous sleeve over his mouth and nose to block out the poison gas that still lingered. It obscured his sense of smell as well as his line of sight, and he was unable to locate the others. "Minna! Where the hell are you?" he called. When they did not respond, the hanyou leapt high into the air, using his aerial vantage point to locate the others. Kaede lay close to the house, obviously unconscious but was wearing Sango's exterminator mask. He spotted Sango some distance from the miko, also unconscious on the ground.
was relieved to see Shippou enter the area, whole and hearty, and watched as the kit used his giant top trick in the space beside the taijia. The rotation of the top created winds that easily dispersed the toxic mist in the air. Inu Yasha landed beside the elderly miko, lifted her off the ground, and leapt to where Shippou was creating a pocket of clean air. Inu Yasha carefully placed Kaede on the ground beside Sango, giving them both a quick check for injuries. He retracted the blade on Sango's arm, noting the large amount of Sesshomaru's blood on it. When he was certain they were both out from the poison and not some other unseen trauma, he turned to Shippou. The kit had made himself busy, releasing several more tops into the area that were effectively handling the gas.
"Nice work, Shippou. Watch the others, I'm going to see how much of that stuff made its way into the house." Inu Yasha saw the child smile and nod before returning to his task. The hanyou make a quick check of his home, sniffing every room thoroughly to make sure the air was safe for humans and the kit to breathe. When he was satisfied his extended family would be safe, he returned outside to the others. The air was clean again, and Shippou was retrieving each of his tops while he kept a wary eye on his surroundings. Inu Yasha took pride at the defensive stance the kit had instinctively taken, as he had been training the boy how to fight for almost a year.
Yasha effortlessly lifted the two women, carrying them both into the 'recovery room'. When the home was constructed, Kagome insisted that there be a large room adjacent to the common area to use for treating the sick and injured. Many people from the area came to her for treatment, as she was renowned for her ability to heal. There were several futons, as well as chests of medical supplies, medicines, blankets, medical texts, and several pieces of medical equipment from her time. He carefully placed the women on two of the futons, and pulled warm blankets over them. He removed the mask from Kaede's face, and listened to her breathe. It was labored, but with quick treatment the stubborn old woman would easily survive. He shifted his attention to Sango, and was relieved to find her in better condition than Kaede for some reason.
Yasha rummaged through one of the chests, pulling out a book Kagome had written for situations such as this. He flipped through the pages and found the ingredient list and instructions for the best antidote. Thankfully, all of the ingredients were grown in abundance in their garden, including the potent herbs that Jinenji cultivated. He turned to see Shippou standing in the doorway, looking very distressed over the health of his friends. He strode over to the kit, and handed him the list. "I need you to go get me these. Bring them back as fast as you can, Shippou." he ordered. The kit nodded his head, and ran towards the garden as fast as his little fox feet would take him. Within a few minutes, he had returned with the needed supplies.
two worked diligently to prepare the antidote, and thanks to Kagome's written instructions, had it prepared in very little time. Shippou was sent to fetch more ingredients, and then to the village to retrieve Kaede's assistant. Inu Yasha managed to force the unconscious women to swallow the bitter mixture, and waited patiently for it to take effect. Both women seemed to improve rather quickly, and Sango was the first to awaken. The taijia blinked repeatedly, trying in vain to focus her vision. Her vision remained blurred, and her body and mind felt sluggish. She flinched violently when she felt a large, calloused hand sweep the damp bangs from her face. Sango tried to fend off the person touching her, certain for a moment it was Sesshomaru and he had managed to capture her after all. She tried to yell at him, and further panicked when she could not find her voice.
relax, you're safe now." Inu Yasha tried to reassure her, taking her hand in his and squeezing gently. She stopped her struggle and relaxed on the futon, letting out a deep sigh of relief. She again attempted to speak, only succeeded in making herself cough violently. After the coughing fit continued for several minutes, Sango felt him wrap his arms around her and lift her into a sitting position. Her new position allowed the spasm in her lungs to fade, and she took a few moments to catch her breath before trying to speak again.
