A/N: Thank you for the reviews! I feel quite crappy for being such a poor updater – but I'm working on that! I'm really really REALLY (can't emphasize the really enough) grateful to ALL THE REVIEWERS who give feedback, especially those of you who review every chapter and are so patient with me – sends her love –
SHOUTS TO:
g2fan
Thunder Brother Hiten Lover
BellisiaMoonfire
Elvenarcher516
inu adic
Hanyou Yogonem
The Fluffy Muffin Queen
Jennie 555
flying.to.fantasy.
LoVe23
THANK YOU SOOOOOOO MUCH!! THIS CHAPTER IS DEDICATED TO YOU!!!
You guys are some of my most loyal reviewers and so I think I owe you the gratitude! Anyone else I've forgotten, my sincerest apologies… you have permission to yell at me in your next review XD and I'll be sure to mention your name in my next chapter!
ANYhoo, it seems I've caused a bit of confusion amongst my readers, and I apologize for that… I received a comment from someone noting how I seemed to forget what was happening in my own story… I appreciate the attention, but I really do know what's going on. I'd be a pretty crappy writer if I didn't have my own plotline figured out XD
The comment was regarding Souta and the spider-shaped scar on his back, and how the gang found him with the spider mark two nights prior to the attack on Inuyasha, and so it didn't really add up that Kagome was so shocked to see the spider mark for a second time when her brother attacked Inuyasha. The point is though, that Kagome, like any other human, isn't perfect, and was simply so overwhelmed with the situation (finding her brother on the street with the spider mark), that she chose to ignore it, especially when Souta woke up and began acting normal again, along with all the distracting time she was spending with Inuyasha. But when Souta finally attacks Inuyasha in the restaurant, it's an eye-opened for Kagome, showing her that her life simply can't be normal even in modern day Tokyo, and that Naraku is a reality she has to face whether she wants to or not. Hopefully more will be clarified in this chapter. Thanks for the comments, and if you're ever confused feel free to let me know XD I'd be glad to clarify anything you don't get, since I'm sure my writing might not always make sense or add up to everyone.
Here's chapter 11!! Enjoy!!!
:: Shattered ::
- Chapter 11-
"Damnit Kagome, get me a rope or something!" Inuyasha exclaimed as he struggled with the abnormally strong teen beneath him.
Souta writher against the table, fighting furiously against Inuyasha's demonic grasp. He clenched his teeth, his eyes wild as he twisted his wrists and bucked. Kagome watched in horror as the expression on her younger brother's face became almost inhuman. For certain, this was not her Souta.
"Just hold on a minute," she said, trying to regain composure and firmness in her voice. She searched the restaurant frantically, looking for anything to bind her wild brother's limbs so he couldn't hurt anyone, but she failed to see anything of use.
"Hurry up Kagome!" Inuyasha barked, the task of holding Souta down becoming increasingly difficult for him.
"Well, I don't know where the hell to find rope Inuyasha!" Kagome retorted, tears stinging her eyes once again as she felt helpless and useless in such a dire situation.
Inuyasha kissed his teeth in irritation. "Then you leave me no choice. Sorry Kagome," he apologized, before bringing the side of his hand down in a swift blow against the back of Souta's neck, effectively knocking him unconscious. Kagome gasped disbelievingly, replaying what had just happened over in her mind.
"Did you just… knock Souta out?!" she shrieked, throwing her arms up in the air to emphasize her point.
"Keh! He was getting tougher and I couldn't hold him down! AND you were taking too long getting me that rope so I really had no choice!" the hanyou defended himself.
Kagome opened her mouth to protest, but bit her tongue, knowing he was right. Souta was her brother, but he was acting completely out of hand – attacking Inuyasha, and that wild look in his eyes – she just couldn't understand it. Where had he gotten that mark? She remembered once again two nights ago when they found Souta lying in the street, the spider mark appearing on his back for the first time. He was asleep for the whole night, waking up the next day and acting as though nothing had happened. Kagome was going to ask him about what he had done the night before, but decided to dismiss it since his behaviour was just so… normal. On top of it all she really just wanted to be ignorant, not wanting to face the idea that her little brother was somehow connected to Naraku, the filth which had destroyed Inuyasha's life. And it wasn't just his – but the lives of so many others; Miroku, Sango, Kikyo, and countless other people she didn't even know about. Kagome withdrew, realizing she had been trying to ignore the fact that Naraku was still alive, and worst of all, living right under her nose.
