InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The End Of It All ❯ Found ( Chapter 2 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Hello again, everyone. I apologize for the delay, but life apparently had plans for me that didn't allow writing – let alone updating. So, here is my very, very, very late chapter!

Please read, enjoy, and review!

Disclaimer: Inuyasha does NOT belong to me, but rather all rights are those of Takahashi Rumiko, whom is the creator of Inuyasha. This fan fiction is in no way the outcome or true plot my Takahashi Rumiko.

This fan-fiction will be rated NC-17/R for violence, language, sexual content – more of which will come in later chapters.


- - - - - - - - - -



Chapter Two: Found


The cafe was quaint – a little 'hole in the wall' type of place, just a few blocks from campus that often served as a haven for students cramming for tests and the multitude of classes. She'd never been there, despite having passed it several times on her way in and out of school, but she'd heard good things.

The walls were done in stripes of mocha and caramel with a wide cream boarder, hanging baskets of fragrant blooms giving atmosphere in bright splashes of color, which set off the modern art pieces strewn across the walls. The tabletops were done in warm coco with tinges of red – tying in the deep red seat cushions of the cream chairs and booths that took up the majority of the floor. The booths were hard backed, the chairs a bit rigid, but what they lacked in comfort was made up for by the quality of both service and products.

Twirling a spoon idly in her coffee she eyed the male across from her as he attacked his cappuccino with vigor – did he really need a mountain of whipped cream on top? - while his free hand reached for a honey cake on the plate between them.

She raised her drink to her lips and sipped, hiding a smile behind the rim of the cup as he devoured the cake in two bites and returned to his 'whipped cream with a bit of cappuccino for taste' – as she liked to call it – and snickered.

'Somehow I had a feeling he'd like anything containing sugar and caffeine.'

He seemed to finally notice her gaze and flashed a smile at her and she grinned wryly, leaning over the table top to swipe at his nose with a finger that came away with a dab of his treat on it. “Never change, do you?”

'He always was my messy boy.'

A flush crept over his cheeks and he chuckled before leaning back against the seat, the brightness slowly seeping from his eyes as he studied her. There was a sudden weight to his gaze now, shadows circling within the emerald orbs.

He looked at her for a long moment, eyes slowly tracing every contour of her face, settling on her own eyes for a long, heavy, moment before they trailed down and over her form.

He'd always thought of her as beautiful and he'd admit to having compared girls to the image of his 'Kagome-mama', but there was something about her now that set him on edge. There was a sharpness to her and he noted with dismay that the light that had once shone in her eyes, always open and bared for all to see, was now dampened. Instead there were shadows now shifting beneath the blue depths; horrors and personal demons reflected under a diamond hard sheen in that once innocent gaze.

He licked his lips nervously, half afraid and more than a little unsure of what to say, but then her eyes found him again and her entire demeanor softened as a smile blossomed on those pink hued lips, in a gentleness that he knew. The memory of it was something he cherished and held close to his heart since the first time he had met her all those centuries ago. He stirred his drink, watching her, and her hair fluttered about her shoulders as she set her drink back on its little saucer.

“Your hair is really pretty short.” He smiled wistfully and reached out, catching a stray strand, twirling it about a long finger before releasing her and coming fully into his seat again.

Her hand chased his, cupping it gently as it lay limply on the table, thumb caressing it. The top of his hand was smooth, baby fine, just as she remembered it but there was definition to it now; it was a mans hand. A slender scar traced the line of his thumb, callouses on his palm proof that he'd grown in more than one way.

“Thank you, and you've gotten more handsome than ever.” Pride shone out of her smile and he swallowed thickly.

“Well, five hundred years does a lot for that whole 'growth spurt' ordeal.”

“Yes, I assume it does; you've gotten taller.” A smile quivered at the edge of her lips as he pouted, mock offense straightening his back as he looked down his nose at her.

“I'm a lot tougher than I used to be.” He turned his nose up in mock offense, his bottom lip protruding, but it was softened by the sparkle in his eyes.

In apology she caressed his hand softly, “I know; I never doubted that you would grow up to be a man I would be proud of.”

His head ducked and she felt the shiver in his limbs as he sucked in a quick breath, his words a low whisper, “Thank you.”