Kaede-sama alright?" she asked. She scanned the room, her bleary eyes making out a large lump on the floor a short distance away. Her voice was hoarse and cracked, and she was relieved when she felt the cool ceramic of a cup brush against her lips. She drank deeply, the cold water soothing her throat as she swallowed. Feeling drained, she relaxed back into the arms supporting her.
old bat will be fine. I don't think she breathed in too much of the gas. You on the other hand..." Inu Yasha was cut off when Kaede began to cough, her lungs irritated from the toxin as well. He gently lat Sango back down onto the futon, as he doubted she could sit upright on her own yet. He propped the elderly miko up as he had Sango, allowing her breathing to return to normal. When he was satisfied she was again comfortable, he returned her to her spot on the futon. Sango again tried to follow his movements, only barely making out a vaguely Inu Yasha-shaped blob moving around the room.
he returned to the taijia's side, he noticed her rapid blinking and dilated pupils. "Your vision's all blurred, isn't it?" At her affirmative nod, he pulled a small sponge and a bowl from one of the medical chests. He diluted the antidote with some water, making sure to strain it thoroughly so no large particles remained. He soaked up some of the mixture with the sponge, and maneuvered Sango's head onto his lap. "I need to put some of this medicine in your eyes, so don't be startled." he instructed. She felt his fingers hold each of her eyes open in turn as he squeezed the contents of the sponge into them. The solution was soothing, and as she blinked away the remaining fluid her vision returned. Brown eyes focused on golden, and Sango smiled up at her friend. Inu Yasha wiped away the solution from her face, as it had poured in rivulets from the outside corner of her eyes like tears. He once more lifted her into a sitting position, and held a cup filled with the antidote to her lips. As she drank the bitter liquid, they heard several people enter the home, and the sound of Shippou's voice directing people into the recovery room.
entered the room, pulling a young girl behind him. Inu Yasha recognized her as the village girl Kaede and his wife had been training as of late. She possessed the miko talent, and Kaede had mentioned her hope the girl would be her successor on more than one occasion. "Suzume" the hanyou acknowledged, with a nod of his head. The girl smiled shyly, and moved to sit beside the old miko. She was around the same physical age as Shippou, but a few inches taller than the kit. She had long dark brown hair, tied at the nape of the neck in the miko style. Her eyes were a dark greenish-black, like the deepest shadows of the lush forest surrounding them. Her features were delicate, and almost exotic for a ningen. She started tending to Kaede, and Inu Yasha watched amused as Shippou fussed over the girl. The kit had been smitten for quite some time with Suzume, and the crush was apparently mutual.
pulled away from the support of the hanyou's arms, managing to sit upright on her own. Satisfied that both women were safe for the time being, Inu Yasha excused himself to retrieve Kagome. He passed several armed village men who stood guard at his door, laughing when they jokingly asked what Kagome was making for dinner. He quickly made off for the well, idly wondering at what point the villagers stopped thinking of him as a threat.lounged in a recliner, drinking iced tea and soaking up the cool breeze from the air conditioning. While she felt incredibly comfortable, she was hardly relaxed. She had just finished telling her okasan what had happened to Sango, and what Myoga's oh-so-wonderful suggestion was. She did not want to share her husband with anyone, even a good friend like Sango. "I just can't stand it Okasan, the thought of him in another woman's arms..... heck, in another woman's bed.... it just infuriates me!" she exclaimed. She waved her arms wildly for emphasis, and succeeded in spilling the iced tea all over herself and the recliner. Her mother sighed and wandered into the kitchen, returning a few moments later with several towels. She mopped up her still fuming daughter, and ordered her to go change into something dry.