"Kagome?" came Inuyasha's voice, breaking her depressing train of thought. "Hey, give Sango a call… ask her where Kagura's office is. We're going to pay her a little visit… but first we need to make a pit stop at the home hardware store for some rope. There's no telling when he might wake up and start attacking again," he said evenly, his eyes hard.
Kagome just nodded, not wanting to protest at the moment. "Of course…" She took her phone out and speed dialled Sango's mobile.
"Officer Sonya speaking," came the response after a few rings.
"Hey Sango, it's me," Kagome greeted, trying her best to sound normal.
"Hey! Kagome! What's up? Any news on anything?"
"Actually, Inuyasha and I needed Kagura's address. There are a few things we'd like to talk to her about."
There was a pause.
"About Naraku, right?" Sango inquired sullenly.
"…Yes… and that mark on Souta's back. We can't help but feel he's somehow affiliated with Naraku… well it's really a no-brainer I guess, with that spider mark and all," Kagome explained, her voice beginning to tremble.
"Kagome…" the demon slayer trailed off, feeling her friend's distress. "Don't worry about it, ok? Here, I'll get you Kagura's address." There was another pause followed by the shuffling of paper. Sango recited the location of Kagura's office while Kagome scribbled it down onto the palm of her hand. "But she doesn't open on Tuesdays until after noon… so you've got another hour and a half or so until she even gets into work," she added.
"Thanks Sango," Kagome said seriously.
"Don't mention it. Make sure you let me know how it goes… and if you need anything just call me in for backup!" the young policewoman exclaimed enthusiastically, trying her best to cheer up her distressed friend.
Kagome felt herself smile. "I owe you. I'll let you know how it goes then… " She replied finally before flipping her phone shut and turning back to Inuyasha.
"Well we've got some time to kill," she said to him as he held Souta's wrists tightly in one hand. "We might as well get that rope… and those groceries to restock your fridge."
Inuyasha relaxed, feeling the anxiety lift. "Yeah, good idea. Try not to worry too much Kagome. We'll figure this out… I promise."
Kagome nodded numbly, her legs feeling like jelly as she followed Inuyasha, who had unceremoniously plunked Souta of his shoulder and was now carrying him out the door and onto the street.
"We really need to get a car or something," the hanyou muttered under his breath as he strode down the sidewalk, attempting to ignore the bewildered glances and whispers from passing bystanders.
Kagome smiled nervously, hoping Inuyasha wouldn't bark any rude comments at the on looking strangers. "There's a small hardware place just up ahead by the movie rental place… why don't we go in there first and then we'll head across the street to the grocery store."
Inuyasha mumbled something incomprehensible, which Kagome took as acknowledgement of her proposed plan.
More awkward glances were directed Inuyasha's way as he swung open the door of the hardware store, stepping in confidently. Kagome had insisted on waiting outside, feeling embarrassed about the whole scenario.
"Keh, fine! If I embarrass you so much with my bandana and some kid flung over my shoulder – be that way!" he huffed, stomping away from her with overbearing determination.
Once inside, Inuyasha didn't even bother asking for help. He strutted through every aisle, browsing as he went for a strong enough rope. After four aisles he finally found what he was looking for, his eyes lighting up as he snatched the rope off the shelf.
"Inuyasha?"
Whirling around in the direction from which his name had been called, the hanyou took an almost fighting stance, preparing himself for battle at any given moment. He was surprised to see who it really was however.
'It's that dufus from Kagome's class – the one keeps trying to win her affections. What was his name again… Hobo?' Inuyasha mulled over in his brain as he straightened from his fighting stance, trying not to appear threatening.
"What are you doing here?" he growled, a little lower than he had intended to.
