InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Dark Hour ❯ Into the Heart of Darkness ( Chapter 16 )

Ch. 16

Into the Heart of Darkness...

"Good morning, Sesshomaru."

Sesshomaru looked up from the paper he was reading and gave Onigumo a nod in greeting. He gestured toward the stove. "There's an extra omelet warming in the skillet. Help yourself."

Onigumo prepared himself a plate and took a seat at the dining room table. He hungrily took a bite of the omelet.

"Delicious!" He exclaimed. Sesshomaru looked at him with an amused expression. "You seem to be in a good mood. No signs of any illness?" He asked casually, still having the nagging feeling that something was wrong with his uncle. Onigumo shook his head, enjoying another bite.

"None that I can see or feel." He affirmed. Sesshomaru shrugged and took a sip of his coffee. Onigumo looked around. "This is a beautiful house. Did you sell the penthouse in the city?" Sesshomaru shook his head. "Actually, I still have the penthouse, but due to recent events, I'm sure Naraku is having it watched. I bought this place a year ago, unbeknownst to Naraku or his goons."

Onigumo's mood suddenly turned melancholy. He set down his fork. Sesshomaru watched him, alarmed that he was experiencing a side effect of whatever drugs had been forced into his sentence.

"Uncle, are you alright?" He asked. After a few moments, Onigumo nodded slowly. He turned sad eyes on Sesshomaru. "How could my own son...how could he do such horrible things?"

Sesshomaru looked away from the eyes that begged for an answer. Sesshomaru knew that Onigumo and Naraku had never been close. Even as a child, Naraku had been distant. Sesshomaru had once overheard his own father and Onigumo talking about Naraku's odd behavior, saying that it might have something to do with Naraku's mother's death. She'd committed suicide when Naraku was only eight. He'd been the one to find her lifeless body hanging from the ceiling in her bedroom.

"I know we've had our differences and never shared the bond that most fathers and sons share, but I never thought that he would go so far as to..." His voice broke. He closed his eyes tightly, as if trying to keep the words from bursting forth. Sesshomaru shifted uneasily in his chair. He didn't know how he could help his uncle, except to take Naraku down.

Onigumo opened his eyes, the despair gone from his face. He cleared his throat and resumed eating the omelet.

"Well, we can't go back now. What's done is done." He said gruffly. They remained that way, in silence, for a few moments, both lost in their own thoughts. Finally, Onigumo broke the silence.

"Where's that pretty young lady who accompanied us here...um, Ms. Higurashi?" He asked. Sesshomaru continued reading the morning paper. "Her friend wasn't feeling well so she went into the city to take her to the doctor." He responded. Onigumo nodded knowingly.

"How did you two meet?" He asked, curious about the odd couple. Sesshomaru was reserved and quiet while Ms. Higurashi was the exact opposite. She didn't seem like Sesshomaru's type.

Sesshomaru tried to think of the best way to answer his uncle's question. It wasn't exactly the kind of story you told people about your first meeting. "Car trouble." He blurted out, not knowing what else to say. He didn't want to tell Onigumo the truth and bring him further heartache.

Onigumo gave him a quizzical expression. "Car trouble?" He repeated. Sesshomaru nodded. "She was having car trouble one rainy night and I stopped to give her a hand." He shrugged. "The rest is history." He was sure that was the end of Onigumo's questions, but Onigumo wanted to know more.

"Are you two dating? She's quite attractive."

Sesshomaru inwardly groaned. He didn't want to talk about this. "Onigumo, we're just..." He paused. Were they friends? He trusted her, but...Deep down he knew he wanted more. "Acquaintances." He offered for lack of a better term. He quickly rose from his seat.

"If you'll excuse me, uncle, I have to get dressed. I've got some errands to run." Sesshomaru muttered, hurrying from the room.

