InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Second Chance ❯ Beware the Blue Beetle ( Chapter 2 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Disclaimer: This is the last time you'll see this in this fic. Inuyasha doesn't belong to me. There, happy now?
And so the years passed quickly, with me disabled in this manner. My father fully instated my authority among the youkai in the area, and slowly they learned to fear me still, even in this form.
The cursed miko lived out her days inside my cells, but I freed her family as promised. Her sister, (what was her name) decided to stay in the castle as a servant. She assisted my half brother and father in what she could with me, becoming like a second Jaken.
But not nearly as annoying.
Soon, the miko and her sister passed away, along with my father.
The belief that youkai live forever is false you see. We only live for as long as we want to, then we pass on to our ancestors. I would guess that what killed him was the death of the human bitch, Inuyasha's mother. Humans are such a weakness, and he and I are prime examples of what their foolishness and influence can do.
The miko's curse proved potent to the very end, including the one night I become human. I've discovered that it's much like when Inuyasha becomes human, lasting from the sun's set until the sun's rise the next morning. Being human is worse than being a mortal dog, and far more shameful.
But, as humans slowly multiplied and youkai started to disappear, I found myself taking comfort in the presence of human children.
It had nothing to do with their faces, or the funny things all children seem to do. It was the situation I found them in at the time that drew me to them. I don't mind admitting that now, at least to myself. Human children are so delicate, but resilient. Their innocence is refreshing, and it sickens me to think that some of the adult humans exploit this innocence for their own devices.
Which explains Mai, Isaac, and Rin.
Rin.
I found Rin at one of the children's shelters perhaps three years ago. She sat crying on the steps her first day there and from then on I stayed with her, sometimes sleeping outside and scrapping for crumbs when the shelter decided not to take pets.
Her first foster family was a complete disaster. The couple only wanted the children for the government funds they received to take care of them. They adopted en mass, and were poor guardians for the youngsters. I did not care, for I provided for my young ward whatever I saw fit. She obeyed me amazingly enough, though I'm sure she didn't understand the yelps and barks that other dogs and youkai did.
The last week with this family was spent in a closet, comforting her as she cried yet again. She was stuffed in there for some reason or another, something that made sense to the adults around her but only served to frighten her beyond measure and to rile myself into what would have been my youkai rage.
She wept for hours, finally falling asleep against me in the wee hours of the morning on what I could only guess was the seventh day. I waited patiently until then, then clawed my way through the wall to the street outside. This was no small feat mind you, since I'm stuck with these inferior claws, but they served their purpose. I dragged Rin across the street to a neighbor's house, becoming increasingly worried about her unresponsive state. I pawed the neighbor's door until the elderly human opened it, bringing myself and Rin inside.
Rin and the others were placed back inside a foster home a day later, and this time I was allowed to stay inside the shelter with her.
Don't get me wrong, I needed nothing from them, but the need to make sure nothing harmed my young ward was impossible to avoid. It was almost predatory, but I would not allow another to harm what is mine.
Then she was adopted again, and this time this family isdifferent. I don't have to worry about her when I leave for my dreaded 'changing', they love her and protect her as if she were their own pup.
Now I'm not needed.
And it is time to leave another child yet again.
This is the routine that has developed over the centuries: protect the child, provide for the child until she finds a pack of her own. Then leave.
So here I stand, hiding (No, I'm not ashamed to say it. Time has taught me a few things, and the need to hide sometimes is one of them.) behind a few clustered bushes, watching as my little Rin searches for me. She's nearly panicking, and I can smell it in her scent. I know she loves me, but the others did as well. I paw the indigo collar around my neck, my claws clicking on the small metal tag with my given name and Rin's new pack's phone number with a sigh.