Seeming unperturbed, the other boy continued smiling pleasantly. "Well I suppose I could ask you the same question!" he exclaimed, giving a short nervous laugh. "I'm just here to get some materials for an engineering project. What brings you here, Inuyasha? You really don't strike me as the home hardware type."
"Well, not everything is always as it seems, now is it Hobo? I've got some errands of my own to run," he replied casually, turning slightly so that the nosey half-wit wouldn't recognize Souta's face. "Don't folks like you have places to go… people to see?" he asked a little less politely, peering vehemently at Hojo, his golden eyes narrowed to slits.
"A-as soon as I get all my things!" he took a step back, bringing his arms up in mock defense. "Say, speaking of people to see, you haven't seen Kagome, have you Inuyasha?" Hojo suddenly asked, regaining his courage. "And…. isn't that Kagome's younger brother Souta you're carrying unconscious over your shoulder – is he alright??"
Inuyasha could feel the stress veins popping out of his temples as he fought back the urge to pulverize the boy. Remembering that Kagome was outside waiting for him, and that it WAS in fact a possessed Souta slung over his shoulder, who could potentially wake up at any moment, prudence told him it would be best to ignore his testosterone and simply get the hell away. "No, no, and NO!!!" Inuyasha barked, stomping past Hojo and towards the cashier, who stared at Inuyasha in completely horror. After all, he was an angry looking, masculine kind of guy with long untamed white hair, a bandana, sharp bared teeth, and an unconscious teenage boy over his shoulder. Maybe he was from the Yakuza…
"That's t-t-twenty-one hundred yen p-please," the boy at the cash stammered, unable to look Inuyasha in the face.
Giving an amused snort, Inuyasha tossed a bill at the boy, muttering a distinct "Keep the change," under his breath as he walked through the exit doors with his rope.
Kagome had been waiting patiently outside, leaning against the wall next to the exit doors as she played with her cell phone. Upon Inuyasha exiting, she looked up, her eyes lighting up with recognition. Putting away her cell phone, the young woman walked over, a concerned look on her face.
"Hey, let's tie him up and get the hell outta here… I just saw Hobo in there and I really don't wanna have to stop for another chatting session," Inuyasha commanded gruffly, irritation still visible on his features.
"What? Hojo?" Kagome repeated before giggling softly. "Wow, you didn't kill him. I'm so proud of you Inuyasha!" she exclaimed, sounding almost entirely sincere.
Inuyasha glowered, not enjoying the obvious criticism directed to his lack of self-control and anger management. "Whatever," he muttered, dumping Souta unceremoniously on the ground and unwinding the rope.
"Hey! Careful!" Kagome scolded, hovering over her younger brother in concern. "You'll leave bruises if you just drop him on the street like that! And what will other people think?"
Inuyasha ignored the girl's jabbering as he wound the ropes tightly around Souta's hands, which were clasped behind his back. After binding both hands and feet, Inuyasha straightened up, dusting his hands off with an accomplished look on his face. "Alright," he began. "That should keep him from causing any trouble."
Hauling the teen up, Inuyasha swung Souta over his right shoulder like a sack of potatoes. "Let's go Kagome," he said commandingly, beckoning her to follow. The raven-haired girl did so without question, knowing the hanyou was already in a rather bad mood after having to beat up and restrain her younger brother.
"Don't forget, grocery store!" she called out as she jogged to catch up to him, now walking speedily by his side. "And slow down! We're not in a race!" she complained, grabbing his sleeve and pulling him back in an attempt to slow his pace.
Inuyasha growled. "I told you, I'm trying to get away from Hobo… and I wanna get this shopping crap over with as quickly as possible! The last thing I need is demonized Souta waking up on my shoulder while you're trying to pick out which brand of peanut butter you wanna buy."
Kagome huffed in response. "Well we still have a lot of time… we can't just break into Kagura's office you know! So it really wouldn't make a difference if Souta did in fact wake up – and he's not demonized!!"
"Keh, sure he's not… and personally I'd rather have the brat waking up somewhere more isolated, rather than in the middle of aisle four of the local food mart," Inuyasha retorted.
"Clean up in aisle four," Kagome sighed, trying her best to lighten the mood.
