InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Scorched ❯ The Unmistakable Truth ( Chapter 2 )

Chapter Two

The Unmistakable Truth

Insanity had to have been coming over him…

He'd tried to call their home several times, and they either refused to answer or weren't home. Both were just as equally frustrating, because now he had to search them out before it was too late, and he hated being the stranger that walked into someone's home. He just plain hated not being trusted when his mission was so significant.

Now, if he had done something to earn the mistrust, which sadly wasn't an inadequacy he lacked, then he could understand. There was a reason he worked alone after all these years…

He sipped his tea cautiously in a diner overlooking the vast part of the neighborhood. He had yet to know what he would say when he arrived, and who knew? The one that taught Karate, Sango if he remembered correctly, could very well kick his ass for just implying that they were both in danger.

He glanced at the picture in his hand of the two friends at an amusement park, both in tank tops and delectably tight jeans, if he did say so himself. Sango struck him solely as someone who never puts up with anything, just by looking at her sexy wink in the picture. What a beautiful little fireball she is, too. If she truly wants to kill me, I'd die a happy man.

He absolutely couldn't wait to meet her…

Her roommate Kagome, with a slightly less muscular exterior and more of a feminine touch (but still beautiful and naive in appearance) was in more danger than Sango, though, and the one he had to reach first.

He had no idea how long it would take for the plans to be set into action, but if she wasn't warned soon, it'd be too late for her. She couldn't quite defend herself like Sango could…but that didn't mean she wasn't without her sparks; she could be just as hard to convince, maybe more, than Sango because she didn't truly believe in demons.

Sango almost had to; her ancestors killed them for a living.

He needed to get going again after this cup of tea, but since he'd been up all night getting to this point, he believed he was entitled to a small break from his poor, aching feet. Surely the goddess's that awaited him could handle themselves until he arrived.

With a smirk he continued to glance at the picture, wondering what surprises these women held for him. If it weren't a life or death situation, he'd probably feel obligated to enjoy himself, and get kicked out before he even got the chance to be as charming as he could be.

Honestly, some women just never understood him…what was the harm in admiring a beautiful body?

'Admire with your eyes, not with your hands, lecher!'

Oh yes, now he remembered…some women didn't necessarily want to be touched…not like that ever stopped him, though. He couldn't help himself, dammit!

A few times the women damn near knocked him out with their punches, but he had yet to find a girl that could put him into unconsciousness. Any woman that could knock him out, with as many times as he'd been hit, would be a woman he should look into being with. A woman that could 'keep him in line' as his mother had often told him, would be the perfect woman for him.

It wasn't like he had time to settle down, though, and their involvement with him could very well endanger their own lives. But it was a nice thought.

Alas, I'm stuck here, running around, trying to save the lives of beautiful women, and for what? For the entirety of mankind? I'm but one person; how can the gods put so much upon my shoulders?

But they were beautiful women…and single.

…I have a job to do!

His senses picked up the traces of an uneasy darkness not too far off. All thoughts of lechery and humor faded away into seriousness as the looming blackness steadily gained distance over portions of the city. He was the only one in the diner who noticed; no normal humans could see or feel such a presence.

It was time to move and find his target, and fast. If they weren't warned of the upcoming dangers, both could wind up dead…and then the human race would pretty much lack hope, too. The darkness could be a form of something purely evil, or it could be the remnants of a very pissed off demon on the prowl, and either could be after his goal. Whatever it is, it can't be good…

He left more than enough money on the table and left with an urgency that had a few customers concerned. The night sky was even darker to him now, and something hung in the air, thick and unwelcoming. His skin crawled and itched at the sensation of demon presence, but it only made him walk further into the neighborhood.

I need to go to Sango and Kagome's home, tell them what I understand, and get them to evacuate…

A slight pull at his senses had him walking even faster in case it meant he had been spotted.

Alright, now…What the hell's their address again?

*~*~*

"Kagome, slow down!"

"I've never seen anyone like him before, Sango! He was…breathtaking! And they were the weirdest group of people I have ever seen in my life; the two behind him had pointy ears, and the chick looked like she had claws…and his eyes! His eyes are so brilliant…"

Sango's jaw hung open as she tried to register her friend's words correctly. It had taken her nearly all day to get Kagome to speak about what had her so excited, and now that she was finally telling her, the words were so jumbled and fast Sango felt like she spoke a whole different language.

"Sango…" She inhaled and calmed herself so that she could speak more clearly. "He was the most amazing looking man I have ever seen in my life. I didn't even know people could look like him!"

"Ok, what's he look like again? And this time, don't talk so fast."

Her eyes glazed slightly in reminiscing, almost as if it was the greatest memory of her life. "He was incredibly strong, I could tell just by the way his arms felt when he caught me. His hair was silvery white and much longer than mine, but he had it held back with a ponytail. And oh my gosh, Sango, his eyes… they're the most beautiful thing I've ever seen in my life."

