Fragment
Chapter Eleven
"Is that the boat?" Kagome squealed with excitement; Inuyasha's sensitive ears paid the price for it. He glared at the back of her head while Miroku rushed to answer her, using his body to shield the young woman from the agitated hanyou. This caused Sango to move in closer, least she need to protect Kagome from Miroku's wandering hands.
"Yes, I believe that is our vessel. We should be able to board soon." Miroku grinned at the excited girl. Her eyes were wide with wonder and she seemed pleased to be experiencing something new.
The small group was waiting on the dock, enjoying the brilliant day. The sun was dazzlingly bright and each ray that touched the ocean lit the water up like it was full of a thousand tiny diamonds.
Well, most everyone was enjoying the unexpected great weather. Inuyasha, on the other hand, was still fuming from earlier that morning. While everyone had been preparing to leave the door had unexpectedly flown open, revealing a confused looking family with suitcases in hand.
"Uh, this is the right place, isn't it?" The man asked his wife. The woman nodded her head, starring accusingly at the group of kids.
Miroku had hastily made up some excuses, getting everyone out in record time while avoiding actually answering any direct questions. Inuyasha still hadn't forgiven him for it.
"I've never been on a boat before." Kagome awed over the ship, ignoring Inuyasha's bleak mood. He'd been in a nasty temper ever since they returned from their little moon-less night fiasco.
"Me either!" Shippou bounced around, energetic as only a young child can be.
"Chill out, brat." Inuyasha growled, flicking an annoyed glance at the hyper kitsune.
"You leave him alone, Inuyasha." Kagome whirled on the dog demon with a look Inuyasha was beginning to recognize as a dangerous one. It was funny how such a small harmless girl could suddenly look so threatening.
Shippou took cover behind Kagome while Miroku and Sango sighed heavily, exchanging knowing glances.
"Here they go again." Sango rolled her eyes.
Miroku smiled sadly. "It seems it was inevitable."
"You two can't be that sheltered. It's just a floating hunk of metal. It's really not that great. Tell me, have you heard of another large piece of metal called a plane - it can actually fly." The silver haired boy muttered sarcastically, crossing his arms ovceer his chest.
Sparks ignited in Kagome's dark caramel eyes. "Look, you don't have to be such a jerk. Of course we've heard of a plane. But guess what, I've never been on one of those either."
"Shame. To think we could have just put you on a plane and sent you on your merry little way." Inuyasha huffed.
Unable to control the sudden rage she felt, Kagome promptly kicked Inuyasha in the shin. Quite hard.
Inuyasha yelped and jumped away with a few choice words and glared at the seething girl in front of him. "Damn it! What the hell was that for?"
"For being such a jerk!" Kagome glared back. "Why are you so mean all the time? After all we've been through I thought you would change."
"We haven't been through anything!" Inuyasha fired back.
Shippou saw how the argument was escalating and made a hasty getaway, hopping over to where Miroku and Sango were watching the fight from a safe distance. Shippou jumped into Sango's arms. "Oh, man. They're starting to draw attention."
"This is unfortunate." Miroku agreed, noticing the wide berth other people were giving the arguing couple.
"I wonder if she'll kick him again." Sango wondered out loud. Miroku gave her a sideways glance.
"What?" Sango feigned an innocent expression. "It was funny."
"Well, that is true. It's not often Inuyasha gets a swift kick when he deserves one." Miroku agreed pleasantly.
"Hey! I can hear you, you know!" Inuyasha yelled, glaring daggers at them from over Kagome's head.
"Oops." Miroku chuckled, moving to stand behind Sango. "Oh, look. The ship just pulled into port. I guess we better get a move on."
True to his words, the enormous white ocean liner was docked. Miroku and Sango separated Inuyasha from Kagome and they managed to board the ship without much hassle.
"I don't know if I can trust you, Miroku." Inuyasha gave the blue-eyed boy a suspicious look. "Are going to go into our cabin only to have the real owners show and demand to know who we are?"
Miroku gave Inuyasha a dignified look. "That place was a time share. We just showed up at the wrong time and those people didn't feel like sharing."
"Whatever! You somehow got a key and we broke into someone's house."
