InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Speechless ❯ Hunted ( Chapter 5 )

(A/N: Okay, this time I have an excuse for not updating….really….and when I think of it I'll tell you guys. Here is chapter five…please don't eat me. And…I actually think this is going to be the last chapter. I honestly have no ideas for this story, and it's starting to sound very forced, which I don't like. Plus, I have a few more story ideas that I want to start on, plus my other story, “For Richer or Poorer” needs some TLC that I just can't give to this story. It's been fun, guys. I love you all.)

 

Disclaimer: (lawyers yelling) You do not own Inuyasha!!!!! (me) No shit, Sherlock. (bops them on the head.)

 

 

 

Chapter Five

Hunted

 

 

 

Kouga hastily dropped her hands at the sight of Sesshoumaru, and Kagome couldn't help but smile widely at the sight of him standing in the doorway, looking so imposing.

 

Sesshoumaru glanced from the wolf youkai, to a smiling Kagome, to a floor-bound hanyou with a raised eye-brow. Inuyasha scowled before quickly climbing to his feet and grabbing Kagome's wrist to get her away from the wolf. She looked confused, but didn't sign anything when she saw the look on Sesshoumaru's face.

 

“What are you doing here?” Sesshoumaru addressed Kouga. The wolf grinned unrepentantly.

 

“Can't I come and visit some old friends?” he asked innocently. “I haven't seen you guys in a month!”

 

“Why didn't you warn us you were coming?” Inuyasha signed, eyebrows lowered. Kouga looked confused.

 

“When have I ever given you warning?” He looked to Kagome, who was staring at the whole ordeal with wide eyes. “Maybe it has something to do with this beauty, eh? Are you angry because I've spoiled your time with her?”

 

Sesshoumaru broke in smoothly. “She is not your concern, wolf. And now is not a good time to visit.”

 

Kagome turned to look at Inuyasha and began to sign. “Doesn't it bother you when they don't sign so you know what's going on?”

 

He shrugged. “I'm used to it,” he signed back. Kagome frowned and turned to the two demons. “I thought you weren't going to be back until later,” she signed to Sesshoumaru.

 

“I wasn't-” he began to say, but she shook her head and gestured for him to sign. He raised another eyebrow at her, but she looked pointedly at Inuyasha, who was wearing an embarrassed look. Sesshoumaru slightly smirked before he signed. “I wasn't planning on coming back so soon, but I ended up finishing my work early and decided to come home in case anything happened.”

 

He didn't tell her how many safe houses he went to that were being watched by Naraku's men. He was good enough not to let them detect his presence, but every single thug he saw was armed to the teeth and no doubt meant business. Naraku was serious about keeping Kagome quiet, and it made Sesshoumaru uneasy. Who knew what lengths the hanyou would go through to get to Kagome? His eyes narrowed slightly at the thought. As long as Sesshoumaru was around, nothing would get to Kagome. He would make sure of it.

 

Kouga was still standing there, and his arms were crossed. “Ah, so she's Sesshoumaru's woman, not Inuyasha's?”

 

Kagome turned a bright red and Sesshoumaru just sighed. “Kagome is just visiting for a while, Kouga.”

 

“So she doesn't belong to anyone? All right then, I'll claim her. She can be my woman!”

 

At this Kagome's blush disappeared, and she just stared slack-jawed at the wolf. Inuyasha looked at her curiously, wondering what had been said, and why Sesshoumaru had suddenly tensed up.

 

The audacity of the wolf surprised even Sesshoumaru. As did the feelings that coursed through him at Kouga's declaration. They were scoffing at his words, and a fierce protectiveness rose up inside of him. He shook it off and gave a little smirk. “I believe she has a few other things to deal with before she could belong to a wolf like you. Better luck next time.”

 

At this, Kouga growled and Kagome's bewildered stare turned to Sesshoumaru. He sounded so…casual about it. To be honest, she was a little bit miffed. Of course that had nothing to do with the fact that she was attracted to him and wanted him to feel the same things for her…nothing to do with it at all.

 

Well, fine then, if he could act so nonchalant about it, so could she. She quickly signed, “Will Kouga be staying for dinner?”

