A/N Yes! It's so shocking! I UPDATED QUICKLY!
I am now officially open for beta reading/ proof reading!
Yes, for your reading pleasure, this is another long one. Not as long as the last one but nearly.
Thank you to all my wonderful reviewers. To all those who have me as a favorite authour..I love you guys! And to those who asked for me to read + review their stories..I was very honoured!
rUFUS: You're encouraging reviews made this chapter appear that much quicker! Thanks for the support!
Artemis Moon: Glad you're back!
Shinigami: Return to me!
I'll shut up now!
DON"T FORGET TO REVIEW! I appreciate your feedback!
Disclaimer: If I owned them, why would I be writing this?
IMPORTANT WARNING: This chapter is rated PG-13 for attempted/implied rape. It's pretty clean, but younger readers should be advised.
Now the awaited..
Chapter 13: Cruel Destiny
Five days had passed since Christmas and Inuyasha slept better after that night than he ever had before. No nightmares plagued his dreams and for once he was completely at peace.
Kagome awoke around nine in the morning and to her surprise, the hanyou was still very much asleep. His face was relaxed and peaceful, he also had a small smile gracing his fine boned features.
'He looks so calm now. He usually seems to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders. Now he is not guarded and worrying about being hurt. Now he is as pure as a child. As pure as the child..he should have been.' She thought melancholically as she gazed at the hanyou she loved more than life it self.
"No!" She whispered with sudden conviction. "He WILL be the pure child he should have been long ago. I will open his heart to people and heal his old wounds. I want nothing more than to see him look as peaceful awake as he does asleep. I want to relieve you of your pain Inuyasha. I promise you, I will."
With that thought, she rose and strode over to the side of the hanyou. An ear twitched in her direction, but he did not rouse from slumber. She kneeled down beside him and hesistated in her course of action.
'I hate to wake him.' she thought, 'But, I want to take him out to buy supplies for the other world and a few presents for our friends before the stores get crowded. Knowing his past, crowds probably would make him edgy and nervous.'
Kagome reached out a hand and lightly stroked the hanyou's face.
"Wake up, Inuyasha. It's morning now." She ssid lovingly.
Inuyasha slowly opened his eyes. He seemed so content and peaceful, she wished so much to see that more. Inuyasha raised up on all fours and arced his back to stretch it out. He yawned carvernously as his fangs flashed in the sun. Then pulling himself into a crosslegged position, he turned to face Kagome and muttered sleepily,
"What is it?"
He looked so sleepy, that Kagome couldn't help laughing at his expression. Hearing her giggles, Inuyasha quickly became more alert and a little angry.
"What are you laughing at, wench!?" He barked at her, fangs flashing close to her face.
"Nothing, Inuyasha, nothing." She said waving her hand about to placate the enraged hanyou.
"Well, why were you laughing?" he demanded, then more quietly added: "I hate getting laughed at."
Her smile became sympathetic and she instantly explained herself to the hanyou.
"You just looked so sleepy. Almost like a young puppy."
Then she raised herself to her feet and started for the door to the hallway.
"Anyway," she added "I want to take you shopping, so we need to have breakfast and leave soon. Otherwise the stores will get crowded."
Understanding shone on his features as he started up from the bed and followed her down the stairs.
"Well, why didn't you say so!?"
**************
A shadowed figure in the depths of the forest was concocting an evil scheme.
"Yes.yes." she cackled "This will do fine.."
Staring down at the spiral shaped figure in her hand, an evil smile crossed her pale features.
"Yes. This will be the perfect way to break Inuyasha. I will turn his wench against him and destroy all her holds dear! As he is now..he will believe she does it on her own free will!"
Raising her hands to the sky, the figure laughed maniacally, "I will get revenge on you Inuyasha! You will pay for what you did to me!"
************
"Alright! Alright, Inuyasha! We're almost done!" Kagome yelled at the hanyou in exhasperation.
