I don't own Inu&co.

T.T

Abandoned Wounds Chapter Five:
Who They Are:

Kagome sighed as she pulled out a box of photographs. Last weeks event at the mall had brought back a lot of bad memories. Wiping the dust off the top, Kagome sat on the edge of her bed staring at the box. A knock sounded at her open door pulling her out of her daze. "Hey Yasha." She greeted with a sad smile.

"Hey Kag. What cha' got there?"

"Just some pictures of when I was younger."

"Cool. Can I see?" He sounded so excited that Kagome couldn't help but comply with his wish as she motioned for him to come sit next to her. Inuyasha sat down and opened the box taking about half the pictures out. Inuyasha flipped through the pictures, Kagome telling him who someone was every once in a while. He stopped on a picture; It was a picture of a woman who looked a lot like Kagome. She had black hair and blue eyes. In the picture she had her arms open as if she was asking the camera for a hug. "Is this your mother?"

"Hai"

"She's pretty"

"Hai, she is."

A few more pictures and he came to a picture of a 12 or 13 year old boy, his honey brown hair was spiked up his eyes kind and cocky with a smirk to match. He had one hand on his hip while the other was giving the sing language sign for 'I love you' to the camera. After a few more pictures he came to another with the same boy with Kagome. The boy had his arm slung over her shoulder, his hand holding one of Kagome's while both there free hands gave peace signs to the camera. "I was 12 in that picture." Kagome explained.

"Who's this?" He asked referring to the boy."That's Shinu. My neighbor Koishas' brother." The sadness in her voice made Inuyasha cringe. "Is he like a boyfriend or something?" He asked.

A blush crept onto Kagome's cheeks."Kind of. We were never officially together. But that didn't stop him from telling me how he felt about me." Kagome said with a small smile.

"What happened to him?"

Kagome was silent a moment before answering. "He...He died." Kagome said sadly. "He...He was found...Stabbed to death in the river not long after that picture. They said...that if he hadn't...died from the wounds he would have drowned." She spoke quickly as she quickly wiped away a few stray tears.

Kagome was surprised when Inuyasha embraced her, much like he had her first night at Myoujou. He always comforted her, but lately seemed to avoid holding her or getting to close. He always seemed to know when she just needed held and was always willing to be her shoulder to cry on. Though she was surprised that didn't stop her from wrapping her arms around him loosely as she cried into the crook of his neck just like she had her first night.

'Did Naraku really have to kill so many people in her life. Her father might of had to go but why Shinu and her mother. Did they find out his secret? Kami why are you so cruel?' Inuyasha thought sadly. He wanted nothing more than to tell Kagome everything he knew. 'Maybe if she knew she wouldn't blame herself for the murders of everyone close to her. But then again…It might make her feel worse…' He sat there comforting her; holding her like he wished he could do every night; letting her cry on his shoulder until she fell asleep.

Inuyasha placed the box and pictures on the nightstand before gently laying down with her still on top of him. He wrapped his arms tighter around her waist and let her sweet scent lull him into a light slumber.

A tall pasty skinned man with black hair and red tinted eyes stood on the top floor of a fifteen story abandoned building on the outskirts of Tokyo staring out the window. It had been the site of a massacre several years ago and no one ever dared set foot in it again. The man smiled to himself at the memory; remembering the feel of the tearing flesh on his claws and the smell of the blood.

"Master Naraku we have researched the house. Its not there; sir. We even checked the locker she had at Hiroshima High but nothing sir." A man of only eighteen waited behind the older man in a trance like state. His honey brown eyes empty and lifeless.

A disappointed frown spread across Naraku's face but he continued looking over the city.

"What are your orders, Master?" The boy asked obediently.

"Keep an eye on her. We need to make sure she has the necklace or she will never lead us to it…I want you to only observe as best you can from the outside. Once we are sure the necklace is in her possession we will move in."

"Yes sir." The man bowed and turned slowly toward the door leaving Naraku to his thoughts.

