InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Rebel Girl ❯ The Long Night ( Chapter 4 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: Arme 
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Fantasy / Romance | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 02.16.2005 | Pages: 6 | Words: 6.8K | Visits: 413 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Fantasy / Romance | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 02.16.2005 | Pages: 6 | Words: 6.8K | Visits: 413 | Status: Work In Progress
A/N It is a royal pain in the butt figuring out music for Sesshomaru! I messed around with him a bit, since I've kept him outside of the punk scene I think I'm going with melodic deathmetal for his music, some Katatonia, In Flames, those sort of bands.
I'd like to note that I'm trying to change up bands as much as possible but frankly some just write lyrics better suited for this story than others. That and the fact that I'm trying to keep politics out of the story which means throwing aside a lot of bands. I apologize for so many songs early on in this chap but I think they all fit very well and they had me going through my CD collection like I was insane, so read them!
I'd also like to suggest finding these songs and listening to them along with the story. I've picked them not just for the lyrics but for the sounds as well. This is going to be especially true when The Vandals (Whom I have no rights to, lol) show happens in a couple more chapters. If you like punk (or, in Sesshomarus' case, melodic death metal) then all of these songs come highly recommended.
One last thing, I'm focusing on Inu/Kag right now but other pairings will get more focus in about 3 or 4 chapters, maybe a bit sooner.
Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to Inuyasha or any associated characters. I also don't own the rights to any In Flames songs, NOFX songs, Black Flag songs, or Descendents songs.
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By the time the group arrived back at Kagomes' house they were all exhausted. Inuyasha and Miroku headed quickly for Inuyashas' car, but not before he pulled Kagome aside for a chaste kiss, with a promise to talk more tomorrow. Rin offered to drive Sesshomaru home and so they got into her car while Kagome and Sango headed inside for bed.
"So, began Rin, "how old are you anyway?" She risked a quick glance over at the youkai besides her as she drove down the road. He was staring straight ahead with a stoic expression on his face. Rin suspected that it was a look he had cultivated over a long time.
"I'm 18." Rin was starting to doubt whether should could ever get more than a word or two out of him at once.
Letting out a small sigh she tried once again. "Are you still in high school?"
"Yes, I graduate this year." 'Well, at least I got five words that time. It should be considered a new record or something.' Thought Rin.
"Yeah, I'm in high school also, still a junior though. I won't be turning 17 for a few more months so I always get teased for being the youngest." Sesshomaru just nodded. 'ARRRGGGHHHHHHH' Rin was getting near her limit. 'One more try.' "So, what were you doing in the city tonight?"
Finally Sesshomaru cracked a bit "I act as a manager for some local bands. I was checking out a few clubs in the area to see if they were worth playing. Inuyasha dislikes what I do since I take part of the bands profits, though in most cases that's only a few dollars if anything at all. I make most of my real money off the more mainstream bands I work with."
"Ah" now it was Rins' turn to be quiet. Being in a band she understood where Inuyasha was coming from. It was hard enough for small bands just to break even, the majority ended up in the red after their various expenses were paid. Still, she couldn't blame Sesshomaru for finding an area that had a need and filling it. Most bands did the work themselves or if they were lucky had an organized friend who could handle it. Occasionally a member or a friend was really good, but more often it was inefficent and no one really knew what they were doing.
Giving up on the conversation for now Rin turned back to driving.
"May I?" Sesshomaru asked, holding up a CD.
Rin nodded her assent and music filled the car. 'This is different.'
I demand nothing, but I want it all
what privilege do we have under the sun,
that gives us the right to the throne?
Species come and go, but the earth stands forever fast
all river runs towards the sea, but the sea is never full
To discover the loneliness, and be too proud to show the wounds,
will forever wander alone through the years
but I won't let you near
begging for you to understand
the fear that lives in my soul
which is an untouched spring
read, what is written on the silent mouth
what is written in the soul
for which is written in the shining silence
we all have to read
what is written on the silent mouth
what is written in the soul
for which is written in the shining silence
we all have to read
my body will be bent from the burdens
when the shaking floor of life-force
reveal its chasm underneath
if only one could be two steps ahead
to discover the loneliness and be too proud to show the wounds
will forever wander alone through the years
but I won't let you near
begging for you to understand
the fear that lives in my soul
which is an untouched spring
read, what is written on the silent mouth
what is written in the soul
for which is written in the shining silence
we all have to read
what is written on the silent mouth
what is written in the soul
for which is written in the shining silence
we all have to...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Okay, Inuyasha" Miroku said, turning to his friend who was in the drivers' seat. "What's up with you and Kagome?" Seeing that Inuyasha wasn't planning on answering Miroku continued on. "As your best friend I believe it's my right to know."
"Keh," with a slight shake of his head Inuyasha tried to clear his mind of the thoughts that were all trying to make themselves heard at once. "I... don't really know." He stared straight ahead as he continued, obviously uncomfortable with the conversation. "I wasn't actually planning on kissing her, it just felt right. I'm, well, I like her, but does she like me or...?"
Miroku gave his friend a smack across the back of the head. "You idiot! Of course she likes you, why else would she have kissed you?"
"Fuck you man. And yeah, I know, I know, just after dealing with that whore Kikyou I don't know what to think anymore."
"Speaking of, have you heard from her about getting your guitar back?" Miroku knew he wasn't going to get anymore out of Inuyasha on the subject of Kagome. He'd have to let the hanyou work that out on his own.
"Yeah, she called earlier and wants me to stop by tomorrow night." Inuyashas' hands tightened on the steering wheel at the thought of having to see her again, especially tomorrow. "It's the new moon so she said she'll feel safer or some shit like that. As though she's the one who has something to fucking worry over."
"Are you actually gonna go?" Miroku had a lot of misgivings over Inuyasha seeing Kikyou on the one night of the month when Inuyasha would be completely human. He doubted his friend would listen though, if the only way to get his guitar back was to go over that night than that is what he would do.
"It's not like I have much choice. Human or not I don't think she'll try anything." Inuyasha said with a small shrug of his shoulders.
"Well, be careful."
"Yeah I will." Then he leaned down to turn on the radio.
Sometimes I feel my life is going 'round in circles
Beneath my eyes are bluish black
There's nothing new, no one I wanna talk to
Nothing I wanna think about,
I got soul doubt
I stick My head out of the window, when it's closed
Instead of air, I get glass stuck in to my head
The city's sounding, and I can't seem to stop the pounding
Can't keep my thoughts from flying 'round
Can't keep my thoughts from flying 'round
Not sure what I am thinking about,
I got soul doubt
A shameless display, wearing a smile full of pain
A frameless Erte, a painting without a signature
She's waiting for someone to save her
As I pass her by I see Cinderella
She dosen't fit into the slipper
Like she fits in a bottle of liquor
There's no one to take her away
Her eyes meet mine, she sees right through me
The question is asked, Whatcha' gonna do for me?
I don't need nothin', just a connection
I gotta know what she's all about
Cause I know she's been there
Soul doubt
I stick my head out of the window once again
This time I see a thousand faces all too clear
They wear the same expression, I've seen in my face
So many times, I know exactly how they feel
I know exactly how they feel
I know just what they think about
They've got soul doubt
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Kagome tip-toed up the stairs of her house and noiselessly slid open the door to her mothers' bedroom. "Mom," she whispered "we're home and heading to bed now."
