InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Unexpected Encounters ❯ sixteen ( Chapter 16 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
Disclaimer: I do not own the Inuyasha characters, they belong to Rumiko Takahashi. I do own this plot line and all OC’s.

Chapter sixteen:

In Kagome’s time:

Kagome had been up really late studying, so she ended up over sleeping. When the alarm blaring, finally registered, she jumped up and slapped the alarm button off.

She flew into the bathroom for a quick shower and hastily dressed, muttering, “’Oh no. I’m running late.”

She brushed out her hair and ran down the stairs. She grabbed her bag and ran out the door calling out, “Running late. Bye mom, see you later.”

Kiyoko replied, “Have fun at school dear.” as she washed the dishes, shaking her head slightly amused.

Kagome ran all the way to her school. Huffing she entered the class and sat down in her desk, just minutes before the bell rang.

The teacher walked in and instructed, “Everyone take out your pencils and put your books away. It’s time to begin the final exams.”

Finally catching her breath, Kagome inhaled a nervous breath, thinking, 'I can do this.' as she pulled out her pencil and began giving herself a little pep talk, to bolster her confidence for taking the tests.

The teacher began passing out the packets and explained, “We will start with the math exam first. You will have exactly one hour to complete the test. If you paid attention to my teachings, you should have no trouble with this one.”

Placing the other three piles on her desk, she continued, “Next will be the Science exam. Again you will have one hour. After that, will be the language arts, and then finally the history exam.”

Kagome’s grin couldn’t be contained when she heard the teacher say. “The history exam will be 90 minutes and is on the Sengoku period. Now open your math packets.” The students did as instructed and began their math exam.

--

Back in the Feudal Era, with Bankotsu:

Bankotsu and his group managed to work their way unseen towards Inuyasha’s forest, and decided to hole up near a couple of caves over by the river, deep enough in the woods that their scents would be masked by the forest around them.

Once their camp had been set up and the traps put in place, to warn them of any intruders, the small group sat around the middle of it, and talked for a while, discussing what their next move should be.

Kyokotsu had already covered the tracks leading into the dense forest by moving several of the previously fallen trees, to lie over the gouges.

Renkotsu turned to their leader and asked, “So what’s the plan, big brother?” curious as to exactly what they were doing there.

Deciding that now was the time to clue everyone in on his plans, Bankotsu informed them, “We’re going to lay low until that priestess Kagome returns, and then we will grab her and take her with us.”

Suikotsu had been sitting there polishing his metal claws, and looked up. Blinking he queried, “What do we need her for?” slightly confused.

Bankotsu answered, “When that ghost wench revived us, she told me that we must help the little miko defeat Naraku, and restore the balance to this world. So for now, that’s the plan.”

Airi was currently curled up on her blankets, and sleeping next to where Bankotsu was sitting. Her head was lying on his thigh, kind of like she was using it for a pillow.

Bankotsu placed a hand on her head, gently running his fingers though her hair, and felt his heart lighten a bit, as he watched a smile cross her sleeping face.

Turning back to his men, he instructed in a voice filled with authority, “I want two of you on patrol at all times during the nights. I will keep an eye out during the day, with Airi, to know when the priestess returns.” The men nodded and Ginkotsu voiced his acknowledgement.

Bankotsu nodded once in satisfaction, and straightened his legs out in front of him, as he leaned his back against one of the large boulders. Airi frowned a bit, until he settled down, and then her face went back to a peaceful expression.

Jakotsu asked, “What about her?” indicating the tired female, who was currently sleeping on their leader’s lap.

Remembering how hard he had been pushing her, and what little sleep she had been getting the last few nights, Bankotsu said, “I’ll wake her when I’m ready. For now, let her rest.”

Jakotsu nodded and announced that he was going to bathe in the hot spring. Bankotsu nodded his approval and waved him off. Grinning Jakotsu left to enjoy his soak.

Suikotsu asked, “What about Inuyasha and his group?” curious what they would do if they encountered them.

Bankotsu waved it off explaining, “They aren’t here right now.” and pillowed his arms behind his head, yawning, before closing his eyes. Minutes later, Bankotsu’s soft snore was heard.

Suikotsu nodded and deciding he didn’t want to incur his leader’s wrath by disturbing his rest, walked into one of the caves to finish putting the supplies away.

Renkotsu sat across the small circle and scowled thinking, 'Damn him. Now he’s napping? I thought we were supposed to be waiting for the girl?' before taking his gourd and filling it with the kerosene.

Ginkotsu and Kyokotsu stayed behind the big caves, to keep from being too conspicuous and still maintain a look out for any approaching enemies.

--

With Inuyasha, up in the sacred tree:

He sat up there lazing on a branch and scowled thinking, 'Why the hell didn’t she come with me? And since when does Kagome’s mother insist on her studies?'

Sighing he thought, 'And now Sango is back at her village, probably repairing her weapon. Miroku left to check on Mushin and Shippo left with Sango.'

