InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Remnants of the Spider ❯ Hiroshi and Izanami ( Chapter 27 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Lady Sianna 
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Drama / Adventure / Action | Type: Divergence | Uploaded On: 11.11.2009 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.1K | Visits: 289 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Drama / Adventure / Action | Type: Divergence | Uploaded On: 11.11.2009 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.1K | Visits: 289 | Status: Work In Progress
Remnants of the Spider
Hiroshi and Izanami
_______________________________________________________________ _________
Stark, oppressive silence filled a large meeting hall. Its occupants hardly dared to move a muscle as they awaited the arrival of the northern lord. Uneasy glances were passed from one male to another, each wondering who would receive the brunt of Hiroshi-sama’s rage.
Several men jolted in their seats when the shoji screen slammed open and Lord Hiroshi stormed into the room. A thunderous scowl marring his face he quickly made his way to the front center of the room. He made no attempt at formalities, opting instead to get straight to the point.
“What information have you unearthed regarding these brigands?!” his voice was loud and commanding in the previously quiet room.
Daisuke, his chief advisor rose from his silk cushion near the front of the room and executed a reverent bow. A diminutive kitsune youkai, Daisuke was known for his strategic prowess and had served the north for many, many centuries. He had been the advisor to both Lord Hiroshi’s father and grandfather and was a trusted and respected member of his court.
Clearing his throat, the ancient kitsune began to speak. “Regretfully, we have little new information my lord. In addition to the sleeping potion, they were also able to mask their scents somehow. We suspect that the brigands were perhaps shadow youkai who possess no natural odor, and who are difficult to detect during the night.”
Hiroshi growled quietly. “I do not require speculation Daisuke. What is being done to recover the items that were stolen?!”
“The thieves did not leave a trail for the sentries to follow so we have dispatched scouts to seek out information. They have been ordered to apprehend anyone who looks suspicious and return them to the castle right away.”
With his words, the room fell silent. Lord Hiroshi’s frown softened visibly, his eyes taking on a far away look. He did not like the situation, not in the least but with such little information, what more could be done? This entire situations simply did not bode well.
All eyes were fixed unwaveringly on the northern lord as he pondered the information he had just received. His audience held its collective breath, each member awaiting the hanyou’s next words.
“This meeting is dismissed.” he announced suddenly, his voice a low dangerous drawl. Not a single guard or advisor dared to question him. Demons, humans and hanyou quickly rose to their feet and filed noiselessly out of the room. Only Daisuke lingered behind.
The ancient advisor closed the shoji screen as the last sentry made his departure. Taking a deep breath, he exhaled slowly before turning back to face his lord.
“Is there anything further Daisuke?” the lack of patience in Hiroshi’s his voice was undisguised, but the fox demon pressed on undeterred.
“I do not know who the thieves were, nor do I know who sent them. What is certain however is that they were not human.” He took a deep breath before continuing, “There are few priestess is in this land possess power to see the keys. I do not know what is being planned, but without the eyes of a powerful priestess, the maps are useless. Do not place undue stress upon yourself my lord. We may have time yet to sort out this debacle.”
The tension in Hiroshi’s shoulders eased slightly with the demon’s words, and a quiet sigh passed through his lips. “Perhaps you are right, Daisuke. Still I want those maps back in their rightful places as soon as possible.”
Daisuke nodded his understanding. “Hiroshi-sama,” the kitsune began after appearing to think something over, “this information may or may not be of use to you, but there are copies of the maps.”
Lord Hiroshi looked at him then, obviously waiting for him to continue.
“Some time ago I drew copies of the maps. I felt it prudent to have an additional set in case of fires and such.”
Hiroshi considered this information for a moment. “Where are they?”
“They are sealed behind a false wall in my personal chambers.”
The hanyou lord nodded. “You will keep them there and tell no one that you possess copies.”
“Of course my lord.”
When Hiroshi said nothing further, Daisuke turned to exit the room but paused after a single step. He turned back to the hanyou lord and gave him an appraising look.
“May I ask you a personal question my lord?”
Hiroshi looked at him from the corner of his eyes. “I am certain that if I say no, you will acquire your information from another source.”
The old kitsune smiled, the boy knew him well. “Forgive me Hiroshi-sama, but have you told Ryoko-sama of these recent maladies?”
The hanyou sighed quietly. “It is not necessary for my mate to know the specifics.”
