Disclaimer : I do not now nor have I ever claimed ownership of InuYasha.
Hi all
This is my second InuYasha fanfiction. Threaten is set in modern day times and with slight/big changes to some (if not all) the characters personalities. I've tried to be really careful with spelling and grammar so please forgive me if I've missed something and don't hesitate to let me know if you do catch something. I've tried to put a lot of work not to mention research into this story I just hope I pull it off.
I'll try to answer any and all reviews that people want to send to me.
So enjoy and I hope you like it
Kai
CHAPTER 1 – To a Safer Place
An attractive slender young man lounged casually against the hood of a black car. He seemed perfectly at ease with his surroundings as he effortlessly placed a cigarette in his mouth. He shifted position slightly as the mighty roar of a fast approaching car alerted him to the fact he was about to have company. His dark grey eyes gazed towards the end of the long gravel drive way as he subconsciously moved his right hand to his side. Leaning forward he rested his left elbow on the still warm hood of the car beneath him as his fingers draped over the grip of the pistol strapped to his hip. Taking a long slow drag on the cigarette he waited with the hint of a smile on his lips for the approaching vehicle to come into view.
The large imposing wrought iron gates that bard entry to the property began to retract as the oncoming engine roar grew louder. The source of the powerful roar was a sleek blood red sports car that barely slowed as it swung out wide to enter the driveway. Its driver had obviously preformed this maneuver hundreds of times because he'd timed it perfectly to narrowly miss the still moving gates. The young man relaxed slightly as he recognized the car but he didn't make any attempt to shift his position or remove his hand from the gun. Anyone standing near by would have sworn that the imposing dog demon stone statues that stood upon the gate pillars growled their welcome as the car passed through the entry.
The loose gravel crunched noisily under the fast moving tyres; the rapidly approaching vehicle seemed to accelerate as it neared the massive structure of the house. The car skidded to a halt but since the gravel offered very little to no traction the car's rear end slid out to the side narrowly avoiding contact with edge of the verandah. The roaring engine had barely been silenced when both the passenger and driver exited the car and raced along the side of the house. Both only spared a micro second of a glance towards the unfamiliar vehicles that were parked in front of their home and neither noticed the young man watching them intently.
As they disappeared down the side of the building the young man's eyes lit up with excitement as his lips broke into a sly smile. Talking one last drag on the cigarette he straightened to his full height. "Welcome home…boys" he laughed softly as his eyes came to rest on the high powered motorcycle beside him. As he crushed the cigarette under his boot he wondered if the information they'd been given was true…..had both demons really blocked out their memories of the past? If they had it would make this job a lot less stressful but if the information was false and they did in fact remember everything…..well now that would surely make the job a hell of a lot more fun. But for some unexplainable reason every time he thought about this job he was filled with an impending sense of disaster and that didn't sit too well in his gut. Shaking the feeling away his smile widen and he laughed lightly "Either way this job sure ain't gonna be boring"
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The two young men of obvious demon birth raced along the side of the house until they reached the stairs leading up to a side entrance. Neither one slowed their frantic pace instead they both leapt onto the landing in one fluid graceful motion. The taller of the two reached the door first and had barely swung it open before his companion slammed into his back. Both men grunted in annoyance for the collision but neither stopped to argue fault. Their thoughts were still racing with the urgent message they had received from their father to return home or more precisely to 'get their lazy asses home right now'
Even on the thick carpet their footsteps were loud and each step echoed like a blast of thunder throughout the corridor. Their pace didn't slow nor did their steps faultier as the large wooden door of their father's study came into view. With their heighten hearing they could hear; even over their heavy footsteps and thumping hearts that their father was talking with someone and obviously that person was on the other end of the phone. With their other demon senses they picked up the faint hint of someone else in the room but for whatever reason that person didn't speak. It puzzled and concerned them momentarily that they were unable to sense if the person was a human or demon. Almost at the door they froze in shock as they heard their father's voice more clearly; the ragged emotion in his tone seemed to wrap around them to restrict their movements. Never before had either of them heard such uncertainly or tiredness when he spoke. It was like he was being crushed under the weight of emotions too heavy to carry but what could possibly cause a demon lord of their father's blood line to feel such things?