Long ago the mad had given up his soul to black magic to become demon. The spell had gone wrong and instead the man was a mere hanyou trapped as complete human; with the exception of having more strength; but is transformed into his half-demon one day a month. Naraku had given up his soul and what he got in return was not what he had expected. It hardly seamed like a fair trade in his eyes. Now he needed that damn wench more than he had realized in the beginning. He had always known she was rich and royal but what he hadn't known was a very well kept secret that very few were aware of. He had not expected the wench to go to anyone for help when he left her alone; let alone be placed somewhere so protected. He had only expected her to run off and find herself living on the streets. He had expected that would have given him the edge over her to force her to lead him to the treasure he desired. Although his plan had not gone how he expected she was his key to power and being full demon and he was not about to let her slip away so easily.

The man chuckled evilly to himself as he imagined all the things he would do to the wench once she was back under his control.

About an hour later Inuyasha was awakened by the sound of light knocking on the apartment door. Making sure not to wake Kagome he got up and headed to the front door.

"Kaede?" No one had seen Kaede much since he had told her about the mall incident.

That had been the day he found out a little more about Kagome's heritage.

F.B

Inuyasha stood against the wall behind Kaedes desk as he finished telling her what happened at the mall earlier that day. It was after ten but Kaede did not usher the boy to his apartment for bed. Instead she sighed and contemplated how to best explain things to him. He was the last to know but the hardest to tell. After all how do you tell someone that the person they are falling for is betrothed to be married since before she was born. Inuyasha stood there patiently waiting for her to explain what Naraku had said.

"Kagome is…Well she is the daughter and only heir to Oyasami; Inuyasha." Kaede paused waiting for his reaction. When he said nothing she continued.

"Her mother was Kokoro Higurashi who was part of a very wealthy and influential human family."

"So he only wants her families wealth?" He questioned still confused.

"You see, Inuyasha, she has no idea who she really is. The only thing she knows about her father is his tribe and her mother kept her wealth secret when her family forced her to remarry. She has never seen a penny of it and she wont until she is eighteen. The woman Koisha who sent her here has been under secret protection detail since before the death of Kagome's mother."

"Old woman cut to the chase!" He growled impatiently.

"There is a prophecy about Kagome, Inuyasha" Kaede paused and took a deep breath. "She is said to be the key to uniting the Kingdoms of old. Kagome and her betrothed are the only ones able to unlock the alter of Four Souls." Kaede watched Inuysaha as he went rigid and his eyes filled with hurt as she mentioned Kagome's betrothed.

"She's engaged…"

Kaede nodded. "Since before she was born." 'His mother is going to kill me for this…' Kaede thought as she shook her head lightly.

"To who Kaede?" He whispered the sadness evident in his voice.

"No one knows anymore." She lied with a sigh of relief when he didn't catch on.

Inuyasha shook his head and returned to the topic at hand. "So what does he want with Kagome?"

"He wants to use her to obtain a treasure that the Mikos in her family have protected for generations. A treasure that could give someone great power and ultimately destroy all good in the world when in the wrong hands. Her family joined forces with the Inu-tribes to lock it away in the alter and once the prophecy is fulfilled its power will be nullified." Kaede watched him again wondering if he would catch on to the only way uniting the Kingdoms was possible with her last bit of information. When he appeared not to understand a small smile crept to her lips.

'Well I'm safe for another day…' she chuckled lightly.

"So he wants the treasure?" He growled.

"We believe so Inuyasha. That's why I placed her with you. I want you to comfort and protect her to the best of your ability."

Inuyasha looked at the elderly woman but nodded. 'but what if I fall for her along the way?' He questioned silently has he said farewell and returned to his apartment.

End F.B

"Hello Inuyasha. I have some news."

"um Okay?" He looked at her with a puzzled look on his face.

"Your brother called and is stopping by tomorrow afternoon."

"That's half brother!" Inuyasha said with a growl. "Why?" he crossed his arms over his chest.

"He said something about having something that was meant for you, from your father."

"Is that all?" Inuyasha sighed. He really didn't need to deal with his brother right now; or ever for that matter and he really did not want Kagome to have to meet him.

"I have one more thing Inuyasha…" Inuyasha eyed her but said nothing. "Don't run from her because of what you know." Inuyasha growled but looked down ashamed. He had been trying to distance himself from Kagome since he found out she was meant to marry another.