“So you have not told her then.” the old demon remarked knowingly.
“This matter is mine to deal with Daisuke. If Ryoko knew that the maps were stolen there is no telling what she would do. Among other things, I am certain that she would inform Hiroshi-sama, and Izumi-sama.”
“Ah,” the demon said pensively, “so you wish to keep this information from your parents as well.”
Not liking the kitsune’s tone, Hiroshi narrowed his eyes. “You will not go against my wishes on this matter Daisuke. You will inform neither my mate, nor my parents of what has taken place.”
Feigning hurt, the demon placed a hand over his chest. “And what makes you think I would do such a thing my lord?”
Hiroshi growled lowly, but there was no genuine threat in it. “It would not be the first time you disobeyed my commands.” he said giving the old man a stern look. The faint smile on his lips did nothing to set Hiroshi’s mind at ease. “You are like an uncle to me Daisuke, but not even you are above sanction should you decide to go against me in this matter. I suggest you keep that in mind.”
The faint smile broadened just a little bit and he gave a curt not to show his understanding. “Your warning is duly noted Hiroshi-sama.” was his simple reply before he executed a respectful bow. “If there is nothing more my lord…”
“You may go.” Hiroshi cut him off.
With a curt nod, the demon turned and exited the room.
Alone and in silence now, the hanyou mulled over various thoughts, among them Daisuke’s response to his admonition.
‘Your warning is duly noted.’
He had not agreed to heed his counsel, he had simply acknowledged that he understood it. Why had he not notice that before?
Clawed fingers rose to his temples to massage away an impending headache. ‘Stubborn youkai.’ he thought with a weary, begrudging sort of acceptance.
Unless he locked the old man away somewhere, Daisuke would do pretty much as he pleased. Fortunately, or unfortunately, the demon was too great of an asset to dispose of. He never meant any harm in his meddlings and was usually correct in his assessments and ideals, much to Hiroshi‘s annoyance.
The hanyou sighed resignedly before dropping gracelessly to a large cushion to brood, and worry himself over the matters of the north. The hanyou was nearly two minutes into a suitably severe headache when a series of light taps to his shoji drew his attention.
“Enter.” he commanded, already knowing who was on the other side.
The door slid opened, and a pair of emerald eyes peered inside. “Father?” Izanami’s soft voice met his ears faintly soothing to his jaded nerves. “I hope I am not disturbing you.”
His eyes softened as he looked at her. “Not at all my daughter. Please come in.”
The miko closed the door behind her and slowly made her way to her father’s side. She performed a graceful bow before gracing him with a small smile. “May I sit with you?” she asked softly.
“Of course my child.”
The miko selected the pillow Daisuke had used, pulling it a bit closer so as to be at her father’s side. For a long time she did not speak and Hiroshi again became lost in his thoughts.
“What is wrong?” Izanami asked suddenly.
The hanyou barely suppressed a shudder at her unanticipated question. “What are you referring to my girl?”
“Something has happened. The guards have been especially alert today and I have noticed that additional sentries have been placed about the perimeter of the castle.”
Hiroshi forced a small smile. “It is nothing for you to worry about my precious. Your father will take care of everything.”
The miko gave him a dubious look. “Father…” she began uncomfortably. She seemed to be struggling with something, but after a moment she pressed on. “Is this… is this about the amulet?”
The hanyou’s eyes widened almost comically. “Who told you?” his voice was harsh and commanding.
“N-no one told me anything.” she paused and drew a deep breath. “I… a few days ago, I had a premonition. I cannot explain it, but I felt the amulet was in danger. I…” she paused again. She was clearly nervous, but she knew she had to tell him what she had done. “Last night before I went to bed, I… I took the amulet and hid it in my chambers.”
Hiroshi gasped audibly. “You have it??!!”
“Y-yes father. Please forgive me! I was just…”
“Do you have the maps as well?!”
“The maps?” her brows drew together in confusion. “No father. I do not have the maps. Are you… are you saying that the maps are missing?”
Realizing that he had said too much, Hiroshi said nothing further and turned away.
“That is what happened!” she said in realization. “I had believed that someone discovered the amulet missing, but…” she gave her father a long piercing look. “Someone has stolen the maps? That is what the guards have been so agitated over!”
It was a statement, but it sounded more like a question she already knew the answer to and was merely awaiting his confirmation.
