InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Unexpected Circumstances ❯ M.I.A. ( Chapter 24 )

Hello again my lovely readers! Thank you so much for the kind reviews, they are definitely fuel! You guys are the reason I keep writing; seriously! Sorry it's been a while since the last update; real life stuff has been a biotch! I'll try and update sooner next time!

 

A special thank you to imanewme for being my beta for this chapter; you're awesome!

 

Enjoy!

 

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CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR: M.I.A.

 

 

The latter part of the evening had been spent watching the two dog demon brothers glare at one another. Kagome tried her best to keep the peace and remain the good hostess, but her well known patience was wearing paper thin.

 

The tension in the small hut was nearly palpable and Miroku shifted uncomfortably in his seat. How did Kagome deal with this? He was ready to make a flying leap for the door and camp in the woods for the remainder of the trip. Absently, the monk scooted closer to Sango whose grip had remained tight on her weapon, just in case.

 

Kagome was grateful that Kikyo had decided to go off on her own for a little while to do lord knows what. It didn't matter to her anyway, she was just glad the undead priestess wasn't glaring daggers at the back of her head any more. If there was anyone that could rival Sesshoumaru's cold gaze, it was Kikyo. She had the innate ability to send chills up Kagome's spine, like someone had just stepped on her own grave.

 

Shippou seemed to be the only one who wasn't affected by the whole situation. He was happily seated in Kagome's lap with his eyes closed in contentment as she lovingly stroked his tail. He had missed her immensely while she was away, and if it were up to him, he'd stay with her from now on.

 

Kagome glanced up from her cooking when she heard a low rumbling sound come from Inuyasha. She pinched the bridge of her nose when she realized he was growling; he just never gave it a rest!

 

“Inuyasha would you give it a rest already?” she snapped at him.

 

He turned his glare to her and then cursed under his breath when he realized he was the first to break eye contact between him and his half-brother. He quickly turned back to continue his glaring contest, but Sesshoumaru had already won and his attention now rested on the priestess who just handed him a bowl of stew.

 

Inuyasha crossed his arms over his chest and glowered further. “Why does he get the first bowl?” Everyone turned to look at him and his ears pinned to his head. That's when he noticed that while he was too busy trying to salvage the glaring contest, he failed to notice that the others had been served their bowls of stew as well and his jealous outburst was all for naught.

 

“Keh!”

 

Kagome shook her head and offered him a bowl, which he snatched quickly from her hands. She then got her own bowl and looked around for a split second before she walked over to where Sesshoumaru was sitting and took a seat next to him. Once comfortable, she looked up at him with a smile on her face and blushed when she saw that he was watching her intently. He acknowledged her with a small nod of his head and then the group was once again left in awkward silence. Inuyasha was left to unsuccessfully stare holes in his brother's head. He didn't like how comfortable Kagome was around the bastard; he would turn on her when she was least expecting it, and then it would be too late; he wouldn't be able to save her.

 

Somehow he needed to find a way to keep her out of trouble, be it trouble with his brother or any other way. Kagome was his best friend, he couldn't just sit back and watch while she put herself in harms way. Harm just so happened to be Sesshoumaru right now. When Kikyo got back from where ever it was she went to, he'd talk it over with her; maybe she would have an idea.

 

Kagome was a little worried at the gleam of light that shined in Inuyasha's eyes at that moment. She knew he wasn't happy about her relationship with Sesshoumaru, and she couldn't blame him. It wasn't as if Sesshoumaru had been exactly kind to them in the past and all the bad blood that ran between the two brothers was not something either one of them could easily forget. With a dejected sigh, Kagome closed her eyes and leaned up against the wall of the hut.

 

Hopefully the morning would bring with it a more relaxing atmosphere.

 

 

*-*-*-*

 

 

Takahiro sat up quietly from the bed that he and his wife shared and wiped the sweat from his brow. It was time to put his plan into action. Today was the festival that the village had decided to host in honor of the priestess Kagome and her demon lord. All needed to go according to plan or else he was sure to meet Naraku's wrath head on. He shuddered at the thought of the things Naraku could do to him to make him suffer; or worse yet, make his lovely wife suffer.

 

He looked over at her sleeping form and brushed aside the hair from her eyes. He would do anything Naraku asked of him, as long as it meant being able to keep his wife alive. As much as he had come to respect the girl he now sought to kill, his wife was first and foremost his top priority.

