InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The worth of a friend ❯ Caught! ( Chapter 9 )

The worth of a friend

 

A/N: Just to let you guys know I've uploaded another pic. I haven't coloured it in this time for a good reason. I'm starting a little contest where you people have to colour it in yourself. You can use anything to do it, and the winner gets their own fanfic written up by me and postered in your honour. How's that!

 

This chappie will be rated Y for adult scenes and language.

 

Chapter 9

 

Oh God, I think my legs are gonna drop off!

 

Sat on a boulder Hoshiko looked back down the rough mountain path she and the others had spent the past few hours traversing in the scorching sun. Wiping the sweat from her brow again she went back to rubbing her sore caves while the others rested and quenched their thirsts. Since they'd started their trek up here Hoshiko had steadily gotten more uneasy and had constantly scanned the rocks and odd shrubbery that they passed. And as if he'd sensed her distress Sesshoumaru had shadowed her the entire way. Thinking about him again she looked behind her puzzled and saw he was still stood at the edge of the slope they were all on, looking out over the lands below. Her breath caught in her throat when a gentle breeze blew his long silver hair aside and ruffled his silk clothing. Blushing she turned back around and gazed at her feet, her mind a jumble of emotions and thoughts.

 

Why do I feel this way about the jerk? I've only known him just over a week, but already I've let him touch me like no other has. What am I, some kind of harlot?

 

Squirming a little as she remembered those talented lips of his nibbling on her neck Hoshiko felt the dull ache in-between her legs and clamped them tightly shut, hoping to ease it a little. Sensing movement behind her she quickly snapped to attention and locked her eyes with the taiyoukai as he approached.

 

Quirking a brow at her Sesshoumaru was all too aware of her unease since they started their accent up the mountainside. He himself had felt the disturbance in the air and with the little bit of information the ookami prince had bestowed on them earlier he knew it lied with the mysterious shadow attackers. Checking the position of the sun again Sesshoumaru realised that they had a few more hours before midday, and kneeling in front of Hoshiko he removed her hands and examined her legs. Rubbing along the tense muscles of her calf's and around her ankles he hid his smile well as his nose picked up the lingering scent of her arousal. Locking his eyes with hers he watched the light hazel depths darken and could here her heartbeat quicken from his ministrations. Even when he felt the tense muscles relax Sesshoumaru didn't remove his hands, but slid them slowly up to the tops of her legs and let the tips of his thumbs gaze the edge of her `shorts' as she'd called them.

 

Such strange clothes she wears. But I must admit, they are quite provocative.

 

“Come on people, get your assess in gear. Where moving out.” Inuyasha barked out as he and Kagome tuck up the lead again.

 

Damn runt.

 

Sighing under his breath Sesshoumaru gave Hoshiko's legs a gentle squeeze before releasing his hold on her and standing. Waiting for her to collect herself he set off again with her walking by his side, and couldn't help but notice that she had moved closer to him, her hip brushing against the back of his hand with each step.

 

Little vixen.

 

~*~*~

 

“Oh God! I'm glad it's all down hill from now on.” Kagome breathed in relief as she looked down the rocky path that led into a thick, dense forest that spread out for miles before them. Looking back at the others as they came over the peak she smiled and waved at them before following after her mate.

 

“Kagome, stay close to me ok.” Inuyasha whispered to her as she took her place by his side. “I'm starting to pick up the faint smell of human blood on the air.”

 

“Which way Inu?” Kagome asked worried before looking over her shoulder and waving the others to catch up.

 

Sniffing the air again Inuyasha snorted to unclog his nose from the awful smells that blocked it. “It's the same way we're heading. I can smell graveyard soil and bones that Kouga mentioned, and I'm picking up the scents of human males that travelled through here not long ago. Must be them warriors that guy on the horse yesterday mentioned.”

 

“Inuyasha, I'm picking up faint demonic aura's in the area.” Miroku commented as he and Sango came up behind them.

 

Nodding his head Inuyasha suddenly knelt down for his mate to mount his back, while he barked orders over his shoulder at the rest of the pack. “I want every body to stay close together. We're not going to take any chances walking through that forest with all the bad signals I'm picking up.”