"Okay dear, good night" came the mumbled sound of her mothers' voice.
Kagome headed off to her bedroom, she really wanted a shower but it would have to wait until morning when the rest of the house was awake. Grabbing a pair of sweats and an old t-shirt she got ready for bed. Just as she was climbing beneath her covers Sango came walking into the room.
"Okay, my turn. Spill it!" Sango looked happier than Kagome would have liked at the prospect of the tables being turned and it now being her chance to grill her friend.
"I don't know!" Kagome let out, obviously exasperated. "We were walking along, I was feeling pretty nice,"
"You were drunk." Sango broke in.
"Yeah yeah, I was drunk, whatever, that isn't the point so shush." Taking a calming breath Kagome continued on. "Sooo, as I was saying I was a bit drunk" she stuck her tongue out at her friend, "and I started to think how fun it would be to rub his ears."
"You what?!"
"I don't know it seemed like a good idea at the time. Actually, doesn't seem like all that bad of an idea right now. Uh yeah, back to the topic, I reached over to rub them but tripped over my own feet. He caught me before I could fall and offered to give me a ride on his back, then I DID manage to rub his ears and I guess that was a good idea because the next thing I know he had put me down and was kissing me!" Kagome finished her story in a rush, blushing ferciously.
"Do you like him? Really like him?" Sango asked, knowing Kagomes' feelings towards casual dating.
"I do! But, I've only known him for a few days, it's seems such a short time. I mean, how do I know if he feels the same way? What if he randomly kisses girls all the time?" Shaking her head Kagome looked to her friend for reassurance, she wasn't used to being the one to ask for advice.
"I don't think you have to worry about him just fooling around with any girl who comes his way. According to Miroku he's only dated one other girl and they broke up because of her issues, not his." Sango was doing her best to give Kagome all the confidence that she could. "You're going to talk with him tomorrow, right?" Kagome nodded. "Well, you'll have to wait to figure this all out until then, so try and get some sleep tonight." Giving Kagome a hug Sango got off the bed and stood to leave.
"Hey!" Kagome called at Sangos' retreating back. "We're talking about you and Miroku tomorrow."
"Yeah, yeah, Kags, just get some sleep." With that Sango closed the door and headed off to her own room for some much needed rest.
Turning over Kagome reached for her radio, putting the volume low so she wouldn't disturb anyone else she laid back listening to the music and tried to sleep.
Sun's coming up and I can't decide
To spill my emotions or keep them inside
Go for a drive, go to the store
I'm looking for something that can't be found there
I always wear a smile
Because anything but a smile would make me have to explain
And they wouldn't understand anyway
I conceal my feelings so I won't have to explain
What I can't explain, anyway
I can't decide
I can't decide
I can't decide, anything
I can't decide
I can't decide
I can't decide, anything
Every time I open my mouth
I always wish I had kept it shut
I gotta spill my guts - but I don't dare
I take a look around, I know that no one else cares
I always wear a smile,
Because anything but a smile would make me have to explain
And they wouldn't understand anyway
I conceal my feelings so I won't have to explain
What I can't explain, anyway
I can't decide
I can't decide
I can't decide, anything
I can't decide
I can't decide
I can't decide anything
I conceal my feelings so I won't have to explain
What I can't explain, anyway
I can't decide
I can't decide
I can't decide, anything
I can't decide
I can't decide
I can't decide anything
Sun's coming up I still can't decide
To spill my emotions or keep them inside
Going for a drive, and I'm going to the store
I'm looking for something but I don't know what for
I always wear a smile
Because anything but a smile would make me have to explain
And they wouldn't understand anyway
I conceal my feelings so I won't have to explain
What I can't explain, anyway
I can't decide
I can't decide
I can't decide anything
I can't decide
I can't decide
I can't decide anything.
No, No (Maybe tomorrow, maybe tommorrow)
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Kagome woke the next morning before her alarm even had a chance to go off. She rushed through her morning routine and left without even waiting for Sango. She knew her best chance to talk with Inuyasha would be before school, she just hoped he would show up early as well.
Walking up to the school Kagome was relieved to see that Inuyasha had apparently had the same thought as her and was already there waiting. As she came closer to him she was struck again by just how beautiful he was. It wasn't a word she would use to describe many guys but it fit him perfectly. He had a grace and aura that she couldn't deny, and she knew it would be foolish for her to even try. Something about him drew her to him, something about him made her believe she needed him to complete her soul. Still, she was filled with doubt and uncertainty and she felt the need to appear at least outwardly unconcerned.
Watching her approach Inuyasha ran through what he wanted to say one more time. He knew he was falling for her and after last night no longer wanted to deny it to himself. He had no intention of acting all mushy, that was for wimps, but he did plan to let her know that he wanted her to be his and, without speaking it, wanted to be hers.
"Hey" Kagome said as she slowly walked up to the hanyou. Her eyes were cast towards the floor and Inuyasha could smell her nervousness despite her trying to hide it.
"Hey" he answered with a small nod, his hands deep in his pockets, broadcasting his own uncertainty to the world.
"Inuyasha"
"Kagome" They both began at once.
Hearing Inuyasha say her name startled Kagome into looking up and meeting his eyes. Her reasons for being there momentarily forgotten as she stared at him, intoxicated just by being so close to him.
"You go first." Inuyasha muttered.
"No, that's okay, you go ahead." Kagome answered, shaking her head slightly.
"Woman! I said for you to go first, so just spit it out already, we don't have all day." His tone was rougher than he had intended. 'Dammit, why do I always do that?'
Taking a deep breath, Kagome gathered up her nerve and started to speak. "It's about last night, and, the kiss. I like you" there, she had said it, "and I'd like to be your girlfriend." She could feel the heat rising up her cheeks, was this how it usually went? "But, I need to know if you're serious or not. I don't date casually and if that's all you want then let's stop here and go back to being friends." She pulled in an unsteady breath, shocked at her own boldness. 'Go me! I actually decided on something and followed it through, I rock.' Still, even amongst the self-congratulation nervousness was her most overwhelming feeling.
"I don't know what you've heard, that damn monk is probably spreading lies," Kagome allowed herself a small smile 'Not this time.' she thought. "but I don't date casually either. I wouldn't have, you know, done that, if I wasn't serious about you, even if I didn't realize it right then." Inuyasha could feel himself begining to sweat. 'What the fuck, I don't sweat over girls. Damn woman!' "So, yeah, I'd like to go out with you. But I'm not going to stop calling you woman." Seeing Kagome smiling up at him Inuyasha turned his head with a small "Keh."
Stepping closer to him Kagome wrapped her arms around his waist as he rested his over her shoulders and pulled her towards him in a hug. Pulling back slightly he lifted her chin and leaned down to capture her lips in a soft kiss. It expressed everything he hadn't been able to put into words, his tenderness towards her and his nervousness that she wouldn't feel the same way. As the kiss went on he pushed his tongue against her lips gently asking for access to her mouth. She was almost shivering in delight and slowly opened her mouth to feel him more. Their tongues became entwined in a dance, both of them noticing what they had missed the night before, they both had their tongues pierced. The smooth metal balls on the tips of the piercings just adding to the pleasure with a clinking sound only they could hear each time the piercings touched.