Inuyasha's eyebrow twitched in response. "Yeah, more like 'somebody call in the SWAT team.'"
Kagome kissed her teeth, elbowing the hanyou playfully in the ribs. "Don't talk like that!" she chortled, not being able to keep a straight face.
Once inside the grocery store, Kagome grabbed a buggy, which to her horror, Inuyasha had instantaneously used as a suitable dumping place for her little brother. Her draw dropped as she found herself at a loss of words. "What- Inuyasha… this is… "
"What?!" he exclaimed irritably. "You got any better ideas?"
Kagome pursed her lips together, trying her best to ignore his snappy attitude without exploding in defence. "Let's just get some food shopping done," she said evenly.
Sensing the stiffness in her voice, Inuyasha immediately softened, a small wave of guilt coming over him for his short-tempered behaviour. "Let's just get moving…" he said seriously, striding past her and towards the produce.
Kagome sighed, following behind with the cart containing Souta. "Do you have any idea what you want to buy?"
"I don't know," the hanyou commented, wrinkling his nose. "Stuff that's easy, and doesn't go bad quick."
Rolling her eyes, Kagome headed for the fruits. "Apples are easy… and you need fruits and veggies in your diet. They won't go bad either, as long as you keep them in the fridge and eat them within the next few weeks," she counselled, picking fresh apples and placing them in a bag. She had completely failed to notice Inuyasha was nowhere near her.
"ARGH!! SHIT, THAT STINKS!!"
Kagome spun on her heel, frantically searching for where the familiar voice had come from. Her eyes scanned the area until they finally landed on the white-haired hanyou, cringing, and leaning away from something. Sighing, Kagome pushed the cart over to where Inuyasha stood. "What's wrong Inuyasha?" she asked, concern evident in her voice.
"What IS that shit?!" he asked crudely, his outburst turning a few heads.
Kagome turned to look at what he was pointing to, his head turned away in utter disgust. "…That would be an onion," she responded flatly, staring at the large pile of fresh white onions before them.
"Urgh," Inuyasha groaned quietly. "Whatever you do, just don't buy me any of those."
Rolling her eyes, Kagome wheeled the cart over to the tomatoes. "Sure thing."
"You know, you shouldn't waste your time with too many of these fresh foods… I really don't know how to make anything," Inuyasha stated a-matter-of-factly.
"I already know that. I'm just getting the bare essentials so you don't die of scurvy or something," the raven-haired girl retorted, an icy edge in her tone. "As soon as I finish with the tomatoes we're going straight for the ramen and frozen meals," she added more lightly.
"They sell RAMEN here?!" Inuyasha suddenly exclaimed, placing a large hand on the side of his head as if the concept of it blew him completely out of his mind, while his eyes bulged out like saucers.
Kagome grinned, enjoying how happy she was starting to make him with such a small, simple statement. "Let's go!" she chortled enthusiastically.
As the two reached the noodle and soup aisle, Inuyasha began zigzagging through, throwing random items off the shelf with unmatchable zeal. Kagome felt herself break out in sweat as she watched the pile of instant ramen packages slowly accumulate on and around her little brother, who slept peacefully in the shopping cart.
"Inuyasha are you sure you need this many?" she asked uncertainly.
"Of course!" he exclaimed. "I have to try every brand, and every flavour," he added firmly.
Kagome sighed, hunching over the cart while realizing there was really no point in arguing with him regarding this matter. At least instant noodles were always cheap. "You have a microwave, right?" she asked suddenly, looking up at the overly exuberant hanyou, who was still busy tossing in random packages of ramen.
"You mean that white rectangular box thing that buzzes and makes things explode?" he asked while reading the hiragana on the back of a ramen package.
"Err, yeah I'm pretty sure we're talking about the same thing…"
"What about it? Last time I tried using it I blew up my dinner and set the kitchen on fire." Inuyasha commented, still not looking up.
"Well, I'll teach you how to use it," Kagome offered. "It's really easy, as long as you set it for the right amount of time… it'll make dinner easier for you, once you buy a bunch of frozen meals. You'll get sick of ramen!" she exclaimed.