Onigumo chuckled as if knowing something Sesshomaru didn't.

~~~~~~

"I have to admit that I had a nice time." Kagome said as the waiter cleared away their dishes. Kouga nodded in agreement, smiling. Kagome glanced at her watch.

"Shoot, I didn't realize what time it was." She looked up at Kouga apologetically. "I've got to run." She told him. Kouga waved a hand at her.

"Don't worry, this one's one me. I'm just glad you agreed to meet me." He told her, digging into his back pocket for his wallet. Kagome rose from her seat.

"Thanks, Kouga. I really enjoyed this." She said. Kouga rose also and surprised her by scooping her up into a hug. Kagome let out a weak laugh.

"Kouga, I'm not dying! We'll see each other again." She told him, returning the hug. Kouga closed his eyes tightly. Truth be told, he didn't know if she was going to die or not. Naraku's instructions had only been to pour the unknown liquid into Kagome drink. Naraku hadn't elaborated on what the effects of the liquid were.

"I know, Kagome, I just...I love you, you know that, right?" He asked, leaning back so he could see her face. Kagome looked at him, her expression puzzled. Even for Kouga, his behavior was beyond bizarre.

"I know Kouga and no matter what we're going through right now, remember that you'll always have a special place in my heart." She said, giving him light kiss on the cheek. Kouga looked away. Kagome chalked up his strange behavior to their recent break up. She gave him another bright smile.

"Well, I've gotta go. Call me if you need anything or even if you just want to talk." She told him, making her way to the exit. Kouga gave her a little wave. "Will do." He told her.

Once Kagome was back in the Escalade, she put a hand to forehead, feeling a slight dizziness. She shook it off. More than likely, the stress of the past couple of days was catching up with her. She cranked up the engine and hummed along lightly with the music. Her morning breakfast with Kouga had put her in a good mood. She was glad they'd gotten a chance to patch things up and repair their broken friendship.

As she pulled into morning traffic, she found herself excited to get back to Sesshomaru. After that last night in Tokyo, they'd seemed to spark a small connection. She was determined to fan that spark into a full-blown explosion, no matter what.

~~~~~~

Sesshomaru stepped out of the shower and threw on a large black terry cloth robe. He was just about to go through his closet when the phone beside his bed rang loudly. He debated whether or not he should answer it and decided he'd better do the former. It could be important.

He pressed the button marked SPEAKER.

"Yes?" He said, continuing his search through his closet.

"Mr. Iakouy, I'm glad I finally caught you. I've been trying to get in touch with you for the past couple of weeks."

Sesshomaru mentally cursed himself for his decision. He frowned, taking a dark gray button up shirt and black slacks from the closet. He laid the garments on the bed.

"Is it time for another charity ball already, Mr. Siccone?" Sesshomaru drawled, knowing the man on the other end of the phone was probably salivating as they spoke. The man laughed, a high-pitched sound that made Sesshomaru's ears ached. He fought the urge to hang up and set about changing into the shirt and pants.

"That it is Mr. Iakouy. I know that I can count on you being in attendance, right?" Sesshomaru finished buttoning up the shirt and ran a hand through his still damp hair. He really didn't have time for such nonsense, but on the other hand, it was for charity. Which one, Sesshomaru couldn't say. A sudden thought came to him. Kill two birds with one stone.

"Of course, Mr. Siccone. I'll be there and if you wouldn't mind, put me down for two guests." Mr. Siccone sniveled on for a few moments before Sesshomaru cut the call short and hung up. By the time he made it back downstairs, Kagome was just coming in the front door. Her hair was slightly windblown and scattered messily about her face, but Sesshomaru still couldn't deny her amazing beauty. She wore a form-fitting red turtleneck sweater with cream-colored dress pants. The red sweater matched her rosy cheeks perfectly.

"Hi." She said, giving him a dazzling smile. Sesshomaru found himself in a daze and mentally shook himself. He nodded in return.

"I take it all is well with Sango?" He commented. Kagome looked confused for a split second before she nodded in understanding. "Yes, yes she's fine. Just a little touch of the flu is all." She looked down, avoiding Sesshomaru's gaze.

