InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The worth of a friend ❯ Feelings ( Chapter 8 )

The worth of a friend

 

A/N: I would like to make a very big shout out to ScifiAmy for putting up my pictures for this fanfic. You're the greatest! If you want to look at the first pic that's to chappie 3 then go here;

 

http://photos.bravenet.com/413/692/478/8/BB176DDA7F.jpg

 

I apologise if you can't see the colours clearly, but when I scanned it they didn't show up right.

 

This chappie will be rated Y for some adult themes.

 

Chapter 8

 

Standing underneath a cluster of trees the band of travellers all looked to the heavens and silently prayed the heavy rain would let up.

 

“How much further from the miners village do you think we are Miroku?” Kagome asked as she searched her bag for the two umbrellas' she carried.

 

“Not long, I'd say another days travel if we keep walking. But if we went at a demons speed then we could get there before night fall.” Miroku commented as he glanced at his companions. “What do you think Inuyasha?”

 

“Keh, I ain't staying here any longer. Its not my fault you humans are so slow.” Inuyasha snorted as he approached his mate. “You might as well put them things away, you won't be needing them.”

 

Dropping them back in her bag Kagome fastened it and swung it over her shoulder before climbing onto her mates presented back. Looking at the others she saw that Sango and Miroku were already sat upon Kilala, and feeling little paws grasp her shoulder she knew that Shippo was with her. That only left one person.

 

Looking at the others as they mounted their rides Hoshiko suddenly felt left out and looking over at Ah Un she could see that both Rin and Jaken were already on his back. Feeling a presence at her back she looked over her shoulder and locked eyes with Sesshoumaru as he looked down at her with a guarded expression.

 

“My lord! Let the human walk, she has two legs!” Jaken suddenly squawked out as he watched his lord approach the girl.

 

Not looking back at his vassal the taiyoukai barked back. “Jaken, feel lucky that I am in a good mood today, and do not have the time to give you the punishment you deserve for your slight.” Without another word he snaked his arm around Hoshiko's waist and pulled her tight to him as his youkai cloud quickly formed underneath their feet.

 

Seeing that Hoshiko was taken care of the others took to the air or in Inuyasha's case ran along the ground.

 

Gripping the single arm that held her Hoshiko let her nails sink into his skin in fright as she watched the ground far below her sail by. In response to her death grip on him Sesshoumaru tightened the hand that rested on her hip and couldn't suppress the amused chuckle that vibrated his chest. Feeling his hot breath on her right ear the girl shuddered from the sensation and let her head fall back onto his chest, as even when standing the top of her head only reached just above his armpit.

 

“Why are you afraid? I will not drop you.” Sesshoumaru whispered hotly in her ear, and before he could stop himself his tongue had darted out and licked its shell.

 

Gasping at the unexpected contact Hoshiko suddenly felt her knees quiver and was glad that he had such a firm hold on her. Letting her right hand release his arm she dropped it to her side and gripped the leg of his hakama's. Forcing her eyes open that she couldn't remember closing she gazed up at the striking visage of the lord that held her, totally forgetting that the rest of her friends were following them not so far behind.

 

Watching the play of emotions across her face Sesshoumaru couldn't help but growl lowly when he felt her small hand grip his pants leg so close to where his erection pushed against the groin guard of his armour. Wishing the barrier wasn't there when he brought her deliciously plump bottom closer the taiyoukai was glad he had took the lead, and speeding further ahead he teased himself by nibbling on her neck that she suddenly exposed to him.

 

“My lord! What are you doing?”

 

Snarling in the back of his throat when he heard Jaken's annoying voice slice through his little moment he snapped his head to his retainer that had managed to catch up to him on Ah Un. Letting him see his angry red filled eyes Sesshoumaru snarled at him then quickly slammed his stoic mask back in place when he saw Rin's shocked and frightened face. Promising the imp silently with his gaze that he would deal with him later the taiyoukai was glad when the small mining village suddenly came into view on the horizon.

 

Snapping out of the daze she had fallen into from Sesshoumaru's touches Hoshiko pulled much needed air into her lungs and was glad that their destination was near. As soon as they landed she was quickly released, and turned to watch her friends land a few feet from her. Looking at the taiyoukai as he stalked off with Jaken grasped in his hand she bit her lip to stifle her giggles then looked down as she felt a small warm hand slip into hers. Looking down she smiled at Rin's worried face and swiftly quelled the girls fears when she realised who she was worried about.