"Cough, Cough, and other interrupting sounds like that."
Quickly breaking the kiss but not the hug they both looked over to see Miroku, Sango, and Rin standing there. Miroku, who had just spoken, had a huge grin spreading across his face. "So I see the conversation went well then?"
"Whaddya want monk?" Inuyasha growled, anger and embarassment showing plainly in his eyes.
"Oh nothing, nothing. Just that we have to be in class in a couple of minutes and I thought you both might need to come up for air." The wicked grin on Mirokus' faced continued growing larger with each word.
"Monk, I suggest you start running. Now!" Miroku took off into the school and down the hallways with Inuyasha close behind, ready to beat on his friend as soon as he caught him.
Sango and Rin stalked up to Kagome, Sango threw a sisterly arm over the blushing girl. "Sooooo...." Sango started softly "what happened?!" she finished, her excitement bubbling over.
"That was one hell of a kiss we saw, Kags." Added Rin who was also looking at Kagome with eyes pleading for more information.
Stepping out from under Sangos' arm Kagome turned and started walking into the school. She stopped and looked back over her shoulder at her friends "I don't kiss and tell."
The two girls ran up to her, each grabbing an arm. "Uh uh Ms. Higurashi. This isn't kissing and telling, this is kissing and explaining, so you better start explaining." The three girls linked arms and started down the halls together, Kagome excitedly telling them what had happened.
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Throughout her morning classes Kagome could hear the whispers following her 'Probably gossip about Inuyasha and me.' She shrugged her shoulders and tried to let it go. Who cares what the other kids think, she was happy and that was what counted, not the opinions of random people. Still, it was easier said then done and she found herself looking forward to lunch when she could leave the school, at least for a little bit.
Counting the minutes till the class ended Inuyasha became convinced time had slowed just to spite him. He knew Kagome couldn't make out what the other students were actually saying but he could and he was worried one of them would become bold enough to say something to Kagomes' face. It wasn't going to be easy on her, dating a hanyou. He hated for her to be wrapped up in this, but it was her choice and he was already learning that she wasn't the type of person to easily swayed. Looking over at her in the desk next to his he felt a small smile show itself on his face. This beautiful girl was his, and he wouldn't let anyone take her away.
Finally the bell rang to signal the end of their last class before lunch. Exiting the room first he stood outside the door waiting for her. "Hey, woman, wanna go for a ride?"
Kagome looked at him a bit puzzled, she knew something was going on but wasn't sure just what it was. "Yeah, sounds good, I could stand getting out of school for a bit."
Shouting down the hall to Miroku that he and Kagome were going for lunch, Inuyasha took her hand and started leading her out to his car. He could smell that he was making her a bit nervous but he wanted to wait until they were alone to explain.
They reached his car in silence and climbed inside. "Okay, Inuyasha, what's up?"
"I didn't want to try and talk about this in school." He said as he started the car and began backing out of the space. "I need to explain two things to you. First, who Kikyou is and second, what happens to me tonight."
'Okay,' Kagome thought 'this is getting a bit odd.' "So what's up? Explain."
"Alright, I'll just say it straight, Kikyou is my ex, the one I punched Miroku over." He gave a small laugh. "I really shouldn't have bothered, she was a total whore anyway. I thought she loved me and all that, but in the end she couldn't stand that I was a hanyou and began fooling around with other guys behind my back. Miroku was just one of them, and he was wasted when it happened anyway, otherwise he wouldn't have touched her with a fucking ten foot pole." Inuyasha let another small laugh out, trying to hide his nervousness. "I'd happily go the rest of my life without ever seeing her again except, she has my guitar and I need to get it back." Kagome could see that he was having a hard time talking about this and kept silent, letting him continue. "That's where the second thing I'm going to tell you comes in. She said I could go over her house to get my guitar tonight, cause there's gonna be a new moon." Kagome looked at him with puzzled eyes. Risking a quick glance over to the cars' passenger Inuyasha saw her look and gave a self-deprecating shrug. "On the night of the new moon I lose my demon powers, I become 100 percent human. She knows that and says she'll feel safer that way, or some bullshit." He took another quick look at Kagome, worried she would be angry with him for having to go see his ex.
"Your guitar is special, huh?" Inuyasha gave a short nod. "I understand, want me to come with you?"
Finally relaxing, Inuyasha allowed himself a smile. "Nah, trust me, you don't want to be involved with Kikyou at all." He reached out to give Kagomes' hand a short squeeze, letting her know that he was glad she was so accepting. "Now, I think it's to fucking quiet in here, we need some music." Inuyasha said as he pulled out a CD and put it on.
I don't care what they say
Those numbers don't mean a thing
We've got it made
This world is just me and you
and we know just what to do
We've got it made
Hey, everything's gonna be okay
(we've got it made)
Hey, everything's gonna be okay
(we've got it made)
Well, I don't care if we get a job
We've already got a life
We've got it made
And I don't know what the future holds
All I know is you're there with me
that's all I need
So hey, everything's gonna be okay
(we've got it made)
Hey, everything's gonna be okay
(we've got it made)
When I look in your eyes
I know what I want in life
Nothing more and nothing less
Nothing more and nothing less
(everything's gonna be okay)
Nothing more, nothing less
(everything's gonna be okay)
Be the key to my success
Nothing more and nothing less
Kagome leaned across her seat and gave Inuyasha a kiss on the cheek.
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Inuyasha left Kagome at her house that afternoon only after extracting a promise from her that they would meet once he had gotten his guitar back. He knew it was best to go see Kikyou alone but everything with Kagome was so fresh and intoxicating that he could barely stand to let her leave his side. He watched as she turned to give him a little wave before heading inside her house, then he started up his car and began the drive to Kikyous'. He was hoping to time it so he would get there right at sunset, be able to grab his guitar, and leave right away. He didn't feel like having another arguement with his ex, he had put her firmly in his past and he wanted her to stay there.
He drove down Kikyous' cul-de-sac right before sundown and parked on the street outside her house. He sat behind the steering wheel watching the sun sink below the horizon, waiting for the moment when his youkai powers would drain and his human blood would take over. Though it happened once a month he still dreaded it each time. He despised the feeling of weakness that came with being human, of not being able to defend himself. His self-preservation was strong and on the night he became human all he wanted to do was hide in his house and avoid everyone until sunrise. Kikyou knew that and he suspected that had more to do with her wish for him to come visit this night then anything else. She would love to see him feeling uncomfortable.
Looking in the rearview mirror confirmed his thoughts, his silver hair was now black and he had lost his fangs. For the rest of the night he would be no different than any other human. Stepping out of the car he slammed the door behind him and walked up to Kikyous' house. He rang the bell once and stood back, waiting for her to answer. 'Come on, come on, hurry the fuck up, I want to get out of here.' Inuyasha had just started to tap his leg impatiently when the door swung open.
"Anxious to see me?" A girl with an oily smile said, standing just inside the house.
"Anxious to get my guitar and never have to see you again. You look like shit, Kikyou." The insult wasn't baseless. She had deep circles under eyes looked as though she hadn't eaten a full meal in weeks. Inuyasha suspected it had more to do with the drugs she was using then not actually getting enough food.