"Kagome, you said he wasn't alone…a guy that attractive and unreal sounding has to have a girlfriend," Sango reasoned in hopes that her friend didn't have high hopes for a relationship of any kind with a man like that.

"Oh, speaking of unreal…I'm almost positive that he had teeth surgically altered into fangs. And the chick walking behind him had really sharp looking nails…and both of the followers had pointed ears, like the elves from Lord of the Rings."

Her friend strangely departed from the room and headed straight for the coffee pot. "You're serious?"
"Yeah! They must have been a little disturbed, ne?"

"Oh Kagome…" She brought the mugs of coffee back into the living room and handed Kagome hers, folding her legs comfortably underneath herself on the couch. Sango focused on the coffee as if it were the only interesting thing in the room.

Sighing, Kagome finally managed to calm her excited composure enough to notice her friend's sudden change in demeanor. "Sango, you sound concerned…"

"Well…I am, to tell you the truth. Maybe he was incredible looking, but what if those people were members of a gang? Kagome…" Leaning forward to whisper the rest like a secret, Kagome couldn't help but lean in, too. "What if they were demons?"

Kagome chuckled and sat back, laughing harder at Sango's less than amused face. "That's absolutely ridiculous! Demons don't exist!"

"There's no way you could have run into three disturbed people that resemble a horde of the demon entourage without them actually being demon, Kagome!"

"But Sango-"

"Kagome, I'm telling you, there are such things as demons, and there used to be demons all over the place, running people's lives. The only reason he didn't look human is because he wasn't, ok?"

"I want your proof, Sango! I want your photographic evidence right here in my hand." To emphasize her point, she held out her hand like a five year old asking for candy, and Sango fixed her hands to her hips, belittling the mockery. "Kagome, stop that! What else could you describe a psycho like him to be?"

"A very independent, powerful and sexy intellectual! And say he really was a make-believe demon? I wouldn't care! He's handsome as hell and was kind to me, so take that!"

"Demons hate humans, it's a known fact. The ones that had bound themselves to humans were killed first chance the other's got."

The younger woman shook her head rapidly, her gaze becoming more than a heated stare. "You just don't like it because the person I bumped into is a man!"

It was now officially time to calm down; Kagome was growing angry, which would result in her anger if the wrong things were said, and that rarely happened between the two of them. She most certainly did not want a fight. "That's not-"

"Admit it, Sango! You just don't want me to get close to anybody, either, just because you're scared to! Well I'll do whatever the hell I want to because I'm an adult and I am fully capable of making my own decisions!"

"You know what? Do whatever you want! You don't even care that I'm trying to help you, you never did!" Furious, Sango stood, nearly spilling her mug of coffee but slamming it down onto the table instead. "You didn't listen to me about Hojo, you didn't listen to me when I told you that that waitress at the restaurant was known to put laxatives in the coffee of the people she hates, and now you won't even listen to me about this! Well I'm tired of helping you, Kagome! From now on, just look out for your goddamn self, and forget I even exist."

With that, the fuming woman grabbed her purse and coat off the coat rack and left without another word, slamming the door firmly behind her.

Kagome was livid. Just where did that woman get off trying to frighten her about everything she ever did in her life? She couldn't possibly be right about any of that stuff!
Unless of course she really was and Kagome was just afraid to accept it…but right now, common sense was not the road she was taking.

Ok, so maybe she knew she went a little overboard, and maybe she knew that Sango was right like always…but that didn't mean she had to admit that. She thought that man was the most incredible thing alive, and if she'd ever thought about having an obsession, he would be it.

But she wouldn't obsess over him because there was nothing to obsess about. He was beautiful; end of story. She'd probably never see him again.

Which means that jewel will just have to stay with me until then. That obviously wasn't a recent decision; she was already wearing it, and hiding it beneath her shirt. She had no idea why she was so drawn to it in the first place, she just was. Almost like it didn't belong with him anyway, it belonged with her.

She would have showed that to Sango, too, if she hadn't blown her top and pissed off the best friend she'd ever had. Crap, I'm thinking about the fight again…think about something else, you dipshit!

…I guess I've got some studying to do…that'll ease my mind.

And it did…for a little while. The textbook print and papers scattered all about the couch reminded her just how boring it was to study alone, like she usually did in high-school because of her high grade standards. Now that her goal of going to a great college had become reality, she tried to catch up on her social life, and Sango had been the best friend that she'd ever had, socially, intellectually, and she'd even been physical for Kagome's sake a couple of times.

Shit…as soon as she comes back, I'll apologize.