“Izanami…”
“Does mother know about this?! We must tell her right away!” The miko attempted to rise to her feet, but her father’s clawed hand wrapped around her wrist preventing her from standing.
“You are not to breathe a word of this to your mother.”
“But…”
“NOT A WORD.” each word was stressed with quiet vehemence and the miko knew not to argue with him any further. Izanami sighed.
“What are we going to do father?”
“Do not worry yourself my daughter. You will keep the amulet in your chambers for now. I will trust you to keep it safe and tell no one that you have it. Everything else, I will handle myself.”
“But… but what will you do?”
Silence swelled between them.
“Father,” she began hesitantly. “You… do realize that I am your only heir at the moment. You cannot continue to shelter me forever. As it is now, I am in line for the northern rule when the time comes. I am certain that I will one day have to deal with these kinds of things. Please talk to me, I promise that anything we discuss will remain between you and I alone.”
Hiroshi thought over her words knowing they were true, but begrudging the fact that they were. A big part of him wanted her to remain a child forever, but he knew such things were not possible. She was an adult now, and as much as he detested the notion, he needed to start treating her as such. Still somewhat indecisive, he looked into her beseeching emerald eyes. Another quiet sigh escaped him. “I have not yet constructed a plan to recover the maps.”
Izanami nodded her understanding. “This is not good.” she murmured almost to herself. “If someone were to get a hold of those keys…”
“Whoever is after the dragon is a fool. Either that, or he is grossly misinformed. If the dragon’s chains are removed, it will kill the one who set it free. Without the amulet, they would have no power over it.”
Izanami nodded again. “But…if that is the case, what would stop it from rampaging through the land and killing every creature in its path.”
He looked at her fully then, his eyes hollow, and his features looking more aged and haggard than usual.
“Nothing.”
The miko gasped quietly, the implications of his words setting in. “Perhaps,” she began after a moment, “Perhaps we can locate the keys without the maps. We know that there is one in each region. If we can find them all, perhaps we can destroy them so that…”
“It is not possible.” he cut her off. “Not even your mother can see the keys. Only your grandmother is powerful enough to do so and not even she possesses the power to destroy the keys alone. Besides, we will not involve either of them in this matter.” he stated with finality.
Silence descended on them again, each retreating to their individual thoughts.
They had the amulet, Hiroshi thought with a small measure of relief. That in and of itself was good, but it still was not good enough. If the dragon was released it could kill hundreds or even thousands of humans and demons before word even reached the northern region. That was NOT acceptable. As lord of the north, he, more than anyone else was responsible for the dragon’s sound imprisonment, and he would not have the blood of countless innocents on his hands.
“Maybe,” Izanami spoke up finally, drawing her father’s attention again. “Maybe there is another solution.”
The hanyou raised a single brow and waited to see what she would say.
“I… have some information which may be of use.”
___________________________________________________________ _____________
Inuyasha didn’t know how long he stood in the forest after his brother had made his departure. He could not stop thinking about what he had discovered and the idea made him sick to his stomach.
Maybe… maybe he was jumping to conclusions. The thought that Sesshoumaru might be falling in love with Kagome was crazy, still all evidence seemed to point in that direction. Either that, or he was just being paranoid.
A low growl rumbled through his chest. This was so damned frustrating!! Why was he still doing this to himself? He was in love with Kikyou. Should it matter if Sesshoumaru was falling in love with Kagome? He knew it shouldn’t but it just… it just did!!
At one point he had been willing to go to hell with Kikyou, and even now he probably still would, he just… just felt so torn and confused. Even after all this time he was still so horribly confused. Kagome had stood by his side for so long, had been so caring, so loving, and devoted. She was just so… so damned important to him! It was hard enough knowing that she only wanted to be his friend now, but the idea that Sesshoumaru might be interested in her was absolutely nauseating!
A humorless chuckle broke from his lips. ‘Was this why father had two mates?’ he wondered miserably.
‘I can’t take this anymore.’ he decided after another moment. Even IF Sesshoumaru was falling in love with Kagome, that didn’t mean she returned his feelings… not yet anyway.
He felt his brows draw together in a frown. Whatever chance he may have had with Kagome was gone. He knew he could never have her now… but Sesshoumaru wouldn’t either! Maybe someone else, but not Sesshoumaru!