Kikyou reached to the side of the door and produced a guitar. It gave a vague impression of being black but was so covered in stickers it was hard to tell for sure. Inuyasha had picked it up at a thrift store years ago and considered the guitar practically his baby. He had others but it was this guitar that he really wanted. He had spent hours sitting in his room, listening to CDs and trying to copy what he heard, he had played when he was bored, when he was angry, when he was happy, when he just wanted to escape everything, and it had always been with this guitar.
Reaching out quickly Inuyasha grabbed the guitar from Kikyou and without a word started to walk towards his car. She stayed in the doorframe watching him as he put the guitar in his car and got ready to leave. "Hey, Inuyasha! Just one more thing..."
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Kagome was starting to get worried, it was almost 10:00pm and she should have heard from Inuyasha hours ago. She reached for her phone and tried his number again, getting no answer just like the past three times. She hung up the phone, her dread growing, and decided it was time to really worry. Reaching for the phone she dialed Mirokus' number this time, maybe he would know what was going on.
"Yo. You guys ready to come meet us?" She could hear the sounds of Rin and Sango in the background. Sesshomaru was there as well, Rin had somehow convinced him to come out with them.
"No, not yet. Actually I was wondering if you had heard from Inuyasha? He should have been back over an hour ago but I haven't heard a thing. I've tried calling a couple of times but got no answer." The worry she felt overlacing her words.
"No, I haven't heard from him. Look, we'll come pick you up and see if we can find him, okay?" Miroku had grown serious at the sound of worry in Kagomes' voice, though he tried to keep his own voice light. He knew what Kikyou was capable of and was starting to worry for his friend as well.
"Yeah, thanks, I'll see you all in a bit." Hanging up the phone she grabbed her jacket and ran outside to wait for them.
She didn't have to wait long. Miroku pulled up to the curb outside her house and Sango and Rin climbed out. Giving Kagome a quick hug Sango said "We'll stay here incase he comes back, and this way there'll be room for both of you in the car. Try not to worry hun, I'm sure you'll find him quickly. He's probably just out blowing off steam somewhere."
Kagome didn't trust herself to speak just then, giving Sango a nod she climbed into the backseat behind Sesshomaru.
"Hey Kagome, he didn't answer when I called either so let's stop by the apartment, he might have just fallen asleep." Miroku gave kagome an encouraging smile, hoping to reassure her that everything would be fine. "Sesshomaru here is gonna sit up front since he can see the best out of all of us, just incase we pass him on the street."
"Thanks, it's probably silly of me to be worried but, being a new moon and all..."
The apartment wasn't far from Kagomes' house, they parked out front and Miroku ran inside to check. Coming back to the car quickly, his face now showing worry as well. "He wasn't there. Let's go stop by Kikyous' and see if she knows what's going on." Miroku didn't voice his concerns but he doubted they would get any help from Kikyou, in fact if was taking bets he would put his money on her being involved. He was more hoping Sesshomaru would be able to follow Inuyashas' scent from there.
Kagome didn't know how long it would take to get to Kikyous' house so she occupied herself by staring out the window hoping to catch a glimpse of a human Inuyasha. He had told her that his hair turns black and his dog ears disappear, she just hoped she would recognize him even if she did see him. After about a half hour of that they made a turn down a cul-de-sac and pulled up behind what was unmistakably Inuyashas' car.
Before either of the humans had even finished opening their doors Sesshomaru had bolted from the car and headed towards a small grove of trees behind one of the houses. Kagome and Miroku took off running after him, tripping and falling in the darkness. About twenty feet in, in the pale light of the street lamps that filtered through the trees, they saw Sesshomaru holding what looked like a dirty bundle of clothes. Without a word to either of them he started carefully back to Mirokus' car. As he walked past her, the hard realization of what he was carrying hit Kagome and she fell to her knees. Miroku was by her side immediatly, telling her that she had to get up and they had to get out of there right away, giving her soft reassurances that Inuyasha would be fine once the sun rose. He wasn't sure if she actually heard a word he uttered but she rose quickly and began to stumble out of the forest after Sesshomaru.
Back at the car Sesshomaru was laying Inuyasha gently across the backseat. Sliding in next to him Kagome took his head in her lap and felt tears start to fall softly down her cheeks. Inuyashas' face was a mass of bruises and swelling, his hair matted with blood and what she had mistaken for dirt in the woods was dried blood on his clothes. She was slightly comforted to be able to feel him breathing, until he let out a barely audible groan of pain and she thought her heart was being ripped in half. Through her fog of tears she looked down at the bruised face in her lap and whispered his name "Inuyasha..."
"We'll take him back to the apartment, it's quiet there and we have plenty of bandages." Mirokus' joking nature was gone with a deadly seriousness appearing in its' place.
"Once morning comes and we have the whole story we shall go after those who did this to him." Sesshomaru finally spoke, the icyness in his words causing a shiver to run down Kagomes' spine. A small part of her mind was shocked at the fact that she felt happy thinking of those who did this to Inuyasha having to face Sesshomaru.
"No, this is up to Inuyasha to seek revenge for, we cannot interfer unless he asks." Looking to Sesshomaru, Miroku was relieved to see him nod in agreement. He would have never been able to stop the youkai had he decided to go after those who did this anyway. To take revenge for Inuyasha, if he was capable of doing it himself, would be an insult.
The words from the front seat finally began to get through to Kagome. "The apartment?! We need to take him to the hospital! You saw him, there's so much blood, and he could..." Stopping her tirade she took a deep breath, this was not the time to become hysterical, Inuyasha needed her. "Anyway, he has to go to the hospital with doctors and real medicine, not just some bandages."
"Girl, he has a hanyous' poison in his blood, I could smell it on him before I even left the car. There is nothing that any doctor could do for him and all their testing could make his condition worse." Sesshomaru spoke with such authority that Kagome found herself unable to argue with him. "If he survives until sunrise his youkai blood will return and defeat the poison as well as speed the healing of his other injuries. Until that time he is best off in his own bed where he will be able to rest as comfortably as possible."
"I understand." She wasn't happy about it but if this was the best way to help Inuyasha than that is what she would do. Gently pushing some of the hair away from his cheek she felt the silent tears begin to roll down her face once again.
Back at the apartment Sesshomaru carried Inuyasha up the stairs while Miroku ran ahead and started gathering bandages and towels. He threw an old sheet over the bed as Sesshomaru entered and laid Inuyasha down. Kagome, who had been walking behind Sesshomaru, now hurried foward. "Get me some water, please. And do you have any sort of antibacterial sprays?" Kagome had never dealt with injuries this severe before, but her mother was a nurse and she had a good idea of what she needed to do.
Dipping one of the towels into the water Kagome began gently cleaning away the blood. She motioned Sesshomaru over to help remove Inuyashas' shirt, her momentary embarassment vanishing at the sight of the cuts and bruises all along his chest. After cleaning the blood from his chest she turned her back while Miroku and Sesshomaru removed his pants and washed and bandaged the cuts on his legs. Turning back when they had but the covers over him she began to bandage his chest, seeing the deep gash along his side that had been hidden by all the blood early. Looking to Sesshomaru, he acknowledged her unasked question, "That is where the poison entered." She nodded her understanding as she finished dressing Inuyashas' wounds, wrapping his chest where she was sure he had broken ribs.
Once finished she sat back in the chair Miroku had brought into the room. Holding Inuyashas' hand she settled herself to await the sunrise.
