InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Dark Hour ❯ The Demon Within ( Chapter 4 )

Ch. 4

The Demon Within…

"He's an Iakouy?" Sango exclaimed, her voice a bit too loud for Kagome's comfort. She waved her hands at her friend, trying to get her to lower her voice.

"Sango, I don't want the entire world to know about this, thank you very much!" She hissed. Sango glared at her, refusing to back down. "Knowing this, how can you let him stay in your apartment?"

Kagome sighed and absentmindedly stirred her coffee. She couldn't really give Sango an answer because she herself didn't know. "Well, because of the story of course." She guessed that was good enough for now. Sango eyed her, not sure if she believed her or not.

"Kagome, I know how stubborn you can be, but I really don't think this is a good idea. It sounds dangerous, getting mixed up with a guy like that." Sango said. She pushed her plate of food away and gestured for the waiter.

"I've got to get back to the studio. I swear they couldn't run that show without me." She said hurriedly as she paid the waiter for her food and rose to leave. "And please think about what you're doing, Kagome. This whole situation could end up backfiring." Sango said, a hint of concern lacing her tone. She patted Kagome on the shoulder before hurrying from the restaurant. Kagome sighed and gulped down the last of her coffee.

Kagome had the same doubts but there was something about Sesshomaru that made her want to keep digging.

~~~~~~

Sesshomaru stepped from the shower, feeling much more refreshed. He was glad to finally rid himself of the dirt and blood that had been clinging to him for so long.

He tried on the khaki pants and t-shirt that Kagome had left for him. He didn't ask why she had men's clothing, although he could probably guess. So what if she had a boyfriend? He hardly knew her and it shouldn't bother him. But still…

His thoughts traveled back to earlier that morning, before she'd left.

"I've gotta go run some errands, but please make yourself at home and help yourself to anything in the kitchen." She said as she grabbed her purse from the couch.

"I really should be going…" Sesshomaru started to say. Kagome gave him a look, one eyebrow raised. "And where will you go? You're supposed to be dead, remember? Besides, you're in no shape to go anywhere so just stay here and relax." She gave him a bright smile to take away the harshness in her tone. He sighed in defeat.

"Thank you…" He looked at her questioningly, remembering for the first time that he didn't even know her name. She opened the front door and glanced at him over her shoulder.

"Kagome…Kagome Higurashi." She said as she closed the door behind her.

"Kagome." He said aloud. The name fit her, like it was made just for her. He couldn't imagine anyone else with that name. He scowled. What was he doing?

"Damnit, Sesshomaru get your head out of the clouds and focus on the present situation."

He needed to figure out what he was going to do, how he was going to right the wrong done to him. A growl started deep within him. There he went again, letting his anger get the best of him and reverting to something that didn't need to be let out. At least not until tonight.

He went over to the mirror hanging next to the dresser. His wounds were healing quicker than he'd expected, his face almost as flawless as it had been before last night.

Sesshomaru frowned. This was not something he wanted to discuss with Kagome. She would ask too many questions and it would be in her best interests not to. He'd leave before Kagome got back, but first he had to make some phone calls.

~~~~~~

Kagome looked at her watch. She huffed when she realized it was already 5:30. She tapped her foot impatiently, looking around to see if there was any sign of the little runt. Finally, she saw him step off the elevator, waving some papers at her.

She rolled her eyes and motioned for him to hurry up.

"Shippou, when I asked for these documents, I meant I wanted them ASAP, not two hours later!" She snapped. The young man looked hurt and Kagome was instantly ashamed for snapping at him. She sighed a patted him on the back. The young intern had a rough enough time with the editor barking orders at him without Kagome adding to it.

"I'm sorry, Shippou. These documents are just really important." She explained. He gave her a small smile. "I had to practically beg my cousin to give me the files. He said the chief was really cracking down on police officers handing over official documents to reporters."

Kagome gave him a grateful smile and ruffled his mop of red hair. He really was a sweet kid, always willing to do anything to help her out.

Shippou glanced at the documents curiously. "So why do you need files on Sesshomaru and Naraku Iakouy?" He asked, reading the names printed on the folders. Kagome placed the folders on her desk, crossed her arms.