"Don't be so overdramatic." Miroku smiled cheerfully.
"We ate their food, used their baths, and slept in their beds." Inuyasha gave him a look of disbelief.
"It was all a misunderstanding." Miroku shrugged.
"They were going to call the cops!"
"Will you guys please calm down. They're going to kick us off the ship if everyone keeps going on like that." Sango scolded, shaming them into silence.
Kagome's bad moon dissipated like smoke as soon as they boarded the big liner. "Wow, you can't even tell it's a boat."
"Ship." Inuyasha corrected.
Miroku and Sango simultaneously punched him on the arm on either side of him, shutting him up before he could start another argument with Kagome.
Kagome barely noticed, she was too busy admiring her surroundings. If she didn't know better she could have believed they were in the lobby of a nice hotel. Kagome wasn't sure what she had been expecting, perhaps a few fishing nets and swarthy sailors swabbing the deck - but there was nothing boat-ish to be seen.
Shippou was perched on her shoulder, just as thrilled as Kagome was. "This sure beats the orphanage."
"Yeah, no kidding." Kagome reached over to ruffle Shippou's hair affectionately. "This is so nice." She smiled happily, clapping her hands together.
Miroku threw an arm around her shoulder and returned her cheery smile. "Well, Kagome. You are a princess, after all. Once we reunite you with your family you'll travel in much more luxurious vessels than this."
"Very true." Sango put an arm around Kagome's other shoulder. "This ship is nothing compared to what a royal would travel in. This is practically a floating shoebox in comparison."
With all that arm throwing, Inuyasha was the only one left to carry the luggage. "Hey! You guys can't just leave me to carry all this." Inuyasha shouted at the retreating forms of his companions. "Get back here, Miroku! The princess can carry her own luggage! Sango, I ain't carting your makeup around!" The golden eyed boy growled after them, to no avail. He soon lost sight of them as they turned a corner.
Inuyasha contemplated throwing everyone's luggage off the side of the ship, but he ended up juggling the luggage, fuming as he followed them to their room.
"Kanna, come."
Naraku summoned the small, pale girl and she appeared out of the shadows. Her eyes were black and devoid of emotion. She held her mirror with both hands, keeping it close to her chest.
"Yes, Naraku?" Her soprano voice was the voice of a ghost, of leaves lost in the wind; her thin voice was the voice of an innocent child alone in the dark.
"Show me the Higurashi girl. Show me Kagome." He commanded from where he was seated, leaning against a wall; he was keeping to the shadows as he looked out the window. The sun was bright in the clear blue sky, and he had no desire to allow the sun's rays to warm his cold skin.
"Yes." Kanna answered, her voice barely more than a whisper. She held out her mirror and the glass changed; showing not Naraku's reflection but of Kagome standing near the railing on a ship.
The sun shone, golden, in her long raven hair and the breeze, created by the sailing ship, whipped her hair around her face. She was smiling, her dark eyes rivaling the brightness of the sun as she starred with open eyed wonder at the expanse of open ocean surrounding her.
"She is lovely." Naraku realized, watching her in the depths of the mirror. "I can see her resemblance to Kikyou." He glared at her happy reflection in the glass. He would be the one to crush that happiness.
A man with black hair tied in a short ponytail at the base of his neck was standing near her, animatedly talking to her. His face was boyishly handsome and his clear, dark blue eyes were focused on the girl standing on the other side of Kagome. She had dark brown eyes and chestnut colored hair trailing down to her slim waist. Naraku recognized them both as offspring of people he had once killed; both of their parent's had died trying to protect the Higurashi family from him years ago.
How ironic that he would be the one to take their lives. After he killed the Higurashi girl he would turn his attention to them. The clock was ticking. He chuckled dryly as he watched them in Kanna's mirror.
Naraku didn't notice Inuyasha's presence until Kagome leaned a little to far over the railing in her eagerness and nearly toppled over. Inuyasha caught her before she was in any real danger. He promptly scolded her, making her promise not to be so stupid and careless in the future. As they began arguing, Naraku turned away.