Scowling he muttered, “We’re supposed to be looking for jewel shards, not going off to do whatever we please.” clenching his fist and slamming it into his thigh.

Releasing a heavy sigh, he stared up at the sky and blinked. High in the sky he thought he saw what looked like two floating blips, but he couldn’t be entirely sure.

Scowling he continued watching as the images slowly moved closer and became clear. 'Those are soul collectors… Kikyo.' he thought, and leapt down from where he had been sulking in the tree.

Without hesitation, he began bounding after the apparitions and they slowly led him to where their mistress was waiting.

--

With Inuyasha and Kikyo:

Kikyo sat on the ground resting as Inuyasha and her collectors approached. She opened her eyes and said tiredly, “Inuyasha, you’ve come.”

Inuyasha’s eyes filled with worry and he asked, “What is it Kikyo?”

She said, “I have received some news, that I thought may interest you.” staring into his golden eyes.

Inuyasha blinked asking, “About what?” as he stepped closer to her.

Kikyo said bluntly, “About the Band of Seven.” watching his eyes widen.

He barked out, “Impossible, I killed the last one inside of mount Hakurei.”

Kikyo informed him seriously, “They have been brought back again, and are hiding from Naraku.”

Inuyasha stood there blinking a moment, as he digested the news.

--

Back with Bankotsu and his group:

Airi’s peaceful face turned into a frown as she began dreaming.

--

Dream sequence:

A little child with pig tails clung to her bed sheets and whimpered in fright, as she heard angry shouts ripping through the air.

Loud crashing was heard and the shouts became angrier. The child shook with fear as she heard the noise and shouts escalate.

With trembling hands, she yanked the blanket up over her head and curled into the fetal position, holding her hands over her ears as tears ran down her cheeks.

Her little heart was racing and slammed painfully against her chest as she shed silent tears, too frightened to even sob.

The anger and malice in the air was so thick that even she could feel the foreboding in it. As the little body trembled and the malicious intent intensified, the child tried desperately not to utter a single sound.

She didn’t want to alert whoever was out there making all the commotion, of her presence. She heard her parent’s screaming angrily at whomever it was that had invaded their home and heard some even scarier noises, and things breaking.

She bit her lip and held her breath when she suddenly heard footsteps stomp right outside the door of her bedroom.

End Dream Sequence

--

Airikotsu jumped awake sitting straight up and her hand flew to her chest, covering her heart which was slamming against her chest. Sweat had beaded on her brows and there was stark fear in her wide eyes.

Bankotsu had been roused as soon as he felt her bolt up, and stared at her asking concerned, “What is it?” as his keen eyes took in her obviously frightened appearance.

Recognizing his voice, she turned burying her face against his chest and said in a shaky voice, “A really bad dream.” nuzzling into him, instinctively seeking comfort.

Blinking a few times, with a perplexed look on his face, the mercenary leader lowered his arms and pressed her head into his chest, while assuring in a soothing voice, “It’s okay Airi.” as one of his hands began slowly sliding up and down her back.

Knowing that she was safe with him, she allowed her guard to drop a little and for just a few moments, basked in the warmth and comfort of his embrace, while her erratic heartbeat slowly began returning to a normal pace.

A little confused, Bankotsu continued holding her, until she pulled back and said, “I’m okay now.” and stood up, moving toward the smoked venison.

Bankotsu frowned wondering, 'What was that all about?' as he watched her slowly collect a plate of the smoked venison, stewed vegetables, and poured herself some tea.

She sat down by a log in the middle of the camp and frowned staring at her plate pondering what that weird nightmare could have to do with her, and why she felt the child’s immense fear.

Bankotsu watched her eating slowly and titled his head a bit, trying to figure out what was going on inside her head. After a few minutes, he thought confidentially, 'She will tell me when she is ready.' and shrugged it off.

Staring up at the sky, he estimated they had about another four hours until the sun would set, and grabbed his Banryu.

Bankotsu stopped by Renkotsu spotting the scarf and thought, 'Perfect.' and snatched his head cover smirking. Renkotsu’s glared and Bankotsu assured, “I’ll get you another one.” and walked off with the material fisted tightly in his hand.

After Airi finished eating, he told her to get her weapons and follow him. She nodded and strapped her katanas to her waist, and then followed him into the thick foliage, as they moved to check over by the well.

Renkotsu’s scowled darkened and his thoughts became filled with rebellion and malice about the ‘stupid brat’ as he glared at his leader’s back.

Jakotsu returned from his soak and spotted Renkotsu glaring at their leader. He walked over and smacked the bald head, scolding, “Stop glaring baldy. You better watch it, because if he found out, he’d kick your ass.” With his hands planted on his hips.

Rubbing the growing lump on the back of his head, Renkotsu mumbled something inaudible and walked into the cave to sulk. Sighing Jakotsu plopped down and made himself a plate of food, and some tea.

--

A/N: Okay, finally got though that wretched writer’s block, yay! {See those silly drabbles do come in handy *winks* Anyways, there is chapter sixteen everyone- enjoy! XD