Maybe there was still time. Maybe he could put a stop to this before it started. He didn’t know whether or not he could, but the hell if he wasn’t going to try!
Having made his decision, Inuyasha pushed off the ground and bounded toward the village.
________________________________________________________ ________________
Hiroshi and Izanami
_______________________________________________________________ _________
Stark, oppressive silence filled a large meeting hall. Its occupants hardly dared to move a muscle as they awaited the arrival of the northern lord. Uneasy glances were passed from one male to another, each wondering who would receive the brunt of Hiroshi-sama’s rage.
Several men jolted in their seats when the shoji screen slammed open and Lord Hiroshi stormed into the room. A thunderous scowl marring his face he quickly made his way to the front center of the room. He made no attempt at formalities, opting instead to get straight to the point.
“What information have you unearthed regarding these brigands?!” his voice was loud and commanding in the previously quiet room.
Daisuke, his chief advisor rose from his silk cushion near the front of the room and executed a reverent bow. A diminutive kitsune youkai, Daisuke was known for his strategic prowess and had served the north for many, many centuries. He had been the advisor to both Lord Hiroshi’s father and grandfather and was a trusted and respected member of his court.
Clearing his throat, the ancient kitsune began to speak. “Regretfully, we have little new information my lord. In addition to the sleeping potion, they were also able to mask their scents somehow. We suspect that the brigands were perhaps shadow youkai who possess no natural odor, and who are difficult to detect during the night.”
Hiroshi growled quietly. “I do not require speculation Daisuke. What is being done to recover the items that were stolen?!”
“The thieves did not leave a trail for the sentries to follow so we have dispatched scouts to seek out information. They have been ordered to apprehend anyone who looks suspicious and return them to the castle right away.”
With his words, the room fell silent. Lord Hiroshi’s frown softened visibly, his eyes taking on a far away look. He did not like the situation, not in the least but with such little information, what more could be done? This entire situations simply did not bode well.
All eyes were fixed unwaveringly on the northern lord as he pondered the information he had just received. His audience held its collective breath, each member awaiting the hanyou’s next words.
“This meeting is dismissed.” he announced suddenly, his voice a low dangerous drawl. Not a single guard or advisor dared to question him. Demons, humans and hanyou quickly rose to their feet and filed noiselessly out of the room. Only Daisuke lingered behind.
The ancient advisor closed the shoji screen as the last sentry made his departure. Taking a deep breath, he exhaled slowly before turning back to face his lord.
“Is there anything further Daisuke?” the lack of patience in Hiroshi’s his voice was undisguised, but the fox demon pressed on undeterred.
“I do not know who the thieves were, nor do I know who sent them. What is certain however is that they were not human.” He took a deep breath before continuing, “There are few priestess is in this land possess power to see the keys. I do not know what is being planned, but without the eyes of a powerful priestess, the maps are useless. Do not place undue stress upon yourself my lord. We may have time yet to sort out this debacle.”
The tension in Hiroshi’s shoulders eased slightly with the demon’s words, and a quiet sigh passed through his lips. “Perhaps you are right, Daisuke. Still I want those maps back in their rightful places as soon as possible.”
Daisuke nodded his understanding. “Hiroshi-sama,” the kitsune began after appearing to think something over, “this information may or may not be of use to you, but there are copies of the maps.”
Lord Hiroshi looked at him then, obviously waiting for him to continue.
“Some time ago I drew copies of the maps. I felt it prudent to have an additional set in case of fires and such.”
Hiroshi considered this information for a moment. “Where are they?”
“They are sealed behind a false wall in my personal chambers.”
The hanyou lord nodded. “You will keep them there and tell no one that you possess copies.”
“Of course my lord.”
When Hiroshi said nothing further, Daisuke turned to exit the room but paused after a single step. He turned back to the hanyou lord and gave him an appraising look.
“May I ask you a personal question my lord?”
Hiroshi looked at him from the corner of his eyes. “I am certain that if I say no, you will acquire your information from another source.”
The old kitsune smiled, the boy knew him well. “Forgive me Hiroshi-sama, but have you told Ryoko-sama of these recent maladies?”
The hanyou sighed quietly. “It is not necessary for my mate to know the specifics.”
“So you have not told her then.” the old demon remarked knowingly.
“This matter is mine to deal with Daisuke. If Ryoko knew that the maps were stolen there is no telling what she would do. Among other things, I am certain that she would inform Hiroshi-sama, and Izumi-sama.”