They had been shopping for over two hours now, picking up the things they needed. They had stocked up on bandages, disinfectant sprays and various medicenes to cure colds, flus, and to counteract allergents and poisons. They had also bought more soap, shampoo and conditioner. Kagome insisted that they all bathe regularly. And with soap. For Inuyasha's sake, Kagome had stopped using scented soaps, they tended to give Inuyasha a headache because his sensitive nose was so susceptible to the perfumes.
Also, they had stocked up on ramen, lots and lots of ramen. Kagome had bought more matches and had to drag Inuyasha away from the camping stoves before he made something blow up, or trashed it in frustration.
After that, Kagome had dragged the sullen hanyou to various boutiques and odd things stores. After much consideration, Kagome picked out presents for their friends.
For Sango, she had gotten a beautiful sword. She found it at an antique store and since it was not so expensive, she got it for the exterminator because her old one had broken in a recent battle. The sword's blade was made of steel, with intricate star patterns carved along the length of it. The hilt was made of silver and had the same star pattern on it, this time shaped to stick out from the body of the hilt. On the bottom of the hilt lay embedded in the silver a large black pearl. The sword came with a black leather scabbard and had a single star etched in silver onto the top of the scabbard as well as the words: "Ye who wields this sword shall never fall in battle and will triumph over all who oppose them"
For Miroku, she had gotten a guide to dateing. The book was paperback and the cover was red and in a large heart it proclaimed: Dating For Dummies! If you have been slapped, insulted or turned down flat and outright humiliated but still you persue your love, this is the book for you!. It was a bit modern but she hoped it would help the poor lech catch a clue. When she mentioned this ulterior motive to Inuyasha he retorted: "That idiot couldn't catch a clue if it was handed to him all tied up in a sack. Besides, he likes to grope girls to much to give it up because of some book."
For Shippou, she had gotten a large pink, blue and green lollypop. She had also gotten him a helmet in which to protect his skull from being bashed by Inuyasha. Of course she knew the hanyou could punch through the helmet, but she hoped it would hold him off for a bit. The helmet was a baby size helmet and bright blue. It had a picture of a snake on the front and on the back it proclaimed: This will protect ye from the wrath of all who walk this earth.
As for Kaede's present, she had spent a long time thinking and debating what to get the elderly priestess. She discarded several items as either too modern or too like something she already had. Finally, she settled of a small chest. It was about 3feet high and made of rich, dark brown oak wood. The chest had a upper cabinet with two outward opening doors which opened to reveal a row of three, height adjustable shelves. The bottom half held three drawers of equal size. The drawers had a single handle in the shape of a cresent moon shoved sideways into the wood. The chest was carved with intricate forest scenes and would be perfect to hold Kaede's many supplies and remedies.
After a time, Inuyasha had begun to complain and at last Kagome gave into the protests of her taking way too long.
"Besides," he reminded her, "Tonight's the new moon. I have to be back at the Shrine by sundown."
"Right! I almost forgot!" Kagome replied as they loaded stuff into the car. Just as Kagome was about to get into the car, a remembrance struck her.
"Oh my god! I forgot to pick up that book with practice entrance exams!" Kagome cried out highly distressed. "Inuyasha, I'm really sorry, but I have to go pick this up! You wait here! I'll be right back!"
With that desperate proclamation, Kagome raced off toward the bookstore around the corner and down the next street, leaving behind a sullen and bewildered Inuyasha.
'She switches around so fast, she's making my head spin!' he thought tiredly as he leaned up against the car to await her return. It was around four, so sunset was still a few hours away, but still Inuyasha worried. Despite Kagome's efforts to keep shopping time to a minimum, they hadn't anticipated the traffic jam in upper Tokyo, so they were greatly delayed and got to the shopping district at 1:00. Three hours after they had left the Higurashi Shrine and 10:00 am. They had spent the last three hours shopping in enormous crowds. As Kagome had predicted, Inuyasha was put on edge by the crowds in the shopping center as well as the close proximity of the people, however, Kagome's calm and constant presense calmed his nerves and allowed his to pass through the crowds without much vexation.
