InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Speechless ❯ Communication ( Chapter 2 )

(A/N: wow, I've never had so many reviews for a first chapter. All of the reviewers frickin ROCK!! Honestly, you guys totally made my day with your support and compliments. I'm updating sooner than expected because for one, I hate fanfics that have only one chapter, and two, when I get a story idea, the beginning comes to me pretty quickly. Just an early warning for this fic: Sesshoumaru is going to be slightly OC. Partly because this is an Alternate Universe fic and partly because he plays the role of an officer. Officers have the duty to protect the people, so he will seem a little nice and considerate in this chapter to Kagome. Don't forget though, he's a complete badass to his enemies. So, for your reading enjoyment, here is chapter two of “Speechless”)

 

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha, and if I did, I would have dibs on Sesshoumaru.

 

 

 

Chapter Two

Communication

 

 

 

Sometimes it really sucked not being able to talk.

 

After the tall golden-eyed man helped her up, she signed to her that he would be right back and walked away briskly, leaving her along with the other officers and the dead bodies. She wrapped her arms around her torso as the officers ignored her and started discussing the bodies. They had assumed she was deaf, so their words were not censored, and they left no details overlooked.

 

“Do you see the cut on his neck?” A low whistle. “Cut clean. The skin is not even jagged at all.”

 

“He sure bled like a bitch, though.”

 

A hum of agreement. “Not as much as the other guy. I can't even begin to count how many slashes are on his face alone. His nose is practically hanging on by a thread.”

 

“Neither of them will be able to have open caskets for the viewing.”

 

Kagome was just about to throw her hands over her ears to keep their words out when her savior reappeared and threw a cold glare their way, causing them to swallow hard.

 

“Officers,” he said, his voice startling Kagome yet again. His tone had so much power withing it, yet it was very low. Menacing without even meaning to be. “You know the rules about discussing the crime scenes in front of civilians.”

 

“But she can't hear anyway,” one protested, and his breath caught in the back of his throat as Sesshoumaru took a small step forward. As a physical move, it didn't seem all that impressive, but the officer took the lightly veiled warning to heart and shut his mouth.

 

“She's mute, not deaf. And she probably just saw whatever you were discussing take place right in front of her eyes, so kindly show her some respect.” Although the words were polite, each man shivered at the look in the molten gaze that met them. They quickly bowed and stuttered apologies to the quiet woman, who nodded in acceptance gracefully.

 

Sesshoumaru turned back to the woman at his side, and held out the towel he had retrieved to place it around her shoulders. She gripped the ends gratefully and savored its warmth and dryness. She felt his intense gaze on her and met it with her own tired eyes.

 

“I know you are probably exhausted,” his soft voice said. “But I will need you to come to the station with me and tell me what you saw. After that, we'll take you home.”

 

She nodded wearily and took a step away. When he didn't follow her, she turned to look at him. He was staring at the two bodies on the ground, his jaw clenched slightly, and an unreadable emotion in his eyes. His face was eerily blank of all feelings, and it slightly gave Kagome the creeps. He looked…otherworldly. Just as soon as that thought crossed her mind, another entered as well.

 

She waved her hand at him to get his attention, and when she had his gaze on her once more, she moved her hands.

 

Did you know them?

 

At first it didn't seem like he was going to answer her, but he reluctantly replied, “They were men on my task force. My responsibility.”

 

She made a fist with her hand and moved it in a circular motion over her chest. I'm sorry.

 

He watched her in slight surprise as the sorrow filled her gaze, and he felt that her apology came from the bottom of her heart. Slightly disturbed by it, he asked briskly, “Shall we go?”

 

She nodded and she finally got to walk out of the wretched alley. She was met by the blinding flash of lights and the dull roar of a crowd that had gathered around. Before anything could be done, her picture was taken by every major newspaper and magazine company. Sesshoumaru muttered a curse under his breath that had her eyes widening and hurried her to his unmarked car. Shoving her quickly inside, he rounded to the driver's side and climbed in.

 

The ride to the station was deathly silent, partly because one could not make a sound and partly because one wished for the silence. The streets were almost completely deserted due to the late hour they were driving, and they made it to the headquarters in record time. Sesshoumaru climbed out of the car first and walked to open her door. She was slightly surprised when he took a hold of her elbow and escorted her inside, even opening the door for her. He led her down a few hallways before opening a door and giving her a gentle push inside.

 

This must be his office, she thought to herself before she saw the nameplate on the desk. Sesshoumaru Inutai. She recalled one of the officers calling him Sesshoumaru and knew she was right.