"Aren't you just the nosy little intern," She teased. His blushed and ducked his head. Kagome couldn't help but laugh. "If you must know, Shippou, I'm doing a story on the Iakouy family."

Shippou's eyes lit up. "Really? You're gonna do a story on the Iakouy mob family? Cool!" He exclaimed. "I know it's gonna be great. Your stories always are."

Kagome smiled warmly. "Thank you, Shippou. I hope I can live up to your high praise."

Just as Shippou opened his mouth to respond, a booming voice seemed to shake the very walls of the downtown office building.

"SHIPPOU! GET IN HERE!" Kagome and Shippou turned, along with everyone else in the office, to look at the balding, slightly overweight older man who was standing next to a door that read, EDITOR.

"Shoot!" Shippou muttered, his face conveying a deep dread. Kagome gave him a sympathetic pat on the back before the redhead scampered off.

Kagome turned back to her desk and began reading through Naraku's file. She threw the folder down in disgust. There was nothing in the folder that she didn't already know. She turned her attention to the folder holding Sesshomaru's files.

Opening the folder eagerly, she quickly scanned the contents, skipping over the mundane details.

"Address, date of birth, age, weight, height, relatives…" Kagome stopped at this. Sesshomaru had a brother. It only took her a second before she made up her mind.

It was time she paid Inuyasha Iakouy a little visit.

~~~~~~

"Kagura, it's me."

He heard a gasp on the other end of the phone. "Sesshomaru?" She said in disbelief. Sesshomaru would have laughed, after all nothing ever surprised Kagura. He had more pressing matters, however.

"Yes, I'm alive. I need your help." He replied shortly. Kagura, obviously, was still in shock. "How can you be? Naraku never-"

"Well, he messed up this time." Sesshomaru snapped angrily. He closed his eyes, willing himself to calm down. Once his anger was sufficiently under control, he repeated his request.

"Kagura, listen to me. I need to stay at your place for a little while." He said. He knew that the last place anyone would look for him was at Kagura's place. She was, after all, head of the New York Police Department's Special Task Force.

She hesitated. "I don't know, Sess." She said. "We've already got enough heat coming at us from the chief, the police commissioner, and not to mention the mayor…" She trailed off.

"Kagura, you're the only person I trust right now, the only person that I know who has my back no matter what." He said softly. He heard her sigh and knew she'd given in. There was too much history between the two for her to turn him away.

"Ok. Where do I meet you?"

Sesshomaru thought for a moment before responding, "The loading docks down in the south section of town." He knew they would be deserted.

"Got it." Kagura said before hanging up.

Sesshomaru hung up the phone. He felt a slight twinge at the thought that he wouldn't see Kagome before he left.

~~~~~~

Kagome guided her car to the curb in front of an impressive three story brick house. She looked around at the surrounding homes. Even though it was dark out, she could tell the neighborhood was very posh.

She glanced at the slip of paper in her hand. 2955 Biltmore Drive. This was the place. She took a deep breath and exited the car.

She didn't know why she was so nervous. It wasn't as if she hadn't done this a million times. She was a reporter and going to strange people's houses and asking them questions was part of the job.

`Yeah, but have any of them ever been connected to the mob?' She asked herself as she walked up the flagstone walkway to the front door. She lifted her finger and pressed the doorbell.

She heard the chime echo through the house. She waited a couple of seconds and tried again. She knew she'd seen a light on in one of the upstairs rooms. Just as she was about to ring the doorbell again, the heavy oak door swung open.

A very angry looking man stood before her, looking at her impatiently.

"What do you want?" He asked. Kagome was more than a little taken aback by the man's appearance. The robe draped over his shoulders gaped open, revealing a lean, muscled torso. Even though he was wearing red silk boxers, a rather manly part of him was clearly noticeable.

Kagome quickly averted her eyes and found herself looking into a very familiar pair of topaz eyes. `Again with those gorgeous eyes.' She thought to herself. The man's long white hair looked slightly disheveled, giving Kagome the impression that she'd interrupted something.