 

Takahiro palmed the dagger in his hand carefully. Just one scratch with it and she would be rendered unconscious. He had enlisted the help of a few men from the closest village about three days travel away. Since he no longer had lessons with Kagome, it was easy to concoct his plan and send messages to his helpers.

 

He hated giving her over to those burly men, but what other choice did he have? He just couldn't kill her outright, but he could have someone do it for him. Takahiro didn't know what the men planned on doing with her, but as far as he was concerned, he felt better off not knowing. The only challenges he could think of that he was going to encounter was getting the girl alone with him for a certain amount of time, and the fact that he had to cover his trail somehow. He couldn't let anyone find out it was him that set the whole thing up, otherwise he would be killed for certain.

 

Taking one more look at his wife, Takahiro stood and left to put his hard planning into action.

 

 

*-*-*-*

 

 

The day had so far been uneventful, to which Kagome was extremely grateful. Spending some much needed girl time with Sango had been precisely what the doctor ordered, and she was also able to dish about all the goings on that had happened since they separated. As much as Sango tried to play the demure type when it came to men, Kagome knew her all too well and favored her with the juicy details of her saucy encounters with Sesshoumaru.

 

Sango had blushed, but did not protest to hearing any of it. In fact, after Kagome was finished telling her stories, Sango had taken to mentioning the closer relationship she and Miroku had been having. It wasn't much; holding hands here and there, a quick peck on the cheek or two, and even snuggling a bit at night, but it was definitely progress!

 

Coming back to the village from their bath, the two of them immediately noticed all the decorations put up around the village. It seemed that the small community was going all out for the banquet in order to make up for their less-than-hospitable actions against her and Sesshoumaru.

 

Kagome caught Sesshoumaru's gaze and she smiled gently and blushed at his perusal of her form. She could tell that he was putting in a lot of effort to not maiming her friends while they were here, and for that she was extremely grateful. She sauntered up to him suggestively and when she reached his side she asked, “Would you like to go for a walk with me?”

 

He blinked lazily and then nonchalantly nodded his head. Some time away from her group of merrymakers was something he was looking forward to. That and kissing the woman before him senseless; there was always that.

 

The pair disappeared into the surrounding forest and Inuyasha huffed. “That bastard better keep his hands to himself.”

 

Sango rolled her eyes and shook her head. “She's happy Inuyasha, you should be happy for her.”

 

“Feh! There's no way in hell that she's happy with that stuck up prick! Can't she see how dangerous he is? For that matter, can't you guys see how dangerous he is?!”

 

“Inuyasha, we've been here for two days and besides the initial brawl between the two of you, Lord Sesshoumaru has yet to show hostility toward any of us,” Miroku pointed out. “If he had wanted to kill us all, he would have done so already.”

 

“Whatever, if you want to be all stupid about it, then go ahead. I for one am going to make sure she's safe!” He was about to leap off after them, but just as he was doing so, Kikyo called softly after him.

 

“Inuyasha, would you spare me a moment before you run off after my reincarnation?” the undead priestess asked. It did the trick and the half demon was instantly at her side.

 

“Sure Kikyo, anything you want.”

 

She nodded and then took his hand to lead him away from the group. The rest of them were left to watch as they too disappeared from site.

 

“Everyone sure likes to take walks, don't they?” Shippou asked innocently.

 

Miroku rubbed the back of his head and then smiled conspiratorially. “My dear lady Sango, would you like to accompany me on-”

 

“Not now monk,” Sango quipped.

 

“Oh well, perhaps one of the lovely women of the village would like to-” he didn't get to finish his sentence before Sango's boomerang found a nice place to rest against his head.

 

“Lecher.”

 

 

*-*-*-*

 

 

His hands were scalding hot against her skin, but it didn't hinder her a bit. As soon as they were a safe distance away from any prying eyes, Sesshoumaru had taken the initiative and pushed her up against the closest tree. Too many interruptions within the last couple of days had left him wanting, and Lord Sesshoumaru never wanted for anything!

 

His lips were pressed tightly against hers while he trailed his claws along her sides. Her small hands worked their way underneath his shirt and against the skin of his abdomen. Oh how she loved to run her hands along his hot flesh. He was smooth, toned, and oh so hot.