 

“I told master Jaken not to get too close to our lord, but he was being very stubborn.” Rin replied.

 

“Don't worry about him Rin. He knew what he was doing and knew he'd get punished for it.” Hearing the others call her name she looked up again and smiled to them as they all came running towards her and Rin.

 

“Hey, where's that bastard of a brother of mine disappearing too now?” Inuyasha growled out, which quickly went up an octave when he smelled Sesshoumaru's aroused sent still lingering on Hoshiko. “What the hell did he do Hoshiko?”

 

Blinking up at the obliviously pissed hanyou Hoshiko blushed and looked away, not really sure what had gone on between them herself. Biting her lip she was glad when her sister stepped in and saved her.

 

“Drop it Inuyasha!” Kagome intervened as she looped her arm with her sisters. “It's still raining and starting to get dark. So lets find an inn before the children come down with something.”

 

Grumbling under his breath but caving in to his mates demands the others followed Kagome's lead as she headed towards the village with her mate and sister at her side. Glancing at the huts around her she noticed people standing in the shadows of the doorway, looking at them suspiciously. Hearing the braying of a horse they all snapped their attention to the front as a man on horseback came towards them. Stopping in their tracks Inuyasha let Miroku come forward to talk to the man.

 

“Good evening to you sir.” Miroku bowed slightly in greeting. “Me and my tired companions wish to spend the night in your humble village before setting off into the mountains in the morning. Is there someplace that will take us in?”

 

Leaning further forward on his horse the scruffy looking man looked closer at the travellers in front of him before spitting out the reed he had been chewing on and pointed further up the hill they were currently at the bottom of.

 

“There's an inn up yonder. Plenty of rooms still free. Your lucky that the band of warriors that camped here have already left and long gone.” Casting one last hard glance at them he steered his horse and trotted off.

 

Heading up the hill they soon found the inn and quickly shuffled themselves inside as the rain started coming down harder again. But before the door could close behind them it was swiftly slammed against the wall by a gust of wind, allowing Sesshoumaru to walk in after them.

 

“Heh, thought you were gonna sleep outside?” Inuyasha inquired frostily, his blood still boiling at the fact that his older brother did something to Hoshiko. After all he considered the girl his own sister now.

 

Ignoring the hanyou's question and dirty look he was sending his way Sesshoumaru kicked the door shut behind him, wishing he had stayed outside as the enclosed space brought the smells of so many smelly humans to his sensitive nose. Ignoring them as much as he could he focused his senses on Hoshiko's sweet honeysuckle and berry scent as the monk went about ordering there rooms.

 

Ordering one for each of them and one for the children to share they were quickly shown to them by the innkeepers wife, who also informed them of the bathing rooms at the back of the building. Dropping their belongings off in their rooms the travellers headed for the baths, even Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru went with them, the rain having soaked their clothes and the thought of a nice hot bath was cause to change their stubborn ways.

 

Seeing that the large room actually housed a natural hot spring and was partitioned down the middle the ladies and children headed for the left side while the men the right.

 

Stripping off her wet shorts and t-shirt Hoshiko was glad she hadn't worn her new kimono and glanced at it on the stool where she placed it with her other things. Stepping into the water she could here the others talking on the other side of the partition, and had to blush as she realised that Sesshoumaru was but a few feet away, sitting in the hot water naked as she. Realising she was staring at the screen that separated them she whirled around to see both her sister and Sango staring at her knowingly with identically smirks on their faces.

 

“What?” She snapped out as her blush deepened. Sinking lower into the water until it reached her chin she scowled and turned her face away, then let out a small shriek of surprise when water was suddenly thrown at her. Pushing her wet bangs out of her eyes she glared playfully at the two little monsters that had attacked her, and cupping her hands she let Rin and Shippo have it.

 

Letting out shrieks of laughter the two tried to waddle away from her but Hoshiko quickly bounded over to them and scooped them up in her arms. Smirking down at them she tickle attacked them until Inuyasha barked at them from the other side to shut up already. Grumbling about a certain hanyou party pooper Hoshiko put the kids down and brought them over to where Kagome and Sango waited with soaps and washcloths in hand.

 

“Don't worry about Inuyasha sis, I'll take care of him later.” Kagome whispered conspiringly as she started to scrub Shippo's hair.