They were quiet for a while, both content to simply think and take silent enjoyment in the others presence. They ordered another drink each and a few more snacks when the waitress wandered by and it was only when she returned and placed their order before them that they seemed content to speak again.

“Why did you leave?”

She nearly dropped her drink and it clattered noisily back to its saucer as she fumbled with it. “What?”

Shippo watched her silently for a moment, the chatter of the shop swelling and receding like a wave around them, and she noticed a few girls her age eying the male across from her.

He'd explained the concealment spells used by youkai – the one he used himself making him look like a half-Japanese man with red hair and green eyes though his features were those of typical Japanese heritage, right down to his ears that would appear 'human-like' to any who were not youkai, gifted with spiritual power – a miko like Kagome being one of those. Aside from being a youkai, full blooded or not, or a person of spiritual power, only those given the gift of a spell were able to see youkai and the like as they truly were.

It was strange to think that the majority of those around her could not see Shippo as he truly was and she wondered what it must be like to hide in such a way.

Her attention was pulled back to him as he finally spoke again, his voice soft and hesitant, “Why did you leave? Didn't,” he seemed to search for a word and his gaze dropped from her, “Didn't you want to be with us anymore – with me?”

Her heart clenched tightly and a deep regret filled her and she stood, not caring what it would look like to anyone else as she went around the table to him, stooping a bit so she could wrap her arms about his shoulder, her face buried in his hair.

“I didn't want to leave,” her arms tightened about him as she felt him tremble against her, “I never wanted to leave you, any of you. I don't know why it happened but I promise you, I never wanted to be parted from you.” Her eyes were burning and tears that had been banished long ago pricked at the edges of her vision, “I'm so sorry, Shippo.”

Unsteady hands reached up and embraced her, pulling her close, and he sighed shakily as he held her and then again as he released her, his eyes swimming with emotion. “Thank you, Kagome.”

A gentle hand traced his jaw and she gave him a watery smile before retreating to her own seat, dabbing at her eyes quickly. She had sworn long ago – when the pain from the well closing had began to ache a little less – that she wouldn't cry as much, that she would show a brave face for the sake of her friends and herself so that she could learn to move on, but she doubted that Shippo - of all people - would hold the moment of weakness against her.

The tears seemed to have opened something in him and Shippo found that it was easier to speak now, and that even if he had wanted to he wouldn't have been able to stop, “I was so scared, you know? When we got separated during the battle. Sango found me, and she and Kirara did their best to protect me.”

A shudder ran through Kagome and she gripped the table with white knuckled hands, heart drumming an unsteady tempo in her chest. “Shippo,” So much was held in the name; wonder, fear, love, and more than she thought her heart could bear.

“I smelt your blood and I got scared. Inuyasha was trying to help Miroku and I heard Sango scream, and then I remember pain.” A large hand came up to press against his middle, long fingers splayed out over the white raw silk shirt. “All I could think about was that I never got to say goodbye; to my real parents or to our friends, and that I didn't get to say goodbye to you and I never got to tell you how much I loved you.”

“You didn't have to tell me,” she didn't fight the tears as she met his gaze, her voice steady despite the shaking she could feel from the very center of her being. “I knew, and I'm so sorry I wasn't there to protect you.”

A rage flared through her as his eyes darkened and he curled his fingers over the spot on his stomach were she knew Naraku's tentacle had pierced, and it left her chilled in its intensity . She wished for a moment that she had tortured Naraku instead of ending it quickly. For all the pain and suffering he'd caused, his death was too quick and clean. Shippo gave her a startled look as her aura flared and it brought her back to herself and she stomped back the malicious thoughts.

She reached for his free hand, cradled it, and laid a soft kiss on the rough knuckles. “Forgive me.”

“There is nothing to forgive,” He brought his other hand around the one cupping his and held on tight, as though she were the only solid thing left to him, “You wished us back – Sango and I, and so many others. You gave us life and brought Naraku down; that is more than we could have hoped for and you gave it to us freely.”

“Heh,” she snickered at him, smiling through her tears, “When did you get so grown up, huh?”

The painful moment was broken and he laughed with her softly, his own smile watery. “Somewhere around the eighteenth century or so.”