"So….you'll take them?"
"…………."
"Thank you. What?"
"……………"
"That's not good"
"……………"
"How many?"
"……………"
"Still that's too many? What? What did you just say?"
"……………"
"Fuck"
"……………"
"Yes yes I know their families. Have arrangements been made?"
"……………"
"Thank you"
"……………"
"We have to end this before anything else happens"
"……………"
"I see…I see your point..…no they won't like it but I have to agree"
"……………"
"I don't know what we should do….all I know is that they have to be protected; I won't lose them, I can't lose them"
"……………"
"Ok….you're a pushy old bastard but fine we'll do it your way"
"……………"
"Yes they're both here now"
"……………"
"Well what do you think? Can we pull this off?"
"……………"
"No I don't want that; I don't want retaliation"
"……………"
"Well….If it comes to that then I guess I'll have no choice"
"……………"
"Yes I know I'll owe you"
"……………"
"NO don't tell me the less I know of their whereabouts the better"
"……………"
"I'll entrust the boys with them and send the women to you"
"……………"
"Agreed"
"……………"
"Bankotsou said they'd leave tonight"
"……………"
"I'll arrange with Jinsou to bring the women to you, contact him"
"……………"
"Bastard I said keep me out of it"
"……………"
"Nothing, my boys don't know…"
"……………"
"No I know no one will be happy"
"……………"
"Just keep them safe until it's over"
"……………"
"Who are you calling soft?"
"……………"
"Stupid old bastard" Their father laughed half heartedly "Thank you...old friend"
"……………"
The room became so quiet that the soft click of the phone being replaced in its cradle echoed loudly. Finally their father spoke "It's settled; you and Bankotsou will take the boys and Myoga will take care of the women. I don't know how but I'll have them ready by the time you return. Don't contact me until you know it's safe" he sighed sounding tired and old "You'll protect them right? Just like before"
Outside the study door both boys looked at each other mouthing the words 'like before'. They didn't hear the person respond so they were left to assume that he only nodded his response. They listened as faint muffled footsteps crossed the study's thick lush carpet and the other door to the office open and close gently.
"Please Izayoi watch over them all….." The two eavesdroppers charged into the room "WHAT THE HELL?" their father roared startled by the sudden and ungraceful way his sons entered.
"What was all that about father?" yelled the older boy
"A hello might have been a better way to start a conversation with your father; Sesshomaru" he glared at the older boy as he said his name "but at least I see you got my message to come home. What it was about is that I've made some arrangements for you…."
"Arrangements for what?" the youngest one demanded as he glanced from his father to the other office door.
Starring at the faces of his two sons he felt a great sense of anxiety filling him, 'this is not going to be easy' he thought as he ran a claw hand through his silver hair "There's been some trouble; a bombing to be exact…"
"A bombing" the two cried out in shock.
"Yes. At the dojo, people were hurt and so until this matter is dealt with I'm sending you both to a safer place"
"WHAT" they yelled in unison
"Like hell" spat the youngest as he raced from the room. He was going to find the man that had been in the room with his father and demand answers.
He dashed down the corridor in the direction that the stranger would have had to go to leave. Due to the architectural design of the house it was easy to get lost and anyone that ever came to visit was always accompanied until they got used to the layout. The part that caused the most confusion was path you needed to take to get to and from their father's study. With amazing speed he headed towards the main entrance. 'I should be able to catch up with him before he reaches the front door' he thought as he increased his speed. However that was not the case. He barely slowed as he slammed the large entry door open; emerging back outside he was blinded by the brightness of the sun.