Suddenly, a scream broke the stillness and a panicked voice, quickly muffled that screamed out his name into the night. Jumping up, he dashed down the now deserted street toward the source of the screams.
************
As Kagome rushed out of the bookstore, new book in hand, she couldn't help but feel a slight prickle of fear as she passed dark corners. Berating herself for her nervousness, she quickened her pace to return to Inuyasha as soon as possible. He was annoyed enough already.
Just then a large man emerge from the shadows, followed by several others, the large man grabbed her around her waist. She screamed for Inuyasha but her cry was lost as the large man pressed his hand to her mouth.
She struggled against the men holding her with all her strength. A skinny tall man, with slicked back black hair and dressed from head to toe in black leather said slyly, "This ones' a pretty one, boss. Why don't we.keep her for a while..?"
The large man holding Kagome, now revealed to be the boss, looked thoughtful. Suddenly, he flung her out of his crushing hold and she stumbled into the wall. Scared speechless, Kagome only stared as they appraised her.
"Yes.this one we'll keep." The large boss said at last.
"Ahhhharg!" A strangled cry came from a small stout man in a jean jacket and black pants. The man fell to the ground unconscious after being slammed on the back of the head by a very enraged hanyou. Rising from his crouched position as the gang spun around to face their attacker, Inuyasha demanded in a menacing voice.
"What the hell do you think you're doing to my girl?" His eyes were shadowed by his bangs and as he bared his fangs in a snarl the men lost all their nerve.
"We.uh.we..." the sly leather clad man stammered
"Duh..um.yipe!" The boss squeaked out in terror of the enraged demon.
"Well!?" Inuyasha yelled, looking more fierce than ever, "What are you bastards doing!?"
With all the rage on his face and the terror the menacing expression implanted in the humans hearts, Inuyasha well fulfilled the more dangerous looking side to demons.
Even Kagome, who knew his heart was pure and kind, couldn't help but feel a thrill of fear at the expression of menace and rage on his pale face. Shadowed in the deepening hours low sunbeams, Inuyasha looked the part of a killer in every way.
"We wanted to use her!" A small, lean man from the back yelled. He flung himself at Inuyasha's feet, "have mercy! We're only men!"
If at all possible, the intentions of the men that were at last revealed caused a more terrible expression to come across his face.
"You will pay for what you have done!" With a terrible shout, his rage broke and he leapt over the groveling man and dealt two vicious blows to the gang members. One to each of the men standing by Kagome. Then he turned to the man who had confessed, he reached down and pulled him up by his neck. Raising him to his eye level, he glowered at the trembling man.
"If you ever attempt to harm another person..." Inuyasha threatened in a terrifying whisper, more chilling than his shouts "Not even your pleas for your miserable life will stop me from exacting my REVENGE!"
Inuyasha dropped the man and he fell in a heap at the hanyou's feet. With a final terrified look at the comatose bodies of his now unconscious companions and at the terrible being who had protected the woman so valiantly, he fled into the night. That small man never harmed another again. The terror of Inuyasha's threat made him rethink his actions. He is now a pediatrician working with terminally ill children and fighting to save their lives as Inuyasha had fought for Kagome.
*********
As the man ran off, Inuyasha turned his attention to Kagome. Raising his eyes to meet hers, the shadows fell from his face and he was once more the kind halfling she loved. The demon of terror who had resurfaced in the battle was gone, leaving only Inuyasha behind.
"Come on, Kagome." Inuyasha said, offering her his clawed hand "Let's get back to the Shrine. Isn't tonight that New Years thing you keep telling me about?"
"Yes, Inuyasha." She said "Yes it is."
They walked back to the car hand in hand. Just before they got in, Kagome made a request of Inuyasha.
