InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Saving the World: One Hanyou at a Time ❯ Sister Vengeance ( Chapter 7 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Anya to Kagome: �What was it he said last year? That you meant nothing to him except as a jewel detector.�

Anya opened her purse and withdrew a small mirror and used it to check her lipstick. �How many times has he chosen that dead girl over you?�

Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Supernatural / Drama / Action / Comedy | Type: Crossover | Uploaded On: 01.22.2006 | Pages: 7 | Words: 6.2K | Visits: 270 | Status: Completed

Chapter Seven

Sister Vengeance

A few hours later…

Inuyasha found Buffy sitting alone in the same field he'd first seen Anya. She was sitting Indian style with her eyes closed and her hands palms down on her knees.

He could hear her deep and even breaths. Her hair was swept up in a high pony tail. She held her chin up while maintaining perfect posture. She was not smiling but her face was relaxed and she seemed at peace. The wind raced across the grassy field and blew through her hair lifting it off her neck.

Inuyasha watched from a distance. `She's…beautiful and powerful.' He shook his head to clear his mind. For the briefest of moments she reminded him of Kikyo.

She was meditating. `Maybe I should leave her alone.' He turned to go.

“Inuyasha.” Buffy whispered his name and he whipped around to face her. Her eyes were still shut. “Join me.”

He walked to her and sat beside her. Buffy's words were soft, “Thank you for letting me keep the sword. I know…you didn't want to do that.”

He shook his head. “It wasn't worth the fight.” He could take it if he really wanted to, he just didn't…yet.

She smiled serenely. “You would've beaten me.”

“Maybe.” Inuyasha allowed knowing she was right.

“Not many people, men included can claim that.” His face flushed and he looked away even though her eyes were still closed and she didn't see his reaction.

Inuyasha said the first thing that came to his head. “Miroku loves to meditate. Maybe you two should start a group or something.”

At the sound of his sarcastic voice Buffy reached out, put her hand on his knee and gave it a painfully strong squeeze.

“Or not…” he was quick to add.

She released him.

“So whatcha doing out here anyway? I thought we agreed not to go anywhere alone.” He couldn't resist just a little dig.

“You did it earlier.” She stated in a monotone voice.

Buffy's dark green eyes popped open and she turned her face towards him. “Inuyasha I'm tired.”

He snorted. “Yeah join the fucking club.”

“It's more than that. Anya told me Giles is gathering girls who need me to protect and train them. There are four on their way to my house now.”

“So?”

“I don't want to lead anymore.”

Inuyasha leaned back on his haunches and hid his hands in his red kimono sleeves. “Leading's better than following.”

“No. I am the one who has to decide. I choose who lives, who dies, who's expendable.”

He had no reply.

“It used to be if I took a night off and someone turned up dead than I knew it was my fault. I could have stopped it. But I got over that. I realized it was the killer's fault. Not mine.”

A cord in the smooth skin of her jaw twitched. “But now things are complicated. Every day I am here is another day I am apart from the ones I protect. Spike is getting worse every day but this is a war and he has to be expendable.”

Her voice caught in her throat. Inuyasha waited for her to continue, “Expendable. I hate that word so much. Last year I refused to accept that it even existed in our language. But now… now it's too late.”

A crow flew low over the field and Inuyasha shielded his eyes with his hand to make sure it wasn't a demonic crow. This bird was one of the two eyed, scare crow variety so he let it pass undisturbed over their heads.

“Buffy.”

She looked up, it was the first time she'd heard him use her name. “Your friends wouldn't follow you if you hadn't earned it.”

The wind blew counter clockwise around the field whipping her golden ponytail around her head. Then she smiled. “Thank you. You are nicer than you let on.”

Inuyasha sighed, “Yeah it's my curse.”

“It's sweet.” Buffy turned her face to the sun.

He frowned. “Tell anyone and I'll kill ya.”