When his vision cleared he saw a young man about his age with a high black pony tail talking to another man clad in leather straddling a high powered motorcycle. Momentarily captivated by the machine the young man found himself envious of the owner. The elegant black machine was a Ducati 1098 and he found it ironic that the bike of his dreams was parked only meters away from him. He growled in annoyance at himself as he realized he was being distracted by it.
The rider and young man turned towards him as the sound of his growl reached them. He could tell by way of sight and smell that the man standing was a human but there was something masking the rider and it irritated him that he couldn't see the man's face behind the dark visor of the helmet. The man with the pony tail walked towards the car and as he opened the driver's door he looked back up at him. The young demon felt overwhelmed with concern at the way the man starred at him. It felt as if he could somehow see into his very being.
"Be seeing ya….InuYasha" he called out.
Shocked into silence the young boy named InuYasha watched as the man with the pony tail laughed while getting into the car. The motorcycle rider kicked over the powerful engine of the superbike causing InuYasha to glance in his direction. The rider inclined his head slightly in what he guessed was a nod before turning the bike and racing down the driveway with the black car following close behind.
InuYasha watched them turn out of the gates before re-entering the house, his mind full of questions. He knew me; how does he know me? Wait how did that other guy get out of the house so quickly? Have they been here before? The moment he stepped inside he could hear the violent yelling between his father and brother; the anger clear in the snarling way their voices echoed throughout the house. Forgetting or at least pushing all his questions away he charged towards the study.
Upon entering his father's sanctuary he felt crushed by the intense emotions between the two full blooded demons. The pressure wasn't anything new to him; he'd felt it hundreds of times before. Whenever these two disagreed it was almost always guaranteed to become volatile; not because they hated each other but because they were both full demons and instinctively part of them would fight for supremacy. Lately he had found himself secretly wondering who would be left standing in an all out battle of strength and will.
"You can't do this" his brother snapped angrily
"I can do whatever the hell I god damn please" his father retorted just as angrily; slightly baring his fangs "I'm the alpha here not you"
"But…"
"But nothing, it's done"
"What about Rin?" although the anger was still in his voice it was now shadowed by concern.
"Don't be stupid boy of course I thought of her" From his facial expression he was obliviously irritated that Sesshomaru thought he hadn't considered the girl.
"And?"
"And I'm sending her with your aunt Kaede and the others"
"No way, she goes with me" For effect the younger demon bared his own fangs.
"Listen here boy"
"No, either she goes with me or I don't go" he squared his shoulders and starred defiantly at his father.
InuYasha tried not to smile at his brother's childish threat.
"Damn boy don't you realize that could put her at greater risk?"
'Greater risk, what the hell is going on? InuYasha's thoughts screamed and he decided that now was as good a time as any to actual speak up and say what was on his mind "Greater risk….just what the hell is going on father?"
"Someone has been making threats against the family" his brother spat folding his arms across his chest.
"That's nothing new" InuYasha said. It was true that occasionally they received threats; not all the time but it was something they were used too. After all they were a wealthy and highly visible family and that alone didn't go over too well with some. It was made that much worse by the fact that their father was actually a great demon lord and technically that made them royalty in the demon world.
"You're right there but lately the threats have become more violent and aside from the bombing at the dojo 3 people were killed during a raid at one of our warehouses"
"WHAT" both young men screamed
"I kept this from you both but if it makes you understand how risky the situation is then its time you knew" he said as he removed an envelope from his desk drawer and emptied the contents onto the desk. There spread out on the rich redwood surface were dozens and dozens of photographs; surveillance photos of each member of the family "Your god father Myoga thinks it's best if we get everyone to a safer less public place"
"Until when?" InuYasha whispered; his voice wavering as his skin began to crawl from the images in the photos.
"Until it's over"
"I'm not hiding like some sort of kicked dog" his brother spat, the irony of the comment not lost on those in the room.
"If the whole family is targeted why separate us?" InuYasha asked curiously. Personally he believed that they would be safer and happier if they were all together.