"Don't tell this to my mom. She'll never let me go to the district alone!"
Inuyasha nodded his consent and they set off for the shrine as the sun cast it's fiery rays across the horizon.
***************
When they had returned to the Sunset Shrine, Inuyasha and Kagome had showered and changed into pajamas. Kagome wore her pale yellow pajamas and Inuyasha wore a pair of Mr. Higurashi's old boxers as well as one of his old undershirts.
When the two came down to dinner, the sun had nearly disappeared under the horizon. They found the remainder of the Higurashi family in their nightclothes as well. Mrs. Higurashi wore a long flowered nightgown that fluffed at the shoulders and at the bottom where it came to an end by her ankles. Sota wore pale blue flannel pajamas and Grandfather had on red flannel pajamas that said on the front, "Take me back to my Shrine!"
They sat down to dinner at the kitchen table instead of the dining room. Mrs. Higurashi served platters of steaming food. Including Oden for Kagome, Tuna and Salmon sushi for Grandfather, fried egg for Souta and ramen for Inuyasha. While they dug in to the delicious meal comprised of everyone's favorites dishes and more, Inuyasha asked Mama a question that had been plaguing his mind ever since Kagome had told him to put on his pajamas for dinner.
"Why are we not all dressed up tonight and eating in that big room? Is tonight not as important as Chrismas?" His inquistive face, with his ears set slightly back and his eyebrows lowered, made Mother giggle slightly.
"No, dear. It's just as important. We simply dress this way because of the goal to stay up till midnight to greet..the new..oh my.." She ended and fell off in wonderment.
Soon, Inuyasha noticed Grandfather and Sota staring at him too. Uncomfortable in their gaze, he looked down, and noticed his claws had receded. He picked up a lock of his hair and found it to be black. Tonight, for the first time in his life, he had not noticed the change to human.
Noticing Inuyasha's discomfort, Kagome placed a hand on his and said to her family,
"Inuyasha, as a hanyou, has a time when his demon blood receeds. For Inuyasha that time is the night of the new moon. On this night every month, Inuyasha becomes human."
"Oh!" The Higurashi's showed comprehention.
"Sorry for staring, dear." Mrs. Higurashi said to Inuyasha. She too had noticed his discomfort. "We simply weren't expecting it."
"It's okay." He assured them. "Just don't do it again!"
***********
Dinner had ended without further excitement and the Higurashi's had been sitting in the living room and talking to each other while they awaited the new year. Kagome had noticed Inuyasha appearing more and more sleepy as the talking progressed, but kept her observations to herself.
'He must be tired.' She thought lovingly 'He did save me today as well as go shopping. My poor Inuyasha must be exhausted.'
She watched with a small smile as his comments became less frequent as his eyelids drooped lower. Finally they closed completely and his head fell forward to rest on his knees, which he had pulled up to his chest and looped his arms around.
After a while, Mrs.Higurashi noticed that Inuyasha had fallen asleep as well. The two Higurashi women shared a smile at the peace on his face. Kagome was also incredibly happy that he had the trust in them to fall asleep, in his human form to boot, in fromt of them all. By mutal decision, the women allowed him to sleep.
***********
"10-9-8-7-6-5-4" The Higurashi's whispered in unison as they watched the clocks second hand tick toward midnight. "3-2-1- HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!" They yelled in unison.
Inuyasha let out a canine yelp of fright, leapt straight up in the air and landed in a crouch on the floor of the living room. His eyes darted about the room in startled fear, seeking the sound that had torn him from slumber.
"Oh my gosh, Inuyasha! We're sorry!" Kagome and Mrs. Higurashi cried out.
"We didn't mean to startle you." Souta and Grandfather added.
"It's okay.." Inuyasha rasped out as he tried to control the frantic beating of his heart.
"Just.NEVER DO THAT AGAIN!"
To Be Continued.
