AN: No demons in this story. -Smiles-
Chapter One
Gods it reeked here. The human's hand quickly coming up to wave the stench before his face but it made the air burn his nose hair that much more. Settling on clamping a hand over his nose before hurrying further into the makeshift camp of humans underneath the highway's bridge. Loose black pants covering him as he stalked through the settlement. Steps silent and sure. Dozens of pairs of eyes watching him but making no move to approach the strange looking young man who wield the large twin machetes strapped across the back of his black vest. His midnight black locks bound over his right shoulder in a single plait that reached his waist. Two rebelling thick strands on either side of his face laying over each shoulder. His bangs falling into searching violet eyes so dark in color they almost appeared brown. The humans huddled further away from him as he approached but aside from a quick onceover he paid them no mind.
He had to be here. The reports said he'd last been seen heading in this direction. Only thing that laid out here were large fields that belonged to farmer's. No cover to hide in. The man having run too far out of the city's limits to not be seen trying to double back around. There were Hunters posted around the perimeter in case he attempted to disappear back under the cover of the city. Inuyasha knew he was hiding here.
His eyes passing over wary eyes as he walked slowly further into what the homeless citizens of Tokyo made for a home. Men and women sitting around trash cans burning with fire or spread across the hard cement that made up a part of the highway. Laying on blankets or clothes cushioning their bodies. Suddenly feeling a little guilty about complaining about the stench when these people had bigger problems than caring for their body odor.
He locked eyes with a small brown haired child. A ponytail that sat on the side top of her hair. Her brown eyes unwavering as she watched him pass. Her eyes were dead. Frame skinny as she huddled in on herself a ways away from the others. He made to look away from her and continue his search but stopped in his tracks at finally noticing the tall figure that stood off a bit behind the girl. Leaning against the wall of graffiti covered cement. His head of short ebony strands turning and pulling the top of his jacket close to his face. Keeping his head pointed away.
He tilted his head as he turned his feet in the man's direction, hands quickly and smoothly reaching back behind him, coming away with the black hilts of his machetes in each hand as he approached him. The man's head turned back towards him a fraction and his hand dropped from his face at noticing his approach. Jacket falling to reveal the long, slim face that he and the others had chased out of the city. It was him.
The other blanched and scrambled forward. Inuyasha, thinking he was about to try and run again, raced forward only to come to a complete stop. Lip curling back as he watched the man take a hold of the little human girl. Bringing her up before him to use as a barrier between him and the dangerous Hunter. She never cried out. Her body limp in his arms and dark gaze dull.
His attention pulled back to the other at the pleading that reached him. "P-Please. I-I don't want to hurt anyone." Backing away towards the only opening to the camp. The girl a steadfast barrier. Inuyasha slowly moving in time with him, weapons before him and at the ready. The man noticed this. "Please," he cried, dark blue eyes wide and pleading. "We're not all the same. Let me go. No one has to die!"
He reeled back some, coming up short at the sheer amount of emotion the man's words held before a short chuckle left him. The side of his mouth curling up into a smirk. "Your good, I'll give you that." Having been affected by the seemingly sincere words but he hadn't survived as long as he had by believing the words that came spilling forth from the damned. They would say anything to save their own skin in the face of death. "Your kind are all the same. Bloodthirsty monsters with no soul." He said calmly, slowly closing the space between them. "You deserve to die."
The man shook his head, eyes wide. "No. That's not true. I would never hurt anyone without reason."
"Yet you hold onto a defenseless girl to protect you." His eyes dropping to the girl who had yet to make a sound. Her bangs hiding her face.
"I won't hurt her. I simply wish to leave in peace." He said, looking down to the bowed head of hair.
"Tell you what. Stop hiding behind the girl and I'll make sure its quick. No unnecessary pain. You won't feel a thing, I promise."
He shook his head. "I'm afraid that won't do, Hunter. Their are others who are expecting to see me. I hadn't planned on getting caught out by your people."
He tilted his head, slowly moving closer. "Who are these friends of yours?"
"Your kind have your secrets and we have ours." That's it, keep talking.
He shrugged. He hadn't really expected to get any information. "We'll find them eventually. Just like we'll find your Lord. It's only a matter of time before your Lord will have to stop being a coward and show his face. He's not a very good leader is he?" He asked mockingly. "Hides himself. Tucked away safely in his hideout while he lets his own kind take the fall. Seems like a grade a dick move if you ask me."
"Watch your tongue, human." The first signs of anger entering those blue eyes. "You shouldn't speak of things you have no knowledge on. My Lord is no coward."
"Doesn't seem that way to me. I've been tracking him down for years. I've killed hundreds of your kind and haven't seen hide or hair of your so called leader." He pointed an sharp tip of a machete towards the other. "It is fools like you who continue to protect him. He will be your downfall."
The man's lip curled back, revealing the long fang. Inuyasha resisting the urge to smirk.
"Our Lord is worthy in all ways, Hunter." He spat. "Once he awakens he will lead us into a new era."
His brows furrowed, not having expected to heard that. "He's asleep." He muttered in surprise.
The man's eyes widening before looking towards the opening of the human camp. "I-I said no such thing." He stammered as he avoided eye contact with the Hunter.
Inuyasha, however, was no longer listening. Zeroing in on the carelessness of the man before him. Big mistake bloodsucker, he thought as he moved faster than the other could prepare for. Quickly pulling the girl from the unsuspecting man's arm and making to send his elbow crashing over the man's nose but the other ducked at the blow and he quickly put space between them once more. Setting the girl down and making to stand in front of her. A quick look back telling him she appeared fine if a little dazed.