"Remember young man she doesn't even know and no one knows to whom she's destined." Kaede pointed out secretly hoping the young man would understand. When he only nodded sadly she sighed shaking her head in disappointment. "well okay. Sleep well Inuyasha."

"G'bye old hag"

Closing the door Inuyasha made his way to his room but stopped with his hand on the knob. His heart raced as he contemplated what Kaede had said. He smiled shyly as his heart continued to race but turned to Kagomes room. Still smiling Inuyasha laid back down with Kagome, letting himself forget everything and just enjoy the feel of the woman in his arms. With a content sigh he wrapped his arms around Kagomes mid section bringing her closer. Inuyasha was on the edge of sleep when he was aware of Kagome turning in his arms, laying her head on his shoulder and laying an arm across his chest.

He was brought out of his almost sleep state when Kagome leaned up and placed a gentle kiss partially on his lips and partially on his cheek causing his eyes to shoot open and a blush flare.

"Kagome 3 Inuyasha 5...Thanks Yasha." Kagome whispered as she nuzzled his cheek with hers; her lips brushing his skin as she spoke sending light shivers running down his spine. Laying back down with her head on his shoulder again she sighed happily and let herself fall back into slumber.

Once he had calmed down Inuyasha looked at the top of her head a smirk playing his features.

'If that's, how your repaying me now I don't ever want you to catch up.' Inuyasha thought with a chuckle. 'I'll get you yet Kagome, Just you wait.' with a content and happy sigh Inuyasha let himself once again be lulled to sleep by the even breathing and wondrous scent of the woman in his arms as he absently stroked her hair until sleep claimed him completely.

Inuyasha purred as a soft gentle hand rubbed one of his ears and slowly brought his eyes open to look at the woman attacking his ears with a smile. They both just laid there looking into each others eyes for what felt like ages and just when both thought their hearts were going to burst from beating so fast as they slowly inched closer and closer the morning bell rang causing Kagome to jump in surprise and breaking the hold they had on each others gaze. Inuyasha sighed and sat up reluctantly and left her room to shower get ready for breakfast. Kagome gathered some clothes and sat on the edge of her bed waiting for Inuyasha to finish in the bathroom. She caught sight of her jewelry box still in her duffel bag at the foot of her bed and picked it up once again fingering the beautiful scene portrayed on it.

Kagome heard the water stop and placed the jewelry box aside on her bed to wait outside the bathroom. Inuyasha came out once again shirtless and still wet as he towel dried his hair smirking at her blush much like he had her second day in Myoujou. He placed the towel around his neck and caught Kagome in his arms pinning her to his chest; wetting her shirt. He could feel her heartbeat quicken and her breathing became shallow. He looked into her deep blue silver tinted eyes and smirked again. He could see her desire in her eyes. A desire he had never noticed before. He brought his lips to her ear his breath causing shivers to find their way up her spine.

"Tell me Kagome…What are you thinking?"

Kagome almost couldn't take it. Her knees were weak and had Inuyasha not had her pinned to his chest she would have fallen to the floor as his words caused a stifled moan at the thoughts flying through her head. She opened her mouth to speak but his lips came crashing down on hers passionately and she did not hesitate to respond. Inuyasha gently pushed her back to pin her against the laundry room doors. Running a claw down each of her arms he found her hands and entwined their fingers to bring her hands to rest against the door next to her head. The couple broke apart gasping slightly for breath and Inuyasha began kissing his way down her throat to her collar bone and back to her lips to kiss her fiercely once again. She could feel something pressing against her abdomen now and she moaned slightly into the kiss as he released her hands which quickly became entangled into his hair and brought his own to slid down her sides and rest on her hips.

There was a soft knock on the door causing Inuyasha to growl as he broke their kiss; both of them once again breathing heavily and brought his forehead to rest on hers as he stared into her dazed and flustered face. There was another knock on the door which seamed to pull Kagome toward reality but she was still dazed when Inuyasha stepped away and smirked at how her over sized shirt clung to her form as he ushered her into the bathroom and went to answer the door.

"Miroku!" He growled dangerously. "What do you want!"

Miroku raised a brow in confusion. 'He looks awfully flustered this morning.' Miroku chuckled to himself.