A/N That was a mostly happy chapter, minus the attack on Kagome of course.but more darkness and angst to follow in: Chapter 14: The Figure in the Shadows *coming soon!*
The identity of the plotting female will be revealed. No, it isn't Kikyou.
Please REVIEW!
Warrior of Forest
I am now officially open for beta reading/ proof reading!
Yes, for your reading pleasure, this is another long one. Not as long as the last one but nearly.
Thank you to all my wonderful reviewers. To all those who have me as a favorite authour..I love you guys! And to those who asked for me to read + review their stories..I was very honoured!
rUFUS: You're encouraging reviews made this chapter appear that much quicker! Thanks for the support!
Artemis Moon: Glad you're back!
Shinigami: Return to me!
I'll shut up now!
DON"T FORGET TO REVIEW! I appreciate your feedback!
Disclaimer: If I owned them, why would I be writing this?
IMPORTANT WARNING: This chapter is rated PG-13 for attempted/implied rape. It's pretty clean, but younger readers should be advised.
Now the awaited..
Chapter 13: Cruel Destiny
Five days had passed since Christmas and Inuyasha slept better after that night than he ever had before. No nightmares plagued his dreams and for once he was completely at peace.
Kagome awoke around nine in the morning and to her surprise, the hanyou was still very much asleep. His face was relaxed and peaceful, he also had a small smile gracing his fine boned features.
'He looks so calm now. He usually seems to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders. Now he is not guarded and worrying about being hurt. Now he is as pure as a child. As pure as the child..he should have been.' She thought melancholically as she gazed at the hanyou she loved more than life it self.
"No!" She whispered with sudden conviction. "He WILL be the pure child he should have been long ago. I will open his heart to people and heal his old wounds. I want nothing more than to see him look as peaceful awake as he does asleep. I want to relieve you of your pain Inuyasha. I promise you, I will."
With that thought, she rose and strode over to the side of the hanyou. An ear twitched in her direction, but he did not rouse from slumber. She kneeled down beside him and hesistated in her course of action.
'I hate to wake him.' she thought, 'But, I want to take him out to buy supplies for the other world and a few presents for our friends before the stores get crowded. Knowing his past, crowds probably would make him edgy and nervous.'
Kagome reached out a hand and lightly stroked the hanyou's face.
"Wake up, Inuyasha. It's morning now." She ssid lovingly.
Inuyasha slowly opened his eyes. He seemed so content and peaceful, she wished so much to see that more. Inuyasha raised up on all fours and arced his back to stretch it out. He yawned carvernously as his fangs flashed in the sun. Then pulling himself into a crosslegged position, he turned to face Kagome and muttered sleepily,
"What is it?"
He looked so sleepy, that Kagome couldn't help laughing at his expression. Hearing her giggles, Inuyasha quickly became more alert and a little angry.
"What are you laughing at, wench!?" He barked at her, fangs flashing close to her face.
"Nothing, Inuyasha, nothing." She said waving her hand about to placate the enraged hanyou.
"Well, why were you laughing?" he demanded, then more quietly added: "I hate getting laughed at."
Her smile became sympathetic and she instantly explained herself to the hanyou.
"You just looked so sleepy. Almost like a young puppy."
Then she raised herself to her feet and started for the door to the hallway.
"Anyway," she added "I want to take you shopping, so we need to have breakfast and leave soon. Otherwise the stores will get crowded."
Understanding shone on his features as he started up from the bed and followed her down the stairs.
"Well, why didn't you say so!?"
**************
A shadowed figure in the depths of the forest was concocting an evil scheme.
"Yes.yes." she cackled "This will do fine.."
Staring down at the spiral shaped figure in her hand, an evil smile crossed her pale features.
"Yes. This will be the perfect way to break Inuyasha. I will turn his wench against him and destroy all her holds dear! As he is now..he will believe she does it on her own free will!"
Raising her hands to the sky, the figure laughed maniacally, "I will get revenge on you Inuyasha! You will pay for what you did to me!"