"Not all, just us" his father stated as he picked up a note from the pile of photos and begun to read to them "This abomination of blood must end. Your kind is an affront to the human race. We will not stand by and allow your kind to pollute the sanctity of the human gene pool with your filthy spawn any longer. Death to all demons"
The boys starred blankly at their father as they tried to comprehend what he'd just said. Even though they were just words on a piece of paper they still contained such vile hatred. The slur about polluting the human gene pool stung InuYasha and he caught his father watching him closely.
"Inu……" the older demon whispered softly.
"They intend to wipe our blood line from existence don't they?" murmured InuYasha
"Yes that seems to be their plan and since Kaede and the others are not blood relatives they'll be safer if they are not with us" the older demon looked at Sesshomaru "That's why I wanted to send Rin with them" He cared deeply for the young girl and he could love her no more than if she was his own flesh and blood. All he wanted was to keep them all safe and away from any danger.
Sesshomaru met his father's intense gaze "I understand but I don't like the idea of her being somewhere where I can't protect her; you of all people should understand that"
InuYasha watched the play of emotions in his brother's normally expressionless eyes. He remembered just how hard it had been for him to finally admit that he loved a human. It wasn't that Sesshomaru hated humans but after that incident several years ago Sesshomaru had realized just how fragile and weak they were. InuYasha shook his head growling softly as incomplete memories of his mother and the night she died threatened to run through his mind.
Sesshomaru glanced over at InuYasha and knew instantly by his expression that his brother was being haunted by things he couldn't quite remember. "Brother…." He whispered
InuYasha met his gaze and tried hard to smile. Despite his attempts at a smile Sesshomaru had read and understood the look in his eyes; it was one he'd seen many times. If allowed to sink into those incomplete memories he knew InuYasha would suffer and berate himself; just as he always did; just as they both did.
"Have you told Aunt Kaede what's going on?" Sesshomaru asked trying to change the subject in an attempt to distant his brother from the direction his memories were trying to send him.
"A little but not enough to worry her; you know how she gets when her motherly instincts take over" the two boys cringed slightly as they nodded "She thinks I'm sending her on a well deserved and long overdue holiday"
"Rin won't fall for that" Sesshomaru added quickly. It was true, Rin maybe naïve but she wasn't stupid.
"Give Rin the choice" InuYasha offered trying to break the tension "Tell her the truth about what's going on or at least some of it and let her decide"
Their father sighed and prayed that Rin would say no "Fine, fine but you will be leaving tonight with or without her"
"And you father?" InuYasha asked
The older demon looked at both his sons knowing the next words to come out of his mouth would start another argument. "Am staying here"
"WHAT?" yelled Sesshomaru. The anger that had started to recede within him now rose again worse than before "Then I'm staying……"
"NO" their father growled as he slammed his hands onto the desk causing the steel reinforcements in the legs to groan under the force "You will obey me boy. I've said you're going and that's final"
InuYasha knew this argument would turn into another battle of wills and would drag on and on if he didn't do something to distract them. "Father who were those people before and how did they knew me?"
Both InuYasha and Sesshomaru caught the flash of emotion that streaked through their father's golden eyes before he turned away "Friends" he stated before moving to replace the photos back into the envelope
"That answer's not good enough. Who were those men?" InuYasha said.
Feeling his heart lurch and his stomach tighten he wondered how he should answer "InuYasha" he growled softly; the faint warning that he was losing patience was clear in his tone "They are friends that I trust with my life and yours. I know they will protect you no matter what happens. Now I want you both to go upstairs and pack you will be ready to leave when they return…is that clear"
Both boys knew that tone of voice well; it meant that there would be no further discussions on the matter. Without another word Sesshomaru stormed from the room; slamming the door behind him. InuYasha took one last look at his father and was shocked by the sudden aged look on his face. When did father become this old? He asked in his thoughts.
"Father" he spoke softly "Are you sure that it's best to send us away?"