 

Their kisses were almost frantic, but full of fiery passion as he assisted her in taking of his armor and shirt. She immediately trailed kisses down his throat to his collarbone as his hands sought to divest her of her own garments. He felt young again, out in the middle of the woods with a female. It was primal, raw, and sensual all at the same time. Although it had only been yesterday when they had been together like this, it felt like it had been longer. Much longer.

 

Kagome's top fluttered carelessly to the ground and they pressed against one another seeking the skin on skin contact. Sesshoumaru lightly dragged his hands over her bare skin and up to her breasts. She dropped her head back against the tree and gave off low moans as he nipped at the skin of her throat while massaging her pert mounds.

 

He just couldn't contain himself around her; she was so soft and supple and did such wonderful and torturous things to him. He hissed through clenched teeth when her hands traveled to his aching arousal to give it an experimental squeeze; she was being quite bold today.

 

“Impatient today?” he teased her.

 

She huffed and stopped her ministrations. That wasn't what he wanted. “No, it's just that we keep getting interrupted so I wanted to make the most of the time we had.”

 

He said nothing, but leaned down to capture her lips in a deep kiss. Their tongues intertwined and he took in her distinct flavor before slowly pulling back. Kagome thought he was about to say something, but instead she heard him growl low in his throat.

 

“What is it?” she asked carefully.

 

“Your kitsune approaches. It appears our time has been cut short again,” he said in annoyance.

 

Kagome smiled gently at him and gave him a small peck on the lips before she quickly picked up her shirt and put it back on. “It's just as well, we should probably get ready for the banquet anyways; wouldn't want to be late to our own party now, would we?”

 

She turned towards the village where she was sure to meet Shippou and swung her hips a little more than usual and Sesshoumaru had to suppress the growl rising in his throat. The little tease. He could only count the days when Inuyasha and the other cretins would go on their way. He considered himself a patient demon, but this was getting ridiculous.

 

He closed his eyes and extended his arm out to the side. With one flick of his wrist a nearby tree met its fate that day at the end of his acid whip. He resigned himself to working off his sexual frustration by way of exercise; the damn villagers could wait for him.

 

 

*-*-*-*

 

 

By nightfall everyone was ready and excited for the celebration in the village. It had been quite some time since the small community had hosted such an event and everyone was running about to make sure the small details weren't overlooked. Serving a demon lord would also be a first for them; let alone having a half-demon, demon slayer, monk, fox demon kit, a two tail fire cat, and two priestesses joining the foray.

 

As the group made their way to the village square, some of the townspeople stopped them to greet them and give them friendly smiles of welcome. It was a huge change from the first time they stepped into the village where they were all but shunned and people ran in fear of them. It seemed like Kagome had once again worked her magic and brought of the best in these people. Hell, if she could catch the attention of the demon lord, she could do just about anything!

 

When they reached the square Kagome and Sesshoumaru were immediately shown to a table that was set up in front of the rest. Since they were the guests of honor they got the privilege of being served their dinner and sake first, much to Inuyasha's consternation. He pouted, but otherwise didn't say anything as the servers continued giving people their dinner.

 

“Keh! Bout damn time,” Inuyasha grumped as they were finally served their dinner, along with a few bottles of sake.

 

The village let loose and enjoyed themselves around their company and Miroku wasted no time in getting acquainted with a couple of the younger village woman. Of course Sango, being slightly inebriated, did not take much notice seeing as how she was currently blushing at the kind words of one of the nice village men.

 

Takahiro watched from a distance as Kagome accepted drink after drink that the village men supplied her with under his advice that they should be polite. Being the nice person that Kagome was, she could not bring herself to turn down a free drink that was kindly given to her, so about a half hour into the celebration, the sake was finally becoming too much for her.

 

Takahiro wasn't the only one watching the young priestess; Kikyo had been a silent observer as well, trying to keep count the number of drinks Kagome had, but lost count when Inuyasha began talking with her. When she saw that Kagome was having a difficult time even sitting still, she knew then that her chance had come.

 

Excusing herself from the table, the undead priestess made her way up to where Sesshoumaru and Kagome were seated. Sesshoumaru eyed the woman with distrust, but said nothing as she spoke politely to Kagome.

 

“Kagome, if it is not too much trouble, I was wondering if you would grant me a moment of your time?” Kikyo asked her.

 

Kagome looked stunned for a moment, but smiled and nodded her head drunkenly before attempting to stand. She laughed at herself for almost falling over, but Kikyo held onto her arms and then looked at Sesshoumaru. “I will not harm her,” she told Sesshoumaru pointedly. He sneered a little, but made no protest to stop her.

