InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Stranded ❯ Change is Good ( Chapter 17 )

 

Chapter 17

Change is Good

 

 

 

Naraku pulled his long black hair into a tight ponytail. With an arrogant grin, he smoothed out his black oxford, leaving only the top buttons undone. He was proud of his masculine chest, and didn't have a problem showing it off. He wanted to look good for Kagome, as he continued to enamor himself in the gold plated mirror, hanging in the foyer.

 

His white nose-candy lay before him, resting on the black and white marble table. He looked hungrily at the three white lines. Picking up the straw lying next to his drug, he quickly inhaled feeling exuberant afterwards.

 

He would meet up with Bankotsu who had two dogs waiting for him at the elderly women's house. He frowned trying to recall her name, smirking he remembered. “Ah, yes. Alessandra…yes that was her name.” He smiled with malicious intent. Dropping the straw, he wiped his nose, and then headed towards the atrium where his men were waiting.

 

 

Approaching his private helicopter, Naraku lowered his head and stepped inside avoiding the swirling blades. `Soon my Bonita…soon.' He chuckled loudly. He felt the aircraft hover over the ground, and soon they heading away from his diminishing mansion.

 

 

 

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Shippo landed, as the sea splashed around them. He noticed a small boat that now was floating adrift. “That's odd,” he didn't realize that he'd said it allowed.

 

Sesshomaru gave Shippo an awkward glance, “and what would that be?” he questioned.

 

“It's probably nothing.” Shippo shook his head negatively, but couldn't hide the truth from Sesshomaru. “It was just a small boat, floating out to sea. Apparently, no one cared to tie it to the dock.”

 

“Where are we anyways?” Sesshomaru asked, none of this part of town looked familiar. He was also curious about the boat. `Why would someone forget to tie it?' Leaning over he noticed that the small craft was nice. He had seen one before. However, the one he'd seen belonged on his friends yacht. His eyes widened with recognition.

 

Shippo looked at Sesshomaru, “We're in Venezuela.” He replied however, he knew Sesshomaru and he held that same look back on the island. “Sesshomaru-?”

 

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes, “Why are we here? And not in Guyana?” However, his main interest was about the fancy boat floating adrift. He looked around, but couldn't see the ship that carried the small vessel. He didn't comment on what his thoughts were. He was still waiting for a response from the kit.

 

Shippo took in a deep breath, knowing that Sesshomaru was indeed angry. “Needed to stop and see about gassing up my baby.” He answered quickly, as he patted his hand on the yoke.

 

`His baby?' Sesshomaru thought. This plane was not worth the title, and it surprised him that in was still intact. He needed to get back to his suite, to make some calls. In the meantime, he would investigate this boat. Pulling out his wallet, he gave some cash to Shippo. “Go into town and bring me back a pair of pants.”

 

“Why would you need a change of clothes?” Shippo could not help but ask, as the plane's pontoons hit the sandy bank. He turned off the engine as the propellers slowly stopped spinning, as the engines sputtered out black smoke.

 

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes. “If you must know, I'm going to check out that boat. It's far to nice to be with all those others boats out in the harbor. Not to mention that it's also not tied down.” He said as he pointed over to port and took off his headset. Since the engine was off, there was no point leaving them on? “Someone must have been in a hurry, not to tie down an expensive boat.”

 

Shippo nodded in agreement.

 

Sesshomaru took off his attire except for his pants. Taking one last glance at Shippo, “You'd better not come back without a pair of pants.” Grabbing a piece of paper stuffed in the cubby as well as a pen. He wrote down his pants size. “Here, now there should be no excuse, to why you came back empty handed.” He sure the hell didn't want to walk around the area, with wet pants—even though his lower half was wet. The unbearable humidity would make him feel sticker, than he was already feeling at this moment. He only hoped that the waters of the ocean would cool him down.

