InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Dark Hour ❯ Rip Van Winkle ( Chapter 14 )

Ch. 14

Rip Van Winkle...

Sesshomaru blinked both in confusion and amazement. Here before him lay his dead uncle, although not really dead at all. He reached out hesitantly, almost afraid to touch the seemingly lifeless body.

He shuddered as his skin came in contact with Onigumo's cold, slightly slimy skin. Onigumo's eyes seemed to flicker upon contact, but the movement was too fast for Sesshomaru to be sure of what he'd seen.

"Onigumo, can you hear me?" He said loudly, searching his uncle's face for any signs of existence. His face was remarkably unchanged, the years having no effect on Onigumo's relatively young visage. The dull brown eyes continued to stare up at the ceiling. Sesshomaru was beginning to doubt whether or not he'd really seen the slight movement.

He started pulling various needles and plugs from his uncle's body, causing an array of warning beeps and screeches from the machinery. Sesshomaru was sure disengaging the equipment had set of an alarm somewhere in the building so he moved quickly, ripping the plastic curtain used as a partition hanging from metal rings in the ceiling and throwing it over his uncle's body. He hurriedly gathered the heavy, cold body into his arms and exited the room. He suddenly got the feeling that he was going to run into trouble.

That feeling only got worse once Sesshomaru leaped through the hole he'd created and found himself back in the brightly-lit room.

"Well, I guess you found out Naraku's little secret, huh?"

Sesshomaru tensed, coming to a slow stop. Inuyasha stood in the middle of the room, his arms crossed nonchalantly over his chest. A smirk was planted on his lips.

"I don't have time to play with you, Inuyasha." Sesshomaru stated, his voice clipped. Inuyasha's cocky demeanor suddenly changed. The smirk disappeared and the amber eyes narrowed in anger.

"No one's playing, brother." He hissed. Sesshomaru shook his head, annoyed by Inuyasha's interference. He made a move to walk past Inuyasha, but he stepped in front of him, blocking his exit.

"Inuyasha," Sesshomaru warned, his eyes glinting dangerously. He saw a fleeting look of unease shoot through the amber eyes before it was replaced with steely determination.

"You don't have the upper hand this time, Sesshomaru." Inuyasha said, the smirk returning. Sesshomaru regarded him with a look of mild disgust. "As long as you live, dear brother, you will never have the upper hand."

A low chuckle rang through the room. Sesshomaru frowned slightly. What was his brother up to?

"You always did think you were better than I was, didn't you?" Inuyasha asked, making his way over to the platform. "You never thought I was worth the effort." Sesshomaru rolled his eyes, shifting his weight so as to accommodate the extra weight in his arms. He really didn't have time to listen to Inuyasha's petty insecurities.

"I don't have time to--"

"I'm sure you'll make time for this pretty little thing, won't you?" Inuyasha interrupted, dragging an unconscious Kagome from behind the large desk. The rest of the sentence died on Sesshomaru's lips. A low growl started deep in his chest.

"What have you done?" He demanded, a rage like he'd never felt before beginning a slow boil in the pit of his stomach. Inuyasha absently stroked the top of Kagome's head.

"Thought that would get your attention." He said, a note of satisfaction in his tone. Sesshomaru eyed his brother murderously. He knew Kagome was still alive, but if anything happened to her or Inuyasha had tried anything with her...Sesshomaru had threatened Inuyasha once and it hadn't been an idle one.

"Now, here's what's gonna happen," Inuyasha said, his voice cold and demanding. He gestured to their comatose uncle. "You're gonna hand over Onigumo or I'll make sure this entire room is painted with Kagome's blood."

Sesshomaru's gaze slid from Inuyasha to Kagome, his mind conflicted. He needed Onigumo in order to put a permanent end to Naraku, but he couldn't let Kagome get hurt. The thought of any mortal harm coming to Kagome caused an ache deep within him.

"You're in no position to give me ultimatums." Sesshomaru replied, hiding his tumultuous feelings behind an undisturbed facade. Inuyasha let out a short bark of laughter. "Come on, Sesshomaru. Don't try that cool as ice shit on me, I know better." He yanked Kagome to her feet, supporting her in his arms. He brought his hand back and struck her sharply.