 

Once everyone was seated on their rides they took off after the Inu as he jumped off of the path and onto the tops of the trees. Bounding from branch to branch Inuyasha kept his eyes out for bodies, as the smell of blood and death got stronger the further they went.

 

“Inuyasha, down there!” Sango suddenly shouted, pointed to a break in the treetops off to the left.

 

Heading that way the hanyou landed quickly and let his mate slide off his back as he looked at the carnage that greeted him. Barking at the others to stay where they were in the air after Kilala landed with Sango and Miroku in tow he didn't have to go any closer to know what did this.

 

“Some of them have been brutally ripped to pieces, while others have been totally drained of their blood.” The taijin commented in a detached voice. “Do you think it was the same demons that attacked Kouga and his pack?”

 

Snorting again to rid his nose of the awful stench Inuyasha motioned for Kagome to get back on again. “No doubt about it. Their stench is all over the place. Come on you guys, let's find a village to settle in before night fall.”

 

Back in the sky again the pack of shard hunters sped onwards, the brutal scene they'd left behind making them tense and uneasy.

 

Looking over at Shippo and Rin on Ah Un with Jaken Hoshiko could clearly see the fear in the children's eyes. Wishing that the two didn't have to see it but knowing it couldn't be helped she sighed and snuggled back into the warmth that Sesshoumaru offered. Feeling his hand on her tighten she tilted her head to the side as he snuffled behind her ear, while one hand unconsciously traced the markings on his wrist.

 

Shuddering Sesshoumaru growled in pleasure from the innocent touch to his sensitive markings and snaked his tongue out to taste her neck. Feeling eyes on him he looked up and saw that both the monk and taijin were looking at him in shock. With a fierce glare the two quickly turned away again, just in time to see the small pillars of smoke in the far distance, signalling that a village was near. Not long later they all landed just outside it, to find it deserted and empty of any form of life.

 

“Jaken, stay here with Ah Un, Rin and the kit until I send for you.” Sesshoumaru ordered as he followed into the ghost town after the others.

 

“Hey mutt face, I'm picking up dead bodies but I ain't seeing any.” Kouga informed before he trotted off to check out some of the huts.

 

“Alright then, I suggest we split up and search the area for any survivors. Agreed?” Miroku advised.

 

Getting the go ahead from Inuyasha they all split up into twos and started to search. Half an hour later they all returned to the same spot.

 

“Not a damn body!” Inuyasha growled, his hackles raised and his hand resting comfortingly at the ready on the hilt of his sword.

 

“Maybe whoever killed the villagers took their bodies with them?” Kagome spoke aloud to break up the silence. Looking up at the sky she could see that they still had a few more hours of daylight left, before the darkness descended upon them. “How about we camp here tonight? Miroku could go around and put up wards to secure the place.”

 

Taking out a handful of the things the monk nodded and with Sango and Kilala headed off to do the job. Seeing that Sesshoumaru had gone back for the others outside the village Inuyasha, Kagome and Hoshiko set about checking some of the huts for supplies, before taking them to the largest house in the centre of the village which happened to be the headman's. Leaving the two women to set up a fire in the central room Inuyasha searched the rest of the house, making sure it was safe and locked down tight for the night that was drawing near. Returning to his mate he found that the children along with a grumpy looking Jaken had finally joined them.

 

“Hey, where's Hoshiko and that bastard brother of mine?” Inuyasha grumbled as he sat down.

 

“Their outside having another training lesson before it gets too dark.” Sango replied as they returned from securing the area with Miroku's sutras. Taking a seat with the others they could all hear Hoshiko's battle cry as she charged at the taiyoukai.

 

“Keh, sounds like Hoshiko got a good shot in too.”

 

~*~*~

 

Charging again at him after her last attack had nicked his left shoulder Hoshiko was quickly battered away where she landed on her back with a thud. Rolling out of the way and too her feet she brought up her moon blade to block the down swing of Sesshoumaru's Tokijin, the two swords energy crackling as the blades met. Still crouched she whipped a leg out in hopes of sweeping him off of his feet, but the wily taiyoukai simply flipped out of the way.