"Did you come here to gawk at me?" He snapped. "Feh." He muttered and was about to shut the door, but Kagome stuck her foot out, preventing him from doing so.

"I'm sorry, my name is Kagome Higurashi and I have a few questions to ask you." She said quickly. He looked at her with an air of impatience. "So?"

Kagome found herself becoming steadily irritated with the man looking at her as if she wasn't worth his time. She silently counted to ten and tried again.

"You are Inuyasha Iakouy, right?" She questioned. He nodded his head, letting out a heavy sigh. "Well," She began slowly, expecting Inuyasha's mood to change drastically. "I have news about your brother, Sesshomaru. He's alive."

Inuyasha's face went blank. He immediately stepped aside and opened the door wide enough to allow Kagome to enter. Kagome was more than a little confused. She'd expected a cry of joy, a happy smile, anything other than nothing at all.

He closed the door behind her and took her by the elbow, leading her into what she assumed was a sitting room. He motioned for her to sit. She chose a plush looking black leather love seat.

Inuyasha walked over to a cabinet and pulled out a bottle of dark liquid. He poured himself half a glass and turned to her.

"How do you know about Sesshomaru?" He asked bluntly. Kagome stared at him, getting an uneasy feeling. She was beginning to think she'd made a mistake in telling him about his brother.

"Well, I…I found him last night." She said. He stared at her, his eyes hard and unreadable. He downed the drink and turned his back on her.

"So Sesshomaru's not dead." He said more of a statement than question. Even though he wasn't facing her, Kagome could tell how tense his body was. His hands were clenching and unclenching by his side.

Yes, Kagome was definitely starting to think this was a huge mistake. "I know how happy this must make you…" The words died on her lips as she heard the low, malevolent laugh that came from Sesshomaru's brother.

"Happy?" He said in between laughs. "That's not exactly the word I would have chosen."

A sudden noise at the doorway startled both Kagome and Inuyasha. A woman dressed in nothing but a white bra and matching panties was leaning against the doorframe, a slight frown on her face. She gave Kagome a murderous look before looking to Inuyasha. Kagome couldn't help getting the feeling that the girl was familiar somehow.

"Inuyasha, I'm lonely and you left me very unsatisfied." She said, an enticing pout on her lips. Kagome almost blushed at the woman's implication, but looked down at her lap instead.

Inuyasha waved a hand at her. "Go away, Kikyo, I'm busy." He said. The woman named Kikyo stomped her foot. "Inuyasha what business can you possibly have with this woman?" She pointed a finger at Kagome. Kagome wanted nothing more than to be gone from this place.

"Go back upstairs, bitch, before I lose my temper." Inuyasha growled. The woman looked hurt. She cast one last glance towards Kagome and then left. Kagome quickly rose to her feet.

"Well, I can see this is a bad time, so-"

"You're not going anywhere." Kagome gasped when Inuyasha suddenly appeared in front of her. That bad feeling was starting to grow bigger.

~~~~~~

Sesshomaru leaned against a stack of crates, looking for Kagura's car.

As he waited, his mind kept going back to Kagome. He didn't know why this woman was so fascinating to him. Sure, she was beautiful, but he'd met plenty of beautiful women.

`She's real.' His mind argued. He admitted that most of the women he met were usually fake, only putting on the face they assumed he wanted to see. He never got to know them and that's why he, in turn, never allowed anyone to get close to him.

Except for Kagura. She was the one person he'd ever felt genuine affection for.

They'd dated years back, but they weren't right as a couple. They remained friends through the years because she'd proven her loyalty to him in the one way that mattered.

Sesshomaru was brought back to the present when the sound of an approaching car reached his ears.

The car rolled to a stop in front of him and he quickly got in the passenger's side.

"Sesshomaru. Good to see you alive in person." Kagura said quietly. She placed her hand on his, squeezing it slightly. This was as much emotion as Kagura was going to show, but it was enough to let Sesshomaru know she was happy and relieved.

"Good to be alive." He responded, giving her hand a gently pat. She steered the car onto the main road and started driving in the direction of her apartment. They sat in silence, no words needing to be said.

Sesshomaru watched the buildings whiz by. He wondered what Kagome-

"Damn." Sesshomaru gripped the handle of the door, heat filling every pore of his body. Kagura looked at him in alarm. "Here?" She asked, her tone worried.

Sesshomaru nodded his head and grit his teeth. It felt as if his blood was boiling, threatening to burn him alive. Kagura was talking, but he could hear no sound, only the mad rushing of his blood in his veins.

Something was wrong. It was faint, but he could make out….

"Inuyasha's house. Now." He commanded, the heat beginning to fade.