“Ah,” the demon said pensively, “so you wish to keep this information from your parents as well.”
Not liking the kitsune’s tone, Hiroshi narrowed his eyes. “You will not go against my wishes on this matter Daisuke. You will inform neither my mate, nor my parents of what has taken place.”
Feigning hurt, the demon placed a hand over his chest. “And what makes you think I would do such a thing my lord?”
Hiroshi growled lowly, but there was no genuine threat in it. “It would not be the first time you disobeyed my commands.” he said giving the old man a stern look. The faint smile on his lips did nothing to set Hiroshi’s mind at ease. “You are like an uncle to me Daisuke, but not even you are above sanction should you decide to go against me in this matter. I suggest you keep that in mind.”
The faint smile broadened just a little bit and he gave a curt not to show his understanding. “Your warning is duly noted Hiroshi-sama.” was his simple reply before he executed a respectful bow. “If there is nothing more my lord…”
“You may go.” Hiroshi cut him off.
With a curt nod, the demon turned and exited the room.
Alone and in silence now, the hanyou mulled over various thoughts, among them Daisuke’s response to his admonition.
‘Your warning is duly noted.’
He had not agreed to heed his counsel, he had simply acknowledged that he understood it. Why had he not notice that before?
Clawed fingers rose to his temples to massage away an impending headache. ‘Stubborn youkai.’ he thought with a weary, begrudging sort of acceptance.
Unless he locked the old man away somewhere, Daisuke would do pretty much as he pleased. Fortunately, or unfortunately, the demon was too great of an asset to dispose of. He never meant any harm in his meddlings and was usually correct in his assessments and ideals, much to Hiroshi‘s annoyance.
The hanyou sighed resignedly before dropping gracelessly to a large cushion to brood, and worry himself over the matters of the north. The hanyou was nearly two minutes into a suitably severe headache when a series of light taps to his shoji drew his attention.
“Enter.” he commanded, already knowing who was on the other side.
The door slid opened, and a pair of emerald eyes peered inside. “Father?” Izanami’s soft voice met his ears faintly soothing to his jaded nerves. “I hope I am not disturbing you.”
His eyes softened as he looked at her. “Not at all my daughter. Please come in.”
The miko closed the door behind her and slowly made her way to her father’s side. She performed a graceful bow before gracing him with a small smile. “May I sit with you?” she asked softly.
“Of course my child.”
The miko selected the pillow Daisuke had used, pulling it a bit closer so as to be at her father’s side. For a long time she did not speak and Hiroshi again became lost in his thoughts.
“What is wrong?” Izanami asked suddenly.
The hanyou barely suppressed a shudder at her unanticipated question. “What are you referring to my girl?”
“Something has happened. The guards have been especially alert today and I have noticed that additional sentries have been placed about the perimeter of the castle.”
Hiroshi forced a small smile. “It is nothing for you to worry about my precious. Your father will take care of everything.”
The miko gave him a dubious look. “Father…” she began uncomfortably. She seemed to be struggling with something, but after a moment she pressed on. “Is this… is this about the amulet?”
The hanyou’s eyes widened almost comically. “Who told you?” his voice was harsh and commanding.
“N-no one told me anything.” she paused and drew a deep breath. “I… a few days ago, I had a premonition. I cannot explain it, but I felt the amulet was in danger. I…” she paused again. She was clearly nervous, but she knew she had to tell him what she had done. “Last night before I went to bed, I… I took the amulet and hid it in my chambers.”
Hiroshi gasped audibly. “You have it??!!”
“Y-yes father. Please forgive me! I was just…”
“Do you have the maps as well?!”
“The maps?” her brows drew together in confusion. “No father. I do not have the maps. Are you… are you saying that the maps are missing?”
Realizing that he had said too much, Hiroshi said nothing further and turned away.
“That is what happened!” she said in realization. “I had believed that someone discovered the amulet missing, but…” she gave her father a long piercing look. “Someone has stolen the maps? That is what the guards have been so agitated over!”
It was a statement, but it sounded more like a question she already knew the answer to and was merely awaiting his confirmation.
“Izanami…”
“Does mother know about this?! We must tell her right away!” The miko attempted to rise to her feet, but her father’s clawed hand wrapped around her wrist preventing her from standing.