“Well, boys do mature slower,” she released his hand and finished off her cooling coffee. “But that's alright, I knew that when I took you in.”

“Funny, I remember Sango saying something along those lines to Miroku once.”

“Did they get married?”

The excuse to skirt away from the painful subject was a welcome relief and he took it eagerly.

“Yeah,” he rested his chin on an open palm and grinned, the image of the houshi and taijiya in their wedding finery coming to mind. “About a year after your wish, actually. She was a lovely bride and I don't think I had ever seen Miroku on such good behavior.”

Kagome smiled then, the ache in her heart easing at the knowledge that her friends had been able to be together as they had wished. “They were happy?”

The waitress wandered over with refills and Kagome eyed her with ill concealed irritation, waving her away as soon as she'd placed the drinks down and offered Shippo a coy smile.

“Mostly, they had their ups and downs like any couple, but there was always more good than bad. They had six children you know, five boys and one girl, and she was the youngest of them.” He grinned at her, waggling his eyebrows, “They named her Kagome; apparently you're a trend setter.”

Laughing she flicked her napkin at him, chuckling as he pouted. “They really named her after me?”

“Mhmm,” He could see that she was touched but there was also a shroud of sorrow about her, and not for the first time he wondered exactly how she'd changed in their time apart. Five years for him was nothing, nothing like the near five hundred he'd lived since she'd vanished, but for a mortal it was more than enough time to change; both for good and bad.

A stillness settled over her as they quieted and simply sat once more, gathering themselves. “How did they die?”

“Kagome,” He hesitated, refusing to look at her for a brief moment.

“Tell me, Shippo,” Threading her fingers she leaned forward, fingertips resting just under her chin. “I need to know.”

'Well, she's gotten more assertive, thats for sure.' He tried to wait her out, but the warning in her eyes left him only one choice.

“Fifty three years after their marriage there was a village wide attack by youkai; Sango helped fight because the village miko had fallen ill. She was killed in battle taking down the last of them while Miroku worked to erect a shield over the women and children.” He ran a hand through his hair, eyes distant. “Miroku, having used far too much energy at his age, and being ill like the miko, followed after in his sleep a few days later.”

'A warriors death and a sacrifice of life and energy to save the village. Honorable deaths for them both.' Sucking in a breath Kagome tried to console herself with the knowledge, knowing that they had live a long and happy life.

They were much better endings than having been speared on Naraku's tentacle and left to bleed out. It was a bitter knowledge, and she bit back the urge to scream as mocking laughter from the long dead hanyou rang in her ears.

He knew she wanted to ask about him, could see it in her eyes as they appeared to glaze and her mind seemed to drift away for a moment. He wanted to tell her what had changed since those long gone years, but knew better than to say a word. He'd been sworn to more oaths than he could count, and practically threatened with more than torture before he was even allowed to approach her.

As if sensing the wavering resolve in him, a loud, rather insistent song bellowed out of the speaker of his cell phone, and jumping he fumbled for it. Jiggling about as the vibration sent the phone dancing with each lyric, he snatched it from his belt, not bothering to look at the screen.

Only one person had that song for their ring-tone: Total slaughter, total slaughter; I won't leave a single man alive.

Wide eyed Kagome watched him, face slowly draining of color, her ears seemingly haunted by the ring tone.

“Yes?” The question was quick and slightly high pitched as Shippo tried smiling at Kagome, pushing the remains of the sweet cakes between them her way. By the way she was watching him, she wasn't going to be distracted. 'Damn.'

“You will be killed if you tell her anything that has been marked as classified. Do I make myself clear?” The voice was like velvet on steel, a rich baritone; calm and collected even as it issued the possible warrant of death.

"Of course.” Controlling his shudders at the deceptively mild tone he gave another wan smile, waving off Kagome's sharp gaze, which had fixated on the phone as though it were somehow a threat. 'If only she knew the whole of it.'

“You will withdraw from contact with the girl now. You may, however, leave your number with her, in case she has need of you. You will broach no other topic. Return to the office immediately.” The phone clicked in his ear, and he knew the other had hung up even before he'd swallowed the lump of fear that had congealed in his throat. With an unsteady hand he flipped the device shut, and he sat for a moment, too stunned to move.