"How could ANYONE get sick of ramen," Inuyasha retorted, looking up at last with a deeply set frown.
Kagome sighed. "Just… come on… we're going to the freezer." She closed her eyes and waved him after her while pushing the cart lazily towards the fridges and frozen section of the grocery store.
While passing through the fridges, Kagome tossed in some milk and orange juice. "I don't like orange juice," Inuyasha commented as she placed the Tropicana carton into the shopping cart.
Kagome paused, before closing her eyes and placing the juice in anyway.
"Hey, didn't you hear what I just said-"
"It's for me," she cut into his protest. "For when I come over, which is pretty often. I like orange juice… so it would be convenient if you had it in your fridge for me," she smiled sweetly, causing Inuyasha to turn his head away, a glint of redness evident in his cheeks.
"Well whatever then," he muttered under his breath, frowning as the heat continued to rise to his face. He didn't want to be seen blushing at the idea of Kagome visiting him often, so he turned his head to the side, trying his best to avoid eye contact. This however did not pass Kagome's attention – a small giggle escaping her as she lifted her hand to cover her mouth, trying not to be seen smiling. She knew it would only irritate him further.
After choosing about a dozen frozen meals that seemed appealing to Inuyasha, most of which contained large quantities of meat, and two buckets of ice cream, the two made their way to one of the cashiers. Once again, the person working there seemed horrified as they laid eyes on the unconscious Souta, snoozing peacefully in the shopping cart amongst all the items which the odd-looking couple had already begun unloading.
After a good silent, awkward ten minutes, Inuyasha had paid for his things with a scowl, and was now grudgingly hauling the loaded bags and Souta out the automatic sliding doors. Kagome grabbed the remaining bags, which were mostly lighter than the ones Inuyasha had taken. She turned to the cashier, and nodded a quick 'thanks' before running after the grouchy hanyou, calling his name as she went.
"We better get these back to your place," she commented casually once having caught up.
"Yeah, I don't want my ice cream melting," he said earnestly.
After somehow managing to cram the tiny fridge and freezer with all the perishables, Inuyasha tossed his ramen and junk food into one of the empty cabinets. "Alright, let's get going to Kagura's," he said seriously, wasting no time as he grabbed Souta again, flipping him over the shoulder and making his way to the door.
Kagome opened her mouth to protest at his hastiness, but stopped herself from commenting, knowing it would do no good. Following silently out the door and down the hall to the elevator, worry seemed to creep up on her once again, a thousand thoughts scurrying through the young woman's mind as she stared at Souta's unconscious form.
xXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx
Kagura yawned sleepily as she set down the coffee mug onto her desk. Most of its marble surface was covered in papers, calendars, sample books, and that contraption they called a computer. She really hated the bitter taste of coffee, even with loads of milk and sugar, yet she found herself growing increasingly addicted to it every day that passed.
Sighing, she began to organize the scattered papers on her desk, trying to keep her mind busy and focused on her day job. Nevertheless, it continued to stray – her thoughts darkening as the filth known as Naraku invaded her mind.
Kagura bit her lower lip, not entirely sure how she was going to deal with this situation. He could have been sitting somewhere, defiling jewel shards at that very moment. The only thing she knew for sure was that Naraku did not possess all the shards of the jewel. Stiffening as the thought ran over her, she instinctively moved her hand to the breast pocket of her blouse, reaching in and pulling out a tiny envelope. A pink light glowed from within, much to Kagura's relief. "So it's still pure," she mumbled absently, admiring the light that emitted from the tiny shard within the paper envelope. "I must protect it at all costs… if that monster pieces the jewel back together, this world is finished."
Just as she had placed the tiny stolen shard back into her breast pocket, the phone on the desk rang, startling Kagura and causing her to jump slightly. Hissing, she hit the speaker button barking a rough, "What is it?!" into the phone.
"T-there's a strange looking guy with white hair coming towards your office m-m'am," came the stuttered reply. "He's with some girl and he's got some unconscious kid with him! He just broke in here and demanded to see you, and when I wouldn't let him he just flew by me and bounded up the stairs!"