 

Shippo began to protest but Sesshomaru's growl hushed him. Instead, Shippo stepped out of the plane, as he stepped on one of the pontoons; desperately trying not to get his feet wet. With a graceful leap, he was onshore.

 

With his gas-can in hand, Shippo went in search of gasoline. Venezuela was modernized City after all. He'd also hoped that there was a food joint nearby—preferably a McDonalds. He could go for a tasty double cheeseburger right now. His stomach agreed as it began to grumble. `I wonder if Sesshomaru is a Big Mac man, or does he like Quarter Pounder's.'

 

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Stepping into the crisp water, it felt as good as he hoped it would. It didn't take him long to reach the abandoned boat, with his powerful strokes.

 

His eyes widened, as he caught the familiar scent of his brother, and a recent scent of mating. He growled-his brother was always the idiot, he never did commit to women, and he was upset that he left her unmarked. His brother was a fool, to even contemplate having sex with an injured woman.

 

He rumbled, as his nose became to familiarize the events of what acquired on board this vessel. There was a hidden scent of blood, and he found a small drop on the passenger's seat, along with the scent of bile. He covered his nose and continued to investigate near the stern.

 

 

His legs waded slowly in the water, as he kept afloat. He wasn't worried what was swimming underneath him. He wasn't afraid of sharks, and would be able to tell if there was something amiss with his keen instincts.

 

There was another familiar scent, the one he assumed owned this boat. He couldn't put a picture with the scent, however it was the same scent that was at the scene of his parents murder—and on the Island. He could never forget that rancid odor. It was slowly coming to him, the harder he thought. Now it clung to this craft as he pulled it closer to shore. He couldn't assume that it was the same as the man who his father last seen alive—because the scent was different. He closed his eyes, taking in a deep breath. `How could that man's scent be mixed into the scent of death?' He would keep to himself, for now.

 

 

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Shippo watched the Sesshomaru carefully. It had been thirty minutes, since he last departed. In one hand, he held the gas can. In the other, the two bags from Mc Donald's and a plastic bag with a new set of clothing. He couldn't believe that Sesshomaru was still messing around with that boat. `I wonder what the hell is so important about that damn boat.' He watched the elder in concern as he could see the anger in his golden eyes. Shippo wanted so bad to ask him what was wrong. Yet, thought against it. `He must have found something on that craft.'

 

Sesshomaru roared with pain and vengeance. His brain was on overload. `Does he have Inuyasha? Did he kill him as well?' Sesshomaru turned in the shallows pulling the floating craft with him. Pulling it to shore, he shook with rage. `No!' He shook away the thought, `The other scent only lingered…the monster didn't board.'

 

 

 

Shippo could now smell the mingled scents. “I smell Inuyasha.” He paused, his nose twitching seeking another familiar scent however, he only recognized Inuyasha. Yet, the boat reeked of sex, and a stale scent of death. “Wow! Even in desperate measures, he sure does no how to pick the ladies.” Shippo couldn't help but smirk. His friend had defiantly been the lady's man after Kikyo.

 

 

 

Sesshomaru growled, and was about to retort, but Shippo cut him off. “Well at least we have another scent to go by. Maybe she is still with him and their here.”

 

“Shippo, I didn't think you had an intelligent side to you. That's the best suggestion you've had yet.” Sesshomaru said, sardonically.

 

Shippo growled loudly, showing off his small fox canines. “Ah, yes. Because, the all mighty Sesshomaru couldn't think of something so simple himself.”

 

Sesshomaru snorted, “I've already planned my next route.”

 

“Oh and what would that be? They could be anywhere and I don't think your bond to your brother is going to help you either.”

 

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes. He for one did not liked being questioned. He too wanted answers, so he could kill the thing that butchered his family.

 

“Well?” Shippo asked calmly, while walking over to the plane and placing the gas can inside. He would gas the plane later; he'd probably have to go for a second trip. “However, you still didn't answer me. What is your new plan of action?”

