InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Stranded ❯ Don't Shoot the Messenger! ( Chapter 34 )

A/N:

 

Thanks for the review, I defiantly tried to keep Kagome in character, and kept some of her bite.

 

 

There are no warnings for this chapter.

 

Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 34

Don't Shoot the Messenger!

 

 

 

Shippo's ears twitched as he laid in bed listening to yelling down the hall. `Something big must have happened.' He glanced over at Hiten who was snoring soundly at the end of the bed.

 

With a yawn, Shippo nudged Hiten on the shoulder, and listened to the sleeping man grunt in protest. “Come on man, wake up!”

 

“I'm awake,” Hiten said, groggily. “What time is it?” He yawned, rubbing his eyes, and feeling a headache coming on. He moaned, “How much did we have to drink last night? I feel like shit!”

 

Shippo wanted to laugh, however Sesshomaru's stern voice cut through the humor. “Come on we have to go—something's wrong!” then arose from the bed.

 

“What?” Hiten was confused, but he didn't pry. `Shippo must have his reasons,' he grumbled silently as he got up from the bed and carefully followed Shippo, avoiding the litter of beer bottles.

 

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Inuyashas' gripped tightened around Kagome, as she continued to weep in his chest. In an hour's time—that's all he had with her before trading her off to Naraku. Inuyasha couldn't contain his growl, “that bastard! I promise you Kagome, he won't hurt you again!” Although he wasn't hundred percent sure—and felt bad for it to sound so convincing. Hell, he couldn't even convince himself.

 

Kagome could not stop trembling. Naraku's threat was real, and she knew that he would make good on it! He would hurt her in ways she couldn't even imagine. She closed her eyes tightly, eradicating away the unwanted memories. “I am so sorry…” she sobbed, “Rin could've been hurt…, all because of me! Sesshomaru…, please forgive me.”

 

Sesshomaru glanced over at his brother and then at her. He snarled, but not because of Kagome—but because of that thing! He stood and approached them; gently pulling Kagome away from Inuyashas' loosened hold, only for her to crash into his chest. He listened to her sob and felt remorse. “I assure you that Naraku will not live! —I'll kill him before he even gets his hands on you.”

 

Inuyasha held his head down, calming his jealous urges. He knew his brother meant well, and would keep his word. “I think we need to decide soon on our plans. —as I already stated, Naraku isn't easy to kill!” He replayed the conversation that had transpired on the phone. It was like a haunting visual image. Naraku vs. Kagome, and unfortunately, Kagome always lost. He snarled loudly, and determination deepened within himself. However, what if something terrible happened…what if Naraku bested them and Kagome was lost.

 

Sesshomaru noticed the anger radiating off his little brother. “Inuyasha…. Calm yourself. Your temper isn't going to help the situation at hand. I need you calm and focused.” Sesshomaru released Kagome, and then approached his brother placing his hand on his brothers' shoulder. “Even if our plan fails, —I'll have his scent…no, we'll have his scent.” He corrected. “We'll find him—kill him—and then take back what is yours!”

 

Inuyasha closed his eyes. The stress of this day was wearing thin and not being able to rest made him feel uneasy. Without acknowledging his brother or Kagome, he strolled past Shippo and said, “I'm going to check the front desk.”

 

Shippo walked-in not expecting the tension in the air, nor did he expect a certain friend pushing past him with burly force. With a confused look, the curious fox asked. “What the hell did I miss?” Shippo turned to Hiten watching him shrug his shoulders.

 

Hiten also could feel the tension in the air, it was so thick a knife wouldn't be able to cut into it. Before his eyes, a white blur had him around the neck. He struggled as his feet dangled below, “Sessh—?” he tried to say however, the look in Sesshomaru's eyes was fierce and Hiten had a feeling this was the end. Hiten felt the demon's claws dig into his skin and the warmth of his blood running down his neck.

 

“It would be wise to tell me where Naraku's is?” Sesshomaru snarled, as Kagome and Shippo watched in horrified awe.