************
"Alright! Alright, Inuyasha! We're almost done!" Kagome yelled at the hanyou in exhasperation.
They had been shopping for over two hours now, picking up the things they needed. They had stocked up on bandages, disinfectant sprays and various medicenes to cure colds, flus, and to counteract allergents and poisons. They had also bought more soap, shampoo and conditioner. Kagome insisted that they all bathe regularly. And with soap. For Inuyasha's sake, Kagome had stopped using scented soaps, they tended to give Inuyasha a headache because his sensitive nose was so susceptible to the perfumes.
Also, they had stocked up on ramen, lots and lots of ramen. Kagome had bought more matches and had to drag Inuyasha away from the camping stoves before he made something blow up, or trashed it in frustration.
After that, Kagome had dragged the sullen hanyou to various boutiques and odd things stores. After much consideration, Kagome picked out presents for their friends.
For Sango, she had gotten a beautiful sword. She found it at an antique store and since it was not so expensive, she got it for the exterminator because her old one had broken in a recent battle. The sword's blade was made of steel, with intricate star patterns carved along the length of it. The hilt was made of silver and had the same star pattern on it, this time shaped to stick out from the body of the hilt. On the bottom of the hilt lay embedded in the silver a large black pearl. The sword came with a black leather scabbard and had a single star etched in silver onto the top of the scabbard as well as the words: "Ye who wields this sword shall never fall in battle and will triumph over all who oppose them"
For Miroku, she had gotten a guide to dateing. The book was paperback and the cover was red and in a large heart it proclaimed: Dating For Dummies! If you have been slapped, insulted or turned down flat and outright humiliated but still you persue your love, this is the book for you!. It was a bit modern but she hoped it would help the poor lech catch a clue. When she mentioned this ulterior motive to Inuyasha he retorted: "That idiot couldn't catch a clue if it was handed to him all tied up in a sack. Besides, he likes to grope girls to much to give it up because of some book."
For Shippou, she had gotten a large pink, blue and green lollypop. She had also gotten him a helmet in which to protect his skull from being bashed by Inuyasha. Of course she knew the hanyou could punch through the helmet, but she hoped it would hold him off for a bit. The helmet was a baby size helmet and bright blue. It had a picture of a snake on the front and on the back it proclaimed: This will protect ye from the wrath of all who walk this earth.
As for Kaede's present, she had spent a long time thinking and debating what to get the elderly priestess. She discarded several items as either too modern or too like something she already had. Finally, she settled of a small chest. It was about 3feet high and made of rich, dark brown oak wood. The chest had a upper cabinet with two outward opening doors which opened to reveal a row of three, height adjustable shelves. The bottom half held three drawers of equal size. The drawers had a single handle in the shape of a cresent moon shoved sideways into the wood. The chest was carved with intricate forest scenes and would be perfect to hold Kaede's many supplies and remedies.
After a time, Inuyasha had begun to complain and at last Kagome gave into the protests of her taking way too long.
"Besides," he reminded her, "Tonight's the new moon. I have to be back at the Shrine by sundown."
"Right! I almost forgot!" Kagome replied as they loaded stuff into the car. Just as Kagome was about to get into the car, a remembrance struck her.
"Oh my god! I forgot to pick up that book with practice entrance exams!" Kagome cried out highly distressed. "Inuyasha, I'm really sorry, but I have to go pick this up! You wait here! I'll be right back!"
With that desperate proclamation, Kagome raced off toward the bookstore around the corner and down the next street, leaving behind a sullen and bewildered Inuyasha.
'She switches around so fast, she's making my head spin!' he thought tiredly as he leaned up against the car to await her return. It was around four, so sunset was still a few hours away, but still Inuyasha worried. Despite Kagome's efforts to keep shopping time to a minimum, they hadn't anticipated the traffic jam in upper Tokyo, so they were greatly delayed and got to the shopping district at 1:00. Three hours after they had left the Higurashi Shrine and 10:00 am. They had spent the last three hours shopping in enormous crowds. As Kagome had predicted, Inuyasha was put on edge by the crowds in the shopping center as well as the close proximity of the people, however, Kagome's calm and constant presense calmed his nerves and allowed his to pass through the crowds without much vexation.