 

“Take a seat, I'll return momentarily,” he told her before stepping outside. She listened to the ticking of the clock on his desk in irritation. The noise was getting on her nerves, and it didn't help that she was in shock, cold, and shaking uncontrollably. Her mind flashed back to the alleyway, and she cradled her head in her hands. She couldn't believe she was ever in this situation. She hated being unable to make a sound, but it actually aided her when she heard the screams of the other man and screamed herself. Of course, no sound ever escaped her lips and for that she was thankful. Otherwise, she might be the third body lying in the alleyway.

 

Her breath hitched as she realized just how close of a call she had that night. She could have been killed just as easily. Her trembling increased as another soundless sob escaped her. She jumped when a hand landed on her back, causing her to gasp. She met the calm gaze of Sesshoumaru and relaxed again.

 

“Are you ready?” he asked, and awaited her nod. The sooner they got this part over with, the sooner he could get her home and out of his way. Her tears disturbed him greatly, especially when they pooled in her dark eyes. The shock was beginning to wear off, causing more normal reactions to kick in such as sorrow and fear. He could barely begin to imagine what she saw in those long hours, kneeling in the dark, but he knew it wasn't pretty. The scent of her terror permeated his office, and he wanted to make it go away and replace it with the calming and pleasant scent of jasmine that was lurking under the fear.

 

He took out the formal police report paper and a pen. When he knew she was ready he asked the first question.

 

“I need you to start from the beginning and tell me whatever you can remember about what happened in the alley, from when you first walked out of it to when I found you behind the dumpster.”

 

Hesitantly at first, and then with growing speed, she signed what had drawn her to the alleyway, and how she watched the first man die at the hands of the dark-haired assailant. Her hands faltered slightly when she made a slashing motion with her hands, depicting the way the sword had sliced through the air.

 

“What did the two men look like? Be as descriptive as possible,” Sesshoumaru interrupted, and Kagome began to sign what the men looked like. Sesshoumaru frowned as he recognized who had killed his men. Hakudoushi…and Naraku. Damn it, I knew this was going to happen!

 

He was so deep in thought that he almost missed what she signed next.

 

Then the black-haired man left, leaving the other ones behind. He told his friend that he could do whatever he wanted to the other officer and then left. The other one…her eyes closed as her hands slowed. He took his time. He had a small knife with him and just…mutilated that poor man. The screams…I can still hear the screams in my head. He has no soul… She had to stop and take a deep breath before continuing. After he was finished, he left too.

 

“Why didn't you leave as well?” Sesshoumaru asked. “Why didn't you call us?”

 

I couldn't move. I thought that the men would come back, and even when I realized they weren't, I just froze up. I was so scared of what had happened.

 

Sesshoumaru nodded and finished writing some more notes down and looked up from one of the spaces he was supposed to fill. “I never got your name,” he said, and she found her first smile of the night.

 

She fingerspelled her name for him first. K-A-G-O-M-E.

 

“Kagome,” he repeated and nodded. “Name sign?”

 

Her hands both made the sign for the letter K and then made the motion of an archer pulling back an arrow. An eyebrow rose slightly in curiosity, and going on a hunch, Sesshoumaru allowed a bit of his youki leak out towards her, touching her senses.

 

A spark that was invisible pushed his youki back forcefully, and both of their eyes widened.

 

What the hell just happened, she signed furiously, her eyebrows drawn low over her eyes. Sesshoumaru regained his composure quickly. His suspicion was confirmed, but he was slightly surprised at the power she emitted. “You are a miko,” he stated calmly.

 

So?

 

“An untrained one at that,” he stated again. “Half of the amount of power you displayed right now should have taken care of my youki.”

 

Her eyes nearly popped out of her head. So it's true, she signed excitedly. You're a demon!

 

He nodded. “Did you get your name sign because you're a miko?” he asked, changing the topic. She was too busy marveling at this new revelation that she almost didn't reply. She looked at the markings on his face, wondering if that stood for something. At first she had passed them off as tattoos, but now she wasn't so sure. But, they sure were beautiful She blushed as she realized she was staring and hurriedly answered.

 

Yes. I found out I was a miko a few years ago and began trying to train. But it's a lost art, and the only thing I ever got good at was archery. I can't control my power. Her eyes widened in consternation. I didn't hurt you, did I?

 

He shook his head. She looked so comically relieved that he had to suppress a small smirk.

 

Thank you for tonight, she signed, lowering her eyes to the floor. I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't been able to understand me.

 

“It's not a problem,” he said dismissively. “It must be frustrating not being able to be understood.” She nodded and looked at him curiously.

 

Do you work as a translator too? Is that why you sign?

 

He shook his head once more. He was a bit hesitant to reply. “My…half-brother is deaf.”

 

Kagome nodded understandingly. Switching the topic, she began to sign again. Are we finished here?

 

“Yes,” he said, standing up. “I'll take you home now, if you wish.”