Higurashi watched as her daughter stormed up to her old room, ranting about cruel fates and two-timing husbands. She sighed and shook her head, wondering what the future held in store for the three young people. She knew in her heart that Inu Yasha loved her daughter above all else, and was completely devoted to her. She saw it in his eyes whenever he looked at Kagome, in his body language whenever he stood beside her, and in a million other ways he acted. She also knew that he was deeply devoted to the few friends he had, putting their safety always before his own. Although she had never met Sango, she knew the girl had experienced great tragedy in her life, and deserved to be happy for a change. Polygamous marriages weren't too unheard of in days past, and she could understand Inu Yasha's obligation to the girl, but the thought that he would have to share Sango's bed turned her stomach.
had watched as her daughter and son-in-law overcame every obstacle the fates had in store for them. She had seen their tears when Kagome had miscarried not once, but twice. She had heard their stories of hardship and alienation in a time that didn't understand let alone approve their relationship. It was what so many modern biracial couples faced after all. Their love managed to carry them through so much grief, and now his devotion to her would be in question. Where would his loyalties lie in a desperate situation? His feelings for Sango may not necessarily remain friendly if they must share a bed, and how was that fair to Kagome? She deserved to have sole claim to his heart after all that happened between them.
gathered the now soggy towels and started in the direction of the laundry room, only to hear the front door open and slam shut. She heard hurried footfalls in the hallway, and thought for a moment Souta had returned from soccer practice. She moved to intercept the source of the noise, intent on admonishing her son for running in the house. She turned a corner and collided with her son-in-law, both landing in a tangle on the floor. The agile young man was on his feet in a few seconds, and had lifted her to stand as well. He mumbled an apology and tried to pass her, his destination of Kagome's room plainly obvious. Maiya maneuvered in front of him, blocking his egress into the house. His eyes met hers, and she couldn't help but notice how tired they seemed. "You and I need to talk about this Sango situation." she insisted. She was surprised when he visibly flinched, his ears laying flat against his scalp, giving him the appearance of a hand-shy puppy.
"Fair enough, but it needs to be later." he replied, his voice matching the weariness of his eyes. He massaged one of his temples and closed his eyes, his body language betraying just how exhausted he really was. "Kaede and Sango were injured by my asshole brother, and I need Kagome's help to take care of them."
"Alright, but it needs to be soon." When he nodded in agreement, Maiya moved to the side, allowing him passage up to Kagome. Before he was out of earshot, she gave him one last piece of motherly advice. "Oh, and Inu Yasha? Make sure that you get some quality sleep in the near future, you look exhausted." She was rewarded when he turned and gave her a ghost of his usual smile before heading up the stairs.
Yasha knocked softly on Kagome's door, and winced when he heard her yell to "piss off". She knew it was him, his youki was far too familiar to her not to recognize. He took a moment to steady his nerves before knocking again, praying she wouldn't "sit" him first and ask questions later. "Kagome?" he called out uncertainly. The room was silent for a moment before Inu Yasha heard his wife stomp over to her door. She opened it suddenly and violently, her hair fluttering around her form from the breeze she had created. Her face was a picture of barely controlled fury, her miko aura blazing around her and causing his youkai blood to scream at him to run. He remained firmly planted where he stood however, and patiently waited for her to speak first. Experience had taught him that he was less likely to do a magically induced face-plant onto the ground if he let her speak first.
"Back so soon?" she hissed. "What, did Sango have a headache or something, and you thought you would come to me?" She glared at him accusingly, convinced in that heated moment that her husband was the scum of the earth. She was angered by his puzzled expression, until she realized he probably didn't understand the accusation. 'I have a headache' was a modern excuse to her knowledge, and she had certainly never used it once on her husband. He opened his mouth and started to speak slowly, afraid the hormonal time bomb that was his wife would blow at any second.
"No.... she and Kaede were attacked while we were gone... Sesshomaru used his poison attacks on them before they fended them off somehow." He purposely avoided mentioning Sango's name or the fact that she had managed to injure the taiyoukai, knowing that it would further anger his wife. Kagome's face softened at the news, and her anger was replaced by genuine concern for her friends. While she didn't want to share her husband, she certainly didn't want any harm to come to her friends.
"Are they okay? How badly hurt are they?" Her voice was anxious, driven by worry about her extended family in the sengoku-jidai .