 

Giggling together the girls quickly all washed up and got out, drying off and getting changed quickly before heading for the exit, which happen to be in full view from the men's side. Not being able to stop herself Hoshiko looked towards where the men were out of the corner of her eye, but quickly saw Miroku's knowing smirk. Seeing he was about to comment on her she quickly averted her gaze and dashed out the door after her sister and the others.

 

“You little hentai Hoshi.” Kagome teased when they were back in the children's room. The innkeeper's wife had already laid out two futons and had also supplied a few toys for Rin and Shippo to play with, which they immediately set too while the three women talked.

 

Blushing again when she realised that not only had Miroku caught her looking but her sister had as well she looked away and started to fiddle with the hem of her kimono. “So, I didn't see anything anyway. Miroku scared me away with the lecherous look he shot me.”

 

Giggling at her reply both Kagome and Sango could here the others returning to their own rooms as they talked quietly. Giving them an hour to settle down they were glad to see that both Rin and Shippo had fallen asleep while playing, and picking them up gently they put them both to sleep with Kilala keeping watch over them.

 

Bidding goodnight to her sister and Sango Hoshiko headed to her room and was half expecting Sesshoumaru to be in there waiting for her return but sighed sadly when she found it empty. Sliding the shoji shut behind her she sat on her futon and stared off into space for a moment, her thoughts going back to that moment she was flying through the sky with the taiyoukai holding her tightly to his chest. Even though she didn't have his sense of smell she could've sworn she sensed his arousal through his aura. Sighing again Hoshiko removed her kimono to reveal her sleeping yukata then climbed into bed, her eyes going to the door of her room and silently wishing that the sexy Inu youkai would come. Groaning in annoyance she flipped onto her other side and tried to go to sleep.

 

~*~*~

 

With his sharp hearing Sesshoumaru listened to Hoshiko's disappointed sighs and the sounds of her undressing. Hearing her groan of annoyance though before she drifted off to sleep caused him to chuckle from his place sat on the floor with his back against one wall.

 

Are you that eager for my touch now Hoshiko?

 

When he had finished punishing Jaken in the woods and ordering him to stay outside with Ah Un Sesshoumaru had quickly followed the others and found them at a reasonable inn. Even when he was in the bath listening to the monk banter with his half brother his senses were honed only on Hoshiko on the other side of the partition. He'd smiled silently to himself when he heard her playing with his ward and the kit, and then he'd wanted to smack his idiot of a brother upside the head when he'd barked at the frolicking trio to be quiet.

 

I should have just drowned him in the bath and been done with it.

 

He let a real smile grace his face though when he remembered feeling Hoshiko trying to take a peek at him while bathing on her way out, and wanted to murder the lecherous houshi when he smirked knowingly. Finally deciding that he'd given the girl enough time to fall asleep Sesshoumaru got gracefully to his feet and left his room. Finding himself outside his intended he stilled his hand that had reached out to slide her door open when he realised his brother was hiding in the shadows in the corridor. Feeling the waves of suppressed anger rolling off of the hanyou he only turned his head to regard Inuyasha as he stepped out of his hiding place and into a patch of light, the shadows thrown across his face adding to the feel of how he felt.

 

“What are your intentions towards Hoshiko?” Inuyasha growled lowly so the occupants of the rooms around them wouldn't here.

 

Quirking a brow at him Sesshoumaru knew how protective the hanyou had become of the pink haired girl, since it was common behaviour with Inu youkai and alpha's with unmated females in their group.

 

“I wish to court her dear brother. I am strong, and will not bring her any dishonour.” Sesshoumaru began; knowing what he was going to say next would not be repeated again. “I should have come to you first and asked for your permission dear brother. So I ask you now, as her alpha and protector, may I pursue her?”

 

Looking and feeling a little surprised and knowing that his bastard brother had never asked someone's permission in his life Inuyasha kept his eyes locked with his and gave him his answer. “You may. But know this Sesshoumaru, if you make her cry or unhappy or hurt her in any way, I will come for you and make you surfer.”

 

Nodding that he understood and knowing that if it did come to that that the taiyoukai wouldn't be able to raise his hand against him Sesshoumaru watched his younger sibling walk away, and didn't take his eyes off of his retreating back until he heard the sound of a shoji sliding open and shut.

 

In that instant as Sesshoumaru finally entered Hoshiko's room his regard of Inuyasha had gone up from great dislike to grudging admiration, and he wondered not for the first time if Inuyasha's growing up had anything to do with his miko mate.

 

Only time will tell.

