InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ This Wasn't In The Job Description ❯ The Fortress of Sesshomaru ( Chapter 24 )

Chapter 24

 

The Fortress of Sesshomaru

 

The fortress of the Lord of the Western Lands lay on a hill, with sweeping grounds that were bordered by a wall. InuYasha was wary and a little surprised to see how well manned it was. It looked like they were ready for a siege, not for InuYasha's little group.

 

The Inu Youkai patrol led them up to the gate, and two guards looked down to see who they were bringing in.

 

“The dungeons are full,” said the first guard. “We had to convert one of the audience halls to accommodate new arrivals.”

 

“Someone tell Lord Sesshomaru that we have InuYasha and some humans he is keeping,” said the head of the Inu Youkai patrol.

 

“Keeping?” said Sango in astonishment.

 

“These arrogant bastards must be thinking you all are my…pets,” said InuYasha.

 

“What?!” Miroku exploded in indignation.

 

“Just calm the fuck down,” said InuYasha. “I'll handle this.”

 

On InuYasha's back, Kagome regarded the scene before her with fascination. It was like her history books on the Feudal Era come to life. And truly, she had no fear. As long as she was with InuYasha, she trusted him to keep her safe.

 

They were led into the grounds and up the hill to the fortress by one of the guards. Once inside, they were taken down a corridor to a large room. Inside were Youkai of assorted types; lynx, kitsune, even…wolf.

 

“Kagome, what happened?” said Kouga, suddenly by InuYasha's side in the crowded room. “This stupid hanyou mutt let you get hurt?”

 

“I-it's not like that,” said Kagome as InuYasha began to growl menacingly. “I tripped and twisted my ankle. Please, don't put me down, InuYasha, I'm afraid of getting trampled.”

 

Quick thinking on Kagome's part hindered InuYasha from launching into another fight with Kouga, and InuYasha had to subside.

 

“If I did not have to protect Kagome, you would be pummeled so badly, your own mother wouldn't recognize you,” snarled InuYasha.

 

“Kouga, why is Lord Sesshomaru rounding up everyone on his lands like this?” said Kagome.

 

The wolf demon got a serious expression on his face, and hatred flashed in his eyes.

 

“Naraku has been trying to infiltrate Lord Sesshomaru's territory,” said Kouga. “Everyone is now suspected as one of his spies until Lord Sesshomaru says otherwise.”

 

Kouga made a fist and snarled, which raised InuYasha's hackles again. But he was not about to attack the hanyou, it was in reaction to the anger in his next words.

 

“Naraku slaughtered my pack,” said Kouga. “I went to get revenge and I was injured…when I was healed, my legs were much faster then they were before. It was something Naraku was doing in the mansion I attacked.”

 

“Nanotech…” Kagome breathed in wonder.

 

“What's that?” said Kouga suspiciously.

 

“Nothing you would ever understand, shit-for-brains,” said InuYasha.

 

Just then, two guardsmen shouldered their way in and up to InuYasha and his group.

 

“Lord Sesshomaru will see you and your…companions,” said the first guard in contempt.

 

“About fucking time,” InuYasha growled. “Let's get this over with.”

 

As they were led away, Kouga called out to Kagome one last time.

 

“Let me know when you are ready to leave mutt face,” said Kouga. “He's only a hanyou - I would make you a much better mate - and I love you!”

 

It was not wise for her to answer Kouga, so Kagome didn't. She felt all the muscles in InuYasha's back tense at Kouga's words, and InuYasha's hands closed tighter on her thighs, pulling her closer against him. It was such a possessive reaction that Kagome just sighed and rubbed her forehead on his shoulder, a feeling of warmth tinged with anxiety in her heart. If only she knew what his true feelings for her were…

 

The person who was pursuing InuYasha and his friends only got a glimpse of them being taken inside the fortress. They had to try and stay as inconspicuous as possible and avoid the patrols. It was getting difficult - the Inu Youkai had keen senses. When they finally slipped up, it wasn't what they expected…

 

“Kikyo…” drawled an evil voice behind her.

 

Kikyo, who had followed InuYasha and the others through the portal, spun around and notched an arrow.

 

“Show yourself!” Kikyo cried defiantly. “I know it's you, Naraku!”

 

A rustling came from around Kikyo all at once. It was like she was surrounded, but still she could not see anyone. In growing anger and trepidation, she turned in a circle, bow at the ready. It was fruitless. She was snatched from behind, a hand going over her mouth to stifle her screams. The golem in the baboon fur began to carry Kikyo off.