"Shippou and I mixed up an antidote for them, but you would be able to help them more. Suzume is with them, but I don't want to be gone too long. Sesshomaru could still come back at any time." She nodded, and wrapped her arms around his neck. Inu Yasha carefully lifted her into his arms, and sprinted towards the well and their home.
tbc... review.. onegai????
dashed into the clearing, he scanned the area for the others. He was forced to hold one voluminous sleeve over his mouth and nose to block out the poison gas that still lingered. It obscured his sense of smell as well as his line of sight, and he was unable to locate the others. "Minna! Where the hell are you?" he called. When they did not respond, the hanyou leapt high into the air, using his aerial vantage point to locate the others. Kaede lay close to the house, obviously unconscious but was wearing Sango's exterminator mask. He spotted Sango some distance from the miko, also unconscious on the ground.
was relieved to see Shippou enter the area, whole and hearty, and watched as the kit used his giant top trick in the space beside the taijia. The rotation of the top created winds that easily dispersed the toxic mist in the air. Inu Yasha landed beside the elderly miko, lifted her off the ground, and leapt to where Shippou was creating a pocket of clean air. Inu Yasha carefully placed Kaede on the ground beside Sango, giving them both a quick check for injuries. He retracted the blade on Sango's arm, noting the large amount of Sesshomaru's blood on it. When he was certain they were both out from the poison and not some other unseen trauma, he turned to Shippou. The kit had made himself busy, releasing several more tops into the area that were effectively handling the gas.
"Nice work, Shippou. Watch the others, I'm going to see how much of that stuff made its way into the house." Inu Yasha saw the child smile and nod before returning to his task. The hanyou make a quick check of his home, sniffing every room thoroughly to make sure the air was safe for humans and the kit to breathe. When he was satisfied his extended family would be safe, he returned outside to the others. The air was clean again, and Shippou was retrieving each of his tops while he kept a wary eye on his surroundings. Inu Yasha took pride at the defensive stance the kit had instinctively taken, as he had been training the boy how to fight for almost a year.
Yasha effortlessly lifted the two women, carrying them both into the 'recovery room'. When the home was constructed, Kagome insisted that there be a large room adjacent to the common area to use for treating the sick and injured. Many people from the area came to her for treatment, as she was renowned for her ability to heal. There were several futons, as well as chests of medical supplies, medicines, blankets, medical texts, and several pieces of medical equipment from her time. He carefully placed the women on two of the futons, and pulled warm blankets over them. He removed the mask from Kaede's face, and listened to her breathe. It was labored, but with quick treatment the stubborn old woman would easily survive. He shifted his attention to Sango, and was relieved to find her in better condition than Kaede for some reason.
Yasha rummaged through one of the chests, pulling out a book Kagome had written for situations such as this. He flipped through the pages and found the ingredient list and instructions for the best antidote. Thankfully, all of the ingredients were grown in abundance in their garden, including the potent herbs that Jinenji cultivated. He turned to see Shippou standing in the doorway, looking very distressed over the health of his friends. He strode over to the kit, and handed him the list. "I need you to go get me these. Bring them back as fast as you can, Shippou." he ordered. The kit nodded his head, and ran towards the garden as fast as his little fox feet would take him. Within a few minutes, he had returned with the needed supplies.
two worked diligently to prepare the antidote, and thanks to Kagome's written instructions, had it prepared in very little time. Shippou was sent to fetch more ingredients, and then to the village to retrieve Kaede's assistant. Inu Yasha managed to force the unconscious women to swallow the bitter mixture, and waited patiently for it to take effect. Both women seemed to improve rather quickly, and Sango was the first to awaken. The taijia blinked repeatedly, trying in vain to focus her vision. Her vision remained blurred, and her body and mind felt sluggish. She flinched violently when she felt a large, calloused hand sweep the damp bangs from her face. Sango tried to fend off the person touching her, certain for a moment it was Sesshomaru and he had managed to capture her after all. She tried to yell at him, and further panicked when she could not find her voice.
relax, you're safe now." Inu Yasha tried to reassure her, taking her hand in his and squeezing gently. She stopped her struggle and relaxed on the futon, letting out a deep sigh of relief. She again attempted to speak, only succeeded in making herself cough violently. After the coughing fit continued for several minutes, Sango felt him wrap his arms around her and lift her into a sitting position. Her new position allowed the spasm in her lungs to fade, and she took a few moments to catch her breath before trying to speak again.