~~~~~~

Kagome stepped to the side only to have Inuyasha mirror her move. He smirked. "Thanks for the info, bitch, but you should've known better than to come here alone." He said. Before Kagome had time to do anything, Inuyasha backhanded her, causing her to stumble over the arm of the loveseat and knock her head on the edge of a table.

Before she lost complete consciousness, she heard a clock chiming somewhere in the house followed by a low growl. `Weird.' She thought, her mind beginning to become foggy.

Inuyasha advanced on the woman lying unconscious. She really was quite striking, even if she did resemble that twit Kikyo. He kneeled beside her, thinking for a moment how much of a waste it would be to kill her.

`She knows too much. Naraku wouldn't stand to let her live.' He thought to himself.

"Oh well." He said as he raised one hand, ready to slash her throat. The breaking of glass, however, momentarily distracted Inuyasha. He looked up in disbelief when he saw his brother crashing through the window.

"Sess-"

Sesshomaru grabbed Inuyasha by the throat and threw him against the opposite wall, taking glee in the satisfying crunch of bone connecting with solid wall. Before Inuyasha had a change to react, Sesshomaru was upon him, lifting him and bringing him crashing down onto an end table.

He held his hand up in front of him, flexing the claws that had once been fingers. The razor sharp tips glistened in the light.

"What, no welcoming party for your dear brother?" Sesshomaru hissed. He shoved his knee deep in Inuyasha's chest, making the younger man let out a heavy breath. He clucked his tongue, seeing Inuyasha's pained look.

"Never do learn your lesson do you, Inuyasha? Well, here's one that you better learn and quick." He warned bringing her mouth close to Inuyasha's ear. Inuyasha flinched.

"Leave Kagome alone." He brought his hand back and smashed his fist into Inuyasha's face, blood immediately spurting from his nose.

"Fuck!" Inuyasha howled. Sesshomaru lifted himself to his feet and picked Kagome up in his arms gingerly. Before leaping outside, he gave Inuyasha one last parting message.

"And tell Naraku I'll be coming for him."

~~~~~~

"I'll only be a minute." Sesshomaru told Kagura as he got out of the car with Kagome in his arms. Kagura nodded.

Sesshomaru knew he couldn't very well walk through the lobby carrying an unconscious woman. `Not to mention looking the way you do.' He reminded himself.

He chose the simplest solution which was to leap six stories to Kagome's apartment. He landed on the balcony softly, glad that he'd chosen to leave the balcony doors open that lead into the living room.

He walked over to the couch and laid her down gently. He couldn't help running one clawed finger gently across her cheek. She moaned, her eyes slowly opening.

In a flash, Sesshomaru was gone, but not before Kagome saw a flash of white.

"Sesshomaru?" She called, bolting to her feet despite the horrendous pounding in her head. She ran to the balcony, looking around.

She suddenly thought how ridiculous it was that she was standing on her balcony calling out for an injured man as if he'd leaped off the edge. She laughed weakly at herself and went back into her apartment, shutting the balcony doors behind her.

Sesshomaru watched from the roof of Kagome's apartment building as she walked back into her apartment.

That was too close. She'd almost seen him and more than anything he didn't want that to happen. He never wanted her to see him as was now. A thing that wasn't human, a thing that found comfort in darkness rather than light.

He never wanted Kagome to see his demon form. Never.

a/n: phew! seems like that took forever! well, hope you guys liked the twists….i do! well, thanks for reviews and keep at it, makes me feel i'm doin something right! see ya next chap!