**************************************************** **************************************************
Embody The Invisible
In Flames from the album Colony
Soul Doubt
NOFX from the album White Trash, Two Heebs, and a Bean
Can't Decide
Black Flag from the album My War
We
Descendents from the album Everything Sucks
Converting /tmp/phpDgkNqH to /dev/stdout
I'd like to note that I'm trying to change up bands as much as possible but frankly some just write lyrics better suited for this story than others. That and the fact that I'm trying to keep politics out of the story which means throwing aside a lot of bands. I apologize for so many songs early on in this chap but I think they all fit very well and they had me going through my CD collection like I was insane, so read them!
I'd also like to suggest finding these songs and listening to them along with the story. I've picked them not just for the lyrics but for the sounds as well. This is going to be especially true when The Vandals (Whom I have no rights to, lol) show happens in a couple more chapters. If you like punk (or, in Sesshomarus' case, melodic death metal) then all of these songs come highly recommended.
One last thing, I'm focusing on Inu/Kag right now but other pairings will get more focus in about 3 or 4 chapters, maybe a bit sooner.
Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to Inuyasha or any associated characters. I also don't own the rights to any In Flames songs, NOFX songs, Black Flag songs, or Descendents songs.
*********************************************************** **********
By the time the group arrived back at Kagomes' house they were all exhausted. Inuyasha and Miroku headed quickly for Inuyashas' car, but not before he pulled Kagome aside for a chaste kiss, with a promise to talk more tomorrow. Rin offered to drive Sesshomaru home and so they got into her car while Kagome and Sango headed inside for bed.
"So, began Rin, "how old are you anyway?" She risked a quick glance over at the youkai besides her as she drove down the road. He was staring straight ahead with a stoic expression on his face. Rin suspected that it was a look he had cultivated over a long time.
"I'm 18." Rin was starting to doubt whether should could ever get more than a word or two out of him at once.
Letting out a small sigh she tried once again. "Are you still in high school?"
"Yes, I graduate this year." 'Well, at least I got five words that time. It should be considered a new record or something.' Thought Rin.
"Yeah, I'm in high school also, still a junior though. I won't be turning 17 for a few more months so I always get teased for being the youngest." Sesshomaru just nodded. 'ARRRGGGHHHHHHH' Rin was getting near her limit. 'One more try.' "So, what were you doing in the city tonight?"
Finally Sesshomaru cracked a bit "I act as a manager for some local bands. I was checking out a few clubs in the area to see if they were worth playing. Inuyasha dislikes what I do since I take part of the bands profits, though in most cases that's only a few dollars if anything at all. I make most of my real money off the more mainstream bands I work with."
"Ah" now it was Rins' turn to be quiet. Being in a band she understood where Inuyasha was coming from. It was hard enough for small bands just to break even, the majority ended up in the red after their various expenses were paid. Still, she couldn't blame Sesshomaru for finding an area that had a need and filling it. Most bands did the work themselves or if they were lucky had an organized friend who could handle it. Occasionally a member or a friend was really good, but more often it was inefficent and no one really knew what they were doing.
Giving up on the conversation for now Rin turned back to driving.
"May I?" Sesshomaru asked, holding up a CD.
Rin nodded her assent and music filled the car. 'This is different.'
I demand nothing, but I want it all
what privilege do we have under the sun,
that gives us the right to the throne?
Species come and go, but the earth stands forever fast
all river runs towards the sea, but the sea is never full
To discover the loneliness, and be too proud to show the wounds,
will forever wander alone through the years
but I won't let you near
begging for you to understand
the fear that lives in my soul
which is an untouched spring
read, what is written on the silent mouth
what is written in the soul
for which is written in the shining silence
we all have to read
what is written on the silent mouth
what is written in the soul
for which is written in the shining silence
we all have to read
my body will be bent from the burdens
when the shaking floor of life-force
reveal its chasm underneath
if only one could be two steps ahead
to discover the loneliness and be too proud to show the wounds
will forever wander alone through the years
but I won't let you near
begging for you to understand
the fear that lives in my soul
which is an untouched spring
read, what is written on the silent mouth
what is written in the soul
for which is written in the shining silence
we all have to read
what is written on the silent mouth
what is written in the soul
for which is written in the shining silence
we all have to...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Okay, Inuyasha" Miroku said, turning to his friend who was in the drivers' seat. "What's up with you and Kagome?" Seeing that Inuyasha wasn't planning on answering Miroku continued on. "As your best friend I believe it's my right to know."
"Keh," with a slight shake of his head Inuyasha tried to clear his mind of the thoughts that were all trying to make themselves heard at once. "I... don't really know." He stared straight ahead as he continued, obviously uncomfortable with the conversation. "I wasn't actually planning on kissing her, it just felt right. I'm, well, I like her, but does she like me or...?"
Miroku gave his friend a smack across the back of the head. "You idiot! Of course she likes you, why else would she have kissed you?"
"Fuck you man. And yeah, I know, I know, just after dealing with that whore Kikyou I don't know what to think anymore."
"Speaking of, have you heard from her about getting your guitar back?" Miroku knew he wasn't going to get anymore out of Inuyasha on the subject of Kagome. He'd have to let the hanyou work that out on his own.
"Yeah, she called earlier and wants me to stop by tomorrow night." Inuyashas' hands tightened on the steering wheel at the thought of having to see her again, especially tomorrow. "It's the new moon so she said she'll feel safer or some shit like that. As though she's the one who has something to fucking worry over."
"Are you actually gonna go?" Miroku had a lot of misgivings over Inuyasha seeing Kikyou on the one night of the month when Inuyasha would be completely human. He doubted his friend would listen though, if the only way to get his guitar back was to go over that night than that is what he would do.
"It's not like I have much choice. Human or not I don't think she'll try anything." Inuyasha said with a small shrug of his shoulders.
"Well, be careful."
"Yeah I will." Then he leaned down to turn on the radio.
Sometimes I feel my life is going 'round in circles
Beneath my eyes are bluish black
There's nothing new, no one I wanna talk to
Nothing I wanna think about,
I got soul doubt
I stick My head out of the window, when it's closed
Instead of air, I get glass stuck in to my head
The city's sounding, and I can't seem to stop the pounding
Can't keep my thoughts from flying 'round
Can't keep my thoughts from flying 'round
Not sure what I am thinking about,
I got soul doubt
A shameless display, wearing a smile full of pain
A frameless Erte, a painting without a signature
She's waiting for someone to save her
As I pass her by I see Cinderella
She dosen't fit into the slipper
Like she fits in a bottle of liquor
There's no one to take her away
Her eyes meet mine, she sees right through me
The question is asked, Whatcha' gonna do for me?
I don't need nothin', just a connection
I gotta know what she's all about
Cause I know she's been there
Soul doubt
I stick my head out of the window once again
This time I see a thousand faces all too clear
They wear the same expression, I've seen in my face
So many times, I know exactly how they feel
I know exactly how they feel
I know just what they think about
They've got soul doubt
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~
Kagome tip-toed up the stairs of her house and noiselessly slid open the door to her mothers' bedroom. "Mom," she whispered "we're home and heading to bed now."
"Okay dear, good night" came the mumbled sound of her mothers' voice.