 

“All…I…know...?” Hiten coughed with a groggy voice. “I-can't breath?”

 

Sesshomaru, frustrated with the human tossed Hiten onto the floor callously behind him. He was pleased to hear the sounding thud as he landed. He closed his eyes trying to calm his raging temper—taking it out on the man that worked for that monster, would not quench his satisfaction of killing him. Turning his attention to the said man on the floor, which happened to be holding his bloody neck? Sesshomaru needed answers and he needed them now! He growled, showing his canine fangs, “Tell me everything you know about Naraku?”

 

Hiten rubbed his sore neck, “Did you have to attack me?” Hiten soon regretted what he said when he saw Sesshomaru aggressively approach him. “Hell, all you had to do was ask?”

 

With a snort, Sesshomaru kneeled down next to the man, his deadly claws ready to strike if needed. He raised his left eyebrow amused, Hiten was afraid, and his body reeked of the scent. “I thought I did ask. And you should be praying that you answer my questions correctly!”

 

Shippo stepped forward, standing in between Sesshomaru and Hiten. He needed to intervene, and knew Hiten was still a prisoner- he would be used as a bargaining chip if needed. However, the short time he had spent with Hiten, the more he grew to like him. “Sesshomaru? This is not right!”

 

“Fox!-you stay were you're at! I will deal with Hiten…on my own terms!”

 

Shippo disregarded the warning as he continued antagonizing the elder demon. “You've made your point!”

 

Sesshomaru glanced at the kit, “You would be wise to listen, or you'll end up like Hiten!”

 

Kagome couldn't take all the fighting and she sure didn't want to see anymore bloodshed. She threw herself in front of Sesshomaru: fearless. “Stop!” she shouted. “All this fighting isn't going to bring Rin back, nor will it stop Naraku!”

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Inuyasha sat in a mahogany chair, as he punctured the cushiony arm rests as he thought the upcoming day, and how come he was downstairs and not with Kagome. He knew he fucked up! And growled, displeasingly. He could have jeopardized everything, because of his temperament. However with a sigh of relief, he didn't! Rin was alive and hopefully unharmed. Growing impatient and wanting to rid his thoughts, he picked up a time magazine and glanced at the clock annoyed.

 

The minutes felt like hours, as he sat in the stuffy room and hoped that the messenger would arrive soon. He was growing impatient, while he toyed around with his silver bracelet. Opening the magazine, he had turned to a page. He glanced at each picture with interest and was curiosity to the story behind the volatile photos. He couldn't focus on the article and thought about his own story…the one he was living at the moment! Moreover, how some crazed mutated freak was after Kagome—sick and obsessed? The more he thought about Naraku, revenge couldn't sound any more sweeter.

 

`That bastard kidnapped Rin, murdered his parents, and almost raped Kagome,' Inuyasha growled with a hidden hunger. Unfortunately, for Naraku, his reign of the cartel empire was going to pay a heavy price for messing with them, mainly Kagome! Furthermore, to prove his point he would begin with the messenger boy!

 

A small bell on top of the doors, jingled and Inuyasha looked up cautiously—he defiantly didn't want to seem eager, he just was curious which one of Naraku's Henchmen would be rearing their ugly face. Oh, he wanted to stand up and announce his retribution, his anger, and above all else, that he wasn't going to fail his loved ones.

 

Frowning, it was just a couple, and went back to his thoughts as he gripped the magazine tightly causing the pages to crease and wrinkle. `Why did she have to answer the phone?' he couldn't help it the anger that was building up inside him, and wanted to lash out on something, anything! He couldn't silence his thoughts—no matter how hard he tried.

 

Once more, Inuyasha heard the familiar jingle, and again he glanced up. An average sized man with a white short sleeve Polo shirt and light beige kakis walked in. Inuyasha's eyes widen in familiarity. The man played with his black ponytail, while carrying a large manila envelope. Suddenly he stopped, glancing around with uncertainty and paranoia. Inuyasha glanced down quickly and closed his eyes. Hoping that the messenger didn't recognize him.

