I do not own Inuyasha or the music used throughout this story.
Spotify playlist link is in my profile and on my tumblr: thisdumbbitchcantspell
Music is based more on the atmosphere. Songs aren't being played in the story unless otherwise described.
Check Chapter 1 for a full list of warnings.
INUYASHA
Fuck, she's so hot when she's mad.
"What the fuck are you doing here?" She practically screams. She looks just as flustered as she did before topping me and handing me my balls on a platter about an hour ago. I can see her hands balled into fists at her side, knuckles white with tension. I bet if I peeled back her fingers, there would be indents where her nails are digging into her palm. God, how I want those nails raking down my back.
I shrug, playing nonchalance, knowing it'll only serve to piss her off more.
"I called him." Kaede interrupts, her one good eye bouncing between us like a ping pong ball. "Get in here and close the door, we have something important to discuss."
Kagome takes a few steps in while Sango trails behind her, closing the door and walking around to stand along the opposite wall beside Miroku, who sits beside me. Kagome crosses her arms over her chest and glares at Kaede, but the older miko doesn't seem bothered in the least at facing her ire.
"My, my, Sango," Miroku starts. I glance over to see the perverse smirk grace his lips as his eyes rake over Sango's leather pants and tight pink tank top. She's strapped with weapons, and yet he flirts with her as if she doesn't hold enough power to end his life using nothing but a ball-point pen. And judging by her scowl, I'm about two seconds away from telling Kaede to hide her writing utensils.
"Careful, lecher," Sango warns.
Miroku puts a hand over his chest and feigns hurt. "Why, Sango. I was just going to say you look absolutely stunning today." Sango only raises an eyebrow in response, and Miroku pouts. "You wound me."
"Oh, I'll wound you alright." Sango's hand reaches for her butterfly knife on her hip, but I'm already bored with their little show, so I shoot her a pointed look. She sighs and slumps along the wall. They've been dancing around their mutual crush for each other since before I even joined the syndicate. Sango's a hardass and as stubborn as Kagome, but Miroku's a fucking masochist and feeds off her rejection like a fly to honey.
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out who the dom is in their dynamic.
Kaede clears her throat, bringing our attention back to the meeting at hand. "I received word from Myoga not long ago, pertaining to the hit placed on ye, child." Kaede motions towards Kagome. My ass is now riding the edge of my seat.
"What did he say? Does he know who placed the hit?"
Kaede holds her hand palm out to me. "Calm down, Inuyasha." Now it's my turn to glare at her. She looks back at Kagome while she speaks. "He didn't have a name, but he did find a document detailing a potential 'drop off' location with instructions in case ye were captured instead of killed." She pulls out a few papers from the stack littering her desk. "On the bottom is an insignia I know ye'll recognize. It's as good a name as any."
Kaede holds out a paper for Kagome to take, but I'm already up out of my seat and snatching it before she has a chance.
HIGURASHI, KAGOME
DEAD OR ALIVE
PRICE: $500,000 USD
DROP OFF LOCATION AND INSTRUCTIONS:
If dead, drop off body behind the Chiyoda train station. Text D90-921 exactly 10 minutes before drop off.
If alive, text the number above for the trade-off location.
At the bottom of the page is the insignia of a spider. My brows draw together in confusion as Kagome grabs the paper from me.
"Asshole," She mumbles under her breath before focusing on the paper in hand. I watch as her face pales, then reddens with anger. Her fingers grip the paper tighter and tighter until it crinkles. "Fuck, I should've known."
"What's wrong?" Miroku speaks my thoughts before I can, but Kagome doesn't address anyone in the room but Kaede.
"Find out where that wind bitch is hiding. If I find her, I can find him." She declares. I'm more than a little peeved about being left out of the loop and I'm not shy about voicing it either.
"Wanna enlighten us as to what the fuck you're talking about." I bark. She swings those fiery eyes my way, but for once, that fire isn't directed at me. She passes the paper to Miroku's outstretched hand, Sango reading over his shoulder at the same time. Kagome levels me with a look that can only be seen as professional. For some reason, it pisses me off but I choke it down.