The other turned to run and he was on the move, quickly closing the space between them as he brought the handles of his blades over his right shoulder, preparing to strike the man's unguarded back in one sweeping blow only to meet air as the man suddenly disappeared from view. He immediately whirled around in place, his blades crossed before him as he blocked the incoming blow. The other bringing a knee up between them and connecting with his stomach. The pain causing him to gasp as he hunched forward, roughly pushing the other away as he focused on putting a few steps between them. His breathing heavy as he looked to the dark haired man who stood as still as stone. "I have no desire to hurt you, Hunter."
"Well, stay still so I can hurt you." He spat, already stalking forward and the man meeting him in the middle. Each send of his blades blocked by a forearm but the other did not come away unscathed. Blood flowing from the gashes from the confines of his jacket sleeves. The other snapped in his face and he ducked his head back, quickly bringing up his blade between them at seeing the other aiming for his throat. Quickly bringing the other blade around in a fast sweep towards the other's stomach. Gritting his teeth harshly as he forced his hand forward through the tough flesh. Screams erupting from around them, the quick sound of feet passing them but he never looked away from the wide eyes. Watching the sclera gradually bleed into a deep red. The blue disappearing entirely. The man's fangs extending further down. "There it is." He muttered almost seductively between them. The man's true form.
The snarl ripping from the other's throat loud and ringing in his ears. The man bringing an arm around to his opposite shoulder before sending it flying towards his unprotected cheek. Trying to shift his blade to block the blow but it came in too fast. He went flying to the left, grunting as his shoulder landed first against the cement foundation before skidding down. Grabbing hold of his shoulder as he forced himself up, clutching the remaining machete in his hand as he looked up to watch the man puling out the blade that pierced him before throwing it to the side. His eyes snapping up to meet red eyes at the body that blocked his view to his weapon.
He rolled his shoulder, shaking off the pain as he went running in towards the other at full speed. The bloodsucker snarling as he fell into a defensive position. The man swiped at him but only met air as the human suddenly disappeared beneath him. Inuyasha sliding over the dirt under the man's parted legs and already reaching for the hilt to his fallen blade. The man turning and quickly making to close the distance between them just as his hand closed around the handle. Quickly flipping it around in hand before plunging the tip of the blade behind him, feeling the fast approaching body come to a complete stop as the bloodsucker stood hunched over and pierced on his blade. Taking deep lungfuls of air as he listened to the strained gurgles from behind him. Once his heart rate was back under a semblance of control he rose from the ground, turning around and quickly bringing the very bottom of the hilt in his hand over the other's forehead. Watching the bloodsucker fall onto his back. Dirt rising up at the large mass that lay onto the ground. He walked forward before making to straddle the man's waist. Clear blue eyes looking back at him. The fangs reverted back to its original length. Blood running in a steady thin stream from the corner of his mouth.
Inuyasha winced at the pain movement caused, but wrapped his hand around the blade that stay lodged in the center of the bloodsucker's chest. Twisting it and grinding down. The other's hand's curling up in pain but too weak to do much of anything else. "Your Lord," Inuyasha started through gritted teeth as he kept his hand steady. "You said he was asleep. Where. Where is he."
Twisting the blade in his hand at the silence that followed. The man snarling up at him before settling down once more. "Tell me. Now." He demanded.
The bloodsucker laughed weakly, causing blood to rush out from his lips. "You will never find him, Hunter. And we will never betray our own."
He snarled, making to grind the blade once more but the blood that splattered over his arm and face stilled him. Leaning back away from the now still body beneath. Looking to the two silver tipped throwing knives lodged in the side of the bloodsucker's head. He stared at the dead man. "Why did you do that?" He demanded heatedly as he turned to his left, rising up from his perch as he looked to the approaching duo. His violet eyes burning into the red haired boy. The locks that normally reached past his shoulder currently pinned back in a tight and tucked ponytail. His calm gait light and silent with his flat boots that came to a stop just under his knees. His slim toned frame shrouded in black from head to toe. Leather pants with the length of the legs adorned with knife holders. His light leather jacket lined with pockets left hanging open and revealing the fitting wifebeater he wore. The large black and silver designed bow strapped across his back accompanied by the quiver that held the multitude of arrows. His green eyes looked to the fallen man behind him without any emotion before turning that stare onto Inuyasha.
"I killed a bloodsucker, what's it look like," he responded before going over to retrieve his throwing knives. Placing a boot clad foot on the man's face as he pulled them out of the tough flesh. Wiping the blood and gore across the man's jacket before placing them back into the holders lining his pants.
"I was getting information out of him, Shippo." He stated irritably before going to pluck the machete from the man's chest and copying the other boy's actions before sliding his blades back into the straps across his back. Turning to face his two comrades. "You killed him before I could get him to talk."
Shippo let out a quiet sigh, looking to the dark haired boy. "When has a vamp ever sold out their own, Inuyasha. You wouldn't have gotten anything out of him anyway."
"Well I would've liked to determine that for myself before you went and threw your knives in his damn skull." He snapped. "Did it look like I needed your help?"
"No. It looked like you were getting nice and cozy with a bloodsucker." The other boy snapped back. His lip curling back at the thought of doing anything of the sort with a bloodsucker.
Shippo turned his back on them. "Whatever. I'll be in the car." He said, walking towards the opening under the highway and disappearing into the dark night.