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

Kagome leaned over her bag digging for a snack. “We are out of everything. I've got to go home and soon.”

Anya stood with her back against a tree muttering, “While you're back there, it wouldn't kill you to bring back some pants.”

Kagome dropped the bag on the ground and turned to face Anya. “What is your problem? You aren't my mother!”

Anya smirked. “If I was, you would be home, where you belong, doing your homework like a good little capitalist.” She leaned over and patted the top of Kagome's head.

Kagome pointed to Anya's red sundress. “Look what you're wearing! Are those heels Steve Madden?”

“Yes but I'm not mortal. And I'm not staying.”

Kagome narrowed her eyes. “What? But you look human.”

Anya stretched out her arms and spun around. Her dress billowed out from her legs. “Yes this form is quite pleasing.”

She stopped. “But I am a career gal now.”

Kagome narrowed her eyes at Anya. “What exactly is it that you do?”

Anya gave a genuine smile. “Oh it's better than Avon. I'm a Vengeance demon.”

Kagome took a step back. “Buffy's friends with a vengeance demon?”

Anya laughed, “You aren't in the position to be throwing rocks.”

“What?”

The blonde demon countered, “Oh you think I could use my powers for personal gain. Hell no! With all the downsizing lately the rules are really strict. I didn't come just to help Buffy, I have business here.”

Kagome repeated slowly, “Business?”

Anya stepped forward and put her hand on Kagome's arm. “With you silly. You love that Inu-hanyou and look how he repays you.”

Kagome sputtered, I...I don't know.”

“What was it he said last year? That you meant nothing to him except as a jewel detector.”

Anya opened her purse and withdrew a small mirror and used it to check her lipstick. “How many times has he chosen that dead girl over you?”

Kagome stood frozen in place.

Anya decided it was time to close the deal. “Don't you ever just wish..? Shouldn't he be made to pay for neglecting you?”

Kagome's blood froze in her head and she did wish. There was no darkness in her heart per say but a tiny shadow reared it's head. “Actually there is something I'd like.”

_-_-_-_-_-_

Inuyasha and Buffy took their time walking back to the others. They arrived to find Kagome deep in conversation with Anya.

Inuyasha's eyes widen. “Fucking hell!”

Buffy looked around and saw nothing. “What? Is something here?”

He growled, “Yeah your so called friend. I left her alone with Kagome!”

Buffy shrugged, “I know Anya's had her… umm… ups and downs but she wouldn't hurt Kagome.”

“It's not Kagome I'm worried about. That Vengeance bitch has it in for me.”

Buffy stopped and put her hands on her hips. “Oh really? I didn't realize you two knew each other.”

“Something like that.” He admitted then bounded over to Anya.

Inuyasha reached for her neck but Anya side stepped him easily. “What the hell are you trying to pull here?”

Anya smiled. “I merely provide a service. You're the one who brings it on yourself.”

“Kagome! What did you tell her?”

Kagome looked down and scratched the ground with the toe of her shoe.

Inuyasha pulled out the Tetsusaiga and pointed it at Anya. “If one of my ears so much as moves…I'm gonna cut you in half!” He fought the urge to check his crotch just in case.

Anya rolled her eyes and let out a long sigh. “Oh can the dramatics already. Your girl here is loyal to the tenth power of stupid. She's declined my services.”

Anya turned to Kagome. “Sorry I couldn't help you, that one's more of Hallie's or Buffy's department. Good luck with it though. And if you change your mind,” she gave a slow smile, “well you know my name.”

Inuyasha kept the Tetsusaiga pointed at her. “Start walking bitch.”

Buffy called out, “Wait Anya.” She pulled out a letter and passed it to Anya. “Please. Make sure Giles gets this. Will you be able to bring back his reply?”

Anya gave Inuyasha a pointed look. “Certainly, there is no shortage of work here.”

Then she surprised Buffy by hugging her. “You're all we have to stand between us and the Hell Mouth. Please make it back in one piece.”