Kaede-sama alright?" she asked. She scanned the room, her bleary eyes making out a large lump on the floor a short distance away. Her voice was hoarse and cracked, and she was relieved when she felt the cool ceramic of a cup brush against her lips. She drank deeply, the cold water soothing her throat as she swallowed. Feeling drained, she relaxed back into the arms supporting her.
old bat will be fine. I don't think she breathed in too much of the gas. You on the other hand..." Inu Yasha was cut off when Kaede began to cough, her lungs irritated from the toxin as well. He gently lat Sango back down onto the futon, as he doubted she could sit upright on her own yet. He propped the elderly miko up as he had Sango, allowing her breathing to return to normal. When he was satisfied she was again comfortable, he returned her to her spot on the futon. Sango again tried to follow his movements, only barely making out a vaguely Inu Yasha-shaped blob moving around the room.
he returned to the taijia's side, he noticed her rapid blinking and dilated pupils. "Your vision's all blurred, isn't it?" At her affirmative nod, he pulled a small sponge and a bowl from one of the medical chests. He diluted the antidote with some water, making sure to strain it thoroughly so no large particles remained. He soaked up some of the mixture with the sponge, and maneuvered Sango's head onto his lap. "I need to put some of this medicine in your eyes, so don't be startled." he instructed. She felt his fingers hold each of her eyes open in turn as he squeezed the contents of the sponge into them. The solution was soothing, and as she blinked away the remaining fluid her vision returned. Brown eyes focused on golden, and Sango smiled up at her friend. Inu Yasha wiped away the solution from her face, as it had poured in rivulets from the outside corner of her eyes like tears. He once more lifted her into a sitting position, and held a cup filled with the antidote to her lips. As she drank the bitter liquid, they heard several people enter the home, and the sound of Shippou's voice directing people into the recovery room.
entered the room, pulling a young girl behind him. Inu Yasha recognized her as the village girl Kaede and his wife had been training as of late. She possessed the miko talent, and Kaede had mentioned her hope the girl would be her successor on more than one occasion. "Suzume" the hanyou acknowledged, with a nod of his head. The girl smiled shyly, and moved to sit beside the old miko. She was around the same physical age as Shippou, but a few inches taller than the kit. She had long dark brown hair, tied at the nape of the neck in the miko style. Her eyes were a dark greenish-black, like the deepest shadows of the lush forest surrounding them. Her features were delicate, and almost exotic for a ningen. She started tending to Kaede, and Inu Yasha watched amused as Shippou fussed over the girl. The kit had been smitten for quite some time with Suzume, and the crush was apparently mutual.
pulled away from the support of the hanyou's arms, managing to sit upright on her own. Satisfied that both women were safe for the time being, Inu Yasha excused himself to retrieve Kagome. He passed several armed village men who stood guard at his door, laughing when they jokingly asked what Kagome was making for dinner. He quickly made off for the well, idly wondering at what point the villagers stopped thinking of him as a threat.lounged in a recliner, drinking iced tea and soaking up the cool breeze from the air conditioning. While she felt incredibly comfortable, she was hardly relaxed. She had just finished telling her okasan what had happened to Sango, and what Myoga's oh-so-wonderful suggestion was. She did not want to share her husband with anyone, even a good friend like Sango. "I just can't stand it Okasan, the thought of him in another woman's arms..... heck, in another woman's bed.... it just infuriates me!" she exclaimed. She waved her arms wildly for emphasis, and succeeded in spilling the iced tea all over herself and the recliner. Her mother sighed and wandered into the kitchen, returning a few moments later with several towels. She mopped up her still fuming daughter, and ordered her to go change into something dry.