He closed his eyes in a deep exhale, reigning his emotions back under his control. Turning to face his silent companion at the feel of a hand clamping his shoulder. "Try to be patient with him, Inuyasha." The older boy spoke, his blue eyes looking to him. "He's still new to this world. This lifestyle. Give him time to adjust."
"I get it," he told him. "It's just. . .Gods, was I that reckless when I first joined?"
The dark haired boy laughed. "Yes. And just as angry. But like you, he'll learn to think first before he acts. He just needs more experience under his belt."
"Look, I get it. He's angry. I understand that better than anyone. Hell, we're all angry at something. It's why we do what we do. Him being angry is not the issue. It's how he handles it while out on the field I have a problem with." He said with a shake of his head, turning back to the dead vampire. Seeing the body already starting to disintegrate into ash. "Damnit." Maybe he wouldn't have gotten anything else out of the bloodsucker but he couldn't get what he'd said out of his mind.
He whirled to the other boy. "Miroku. The bloodsucker. . .he said something. About their Lord. He said, 'once he awakens'. . .why didn't we ever think to consider he could be sleeping all this time? We just assumed he was hiding away. What if we haven't found him because they have him hidden away somewhere?" He finished, heart pounding at the idea.
Miroku looked skeptical. "I don't know, Inuyasha. Why would he tell you that? He could've told you that to throw you off or something."
"No," he shook his head adamantly, sure that wasn't the case. "I don't think he meant to say even that much. He tried to deny it afterward. What if he really is asl-"
A faint sound from behind him had both young men turning towards the source. One blade already in hand and the the other boy with the large black BE M500 Cruisier Shotgun already off from its perch across the back of his black leather trench coat and steadied in his sure hands. His boot clad feet swift and silent as he led the way further back under the highway. Inuyasha close behind him and surprise finding him as they approached the little girl he'd noticed earlier. She lay out cold on the dirt covered ground, her lids moving as she lay still.
He reached a hand out to lower Miroku's shotgun still trained on her. "We can't leave her here. Everyone else is gone now." He said bending down to take her into his arms. She was nothing but skin and bones.
"Your right," Miroku told him, voice suddenly more serious. "We need to go. Knowing you, you caused a scene and the police will be here soon. We should leave." He told him before turning on his heel and walking towards the opening.
He rolled his eyes. It's not like he did it on purpose. He looked down at the little girl. She couldn't have been any older than seven or eight. He wondered what she was doing out here alone but knew there were homeless children within the city. He wondered what her story was. If it was similar to his own and the rest of the Hunter's. Loved ones taken by bloodsuckers. The look in her eye. . . he wouldn't be surprised if that were the case.
"Inuyasha. C'mon. We need to leave."
He looked up from her face, realizing he'd slowed down. He caught up to Miroku and walked up the walkway that led to the highway above. Seeing the black 2014 Mercedes Benz GL Black Crystal parked along the side of the currently quiet highway. Quickly opening the back door before climbing inside and securing them in the backseat. He placed her in the opposite seat and strapped the seat belt around her. Looking back at noticing Shippo turn towards them from his position in the passenger seat. Turning back around without a word.
"We'll drop her off somewhere she'll be noticed. A fire station." Miroku told him as he drove forward into the lane. Their eyes connecting through the mirror. "You know we can't take her with us."
He nodded. Yeah he knew. Maybe once she was old enough she'd find others like him. If it were a vampire who had taken away her family. People to show her their were ways she could fight back against their kind. That she didn't have to be afraid. Like he'd been taught. Like so many others.
"Anyone near downtown?" A feminine voice came scrambling lowly from the car's radio. Only Hunter's able to access the channels. Shippo reaching forward to take the walkie in his hand.
"Yeah. A few of us are headed that way now. What is it, Kagome?" He asked her before reaching forward to turn up the dial some.
Silence for a moment before she came back on the line. "I'm stationed in the old abandoned corporate building. The old theatre over. . .I think there's something going on over there and I'm wondering if there's anyone in the area available to come check it out. I was patrolling the area and saw two black vans turn into parking lot behind the building. And I think. . .I-I think spotted Koga."
His eyes widened. If that was Koga. . .
"Tell her to stay where she is and lay low." He told Shippo, his voice holding his urgency. The red haired boy looking to him before turning his attention back onto the walkie.
"Do not move." Shippo told her. "We're almost to you. Wait for us."
"Got it," she replied lowly and the radio was quiet once more.
"Did she say-" Miroku started.
"Yeah," he breathed, leaning back in his seat. Koga. One of the most notorious vampires in the Nightworld. It was said he had a direct connection to the Council. He was an Original. A bloodsucker who'd been born that way. No shred of humanity ever running through him. Not like the ones who'd been turned. Originals much more powerful than one who'd been bitten.
Damnit. Tonight of all nights for the elusive vamp to be spotted. He'd never been close enough to try his hand at sending his blades through the bloodsucker's body. Always arriving too late and only to come upon his fallen comrades. Koga a name that gave even the most experienced Hunter's pause. The vamp and his posse long gone and back under the radar once more.
A quite whine from his left drew his attention and he cursed at seeing the little girl. Wracking his brain at what he could do to keep her away from what was about to go down. "Shippo. I want you to-"
"Sorry. No can do. I'm not sitting this out and frankly there's no time to waste. Miroku's a better driver. He can drop the girl off and circle back around to meet up with us."
His eyes met with Miroku's through the mirror and received a nod. "He's right. I'd be able to get back to you guys faster."