"Wake up, bitch!" Inuyasha ordered. Sesshomaru bared his fangs, his eyes boiling over with unrestrained rage. He wanted nothing more than to tear Inuyasha to pieces for even raising his hand to Kagome, but he held back. He still had Onigumo to consider.

Kagome moaned, her eyelids fluttering. She was disoriented and confused.

"Wake up, girl." A harsh voice commanded. Kagome slowly opened her eyes, her vision blurry. She let out a small moan when her head began to throb. The pain seemed to travel from her right cheek all the way to the top of her head.

"What's happening?" She managed to whisper, struggling to see through the blurry haze. A face loomed in front of her. "You'll find out soon enough."

Kagome gasped as her vision slowly cleared to reveal the face of Inuyasha, or at least what she could recognize of it. Her memory came flooding back and her eyes widened as she recalled what Inuyasha had told her earlier. He was a demon.

"Here she is, fully awake and ready to join us." Inuyasha announced, tightening his grip on Kagome. Kagome looked at him, taking in his blood red eyes, sharply pointed fangs, pointy ears atop his head...not to mention the razor sharp claws restraining her. Her eyebrows knit in confusion, realizing what he'd said.

"Us?" She echoed. Inuyasha gave her a brilliant smile, one that was completely at odds with the coldness lurking in his crimson depths. He nodded and turned her around slowly. Kagome's legs seemed to turn to jelly as they gave way. If it hadn't been for Inuyasha's ironclad grip, she would've certainly fallen to the ground.

She shook her head in adamant disbelief. "No, no, no." She repeated over and over. She closed her eyes, willing the image of Sesshomaru to disappear. It couldn't be the Sesshomaru she'd grown to know. The very near mirror image of Inuyasha standing before her couldn't be him...

She forced herself to open her eyes. But it was him. She'd known it even as she'd denied it. The way he stood so confidently, the power that he emanated...it was all the same. The only difference was his physical appearance.

"You're a demon?" She asked, her tone low and accusing. Sesshomaru refused to look away from her gaze, returning her look of disbelief and disgust with one of indifference. He remained silent.

Kagome felt as if the air had been knocked out of her. This was worse than any blow Inuyasha had given her. She felt betrayed, hurt and sickened all at the same time. And yet, somewhere deep down, she still cared for him, demon or not.

"Enough with this shit," Inuyasha spat. He glared at Sesshomaru. "Give me Onigumo and you can have the wench back." Kagome tensed. She was Inuyasha's bargaining chip? Her gaze found its way to the body Sesshomaru was holding. He'd found his uncle and was now being forced to choose between herself and Onigumo.

Sesshomaru stood glued to the spot, wrestling with what the right decision was. It was clear by Kagome's reaction that she'd want nothing to do with him after this, but no matter how she felt, he couldn't bring himself to leave her to Inuyasha's twisted devices. Squaring his shoulders, he leveled his gaze on Inuyasha.

"Fine." He said shortly. Inuyasha looked at him with a mixture of surprise and triumph. "Give me Onigumo first and then you get the girl."

Sesshomaru shook his head. He didn't trust Inuyasha for a minute to go through with the agreement. If he turned over Onigumo now, he knew Inuyasha would take off with both Onigumo and Kagome.

"Give me Kagome." He said, his voice flat and emotionless. Kagome looked at him in surprise. He was willing to give up what he'd come here for just to save her? Before she knew what she was doing, she said, "No, Sesshomaru."

Sesshomaru glanced at her, his face as unreadable as ever. She looked at him, her eyes no longer holding disgust, but sadness. Sesshomaru was surprised to see the change, but he didn't let it show.

"Don't do it, Sesshomaru. Take Onigumo and get out of here, after all, that was your purpose for coming here." Kagome said. Inuyasha snorted. "Don't try to be a hero, bitch." He turned to Sesshomaru. "My brother knows what I can do to you, don't you, Sesshomaru?"

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes, trying to maintain his composure. "I swear if you lay one hand on her--"

Inuyasha rolled his eyes. "Blah, blah, blah." He said, annoyed. "Let's get on with it."

Sesshomaru walked slowly towards Inuyasha, watching him warily. Kagome watched helplessly, wanting to stop what was going to happen. She couldn't let Sesshomaru hand over Onigumo. She knew if that happened, Sesshomaru would never be able to find him again. She had to do something and fast.

