InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Call of Life and Death ❯ Unpleasant News ( Chapter 1 )

Author's note: I do not own Inu Yasha, or any of the other characters, no matter how much I wish I did. Please do not sue me, because I am very poor, and this work of fiction is only for the enjoyment and entertainment of the readers.

The Call of Life and Death

Chapter 1: Unpleasant News

Kagome was sitting in her normal spot at the foot of the God-Tree. Inu Yasha was sprawled out on his usual branch, about fifteen feet above Kagome's head. He was as close to being at peace as he could be, proximity to the woman below him had that effect.

She was sitting on the ground with her legs crossed at the ankle, leaning back against the tree's trunk. Across her lap rested her math book, with a notebook lying open on the ground next to her. Glancing up from the book, she watched Inu Yasha for a moment, as he lay in the tree branches. How can he do that? She wondered to herself. He looks like he could spring in any direction at any moment, and yet, he also seems to be totally relaxed.

She returned to working in her math book, and quadratic equations quickly pushed Inu Yasha from the focus of her thoughts. The half demon looked down when he heard the scratching of a pen on paper. He had to admit, to himself only, that Kagome's mother's idea was a good one.

They had been having one of their normal arguments about her need to go to school vs. the need to find jewel fragments; her demanding more time for her school work, and him insisting that she really had no need for school, and that their quest took precedence over everything else. She had tried to win by sitting him, but he quickly put a stop to that by pinning her under him.

This had stopped negotiations, in favor of a staring contest, the majority of which was glaring. It was about that time that Kagome's mother walked in and found the two teenagers laying one on top of the other on the floor, faces only centimeters apart.

When Mrs. Higurashi cleared her throat the two sprang apart terrified and blushing furiously. Before either could explain, Mrs. Higurashi asked what the problem was. At this, both started to speak at once, and got progressively louder as they each tried to speak over the other.

When she had heard enough, Mrs. Higurashi held up her hand and silenced the two angry teens. She then suggested that since jewel shards were getting harder to find, that Kagome could go to school on a more regular basis. Before Inu Yasha could object, she continued to say that Kagome could cross through the well after school each day, and check in with Inu Yasha about any rumors of jewel shards.

"Besides dear," said Mrs. Higurashi to her daughter, "you're always saying how peaceful it is there. Perhaps you could do your homework while you're there." Both Kagome and Inu Yasha agreed to the plan reluctantly.

Today Kagome had arrived and been greeted by Inu Yasha alone. He explained that Miroku and Sango were off checking up on a rumor of a jewel shard, and that Shippo had been sent along as a chaperone. The thought of Shippo trying to keep the perverted monk from trying anything with Sango amused Kagome to the point where she giggled out loud. Raising one eyebrow, the hanyou continued, "They'll be sending Shippo back to get us when they have confirmed the rumor, and we're to follow as soon as possible after that."

"But I have a huge math test coming up!" she argued.

"Feh, like any of that math stuff is really needed. I don't know anything beyond multiplication, and look at me, I'm just fine."

"Well, some of us actually do need it," though she couldn't really think of anything useful she had learned in math that year. They argued a little more, but he gave in rather easily. It seemed to her that he was only arguing for show, and that he didn't mind the extra day that they would have to wait. She wondered about that as they walked from the well to the God-Tree, but that wonder was quickly replace by math when they settled in at the tree.

The sun was starting to set, so Inu Yasha dropped down from the tree and carried Kagome's book bag for her as the walked toward Kaede's hut for the evening meal. The trip was made in near total silence, which struck Kagome as a bit odd. Inu Yasha was normally talking about how they had to put the jewel back together, and how that meant that Kagome would need to spend more time looking, and less in school. She normally ignored his obvious campaigning.

Stopping suddenly, Inu Yasha scented the air. Kagome became worried as a low growl escaped his throat.

"What's the matter Inu Yasha?" she inquired.

"Shhhh," he hissed. "It's Jaken."

"Jaken?!" she started to cry, only to be cut off halfway through by Inu Yasha's hand covering her mouth.

"Yes," he whispered in her ear. "But I don't smell Sessomaru, though he is undoubtedly out there somewhere. Get on my back; I would rather surprise him then the other way around."

He removed his hand when she nodded her head. As silently as she could, she took her bag, and put it on her back, then climbed onto his back. Once she was securely settled on his back, he took off into the treetops, adrenaline from the thought of battle quickening his pace. He took them in a broad arc around the source of Jaken's scent. Once he had assured himself that the small Imp was in fact alone, he spiraled in and dropped down right behind his brother's vassal.

Hearing a quiet thump behind him, Jaken swallowed nervously and turned to face the angry hanyou and his human companion. They stood there staring at each other silently for quite a while.

"Say," said Kagome shattering the silence. "That doesn't look like the normal staff Jaken carries. Actually, it looks like a sword."

Jaken silently stared at Kagome until Inu Yasha spoke. "That's not just any sword, that's Tenseiga."

"Indeed, Lord Inu Yasha," the strange little demon replied. "It is the Tenseiga."

"There are only two reasons that I can think for you to have my brother's sword. The first is that this is a trap, and that Sessomaru will attack any moment now. The second is that you, being the little sneak that you are, stole it from my brother and are giving it to me in hopes of changing sides." The second option earned Inu Yasha a dark look from the Imp.

"There is actually a third option that you have forgotten, Lord Inu Yasha. I come to you to inform you of the High Lord Sessomaru's death; and to deliver to you his final will. It was his wish for you to have this sword. Of course, because you are his next-of-kin, everything that was his, is now yours," the small demon concluded formally.

Dropping Kagome off his back, Inu Yasha approached Jaken and dropped to one knee. Jaken held Tenseiga in both hands, and offered it to Inu Yasha. He took the blade by the middle of the scabbard and replied just as formally, "I have heard my brother's will, and I accept this blade. However, I request and require that you, his former vassal, please return to his holdings, and to split them fairly among his loyal vassals."

"I hear and I obey, Lord Inu Yasha. It will be as you say," With that, Jaken started to leave, heading west.

"If you would be so kind, Jaken," Inu Yasha called after him. "I would know the cause of my brother's death."

"He died in battle."

"Then why am I receiving this sword? Surely the victor would have claimed it."

"Not that kind of battle, my lord. It was the demon sword, the blade was beginning to drive him mad so using the last of his control he forced out the evil, and fought it. Unfortunately, he proved not to be strong enough to win."

Kagome gasped, and Inu Yasha bowed his head and muttered a prayer for his brother's soul. He may not have liked his brother, but he was still family. Saying nothing further, Jaken continued on his long trip back to the western lands.