 

Kouga, knowing a few signs, immediately said yes. Sesshoumaru replied no at the exact same moment. Inuyasha had to choke back a laugh at the look on both of their faces. Even Kagome smiled, and since she was still hurt over Sesshoumaru's comments, she signed, “Good. I can do the cooking tonight for everyone.” She turned and batted her eyelashes at Sesshoumaru. “It's the least I could do for imposing on you.” She gave an exaggerated look when she signed, and Sesshoumaru realized that she was saying in her own way that his casual attitude concerning her wasn't appreciated. Before he could protest, she had already turned away and was walking to the kitchen. He let out a low growl before he could help himself, and watched as Kouga walked behind her, like a stray puppy.

 

He turned with a toss of his head to go to his room, and met the mocking smirk of Inuyasha. Letting out another low, frustrated growl, he walked into his room, unbuttoning the collar of his shirt as he went. He was ready to just sit and relax when her scent hit him and he almost groaned. Of course…she had slept in there last night, how could her scent not be everywhere?

 

Quickly, he left the room and walked into the kitchen where Kouga was attempting to woo Kagome and she bore it all with a tolerating smile. This too, didn't sit well with him, and seeking solace, he walked onto the balcony. Brooding, he stood staring at the sky and wondered what was going to happen.

 

Naraku would have to be caught…Kagome would have to return to her life…and he would have to return to his. Alone, again. He scoffed at his own sentimental feelings. How this slip of a girl had managed to turn his life upside down in the space of a few days was beyond him, yet it was true. Repressing another sigh, he watched the daylight fade away into night, silent in his contemplation.

 

A noise brought him out of his musings and his head swiveled around to see Kagome standing in the doorway of the balcony, the light from behind her silhouetting her figure. He began to walk towards her, asking, “What are you doing out here?”

 

She began to sign, “Dinner is ready. You should come inside now and eat.” As she was finishing, she took a step out of the door, but her foot caught on railing of the sliding door and she began to fall forward.

 

Expecting to feel the ground meet her face, all she felt were a whoosh of air and a warm body holding her close. Embarrassed, she looked up to see the face of Sesshoumaru, an unreadable expression on his face, yet his eyes…his eyes.

 

They spoke to her. Her, who had so many difficulties communicating, understood with crystal clarity what was in his eyes. And for once, she could speak back. Her eyes, for that moment in time where everything was timeless, gave back the longing she could see within his amber depths. For one moment, she could speak….she was free. Was it possible to fall in love in an instant? To someone you hardly knew?

 

He was thinking along the same lines, yet slightly different. Was it possible that it was happening to him? A former TaiYoukai, who once shunned all humans and the very thought of love. Of course, living for centuries does change perspectives; it's just that he never thought it would happen to him in such a short amount of time. Yet he found himself inevitably drawn to her, and knew without a doubt that he would protect her until his last breath. All of this was conveyed in that split second when he held her before he reluctantly pushed her upright, his claws stroking her arm almost subconsciously. She shivered and he frowned. “You shouldn't be out here,” he said softly. “It could be dangerous.”

 

She nodded and turned to go back in the house, giving him one last look before disappearing from sight. He slowly let out a breath, and followed her moments later.

 

Now, something had changed. Whenever she looked at him across the dinner table, there was something special in her look, something only for him. Even when Kouga flirted with her, those looks were enough to keep him from slitting the wolf's throat.

 

However, when Kouga kissed her hand as he left, that was enough to warrant the “death glare” and an evil smirk when the wolf hightailed it out of the apartment. Kagome gave him another fleeting glance before she gave a small smile and began to clean the kitchen. The rest of the evening was without a lot of communication, and it was peaceful. Looks were exchanged, understood, and stored away for memories, while Inuyasha was a silent observer.

 

He couldn't say he wasn't happy for his brother. It just seemed so…weird seeing Sesshoumaru so happy. Well, not happy because he didn't smile once during the whole evening. He was more peaceful than anything. As they all went to bed, Inuyasha knew Sesshoumaru stayed awake for a long time, staring at the ceiling. As the hanyou fell asleep, he thought, it's about time Sesshoumaru got a woman…I was beginning to think he was gay…

 

 

 

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Of course, Kagome's night couldn't just stay perfect, especially when she awoke to a hand wrapping around her throat. She lay there, in the dark and blind, thinking that even if she did have her voice, she wouldn't be able to scream by how hard her assailant was choking her. She clawed at the arm, trying to be able to breathe. She managed to put her foot in a very tender position for a male, and her attacker was obviously a male, because he immediately backed away when she pressed her foot harder. Of course, that didn't mean he lost his grip on her. Instead, he dragged her up with him and held her dangled off of the floor.