 

With a growl of annoyance Hoshiko tapped into her power with her eyes locked with her opponents, looking for any sign that he might disapprove and tell her to reel it in again. Seeing none she let a ball of light gather at the tip of her sword as she cocked her arm back, before swinging it in front of her and unleashing her attack, following in its wake.

 

Seeing the crackling white energy racing to him Sesshoumaru cocked a brow in surprise before he counted the attack with one from Tokijin. Seeing the blue power collide and explode with Hoshiko's he snapped his head up when he suddenly sensed the girl launching herself at him again.

 

Very cunning little one.

 

Feeling his blood singe through his veins with the little battle they had engaged in Sesshoumaru met the girl head on, their blades once again clashing together as the energy from both crackled and exploded around them. Knowing she wouldn't be strong enough he pushed against her, backing her up until she was nearly up against a tree. Before her back could touch it though Sesshoumaru knocked her weapon away with a flick of his wrist, and slamming Tokijin into the ground beside them he closed in, pushing his body against hers and pinning her to the tree.

 

Gasping for breath and unbelieving that her moon blade had been knocked out of her hand she locked eyes with the Inu youkai that loomed over her. Seeing the odd light shinning in his golden eyes Hoshiko raised a single brow at him, as if asking him `what are you going to do now'?

 

Seeing the silent challenge on her face Sesshoumaru growled as his hand wrapped her hair around his fist and tilted her head to the side, baring her neck to his hungry eyes.

 

“Submit to your better girl, and you will be rewarded well.” He growled hotly in her ear before suckling on the lobe to tease her. Sensing her indecision he grounded his armour less crotch into hers, glad that he took the liberty to remove the item before her training session started, and receiving an odd look from the girl for it.

 

Gasping in shock and arousal Hoshiko grabbed the sides of his waist, her fingers twisting into the silken material as he did it again. Remembering his words through her fog clouded mind she slowly melted against him, a quiet mewl of pleasure slipping through her lips as Sesshoumaru let out a growling purr at her submissiveness and nibbled her neck in reply.

 

When she was fully relaxed against him Sesshoumaru licked up her throat and over her cheek, before finally permitting himself their first ever kiss. Groaning out loud at the sweetness the taiyoukai pried her lips apart with his tongue and thoroughly plundered the hidden depths. His chest rumbling in pleasure he continued to kiss her for what felt like forever, but reluctantly pulled away when he felt the girl needed to breath again.

 

Panting heavily from the mind-blowing kiss Hoshiko looked dazedly at him as her hands brushed up over his chest to rest on his broad shoulders. “If…if that's what I get for training with you every time, then I don't want them to stop.” Hoshiko finally managed to get out in a breathy whisper, causing Sesshoumaru to chuckle as his lips met hers once again.

 

“I'd love to just leave you two as you are, but dinners ready.” Inuyasha interjected from a safe distance. Even from there he could feel and hear his brothers displeased growl as his darkened golden gaze locked with his. Seeing he had gotten his attention he smiled at his half sister and added as an after thought. “Don't forget there's bad guys lurking around here. Its not the time or the place.” Turning on his heal Inuyasha headed back for the house.

 

With a heavy sigh Sesshoumaru stepped back from his intended and re-sheathed Tokijin. Placing one last kiss on Hoshiko's lips he went and picked up his armour and donned it while he watched her go and retrieve her weapon not to far away. Satisfied that they had every thing the two lovers headed for the house and the meal that awaited them.

 

Sat around the fire the pack ate quietly, even little Rin and Shippo weren't talking as the meal progressed. With the last bit of food gone and the dishes cleaned and put away they all looked agitatedly as the darkness crept over them. Adding more wood to the fire all of them knew that sleep was the furthest thing from their minds as they huddle closer together.

 

Feeling as if the skin on her back were trying to leap off of her body Hoshiko wrapped her arms protectively around Rin and Shippo, and could feel there little bodies quiver slightly from the fear that was in the room. Casting out her aura as far as it would go she gasped out loud as it brushed against the evil that was lurking in the shadows of the forest surrounding the outskirts of the village.