The older demon looked at him and sighed "Yes Inu, I've already lost both the women I loved and will not lose their sons. I know you don't agree but it's for the best. Trust me my friends" his voice seemed to catch on that one word "will protect you both" he moved from behind his desk and clasped InuYasha by the shoulders "I need you to promise that you will listen and do as they say"
"But who are they?"
"They're from my….our past"
InuYasha could tell by the glazed look in his father's eyes that he had slipped into his memories but before InuYasha could ask any more questions the moment was gone.
"Go on….you have to pack and be ready to go when they return" Gently yet firmly he guided InuYasha to the door.
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Lost deep in his thoughts InuYasha starred at his bags on the floor. Today seemed to be something out of a novel or movie; something unbelievable and yet it was true…..it was happening. This morning had started out like any other normal ordinary day but everything that had happened after they received the call from their father felt like a dream. He couldn't believe that his father had been keeping secrets from them; deadly secrets. Cringing as he thought of the photos his father had shown him, there were so many and each one was disturbing. Some were of him driving his car, eating lunch, dancing at clubs, picking up girls, hanging out with friends but in each photo either horrible red crosses or the word 'abomination' covered his face. There were similar ones of Sesshomaru and father but the ones that had scarred him the most were the few of Rin and Sesshomaru. His brother's face bearing an ugly cross while Rin's pretty face was marked with the words 'Demon's whore'. That girl was like his sister and it angered him that someone might want to hurt her.
And to top it all off the events of the day had been constantly throwing up things that would remind him of his hidden memories. He couldn't grasp why but it disturbed him and he found himself wondering again what it was about the night his mother died that had caused him to block out or erase most of his childhood memories. It had to have been pretty bad because it affected some of the memories from before her death……but what was it? He was so lost in his thoughts that even with his demon senses he failed to hear someone approaching him from behind. A loud thump echoed through the corridors as a heavy bag landed at his feet.
"What the fuck?" he yelled leaping back
"Ha you should see your face" laughed a young man standing behind him
"Miroku you shit head" InuYasha roared as he smacked the young man on the side of his head
"Ouch"
"What are you doing here?" asked InuYasha as he lowered himself to sit crossed legged on the floor all the while glaring at his best friend.
The young man named Miroku crouched down in front of him "Your dad called and told me what was up and asked if I'd pick up Rin" he shrugged his shoulders "And I thought that without me you'd get lonely and fret so here I am and now thanks to my generous nature you'll never know the pain of loneliness"
"Baka" InuYasha huffed. Secretly he was glad his friend was here after all they had been through so much together. Skipping school, detention when they were at school, being banned from graduation, fights, teasing Sesshomaru, picking up girls and crashing cars to name but a few of their adventures. And Miroku was one of the few people who didn't tease or press him and Sesshomaru about their memory issues.
"MIROKU" Sesshomaru's loud roar came from upstairs. There was a distinct threat of bodily violence carried in his voice.
Miroku's eyes widened in what could only be described as fear "Oh Shit" he hissed as he launched to his feet and flew down the corridor in search of a safe place.
InuYasha laughed as he saw his enraged brother fly down the stairs and head in the direction Miroku had taken. He wondered when Miroku would remember that there was no where he could hide that a demon like Sesshomaru couldn't track him to. He stopped laughing as Rin came to stand on the bottom step behind him.
"He did it again didn't he?" he asked the girl as he looked up.
"When doesn't he?" she answered, a playful glint in her dark blue eyes
InuYasha smiled at the young girl who was so dearly loved by his brother; hell the whole family adored her for that matter. She was slender and waifish in build but inside that small body beat the heart of a truly strong woman. Her facial features always expressed such sweetness and honesty and InuYasha didn't believe it was within her nature to lie. Even though her eyes were dark in color they always sparkled with flecks of light and the only time he had ever seen that light dim was the day her grandfather died. Even before she'd begun to date Sesshomaru, Rin had been their close friend and the only person other than Miroku to not focus on his or his brother's inability to remember their past.