 

~*~*~

 

Sat at the base of the mountain pass the shards hunters gazed about them looking for any signs of Kouga and his group that was supposed to meet them there that morning. They'd already been waiting an hour when both Kagome and Hoshiko perked up and exclaimed together joyously.

 

“Two jewel shards coming fast. He's here!”

 

Perking his ears and twitching his nose Inuyasha `kehed' under his breath when he picked up Kouga's scent, just before the whirled came barrelling down the mountain path ahead of them. Screeching to a sudden stop the ookami prince waved at the lot waiting for him.

 

“Yo!”

 

“Took you bloody long enough wolf! What the hell were you doing to make us wait so long, picking fleas outa ya fur?” Inuyasha snapped at him as Ginta and Hakkaku came running after their leader, only to slump on the ground panting for breath.

 

Growling and baring his teeth Kouga swiftly got in the hanyou's face, their noses nearly touching as they engaged in a stare down. “Shut up mutt face! I'll have you know me and my pack have had a very ruff night. Seems there's been some demon upstarts wrecking havoc across the plains on the other side of the mountain.”

 

“Inuyasha, why don't you let the wolf explain himself, instead of breathing down his neck.” Sesshoumaru suddenly broke in though his gaze was fixed on the mountain that loomed over them all.

 

Something feels amiss.

 

“Keh, whatever.” Inuyasha grumbled and went to sit on a rock next to his mate, still not wanting to leave Kagome's side with the wolf around.

 

When everyone else had seated themselves Kouga carried on with his tale of the previous night, when he and his fellow pack members had been scouting around for Naraku's whereabouts while on the way here to meet them.

 

KOUGA'S FLASHBACK

 

“Come on you two keep up! If we slow down any more then we'll be late in meeting Kagome and the others.” Kouga yelled over his shoulder at Ginta and Hakkaku.

 

“Well maybe if we had jewel shards in our legs then we could keep up with your speed oh mighty Kouga.” Hakkaku grumbled back sarcastically.

 

“What did you say?” Kouga snapped back, then suddenly came to an abrupt stop as the scents of jewel shards drifted pass his nose. What the hells going on here?

 

Just as he thought that the ookami prince felt movement around him and ignoring the questions from the two slackers he looked around as the air told him that they were being surrounded.

 

“When I tell you two to run, do it.” He whispered under his breath as he saw the shadows around them move. Feeling the tension in the air build he quickly jumped out of the way when a demon dressed in what looked like black armour attacked him from the side. “RUN!”

 

Not questioning their leader Ginta and Hakkaku bolted as the sounds of battle was heard behind them.

 

Seeing they were following his orders Kouga spin kicked his attacker away from him, the force of his blow sending him careening into a tree that shook with the impact. Jumping after him he aimed a punch at his attackers head, which ended up pole axing the tree as he dashed away. Looking around him Kouga tried to pinpoint where he was but let out a grunt of surprise when he was suddenly hit in the back. Stumbling but not going down he used his speed and delivered a flurry of kicks at his attacker that brought him to his knees. Just as he was about to finish him off the other shadows around him started to move, and giving up on his pursuit Kouga turned tail and ran after the other two.

 

Through the rest of the night they were pursued by their shadow attackers, until they were forced to retreat when the sun finally came up over the horizon.

 

END FLASHBACK

 

“I thought we were goners for sure.” Ginta quivered as he clung to his friend Hakkaku.

 

“So you don't know what your attackers looked like Kouga?” Kagome asked as the wolf handed back the water bottle she'd given him.

 

“No. They all wore black armour and always stayed in the shadows. I'm sure there were twelve of them. But what really got to me was the scent of bones and grave dirt, just like those creeps that Naraku brought back to life.”

 

Looking at each other they all knew silently that if they smelled like that and had a jewel shard in them that it could only mean that the vile dark hanyou was behind it all.

 

“He really must be after your jewel shards Kouga. But why go to such great lengths?” Miroku pondered out loud as he rose to his feet.

 

Listening to the others silently as they talked Hoshiko suddenly shivered violently, with the feeling as if someone or something had stomped all over her grave.

 

God that was horrible! I have a bad feeling that I don't want to go to other side of this mountain.

 

“Come on Hoshi, let's go.”

 

Snapping back to the hear and now the startled girl looked up into the smiling eyes of her sister. Returning it she got to her feet and started walking up the mountain trail, her body still tense and her eyes darting in every direction.

 

What the hell's going on?

 

~*~*~

 

A/N: Well that's the next chappie done. Hope you all like it. RNR!