 

Sesshomaru smirked, his eyes held serious gaze as he watched the kit. “First off, what did you buy me?” He asked pointing to the bags, Shippo carried, avoiding the question.

 

Shippo shrugged his shoulders; he'd probably never get a straight answer out of the cunning lawyer. `Snake.' He thought angrily, but weren't most lawyers. He shrugged his shoulders shaking the insult away. “ I got your dry attire. You'll like it and it will have the women swooning over you in no time.” He couldn't help but laugh. Sesshomaru however didn't look amused.

 

Sesshomaru was scared. For the first time in his life, he dreaded what was inside that bag. `What did the kit buy me?' He narrowed his eyes, promising a slow and unmerciful death. “Shippo! I'm a mated demon. I care not what women desire. I love for only one, I desire only one. And her name is Rin!”

 

“Touchy, touchy. You know it's okay to live.”

 

Sesshomaru growled, and clenched his fists. “What part of mated did you not understand? I also cannot stand here while you jest.”

 

“He's alive, and got himself a woman. You can only hope he's not with this thing… I smelled on that boat,” he said nonchalantly. “But one thing I know is that you can't control the situation, and life is to short to pass by.” Shippo approached him slamming the bags into his chest. “You know it may even help your persona. God knows how Rin puts up with you. So lighten up!”

 

“Shut up!” Sesshomaru grumbled. Yet, the fox was unavoidable; his very presence was enough to drive the demon mad. `Fucking kit,' he thought venomously.

 

Sesshomaru turned away from Shippo, `The nerve of him!' Opening the bags his eyes widened in horror. Inside the bag, was a denim pair of tight fitting blue jeans and a white wife beater shirt? `What the hell was he thinking?' Shaking away his thoughts, he let out a defeated sigh and dressed quickly. He'd also smelt the food that the kit brought back. Even though it wasn't something he would normally eat, and he wouldn't complain now. He really was hungry but too forlorn to eat.

 

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Sango made it up the stairs, and started pounding on the door, “ I know you can hear me! You better unlock this door…or I'm breaking it down!”

 

Asuka sat in the bed, lifting her head weakly she tried to yell but it came out as a mournful cry, “Go away Sango! I don't wish to see anyone.” She once again hid underneath the comforts of her blanket.

 

Souta and his Grandfather stood by idly watching the fiery woman upstairs, “Go you think she'll do it grandfather?”

 

“I wouldn't put it past her,” he answered his grandson solemnly. “Come I have to see how much is in the bank, so I can be prepared to buy a new door.” He knew what his daughter needed and Sango was the one to deliver the message. `Tough love.' He sighed. He also didn't want his grandson to see the devastation that was soon going to explode upstairs.

 

“That's it Asuka! You leave me no choice!” She didn't hear any response. Sango knew that she was strong enough to break down the door. All her life she was a fighter, trained in martial arts and kickboxing. She always loved the adrenaline rush whenever she fought, and this was no exception.

 

Shoving her leg up she kicked open the door forcefully, the hinges never stood a chance as the frame broke leaving a swinging door. `Hah.' She slightly smirked. Looking at the lump in the bed, she stomped her feet towards the bed, then ripped the covers hiding the sorrowful woman.

 

“Go away!” Asuka cried, trying desperately to grab the stolen covers. “ I told you to leave me alone!”

 

“And, I told you that I wouldn't!” Sango retorted. “How dare you sit up here and feel sorry for yourself. You have family downstairs that needs you! Yet, you seem to forget, that you're not the only one grieving.”

 

Asuka cried harder into her pillows, trying so hard to hide from the truthful words of Sango.

 

“How long have you been in here feeling sorry for yourself? I understand, I really do. I have lost a sister and my best friend. Unfortunately, life doesn't stop for us. I wish it did, so I never have to wake knowing that I'm the one responsible for my brothers death. However, I must continue to live. I cannot let life drag me down, and you shouldn't either.” Sango knew that she might of pushed her, but if it were in order to make her come to her senses, than she would go the distance.

