InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Prize ❯ 2. Taken ( Chapter 2 )

The Prize [NC-17]

 

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha and give thanks to its creator; it's such a wonderful series.

 

2. Taken

 

Days passed and Kagome continued stay at Kaede's hut. She had returned back to her time but with Inuyasha since she did not have the Shikon jewel to give her passage. For some reason however, the passage was possible with Inuyasha. It was as if the story that had started four years ago had not yet ended. It was as if something else was in the works but no one knew exactly what.

 

In time, she assumed the position of miko-in- training with Kaede and wore a similar outfit as Kikyo's. Village people were almost driven mad in confusion since the girls could pass twins. Kagome spent her days with her friends and searched for herbs in the forest so as to learn more healing potions.

 

On one of her many walks she had gone a bit further than anticipated and found herself in unknown territory. All of a sudden her sixth sense warned her of a presence. She turned and standing there was Sesshomaru. He looked at her and said nothing. She stared at him and tried to suppress her fear.

 

"I guess that I am lost." She knew that he would not offer her any assistance. To point her in the right direction would be wishful thinking. But, she hoped for something.

 

"You are in my territory," he said without a wink.

 

What am I to say? Does he expect an apology? She asked herself.

 

She feared this demon; he was Inuyasha's nemesis after all. She knew that he yearned to slash her every time she came in between their fights. Unexpectedly and without another word Sesshomaru turned and walked away. With a sigh of relief she turned in the opposite direction to retrace her steps trying to find her way back.

 

Inuyasha had finished accumulating the pile of wood for his hut when he stopped and looked at the forest. Kikyo stood next to him and knew what he had sensed. She nodded to him and after acknowledging her, he ran in that direction.

 

Kikyo noticed that Shippo was looking up at her, she smiled softly to him. “Don't worry; it looks like there is an unexpected visitor. Inuyasha is going to give him the proper welcome." Shippo then caught Sesshomaru's scent and looked apprehensive. Kikyo smiled and patted the young boy's head and told him not to worry.

 

"What are you doing here," growled Inuyasha. Sesshomaru came out of the shadows. They looked at each other, neither one giving away their intentions.

 

His deep voice broke the silence, "You did not mate with that human Kagome."

 

Inuyasha's jaw nearly banged against the floor. He had never expected such a statement from his brother. What did he care? he thought. "It's none of your business," he stated with a humph and crossed his arms and looked away.

 

"You reek of the smell of that other human, the one that used to be dead," Sesshomaru said coldly.

 

"What of it!" screamed Inuyasha bothered by the tone and tactlessness of his words.

 

"You chose the living dead over that mortal who risked her life countless of times for you," his elder brother finished.

 

The sting of guilt that had been nagging against Inuyasha's consciousness was finally stabbing him hard as the words came out of Sesshomaru's lips. Those words, unsaid yet ever present had finally been out in the open. Yes, he's right. Even if his choice was made initially out of duty and guilt, it evolved into a choice for his happiness and Kagome's sadness. That had also meant that Kagome was vulnerable and was no longer protected by him. Although he had promised himself to Kikyo, he still had a strong bond with Kagome. At times, he had lain awake at night hoping that she would be safe.

 

The Lord of the West lands observed the inner turmoil within the Hanyou and understood. He turned his gaze to the distance and stated, "Little brother," Inuyasha snapped out of his thoughts at Sesshomaru's words.

 

"I will take her."

 

Inuyasha felt his blood drain down from his face. His instinct was shot. He had to protect Kagome but she wasn't his mate. A blood curling growl emanated from the depths of his being. Sesshomaru looked at Inuyasha, stepped forward and in a deeper growl he rumbled.

 

"She is not yours to protect."

 

Inuyasha was disarmed by this statement and Sesshomaru waited, watching his younger sibling closely. He turned his eyes to scan the horizon before turning back to his brother who was boiling in anger but shocked into silence. Sesshomaru slowly turned around, waited once more, but Inuyasha was paralyzed. He could not argue with what his brother had just said. Inuyasha watched as Sesshomaru walked away and disappeared back into the shadows.

 

Inuyasha wasted no time and ran towards Kagome's direction. He had hoped to find her before Sesshomaru. What if he didn't get there in time? He feared. He ran harder and ignored all the thicker branches he would usually avoid while running through the forest.

 

Kagome sensed something coming fast and swift in her direction. She heard the successive snapping of branches and saw red and white. It was a familiar scene yet it was strangely unfamiliar since times had changed to one of less urgency. She knew that it was Inuyasha. As always, when she saw such a scene her adrenaline would start pumping. Evidently, something serious was coming or was about to happen.

 

Inuyasha had finally reached her and noticed the concern on her face. "Kagome, you must go back to the village."

 

Kagome knew better than to ask and simply nodded. She was about to climb onto his back when she felt an arm come from behind and lift her from her waist. She started elevating into the sky as Inuyasha watched in disbelief. She looked up and saw Sesshomaru looking away into the direction of their flight. Her heart began racing, adrenaline pumping and instinct was screaming to save herself. She looked back down and noticed that Inuyasha did not do anything but watch. She became even more confused. Why isn't he running towards us? Why isn't he screaming out to me? She saw him standing there, looking up at them. As the distance between them grew she saw less and less of him.

 

She snapped out of her thoughts and heartache and began to struggle, trying desperately to loosen the tight grip of Sesshomaru's right arm. She had to fight for her survival. That in itself was a difficult task when at the same time she had to fight her thoughts about Inuyasha.

 

She realized that he would not come and save her as he used to. She understood yet she was not used to it. She kept fighting blindly when she felt hot air near her ear.

 

"Stop or I'll drop you." Sesshomaru gravely whispered.

 

Her heart was beating hard but she knew better than to question the lord of the West. She knew how he despised humans and she knew he could easily carry out his threat. She let go of his arm and quietly cried out of desperation, impotence, frustration and once again, out of her heart breaking once more.