Higurashi watched as her daughter stormed up to her old room, ranting about cruel fates and two-timing husbands. She sighed and shook her head, wondering what the future held in store for the three young people. She knew in her heart that Inu Yasha loved her daughter above all else, and was completely devoted to her. She saw it in his eyes whenever he looked at Kagome, in his body language whenever he stood beside her, and in a million other ways he acted. She also knew that he was deeply devoted to the few friends he had, putting their safety always before his own. Although she had never met Sango, she knew the girl had experienced great tragedy in her life, and deserved to be happy for a change. Polygamous marriages weren't too unheard of in days past, and she could understand Inu Yasha's obligation to the girl, but the thought that he would have to share Sango's bed turned her stomach.
had watched as her daughter and son-in-law overcame every obstacle the fates had in store for them. She had seen their tears when Kagome had miscarried not once, but twice. She had heard their stories of hardship and alienation in a time that didn't understand let alone approve their relationship. It was what so many modern biracial couples faced after all. Their love managed to carry them through so much grief, and now his devotion to her would be in question. Where would his loyalties lie in a desperate situation? His feelings for Sango may not necessarily remain friendly if they must share a bed, and how was that fair to Kagome? She deserved to have sole claim to his heart after all that happened between them.
gathered the now soggy towels and started in the direction of the laundry room, only to hear the front door open and slam shut. She heard hurried footfalls in the hallway, and thought for a moment Souta had returned from soccer practice. She moved to intercept the source of the noise, intent on admonishing her son for running in the house. She turned a corner and collided with her son-in-law, both landing in a tangle on the floor. The agile young man was on his feet in a few seconds, and had lifted her to stand as well. He mumbled an apology and tried to pass her, his destination of Kagome's room plainly obvious. Maiya maneuvered in front of him, blocking his egress into the house. His eyes met hers, and she couldn't help but notice how tired they seemed. "You and I need to talk about this Sango situation." she insisted. She was surprised when he visibly flinched, his ears laying flat against his scalp, giving him the appearance of a hand-shy puppy.
"Fair enough, but it needs to be later." he replied, his voice matching the weariness of his eyes. He massaged one of his temples and closed his eyes, his body language betraying just how exhausted he really was. "Kaede and Sango were injured by my asshole brother, and I need Kagome's help to take care of them."
"Alright, but it needs to be soon." When he nodded in agreement, Maiya moved to the side, allowing him passage up to Kagome. Before he was out of earshot, she gave him one last piece of motherly advice. "Oh, and Inu Yasha? Make sure that you get some quality sleep in the near future, you look exhausted." She was rewarded when he turned and gave her a ghost of his usual smile before heading up the stairs.
Yasha knocked softly on Kagome's door, and winced when he heard her yell to "piss off". She knew it was him, his youki was far too familiar to her not to recognize. He took a moment to steady his nerves before knocking again, praying she wouldn't "sit" him first and ask questions later. "Kagome?" he called out uncertainly. The room was silent for a moment before Inu Yasha heard his wife stomp over to her door. She opened it suddenly and violently, her hair fluttering around her form from the breeze she had created. Her face was a picture of barely controlled fury, her miko aura blazing around her and causing his youkai blood to scream at him to run. He remained firmly planted where he stood however, and patiently waited for her to speak first. Experience had taught him that he was less likely to do a magically induced face-plant onto the ground if he let her speak first.
"Back so soon?" she hissed. "What, did Sango have a headache or something, and you thought you would come to me?" She glared at him accusingly, convinced in that heated moment that her husband was the scum of the earth. She was angered by his puzzled expression, until she realized he probably didn't understand the accusation. 'I have a headache' was a modern excuse to her knowledge, and she had certainly never used it once on her husband. He opened his mouth and started to speak slowly, afraid the hormonal time bomb that was his wife would blow at any second.
"No.... she and Kaede were attacked while we were gone... Sesshomaru used his poison attacks on them before they fended them off somehow." He purposely avoided mentioning Sango's name or the fact that she had managed to injure the taiyoukai, knowing that it would further anger his wife. Kagome's face softened at the news, and her anger was replaced by genuine concern for her friends. While she didn't want to share her husband, she certainly didn't want any harm to come to her friends.
"Are they okay? How badly hurt are they?" Her voice was anxious, driven by worry about her extended family in the sengoku-jidai .
"Shippou and I mixed up an antidote for them, but you would be able to help them more. Suzume is with them, but I don't want to be gone too long. Sesshomaru could still come back at any time." She nodded, and wrapped her arms around his neck. Inu Yasha carefully lifted her into his arms, and sprinted towards the well and their home.
tbc... review.. onegai????