 

She stood there, looking undecided. Reluctantly, her hands moved. If you wouldn't mind, could you call my family? I live in an apartment across town, but I really don't want to be alone tonight

 

Sesshoumaru nodded and waited as she signed the phone number to him. When a woman sleepily answered the phone, he explained the situation as best as he could without shocking the poor woman. Of course, her mother was worried regardless and he promised to get Kagome to her house as soon as possible.

 

Thank you, Kagome signed when he hung up the phone.

 

“You're welcome,” he replied and held out a card to her. “If you need anything else or remember anything you didn't tell me tonight, this is my contact information. You'll need to write all of your contact information on the sheet I just filled out.”

 

Kagome took the card from him and placed it in the pocket of her still damp skirt.

 

“Do that while I see to a few more things. I'll be right back,” he said, and walked out of the office. By the time he returned, she was waiting patiently for him. “Ready?”

 

She nodded and followed him out of the office back into the car. The ride to her family shrine was again made in silence with only a few points in the right direction from Kagome. Finally, the car pulled into her driveway, and she could already feel tears welling up in her eyes as she saw her mother standing on the porch in a robe.

 

“Remember to call if you need or remember anything,” Sesshoumaru said quietly, and she nodded as she fingered the card he gave her. As an almost second thought, she removed the towel that was still around her shoulders and handed it to him. His hands brushed against hers as he reached for it, and he took an inaudible breath at the slight spark he felt from her skin. What the hell was that about? But before he could even form a response to his own question, she had exited his car with a little wave of thanks and ran straight into her mothers arms, both already crying.

 

He pulled his car away from the scene and began the ride home. Kagome, he mused. A very strange woman. She had held together rather well for someone who had been traumatized. That showed great strength. And she didn't seem to be repulsed at all by the fact that he was a demon. Usually when someone figured it out, he was either treated to their fear or their disgust. He found he didn't care for either. But the woman…she didn't care at all. In fact, she seemed rather entranced and fascinated by it. Just as he was fascinated about her being a miko. He had thought their race died out a long time ago, but apparently he was wrong. He still felt the spark from when his skin met her. It wasn't…unpleasant.

 

He frowned as he realized he had made it all the way to his apartment without once having his thoughts stray from the strange miko. He didn't usually dwell on things, but he just couldn't get her out of his mind. He turned his thoughts to the case as he rode the elevator up to his floor.

 

That damn Naraku. His team had been after him forever, and tonight would only just renew their efforts. The renowned jewel trader had a reputation a mile long, and lived up to it. It was a well known fact that he was a hanyou and desired power above all else, but the police really took an interest when he stole a priceless artifact. The Shikon no Tama.

 

It was rumored once long ago to give a demon indescribable power, and Naraku proved the rumors to be true as he slowly made a name for himself in the criminal world as a ruthless bastard who had the strength of a full demon. But that would be no matter for Sesshoumaru. Naraku had personally insulted him tonight by killing his men, and Sesshoumaru would make sure to hunt him down and make sure he was adequately punished for his crimes.

 

A dark grin flittered over his lips as his eyes seemed to glow brighter. He would enjoy making sure of that promise.

 

He slipped his key in the lock and let himself into the two bedroom apartment. He realized that the TV was on in the living room and wandered in there to see his half-brother watching an action movie with subtitles floating along the bottom of the screen.

 

The hanyou must have sensed his presence by his smell and the vibrations of his feet across the floor, because the two dog-like ears on his head swiveled in his direction, regardless of the fact that they picked up no sound.

 

Hey, asshole, Inuyasha greeted in sign as he never took his eyes from the screen. Sesshoumaru scowled as he realized he couldn't properly insult the twerp back if he wasn't looking at him. Picking up an empty Styrofoam cup that had once had ramen in it, he chucked it at the silver head of his brother without even trying to aim and hit him dead on.

 

Startled golden eyes so similar to his own met his across the room as a clawed hand rubbed where the offending cup hit him.

 

What the hell was that for, he signed angrily.

 

Sesshoumaru signed back lazily, For being a bastard.

 

Well, it's nice to see you two. Sesshoumaru could clearly see the sarcasm on his brother's face, and a small smirk appeared. He walked away, leaving the hanyou seething on the couch with only an undecipherable noise escaping from his lips.

 

As he lay in bed that night, he couldn't help but think that the woman miko's hands were a lot more graceful when she signed than Inuyasha's.

 

He realized what he had just thought and mentally rolled his eyes while physically rolling over on his stomach and punching the pillow.

 

He really needed some sleep.