So, the half breed Inuyasha was protecting her. 'Even more ironic that Inuyasha should be protector to the sister of the woman he once loved. Perhaps history will repeat itself?' Naraku laughed freely, feeling a surge of life through his limbs. 'Nevertheless, I will kill them both and I shall enjoy watching Inuyasha die slowly.' Naraku thought with pleasure.
"I've seen enough." Naraku told Kanna, giving her permission to leave.
"Kagura will send Kouga shortly and then the Higurashi girl will be mine. First, though, I will have to provide some distraction for Inuyasha." Naraku smiled, a cruel evil grin. It would have made Kanna shudder if she had the ability to feel such emotions. The pale girl simply walked away, her mirror clasped firmly to her chest. She went in search of her 'sister' to make sure she was clear on what needed to be done.
Back in their fairly small room, things were reaching a boiling point between Inuyasha and Kagome.
"Something has to be done with those two." Sango sighed. Two bunk beds were carved into the walls and she, Miroku, and Shippou were sitting on the top bunk; a safe distance from the aggravated couple.
"Indeed. Though I do have to admit those two are better than television." Miroku agreed.
"So, what's the score?" Shippou wondered, tugging on Sango's sleeve.
Sango pulled the little notebook out of her purse and looked up the score. "Looks like a tie so far. They each of seven points."
"Shouldn't be too long now, Sango. I hope you're excited about our date." Miroku teased her, causing her to blush.
"Right, and I hope your ready for a life of celibacy." She retorted, scooting an inch or two away from him.
"I just want some doughnuts." Shippou admitted, with a longing look.
Suddenly the argument between the duo escaladed, drawing the attention of the others.
"Fine." Huffed Kagome, "If I don't have to see you for the rest of the trip, that's fine by me. In fact, that sounds like a dream come true."
"Oh, and I suppose you think your company is just delightful. You know, I don't know why I keep saving your life. I should just get rid of you." Inuyasha fired right back, moving in so their faces were only inches apart.
"Maybe I should have just let you die in that god forsaken cabin." Kagome hissed back. "Tell you what, the next time I'm in trouble, I don't want your help!"
"Fine by me!"
"Good!"
Miroku broke in, interrupting before they could say anything more they might regret later. "How about we take a little walk around the ship?" He suggested.
"Clearly those two can't be in close quarters together." Sango muttered to Shippou who nodded his head vigorously.
"Oh…okay." Kagome took Miroku's bait, completely forgetting Inuyasha. "That sounds like fun."
Sango led her out of the door, more like pushed her, and Miroku followed close behind; he shot Inuyasha a disapproving look over his shoulder before shutting the door.
"Whatever." Inuyasha growled, flopping down on to one of the beds. He didn't feel like being around any of them, anyway.
He laid down on his back, arms crossed behind his head, and after a few minutes of silence he closed his eyes and allowed old memories to roll through his head like a movie reel.
"Wow, this is so cool." Kagome laughed happily as Sango and Miroku walked her around the ship. They were entering the dining hall and Kagome was surprised once more by how un-boat like it was. It was like being in a real restaurant.
"Hey, can we get something to eat?" Shippou asked, his emerald eyes brightened at the prospect of food.
"Sure, it's almost time for dinner anyways." Sango said, turning towards the buffet line.
"Yes, we mustn't starve the princess." Miroku agreed cheerfully, piling a plate for Kagome high with food.
"Umm, I'm not that hungry." Kagome eyed the plate nervously.
Sango sighed, both at Miroku's antics and the charade they were required to keep up. It didn't help that she actually liked Kagome. She was such a nice girl, it was beginning to really bother Sango to lie to her. Sango looked over at Miroku's happy face and wondered if he was feeling the same guilt.
No, she could practically see yen signs dancing in his eyes. Surely Inuyasha wasn't feeling guilty about the façade they had created to trick Kagome. Sango wished that Kagome truly was the missing Higurashi girl, that way she wouldn't have to lie to her and she would still get the reward money.'
Sango sighed again. Life never worked out so easily.
"Sango-chan?"
Sango pulled out of her thoughts and snapped back into reality. She looked up to see Kagome inches from her face, her dark eyes full of concern.
"Yes, Kagome?" Sango smiled nervously.
"Are you feeling okay?" Kagome reached up to touch the taller girl's forehead. "Hmm, you don't seem to have a fever."