 

Kikyo led Kagome away from the crowd, but she could still hear the voices of the villagers who were also beginning to become tipsy from their alcohol consumption. When she felt she was far enough away, Kikyo sat Kagome down on a bench and then reached for the object in her pocket.

 

Kagome watched curiously as Kikyo held out a stunning ring in front of her face. Kagome looked at Kikyo, then at the ring, then back at Kikyo again.

 

“It is for you,” the elder priestess said vaguely.

 

In her drunken state, Kagome made no hesitation in taking the pretty shiny ring in her hands. Giving it a once over, Kagome slipped it onto her finger and held her hand up to inspect it. “Th-thank *hic* you, Kik-yo.”

 

Kikyo smiled triumphantly and figured now was as good a time as any to test out her “gift”. She helped Kagome to stand and then started to walk away. “I suppose we should get back to the celebration. We wouldn't want to stay away from it too long.”

 

Kagome almost fell forward when her feet decided they didn't like moving anymore. She may have panicked if she hadn't been so drunk, but as it was she merely looked angrily down at her traitorous appendages. “Oooo,” she huffed. “I…I's think I had *hic* too much sake to drinks I think.”

 

Kikyo closed her eyes in elation; it would teach the girl a good lesson not to abuse her power of the subjugation necklace she had on Inuyasha. As the spell wore off, Kagome slowly inched forward, afraid of her feet deciding they didn't want to move again.

 

“Come along Kagome,” Kikyo said to her. They had only taken a few more steps when Takahiro appeared and he bowed to the both of them in greeting. “Please forgive me priestess, but I was wondering if I could have a word with Kagome. I'll only be a moment.”

 

Kikyo looked back at Kagome who was taking baby steps as she swayed to keep her balance. Figuring she had done what she had set out to accomplish, she nodded and left Kagome and Takahiro alone.

 

He watched the other priestess leave before he turned back to Kagome. She was three sheets to the wind already and if he hadn't wanted to make certain that she would not wake up, he would just let time work its magic until she passed out on her own. She hadn't even noticed he was there!

 

Drawing the dagger from his pocket, he walked up to her and quickly slashed at her arm. She winced and said a quiet `ow' before she collapsed into his arms unconscious. “Forgive me Kagome,” he whispered to her as he carried her a little further away. The men he had hired were waiting for him in the designated area and he quickly made the transfer.

 

“Heed my warnings and do not stop to rest until morning. Do what you can to cover your tracks,” Takahiro told them. At their nods of understanding he wrung his hands nervously. “I…I need you to rough me up a bit; it has to look like I had no willing part in this.” He had provided them with more than enough money to do this task for him and he handed them an extra pouch for doing this one last thing for him.

 

The men looked at one another and shrugged before the approached Takahiro and began beating him. It took all he had to not scream out in pain, but he held his tongue and allowed them to beat him almost to unconsciousness. He held up his hand and then told them to go quickly. They did so and he held his stomach in pain as he coughed up a bit of blood. He just hoped that his acting skills were as good as they needed to be.

 

 

*-*-*-*

 

 

Sesshoumaru sipped leisurely on his cup of sake while he eyed the crowd. He could feel Inuyasha glaring at him all night, but paid him no heed. If it weren't for Kagome he would have never even come to this get together. He wondered why he allowed his actions to be led by a mere woman, but he supposed it was a bit late in the game to dwell on these things.

 

He looked down at his empty cup and sighed inaudibly. There just wasn't enough alcohol in this village to make him enjoy himself even remotely. Just how long did these things last anyway? He was about to fill his glass again when something came sailing at his head. He effortlessly reached up and plucked the offending object out of the air before looking at it.

 

A rock.

 

Why would anyone be so willing to die as to throw a rock-

 

Ah, Inuyasha. If the scent on the small boulder didn't give him away, the stupid evil grin on his face was more than enough evidence as to the culprit.

 

“You try my patience little brother,” Sesshoumaru said calmly and quietly, though he knew Inuyasha could hear him clearly.

 

“Think I'm afraid of you? You keep your fucking hands off Kagome!” Inuyasha said as he snarled at his elder brother.

 

“I believe we have already settled this matter half-breed. If I recall, you lost and now have no say in where, when, or how many times I touch the priestess,” Sesshoumaru said suggestively.