“You are not to breathe a word of this to your mother.”
“But…”
“NOT A WORD.” each word was stressed with quiet vehemence and the miko knew not to argue with him any further. Izanami sighed.
“What are we going to do father?”
“Do not worry yourself my daughter. You will keep the amulet in your chambers for now. I will trust you to keep it safe and tell no one that you have it. Everything else, I will handle myself.”
“But… but what will you do?”
Silence swelled between them.
“Father,” she began hesitantly. “You… do realize that I am your only heir at the moment. You cannot continue to shelter me forever. As it is now, I am in line for the northern rule when the time comes. I am certain that I will one day have to deal with these kinds of things. Please talk to me, I promise that anything we discuss will remain between you and I alone.”
Hiroshi thought over her words knowing they were true, but begrudging the fact that they were. A big part of him wanted her to remain a child forever, but he knew such things were not possible. She was an adult now, and as much as he detested the notion, he needed to start treating her as such. Still somewhat indecisive, he looked into her beseeching emerald eyes. Another quiet sigh escaped him. “I have not yet constructed a plan to recover the maps.”
Izanami nodded her understanding. “This is not good.” she murmured almost to herself. “If someone were to get a hold of those keys…”
“Whoever is after the dragon is a fool. Either that, or he is grossly misinformed. If the dragon’s chains are removed, it will kill the one who set it free. Without the amulet, they would have no power over it.”
Izanami nodded again. “But…if that is the case, what would stop it from rampaging through the land and killing every creature in its path.”
He looked at her fully then, his eyes hollow, and his features looking more aged and haggard than usual.
“Nothing.”
The miko gasped quietly, the implications of his words setting in. “Perhaps,” she began after a moment, “Perhaps we can locate the keys without the maps. We know that there is one in each region. If we can find them all, perhaps we can destroy them so that…”
“It is not possible.” he cut her off. “Not even your mother can see the keys. Only your grandmother is powerful enough to do so and not even she possesses the power to destroy the keys alone. Besides, we will not involve either of them in this matter.” he stated with finality.
Silence descended on them again, each retreating to their individual thoughts.
They had the amulet, Hiroshi thought with a small measure of relief. That in and of itself was good, but it still was not good enough. If the dragon was released it could kill hundreds or even thousands of humans and demons before word even reached the northern region. That was NOT acceptable. As lord of the north, he, more than anyone else was responsible for the dragon’s sound imprisonment, and he would not have the blood of countless innocents on his hands.
“Maybe,” Izanami spoke up finally, drawing her father’s attention again. “Maybe there is another solution.”
The hanyou raised a single brow and waited to see what she would say.
“I… have some information which may be of use.”
___________________________________________________________ _____________
Inuyasha didn’t know how long he stood in the forest after his brother had made his departure. He could not stop thinking about what he had discovered and the idea made him sick to his stomach.
Maybe… maybe he was jumping to conclusions. The thought that Sesshoumaru might be falling in love with Kagome was crazy, still all evidence seemed to point in that direction. Either that, or he was just being paranoid.
A low growl rumbled through his chest. This was so damned frustrating!! Why was he still doing this to himself? He was in love with Kikyou. Should it matter if Sesshoumaru was falling in love with Kagome? He knew it shouldn’t but it just… it just did!!
At one point he had been willing to go to hell with Kikyou, and even now he probably still would, he just… just felt so torn and confused. Even after all this time he was still so horribly confused. Kagome had stood by his side for so long, had been so caring, so loving, and devoted. She was just so… so damned important to him! It was hard enough knowing that she only wanted to be his friend now, but the idea that Sesshoumaru might be interested in her was absolutely nauseating!
A humorless chuckle broke from his lips. ‘Was this why father had two mates?’ he wondered miserably.
‘I can’t take this anymore.’ he decided after another moment. Even IF Sesshoumaru was falling in love with Kagome, that didn’t mean she returned his feelings… not yet anyway.
He felt his brows draw together in a frown. Whatever chance he may have had with Kagome was gone. He knew he could never have her now… but Sesshoumaru wouldn’t either! Maybe someone else, but not Sesshoumaru!
Maybe there was still time. Maybe he could put a stop to this before it started. He didn’t know whether or not he could, but the hell if he wasn’t going to try!
Having made his decision, Inuyasha pushed off the ground and bounded toward the village.
________________________________________________________ ________________