"Have you heard of a spider youkai named Naraku? He used to be called Onigumo."
I cross my arms and shake my head. "No, it doesn't ring any bells."
She sighs. "He's a half-demon." That makes my eyebrows skyrocket to my hairline. She holds up a hand. "Not like you. He wasn't born a half-demon, he was born fully human."
What the fuck? "Then how did he-"
"He absorbed lesser demon's souls," Miroku answers, he and Sango are now fully tuned into the conversation. This is too damn crazy. Miroku's eyes find mine and Sango's confused ones and decides to elaborate. "It's a forbidden practice, something so damning no human has attempted it in almost 500 years. It's a ritual that completely destroys the human soul, condemning it for eternity."
Kagome nods at Miroku. "Exactly. About 20 years ago, he was on his death bed. In order to stay alive, he exchanged his human soul for that of a hundred weak demons'. It turned him into a sort of half-demon, but..." She makes eye contact with me, her eyes shining with something I haven't seen in three years. Loyalty. "He doesn't exhibit the same traits that natural-born half-demons do."
She's talking about my human night and the fact that my demon blood is volatile. It dawns on me that she didn't say it out loud in order to keep my privacy. She's the only one, other than my family, who knows about my human night. It's a weakness, something that would be used against me if my enemies discovered it. And although she may despise my very being currently, she's still willing to keep my secrets if it means protecting me.
God, I don't fucking deserve her.
"Naraku's been after me for years." Kagome continues. "He and his little minions are the ones that keep putting a price on my head, all for the Sacred Jewel. See, the process of exchanging his human soul for that of a demon's... it's slowly killing him. In order to sustain himself, he has to continue to consume demon souls. But if he has the Sacred Jewel-"
"He could live forever." Sango finishes.
Kagome nods. "But immortality is only the beginning if he gets ahold of the Jewel."
I grunt, ready to spring to action and find this fuck, ensuring Kagome's safety once and for all. My hackles have risen, my claws itching to be sharpened on this asshole's false body. "So, we just have to find him before he finds you."
"It's not that simple, child," Kaede chimes in, earning a scowl from me. Nosy hag. She ignores it and continues. "Naraku hasn't been seen in 20 years, since his transformation. He has other demons, lower level usually, who do his bidding. Why do ye think he has to put out orders instead of coming after Lady Kagome himself? He knows he doesn't stand a chance against her power. That's why he wants the Jewel."
"Lady Kaede," Miroku starts. "What exactly would happen to a demon if they got their hands on the Sacred Jewel?"
Kagome squares her shoulders, her hands clenched in fists at her side. She draws in a shaky breath, trying to be brave, but I see the shift in her. No one else in the room probably senses it, but I do. I know Kagome like the back of my Tessaiga.
She's scared.
"Other than the annihilation of the human race? Absolute ruination."
I want to reach out to her, and give her the comfort I know she desperately needs. She's trying to show a strong front, a confidence that I can see is cracking at the seams. But I don't reach for her. I don't because I know she's too stubborn, too independent to take from me right now. She looks me in the eyes, a storm of blue swirling in those depths that I drown in every time I look in them, and they're telling me all I need to know.
I nod once, never breaking eye contact and stepping in front of her. "So, what's the plan, kitten?"
She looks over my shoulder at Kaede. "I need to find Kagura."
"It's too dangerous, child."
Kagome shrugs. "I find her, or she finds me."
I turn to see Kaede nodding with a sigh. "Fine. But ye is not going alone this time." She looks up at me and there's a sudden hardness in her eye. She lifts her hand to point at me, her voice filling with conviction. "Ye protect her, Inuyasha. Do not leave her side." She points to Miroku and Sango. "Ye will all be a team. I've already spoken with Sesshomaru and he's given his approval."
"Sesshomaru?" Kagome's voice rings behind me, and dare I say, I'm a bit jealous over the softness she speaks his name. However, it occurs to me that her questioning tone is more laced with confusion than anything.
My hand finds the back of my neck as I explain sheepishly. "Yeah, Sess is kind of our boss."