 

The balcony doors to Sesshoumaru's room reflected the moonlight, and Kagome could see shadows all around her.

 

Youkai…

 

There were a whole mass of youkai in the house. Were they sent from Naraku? Of course they were. Sesshoumaru couldn't possibly fight all of these demons. She was going to be taken away and never see him again. She was going to die.

 

“Go,” the youkai holding her said to his comrades. “Kill everyone else in the house. Naraku wants to see the woman for himself.”

 

Before anyone else could make a move, the doors flew open, and Sesshoumaru stood there, his long hair crackling around him ominously.

 

Sesshoumaru! Kagome thought. She had never been so happy to see him, but then realized that he was sorely outnumbered. Her eyes met his and she shivered as she saw the coldness behind his gaze. This was the demon Sesshoumaru.

 

“Release her,” was all he said, his voice sounding completely calm. The demon he was referring to set Kagome down and held her around the waist in front of him.

 

“Naraku wants her brought to him.”

 

“Then, he's going to be sorely disappointed, isn't he?”

 

The demon scoffed. “We might not be strong enough to kill you, but we can delay you. Come and get her if you live!” With that, the demon turned and jumped out of the window onto another rooftop, with Kagome held tightly against him.

 

Sesshoumaru immediately lunged forward, but the youkai were upon him. Methodically, he clawed through each and everyone, but more kept coming to take the place of the fallen. It wasn't so much as it was difficult to kill them, but the fact that it seemed to be a never ending battle. Inuyasha had woken to the hideous smells invading the apartment, and the vibrations of feet against the floor, and ran to Sesshoumaru's aide. Two brothers fought side by side. Although the hanyou couldn't tell if someone was coming up behind him or not, he was still an exceptional fighter. His other senses had increased tenfold, and he had no problem killing.

 

The two inu brothers retreated for just a moment, and Sesshoumaru signed that Kagome had been taken away. “Can you handle this by yourself?” he signed. Inuyasha looked almost affronted.

 

“You have to ask?” he signed back. They both let out identical smirks and, as one, ran into the front lines. Inuyasha went first, using his claws to slash a path, and Sesshoumaru used his speed to jump out of the same window Kagome had been taken through. He didn't even look back as he caught the scent and ran as fast as he had ever run before through the streets of Tokyo. Inuyasha could take care of himself and take out the trash that remained in the apartment. Sesshoumaru had to take care of his own business…

 

 

 

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Kagome struggled as much as she dared on the back of the youkai as he jumped from rooftop to rooftop. She didn't want the big oaf to drop her, but she needed to get away from him. However, one thought ran constant in her mind. Sesshoumaru. Sesshoumaru would come and save her, he wouldn't be killed by all of the demons she saw enter the house, he would come for her. Tears filled her eyes and a few spilled. If he did die, she would never forgive him.

 

Soon, they stopped by another building, a warehouse by the looks of the outside. The big youkai set her down and commanded, “Walk.”

 

She walked. She was hardly in the position to argue with him, although she did feel an urge to stick her tongue out at him. The doors opened to reveal a long hallway, and Kagome felt like she was walking to her death. She laughed to herself. This sort of thing happened in movies, not to her. Not for the first time, she pondered how she had gotten herself into this mess. The darkness opened up into light, and she blinked rapidly to adjust her eyes. She was in the main part of the warehouse, and smack dab in the center stood the two faces she had come to fear above all else. Naraku stood in the center with the white-haired Hakudoushi at his side, and she cringed back. Of course, the stupid youkai behind her would not allow her to retreat, and gave her a harsh shove forward. She decided she would at least appear to be proud if she couldn't escape. She walked forward with her head held high, although her heart was pounding.