Kagome headed off to her bedroom, she really wanted a shower but it would have to wait until morning when the rest of the house was awake. Grabbing a pair of sweats and an old t-shirt she got ready for bed. Just as she was climbing beneath her covers Sango came walking into the room.
"Okay, my turn. Spill it!" Sango looked happier than Kagome would have liked at the prospect of the tables being turned and it now being her chance to grill her friend.
"I don't know!" Kagome let out, obviously exasperated. "We were walking along, I was feeling pretty nice,"
"You were drunk." Sango broke in.
"Yeah yeah, I was drunk, whatever, that isn't the point so shush." Taking a calming breath Kagome continued on. "Sooo, as I was saying I was a bit drunk" she stuck her tongue out at her friend, "and I started to think how fun it would be to rub his ears."
"You what?!"
"I don't know it seemed like a good idea at the time. Actually, doesn't seem like all that bad of an idea right now. Uh yeah, back to the topic, I reached over to rub them but tripped over my own feet. He caught me before I could fall and offered to give me a ride on his back, then I DID manage to rub his ears and I guess that was a good idea because the next thing I know he had put me down and was kissing me!" Kagome finished her story in a rush, blushing ferciously.
"Do you like him? Really like him?" Sango asked, knowing Kagomes' feelings towards casual dating.
"I do! But, I've only known him for a few days, it's seems such a short time. I mean, how do I know if he feels the same way? What if he randomly kisses girls all the time?" Shaking her head Kagome looked to her friend for reassurance, she wasn't used to being the one to ask for advice.
"I don't think you have to worry about him just fooling around with any girl who comes his way. According to Miroku he's only dated one other girl and they broke up because of her issues, not his." Sango was doing her best to give Kagome all the confidence that she could. "You're going to talk with him tomorrow, right?" Kagome nodded. "Well, you'll have to wait to figure this all out until then, so try and get some sleep tonight." Giving Kagome a hug Sango got off the bed and stood to leave.
"Hey!" Kagome called at Sangos' retreating back. "We're talking about you and Miroku tomorrow."
"Yeah, yeah, Kags, just get some sleep." With that Sango closed the door and headed off to her own room for some much needed rest.
Turning over Kagome reached for her radio, putting the volume low so she wouldn't disturb anyone else she laid back listening to the music and tried to sleep.
Sun's coming up and I can't decide
To spill my emotions or keep them inside
Go for a drive, go to the store
I'm looking for something that can't be found there
I always wear a smile
Because anything but a smile would make me have to explain
And they wouldn't understand anyway
I conceal my feelings so I won't have to explain
What I can't explain, anyway
I can't decide
I can't decide
I can't decide, anything
I can't decide
I can't decide
I can't decide, anything
Every time I open my mouth
I always wish I had kept it shut
I gotta spill my guts - but I don't dare
I take a look around, I know that no one else cares
I always wear a smile,
Because anything but a smile would make me have to explain
And they wouldn't understand anyway
I conceal my feelings so I won't have to explain
What I can't explain, anyway
I can't decide
I can't decide
I can't decide, anything
I can't decide
I can't decide
I can't decide anything
I conceal my feelings so I won't have to explain
What I can't explain, anyway
I can't decide
I can't decide
I can't decide, anything
I can't decide
I can't decide
I can't decide anything
Sun's coming up I still can't decide
To spill my emotions or keep them inside
Going for a drive, and I'm going to the store
I'm looking for something but I don't know what for
I always wear a smile
Because anything but a smile would make me have to explain
And they wouldn't understand anyway
I conceal my feelings so I won't have to explain
What I can't explain, anyway
I can't decide
I can't decide
I can't decide anything
I can't decide
I can't decide
I can't decide anything.
No, No (Maybe tomorrow, maybe tommorrow)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~
Kagome woke the next morning before her alarm even had a chance to go off. She rushed through her morning routine and left without even waiting for Sango. She knew her best chance to talk with Inuyasha would be before school, she just hoped he would show up early as well.
Walking up to the school Kagome was relieved to see that Inuyasha had apparently had the same thought as her and was already there waiting. As she came closer to him she was struck again by just how beautiful he was. It wasn't a word she would use to describe many guys but it fit him perfectly. He had a grace and aura that she couldn't deny, and she knew it would be foolish for her to even try. Something about him drew her to him, something about him made her believe she needed him to complete her soul. Still, she was filled with doubt and uncertainty and she felt the need to appear at least outwardly unconcerned.
Watching her approach Inuyasha ran through what he wanted to say one more time. He knew he was falling for her and after last night no longer wanted to deny it to himself. He had no intention of acting all mushy, that was for wimps, but he did plan to let her know that he wanted her to be his and, without speaking it, wanted to be hers.
"Hey" Kagome said as she slowly walked up to the hanyou. Her eyes were cast towards the floor and Inuyasha could smell her nervousness despite her trying to hide it.
"Hey" he answered with a small nod, his hands deep in his pockets, broadcasting his own uncertainty to the world.
"Inuyasha"
"Kagome" They both began at once.
Hearing Inuyasha say her name startled Kagome into looking up and meeting his eyes. Her reasons for being there momentarily forgotten as she stared at him, intoxicated just by being so close to him.
"You go first." Inuyasha muttered.
"No, that's okay, you go ahead." Kagome answered, shaking her head slightly.
"Woman! I said for you to go first, so just spit it out already, we don't have all day." His tone was rougher than he had intended. 'Dammit, why do I always do that?'
Taking a deep breath, Kagome gathered up her nerve and started to speak. "It's about last night, and, the kiss. I like you" there, she had said it, "and I'd like to be your girlfriend." She could feel the heat rising up her cheeks, was this how it usually went? "But, I need to know if you're serious or not. I don't date casually and if that's all you want then let's stop here and go back to being friends." She pulled in an unsteady breath, shocked at her own boldness. 'Go me! I actually decided on something and followed it through, I rock.' Still, even amongst the self-congratulation nervousness was her most overwhelming feeling.
"I don't know what you've heard, that damn monk is probably spreading lies," Kagome allowed herself a small smile 'Not this time.' she thought. "but I don't date casually either. I wouldn't have, you know, done that, if I wasn't serious about you, even if I didn't realize it right then." Inuyasha could feel himself begining to sweat. 'What the fuck, I don't sweat over girls. Damn woman!' "So, yeah, I'd like to go out with you. But I'm not going to stop calling you woman." Seeing Kagome smiling up at him Inuyasha turned his head with a small "Keh."
Stepping closer to him Kagome wrapped her arms around his waist as he rested his over her shoulders and pulled her towards him in a hug. Pulling back slightly he lifted her chin and leaned down to capture her lips in a soft kiss. It expressed everything he hadn't been able to put into words, his tenderness towards her and his nervousness that she wouldn't feel the same way. As the kiss went on he pushed his tongue against her lips gently asking for access to her mouth. She was almost shivering in delight and slowly opened her mouth to feel him more. Their tongues became entwined in a dance, both of them noticing what they had missed the night before, they both had their tongues pierced. The smooth metal balls on the tips of the piercings just adding to the pleasure with a clinking sound only they could hear each time the piercings touched.
"Cough, Cough, and other interrupting sounds like that."
Quickly breaking the kiss but not the hug they both looked over to see Miroku, Sango, and Rin standing there. Miroku, who had just spoken, had a huge grin spreading across his face. "So I see the conversation went well then?"