 

“Here! Make sure this package is delivered to the Taro brothers.” The voice said in an American accent.

 

`That traitorous wolf…! I knew I should've finished him off, at the damn airport!' A vivid thought of slashing Koga's throat pleased him—and Inuyasha pushed back an angry snarl.

 

 

“I'll see to it señor'…” The clerk responded, and began to call for a messenger.

 

“There's no need!” Inuyasha spat at the desk clerk, and then stood in a defensive posture. He almost felt like he needed to puff out his body, trying to intimidate his soon to be opponent. He gave the wolf a comical smirk, but his gaze was sharp and ready to strike at any given time, and to emphasize his point—he clenched his fists tightly to his side.

 

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Naraku watched his henchmen loading the heavy artillery onto the jeeps, “Is everything in order?” He asked, while his men nodded their heads approvingly.

 

Naraku smiled, as he opened the brown map. He'd targeted his location to be a secluded place at the `Salto Cuquenan' waterfalls on the Guyana-Venezuela border. He smiled, as he wouldn't have to worry about the Venezuelan government. Knowing the area, he would have his men placed around the perimeter, waiting to strike on his command. Naraku glanced at his expensive watch and smirked. Koga should have made the drop.

 

Naraku crossed his arms over his chest as one of his henchmen walked past. “You!” he said forcefully. “Go find Bankotsu, and tell him to bring our lovely prisoner down.”

 

“Si señor',” the brawny man said, and then hurriedly ran to bid his task.

 

Naraku approached the jeeps loaded with its precious cargo, he double-checked, to see if the guns where all accounted for and each jeep had extra gas tanks. He was pleased his men followed orders for once. Now all he had to do was wait for Rin. He growled, as his patience was growing thin.

 

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Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes coldly, at Kagome for interfering. However, he would never hurt her. “This does not concern you!” he snapped.

 

Kagome did not deter from his intimidating voice; hell, if he was anything like his brother, she could very well handle him. “It most certainly does!”

 

“Look, we discussed this last night, Sesshomaru! Hiten wants Naraku dead!—just as badly as you!” Shippo interjected.

 

Hiten, glanced at Shippo with thankful eyes. Hiten knew Shippo believed him, and for once he wasn't lying. He was tired of being bait for Naraku—always doing his dirty tasks, only ending in bloodshed. He wasn't expecting to come across a group so strong and loyal then the ones present—hell even Inuyasha, hit a warm spot with him. Even though, he knew that wasn't true, he would take what he got and it wasn't very much. He was just thankful to be alive and to be a part of bringing Naraku down, and importantly, he certainly didn't want the women that these two demons cherished, harmed in anyway.

 

With vigor and confidence, Hiten arose, behind Kagome, as he pressed tightly at his angry wound, and stared down Sesshomaru. “I will say this to you once!” his throat hurt, from speaking but that didn't deter him. “I'll be happy to tell you the whereabouts, and everything you need to know about Naraku!” He continued, since no one interrupted. “However, the only way to get to his house is by plane. He lives in Columbia. Unfortunately, I don't know the address.…”

 

“What!” Sesshomaru roared, “This better be a joke!”

 

Hiten cringed, “I assure you, it's no joke—Naraku and I always traveled by plane!” he coughed, his throat felt dry. He turned his attention to Shippo ignoring the growl coming from the other demon. “I can give you the exact location.”

 

Sesshomaru closed his eyes, deep in thought. `This could work…the element of surprise.' He growled, catching the attention in the room. “Kagome, see to his wounds. Hiten, do you have connections to an arms dealer by chance?” he asked, while his smile grew wider, when Hiten nodded his head approvingly. “How fast can you get them?”

 

Hiten smirked, “Is an hour…to long?”

 

“No! What bank is open?—I'll need to have quick transactions, if this is going to work.” Sesshomaru wanted to smack himself for not asking Hiten sooner.

 

“Money is not a problem—these men; how should I say?” Hiten closed his eyes with a victorious smirk. “They owe me…” he laughed, “big time.”