"Alright. Fine." Not in the mood to argue. He'd rather have the more experienced Hunter by his side but in the light of things it was the best course of action. Miroku could get her to safety and come back to join them faster than Shippo would be able to.
Silence between them as the dark haired boy expertly weaved throughout traffic, foot steadily pressing down on the accelerator. Hard to see anything through the dark tinted windows but looked to Miroku at the car slowing down. "This is as close as I can get without possibly drawing their attention." He told them before holding out a pair of night vision goggles towards Shippo. They nodded and opened the door to climb out. "Don't die. I'll be right back for you guys." He told them before backing out in one smooth turnaround. Headlights pointed back the way they came from as he merged back onto the highway.
He cast a quick look as he reached for the goggles held out to him. Nodding towards Shippo as he quickly jogged across the silent street. Feeling the younger boy behind him as they slinked further up the deserted street, both on high alert as they neared the shut down theatre. Ducking in the alley and walking to the door he knew lay further in the dark. Their steps silent, breathing steady and slow as they neared the alley doorway into the building. Signaling for Shippo to place the night vision goggles over his eyes. Reaching behind him to take one the blades from its sheathe before testing the door under his hand. It giving away after a slight nudge with his shoulder. Gritting his teeth as it was his left shoulder that bloodsucker had thrown him into.
He scanned the inside, not seeing any movement in the darkness and waved Shippo inside before venturing in closer. The two staying close as they passed what used to be the snack stands, everything run down and in poor condition since it's closing years back. He could feel the tenseness in his fellow Hunter as they approached the grand stairs to the upper floors. Pausing often to hear for anything up above them. Their arrival on the landing revealing a hall of rooms. Offices and restrooms mostly.
He ventured forward, keeping the machete before him as they passed room after room. Looking into each one they passed. Shippo guarding his back, his bow in hand and an arrow ready to be sent flying at a moment's notice.
He looked to his right and paused before turning into the empty room, hurrying his steps as he confirmed what it was he saw. Rushing over at seeing Kagome laid out over the floor of the theatre. Wondering why she was here when she'd reported being in the building over. He crouched down beside the body of the dark haired Hunter. Her sprawled out body laying under the partially broken window. He placed two fingers against her neck. No pulse.
"Dead." He announced quietly. Seeing her spiked club propped innocently along the wall. He stood up, turning to Shippo. "I don't like this." He told him, feeling uneasy at the fact she didn't even get a chance to reach for her weapon. "She didn't even see it coming. We need to leave."
"But you just got here."
The two Hunters whirled towards the only entrance into the room, weapons before them. Bodies tense as they stood on the balls of their feet. The doorway empty and picking up on the faint sound of a foot crunching over something out in the hall.
Screams suddenly erupting from the doorway as a multitude of vamps burst into the large space. Eight, he quickly counted, already moving forward. His left hand striking the first bloodsucker closest to him, not hesitating to plunge his blade through his stomach. Head whipping to the left at the fast approaching man. Pushing the vampire off of his blade before turning to face the newcomer, quickly bringing his right leg up into the dwindling space between them. His leg forcing him back as he simultaneously reached behind him with his left hand to retrieve the remaining blade.
Movement from the corner of his right eye made him drop into a crouch, swiping his blades at the man's leg, it being wiped clean from its body. The snarl of pain that followed soon silenced as he smoothly rose to cut clean through the flesh of its neck. Never slowing down as he continued to swing his blade around, the vamp seeing the incoming blow and quickly moving back to evade the tip aimed for its throat.
He dodged the clawed hand that swiped at him. She was fast. Displaying the agility and stamina known in their kind. He focused on evading her deadly claws, making sure to keep the other hovering vamp in his sights as she forced him to give up ground. Steadily backing him into a corner. Not trying to counter her as his shoulder wouldn't be able to keep up with the attacks.
His reprieve coming in the form of an arrow suddenly becoming lodged in the side of her head from his fellow Hunter. Sending her crashing into a heap on the hard ground and the last remaining bloodsucker charging at him. Looking into the vamp's red eyes as he did nothing to defend himself. The bloodsucker's hand raising higher over his shoulder as he let out a yell.
Inuyasha calmly pointing the end of his machete to the other's heart at the last possible second. Looking blankly into the fading red eyes that revealed its light brown color. The man snarling weakly before his body went limp. His lips curling in disgust at the close proximity of the bloodsucker and quickly shoving him away.
His head whipping towards Shippo at the sound of a body quickly being sent into the weak foundation behind him. Seeing Shippo slowly rising from his thrown position and he quickly fell into a defensive position as he looked to the last remaining vampire.
No one other than Koga of the Nightworld.
Never having before laid eyes on the man. Dressed comfortably in a fitting navy blue sweater. Dark slacks fitting his large muscled frame. Black locks bound behind him in an untucked ponytail. His bangs falling comfortably into light blue eyes. Looking completely at ease as he stood near the entrance with his hands in either side of his pants. "They really don't make 'em how they used to." He muttered with a shake of his head as he nudged the leg of a fallen vamp. Turning that cold stare onto the two watchful Hunters. "I'm going to kill you now." He said calmly before disappearing from view.
The dark haired boy gasping at the harsh fingers that dug into his neck. Feeling himself being lifted off from the ground. Turning wide eyes onto the vampire as he was denied air. Bringing his machete down towards the vampire's neck but Koga caught the blade in his hand before yanking it from the Hunter and tossing it behind him. Inuyasha's hands reaching up to scratch at the iron tight grip around him and felt him squeezing but he didn't even faze the dark haired man. Panic seizing as he looked into icy blue orbs, seeing the intent to kill staring calmly back up at him.