Kagome's lips are drawn in a fine line, her arms coming cross over her chest, the ire of my continued secrets causing her walls to stack higher. Fuck, I need to find time to sit down and truly lay it all out for her. I'm willing to tell her everything, answer every question she has if only she'd give me the time. If only she'd listen.
Kaede nods, giving her a small sad smile. "He sends his best, Lady Kagome, and wishes he can be here to help."
Kagome scoffs behind me. "That old dog is probably too busy getting his tail fluffed at the salon. Wouldn't want to bother the Ice King with our mere mortal problems."
I try to hold it in, but the laugh bubbles over the surface and releases without permission. Two seconds in, and Miroku and Sango are trying to contain theirs as well. I crack tear-filled eyes to see Kagome biting her bottom lip, shoulders shaking with unreleased mirth.
With the tension broken, Miroku and Sango gravitate towards us and the closed office door.
"I will try and find the location of Kagura, child, I only ask that ye wait for my instruction before ye goes looking for trouble," Kaede says in a manner of farewell. Kagome turns on her heel and starts opening the door.
"I don't look for trouble, Lady Kaede," Her eyes find mine. "It always seems to find me first."
I shoot her my killer smile, full of fangs and mischief. I watch as she rolls her eyes and turns her face away in an attempt to hide the small smile she tries to hide from me.
Baby steps.
(My Name Is Human - Highly Suspect)
As soon as the door opens, we file out into the main floor of the underground. Numerous demons and humans alike who are focused on the work in front of them, sharpening weapons and charging sutras, all stop to nod their heads at Kagome. However, she doesn't wait for anyone as she makes her way toward the doors that lead to a dojo. I only know the layout of this place because Kaede gave Miroku and me a tour when we first arrived. I hadn't planned on sticking around in the underground after our meeting with Kaede, but Kagome has my interests piqued.
"Planning on sparring, kitten?" I ask, only a hint of teasing in my voice.
She looks over her shoulder, that same small smile playing on her lips. She doesn't speak as she opens the door to Dojo 2. Over her shoulder, I see the room opening to a matted floor lined with mirrors. Sango, Miroku, and I follow behind, our curiosity shining through.
"Kagome! You came!" A small little ball of orange fluff launches itself into Kagome's arms and my first instinct is to jump in front of her. But then I hear something that almost brings me to my fucking knees.
A hearty laugh escapes from the bottom of Kagome's stomach, one I haven't heard in years. It's a genuine, happy sound that tickles the soft furs on my ears and makes my heart feel lighter than air. Fuck, I could listen to that sound every day of my life and never grow tired of it.
"Of course, I came!" Kagome turns to face us with a beaming smile that's so bright, that I have to physically remind myself how to breathe properly. "Shippo, these are my friends. You've already met Sango," Sango waves at the little fox kit in Kagome's arms with a big smile. Kagome points to the monk behind me. "That's Miroku," then her hand gestures to me. "And that's Inuyasha."
I wave with a half-smile, although my jealousy grows in my chest as I notice the little tike burrowing his head in her chest.
Between her glorious, pillowy soft tits.
Those are mine, you little shi-
"It's nice to meet you all! I'm Shippo!" The little fox kit smiles at us, then jumps from Kagome's arms to the floor where he proceeds to sniff around us. He takes a few tentative steps toward me, and part of me feels a twinge of panic. I'm not good with kids. I'm an asshole by nature, so this kid is sniffing up the wrong tree if he's looking for a warm, fuzzy greeting.
He sniffs up my leg and then jumps up on my shoulder, and I resist the urge to flick him off like a bug. "Hey, mister, you smell funny."
My ears flick towards Sango behind me, trying to hide a giggle behind her hand. "The fuck is that supposed to mean?"
"Inuyasha!" Kagome scolds. "Watch your mouth."
I pay her no mind as Shippo takes another sniff at my neck and I flinch my head away. "You smell like Kagome."
It dawns on me then.
To other demons, Kagome and I share the same scent being a mated pair. But these demons here have never met me, so to Shippo, I smell like her, when the reality is that she smells like me.