Sango smiled back at the worried girl. "I'm fine Kagome. I was just thinking, that's all."
Kagome eyes Sango thoughtfully. "You're sure? That's really all it was?"
"Yes, trust me." Sango said, feeling guilt bubble in her chest.
"Of course." Kagome beamed, taking her plate to the table where Miroku and Shippou were waiting.
Sango followed close behind, a sad smile on her lips. 'Well, perhaps everything will work out in the end. If the empress believes us then Kagome will have a mother and the empress will have a daughter again. Maybe, sometimes, lies can be kinder than the truth.' Sango thought as she took a seat next to Miroku.
"So, we're only a few days away from Sapporo. Are you excited, Kagome?" Miroku asked conversationally as they ate.
"You bet. I'm really excited…but -" Kagome looked down, averting her gaze.
"But what?" Miroku encouraged.
"I'm also really nervous." Kagome blushed. "I know the empress is supposed to me my mother and everything, but I don't even remember her. I just can't help but think something might go wrong. What if she doesn't like me?"
"Kagome." Sango said gently. "Trust me on this, no one could not like you. You're worrying over nothing."
"Very true." Miroku chimed in. "Think of all the things you'll have to look forward to. You'll have a family, a home. And Sapporo is really a wonderful place. It's a bit crowded, but not as much as Tokyo."
"Yes, there's always something to do. Let's see…there's a wonderful concert hall, tons of great art museums." Sango added.
Miroku nodded his head enthusiastically. "Not to mention the Hokkaido Shrine and the Sapporo clock tower. And how could I forget about the Sapporo Factory. It was a former brewery of the Sapporo Beer, and is currently a huge shopping mall with many restaurants, offices, and multiplex movie theatres. Another former brewery of the Sapporo Beer is the Sapporo Beer Museum."
"Enough with the beer, Miroku." Sango glared briefly. " Kagome would be more interested in visiting Susukino district." She turned towards Kagome. "It's the district with the main nightlife scene in Sapporo; there is a building there called Norubesa with a huge Ferris wheel. Also there are also many restaurants, nightclubs, bars. The district also has the Tanuki Koji Shopping Arcade, the oldest shopping mall in the City."
"Arcade!" Shippou echoed.
"Wow." Kagome said, starry eyed. "Are we going to have time to visit any of those places?"
"Of course we will, considering there's about a month's waiting list to visit the empress." Miroku admitted.
Kagome's eyes widened. "Why so long?"
"Well, it seems people all over the country are trying to claim they're Kagome Higurashi in order to collect the reward." Miroku shook his head. "It's despicable, really."
Sango was glaring daggers at Miroku, but he decidedly ignored her silent threats.
"Oh, no. That's terrible. What kind of person would do that?" Kagome exchanged a sad look with Shippou.
"Well, it seems like everyone is finished eating. Shall we return to our room?" Sango interrupted, kicking Miroku under the table.
Miroku managed not to cry out, giving Sango a hurt look.
"That sounds good. I'm stuffed." Kagome pushed away from the table.
"Me too." Shippou yawned sleepily.
As they stood to leave, Kagome remembered something. "Oh, wait a second. Let me just grab something for Inuyasha since he hasn't eaten anything." She walked off, filling a Styrofoam container full of food she thought Inuyasha might like.
"Wow, Kagome's doing something nice for Inuyasha?" Shippou asked, puzzled.
"Curious, indeed. I was beginning to think Kagome hated our dear dog demon friend." Miroku rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"Maybe Kagome is just that nice of a person." Sango suggested.
Miroku's dark blue eyes were gleaming. "Perhaps," He muttered, "Perhaps…"
Kagome came trotting back, Inuyasha's to-go meal in toll. When they returned to their small room, Inuyasha was still in his bunk looking as gloomy as ever. He didn't even bother to acknowledge their return. He simply rolled over on his side, facing the wall.
"Hi, Inuyasha." Kagome greeted cheerfully, their earlier arguments forgotten. "I brought you something to eat." She held out the Styrofoam box.
Surprised, Inuyasha rolled back over to eye the box. He could already smell the contents and his stomach grumbled.