Startled to see Koga's head suddenly turn to the right before the vampire jerked his head back. Two arrows flying past where his neck had once been. Koga yanking Inuyasha in front of his body, turning to face the Hunter who held the large bow before him. Shippo's hands steady as he pulled back on the string, two arrows already in place. Inuyasha bound in place with the arm wrapped around his neck from the Original behind him. "Let him go." The red head told the vampire. Voice clipped and unwavering.
"No can do, Hunter." The vamp seemed to purr in the dark haired boy's ear and he turned his head away at the cool breath that fanned against him. Koga's head coming to a stop beside his head as his blue eyes stayed locked onto the other Hunter. Inuyasha trying to dislodge the other's arm and only being held tighter in response.
"Kill him!" Inuyasha managed to gasp out. Hearing the snarl in his ear his words caused. He didn't care if he died in the process. Taking a well known vampire such as Koga with him was well worth it. Shippo's head turning to him for a brief moment before whipping back towards the dark haired vamp at the cruel laugh.
"Yes. Please kill me." Koga mocked him and the red haired boy stood still for a moment before a curse left him as he suddenly threw aside his bow, rushing forward towards them at top speed.
Inuyasha's world suddenly rushing past him as he was harshly thrown to the right, his body skidding across the hard floor until his back met the wall. Mouth falling open at the pain that resounded through him. Ringing in his ears as he slowly turned his attention back to Shippo. Vision blurring as he managed to make out Shippo engaged in hand to hand with Koga. The other Hunter's name falling silently from his lips as darkness clouded over him.
He woke up to the distant sound of shouting, the pull of fog lifting with every second as he forced his eyes open.
"Damnit! Get off of me!" Came the red haired boy's voice from across the room but sounded so far away. Forcing himself up off the ground as he pushed himself though the dizziness. Using the wall as support as he slowly lifted his body. Willing it to do as he commanded.
"Don't fucking touch me!" Shippo's voice piercing through to him as he turned. Seeing the dark haired vampire pinning the Hunter on the ground. The other struggling to dislodge the larger body from him but to no avail. The dark haired hunter looked around, stilling as he noticed one of his blades over by the window. Gritting his teeth as he pushed himself off the wall and moving over to the fallen weapon.
"Let's see that pretty face of yours." The smirk in Koga's voice apparent as he reached out for the red haired Hunter's night vision goggles. It taking up a majority of his face.
"I am going to kill you!" Shippo screamed in outrage, angling his head away from the hand that reached towards him before suddenly turning and lifting his head to send his saliva on the vampire's face. Looking to Koga with narrowed eyes as he attempted to pull his wrists free from the vampire's grasp.
The dark haired Original stilling as he brought his free hand up to wipe at the spit on the corner of his mouth, pulling his fingers back to stare at the clear substance before turning that cool gaze back onto the Hunter beneath him. "Now you die." He snarled, mouth pulling back to reveal fangs dropping down. Blue eyes bleeding into red as Koga brought a clawed hand back over his shoulder and swiping it across Shippo's pale cheek.
The smaller male's head turning with a gasp, his goggles sent flying from his face with the blow. Turning his head back up to stare at the vamp who was preparing to deliver the final blow only to become still as stone at seeing those dazed green eyes. ". . .Shippo." He breathed.
With a yell, Inuyasha brought the hilt of his blade crashing down into the back of the unsuspecting vampire's skull. Watching as the vampire's large body slumped to the side in an unconscious heap. Throwing the blade aside and quickly moving over to Shippo at seeing the other trying to scramble away from the Original. He bent beside him, fingers going for the gash wounds running across his cheek only to pull back with a hiss at the intense pain radiating from the upper half of his body.
"I'm fine." Shippo turning to him as he brought his knees under himself. "Where does it hurt the most?" He asked him.
He sucked his teeth, bringing his right arm across to support the left side of his torso. "I think the fucker busted a rib." He hissed.
"You should've killed that bloodsucker." Shippo told him.
"Couldn't," he swallowed as he closed his eyes. "If anyone knows where the Lord of the Nightworld is, I think he's one of the ones who would know. Let the others see if they can get anything out of him."
"Shit. I can't see a thing." Shippo told him. "We need to get you out of here."
"Yeah, okay." Nodding his agreement. "We need to tie him up-" Looking up towards the vamp and stilling at seeing Koga's body gone from where it lay. "Shit." He whispered, making to stand only to freeze at the feeling of fingers finding a pressure point on his neck.
"What. What is it." Shippo whispered back towards him, his breath coming out more rapidly.
Eyes rolling into back of his head as he went under darkness once more.
He reached a hand behind him, wincing with a withdraw of his fingers at coming into contact with the sore spot. Little shit hit hard. Ignoring the tenderness at not feeling or smelling his own blood.
Koga turned his attention back onto the red haired Hunter he laid on the ground, crouching down beside him as he brought a clawed hand up to that delicate face. Red locks fanning around him as he laid there almost peacefully. Heart thundering in his chest as he looked to the face of his love. A love that was killed centuries ago. Turning Shippo's head and taking in the deep gash lines that flowed blood down his neck and shirt. Never would have hurt him to this extent had he known.