"Do you have any plans for the rest of the day?" He asked her casually, sensing a slight dip in her mood. Kagome looked back at him, shaking her head. "Why?" She asked. He looked past her, pretending to find the scenery outside of great interest.

"I thought you might like to accompany me into the city. I've got a few errands to run, but there's also a charity event tonight and..."

Kagome's eyes lit up. "Are you asking me to go with you to the charity event?" She asked, a playful smile on her lips. Sesshomaru shifted his weight uncomfortably. He felt like a schoolboy asking a girl to the spring formal.

"I'm asking you," He said, returning his gaze to her, "to accompany me into town." He watched, taking a small amount of delight as Kagome's face fell. "Oh." She said, her voice holding a note of disappointment. He almost laughed at how crestfallen she looked. He decided he'd had enough fun at her expense.

"I want you to accompany me into town so we can find you a suitable dress for such an occasion." He added, a slight twinkle in his eye. Kagome glared at him, not quite hiding the smile that played on her lips.

"That was cruel." She said with mock anger, crossing her arms over her chest. Sesshomaru shrugged lightly and started walking towards the garage. Kagome smiled ruefully and followed after him.

"You know, I never would have figured you for the flashy type." Kagome commented as they sped down the rode. Sesshomaru glanced over at her, one eyebrow cocked. "Come again?"

Kagome gestured at the luxuriousness of the vintage Porsche. "The house, the cars. It just doesn't seem to be you." She said with a slight shrug. Sesshomaru returned his gaze to the road.

"The car was actually a gift from my father before he died." He said simply. Kagome instantly felt bad. She always seemed to be putting her foot in her mouth where Sesshomaru was concerned.

"I'm sorr--"

Sesshomaru shot her a look that instantly quieted her. "As for the house," He continued, "well, the minute I saw it I knew I had to have it." Kagome waited for him to go on. She so rarely heard him talk about himself that she was glad even for the slightest bit of information.

"When I was younger, my father used to take me and Inuyasha camping every summer. We would come up here to the mountains to our cabin and just fish and hike every day. I loved to be outdoors. It's really not the same in the city, you know?" He glanced over at her, his golden eyes seeming softer than before. Kagome was caught up in this rare glimpse of the ice prince.

"Anyways, sometimes I would just sleep outside under the stars. That was the most peaceful I've ever been in my life." His voice trailed off and Kagome knew he was thinking of memories past. "That's what attracted me to the house," He said, snapping back to reality. His tone regained its emotionless smoothness. "Because it reminded me of being outdoors even when I wasn't."

Kagome turned her gaze outside. Although she didn't show it, she was secretly elated that Sesshomaru had confided in her. She suspected little by little she was breaking down his walls. They spent the rest of the ride in a comfortable silence, each content merely with the company of the other. The rest of the day was a flurry of activity. Sesshomaru finished his errands and then took Kagome to various stores catered to eveningwear. Kagome was dazed by the whole experience. She was dragged from one store to the next, trying on the most beautiful dresses she'd ever seen. Sesshomaru, of course, opted to remain in the front lobby, leaving the final choice up to her.

Once Kagome had made her decision, they were headed back to the mountains. Sesshomaru looked over at her. "I hope I didn't tire you out. These charity events tend to run a little long." Kagome glanced over at him and gave him a small smile.

"Not at all. I love shopping and this whole experience was fun." She pointed to the dress hanging in the back. "I promise I'll pay you back for the dress..."

Sesshomaru scoffed. "Please, Kagome. I invited you tonight and I didn't expect you to buy your own dress." Kagome folded her hands in her lap. "I know, but I don't feel right just letting you pay for something so expensive for me." She told him. Sesshomaru continued looking straight ahead.

"Kagome, I wanted to." He said, his voice soft but adamant. Kagome smiled. "Thank you." She said softly. They pulled into the garage. Kagome gathered up the dress.

"You've got approximately two hours to get ready." He told her sternly, getting out of the car. Kagome gave him a mock salute. "Yes sir!" She giggled as he glared at her. "Is this how you treat all your dates?" She teased. Sesshomaru looked at her and Kagome realized what she'd said. They stood like that for what seemed like an eternity before Onigumo appeared.