Buffy gave a quick salute. “Yes Mam!”

Anya winked at Inuyasha, closed her eyes and POOF! She was gone.

_-_-_-_

Back at the home front:

They sat around the kitchen table amongst containers of half eaten Chinese take out. Dawn was asleep face down in an open book. Xander while awake wasn't far behind her. Giles kept opening and folding Buffy's letter; so much so that it was now permanently creased and could no longer lay flat on the table.

Spike watched from the corner where he sat backwards in one of the remaining formal dining room chairs. The chair back was wedged between his splayed legs and he leaned forward resting his arms atop the chairs wooden frame. An unlit cigarette dangled between his clenched teeth.

“I can't believe you didn't bloody well tell her.” Spike's voice was thick with disgust. “What the hell is wrong with you people? The least you owe Buffy after all the times she's save your stinking Scooby asses is the goddamn truth.”

Giles closed his eyes and Xander lifted his head. He looked around the gloomy assembly and raised his right hand. “As much as I really hate to say this…I have to agree with Captain Peroxide on this one.”

Anya, lying on the coach in the living room listening, called out. “That feudal world, it's dangerous. I don't know if she could concentrate on Naraku if she knew. She'd want to come back here and then C'est la Vie!” She waved her hand with a half hearted flourish. “End of mission.”

Giles leaned back in his chair so he was able to see Anya through the doorway. “Did you say this Inu-Yasha fit Spike's description of the form used by the First?”

“It's the same guy, I'm sure of it.”

Spike rolled his eyes and stood up. “Hullo, standing right here! Don't talk about me like I'm not even here.”

He fell back down on the chair. Xander grimaced as he recalled the many times he'd repaired it.

Giles removed his glasses. “Very well Spike. Why would the First appear to you as this Inu demon?”

Spike sighed, “I've no idea. I've never laid eyes on him before.”

Anya sat up on the couch. “I have.”

Giles asked, “You've what?”

“Laid eyes on him before.” Xander winced at her use of the word laid. “And I know why the First chose him.”

Xander said, “Okay super demon girl, why don't you come on in here and enlighten the rest of us.”

Anya sat down at the table after pushing the take out cartons to the side. “It's quite simple. It knows Spike has feelings for Buffy and it's trying to use them against him, make him jealous. Any mortal can see that.”

Dawn's voice was muffled by her open book pillow. “What? Did you just say Buffy likes Inuyasha?”

Willow came up from the basement and leaned against the doorway listening.

Anya pulled out a cold egg roll and chewed on the end. “No but there is a comradery between them. It wants to use you to destroy that.”

Xander interjected, “That doesn't make any sense. Spikes an indoor doggie these days.” He grinned, "Pun intended."

Giles said, “It does not need to make sense. The First wants to pit us against each other.”

Anya spoke quietly, “It's worse than that. It wants Spike to fight Inuyasha. ”

Willow was thoughtful, “Two birds one stone. If Inuyasha dies than history is altered and Naraku might win. If Spike dies it's a blow to Buffy's inner circle.”

Anya shook her head. “Spike wouldn't survive.”

Spike stood up throwing his chair down to the floor and challenged Anya. “Says who?!”

She threw him a sharp glance, “Says his huge phallic magic sword.”

Spike raised an eyebrow as he righted the chair. “Oh then, good point.”

Willow hauled in a trash bag and started filling it with take out boxes. “Are you sure we can hold this place down until Buffy gets back?”

“We have to,” answered Giles `The council…was very certain the First evil has it roots in that era. It's essential Buffy finish this quest and learn all she can. ”

Xander frowned. “It's not right to leave her there without telling her.”

Anya pulled her hair back into a hair clip. “Xander it doesn't make a difference. The Council's gone. There wasn't anything left after the blast. There's nothing she can do even if she did know.”

Spike ran his fingertips along either side of his head. “I dunno why this thing has it in for me. I help and all but I'm not essential. The Slayer can get on without me.”