“Shippo,” he didn't answer, still starring at the phone in his hands with wide eyes. “Shippo, are you okay?” She was going to fling herself over the table if he didn't answer, she decided, as a feeling of dread wrenched her gut into tight knots. 'Why is he so pale?'

Roused from his stupor he nodded once, quickly. “I'm afraid I have to get going Kagome. That was my boss,” chuckling he stood and watched as she followed suit, obviously floundering for words. He didn't want to leave, not when they had so much to talk about, but he knew better than to disobey orders. “There's been an emergency at the office and I'm needed to help sort it out.”

“Emergency? Where do you work, what do you do?” Still struggling with the concept of him leaving her so soon she gathered her things as he pulled his coat on, the money for the bill and tip already on the table.

She noticed that he hadn't let her pay for anything as he folded his wallet and replaced it the pocket or his tan slacks.

“Computers.” His answer was distracted and he scribbled something on a napkin which he handed to her before ushering her out of the cafe. “I'm pretty handy when it comes to programing.” He ignored the question of where he worked and hoped like hell that if he kept her moving she'd let it go.

“You,” she whirled on him as he hailed a taxi, “you're lying to me!”

Innocent wide eyes met hers but it was ruined by the sweat beading on his brow. “Kagome, I'm serious, it really is an emergency. Honest.”

The taxi pulled up and he opened the door, nearly stuffing her inside as she glared at him, money once again leaving his wallet as he spoke quickly to the driver. “Take her anywhere she asks, keep twenty percent of the change as tip and give her the rest.”

“Shippo!” Finally he stopped and blinked down at her in surprise at the scalding tone. “You're not telling me the whole truth.” He made to protest and she snorted, rolling her eyes before a finger tip prodded his cheek. “Your lip always twitches when you're trying to hide something.”

Chagrined he leaned into the cab, snatching her up in a hug. “Call me and we'll talk later; for now I really do have to go. Maybe then I can explain, alright? Right now, it's all I can offer.”

Resignation slumped her shoulders slightly, even as determination burned in her eyes. “Fine, but next time I'm paying for the coffee.”

“Maybe.” Releasing her he stepped back from the curb with a smile. “I'll just miss you until then, if that's alright with you?”

“I love you.” The words slipped past before she could even think upon them, and her cheeks flared red as the driver looked between the two with interest via the rear-view mirror – obviously he thought this was more than a 'friendship' sort of talk.

The luminous smile she received in return banished the slight embarrassment and brought one of her own.

“I love you too, 'kaa-san.” The words were soft, full of wonder and affection. Before she could reply though, he sent her a sly grin and shut the door, waving at her as he retreated into the foot traffic of the busy Tokyo streets.

“Where to Miss?” The driver eyed her with a small grin, and she turned glacial eyes upon him until he dropped his own, discomfort thick in the air.

Frowning she gave him the address of the Higurashi Shrine, as she had promised to come by for dinner that night, and then settled back for the ride, faced turned towards the window. Slowly they joined the flow of traffic and made their way across the crowded streets. The scenery seemed to blur before her eyes and she stared without really seeing anything, mind drifting in a sort of half-aware state of quiet.

A slender hand reached up to swipe at her eyes as the tears spilled over and she brushed them away angrily. Why am I crying?

The rustle of the napkin in her hand brought her attention down and she unfolded the small square to reveal a neat scrawl – could a scrawl even be considered neat? - a number with a note beneath.

Feel free to call me anytime you need me. I promise we'll talk soon.
–Shippo

Oh he'd be talking to her soon, that was for sure. Huffing she folded the napkin neatly and placed it among the relative safety of her wallet, the change from the taxi fare joining it soon after.

Thanking the driver she exited the vehicle, weaving around the few people making their way down the walk before the shrine steps. Ascending the stairs she replayed the day, more than a little afraid that she was dreaming and would wake at any moment.

Reaching the top she skirted around the last of the days visitors who were making their way across the grounds leading to the house and places of worship. Her mother emerged from the house, and spotting her waved her over, even as she began moving.

“Kagome, come here dear!”