"Whaddya want monk?" Inuyasha growled, anger and embarassment showing plainly in his eyes.
"Oh nothing, nothing. Just that we have to be in class in a couple of minutes and I thought you both might need to come up for air." The wicked grin on Mirokus' faced continued growing larger with each word.
"Monk, I suggest you start running. Now!" Miroku took off into the school and down the hallways with Inuyasha close behind, ready to beat on his friend as soon as he caught him.
Sango and Rin stalked up to Kagome, Sango threw a sisterly arm over the blushing girl. "Sooooo...." Sango started softly "what happened?!" she finished, her excitement bubbling over.
"That was one hell of a kiss we saw, Kags." Added Rin who was also looking at Kagome with eyes pleading for more information.
Stepping out from under Sangos' arm Kagome turned and started walking into the school. She stopped and looked back over her shoulder at her friends "I don't kiss and tell."
The two girls ran up to her, each grabbing an arm. "Uh uh Ms. Higurashi. This isn't kissing and telling, this is kissing and explaining, so you better start explaining." The three girls linked arms and started down the halls together, Kagome excitedly telling them what had happened.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~
Throughout her morning classes Kagome could hear the whispers following her 'Probably gossip about Inuyasha and me.' She shrugged her shoulders and tried to let it go. Who cares what the other kids think, she was happy and that was what counted, not the opinions of random people. Still, it was easier said then done and she found herself looking forward to lunch when she could leave the school, at least for a little bit.
Counting the minutes till the class ended Inuyasha became convinced time had slowed just to spite him. He knew Kagome couldn't make out what the other students were actually saying but he could and he was worried one of them would become bold enough to say something to Kagomes' face. It wasn't going to be easy on her, dating a hanyou. He hated for her to be wrapped up in this, but it was her choice and he was already learning that she wasn't the type of person to easily swayed. Looking over at her in the desk next to his he felt a small smile show itself on his face. This beautiful girl was his, and he wouldn't let anyone take her away.
Finally the bell rang to signal the end of their last class before lunch. Exiting the room first he stood outside the door waiting for her. "Hey, woman, wanna go for a ride?"
Kagome looked at him a bit puzzled, she knew something was going on but wasn't sure just what it was. "Yeah, sounds good, I could stand getting out of school for a bit."
Shouting down the hall to Miroku that he and Kagome were going for lunch, Inuyasha took her hand and started leading her out to his car. He could smell that he was making her a bit nervous but he wanted to wait until they were alone to explain.
They reached his car in silence and climbed inside. "Okay, Inuyasha, what's up?"
"I didn't want to try and talk about this in school." He said as he started the car and began backing out of the space. "I need to explain two things to you. First, who Kikyou is and second, what happens to me tonight."
'Okay,' Kagome thought 'this is getting a bit odd.' "So what's up? Explain."
"Alright, I'll just say it straight, Kikyou is my ex, the one I punched Miroku over." He gave a small laugh. "I really shouldn't have bothered, she was a total whore anyway. I thought she loved me and all that, but in the end she couldn't stand that I was a hanyou and began fooling around with other guys behind my back. Miroku was just one of them, and he was wasted when it happened anyway, otherwise he wouldn't have touched her with a fucking ten foot pole." Inuyasha let another small laugh out, trying to hide his nervousness. "I'd happily go the rest of my life without ever seeing her again except, she has my guitar and I need to get it back." Kagome could see that he was having a hard time talking about this and kept silent, letting him continue. "That's where the second thing I'm going to tell you comes in. She said I could go over her house to get my guitar tonight, cause there's gonna be a new moon." Kagome looked at him with puzzled eyes. Risking a quick glance over to the cars' passenger Inuyasha saw her look and gave a self-deprecating shrug. "On the night of the new moon I lose my demon powers, I become 100 percent human. She knows that and says she'll feel safer that way, or some bullshit." He took another quick look at Kagome, worried she would be angry with him for having to go see his ex.
"Your guitar is special, huh?" Inuyasha gave a short nod. "I understand, want me to come with you?"
Finally relaxing, Inuyasha allowed himself a smile. "Nah, trust me, you don't want to be involved with Kikyou at all." He reached out to give Kagomes' hand a short squeeze, letting her know that he was glad she was so accepting. "Now, I think it's to fucking quiet in here, we need some music." Inuyasha said as he pulled out a CD and put it on.
I don't care what they say
Those numbers don't mean a thing
We've got it made
This world is just me and you
and we know just what to do
We've got it made
Hey, everything's gonna be okay
(we've got it made)
Hey, everything's gonna be okay
(we've got it made)
Well, I don't care if we get a job
We've already got a life
We've got it made
And I don't know what the future holds
All I know is you're there with me
that's all I need
So hey, everything's gonna be okay
(we've got it made)
Hey, everything's gonna be okay
(we've got it made)
When I look in your eyes
I know what I want in life
Nothing more and nothing less
Nothing more and nothing less
(everything's gonna be okay)
Nothing more, nothing less
(everything's gonna be okay)
Be the key to my success
Nothing more and nothing less
Kagome leaned across her seat and gave Inuyasha a kiss on the cheek.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Inuyasha left Kagome at her house that afternoon only after extracting a promise from her that they would meet once he had gotten his guitar back. He knew it was best to go see Kikyou alone but everything with Kagome was so fresh and intoxicating that he could barely stand to let her leave his side. He watched as she turned to give him a little wave before heading inside her house, then he started up his car and began the drive to Kikyous'. He was hoping to time it so he would get there right at sunset, be able to grab his guitar, and leave right away. He didn't feel like having another arguement with his ex, he had put her firmly in his past and he wanted her to stay there.
He drove down Kikyous' cul-de-sac right before sundown and parked on the street outside her house. He sat behind the steering wheel watching the sun sink below the horizon, waiting for the moment when his youkai powers would drain and his human blood would take over. Though it happened once a month he still dreaded it each time. He despised the feeling of weakness that came with being human, of not being able to defend himself. His self-preservation was strong and on the night he became human all he wanted to do was hide in his house and avoid everyone until sunrise. Kikyou knew that and he suspected that had more to do with her wish for him to come visit this night then anything else. She would love to see him feeling uncomfortable.
Looking in the rearview mirror confirmed his thoughts, his silver hair was now black and he had lost his fangs. For the rest of the night he would be no different than any other human. Stepping out of the car he slammed the door behind him and walked up to Kikyous' house. He rang the bell once and stood back, waiting for her to answer. 'Come on, come on, hurry the fuck up, I want to get out of here.' Inuyasha had just started to tap his leg impatiently when the door swung open.
"Anxious to see me?" A girl with an oily smile said, standing just inside the house.
"Anxious to get my guitar and never have to see you again. You look like shit, Kikyou." The insult wasn't baseless. She had deep circles under eyes looked as though she hadn't eaten a full meal in weeks. Inuyasha suspected it had more to do with the drugs she was using then not actually getting enough food.
Kikyou reached to the side of the door and produced a guitar. It gave a vague impression of being black but was so covered in stickers it was hard to tell for sure. Inuyasha had picked it up at a thrift store years ago and considered the guitar practically his baby. He had others but it was this guitar that he really wanted. He had spent hours sitting in his room, listening to CDs and trying to copy what he heard, he had played when he was bored, when he was angry, when he was happy, when he just wanted to escape everything, and it had always been with this guitar.