But that's beside the point. I lift up my arm, showing the little tike our matching marks. "That's because she's my mate, runt."
Shippo's eyes go wide, bouncing between me and a now blushing Kagome.
Before he can say anything, though, Kagome steers the conversation. "Shippo, I thought you were going to show me your new trick?"
Shippo seems thoroughly distracted as he hops off my shoulder and bounds to the other side of the room. We all follow Kagome's lead and take a seat by one of the mirrored walls. I make it a point to brush my thigh against hers as I sit down.
She doesn't move it away.
Shippo starts bouncing around the room, setting up a target on one of the walls and then running the length of the padded floor, his bright green eyes full of determination. He takes a big breath and jumps into the air, spinning with his small hand aimed at the target.
"Foxfire!"
A ball of fire shoots out of the kit's palm, hitting the target and obliterating it, turning it into nothing but ash. His feet find the floor and his eyes are immediately on Kagome, seeking approval and praise. She doesn't disappoint.
Miroku and Sango are clapping enthusiastically, cheering for the kit while I watch Kagome spring up to her feet and scoop Shippo up. "That was amazing, Shippo!" She cheers, a smile as big as the moon lighting up her face. She squeezes him in an embrace that can only be seen as motherly, and my heart jackknifes in my chest. She'd be such a good mom. Watching her with Shippo is surreal, something I didn't know I wanted or craved, pouring into my heart and mind.
A family.
With Kagome.
The happy moment is, unfortunately, interrupted by the grating growl of the most annoying adult wolf-child I've ever had the displeasure of knowing.
"Where is that stupid fucking mutt?! I can smell his stench all over the place!" Koga's snarl sounds behind the doors of the dojo, and our ragtag group reacts in various ways.
Sango's eyebrows skyrocket. Miroku snickers. Kagome sighs in annoyance, and Shippo proceeds to bury his face between the heaven that is her tits. I hear a whimpering sound leave him that makes my hackles rise, my nerves springing to action, instincts finding purpose before my mind can comprehend why. I'm up on my feet, stalking toward the pair before I even realize what I'm doing.
"Shippo..." I start. He peeks his head up, green eyes shining at me, making the protectiveness in my blood pump faster. "Why are you scared?"
"He's not scared, he's just shy," Kagome says, but I know differently. I can smell it on him and hear the whimpering sounds echoing in the back of his throat, most likely too low for Kagome to pick up. I'm plucking out of Kagome's arms without a second thought. Kagome tries to protest, but an instinctual growl sounds, making her retract her outstretched hand.
I hold Shippo up by the scruff of his neck, making sure we're at eye level. "What are you scared of, Shippo?"
He fidgets with his tail, his ears flattening on top of his red hair. "Koga's just... he can be really loud and he's always taking Kagome away on patrol." My eyes flick to Kagome, who's frowning and looking more sorry than guilty, and it's directed at the kit in my hand.
I turn my attention back to Shippo. "Has Koga ever hurt you?"
His head shakes as much as my hold allows it. "No, but he's mean. He doesn't even work for Kaede but he's always here, bugging Kagome and picking on the underground kids."
I nod my head. "He's not going to bug you anymore, runt. I'm gonna take care of it."
I turn and deposit the small fox back into Kagome's arms, watching as she cuddles him close. "Why didn't you tell me, Shippo?"
He shrugs his little shoulders, deciding to bury his face back into her chest like a young pup would his mother's. I realize now that Shippo sees Kagome as just that. A mom.
"Kagome!?" Koga's voice is getting closer. "I need to talk to you!"
I stretch my neck and hear a few resounding pops. "I hope you know I'm about to go kill your boyfriend. Any last love notes you'd like me to pass on?"
"No killing in the underground," She states, her tone almost bored. "It's a cardinal rule. You can challenge him in the dojo or in the field training grounds, but no lethal blows, no severing of limbs, and you have to stop when your opponent is unconscious."
I clap my hands together and rub them, shooting her a grin. "Noted. Anything else, kitten?"
"Yeah," Her eyes roll. "He's not my boyfriend."