"I wasn't sure what you liked, but I know you like ramen, so I got some noodles and some sea food, because I think you mentioned something about liking fish -"
"Thank you." Inuyasha said quietly. Kagome wasn't sure if she'd heard him correctly.
"Umm, you're welcome." Kagome answered back, trying to hide her surprise as she handed the box to Inuyasha.
Inuyasha ate his dinner silently. Why did Kagome do something nice for him? They had just had an argument not long ago…had she forgotten the mean things they'd said to each other?
The silver haired hanyou wasn't used to even the smallest gestures of kindness. No one ever looked out for him, or made sure he ate something for dinner. But Kagome was behaving differently from everyone. Inuyasha didn't like to think back to the night he'd spent as a human with Kagome - but he knew if it hadn't been for Kagome he might have died.
Kagome had tried to heal him and even protected him from a demon who easily could have killed him in his weakened state.
'Why?' Inuyasha wondered, watching Kagome playing with Shippou. 'Why does she care?'
Inuyasha finished his meal and threw it in the trashcan. "I'm going outside for a bit." Inuyasha called over his shoulder before quickly disappearing out the door.
"What's his problem?" Kagome asked as she and Shippou starred after Inuyasha, startled by his hasty getaway.
Miroku and Sango looked up from their conversation, shrugged, and went back to their conversation like nothing had happened.
"Hey, aren't you guys worried?" Kagome asked, her features drawn with concern.
"There's nothing to be worried about. That's normal Inuyasha behavior." Miroku assured the worried girl.
"Yeah, might as well get used it." Sango smiled wryly. "Why don't you get ready for bed, Kagome? It's getting pretty late."
"Yeah. Hold that thought. I'm going to go check on Inuyasha." Kagome made a beeline for the door. "I'll be right back."
Three sets of eyes followed her as she left.
Once outside, the gentle scent of ocean air greeted her. She looked down the long row of cabins and wondered where Inuyasha could be. She decided to go up to the main deck, if only to see the moon over the water.
Kagome passed very few people on her way up. When she reached the main deck she did, however, see a golden eyed boy sitting on the railing, looking out over the vast ocean. His silver hair was illuminated by the moon, the hoary tresses glossed over with an ethereal sheen.
'He looks so lonely.' Kagome though, her heart aching mysteriously. His eyes were dark and brassy as he looked out over the horizon. He didn't look real. Kagome half expected him to fade into the gentle night wind; to dissipate like a mirage her mind had conjured up to torture her. The sight of him made her restless.
Kagome approached him slowly. She thought she was being quiet but she saw Inuyasha's ears twitch briefly, turning towards her and then back away again.
She walked up beside him, resting her arms on the rail.
"Hey." Inuyasha murmured, not taking his eyes off the moonlit water.
"Hey." Kagome echoed back, trying to sound nonchalant.
"What are you doing out here?" He asked, finally meeting her eyes.
"I could ask you the same question. But since I know you won't give me a straight answer I won't ask. To be honest I just wanted to make sure you were okay."
Inuyasha scoffed, "Why wouldn't I be okay?"
Kagome looked up at him through her dark eyelashes. "Something just seemed off with you." She shrugged. "Is it a crime to be concerned about a friend?"
'Friend?' The word bounced around Inuyasha's head.
"Guess…not." He eyed her wearily.
"I also wanted to see the ocean at night, with the moon glistening in the waves." Kagome smiled. "It's so beautiful. Do you mind if I sit beside you?" She asked hopefully.
Inuyasha shrugged. "If you can manage not to fall in."
"I won't." Kagome climbed up and threw her long legs over the other side, settling down close to Inuyasha. "It's so nice out here with the wind and the scent of the ocean."
"Yeah, I suppose. The salt water is a little overpowering. I can't really smell much else." He admitted glumly.
"Hey, cheer up." Kagome reached over to pat Inuyasha on the shoulder. In the process she started to loose her balance. She reached for the rail, to steady herself, but Inuyasha grabbed her wrist first. He secured her balance; the hold on her wrist firm but not tight.