"It's about time you two kids got back. I was beginning to think you'd left me stranded out here." He joked. Sesshomaru cleared his throat. "Uhh, no. Kagome just took her sweet time choosing a dress for tonight."

"Hey!" Kagome exclaimed. Sesshomaru ignored her outburst and followed Onigumo into the house. Kagome trailed after them. "What's tonight?" Onigumo asked. Sesshomaru realized he hadn't gotten a chance to tell him about the charity ball.

"A charity event. I forgot to tell you about it earlier, but you're going, too." Onigumo and Kagome looked at him in surprise. Onigumo frowned. "Are you sure that's such a good idea, Sesshomaru? I mean with all the trouble that's been going on..."

Sesshomaru shook his head. "I'm sure by now Naraku knows you're back in the states. Besides, he wouldn't try to make trouble at such a public event. After all, he still has appearances to keep up."

"So Naraku will be in attendance?" Onigumo inquired, his eyes glinting with an unknown emotion. Sesshomaru studied him before nodding slowly. "If you're not up to seeing him, I'll understand."

Onigumo looked at him indignantly. "I'm not a child, Sesshomaru. I've had enough of others controlling my life. It's time I stood up and showed people I'm a lot stronger than they give me credit for."

Sesshomaru understood his anger. He'd had 14 years of his life taken from him and all he wanted to do now was live. "Well, I took the liberty of picking up a tux for you." He said. "But I left it in the car." Onigumo held his hand out for the keys. Sesshomaru gave him the keys and watched him walk out of the room. He turned his gaze to Kagome.

"Do you think you're doing the right thing by taking him to the charity ball?" She asked, a hint of worry in her voice. Sesshomaru sighed and started towards the stairs. Kagome determinedly followed him.

"I know what I'm doing." He said shortly. He walked to the end of the hall to his bedroom. Kagome hesitated before going in after him. Sesshomaru turned to her. "May I have some privacy, please?" His voice was anything but sincere. Kagome stood her ground.

"No, not until you really think about the consequences." She said, her eyes narrowing. Sesshomaru shrugged. "Have it your way." He said as he began unbuttoning his shirt. Kagome's eyes widened. "What are you doing?"

"Since you're so insistent on not leaving me alone, I'll just go about my business." He told her, shrugging out of the shirt. Kagome inhaled sharply, her eyes fixed on his bare chest. His hands then began fiddling with the button of his pants.

"Sesshomaru, y-you..." Kagome sputtered, feeling her cheeks heat up instantly. Sesshomaru cocked an eyebrow at her, a gleam of mischief in his eye.

"What?" He asked innocently, amused by her obvious discomfort. Once the button was undone, he slowly slid down the zipper. Quicker than lightning, Kagome fled from the room. Before she slammed her bedroom door shut, he heard her yell "Bastard!"

Sesshomaru and Onigumo sat in the living room talking about days long ago. Onigumo looked distinguished in his black tuxedo, his gray hair brushed back from his face. He reminded Sesshomaru of the old Onigumo, the one he'd looked up to as a child.

"So what time does this shindig start?" Onigumo asked after a slight lull in the conversation. Sesshomaru glanced at his watch. "It starts in about half an hour." He said, getting impatient. He never liked to be late for events such as these. He didn't like making an entrance as many of his counterparts chose to do.

He was about to comment on Kagome's tardiness when the sound of heels clicking down the stairs caught his attention. He looked up and could almost swear the breath was knocked clear out of him.

Kagome was dressed in a long, flowing, shimmering white gown. The style was simple, a halter dress that fit to her curves like a second skin, trailing behind her in a silken puddle. Her hair was pulled up in an elegant bun, the darkness accentuating her exposed ivory skin. For the life of him, Sesshomaru couldn't tear his eyes away from the vision drifting down the stairs.