 

“How dare you!” Asuka seethed bitterly. “You've no idea what it's like to lose your baby!”

 

“No… you're right I don't.” Sango snapped, but kept a firm gaze on the angered woman. “I do know what it's like to lose your parents and brother, in less than a month's time. I don't dwell on the past I can't. I have my memories. But you on the other hand, have another child downstairs, who needs you.” Sango watched Asuka's shocked face, trying to hold back her own tears. She couldn't lie, she missed her family a great deal. Unfortunately, they were never coming back.

 

Asuka regretted her last comment, she knew about Sango's life. She felt shamed as tears streaked down her sad face. “I'm sorry… I didn't mean to-.”

 

“No! Asuka don't apologize, I know you're angry. I don't hold it against you.” Sango smiled and held out her hand, “but lets get you out of bed and into the shower.”

 

“Yes.” Asuka nodded.

 

“Good! Cause when your done, then your going to go downstairs and having something to eat and spend time with your family…who needs you.” Sango beamed as she led her to her bathroom. Turning the chrome faucets to warm, she grabbed some towels. “I'm going to find you something to wear. Just remember, they need you-just as you need them.”

 

 

Asuka nodded, she would try to go on, and it felt good to be moving than to be in bed. Undressing, she flung her clothes into the hamper. She stepped in to the hot water and washed away her fears, and just needed to cope. She didn't have to forget her daughter and was grateful she had her memories. She prayed that God would help her in this time of need.

 

 

She struggled with her own battle. The part where she wished she new if Kagome was alive or if she truly lost her baby. Asuka's doubt rang over Sango's encouraging words. `How do you truly move on when, you don't even know yourself?'

 

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Inuyasha ran with all his might. He could still hear the hounds, even under the ranting of his lover. “Kagome calm down. It's for your own good.”

 

“My own good!” Kagome huffed. “Oh I see…so you can stare at my ass all day. So help you when I get out of your arms!”

 

Inuyasha just laughed, trying to ignore her small smacks. “Sure like to see that one.” He didn't mind her ass in his face not one bit. It was those damn hounds. He couldn't exactly tell how long he'd been running. Apparently, the dogs did not lose his scent, as he hoped.

 

A sound like thunder could be heard in the distance. His ears perked up and he looked up into the bright sky. `That's not thunder.' He pondered, as he decided to run towards the direction of the crashing noise.

 

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Naraku's helicopter landed next to the small hut. The powerful winds of the blades blew leaves and loose grass from the ground. Covering his eyes, he made sure that he ducked avoiding the sharp blades. He smiled when he saw Bankotsu.

 

Bankotsu was always loyal, and never questioned his motives. He watched as the tall handsome man, with a long black braid hanging freely down his back stepped towards him. Naraku turned to his pilot and waved him off. He watched as the craft hovered a bit then retreated away from the forest entrance.

 

Bankotsu approached his superior with two leashes in his hands. “Hey boss, good to see you.”

 

Naraku chuckled, “So where is this Alessandra person?”

 

“She's in there.” Bankotsu said pointing inside of the hut. “Would you like me to bring her out?”

 

“Bankotsu? Please we should be considered guests in her home. So lets give her a big welcoming.”

 

Bankotsu cringed. He didn't like the meaning of his terms. However, he wouldn't question his boss and would just bare the outcome of the situation. He narrowed his blue eyes, as he followed Naraku into the house.

 

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Hiten smiled as he sent one of his men back to ensure Naraku was on his way and on the right path. He would be a dog short, but it wouldn't hurt his hunt. He continued to follow the leading hounds. He cracked his knuckles anxiously. `Soon Inuyasha… soon.' Hiten smiled and couldn't wait to run up with the man that escaped him. `Broken, not dead.' He chanted. `Inuyasha will defiantly be broken.'

 

The hounds drew louder. That meant the scent got stronger. Hiten smiled and chased after them.