Kagome expected him to release her immediately, but to her immense surprise, he continued to hold on to her. A fierce blush covered Kagome's face and she had to turn her head to hide it. Her heartbeat pounded in her chest, echoing in her ears, and she prayed Inuyasha couldn't hear the thrum of her heart over the wind and the spray of the ocean.
The pair sat in a comfortable silence, each hoping the other didn't notice the increase of their pulse. After a while, Kagome became more comfortable and, almost without thinking, turned her hand so that her palm was facing upwards. In one smooth motion Inuyasha went from gripping her wrist to holding her hand.
She resisted a smile and pretended not to notice anything out of the ordinary had occurred. Surely, handholding was innocuous enough not to solicit a reaction from the hotheaded hanyou.
Inuyasha wasn't sure what was happening. 'What the hell just happened? Are we holding hands!?'
He held his breath, waiting for something terrible to happen. But nothing did. Kagome sat beside him, quietly enjoying the moonlit scene before them. It really wasn't that bad anyway, in face, it was kind of nice. Inuyasha couldn't remember the last time he'd held someone's hand. It was reassuring, comforting, and Kagome's small hand in his made him feel…important. Like he had something valuable to protect. 'This isn't so bad…her skin is really soft.' He looked down at the small fingers entwined with his.
Kagome slowly turned her head to look over at the increasingly taciturn boy beside her. She looked up at him shyly through her bangs as if to ask 'is this okay?' with a small, timid smile.
A ghost of a smile played at the corners of his mouth. Kagome thought he was about to talk when something beyond Kagome's human senses caught Inuyasha's attention. Inuyasha tightened his hand around hers protectively and she could hear a low growl emitting from his throat.
"What's wrong?" Kagome asked, clinging to Inuyasha's sleeve. What could be happening now? They were in the middle of the ocean for crying out loud! How could anyone attack them out here?
"Something's wrong. There's a faint hint in the air…" Inuyasha took a deep breath. "Damn! I can barely smell anything over all this salt water." He grabbed Kagome and pulled her back onto the main deck where she could safely stand on two feet.
"Is it a demon?" Kagome asked, looking around. Nothing seemed out of place. The ocean was serene around them, the night sky was calm. "I don't see anything, Inuyasha."
No response.
"Inuyasha?" Kagome turned around to see the hanyou in a crumpled heap on the floor. Her eyes widened with shock. "Oh my god!" She ran to the unconscious boy, kneeling by his side.
"Inuyasha, please wake up." She shook him gently. "What happened?"
"Kagome, what happened to Inuyasha?"
Kagome looked up at the sound of her name to see Shippou running towards her.
"I don't know. He just passed out for no reason." Kagome looked stricken with panic.
Shippou sniffed the older demon hesitantly. "Something's really wrong. I can smell yokai all over him."
"Yokai?" Kagome repeated. "Maybe we should go get Miroku and Sango." No sooner had she spoken than Inuyasha began to stir.
Kagome's face lit up. "Inuyasha! Are you alright?"
The silver haired boy sat up slowly and looked at Kagome. 'No, he's not looking at me…he's looking straight through me. Something is wrong with his eyes…' Kagome thought, grabbing Shippou and edging away from the dog demon.
His golden eyes were blank, like he was still unconscious. The pupils were barely existent and Kagome instinctively knew something was wrong.
"He's not really awake." Shippou trembled, clinging to Kagome. "I think he's under a spell!"
"A spell?" Kagome felt confused. She hadn't known people could succumb to spells. Spells were all Halloween stories, right?
Inuyasha swiftly turned his head, his unseeing eyes chasing something alive only in his imagination.
"Kikyou…" Inuyasha breathed out.
Kagome's eyes narrowed. Was Inuyasha seeing Kikyou?
The hanyou got to his feet, intent on chasing something invisible to Kagome and Shippou. "Wait! Kikyou, don't leave me." Inuyasha pleaded uncharacteristically. Kagome looked at his him - there was a tenderness in his face she had never seen before. Warm affection shone in the amber depths of his eyes.
'He looks so…gentle.' Kagome watched him in awe. Then she realized Inuyasha was making his way towards the railing.
"Inuyasha, no!" Kagome jumped to her feet and raced after the disillusioned hanyou. "Stop!" She shouted, grabbing hold of the back of his shirt just as he was climbing over the rail.
