InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Stranded ❯ A Healed Family and a Broken Man ( Chapter 31 )

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

By: chanda

Chapter 31

A Healed Family and a Broken Man

Shippo and Hiten were in deep conversation. Shippo was loosening up with Hiten, and actually, he began to like him. Room service came, and each had four beers. After the edge had been broken, the two began telling stories—mostly about airplanes, for which they shared a common interest. He was about to respond to Hiten's question when they heard the mighty roar of Sesshomaru-followed by broken glass. Shippo growled as both men turned towards the door. They could hear Inuyasha cursing as well, and then a sudden boom resounded out in the hallway.

Shippo snarled, “What in the hell was that? Let's go, Hiten. I have to find out what the hell just happened!” Shippo said quickly as he stood. Hiten followed slowly behind him.

Inuyasha banged on his brother's door. He could hear things being thrown around the room and wondered what in the hell was his brother so upset about. He knocked. “Sesshomaru! Let me in!” No reply from his brother. This only upset Inuyasha further, and he began to beat his fist harder on the door. “Sesshomaru…! If you don't let me inside your room…I'm breaking down the fucking door!” Still, there was no response. With a frustrated growl, Inuyasha had no choice but to bust into Sesshomaru's room.

Inuyasha's eyes widened as he stepped into the room. Inuyasha could see Sesshomaru's temper as he walked over chunks of broken glass lying on the carpet. Sesshomaru was sitting on the bed. He noticed a blanket clutched tightly, and his eyes were blood red. Inuyasha frowned. Never before had he seen his brother so disconnected. He knew only one person that would send him over the edge, and that would be Rin—his mate.

Inuyasha became suddenly concerned. He wanted two answers, and he wanted them now! “Tell me, Sesshomaru!” he growled as his brother remained silent. Inuyasha tightened his fists. “Tell me, Sesshomaru. Tell me what happened to Rin!”

Kagome stood from the bed, grabbing her robe and quickly dressing. She glanced over at the phone, hoping that maybe she could make a quick call before she ventured over to Sesshomaru's room.

Walking over to the small desk, she picked up the receiver and dialed out. After a brief conversation with the operator, the call then went through.

It had been a hard day for the Higurashi family. Asuka stared at the small box with distain. Today she had received Kagome's personal effects from the wreckage.

Inside the box, she picked up Kagome's passport. Water damage smeared away the ink writing, and the picture was smudged and disfigured. It was enough to make Asuka cry as she held the passport tightly to her chest.

Asuka was grateful her family left for the evening. They'd invited her to go to the movies; however, she declined gracefully, telling them that she had too much to do at home. She knew that they were disappointed, but she just smiled and told them to have a good time. They weren't expected back until later that evening.

Now, she wished that she had gone instead of dealing with the turmoil of her lost daughter and the box full of Kagome's possessions that came soon after their departure.

Placing the damaged passport back into the box, she jumped slightly when she heard the phone ring. Confused as to who would be calling this time in the evening, she quickly rushed over to the phone—hoping that it wasn't more bad news.

“Hello,” Asuka asked with a hesitant tone. She prayed that it was not the police on the other line.

“Mom…”

Asuka almost dropped the phone, “Kagome…?” she couldn't believe that this was her daughter on the other line. Her eyes widened; she began to feel delusional. Asuka didn't believe in spirits or ghosts. This had to be a cruel joke…a joke that sounded much like her daughter when she was alive. The line was silent on the other end. “Whoever this is…this isn't funny…my daughter is dead! So stop calling me and harassing me!” Asuka was on the verge of tears. She was about to hang up on the caller when she heard the reply.

“Mom…it's really me...Kagome! I survived the plane crash, and I'll be coming home soon.”

Asuka felt her knees buckle as she landed on the tile floor. It was her. It was Kagome! She could feel the tears rolling off her face. Unbridled emotion swept over her joyously. My baby…“My baby is alive…Kagome?”

“Yes mom…alive and well! I cannot talk long, but I had an opportunity to use the phone.”

Like any rational mother, she needed answers to fill her inquires. “Where are you? Are you hurt? Why didn't you call sooner?” She could hear her daughter take a deep breath. Asuka listened carefully as her daughter filled her in on the details.

“Mom, I have to go now. Tell the family that I miss them and love them. In addition, could you let my company know that I am well? I don't think I will be able to contact them?”

“Of course dear. Please be careful!” Asuka smiled. “I love you, baby. Come home safely.”

“I love you too, mom!”

Asuka frowned as she listened to the click on the other line. Hanging up the phone, she walked over the box full of personal items. Lifting the box, she carried it upstairs and placed it in her daughter's room. She figured her daughter could now sort through her belongings, salvaging what she could.