Reaching out quickly Inuyasha grabbed the guitar from Kikyou and without a word started to walk towards his car. She stayed in the doorframe watching him as he put the guitar in his car and got ready to leave. "Hey, Inuyasha! Just one more thing..."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~
Kagome was starting to get worried, it was almost 10:00pm and she should have heard from Inuyasha hours ago. She reached for her phone and tried his number again, getting no answer just like the past three times. She hung up the phone, her dread growing, and decided it was time to really worry. Reaching for the phone she dialed Mirokus' number this time, maybe he would know what was going on.
"Yo. You guys ready to come meet us?" She could hear the sounds of Rin and Sango in the background. Sesshomaru was there as well, Rin had somehow convinced him to come out with them.
"No, not yet. Actually I was wondering if you had heard from Inuyasha? He should have been back over an hour ago but I haven't heard a thing. I've tried calling a couple of times but got no answer." The worry she felt overlacing her words.
"No, I haven't heard from him. Look, we'll come pick you up and see if we can find him, okay?" Miroku had grown serious at the sound of worry in Kagomes' voice, though he tried to keep his own voice light. He knew what Kikyou was capable of and was starting to worry for his friend as well.
"Yeah, thanks, I'll see you all in a bit." Hanging up the phone she grabbed her jacket and ran outside to wait for them.
She didn't have to wait long. Miroku pulled up to the curb outside her house and Sango and Rin climbed out. Giving Kagome a quick hug Sango said "We'll stay here incase he comes back, and this way there'll be room for both of you in the car. Try not to worry hun, I'm sure you'll find him quickly. He's probably just out blowing off steam somewhere."
Kagome didn't trust herself to speak just then, giving Sango a nod she climbed into the backseat behind Sesshomaru.
"Hey Kagome, he didn't answer when I called either so let's stop by the apartment, he might have just fallen asleep." Miroku gave kagome an encouraging smile, hoping to reassure her that everything would be fine. "Sesshomaru here is gonna sit up front since he can see the best out of all of us, just incase we pass him on the street."
"Thanks, it's probably silly of me to be worried but, being a new moon and all..."
The apartment wasn't far from Kagomes' house, they parked out front and Miroku ran inside to check. Coming back to the car quickly, his face now showing worry as well. "He wasn't there. Let's go stop by Kikyous' and see if she knows what's going on." Miroku didn't voice his concerns but he doubted they would get any help from Kikyou, in fact if was taking bets he would put his money on her being involved. He was more hoping Sesshomaru would be able to follow Inuyashas' scent from there.
Kagome didn't know how long it would take to get to Kikyous' house so she occupied herself by staring out the window hoping to catch a glimpse of a human Inuyasha. He had told her that his hair turns black and his dog ears disappear, she just hoped she would recognize him even if she did see him. After about a half hour of that they made a turn down a cul-de-sac and pulled up behind what was unmistakably Inuyashas' car.
Before either of the humans had even finished opening their doors Sesshomaru had bolted from the car and headed towards a small grove of trees behind one of the houses. Kagome and Miroku took off running after him, tripping and falling in the darkness. About twenty feet in, in the pale light of the street lamps that filtered through the trees, they saw Sesshomaru holding what looked like a dirty bundle of clothes. Without a word to either of them he started carefully back to Mirokus' car. As he walked past her, the hard realization of what he was carrying hit Kagome and she fell to her knees. Miroku was by her side immediatly, telling her that she had to get up and they had to get out of there right away, giving her soft reassurances that Inuyasha would be fine once the sun rose. He wasn't sure if she actually heard a word he uttered but she rose quickly and began to stumble out of the forest after Sesshomaru.
Back at the car Sesshomaru was laying Inuyasha gently across the backseat. Sliding in next to him Kagome took his head in her lap and felt tears start to fall softly down her cheeks. Inuyashas' face was a mass of bruises and swelling, his hair matted with blood and what she had mistaken for dirt in the woods was dried blood on his clothes. She was slightly comforted to be able to feel him breathing, until he let out a barely audible groan of pain and she thought her heart was being ripped in half. Through her fog of tears she looked down at the bruised face in her lap and whispered his name "Inuyasha..."
"We'll take him back to the apartment, it's quiet there and we have plenty of bandages." Mirokus' joking nature was gone with a deadly seriousness appearing in its' place.
"Once morning comes and we have the whole story we shall go after those who did this to him." Sesshomaru finally spoke, the icyness in his words causing a shiver to run down Kagomes' spine. A small part of her mind was shocked at the fact that she felt happy thinking of those who did this to Inuyasha having to face Sesshomaru.
"No, this is up to Inuyasha to seek revenge for, we cannot interfer unless he asks." Looking to Sesshomaru, Miroku was relieved to see him nod in agreement. He would have never been able to stop the youkai had he decided to go after those who did this anyway. To take revenge for Inuyasha, if he was capable of doing it himself, would be an insult.
The words from the front seat finally began to get through to Kagome. "The apartment?! We need to take him to the hospital! You saw him, there's so much blood, and he could..." Stopping her tirade she took a deep breath, this was not the time to become hysterical, Inuyasha needed her. "Anyway, he has to go to the hospital with doctors and real medicine, not just some bandages."
"Girl, he has a hanyous' poison in his blood, I could smell it on him before I even left the car. There is nothing that any doctor could do for him and all their testing could make his condition worse." Sesshomaru spoke with such authority that Kagome found herself unable to argue with him. "If he survives until sunrise his youkai blood will return and defeat the poison as well as speed the healing of his other injuries. Until that time he is best off in his own bed where he will be able to rest as comfortably as possible."
"I understand." She wasn't happy about it but if this was the best way to help Inuyasha than that is what she would do. Gently pushing some of the hair away from his cheek she felt the silent tears begin to roll down her face once again.
Back at the apartment Sesshomaru carried Inuyasha up the stairs while Miroku ran ahead and started gathering bandages and towels. He threw an old sheet over the bed as Sesshomaru entered and laid Inuyasha down. Kagome, who had been walking behind Sesshomaru, now hurried foward. "Get me some water, please. And do you have any sort of antibacterial sprays?" Kagome had never dealt with injuries this severe before, but her mother was a nurse and she had a good idea of what she needed to do.
Dipping one of the towels into the water Kagome began gently cleaning away the blood. She motioned Sesshomaru over to help remove Inuyashas' shirt, her momentary embarassment vanishing at the sight of the cuts and bruises all along his chest. After cleaning the blood from his chest she turned her back while Miroku and Sesshomaru removed his pants and washed and bandaged the cuts on his legs. Turning back when they had but the covers over him she began to bandage his chest, seeing the deep gash along his side that had been hidden by all the blood early. Looking to Sesshomaru, he acknowledged her unasked question, "That is where the poison entered." She nodded her understanding as she finished dressing Inuyashas' wounds, wrapping his chest where she was sure he had broken ribs.
Once finished she sat back in the chair Miroku had brought into the room. Holding Inuyashas' hand she settled herself to await the sunrise.
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Embody The Invisible
In Flames from the album Colony
Soul Doubt
NOFX from the album White Trash, Two Heebs, and a Bean
Can't Decide
Black Flag from the album My War
We
Descendents from the album Everything Sucks
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