But she'd been gone for at least an hour, and by the way the air thickened around the house, she was certain that a storm would come up soon…even though the meteorologist said the night would be clear and cool like tomorrow. It really worried her, but then again of the two, Sango was more than capable of handling herself.

She hadn't meant to upset her; really…she just wanted her to be as enthusiastic about this as she was. Really, who in the world had ever heard of a man with white hair (that wasn't walking wrinkles) and the most beautiful sun-kissed eyes she had ever seen?

Sango was amazed at the details, but she had grown concerned at hearing about the fangs, claws and pointed ears. Kagome didn't know much about demons, but she thought they didn't look a thing like people. Weren't they supposed to be like giant insects and animals, not completely superhuman looking?

So maybe I'll take more of an interest in this demon thing…I'll ask Sango when she gets home.

The cordless rang, and upon looking at the Caller ID she realized it was that unknown number again. That's really, really strange…who in the world keeps calling?

She nearly answered it, but the doorbell rang, and she knew she couldn't very well ignore that for a person at the other end of a wire, so she rose and went as quickly as she could.

Carefully pulling open the door, she was greeted with a strange, handsome man and two others standing behind him. She thought at first they were federal agents by the way they were dressed, or they were the handsome leader's personal bodyguards (because of his less professional leather coat), but he looked physically able to deal with problems on his own.

With black hair much longer than her own worn up in a ponytail and eyes bluer than any she had ever seen, he immediately held her unnatural attention. There was something about him…Kagome suddenly wondered why she had opened the door without looking through the eyehole first. "Can I help you?"

The man eyed her carefully, on the verge of a smirk. "Are you Kagome Higurashi?"

"Hai…"Those ears…he's got the same elfish ears that those followers had!

His almost smirk broke into a true smile. "Well, that's a shame; you're simply beautiful."

"Excuse me?"

He sighed and shook his head, then met her gaze with a conspicuous leer. "Hojo sends his love."

Before she could react the man had reached into the room and apprehended her while placing a hand over her mouth to muffle the instantaneous scream. He stepped into the apartment and jerked her hard against his body like she weighed nothing, while the two henchmen stormed in and began a destructive search, ransacking all they got their hands on.

Even though she kicked and fought with all her strength, the strangely attractive man was like steel and was unfazed by her attempts to get away, even stood there calmly and chuckled at her. What the fucking hell! Even the strongest man would have to struggle a little!

"Check the upstairs and basement boys, and be careful; the other one teaches Karate."

"Right boss," Off they went, one upstairs and one downstairs, faster than she thought any man capable of. Fucking puppets…oh gods, Sango, please don't come home…Why were they here? What had Hojo done to her?!

Kagome barely registered the handcuffs being placed on her wrists, but it was hard not to notice the sharp nails he pressed against her neck when he finished. "Miss Higurashi, my name is Kouga. I do apologize, and if you remain cooperative you and your ass-kicking, sexist friend will not be harmed while in our care. My first request is that you not scream or draw obvious attention to yourself, or I will be forced to kill you."

The nails in her neck convinced her that Kouga meant business, so she nodded slowly. He seemed suddenly interested in the sight of her neck for a split second before the hand muffling her mouth slithered down to hold her shoulder firmly where she stood.

Kagome instantly regretted not believing in demons…

"Why are you doing this?" She asked immediately, her terror more visible than she wanted it to be.

He sighed. "Sadly, you unknowingly got yourself involved with one of worst scumbags in all of California. We're here today because of him."

Kagome wanted to bawl. Sango had been right about Hojo this entire time, and she didn't trust her friend's judgment at all. Now look where it had gotten her. "Hojo did this to me?"

Kouga grunted softly. "Don't worry your cute little head, your Hojo had no knowledge of this bag. Your Hojo is dead."

Kagome widened her eyes and began to panic, her heart speeding tremendously. What?!!

"I killed him."

A second before she had opened her mouth he seemed to sense the scream build up and once again clamped his hand tightly over her to muffle the incredibly loud screech. She continued to scream into his hand, over and over again, until her lungs couldn't take it anymore and she fell back into him.

After a breather Kagome mumbled into his hand something that sounded awfully close to 'murderer', over and over again. The look he sent her gave her the tiniest amount of relief, as horrible as that seemed, to finally be rid of a horrible man like Hojo, though it didn't help with the ransacking and the fact that he wasn't any better at all. "I may be a murderer, but even I had never killed as many people as that bastard did."

Kagome shook his hand off her face and began her frantic accusation. "You said you're here because of him! I had nothing to do with anything he ever did! I was just a fucking pawn in his plans!"

"Oh, believe me, babe, I know. That's why we're here. We believe he may have purposefully gave you something that you didn't realize he was giving you. Until we find what we're looking for, you will be getting to know me very well."