"Sango wanted me to make sure you guys were coming down for breakfast."

Inuyasha growled again. "We will come down when we are ready!" The angered and flustered hanyou barked out.

"Okay, whatever man, geez calm down. What's with you today?"

Inuyasha sighed but shook his head. "Nothing, we will be down in a while." without waiting for an answer Inuyasha shut the door and headed toward his room. He was pulling on a sleeveless grey T just outside his door when he noticed something on Kagomes bed. Hearing the water still going Inuyasha ventured in to see what it was.

It was a jewelry box Inuyasha had never seen before but the scene looked somehow familiar. Its half sun half moon yin yang sprouting a black wing on the sun side and a white wing on the moon side looked like something he had seen as a child with his mother in a story. There was a small cherry blossom tree in the center just underneath the yin yang. The beautiful scenery around the tree and yin yang showed a sweet spring day on the moon side and a small stormy night on the sun side. He just couldn't place where he had seen it before. Opening it he found an empty custom made jewelry slot that appeared to be made for a necklace with what looked like a deformed heart shaped pendant.

Hearing the water stop Inuyasha controlled his curiosity and placed the box back on to her bed and went to wait for her on the couch.

All through breakfast things seemed to be moving in fast forward. Kaede gave the morning announcement, including that they were to have a visitor and were to clean up around the home before he got there after lunch and before either Kagome or Inuyasha knew it they were leaving dinning hall after lunch. Inuyasha had told the others at breakfast that the "visitor" was his half brother Sesshomaru. Although Miroku and Sango knew why that was a bit of a big deal Kagome had no clue but now sat with Inuyasha watching television waiting on his brother to arrive. Inuyasha kept fiddling with her hand absently. Scooting closer to him Kagome laid her head on his shoulder. After this morning Kagome had realized just how right it felt to be near Inuyasha. Although neither had the courage to discuss where they now stood in their relationship they were happy to have each others comfort and support for the time being.

Inuyasha sighed and looked at the clock on the blue-ray player. It was almost three and his brother had still yet to arrive. He was getting antsy. Inuyasha stopped trying to glare holes into the clock when Kagome squeezed his hand comfortingly.

"Are you okay Yasha?"

"Hai sweet. I'm fine."

"Why are you so nervous about seeing your brother?"

"umm…Well we don't exactly get along and he is cold and all about business."

Kagome made an "Oh" face and nodded.

"Your lucky to have siblings though." She said a sad tone in her voice.

"What makes you so sure?"

"I almost had a baby brother but my mother was killed at five months."

Inuyasha frowned and laid his head atop hears comfortingly.

"I'm sorry Kagome…I didn't know."

"Don't worry about it, Inuyasha." Kagome lifted her head to smile at him.

Inuyasha looked into her eyes and before he even knew what he was doing he was kissing her passionately and gently pushing her to lay on the couch with him laying over her. He allowed one of his hands to cup her cheek while the other tangled itself into her hair. She dragged her nails up his arms before wrapping them around his neck.

'Kami what am I doing! She is engaged! I am only setting myself up for heartbreak.' He tried to reason with himself but he couldn't help it. He wanted to be with this woman in every meaning of the word and even knowing she was meant to belong to someone else couldn't stop him from wanting her; especially now that she seemed to want him as bad as he did her.

Inuyasha pulled away gently regaining his breath and laying his forehead against hers to look into her eyes. Kagome's face was flustered and her eyes glossy but she returned his gaze. Inuyasha knew she could feel his soldier against her and he gulped nervously when he caught the scent of her arousal. He leaned down and placed soft kisses up and down her throat. Moving the collar to her shirt aside Inuyasha kissed her collar bone before bringing his lips down to suck and nip on the tender flesh. Kagome brought her hand atop his head as if silently urging him to continue.

A knock on the door halted Inuyashas menstruation's causing Kagome to whimper sadly as he stood up. Helping her up Inuyasha moved to answer the door as Kagome straitened her clothes and hair and tried to calm herself.

"Sesshomaru…" Inuyasha growled at the door. Pissed to be seeing him at all let alone his oh so wonderful timing.

"Hello brother…"

::End of chapter five::

Thanks for reading! Please RxR!

Ja ne

Kristy