After all the others, why is it so hard to leave this one? stood completely still, watching as Rin passed the bush he was hiding behind for the third time. 'She will not rest until she finds me,' he thought, thoroughly amused by the child's persistence. 'She would wander this land all afternoon if allowed.'hooked a paw under his collar then gave a great tug ripping off the cheap plastic and watching it fall to the ground. He lowered his head as footsteps fell behind him, and a familiar scent floated on the breeze.the child behind him squealed, kneeling so she could give Sesshoumaru a big hug. Sesshoumaru rested his head on her shoulder, then moved away from her to turn back around.what's wrong?" she asked, watching as Sesshoumaru lowered his head to pick up something off the ground. When he turned around again, he held his collar between his teeth, motioning for her to take it. Rin did so slowly, her eyes wide and sad as she watched Sesshoumaru walk away.are you leaving me?"stopped and nodded once, his back turned to her. He couldn't face her tears, for they would somehow convince him to stay. He was weaker when it came to this child, this human, and he couldn't understand why. She no longer needed him, but why did he want to stay anyway?sighed behind him, but no tears fell as she looked at the collar in her hands. "Will you visit sometimes?"thought about this small request a moment. 'Why not?' he asked himself. 'I'll visit from time to time, to make sure she's doing alright. If this pack is like the last, then I'll take her away again.' He nodded once again, then disappeared into the bushes by the side of the road.leave some food out for you every night Dominion!" Rin called. Sesshoumaru mentally shook his head at her foolishness, already picturing her disappointment at the wasted bowls of food, then squared his shoulders and stepped out on the sidewalk. He glanced around for any signs of the human other humans called a 'dog catcher' before stepping out into the road
Sometime earlier that day is that girl?" Kagome asked herself as she blew the horn again outside of an apartment complex. The early morning dew drops still shone on the grass as the sun started to make its way overhead. Far too early to be up, if you asked Kagome.if I'm late because of you-"someone shouted from one of the windows. "I'm coming Kagome! Sheesh!"later Sango burst outside, desperately trying to zip her skirt, button her blouse and walk at the same time. She stumbled over a rock before she reached the car, then scowled at Kagome's laughter as she opened the car door.real funny Kagome," Sango grumbled as she picked up her suitcase. "I nearly bust my head open trying to get to this car and you laugh."sorry Sango," Kagome wheezed. "I didn't mean to laugh. If it means anything, I needed it."wrong?" Sango asked as they pulled out of the driveway and into traffic. Kagome sighed. "It's my landlord, Onigumo."really cute guy that oversees the condos I live in," Kagome reminded her. She waited for Sango's nod of understanding.the guy with the long hair and those killer lashes."would see that," Kagome groaned as some jerk cut in front of her. "Hey you jackass! Use a signal!"stifled a giggle at Kagome's road rage as she continued. "Anyway, he keeps staring at me, like I'm some sort of poster or something."might think you're cute," Sango chirped.scowled. "He might be a pervert."doubt it."pulled into another lane, then turned and grinned at Sango. "You would be an authority figure on perverts. You are engaged to one!"is not a pervert!" Kagome quirked a brow and Sango blushed. "Well, not everyday."right. And I'm the Queen of England. We're here." Kagome parked into one of the spaces in front of a large office building, reached in the back for her briefcase and climbed out of the car. She set the alarm after Sango got out and together they walked inside.course you could always report him to the owners," Sango told her, trying to be as helpful as possible. She and Kagome finished their walk down the hallway and boarded the elevator.could, but I'm not sure as to what he's doing. For right now, he's just staring. If I report him and it turns out to be a misunderstanding, I could have a problem."right about that," Sango agreed as they stopped on the 6th floor. "But you should do something."what?" Kagome joked as they entered their office. "Get a dog?"a bad idea. You need someone in that place with you Kagome. You never know what might happen."not getting a dog Sango." Kagome groaned as she sat at one of the two desks and turned on the computer. "I'm not even sure we can have pets."you are. You know you can," Sango disagreed as she punched herself in. Kagome did as well, and for a while they just typed, going down each case file before a knock on their office door.in," Sango called. The door opened, and one of the mailroom boys walked in. He dropped some packages onto Sango's desk, then took a small brown box and two envelopes to Kagome's.you are Miss Higurashi." He gave her a boyish smile, one that would have