Asuka returned downstairs and sat on her sofa, waiting for the rest of her family to return home, so she could share the good news.

Kagome hung up the phone; she had to wipe away a stray tear. Of course, she couldn't tell her mother everything but told her enough to keep her questions to a minimal. She felt bad for doing so, but she didn't want her mother to worry further. Feeling somewhat relieved, she finally managed to talk with her mom. She stood up and decided to go to Sesshomaru's room. `Inuyasha must be wondering where I am.'

Shippo and Hiten ran into the room. Shippo stood stunned; never in his life did he see the mighty giant fall. There was something about the angry blank stare or the way Sesshomaru clutched the blanket in his tightly clenched hands that set him on edge.

“Sesshomaru…?” Shippo asked hesitantly, although the demon that was afraid of nothing kept his head down. Shippo could also see Inuyasha was at a loss as well. Shippo turned to Inu Yasha. “Could somebody please tell me what the fuck is going on?”

Inuyasha looked at Shippo with sullen eyes. “Something has happened to Rin, and my dear brother won't tell me shit.” Inuyasha turned his attention from Shippo and approached his brother. Placing a hand on Sesshomaru's bare shoulder, “Please brother…let me in…let me help you! I cannot help you if you don't tell me what happened to Rin!”

Hiten stood closely behind Shippo, suddenly feeling uncomfortable. `Rin…who was Rin?' He could only imagine that she was someone close to the tall, white haired demon. He had an uncanny feeling creeping up the pit of his stomach. `What did Naraku do now?' He knew it had to be his former boss—only he could inflict so much pain on others.

“What the hell happened in here?” Kagome asked as she stepped into the room, mindful of the broken glass scattered across the carpeting. Feeling the gaze of three men, she tightened her robe. She looked at Inuyasha, hoping for some type of answer as to what caused Sesshomaru such outrage.

Sesshomaru looked up at Kagome with apologetic eyes. He seemed to calm as he listened to the small group that formed in his room. What was he suppose to say? The baritone voice repeated in his head. “If you wish to see Rin alive, you will cooperate.” How was he supposed just to hand over Kagome to that bastard, Naraku! However, if he didn't, he would never see his beloved mate again! Standing up, he growled, “I need to speak with Inuyasha and Kagome…alone!” He approached Shippo. “It's not that I don't want to tell you,” he took a deep breath, “I will let my brother decide if the information is necessary for you to know.”

Shippo, nodded. “Very well, Sesshomaru…but just remember if you need me-”

“If I need you, I will let you know,” Sesshomaru finished Shippo's sentence as he watched the fox give him a reassuring smile. Sesshomaru frowned as he watched the two men leave the room.

“Now, will you tell me what happened?” Inuyasha asked, growling impatiently. Crossing his arms over his covered chest, he causally sat down on the bed. He motioned Kagome to sit next to him.

Shippo and Hiten returned to their room. Shippo plopped down on the bed, leaning against the back rail. Grabbing his beer, he took a deep swig.

Hiten sat at the foot of the bed, adjusting his towel. He turned to Shippo. “Who's Rin?” he asked, picking up his beer he left prior to the sudden disturbance.

Shippo hesitated on answering the man before him. Yeah, they might have had a good time earlier, but how much could he be trusted? Shippo inhaled a deep breath. “Rin is Sesshomaru's mate!” Shippo watched curiously at Hiten's expressive face. He could see no deceit or any malicious nature from this man. He again was shocked when Hiten face turned into a frown. “Why do you care?”

Hiten did not respond as he looked at Shippo with sympathetic eyes. He hoped that his assumptions were wrong, and Naraku didn't take Sesshomaru's mate. `If he took Rin and wants Sesshomaru to know, then he must want something in trade.' He knew how his boss ran business—Naraku always got what he wanted, and he didn't care how it went down, just as long as he received it. “You flew to South America with Sesshomaru. Am I correct?”

Shippo squinted his brow. “Yeah, why?”

“He sure did have a lot of luggage. Didn't he?”

Shippo eyes perked up. `Why was he asking these seemingly dumb questions?'

“He only brought one suitcase, so no, not as much as he would on a normal vacation,” Shippo paused. “Besides, what does this have to do with the situation at hand?”

Hiten raised his hand rubbing his chin. “Because Shippo, there were two suitcases in Sesshomaru's bedroom, and you said he only had one. Whom does the other belong to?” Hiten finished his beer. Standing up, he grabbed another Budweiser; he motioned one to Shippo as he handed the beer to his roommate. Grabbing his cigarettes, he took one out of the package. He looked over at Shippo who seemed to be contemplating what he perceived. Lighting his cigarette, he continued his evaluation, “I believe that other suitcase is Rin's.”