He brought up a wrist towards his mouth, biting down into his flesh until the taste of his blood welled over his tongue. Quickly bringing the dripping wrist over the smaller boy's wound on his cheek. His blood hitting the other's flesh and watching as the gashes mended themselves until only wet blood remained in place. Stroking his cheek softly in appreciation before remembering the other Hunter.
Turning to the dark haired human and wondered who was it that managed to sneak up on him. His hand reaching for the goggles that covered the Hunter's face. Removing them and tossing them further away before turning to look down at the male.
Mouth parting in shock at the face that greeted him. Remembering that face exactly as it used to be. Eyes drawn to the black plait of hair that hung down his shoulder. Remembering when it was an almost translucent white. Inuyasha. He was completely human now. They both were.
He noticed him wince as if in pain before stilling once more. Suddenly remembering throwing him across the room with enough force to kill a lesser human.
So many questions ran through him but he had to get them out of here. Hunters tended to hunt in groups and he didn't doubt someone would notice their disappearance eventually.
He bent down and grabbed Inuyasha before throwing him over his right shoulder. Turning to lift Shippo over his left. Easily supporting their weight as he stood to his towering body, leaving the room with the piles of ashes that once belonged to those of his blood.
Navigating through the darkness as he left out the way he arrived. The stairs leading down to a door that led directly out to the large parking space. A look around confirming all was still in the darkness. But he didn't stick around to find out otherwise.
He reached a hand out to open the backdoor to one of the black vans they rode in, settling the dark haired boy in before shifting Shippo in to join him. Closing the door behind them and making his way to the driver side. Striking the wheel in agitation as he remembered the lack of a key. One of the other's drove and the key was resting in one of the piles of ashes in the building. He made to get out and find it but paused at the dark clad figure he caught walking towards the van through the door's side mirror. The large gun in his hands speaking volumes as he walked closer still. Jumping back from the window at the large shell that went flying towards him, destroying the mirror and sending it tumbling towards the ground.
Lip curling back as he turned to the rip the plastic cover on the steering column. Damn Hunters. Ripping out the brown and yellow wires. Ignoring the shots of electricity that raced up his arm from doing so. Ducking further at the loud impact from the shotgun that hit the driver's side of the door. The car shaking a bit from the force and another shot quick to follow. Gritting his teeth in agitation, forcing himself to focus on twisting together the green and red wire before him. "C'mon, c'mon," he muttered as he sparked the end of the ignition wire against the battery wire. The van suddenly coming to life. Immediately straightening out and reaching for the steering lock and breaking it before stepping fully onto the pedal. Lurching forward before swinging the wheel around in a sharp right, bringing the van around in full turnaround. The dark haired Hunter turning with him as he rained shot after shot onto the van. Koga peeling out of his line of sight as he slipped into the alley and pulling off into the street.
Looking behind to make sure he wasn't being followed. They'd expected the Hunters arrival at realizing the female had called out for assistance. She managing to stumble across them by accident. Inuyasha and Shippo the only group of Hunters close enough in the area to respond to her location. Waiting them out as they were the one's to kill the vampire they made to bring back with them tonight.
Never would he have thought to expect Shippo and Inuyasha as Hunters. The world was a cruel place.
...
He parked the car into a stop in front of closed down cigarette shop and hopped out, walking around the front of the van and towards the two figures posted by the entrance of the side alley. An abandoned dance studio to the cigarette shop's left. They perked up at noticing him. He looked to the dark haired female. "Weaken the glamour," he told her and she nodded before turning to the seemingly deserted cigarette shop. The vampire standing before its front before beginning to speak in an ancient language no longer know to this time of world.
He turned to the tall blonde man. "You help me." He told him before turning to retrieve the two unconscious bodies that lay in the van. Opening the doors to reveal them still out. Nodding his head towards the dark haired boy as he reached for Shippo. Taking a moment to inhale the smell of the red head. The scent of his old love tainted by the humanity that clouded him now. Had he not seen his face he would have killed him. . .regret finding him as he held the young man closer. The heat bringing him a small dose of comfort as he turned to follow the blonde vampire from around the van.
Where once stood a cigarette shop not worth looking twice at now stood an impressive mansion. Its height seeming to reach the very sky itself. Feeling the the glamour shimmer as he walked past the barrier that shielded them from the Dayworld. To any humans it'd appear as if they'd suddenly disappeared into thin air. A glamour was nothing more than an illusion. The home looking to appear as a business that had closed down in a part of a neighborhood not many cared to venture through at night. The perfect conditions for one of his kind.
The huge double doors parted at their approach and the three female servants bowed at seeing him as they stood in between the grand case of stairs that led to the upper landing on either side of them. "Master Koga." An elderly vampire greeted him, her dark eyes falling onto the figure in his arms.
"Prepare a bath for our. . .Guests. After you've seen to their injuries," He told the head servant, she nodding her gray filled head. Not questioning the younger vamp's decision in bringing what were obviously Hunters in their place of refuge. "They should be waking soon and restraints will be necessary."
Looking down at Shippo's peaceful expression before forcing himself to hand him over to her. The woman holding onto him as if she took no notice of the added weight in her arms. Turning to see the blonde vamp handing Inuyasha off to a young red haired female. His blue eyes looking over them. "They are in your care until further notice. Should any harm come to them, you will pay for it with your life." His eyes flashing red for the quickest of flashes. The three ladies bowing wordlessly before him before turning to do as told. His eyes on Shippo as he watched him disappear up the stairs before remembering why he was here. Turning down the grand hall that led to the person he needed to see.