melted Kagome's hearthad she been paying attention.put them on the edge of my desk please," Kagome muttered dully, her eyes never leaving the computer. The clerk frowned, obviously displeased that his charm didn't work on her before doing as she suggested and left the room. Sango watched all this in amusement, waiting for the clerk to close the door before giggling.so funny?" Kagome asked her as she looked up from her computer screen and grabbed on of the packages.looked rather pitiful Kagome." Sango gestured to the door. "I think he wanted to leave here with your number."Sango, sure. Torture me. Like work isn't doing a good enough job as is." Kagome opened the brown box first, pulling out a small Raggedy Anne doll and a slip of paper.this cute?" she cooed as she held up the doll. "And here's a note too!" Kagome cleared her throat as she unfolded it, revealing a messy scrawl in red crayon.Miss Kagome; Thank you so much for helping me find a good family. They are so nice to me, and I have four brothers to play with and a mommy and daddy to protect me. My dolly wanted to stay with you, so take care of her as my new mommy will take care of me. Love Kyra."Sango cooed, grabbing the doll out of Kagome's hands. "How cute! Why don't my cases send me anything?"don't know Sango, but I'm sure they all feel the same way about you as mine do,"assured her before grabbing one of the envelopes. She read it silently as Sango tossed the doll up and down, then sighed.is it?" Sango asked, setting the doll beside Kagome's computer. Kagome folded the paper and sighed again. "It's Terrence."the case I had in June. The little boy who's stepfather beat him when his mother was away."I remember him. What about him? I thought he was still in state's custody."was, but this says that his mother's parental rights have been reinstated."nodded and sat down on Kagome's desk. "So he's back in the home."for long," Kagome promised. "If that guy lays one hand on that kid-"Sango shook her arm, then her head. "That's not for us to decide. We can only do so much."sighed, nodding as she picked up the last piece of mail. "I know." She openedenvelope, read, and groaned yet again.now?"new case. A little kid name Shippou. I have to go to his grandmother's today after lunch."for you. Another case will do you good." Sango sat back down behind her desk and left Kagome to Shippou's paperwork.stood on the porch of the small house, ringing the doorbell for what felt like the umpteenth time. 'Stop it Kagome!' she berated herself. 'You are exaggerating!' She leaned over to remove a rock from her shoe when the door opened.Kagome said as she stood back up, forgetting the rock for the time being. "I'm Kagome. I'm the new social worker."hi darling," the woman in the door said. She stepped aside as Kagome entered, her briefcase clasped in front of her as the woman escorted her through the house to the living room. The house was as neat as the woman appeared to be, with little traces of a 7 year old boy's antics or amusements.woman motioned toward the living room entrance, then left in the direction of the kitchen. Kagome walked in and smiled as a little boy sat coloring in the middle of the rug.you Shippou?"boy raised his head, his dark green eyes narrowing suspiciously as he glared at her. "Yeah, who wants to know?"Kagome thought as she approached him. 'Cute and rude.' She extended her hand for him to shake. "I'm Kagome."you the new social worker?" he asked, ignoring her hand. Kagome nodded, dropping her hand after a moment. "Well, what do you want?"me?" Kagome asked, feeling a little bewildered. 'All the kids loved me at first sight. Why doesn't he?'other social worker asked me a bunch of questions and I kinda figured you would too. So what do you want to ask me?"sat down on the couch beside him, her knees clasped together as they stared at each other. After a few minutes of silence, he turned back to his coloring book, completely forgetting about her.I swear, this kid is a trip!' Kagome thought for the third time since she started the conversation. She wracked her brain for any information that would be useful in getting the child to trust her that didn't sound suspicious.you like sports?" she said finally. Shippou nodded, but kept coloring. "What kind?"football, hockey, you know. Stuff like that," he said dryly, his quest to finish the picture never-ending. Kagome sighed. "What do you like to do for fun, Shippou?"stuff."that was such a ray of sunshine.' Kagome kneeled down beside him, then stretched out on her stomach and kicked off her heels, surprising Shippou.are you doing?" he asked as Kagome scooted closer to the picture. "I would like to see your picture, since it's more interesting than me," she teased. Shippou held the book away from her, frowning. "You didn't ask," he scolded. Kagome nodded in agreement.right. How can I expect us to be friends if I don't treat you like one."want to be friends?" Shippou asked, his eyes widening in astonishment. Kagome nodded. "Why?"a sucker for cute kids with red hair," Kagome