 

Sesshomaru handed him the phone, as Kagome came out of the bathroom with a damp cloth. “Here, apply pressure on the wound…” she glared at Sesshomaru, ignoring his intimidating stare. “Let's hope the blood will clot.”

 

Sesshomaru chuckled dryly, “I would do it again…” his tone dark and callous, “if I suspected him traitorous. Remember Kagome, just because they look loyal—doesn't mean they usually are.”

 

Kagome softened her glare as she listened to his poetic advice. Still patting the wound, she turned and gave Sesshomaru an apologetic smile.

 

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Koga stood there dumbfounded; he certainly didn't expect to ever run into that bastard that ruined his chance with the fine woman, at the bar. With an arrogant smirk, he turned to the desk clerk, “I'll take those,” he said demandingly as he yanked the envelope roughly out of his hands.

 

With confidence, Koga approached Inuyasha, and laughed dryly. “You can't hurt me…or Rin dies. It was Naraku's orders to take Sesshomaru and the woman to him.”

 

Inuyasha held his stoic persona, as he mentally smirked, `the dumbass, isn't even aware of who the `woman' is!' His brows narrowed as he snarled, “Not today—but I promise you this… you will die by my hand!”

 

“Ha! Like that would ever happen. You're nothing but a filthy weak half-breed!”

 

“Like your boss!” Inuyasha quipped, “And if you lay one God-Damn hand on her—you won't be driving period!” Inuyasha once again let his temper consume him and mentally smacked himself for revealing too much information.

 

Koga laughed darkly, “Naraku didn't tell me everything. And, what a surprise it has been. So let me get this straight…Sesshomaru is your brother, and the woman. I wouldn't know her would I?”

 

Inuyasha snarled, “It's none of your fuckin' business!” and then snatched the envelope out of the wolf's hands. He knew Koga would find out eventually. However, Inuyasha wouldn't give him the satisfaction of telling him.

 

“Temper, temper Inuyasha, don't shoot the messenger!” Koga said with an amused undertone. Ignoring the promising threats, he told Inuyasha. “Tell them that they have a half an hour before it's time to leave. Naraku doesn't like tardiness'.”

 

Inuyasha growled, and turned his back on the wolf. He was seething mad, and ignored him as he made his way back to Sesshomaru's room. It was nine in the morning, and they only had a half an hour to work out a full proof plan, and he had to squeeze in some alone time with Kagome.

 

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Sesshomaru turned his attention as he watched his brother walk into the room. His eyes immediately went to the large envelope in his hand. “Well?” Sesshomaru asked curiously, as he watched Inuyasha's eyes twitch. He knew that look; Inuyasha looked like he was ready to main or harm something, or someone.

 

Inuyasha didn't say anything at first and handed his brother the envelope. He then walked over to Kagome and snatched her away from Hiten, and held her fiercely.

 

Kagome was taken back by his sudden affection; however, she knew that the situation was bad.

 

Sesshomaru opened the envelope and pulled out what appeared to be instructions, and growled.

 

“You two have to be downstairs, to meet Koga in a half an hour—I hope you have a plan big brother!” Inuyasha snarled, as he tightened his hold on Kagome. He calmed after his brother acknowledged him.

 

“I do… Hiten and Shippo will update you with the plan, however, we need to be extremely careful. One wrong move may cost the life of either Rin or Kagome.” Sesshomaru said hastily.

 

Inuyasha pulled apart from Kagome to check the letter itself. He growled. As he read it, as well:

 

-Under any circumstances, if anyone other than my two guests arrives—Rin dies!

 

-If the police are contacted—Rin dies!

 

-If the driver is harmed in anyway, both Rin and Kagome will die!

 

-I hope that you meet my requirements with certainty and are clear from here on out! I would hate to send your women back in pieces.

 

 

Inuyasha read enough, as he crumpled the paper, and threw it on the floor.

 

Kagome looked up at him in fear and confusion. “Inuyasha? What did the letter say? And why does that name…Koga, sound so familiar?”