 

She stopped when she was standing in front of Naraku and didn't flinch as he walked in a slow circle around her, appraising her. He stopped in front of her, and lifted her chin to meet his eyes with his hand. At this, she did flinch back and glare at him. He chuckled.

 

“Quite the spitfire, isn't she, Hakudoushi?” Hakudoushi didn't say anything.

 

“So, you're name is Kagome, correct?”

 

Kagome nodded.

 

“I can't say I wasn't surprised that you were in Sesshoumaru's protection. He's given me more trouble over the years than anyone, but I must admit that you were harder to find than I thought. He must have really wanted to protect you. However, my contacts are vaster than any of you could realize.”

 

Kagome just stared at him. “Are you scared speechless?” Naraku asked with a smile. Kagome shook her head.

 

“You aren't scared?” he asked with a raised eyebrow. “Ah, I bet you're thinking that your Sesshoumaru will come and save you, right?”

 

Kagome nodded emphatically. Naraku frowned. “Your silence is not making me happy. I want to hear the voice of the one who has managed to escape my notice before.”

 

She shrugged as if she didn't care. She was unprepared for the sharp grip on her wrist that would've made any normal person cry out. In fact, her mouth opened, but as expected, no sound escaped. It seemed like a light bulb had gone off in Naraku's head and he smirked.

 

“You're mute aren't you?”

 

She glared at him as he laughed. “Oh, come on,” he said, calming down. “Don't you find this whole situation slightly ironic? You're going to die because you saw something that you couldn't really tell anyone. It's very tragic.”

 

Hurry, Sesshoumaru, she thought. As if she had conjured it by thought, the air suddenly grew thick and heavy. She realized that a demonic presence was closing in, fast. She had only ever felt something like this once in her whole life and she smiled when she realized what it was. Sesshoumaru had come, just like she had known. And from his youki, he seemed very, very pissed off.

 

They all turned as one to the dark hallway when they heard muffled sounds emitting from it. It was quiet for a moment as they all strained to see what had happened when the distinct sound of footsteps met their ears. His feet appeared first as the light threw his face in shadow. The only thing that appeared was blood-red eyes, like the devil. They flashed brighter for a moment when those eyes rested on the figure of Naraku and burned with bloodlust. However, when Sesshoumaru stepped fully into the light, his eyes were golden once more, and he looked at Naraku steadily.

 

“Hakudoushi,” Naraku said with a snap of his fingers. Without a word, the henchmen stepped forward and drew a sword. Sesshoumaru looked at him with a bored expression. Hakudoushi charged, and all Kagome could see were two blurs on the floor, crashing together. When all movement stopped, Sesshoumaru stood with one arm held out and Hakudoushi stood with his head bowed. When a drop of blood fell from the index finger of Sesshoumaru, Hakudoushi collapsed.

 

“Weak,” Sesshoumaru said, and threw a considering glance at the evil hanyou. “Of course, since he is an extension of you, I should have expected it.”

 

Naraku smirked. “Sesshoumaru-sama, it seems I have underestimated you. I had no idea you wanted the girl back so much. It seems as if I shall have to fight you myself. Let's see if I can finish you off as quickly as you finished off my underling. I have many more engagements tonight.”

 

“Hm,” Sesshoumaru said with a small smirk and crouched into a fighting position. “I'm sure this will take no time at all.”

 

“Well then,” Naraku said, taking off his coat. Kagome shivered as tentacles started appearing out of his body and wrapped around her wrists. “Might as well make sure your little flower stays out of the way during this.”

 

Kagome was transported a few feet back, tentacles still holding her prisoner, and she realized that Naraku intended on fighting while still holding onto her. His arrogance is going to kill him, she thought.

 

The air was filled with a charged silence in the moment that followed as each opponent sized up his enemy. Sesshoumaru wanted to get this over quickly and not give Naraku any time to counterattack. He would try and kill him in three moves or less. He charged first, claws extended. He managed to dodge at the last second as razor sharp tentacles aimed for his chest, and he redirected his body. Two fingers started to glow as he prepared to use his youkai whip, but a tentacle had managed to get behind him and grab onto his wrist. With a flick of his hand, he managed to sever the offending appendage, but found himself having to dodge from more tendrils of flesh.