Both youths physically shuddered as they heard a loud crash and a high pitched scream.
"I guess he caught him" InuYasha said half smiling "You know he might just kill him this time"
Rin nodded she was aware of that. From what little information she'd been given she understood that Sesshomaru was already on edge and that it wouldn't take much for him to snap. Sighing softly she did the one thing that would always bring him running to her no matter what he was doing. "Cover your ears Inu" she whispered but as he'd already seen the familiar look in her eyes he had already begun to raise his hands.
He'd barely covered his sensitive ears when Rin took a deep breath and let loose with a powerful scream; for a small person she had one hell of a big voice. Within seconds of her scream filling the house there was another crash followed by loud footsteps as Sesshomaru raced in their direction. He was at her side by the time she finished.
"What? What's wrong?" the flustered demon asked before turning to glare at his brother "What'd you do?" he growled
InuYasha merely shrugged as he removed his hands from his head "Nothin" he said simply.
"Rin….what is it?" Sesshomaru asked again as he reached for the girl
"Nothin" she said mimicking InuYasha "I just didn't want you to kill Miroku"
The dog demon looked at her with a stunned expression of disbelief; she had screamed as if someone was torturing her and it was only because she didn't want him to kill that idiot. Before Sesshomaru could speak their father came charging down the corridor.
"What the hell is going on?" he demanded
"Sesshomaru tried to kill me" Miroku cried out as he staggered towards the group.
"You felt up my girl" Sesshomaru roared
"I merely helped her out of the car" Miroku tried to explain.
"What by grabbing her ass"
"Her hands were full"
"I swear I'll kill you if you touch her again"
"I screamed" Rin offered, smiling with sweet innocence at the demon lord.
"I heard" he responded "and you what were you doing?" he asked looking down at his youngest son who was still on the floor.
"Nothin"
"Typical"
The faint crunch of gravel in the driveway drew everyone's attention towards the door. The playful light heartedness of the situation quickly vanished at that one sound. Inuyasha found himself wondering how it was possible for one innocent sound to alter things so dramatically. Although he knew it wasn't the sound itself but more what it meant that had caused the shift in everyone's mood.
"They're here" stated their father quietly as he starred at the closed door.
The rumbling of the high powered motorcycle and car grew louder signaling their arrival. It sounded like two savage beasts approaching enemies who'd strayed too close to their territory. No one spoke or moved as both engines were shut off and they heard a car door open and close. Heavy yet purpose filled steps echoed as someone approached the door. InuYasha didn't realize he'd been holding his breath until his chest began to burn from the lack of oxygen and he wasn't the only one who had to take a deep breath as the door bell chimed.
Their father reached for the door but before opening it he cast a look at his sons. Through his gaze he tried to assure them that everything would be alright. When he finally opened the door the young man with the long black pony tail from earlier stood slightly off to the side of the opening.
"Inu no Taishou sir" He greeted the demon formally "ready?"
"Yes"
Two security personnel came from behind Miroku to gather up the bags and take them down to the waiting car. InuYasha rose up off the ground as his father ushered the smiling young man inside.
"Boys…" he began as Rin coughed daintily "Oh..and girl" he nodded towards her which earned him a brilliant smile "This is Bankotsou, Bankotsou this is…."
"Sesshomaru, his beautiful girl Rin, Miroku and this…" he turned to face InuYasha "Is of course InuYasha" The four youths starred at him "What you didn't think I wouldn't know who I was protecting?" he laughed softly. Bankotsou shock hands with their father "I'll be outside" he said before walking outside to stand on the top step.
To those inside the house he just seemed to be standing there casually as if waiting for a friend or a date but in actual fact he was carefully surveying the area.
The older demon gestured for the group to move outside. The two security guards had finished loading the car and were making their way back up the stairs as the group made their way out of the house.