"Kouga, the other wench is not here, she hasn't been for a while." One man said while coming down the stairs, the second thug in tow.

"Yeah, and it looks like what we're looking for ain't here, either. We can't feel it…like it's not the same, anymore."

"Fine, boys, we'll just keep Miss Higurashi with us for a little while. Go cover me so I can carry her."

"Right." Both complied, leaving nothing for tracing.

Drones…Kagome hissed mentally, before remembering why they had gone out there in the first place. "Hey, wait, don't take me with you! Leave me here; I won't tell anyone anything, I swear it!"

Kouga nearly hit the ridge of her nose with the sharp point of a cold knife from out of his pocket. "Remember what I told you, missy. You stay quiet and try to act like you weren't kidnapped.."

"I don't care if you kill me." She ground out through clenching teeth. "You can kill me if you want to, but I'm not going anywhere with you, Kouga."

He huffed amusedly. "Aw, well, that's too bad…" He brought the point down towards her neck instead, just barely pressing the flat edge against her skin. "But I bet your friends and family didn't want to suffer."

Kagome's jaw fell, her eyes widening and horror clearly overtaking her body. "What?!"

"Either you come without a fuss, my dear, and do everything you're told, or your friend Sango and Mrs. Higurashi, along with your child brother Sota will die. Do I make myself clear?"

Her instinct to sob rose to the surface, but she stuffed it down and clenched her eyes shut painfully instead. She couldn't let him hurt them, and she knew he would; he had killed before. "Yes."

"Ah, perfect." Like she was a stuffed animal he threw her over his shoulder, a hand resting comfortably on her thigh. "Is it clear, boys? I'm coming out."

"Limo's ready, boss."

He carried her out quickly, yet slowly so he wouldn't seem too inconspicuous. Of course, how weird could you appear holding a handcuffed college girl over your shoulder and stuffing her in his high-priced limousine?

She also noticed something completely annoying…she thought there would be a storm, but the sky was as clear as it could be.

This jackass better not be what I was feeling…

Those were her major thoughts before being handed down to one of the thugs already in the car, setting her carefully on the seat as Kouga climbed in to sit across from her, and the other thug getting too comfortable beside her as the limo took off.

He almost gloated in victory, Kagome could see it just beneath the surface. "Remove her cuffs; we'll make her look like she isn't a horny college co-ed."

She heaved a sigh of aggravation, but she didn't complain as they released her. This day was promising to just keep getting worse and worse; maybe if she was lucky they'd cut her tongue out so she couldn't speak anymore.

Well, at least I get to ride in luxury…

*~*~*

He didn't tell them why he left.

Then again, he didn't have to; he was so angry with himself that even his aura lashed out at the others. Since neither Kitsune had ever been around him when he was this angry, they were almost certain that it would mean certain death if they did anything to further fuel it. They never questioned him when he angrily threw on his coat, ripped out his ponytail and stomped out the door. They wouldn't have dared.

Oh, he was beyond mad…

The Shikon Jewel, tightly cramped into his leather pants pocket where nothing had ever fallen out before, had fucking fallen out. If there was ever a time in his life that he would kill just to see something die, it would be right now. It was the most irresponsible thing he had ever done; he should have secured it better…it had a fucking chain, why didn't he put it on?!

He ran his hands through his hair for what had to be the fifth time in the past twenty minutes. The walk he forced himself to go on didn't aide in his mood at all.

Where the fuck is that jewel?!

He used to be able to feel it, have a mental knowledge of its whereabouts on a consistent basis, but now…now he didn't have the slightest idea to its location, or whether or not some stupid demon had already found it. If that was the case, he'd never forgive himself.

Goddammit…I gotta think…where could it have fallen out?

There was no way someone had pick-pocketed him; he was a world-class thief, it'd be pretty damn difficult to rob him. His senses could detect every person or object in sight; the only way he could be robbed is if he had been killed.

But he didn't know what was worse, loosing the jewel just because he was careless, or having some pushover actually take it from him when his head was in the clouds. Of course, it was damn near impossible for someone to take it from him because he always paid full attention to the world around him.

Inuyasha froze in the middle of the darkened street when it suddenly hit him like a ton of bricks. The woman with the blue eyes…

She had run into him and he had blindly braced himself, so anything could have fallen out of his pocket. So either the jewel hit the ground then and there, or the rare goddess from the human race had picked it up for him and was currently holding onto it.

He could only hope…

Immediately, he proceeded to the spot that they had collided for investigation. If the jewel wasn't there, he'd hunt her down by that unique scent that almost had him confused on her species.

Almost…she was too naive to be anything but human.

Hopefully she was too naïve to know exactly what it was that she had picked up, as well. He didn't want to have any trouble with her…god knows she already had enough.

*~*~*

A/N Thanks for reading! Review me! ^_^