 

He leaped back, reassessing the situation. Apparently, he had underestimated Naraku as well. He glanced at Kagome's scared face, and got into a fighters stance again. This was one fight he would not lose. The only way he was going to get a clean shot in was if he used his renowned speed. One clean swipe of his claws would take care of the rest.

 

With a twitch of his foot, he was off, and kept changing directions so as to throw the hanyou off. Slowly, he circled in, getting closer and closer, and was close enough to strike. He stopped right in front of Naraku and prepared to strike, when the bastard revealed the card up his sleeve. Suddenly it wasn't Naraku Sesshoumaru was looking at, it was the frightened face of Kagome. He hesitated…

 

Kagome saw what Naraku had pulled, and grew angry, more angry than she had ever been in her life. How dare he trick Sesshoumaru and attempt to kill him using her face?!! A power welled in her, a force that she had never learned to control and gripped the tentacles that held her prisoner. She was glowing a soft pink with the enormous power, and as if it were an electrical currant, it poured out of her into Naraku. The demon choked as if he had lost his breath, and the first layer of flesh on his body began to disintegrate. He was being purified.

 

Sesshoumaru watched as the “Kagome” before him slowly faded back into the demon he had been fighting before. “Kagome,” he called to the real girl. “Release him so I can kill him.”

 

She looked at him and shook her head. Either her power was so much that she couldn't control it, or she just wanted to kill the bastard herself. Either way, Naraku died slowly, and very, very painfully. When there were just ashes left, she collapsed. A split second later, Sesshoumaru was right beside her, cradling her body.

 

She gave him a tired smile. “If I had let go of him,” she signed, “I think the purifying power would have flooded out of me and might have hurt you.”

 

“Baka,” he said, watching her eyes close tiredly. “You're going to get yourself killed one of these days.”

 

He gently lifted her and began walking to the doors, his little miko close to him. She was already asleep and breathing deeply. As an afterthought he added, “It's a good thing I'm going to be around from now on to keep you out of trouble.”

 

As if she had heard him unconsciously, she snuggled closer and had a small smile on her face. He felt his own lips lift in response.

 

After all, the future had so many possibilities…

 

 

 

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Ahhhhh, I finished it!!!!!!! I know I might have left some things hanging, but one thing that my creative writing teacher told me was that I wrapped everything up too nicely. So….HA! Anyway, like I said before, I'm sorry this story isn't longer. I just ran out of ideas for it and grew bored with the idea. I hope you liked it while it lasted. Anyway, I have started a new story, for those who like my work. It is another Sesshoumaru/Kagome pairing, and I'm actually attempting to do part of it in the canon universe. It's called, “Midnight Meets Moonlight.” And get this, it's not completely AU! (gasp!) One of these days, I will do a Kag/Inu pairing, I will, but this is my favorite pairing right now, and I write what I like. (sigh) This is always the saddest part of any writer. My final thanks…

 

A BIG, HUMONGOUS, GARGANTUAN, ENORMOUS, MASSIVE, (and any other word that means “large) THANKS TO:

 

Shadowcat1028, Sasurai, happyface4ever, Amarioko, Lass, cma832744, s+s destiny, zeddy200, Sess's Sakura, fluffi li (thanks for the plushie!!!), kAjIkItSuNe15, meletina, Twilyt Bitch, Mirage and Mirokiki, clavira89, sakurasyth, JewelQueen, wood, moonwave, Jess16, ^.^ (lol on the SN…), SesshoumaruFan552014, Kags21, Kimmichiwa, Aspen XIII, Sasha, Rawhead and Bloody Bones, Blue Rhapsody3, GothMistress, lady scorpio, animegirl2005, BrucesGirl, 1kenshinlover, artemisgirl, LynGreenTea (I think that's the most you wrote yet!!), Kjinuyasha, Kagome21, SilverQuick, Lathayan, nomatter, LilNezumi LilInu, Darktemp, Yabou (I adored your review, thank you very much!)

 

All of you rock, and like I said before, check out my new story, It's called, “Midnight Meets Moonlight.” Hopefully it will be better than this one!!!! Kisses and hugs to you all, and I hope this isn't good-bye!

 

Ja ne,

Mujitsu