“Rin's…?” Shippo questioned.

“Yes, and if I know Naraku, he has her and probably wants to trade her for something important… and that something important is-?”

“Kagome…!” Shippo announced suddenly. “Hiten, if you are correct…” He couldn't finish his sentence; anger coursed through his blood. “Tell me all you know about Naraku!”

Kagome grabbed Inuyasha's arm tightly as she listened to Sesshomaru. She growled, causing the two men to look at her curiously. “I will go. I cannot let Naraku hurt anyone else.”

“What!?” Inuyasha roared. “What do you mean you'll go!?”

Sesshomaru looked down; he felt guilty and downright powerless. A part of him wanted to make the trade, and it sickened him. However, he was reassured that Rin wasn't harmed and would remain that way until Kagome was returned to Naraku!

“Do you know what the fucking bastard will do to you if he gets his hands on you again? Jesus Kagome, don't you fucking remember what happened on the boat?” Inuyasha snarled.

Kagome snapped at Inuyasha's harsh words. She knew that he was only concerned; however, he had a fucked up way of perceiving it. “How dare you!?” She hissed, “Do you think I easily forgot what that fucking bastard did to us? Do you honestly think that for one fucking minute I want to see him?” Kagome fought back the urge to cry. She absolutely refused to give Naraku the satisfaction of her tears. “I want to save Rin. She does not deserve this! I cannot let Naraku hurt anyone else. Don't you understand?”

Inuyasha stood taken back by Kagome. He felt guilty for saying such harsh words, but he didn't want her to leave him either. They were all caught up in on a big catch-22. Either way the situation went down, they were fucked! “There's got to be another way!” He turned to his brother. “Come on Sesshomaru. You've always been good at figuring shit out!”

“I will think this over, and Kagome thank you,” Sesshomaru stated. He continued to stare at the wall then face the two behind him.

“For what…?”

Sesshomaru chuckled, “Inuyasha, you found yourself a good woman—one who is willing to sacrifice her happiness in order to save someone she doesn't even know.” For the first time since he ordered Shippo and Hiten to leave, Sesshomaru acknowledged them. “Go and rest. There is nothing more we can do. I'm receiving another phone call to let me know where we're supposed to rendezvous at.”

Kagome stood as she followed behind Inuyasha. She watched him give his brother a hug, then left the room. She could tell he was upset with her, but she didn't care. She couldn't let Rin suffer and only prayed that the two brothers would come up with a plan. She sighed.

Kagome stopped next to Sesshomaru, placing her hand on his arm. She smiled up at his forlorn face. “I meant what I said; I will trade myself for the safe return of your mate.” This time she didn't hold her tears back. This time she cried for Sesshomaru and Rin. She could see the man loved his mate wholeheartedly, and this situation was tearing him up. Breaking a man she never thought could break. She couldn't say anymore and just wanted to run to her room, close the door and cry on the bed.

However, before she was able to walk away, Sesshomaru pulled her into his chest, wrapping his arms around her and embracing her tightly. Never before has a human-which he knew of besides his mate-would ever willingly sacrifice himself or herself for a demon. However, Kagome was prepared. “I promise you that if you go in place of Rin, I will do everything in my power to protect you!”

“Thank you,” Kagome said sniffling.

Pulling away, he walked over to his bed. “Go…before Inuyasha gets the wrong impression. Believe me; he's already going to be upset that my scent is on you.”

Kagome smirked. “Well, that's his problem, isn't it?” With that said, she briskly walked out of the room. `Let that dog-boy try to be upset with me on a night like tonight!'

Rin was given a room with an outdoor patio. She looked down and frowned. There was no means of escape. She wanted to flee yet probably wouldn't get very far. The eerie noises coming form the jungle also deterred her decision. So instead, she gazed up at the million twinkling stars that shimmered over the night sky.

Rin closed her eyes; her thoughts drifting towards her mate. She knew that he'd been given the news, and tomorrow was the day she would be freed, but at what cost? She frowned; Kagome-she was the cost of her freedom. If there was only something she could do… Yet, nothing came to mind, and this frustrated her further. “Naraku…damn you!”

Naraku stood by Rin's door as he quietly opened it. Crimson eyes adjusted easily to the dark, and he silently chuckled as he heard her curse him. However, his mind fantasized that tomorrow evening Kagome would be with him. He shivered with excitement and closed the door, leaving his prisoner to her thoughts; he smiled exuberantly as he retired to his room for the rest of the evening.