reasoned with a shrug. Shippou watched her a moment, then burst into laughter. Kagome smiled back, glad to see him finally warming up to her.know, the other lady wasn't as nice as you," Shippou told her as he handed her the coloring book. "Really?"didn't do anything bad, but all she wanted to talk about when she came over here was my mom." Shippou's shoulders slumped slightly. "I don't want to talk about my mom."sat up and hugged him, mindful of her skirt as Shippou settled in her arms. "You do have to talk about her sometimes, but not right now. Right now I'm more interested in you."gently tapped his nose, a grin spreading on her face. "Really."next hour was spent coloring as Kagome learned everything she could about Shippou. What his favorite subject in school was, who his friends were in school, his love for cars, everything Shippou wanted to talk about except his mother. Kagome mentally sighed at this, but she could tell that talking hurt him right now, so that could wait for another time.smiled as he and his grandmother walked Kagome to the door. He hugged her suddenly, taking her and his grandmother by surprise.you coming back soon?" he asked, bouncing from one foot to the other. Kagome nodded. "I sure am! What do you want to do then?"want to ride go-carts!"then." Kagome nodded, making a mental note. "That's what we'll do!"he said as she shook hands with his grandmother and walked back to her car.You're car is cool! What is it?"tossed her briefcase inside, ignoring the thump it made on her backseat. "It's a Beetle!"never seen one like yours before! Cool!"smiled at him, then turned toward her car. It was unique, a cobalt blue with light and dark blue flames painted up the sides. She turned back to Shippou. "Thanks kid! You behave yourself!"will! Bye Kagome!"smiled back as she got in her car, then waved as she sped off.for the ride home Kagome," Sango said as she got out of the car. "I do appreciate it."a problem. I don't have anything else to do anyway. See you Saturday!"pulled out of the driveway and into traffic again. 5 o' clock traffic, if she heard the radio right. She groaned, knowing that the jerk from this morning would be multiplied into a dozen. She crept through the city, then turned on the quiet road that lead to her house. By this time the radio was on full blast, and Kagome was singing along with it.any uncharted territory I must seem greatly intriguing," she belted out, her head slowly bopping to the melancholy tune. "You speak of my love like you have experienced love like mine before. But this is not allowed. You're uninvited. An unfortunateslight." She listened a few moments more, then leaned over into the passenger side for her pack of cds.in the world?" Kagome wondered as her car rolled over something. She hit her head on the glove compartment, which served to irritate her as she dropped the cds and stopped her car. 'Now wait a moment,' she told herself. 'This might be a trick, you know the ones where some jerk jumps in front of your car and pretends you ran him over, then he robs you blind.' Kagome glanced around nervously, finding a row of houses on her right. 'Oh God!' she started to panic. 'I didn't run over a little kid, did I?'turned around, but found nothing in the road that resembled a child. As a matter of fact, the only thing in the road was a fluffy piece of whitewas swiftly turning red.backed the car up slowly, stopping a few inches from the fluffy white thing. She stepped out of the car and kneeled beside it. It growled, and it was then she realized.no! I've run over someone's dog!'glanced around, and finding no child running to see about the injured canine, she gingerly checked it over. There was a large gash on his left side, and blood slowly oozed from it. It's eyes were closed. Kagome moved her hand over it's nose to check if it was breathing. It was.that's a relief," Kagome muttered. She looked it over again, but this time when she looked at it's face she gasped. Golden pools of light stared back at her, and the dog opened it's mouth to growl at her. Kagome backed away slowly, not entirely sure what to do for the scared and injured animal when it whimpered and closed its eyes again.kneeled down again and slowly repeated the process of checking his breathing. This time the dog shoved its nose in the palm of her hand.squealed slightly from the coldness, then froze as what could only be explained as a velvety voice coated in steel whispered...
"Help me" eyes widened, but she kept herself steady as she finally moved toward her trunk for a blanket. She chalked the voice up to nerves as she wrapped the dog into it, realizing when she tried to pick him up that he was much bigger than her, and weighed at least 100 pounds. 'Gah! I'm over exaggerating again," she scolded herself as she managed to half-drag half-lift the dog into the back of her car. She got back behind the wheel and sped off toward the animal hospital in the city.worry Pup," she soothed as she passed Sango's apartment. "I'm going to get you some help. You'll see."