"Who's the stud?" Rin asked as she noticed the leather clad rider still straddling the large motorcycle. Her comment earned her a growl from Sesshomaru.
"Dunno" answered InuYasha as he studied the man.
Although he appeared to be relaxed in posture there was something raw and deadly about his body language; like there was something straining against invisible chains for release within him. The man's upper body was leaning forward supported by one arm that was draped across the bike's petrol tank. The other hand seemed to be resting on something attached to his hip but due to the angle InuYasha was unable to see what it was.
His father stepped forward and made as if to call out to the rider.
"Him…he's our perimeter enforcer so you may or may not get to meet him properly" Bankotsou said
"What's a perimeter enforcer?" Rin asked
"Well like the title suggests he guards the perimeter while an enforcer like me guards you which basically mean he does most of the hard work. I only need to stop those who somehow manage to get pass him which I might add is rare" Bankotsou glanced at his watch "It's time sir" he spoke directly to their father.
As the young man turned to walk down the steps the demon called out to him "You'll take good care of my boys won't you?"
Bankotsou stopped and turned to him "Of course sir you know we will"
"And Bankotsou tell her…tell her I want to see her"
Bankotsou paused before answering "You know you can see her anytime"
"No, I mean I really want to see her; to see her smile"
InuYasha and Sesshomaru hung on every word.
Bankotsou sighed "That doesn't happen anymore sir you know that and it won't until she feels forgiveness for her sins which you also know she won't allow anyone to give her. I fear that because of that she will never smile again no matter what anyone else says or wants…."
"But I've waited long enough"
"Sir…"
"No Bankotsou you tell her that there is nothing and there never was anything that needed forgiveness"
Bankotsou closed his eyes as he thought 'If only you knew the truth'; opening his eyes he glanced at Inuyasha and Sesshomaru before continuing "Some might not agree with you on that sir" He nodded once more at the demon before him before walking down the remaining stairs.
InuYasha and Sesshomaru glanced at each other before looking at their father. "Who's she?" they both asked
Their father turned his gaze from Bankotsou's back to the faces of his sons. He hadn't meant to say anything in front of them that would make them ask even more questions but when Bankotsou had walked away he felt he had no choice "Someone from my past"
"Like an old girlfriend?" Miroku questioned, a sly grin gracing his lips
"No nothing like that but she was...I mean is someone very dear to me" He added and it was unmistakable to all around that not only love but sadness shone brightly in his eyes.
"You loved her" Sesshomaru stated
"Very much and I still do. She was a very important person to both Izayoi and I" this comment earned him a wide eyed look from both his sons but by the look on his face he was not going to give them any further details.
"Why can't you see her?" Rin asked
"Something happened in the past that she blames herself for and although I've been able to see her once or twice over the years it always felt like she wasn't really there with me and it seems like forever since I saw her smile"
It was at that moment Bankotsou returned to the bottom of the steps "Please sir it really is time we got going"
"I know" the old demon whispered. He growled a low deep growl which his sons returned as he embraced them "Go…I'll see you soon"
Rin leapt into the old man's arms "Take care" she whispered as she kissed his cheek.
"You too child and look after my boys"
"Count on it" she smiled
The group walked down the steps to the black car. Just as they reached the side of the vehicle InuYasha found his eyes drawn to the rider. The man seemed to be watching his father.
"Come on" yelled Bankotsou from the driver's side
InuYasha raised his hand in a final wave to his father. He didn't like this or the feeling of dread that had begun to twist in his stomach. This feeling of uneasiness grew when he glanced back at the rider to find the man was now watching him closely. Shaking his head InuYasha pushed the feeling away and entered the car.
Their father stood on the top step and howled his goodbyes. "Protect my boys" he yelled out to the rider.
The man straddling the motorcycle nodded slowly before kicking over the powerful machine and following the car down the driveway.
"I hope I made the right choice" he whispered as the vehicles rounded the corner of the gate anddisappeared from his sight.
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Well? What did you think? Please let me know