 

“Why you…Iron Reaver Soul Stealer!” the half-demon yelled as he charged Sesshoumaru.

 

The demon lord easily dodged the predictable attack, but was none-too-pleased that his relatively peaceful time was disrupted, yet again, by one of Inuyasha's outbursts. The table he was sitting comfortably at was soon turned to a pile of splinters and Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes at him.

 

“Narrow your eyes at me all ya want ya bastard! There's no way you're gettin' anywhere near her again!” He swiped his claws at him once more, but again missed his target. “Stay still will ya!”

 

“You are foolish to believe I would listen to the likes of you!” Sesshoumaru snapped. He let his whip form and he cracked at Inuyasha, grazing the side of his leg. The half-demon winced in pain, but didn't let it slow him down. He was striking with a vengeance; there was no way he was going to lose to Sesshoumaru a second time, not when his friend's safety depended on it!

 

Sango looked on in horror as the two brothers battled. “We have to help him, Sesshoumaru will kill him this time for sure!” She started forward when Miroku caught her arm.

 

“Miroku, let me go! What's the matter with you?!” she asked frantically as she turned back towards him.

 

“Sango my love, listen. You of all people should know not to interfere when these two fight. Observe.” He turned her around and she watched as Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru jumped, turned, and raced during their fight. They never once pulled their swords on each other, but fought with their natural given talents.

 

“They're not drawing their weapons,” she stated matter-of-factly.

 

“Indeed. Lord Sesshoumaru is a formidable opponent. Like I said earlier, if he had wanted to kill Inuyasha or us for that matter, he would have already done so. He's had more than enough chance to.”

 

Sango nodded and backed down, but still kept her hand tight on her weapon. One wrong move from the demon lord and she would intervene.

 

The villagers all looked on terrified as their happy celebration turned into mulch at the hands of the demons. This was why they had kept themselves isolated for so long! When they didn't have to worry about other people ruining their carefully constructed village and their peaceful lives they rested easy at night. It was all a bad mistake allowing them into their community.

 

Sango shook her head at the mess the two brothers were making and turned away from the humiliating scene. She halfway expected this kind of behavior from Inuyasha, but for Sesshoumaru to so readily jump into a fight like this was downright wrong.

 

Staggered movement caught her eye and she turned to see what it was. The man from the village that had greeted them upon their arrival was limping heavily towards them and a couple other men rushed over to help him. Sango jogged up to him while they were maneuvering him onto a bench.

 

“What happened, are you okay?” Sango asked with genuine worry.

 

Takahiro looked up at her through the eye that wasn't swollen shut and cringed when the movement strained the abused flesh and muscles of his neck and face. He hurt in places he didn't even know he had, but if it helped him with his alibi then so be it.

 

“I…I was talking to the young…priestess. Then out of nowhere a bunch of…men, they-they surrounded me, ambushed us…they…they…” he coughed up blood and spat it on the ground.

 

Sango caught on a bit and lifted her head to look around for her friend. She could not see her anywhere and she started to panic. “Where's Kagome?” she asked forcefully.

 

Takahiro looked down in shame, actually feeling the weight of his crime on his shoulders. “They took…her,” he said finally. Sango could feel her anger rise and she clenched her fists in fury.

 

This couldn't be happening again, not to Kagome. They almost lost her to the afterlife once before, and that was one time too many. Whoever took her was going to pay dearly, of that she would be certain.

 

Sango stormed away from Takahiro and made her way to where Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru were still going at it like crazed idiots.

 

Sesshoumaru was in the middle of landing a solid punch to Inuyasha's nose when he heard a screeching coming from a little ways away. After making contact and sending Inuyasha flying he finally turned towards the sound. His half-brother was slowly getting up from his prone position and about to charge when they both heard the demon-slayer yell.

 

“STOP IT! Both of you STOP!!”

 

The village square became deathly quiet and the brothers turned towards a visibly shaken Sango. “Kag-Kagome she…”

 

Sesshoumaru was instantly in front of Sango and she took a quick step back at the intrusion. Sesshoumaru glared at her before speaking dangerously low. “Where is she?”

 

“…she's been abducted.”

 

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Damn, that girl just can't stay out of trouble can she?! Don't worry, I've a feeling she won't be some little damsel in distress; she's a tough one! Just a reminder, check out the new Sess/Kag site: Dokuga . com ! It's coming along beautifully and there are a lot of great authors posting their work there! Look me up too :D