Giles answered, “That is a valid point." Spike frowned at this and the Watcher continued, "I can only assume it knows something that we don't.”

Willow left the garbage bag in the dining room and pulled up a chair. “I don't understand why it would be so focused on Inuyasha. According to my research he gives the First/Naraku a good run for his money but it looks like Kagome is the one who finally defeats him. Not Inuyasha.”

Anya said, “Kagome is a miko.”

Spike interrupted, “So there's the rub, she's all good and holy and he or it cannot find a way around that.”

Anya nodded.

Giles said, “So you assume he's after the weaker target? However, this Inu-demon does not appear to be an easy kill.”

Willow pointed at Anya with a chopstick. “Is Kagome in love with Inuyasha?”

Anya's lips thinned and she studied the picture behind Willow's head. “Why would I know?”

Xander stretched and turned his head. Spike winced at the sound of his vertebra popping and cracking. Xander commented quietly, “Anya it's your business to know, come on fess up.”

Anya bit her bottom lip. “She does. If he were killed she'd be devastated.”

Spike smiled grimly, “And there's the meat of it. He's trying to get to the girl through her boy.”

Dawn added, “But the same could be said of Buffy.”

This was followed by an uncomfortable silence. Spike stood and announced in a shaky voice, “I'm leaving. I'm not jealous of this mutt-boy. I think it's quite clear Buffy's attracted to lost causes and he ain't broken enough for her tastes”

Giles cleared his throat. “The First is a master of manipulation.”

Willow said, “Yes it is. According to the old scrolls I found online, this wouldn't be the first pot shot it's taken at Inuyasha's love life.”

All heads turned to Anya. She rolled her eyes. “What!”

Willow continued, “Are you familiar with the Miko Kikyo?”

“Yes already!” spat an exasperated Anya

“Anya,” said Willow, “I wasn't…trying to single you out. Anyway he tricked Kiyo and Inuyasha into betraying each other. Since we know that's his modus operandi than it's a safe assumption that's his plan is to manipulate us into doing his bidding.”

Spike let out a rickety laugh. "It's always the women isn't it? I threw down on this stupid town and I lost to a tiny woman. I guess it's true what they say...about the female of the species being more deadly than the male and all." He stomped out the room, his leather duster billowing behind him.

Dawn looked around the table and stood up. "Umm shouldn't someone go with him? I don't know if it's safe to for him to be alone."

Giles motioned for her to sit. "If something's happens to him, we will no doubt hear the screams."

Spike yelled from the kitchen, "I'm the big bad...evil remember. I don't scream. I holler."

Giles ignored him. "This is getting us nowhere."

Xander stood, "I don't want to stay here while we decided to keep secrets from our best friend. Give me her supply list and I'll go shopping." His chair squeaked as he slid it under the table.

Dawn jumped up, "I wanna go with Xander." She followed Xander into the living room where he'd left his car keys.

Willow turned to Giles and Anya. "Guess it's just us four."

Anya leaned back in her chair with her arms crossed frowning. "No, it's just us three. Spike just left with Xander."

Willow was surprised. Xander allowed Spike in his car? Guilt pushed in on the edge of her thoughts. `He must really be upset with us if he prefers Spike's company to ours...'

How could she not tell Buffy the organization she'd supported for so long was gone?

All the rules had changed over night and Buffy had no clue. But Giles was right. One word and her over loyal friend would drop everything to make a stand that could result in her death...well her third one anyway.

The Council wasn't always on their side in fact they often got in the way. But their research was solid. Willow was torn. `That sword was connected to the people who put a major hurting on the First 500 years ago. Any chance we have at winning maybe there in Feudal Japan.'

_-_-_

Notes:

Thanks for being so kind and letting me re-write and present this story the way that it deserves!

Coming soon: Spike vs the Wal-mart Door greeter. It's a classic!