Before she could talk herself out of it, Kagome decided to take action. With a quickness she hadn't known she possessed, Kagome delivered a swift jab to Inuyasha's ribs with her elbow. He gasped in surprise and pain, momentarily loosening his grip around Kagome's waist. That was all Kagome needed to scramble out of his reach.

Sesshomaru stopped, surprised by Kagome's risky move. Their eyes locked for a brief second. Sesshomaru was the first to break eye contact, surprising Kagome when he quickly reached out and flung her over his shoulder.

"Hey!" She yelped in surprise. Sesshomaru readjusted the weight in his arms before taking off at lightning speed. Kagome saw the world fly by her in a blur of color as they rocketed out of the facility. Kagome squeezed her eyes shut, the wind whipping about her face, making her hair lash at her as if they were tiny whips. She dared not open her eyes. She didn't want to see what was happening.

'Is this really happening?' She asked herself. It still felt like a bad dream. It was all true, though. Sesshomaru was really a demon and now they seemed to be flying at warp speed, escaping his crazed brother who also happened to be a demon.

Kagome was brought from her thoughts when Sesshomaru landed softly. She opened her eyes and looked around. They were back at the hotel on Kagome's balcony. Sesshomaru entered the room and gently laid his uncle on the nearest bed. He then slid Kagome from his shoulder, standing her in front of him.

Kagome looked up at him, at a loss for words. Sesshomaru took that as a sign and turned his back on her. "I'll send for a cab." He said abruptly. "As long as you're with me, you're not safe. I'll make arrangements for you to stay at another hotel and first thing tomorrow I'll have you on a plane back to the states."

Kagome looked down at the ground. She felt ashamed for the way she'd reacted upon seeing him at the institution. Even after her reaction, he'd been willing to give up his uncle for her. How could she possibly make up for that?

"Where is Sango?" He asked her. Kagome looked up, wishing he'd turn around and look at her. "She's fine," She responded quietly. "She's with a friend." Sesshomaru nodded curtly and reached for the hotel phone.

"Pack a few things for to..."

The words trailed off when Sesshomaru felt a small hand grab his arm. He hesitated, not wanting to believe what he desperately hoped was true.

"No."

Kagome tugged on his arm gently. He slowly turned to her, afraid of what he'd see in her eyes. Kagome looked at him, her eyes filled with regret.

"I'm sorry, Sesshomaru." She whispered, her gray orbs glittering with unshed tears. Sesshomaru's brow furrowed. "What for?"

"For not seeing past the physical." She answered. See with your heart, not your eyes. Kagome was surprised at that the words that floated through her mind. Where had they come from? She couldn't recall, but it didn't matter. It's what she had to do.

She brought her hand up to cup his cheek, studying him. Even now, as a demon, he was the most beautiful thing she'd ever seen. A small smile played on her lips.

"You can't get rid of me that easily, Sesshomaru." She told him sternly. He looked down at her, relief washing over him like a tidal wave. She knew his deepest darkest secret and yet here she was, standing by him.

Sesshomaru's gaze traveled towards the balcony. The sun was beginning to rise, soft rays of sunlight filtering through the open doors. He looked back at Kagome. She was gazing at him wonderingly. He felt the change overtake him and knew he'd reverted back to his human form.

"You've got a lot of explaining to do." She told him, one eyebrow quirked. For the first time since she'd met him, Sesshomaru gave her the smallest of smiles, his golden eyes aglow.

"As you wish." He responded. He wrapped his arms around her waist and brought her close to him. He leaned down, inching closer to her lips. He was just about to claim her lips when a voice stopped him.

"Wha-what the hell is going on?"

Kagome and Sesshomaru looked at each other, confusion mirrored on their faces. They both realized at the same moment who the voice belonged to. They turned towards the bed.

The once comatose Onigumo was sitting up, looking around in confusion. He looked down at himself, noticing the plastic curtain covering him.

"And why the hell am I naked?"

a/n: i'm really sorry to all my faithful readers, but i've been having the worst luck with computers. i had a problem with my internet and i couldn't log on or anything so that's why i haven't been updating the story. but it's up and running now....again i'm sorry for the wait...and thanks to Hanoi for catching my mistake in Chap. 11...please continue to r&r and i promise to do my best to update regularly now after this super long delay...sorry again and thanks!