Surprised as her mother rounded the house, heading towards the back, Kagome followed, jogging to keep up. “Mama, what're you doing?” Reaching the back Kagome made to question her mother again, but instead found her voice gone, stolen away by shock.

There before her, leaning against the side of the house was none other than the pink metal monstrosity of her youth, both a bane and joy of her travels in the feudal era; her bike. It was exactly as she remembered it, a little dented and the paint a little faded, but it was still in one piece.

Sure now that she was hallucinating she drew closer, reaching out with an unsure hand. Metal, warmed by the sun that shined upon it, met her searching fingers and she let out a whoop of laughter even as her knees shook and left her unsteady.

Crowding closer to the bike she ran bold hands over it, eyes suddenly catching the sheen of dancing light that seemed to radiate from the bicycle. Dredging through the mess of her mind she remembered lessons from both Kaede and Miroku, who'd spoken briefly of enchantments that were made for preserving items, for whatever purpose they may serve. The feel of the spell, for surely that was the only way it could have lasted the long years, was like a soft hand pressing against her and she knew without a doubt it was real, and not some fantasy her subconscious had wrapped around her in dream-state.

Crowing with delight she slumped to the ground, knees finally giving out on her, and her mother joined her there, steadying her. “Kagome?”

Gleaming eyes, made so by tears and joy, and laughter that rang deep in her heart, took in her startled mother and she lunged for her, wrapping both arms about her.

“It's real! It's really real, mama!”

“It was here when I came out a few hours ago,” unsure if she should be laughing with her daughter or alarmed by the sudden change of demeanor she withdraw an envelope from her apron. “This was with it.”

Hands that trembled with excitement took the envelope, sharp nails tearing the flap, enabling careful fingers to withdraw the note tucked inside. It was a plain sheet of white paper, folded in half. Righting it she let out a hissing breath between clenched teeth.

It was short, simple, and very much to the point. It was written in a neat hand, curling letters elegant in shape despite the lack of length in their business on the page.

Thought you'd like this back. See you around.
- Inuyasha

Her world stopped, and became nothing but those words, her meaning nothing but the feeling associated with that one name. It echoed in her heart, shook her until she crumbled, and then built her up again, thrusting her higher than she'd ever been.

A gasp let her know that her mother had also seen the words, that name, and just as suddenly as her world had stopped it moved once again.

“He found me,” taking in a shuddering breath she cast her gaze heavenward, a smile spreading across her lips. “They found me.”

“They?” Mrs. Higurashi was nearly shell shocked, and she imagined her voice was a little strained. They'd seen hide nor hair of Inuyasha for five years and now, suddenly, out of the blue he'd come back?

“Shippo took me out for coffee today.” Flinging herself back, Kagome laid upon the trampled grass, whole body shaking. “Inuyasha gave me back my bike.” She was laughing even as she cried, and she felt nearly hysterical with the sudden reality of it all.

“They found me!”


_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _


Authors Note: I hope that you all have enjoyed this chapter and would like to read more – unfortunately I am unsure as to when the next update will be. Hopefully soon.

Review Responses:

Lunabell: I'm glad you liked it. I hope that you saw in this chapter, that no, this is NOT a Shippo/Kagome story. There is a relationship between them, but of the mother/son kind.

LadyCash: I'm glad you liked it. Hopefully this chapter appeased you!

sunrisegoodbyes: Thank you very much; I'm glad you enjoy them! And no, not a romantic Shippo/Kagome, I promise! Hopefully this can put another picture in your head...if not, I've got to try harder!

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Translations: Miko; Priestess (of the Shinto faith), Shikon no Tama; Jewel of Four Souls, Kitsune; Fox, Houshi; monk/holy man, Hanyou; half-demon, Youkai; demon, Taijiya; youkai/demon exterminator, and more will follow later!



_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _


Kagome: -snarls- What is it with you? Do you have some freaking kink with tormenting me or something?!

Jade: Is there a safe answer to this question?

Kagome: Safe answer, safe?! -brain explodes-

Jade: -wide eyed- Right then. I've no idea where the rest of the characters are hiding, probably in the psychiatrists office.. -mumbles- Well, I hope to see you all next chapter. Review, please!

- curtain closes on Jade crouched by Kagome, prodding the downed woman with a pencil -