"Stop, let me go." He growled, pushing Kagome away. She fell with a small scream.
"Kagome!" Shippou cried, not knowing what he could do. He thought about making a run for Miroku and Sango but was afraid to take his eyes off of Kagome.
Kagome pushed herself up on one arm. "Listen to me, Inuyasha! You're being tricked. Kikyou isn't here! She died years ago, Inuyasha. Please, listen to me." Kagome pleaded, eyes shining with unshed tears.
Inuyasha's ears flicked back and forth, catching Kagome's pleas. For a second he hesitated but then the spell strengthened, pulling him back into his waking dream.
"Inuyasha, wake up, stupid!" Shippou shouted as the hanyou climbed onto the railing.
"Oh, no he's going to jump." The kitsune realized belatedly. Without faltering, or any sign of uncertainty, Inuyasha jumped into the dark water with hardly a splash.
"Inuyasha!" Kagome ran to the side of the ship and looked down into the opaque ocean swells. There was no sign of Inuyasha.
"He's going to drown! I have to do something." Kagome cried, despair echoing in her voice.
"There's nothing we can do Kagome." Shippou stated sadly, shaking his head. "Kagome, what are you doing?" The kitsune screamed with alarm as he watched as the raven haired girl climb over the rail and deftly jumped in after Inuyasha.
Shippou shrieked with terror and began running in hopeless circles. "What do I do? What do I do?" He cried. Finally he began running frantically back to the room. "Miroku! Sango!"
Naraku chuckled wryly. "This is too easy." He smiled cruelly into the depths of Kanna's mirror. It had been simple to ensnare Inuyasha's mind with images of Kikyou. Inuyasha was going to drown himself without ever knowing what happened.
'No. That won't do. I will break the spell just in time, so that he can feel himself gasping for air and feel the water flooding his lungs. He will acknowledge death before it claims him and know I am the one who caused it.' Naraku laughed, feeling true pleasure for the first time in years.
"I wouldn't laugh yet, Naraku." Kagura hid a smile under her hand.
"What?" Naraku turned back to the mirror in time to see Kagome jump in after Inuyasha.
"Troublesome wench!" He hissed. "Perhaps she will drown trying to save him."
"Why don't you just put a spell on her as well?" Kagura questioned in a bored tone.
"Don't you think I've tried that already?" Naraku sneered. "The girl is impervious to my hallucinations. I should have known. Her spiritual power makes her a formidable opponent." Naraku's eyes gleamed crimson. "You had better hope that Kouga succeeds in his mission."
"I don't think the wolf will fail this time. He should be close by." Kagura assured him, pressing a hand to the barely healed wounds on her body.
"I would hope not, for your sake."
Kagura glared into the mirror, unsure of which side she should be cheering for.
Kagome felt the icy water close in over head. Her breath left her for a moment as the cold water shocked her senses. Almost spring or not, the water hadn't lost its winter bite. It was so dark, Kagome could barely see anything and the salt water stung her eyes. The moon's light didn't reach far down into the ocean's depths.
Purpose driving her, she swam further down, looking for any sign of Inuyasha. A flash of silver hair, illuminated by the faint moonlight, caught her eye and she swam after it with all the speed she possessed.
In the dark water Inuyasha looked like a sleeping ghost. His long silver tresses floated around his face, and Kagome reached for one hoary forelock. Inuyasha was weightless in the water, and Kagome was able to grab him around his middle and swim towards the surface.
She kicked as hard as she could with both legs and made a slow accent. Her lungs were screaming for air and she was growing tired. Her vision was becoming blurry, tinged with black spots. Just when she thought she couldn't last one more second they broke the surface. Kagome sucked in a deep lungful of fresh air.
"Inuyasha?" Her hoarse voice croaked.
Once his head had broken the surface he began sputtering and coughing up the liquid he'd ingested. Barely conscious, Inuyasha murmured, "Kagome?"
Kagome gave him a fatigued smile. She was still treading water and supporting most of Inuyasha's weight. "I'm glad you're okay."