 

 

 

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Okay, everyone, there's your next chapter! I really hope you liked it. Just so you know, I'm only in my second year of ASL, and I'm still just a beginner. If there is anyone out there who notices if I make a mistake about the deaf culture or insult anyone, PLEASE let me now. I respect the deaf community so much, and I don't want to make a mistake.

 

(note) In ASL, there are name signs that are used to take the place of fingerspelling out the person's entire name. I haven't learned much about name signs yet, or how one would make a name sign, but I just worked with whatever I thought best to come up with Kagome's name sign. I just make her hands have a K shape to represent “Kagome” and then an archer drawing a bow to represent her archery. I hope that works. You will see Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha's name signs soon.

 

Now, on to reviewer responses. As I said before, YOU GUYS ROCK! Especially those on A Single Spark. I don't usually get loads of reviews from there, but this time the majority of my reviews were from that site, so thank you so much, and please keep it up!

 

kAjIkItSuNe15: Here's your update, and thanks for taking the time to review!!

 

Sheenachi: I'm glad you like it, and it won't be sad for very long. I'm going to try and put more humor and action in it in later chapters. Please keep reading!

 

Nomatter: Aww, thanks for your review. It really made my day.

 

Rawhead and Bloody Bones: Ah, a familiar name. I'm so glad you're reading this fic as well as my other one. I'm so glad you like how the story is going so far. I was a little bit wary about having a fic with sign language, but I thought, “What the hell? Just go for it.” I'm glad I didn't disappoint you!

 

Mayu Asusuke: Yes, Kagome's a mute. I didn't want to make her deaf because otherwise she wouldn't be able to hear what Naraku and Hakudoushi was saying in the alley. I hope you liked this chapter and thank you for your review!!

 

Kittie le Sabre: Thank you very much. I'm glad you like my idea for this story. I was a little scared to post it, but every one seems to like it. That makes me happy. (does happy dance) Wow, now I know I'm tired. Ja!

 

Eternity Star Night: Thanks so much for taking the time to drop a note. I'm glad you like how it's turning out, and I will try and update soon. Review next time again!

 

RubyRoseOfTheBlackBlood: Yet another familiar face. That makes me so happy! Please keep reading the story, and I hope to hear from you again!

 

Huntress19: Thanks so much. I really hate to leave stories hanging, so I definitely will not be giving up on this story. Hope you enjoy the rest of the story!

 

LynGreenTea: Another buddy of mine. (strikes dramatic pose) You're familiar words fill my heart with joy and happiness. Those two words encourage me to be all that I can be… (falls over laughing) Man, I would die of shock if you ever wrote more than “write more”. Honestly, you crack me up so much, I love it! Keep reading!

 

Dream Bandit: I hope to make it more interesting as time goes on. I hope you enjoy the rest of it!

 

Megan Consoer: You know, I've seen some of your reviews on mediaminer as well, and I notice that you also say the same thing every time you review. Hell, not that I'm complaining or anything! (grins) Thanks for the review, and of course I'll write more chapters. Enjoy!

 

Sasha: Oh, thank you so much! I'm really glad you reviewed and I hope you stay with this story.

 

BirkysSpy: Well, I do try to be original even if it is a cliché concept. I'm glad you are enjoying it. Please review again!

 

Kags21: I love to write stories that are different, and I'm glad you like it! Thanks for the review!

 

Meletina: Why, thanks so much! I'm really glad everyone liked the beginning of the story, and I hope the rest of it is just as good.

 

Katzztar: Man, you gave me such a great compliment. I never think I'm creative or original, even though I try, and your review made me very happy. Thank you so much.

 

Renee: You should so take sign language! It's one of the most fun things I've ever done! And by your comment about the detective thing, I'm assuming you're reading “For Richer or Poorer” right now? I'm actually studying English right now in college to become a teacher, but I also want to write on the side. I'm a big mystery buff, partly because I wanted to become a profiler last year, but then I decided I liked writing about the lives of cops more than I wanted to be one. I hope you keep with this story and review again!!

 

StarZ: Of course you can be on my e-mail list! Well, duh since you probably got an e-mail about this already from me, but oh well! I'm so glad you like the story!!

 

Me: I'm so glad you like it and took the time to review. Thanks a bunch!

 

Fayth~Immortal: Yay, such a great compliment! I'm really glad you like the story so much. I wouldn't stop writing it for the world!

 

Wing_hai: Thanks for your review, and I hope you keep reading! Don't give up on the story!

 

Kumiko-chan: I hope this is a soon enough update for you. (grins)

 

 

 

Like I said before, you guys are awesome. Please, I enjoy reviews so much. If you like the story, tell me, and if you don't, tell me why not. In a nice way please. I like constructive criticism, not insults, even though everyone is so nice that I've only ever gotten two of those out of all my fics. I love you all! Kisses!

 

Ja ne,

Mujitsu