Ignoring the various servants that stopped and bowed as he passed them amongst the spacious halls. Approaching the large wooden double doors that held inside them the silver haired vampire. Raising a hand to knock but the sound of a feminine voice telling him to come in made him pause before doing as instructed. Walking into the large and impeccably tidy study that displayed ancient times from long ago despite living many years past the time. Coming to a stop before the vampire who sat behind the large desk, her polished claws holding between them a quill of a dark feather that wrote across the white parchment in perfect cursive. The silver haired woman speaking to him as her eyes never left her task. "What is that you are seeking from me, Koga." She spoke lowly before finally lifting her head to reveal brillant amber eyes. Setting aside the quill as she folded her arms before herself. "I will be very displeased if you have not brought to me what I asked for. I believe I have given you an adequate amount of time."
He blinked, mind whirling back to earlier events of the night. "The messenger you asked me to retrieve was spotted out and killed by Hunters. The information he held on the Hunter's lost with him. The scout we sent to escort him back to our arranged meeting spot watched the Hunter kill him before reporting back to us. We then noticed we were being watched by another Hunter who managed to stay off our radar for a time. Seeing that she had made contact with the group of Hunter's that killed Jin. I made quick work of her."
She closed her eyes, jaw clenching as she visibly tried to reign in her irritation. Only looking to him once she was more calm. "I hope you did away with those damned Hunters. Jin informed me he held vital information on the Hunters from his spying."
"No Councilwoman, I didn't kill the Hunters." He told her and she looked to him with a look he couldn't quite place. Slowly rising from her seat as she leaned towards him.
"Pray tell what it is you did with them if not take their worthless lives, Koga." Her voice holding a hint of strain as she looked into him expectantly.
"I brought them here."
She was on him before he could blink, her hand wrapped around his throat and lifting his large frame from the ground much like he held the human Inuyasha. A cruel smile revealing her sharp fang. "Even you could not be that big of a fool to compromise our sanctuary. To bring a Hunter where my son and your Lord lay!" She barked, every ounce of her control slipping as she looked up to him with crimson eyes. "Tell me why I shouldn't squeeze the life from your body." Her hand slowly squeezing his windpipe.
He felt his teeth extending in response to his life being threatened by a powerful vampire who was more than capable of doing what she stated. His instincts demanded he fight at the blatant challenge but he used every ounce of his will to keep his claws at his side. His red eyes blinking. "It's him."
"What do you-" the Councilwoman sneered before looking to him in surprise. "Him. Do you refer to my son's love?" She asked him. "If you have the audacity to jest about matters such as these, I really will end you, you fool."
"It's him." He repeated.
The Councilwoman eyeing him but slowly lowered him down and retracting her hand. A blink of her eyes revealing gold once more. "Tell me."
Koga cracked his neck. Damn the bitch had a grip. "He was attempting to get information out of Jin according to the scout. Trying to find out where the Lord of the Nightworld was apparently." A look of amusement flashing over her features at hearing that. Remembering the dark haired boy speaking of using him to try and get information on the Lord's whereabouts. He continued. "He responded to the Hunter's call at her sighting us. I. . . almost killed him."
She lifted a brow. "It is fortunate that you didn't." She said before walking back around to her desk and gracefully settling back into her seat. "You said them. As in more than one. Who was the other Hunter you brought here."
He swallowed down the sudden lump in his throat. "Shippo."
"So you have found your love as well." She tilted her head. "And they are both Hunters. How ironic." She muttered more to herself. The dark haired vampire agreeing with her completely. She turned to him. "I will convene with my fellow councilmen about what we have discussed here."
"He's going to wake up. Right?" He asked her.
She levelled him with an unimpressed stare. "I may be on the Council but I am also Lady of the Nightworld. Until my son rises once more to take back his title. Me informing them is merely a formality. My son will rule in his rightful place once more." Koga smirked at the self assured way in which she spoke. The woman waving a hand in dismissal. "Now leave me. I have much do to. Be prepared to be summoned at a moment's notice." He nodded, bowing to Lady of the Nightworld before turning on his heel.
Seemed Inuyasha would get his wish to meet the Lord very soon.
"Inuyasha."
He frowned at the sound of the insistent voice trying to reach him. Impossible to sleep with his name being uttered every few seconds. He attempted to roll over on his side. Frowning as his body refused to listen to him. Forcing his heavy lids open, turning his head to the left at the full glow from the lamp that sat perched in the corner. The room they were in a decent size. The windows completely blocking out any source of light. Having no clue to how long he'd been out. If it were even the same night for matter. The sound of his name making him turn to his right.
Brows furrowing as he looked to the red haired boy in disbelief. Seeing him laying bound over a small mattress. Making to sit up but forgetting he couldn't move. "What the hell." Looking down to see white straps holding his arms tightly against his body. His legs as well. Noticing his Hunter gear was gone and replaced with a white plain T-shirt and loose tan pants. Stopping his movement at the slight pain that made itself known in his rib. Suddenly aware of the feeling of bandages underneath his shirt. "Well. They obviously know what we are and aren't taking any chances with us." He sighed, looking to the white ceiling over his bed as everything that happened came rushing back.
"Yeah." Shippo breathed from his spot across from him. "But why bother patching us up?" He asked. "Why aren't we. . ."
"Dead?" He supplied at the other's silence.
"Yeah. . ."
That was a good question. He'd never heard of any Hunters being taken or surviving after a run in with Koga. He wasn't sure that being left alive wasn't worse.
"You think Miroku's okay?" Shippo asked him and he blinked.