Inuyasha was fighting to regain consciousness - he felt dizzy and nauseous. What had happened to him? He could have sworn he'd been with Kikyou. Inuyasha barely noticed the sound of a loud engine approaching.
Miroku and Sango reached the main deck in time to see Kagome being pulled out of the water and into a motorized boat.
"It's Kouga!" Shippou shouted. "Inuyasha, stop him."
"I'll just be taking the girl then. Goodbye, mutt." Kouga laughed, easily pulling Kagome into the boat. The young woman was too exhausted to even try and escape. When she hit the floor of the boat she was hardly conscious enough to talk.
The after effects of the spell was wearing off and Inuyasha was returning to his normal mentally lively self, but not in time to stop Kouga from speeding off with Kagome in toll.
"Kagome!" Inuyasha called, attempting to swim after her; but Kouga vanished in a matter of minutes. "Kagome!"
In the end, Inuyasha had to allow Miroku to throw him a flotation device, whereupon Miroku and Sango hoisted him back onto the ship.
"Damn it!" Inuyasha slammed his fist onto the deck, nearly splintering the wood. "What in the hell happened." He snarled, still missing part of his memory.
"You were under a spell Inuyasha." Shippou explained, wiping the tears off his face. "Kagome tried to save you before you drowned."
Miroku and Sango, who were if possible more bewildered than Inuyasha, felt impossibly lost.
"Who would put you under a spell?" Miroku questioned, determined to make sense of what had occurred. He took his eyes of Inuyasha and Kagome for ten minutes and look what kind of chaos ensued….
"It was Naraku!" Inuyasha snarled, his golden eyes burning with rage.
"Naraku…so you're sure?" Sango asked.
"Yes." Inuyasha bared his teeth. "Listen to me." He leaned in close to Miroku and Sango. "Kagome is really a Higurashi. She's a Miko."
"What!?" Sango and Miroku shouted in unison.
Shippou was crying profusely and not paying the slightest bit of attention to anyone. "What's going to happen to Kagome?" He wailed.
"Stop crying, brat." Inuyasha commanded. "Nothing is going to happen to Kagome. As soon as I get off this god forsaken ship I'm going to find Kagome." Inuyasha got to his feet and looked out over the empty sea, his eyes like fire.
When Kagome struggled back to consciousness she realized there was a blanket over her. She could feel the vibrations of the engine through her body. Feeling weak and most likely sick from the cold water and wind she'd been exposed to, Kagome sat up slowly and saw Kouga steering the small boat. His long black hair was flowing freely in the wind and when she moved he looked over at her.
"So, you're awake." He cut the engine, leaving them to float in the placid ocean. Kagome looked around. There was nothing but dark water surrounding them.
"I saw what you did back there. Risking your own life to save that pathetic wretch. You are loyal." He eyed the girl, soaked to the skin; her long raven hair curled around her pretty face and glowed with a heavenly sheen in the moonlight. Water still clung to her long lashes, like diamonds in the somber light. Her lovely brown eyes were large and expressive.
'Ah, she's beautiful.' Kouga, thought with a cocky half-smile, drinking in the image of her.
"You know, I think I just had a change of plans." Kouga was thinking hard, his mind spinning with opportunity. He reached over and grabbed Kagome's chin, forcing her to look him in the eyes.
"I think I might just keep you for myself."
A/N:
Oh, boy. Here we go. Haha. I really hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. I was so pleased by the response I couldn't help but get this chapter out as quickly as possible. Thank you SO much for the reviews. I treasure each one!
*I noticed there is a little bit of confusion about everyone's ages, so let me clear this up. The age when Kagome is lost after Naraku's attack is never really defined(though Miroku guesses she was ten a few chapters ago), so let's say she is anywhere from ten to twelve at the time of Naraku's attack. Kikyou is sixteen at the time of her death. Inuyasha, who is actually a little bit younger, is fifteen at the time. So, speed back up to present time.
Kagome is sixteen which makes Inuyasha around nineteen. And let's say Miroku and Sango are a few years older, in the twenty to twenty-one age bracket. Sorry for any confusion! I'm bad at keeping up with small yet important factors like age. I'll try to be better about explaining things like this in the future. Thanks to PENDRAGON-ga for pointing this out to me! I hope this helps.