Kagura rolled eyes at the man's panic. "Relax, don't worry about it," she commanded smoothly before hanging up. Just then, her office doors practically exploded, a livid Inuyasha rushing through followed by Kagome – and indeed, an unconscious boy.
"Inuyasha," she cooed. "What a surprise, seeing you here. How may I help you?" her eyes narrowed, no trace of amusement in them,
"We need some explanations, and you're going to give them," the hanyou ground out dangerously, placing Souta face down on the demoness' desk. "Look!" he commanded, yanking up the teen's shirt and pointing to the spider mark on his back.
Kagura's eyes narrowed further, but this time over what she was seeing in front of her, rather than the dog demon's crude behaviour. "This is bad," she whispered to no one in , particular, her eyes never leaving the unconscious teen's back.
"What is it??" Inuyasha looked up, his eyes wide with anticipation and Kagome by his side. Kagome was too worried to speak. She tentatively reached for Inuyasha's large hand, squeezing gently in an attempt to gain some courage. She appreciated his concern for Souta, and it touched her to see him so enraged and anxious, but she herself was having difficulty dealing with the situation before her.
"Now I see," Kagura continued, seemingly absorbed in Souta's spider mark. "That disgusting filth was too weak to actually get out and do something… so he's been taking possession of bodies…"
"WHAT?!" Inuyasha cried out, waiting for an elaboration. Kagome remained speechless, still staring at her younger brother.
"Naraku has been too weak to manage anything entirely on his own. He left his hideout once twice to try and steal your jewel shards, successfully, but as a result was crippled and weakened beyond belief," Kagura explained. "For some reason he can't seem to heal very well in this era… probably because of the lack of demonic aura. So I'm assuming he took over this boy's body, knowing he was close to you. That must be how he obtained information regarding your whereabouts and the location of the jewel shards – plus his natural sense for finding them."
"What??" Kagome spoke for the first time. "So you're saying this is Naraku? And not my brother??" Tears were beginning to spill over, running down the girl's now pale face as she nearly choked on her own question. Inuyasha squeezed her hand reassuringly, and out of his own tension.
"No," Kagura replied, earning a sigh from both parties. "Naraku can't stay in a foreign body for very long, not without his ridiculous preparation and rituals. I believe he placed a parasite in this boy… something that basically does his will when he imposes it – but once he grows to weak, he will simply cease commanding the parasite. However, the parasite remains within the host's body… in the case your brother… and as a result creates strange behaviour."
Inuyasha thought for a moment. "So what you're saying is… there's some kind of bug in Kagome's brother that Naraku was using to control him for some short period of time."
"Yes," Kagura confirmed with a nod.
"And now that Naraku doesn't have strength to control the parasite, he's just left it in Souta's body, and it's making him act violently?" Kagome asked, her voice still a bit shaky.
"Exactly…" Kagura nodded added.
"Ok, so then it's simple. How the hell do we get rid of the bug?!" Inuyasha put forward, excitement building within him once again. "If it's just a bug, there's gotta be a straight forward way of doing this…"
Kagome nodded in agreement while Kagura sighed once more. "It is straightforward… but not simple – nor is it something we can do," she informed gravely.
"WHAT?!" the hanyou barked. "What do you mean it's not something WE can do?"
"The parasite isn't like a worm or a bug inside the body that needs to be expelled. That would be too easy, coming from Naraku. It's more like a tiny demon, stuck on the body, slowly eating away at the host's life force. It's completely invisible to the living," the demoness explained.
"So what do we do?" Kagome asked meekly.
Kagura looked at the girl for a long, hard moment. "There's only one person I know of with the power to rid your brother of this cursed parasite which slowly steals away his life."
Inuyasha rolled his eyes. "And who might that be?" he asked sardonically.
There was a deadly pause before Kagura replied, her voice low as though she were whispering a forbidden secret;
"Sesshoumaru."
A/N: Cliffy! Wow ok so this chapter was way longer than expected… but I'm glad the story is coming along. This one was dedicated to all the reviewers!! Thank you so much and please continue reviewing!!!