"I don't know. I hope so." Knowing the Hunter would come back for them. Whether he came back enough in time to have a run in with Koga was a different matter. He hoped the older boy was okay.
Both of the Hunter's tensing up at the footsteps that neared the bedroom door. His eyes glued to the bottom of the door. Not relaxing until the footsteps passed them by and faded. Inuyasha dropping his head back into the pillow. "What the hell do they want with us." He mumbled to himself but the other boy answered anyway.
"I don't know, but if they're thinking of turning me into an convenient blood bag they've got another thing coming." His words irritated as he uselessly fought against the straps before stopping with a sigh. His gaze boring into the space above him. "I'll die before that happens. And try to take as many as I can with me." He said quietly.
He didn't say anything but he felt the same way. Maybe he'd get to try to get at Koga once more. Or any of the big Nightworld people he'd only ever heard about. So be it, he thought. He'd go out the way he knew he always would. Putting up one hell of a fight.
He thought of his mother then. Her brown eyes running in the fore of his mind. Wondering if she'd found peace in the afterlife.
The sound of the bedroom door being opened making him tense up. Heart beating rapidly at the dark eyes that looked his way. A slender old woman who wore her shoulder length hair in rivulets. Her skin pale and her clothing one of a servant's. Eyes going to the young red haired woman who suddenly filed in from behind her. Her brown eyes looking to the two males who lay on the bed before looking up to the older vampire. The older woman nodding her head at her and the girl started towards him.
"What are you doing," the other boy demanded. Inuyasha ignoring the pain as he fought against the hold over him. Trying to lean out of proximity of her reaching hands. "Leave him alone!" Shippo yelled to her.
The grey haired woman frowned to him. "Hush, child. Your friend is in no danger from us."
The red haired servant girl handled him as if he were a child. The dark haired boy on his feet and watching her as she bent down to untie the straps around his legs.
"Where are you taking him?" Shippo demanded and brown eyes met the boy's green.
"He is to stand before the Council." The vampire's words making the small stirring idea of escape evade in an instant. He'd never get another chance like the one presented to him now. Some of the most powerful vampires all in one place. The servant stood beside him and he didn't fight the light hold she wrapped around his forearm.
The quick look he sent to Shippo silencing any further questions and he could see the boy understood. They knew dying was always a possibility doing what they did. Like Shippo, he wanted to go out in a blaze of glory if given the chance. His eyes showing his intent to go out strong until the very end. As many as I can, his eyes seemed to say. The red haired boy understanding and giving a small nod of his own.
The young servant girl gently led him forward and he looked back at Shippo as the old woman closed the door behind them. Their eyes locking until the other was completely blocked from view.
Biting his tongue as a lightweight but dark material fell over his head. Allowing him to breathe while not allowing him to see where he was being led. Feeling the hard flooring under his bare feet. Taking note of the turns in case escape was possible after this ordeal. If he were to somehow survive this.
The girl suddenly coming to a stop and the sound of doors opening sounded from directly in front of him. Only when it was quiet did they press forward. His breathing the only thing he could hear as he blindly walked forward before being stopped once more.
"You may go." A woman's voice suddenly sounded in the space and he felt the dark view from in front of his face being lifted before the feel of the servant's hands flitted across his back as the straps he wore were loosened and removed from him.
Inuyasha blinked at the new surroundings. It being slightly brighter in the enormous space. Rows upon rows of seats extended behind him. Seeing the brown doors he'd walked through closed shut. Serving as the divider to the seats on either side of the room. His eyes drifting to the one and only person who sat out in the row of seats. Behind him to his right in the first row. Eyes narrowing at the icy blue eyes that looked to him. Koga.
"You have caused quite the trouble during your stay here. . .Inuyasha."
His head whipping towards the silver haired woman who sat high above him. The woman's pale skin making the markings under her eyes and the crescent moon on her forehead stand out visibly. Her silver tresses intricately pinned behind her in two separate ponytails. Side locks similar to his own falling over the shoulders of her dark robes. Her lips painted over in a hue of vibrant purple. She was beautiful. A commonality amongst bloodsuckers.
Violet eyes drifting along to his left as he took in the hard, watchful faces of the two silent men and the dark haired woman from their seats in the curved bench. Forming a half circle before him as he stood before them down below over a big circular floor. These powerful vampires made up the Nightworld's highest Council.
He looked back into the observant golden eyes. "What can I say." He said, not letting himself be intimidated by her piercing stare. "Trouble's my middle name."
"Hn." Her lips tilting to the side in a smirk. "You're much more different than I remember you being. Interesting."
He eyed her. "You speak as if you know me."
"Once." She said. "A long time ago."
Inuyasha wasn't one to forget a face but he'd run across many vamps in his nineteen years of life. It was a possibility.
"It has come to my attention that you are in search of the Lord of the Nightworld. . .would you finally like to meet him?"
He looked around, palms sweating as he took in the rest of the silent people of the room. Half expecting a large red eyed vamp to magically fly in through the double doors. He looked back to her, seeing her eyes trained onto him like a hawk.
"Sure." He drawled, his body and voice displaying his skepticism. Not willing to believe the vampires were going to reveal the resting place of their Lord after being successfully hidden for years. Her lips curved to the side at recognizing his doubt.
"Then meet him you shall." She said with a strangely blank look peering into him right before the room began to quake.
AN: Hope you enjoyed the read. If we can get this chapter to at least ten reviews I'll make sure to add this story to my top priority list of things to update. -kisses-