 

“What's the matter Hoshi?” Kagome asked worriedly as she looked at her sisters pale face.

 

“I can sense them in the forest.” Hoshiko replied and brought the kids closer to her. “Don't you?”

 

“I'm picking up demons, lots of them.” Inuyasha cut in as he stood. “But I'm also picking up the scents of the villages…”

 

“Their the walking dead.” Hoshiko informed in a soft, faraway voice, as if someone else was speaking through her. “The demons that sucked the life out of them turned them into their slaves.” Letting Rin and Shippo go she gracefully stood to her feet. “I have to go and release them.”

 

Thinking that she was being controlled Sesshoumaru walked right up to her and ignored the stares of the others as he tilted her face up to his. Looking deep into her eyes he was quickly put right and could see the alertness there. Even through the bravery she put off Sesshoumaru could still feel her fear.

 

“Very well. I will accompany you.” Sesshoumaru informed her before telling Jaken to stay here with the children. Seeing that Ginta and Hakkaku were staying behind also the rest quickly geared up and left.

 

No sooner had they exited the house than the dead villages came rushing from the trees and attacked. Pulling out her blade Hoshiko rushed forward and swiftly cut down the first group that came her way. A quick glance around let her know that the others were holding up well before more appeared to attack her. As she sent that lot on her way that shivering feeling raced all over her body again. Sensing movement around her Hoshiko looked into the shadows to see them move. Looking quickly to her friends again she saw that the remaining dead villages were going after them, and finally realised that it was a set-up to get her away from them. Feeling the hostility she yelped and jumped out of the way as two shadow attackers came at her, their speed surprising her and making her back up with her back towards another hut.

 

Realising her mistake too late she cried out and fell to the ground as she was hit from behind. Wondering where Sesshoumaru was she opened her heavy eyes to see him battling against three more of the shadow men, and could see his worried face just before the blackness closed in around her.

 

~*~*~

 

Roaring in rage as he tried again and again to get to Hoshiko Sesshoumaru watched helplessly as she was slung carelessly over the enemies shoulder, before the darkness creeped out and consumed the shadow warriors then retreated once again. Slashing out at his attackers he went after them as they too took to the rooftops in retreat. Ignoring the pleas from his brother and his pack Sesshoumaru gave chase and entered the woods, his nose easily picking up the enemies scent trail. He frowned worriedly though when he couldn't pick up Hoshiko's amongst them, and bounding over a fallen tree the taiyoukai quickly realised his mistake as a black miasma came up to greet him. Scoffing and ignoring it Sesshoumaru felt his eyes widen in shock as he suddenly found himself stumbling to his knees as he landed again, and shaking his stuffy head he could hear the enemy closing in around him just as the darkness closed in on him too.

 

Hoshiko…

 

~*~*~

 

“FUCK!” And angry hanyou cried out when he failed again to pick up either Hoshiko's or Sesshoumaru's scents. Stomping back to the others they all sported looks of worry as Inuyasha started to pace, trying to think of a plan of action.

 

“Inuyasha, it feels like the enemy is retreating further into the forest. Do you suppose it was a trap?” Miroku asked just as the rest of the pack came out to join them.

 

Growling in anger Inuyasha let it out of the ground as he punched it continuously. “No doubt about. Damn it! If that bastard has let anything happened to Hoshiko I'll…”

 

“Inu…” Kagome choked out as she dropped beside him and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. “Sesshoumaru really tried to get to her Inuyasha. I saw it all. They were just too strong.”

 

Accepting the comfort from his mate Inuyasha held her to him tightly and quickly thought up a plan. “Ok people we're moving out. Kouga I want you and your pack to keep near the runts ok.”

 

Just as the ookami was about to retort that he wasn't a damn babysitter the words quickly died in his throat when he saw the murderous glint in the hanyou's eyes, and gulping them back down he replied with a curt nod.

 

“Good. An make sure that no harm comes to them wolf, or it'll be your head.”

 

Getting to his feet and letting Kagome climb upon his back again they all headed off into the forest, hoping and praying that they would get to Hoshiko and Sesshoumaru in time.

 

~*~*~

 

A/N: Well, whatdya think? RNR pretty plz!