Onigumo noticed Sesshomaru's lack of attention and turned to see what had captured it.

"Oh, my!" He exclaimed, standing to his feet. "Ms. Higurashi you look absolutely magnificent!" Kagome ducked her head and blushed. She stopped at the bottom of the stairs, her eyes finding their way to Sesshomaru's.

"Well?" She questioned, turning slowly. "What do you think? Did your money go to waste?" She looked at him expectantly. He wanted to tell her that she was stunning, that she was more beautiful than anything he'd ever seen, but the words wouldn't come out. Instead, he said simply, "You look fine. Let's go."

Onigumo gave him a sideways glance, but remained silent, gathering his coat. Kagome tried her best to brush off the comment. What had she expected from him? She started to follow Onigumo outside to the limousine awaiting them, but Sesshomaru put a hand on her shoulder.

"You'll need something to cover your shoulders." He said, reaching into the hall closet and producing a white silk wrap. She looked up at him, her eyes questioning. "I figured you'd need something and white goes with everything, right?" He stood behind her, wrapping the silk garment around her shoulders.

"By the way," He whispered, his lips close to her ear. "You look breathtaking." Kagome felt her body heat instantly as he lifted her hair and placed a small kiss at the juncture of her neck and shoulder. He glided past her, leaving her feeling weak.

They arrived at the ball on schedule, making their way through the throng of people to the ballroom within the hotel where the event was being held. Kagome noticed how people looked at Sesshomaru, their eyes holding both respect and a hint of fear. She figured it was because of his name. Iakouy tended to bring out the fear in most people.

She also noticed the surprise with which people regarded the return of the formerly "dead" Onigumo Iakouy. She smiled as he reacquainted himself with old business partners and friends.

"You can tell how much your uncle has missed this." Kagome said, leaning closer to Sesshomaru so he could hear her over the dull hum of voices. He nodded, noticing how Onigumo's eyes twinkled as he stood with a crowd of people, no doubt spinning a tale of intrigue as to his whereabouts all these years. His eyes scanned the crowd stealthily, keeping a slight smile plastered on his face.

Kagome looked at him and frowned. She knew the smile was for everyone else's benefit. "Sesshomaru, what's wrong?" She asked, looking out over the crowd. Sesshomaru glanced at her. "Naraku has yet to make an appearance."

Kagome took a sip of her champagne. "How do you know he'll be here?" She asked. Sesshomaru smirked. "Naraku never misses a chance to be seen in high society. He likes to be the center of attention, whether it's good or bad. Being an Iakouy practically guarantees you that attention."

Kagome nodded, hearing the bitterness in his voice. She realized then how much he really hated what the Iakouy name had been turned into at the hands of Naraku. She suddenly got an idea and stood up. Sesshomaru continued scanning the crowd.

"Dance with me." She said, holding out her hand. Sesshomaru looked up at her. "What?" He asked as if she'd just asked him to fly to the moon. She laughed. "I want to dance." She said, poking out her lower lip. Sesshomaru rolled his eyes and sighed. "How can I say no to that?" He said as he stood and took her hand, leading her to the dance floor. The song had a mellow, slow feel and he placed his hands lightly on her waist while she wrapped her hand around his neck.

She inhaled deeply, loving his scent. It surrounded her and made her feel safe and secure. She looked up at him, thinking again how handsome he looked. He was, by far, the sexiest man here and she enjoyed the envious looks thrown her way. His long white hair was slicked back in a low ponytail, his features even more sculpted and defined. His tux fit him perfectly, like it was tailor made just for his body. He was pure perfection and she was sure he knew it.

He continued to scan the crowd, looking over her head every now and then.

"See anybody that catches your eye?" She teased. Sesshomaru frowned and looked down at her. "What?" He asked, clearly confused. "You must see the way every woman in the room is looking at you, like they wanna take you out back and show you a good time." She said slyly. He seemed surprised by the statement, as if he really didn't notice the looks women were giving him. "Don't be foolish." He chastised. Kagome cocked her head to the side.

"You really don't know, do you?" She asked. He shook his head, having no idea what she was talking about.

"Sesshomaru, the minute you walked in, all eyes were on you. You have this amazing presence that takes over the entire room that's pretty hard to ignore. Not to mention the physical..." Kagome looked away from Sesshomaru's piercing gaze. She felt his hands tighten on her waist.

"You're the one who really doesn't know." He told her, his eyes glinting under the light. "No one was looking at me when we entered the room. They were looking at you." Kagome lifted her head. "No, Sesshomaru, they were all--"

He brought his hand up to cup her cheek. "You look like an angel come down to earth. Believe me, no one was paying me any attention." Kagome smiled shyly and stepped closer into his arms. He wrapped his arms completely around her waist and let the song guide them. Having her in his arms felt right. They fit together perfectly.

Sesshomaru's suddenly pleasant mood immediately turned sour. Kagome felt him stiffen and leaned back to look into his face. His eyes were hard as he stared beyond her. She turned and felt her heart flip flop.

"Hello, cousin."

Kagome shivered at the cold voice that seemed to sliver down her spine. Sesshomaru moved Kagome gently behind him.

"Naraku." He said, his voice deceptively calm. Only the flare in his golden orbs hinted to the rage searing within. Naraku smiled, the movement devoid of any emotion.

"I see you've brought along your little...trinket." He murmured, eyeing Kagome with interest. "Such a lovely creature." Sesshomaru growled deep in his throat, causing a few eyebrows to rise. Kagome put a hand on his arm, trying to calm him."

"Don't even look at her." Sesshomaru warned. Naraku gave a short, bark of a laugh. "Really, Sesshomaru. Getting upset over a woman. That's a little childish, wouldn't you say?"

"Sesshomaru, just walk away. He's only trying to get under your skin." Kagome said quietly, tugging lightly on his arm. Sesshomaru was about to take her advice when he saw Onigumo standing behind Naraku. He stood totally still, his expression a mixture of disbelief and hardness.

"Naraku." He said, his voice flat. Naraku's features tightened, instantly recognizing the voice. He looked at Sesshomaru, shooting him a look of pure hatred, before turning slowly to face his father.

They stood staring at each other. Onigumo reached out, but quickly changed his mind and snatched his hand back, balling the hand into a fist. Naraku regarded him with mild distain, showing no emotion whatsoever.

"I will never forgive you." Onigumo spat before turning on his heel and walking away. Naraku stood staring after him impassively before drifting off into the crowd. Sesshomaru looked after Onigumo.

"Go to him." Kagome urged, pushing him lightly. He turned to look at her, his eyes showing a hint of worry. "I shouldn't leave you alone." He said. Kagome rolled her eyes. "I can take care of myself. Besides, there's a roomful of people. Naraku's not going to try anything." She assured him. Sesshomaru hesitated before nodding and going in search of Onigumo. Kagome looked around before deciding to go to the buffet.

She grabbed a small plate and studied the different varieties of appetizers. She was deciding between the crab cakes and stuffed mushrooms when a hand on the small of her back made her jump.

"Did you find him, Sessho..." Kagome turned and dropped the plate she was holding. Naraku applied slight pressure to her back, urging her to move forward.

"Don't make a scene, Kagome." He ordered harshly. She nodded dumbly, her eyes looking about wildly for any signs of Sesshomaru. He was no where in sight.

Naraku led her outside onto a deserted balcony and forced her into a darkened corner. Kagome opened a mouth to scream, but Naraku interrupted her.

"I am the darkness that swallows you whole."

Kagome's entire demeanor changed, her body going slack, her eyes taking on a glazed look. She stared into nothingness.

"Yes master." She answered, her voice dull and emotionless. Naraku smiled evilly. His plan had gone off without a hitch.

a/n: whew! now the story starts to get really interesting. thanks for all the reviews...i love that you all are so interested in my teeny weeny story! makes me feel special tho! thanks for continuing to read and review and i promise to keep it comin! see ya next chap!