Suddenly, a scream broke the stillness and a panicked voice, quickly muffled that screamed out his name into the night. Jumping up, he dashed down the now deserted street toward the source of the screams.
************
As Kagome rushed out of the bookstore, new book in hand, she couldn't help but feel a slight prickle of fear as she passed dark corners. Berating herself for her nervousness, she quickened her pace to return to Inuyasha as soon as possible. He was annoyed enough already.
Just then a large man emerge from the shadows, followed by several others, the large man grabbed her around her waist. She screamed for Inuyasha but her cry was lost as the large man pressed his hand to her mouth.
She struggled against the men holding her with all her strength. A skinny tall man, with slicked back black hair and dressed from head to toe in black leather said slyly, "This ones' a pretty one, boss. Why don't we.keep her for a while..?"
The large man holding Kagome, now revealed to be the boss, looked thoughtful. Suddenly, he flung her out of his crushing hold and she stumbled into the wall. Scared speechless, Kagome only stared as they appraised her.
"Yes.this one we'll keep." The large boss said at last.
"Ahhhharg!" A strangled cry came from a small stout man in a jean jacket and black pants. The man fell to the ground unconscious after being slammed on the back of the head by a very enraged hanyou. Rising from his crouched position as the gang spun around to face their attacker, Inuyasha demanded in a menacing voice.
"What the hell do you think you're doing to my girl?" His eyes were shadowed by his bangs and as he bared his fangs in a snarl the men lost all their nerve.
"We.uh.we..." the sly leather clad man stammered
"Duh..um.yipe!" The boss squeaked out in terror of the enraged demon.
"Well!?" Inuyasha yelled, looking more fierce than ever, "What are you bastards doing!?"
With all the rage on his face and the terror the menacing expression implanted in the humans hearts, Inuyasha well fulfilled the more dangerous looking side to demons.
Even Kagome, who knew his heart was pure and kind, couldn't help but feel a thrill of fear at the expression of menace and rage on his pale face. Shadowed in the deepening hours low sunbeams, Inuyasha looked the part of a killer in every way.
"We wanted to use her!" A small, lean man from the back yelled. He flung himself at Inuyasha's feet, "have mercy! We're only men!"
If at all possible, the intentions of the men that were at last revealed caused a more terrible expression to come across his face.
"You will pay for what you have done!" With a terrible shout, his rage broke and he leapt over the groveling man and dealt two vicious blows to the gang members. One to each of the men standing by Kagome. Then he turned to the man who had confessed, he reached down and pulled him up by his neck. Raising him to his eye level, he glowered at the trembling man.
"If you ever attempt to harm another person..." Inuyasha threatened in a terrifying whisper, more chilling than his shouts "Not even your pleas for your miserable life will stop me from exacting my REVENGE!"
Inuyasha dropped the man and he fell in a heap at the hanyou's feet. With a final terrified look at the comatose bodies of his now unconscious companions and at the terrible being who had protected the woman so valiantly, he fled into the night. That small man never harmed another again. The terror of Inuyasha's threat made him rethink his actions. He is now a pediatrician working with terminally ill children and fighting to save their lives as Inuyasha had fought for Kagome.
*********
As the man ran off, Inuyasha turned his attention to Kagome. Raising his eyes to meet hers, the shadows fell from his face and he was once more the kind halfling she loved. The demon of terror who had resurfaced in the battle was gone, leaving only Inuyasha behind.
"Come on, Kagome." Inuyasha said, offering her his clawed hand "Let's get back to the Shrine. Isn't tonight that New Years thing you keep telling me about?"
"Yes, Inuyasha." She said "Yes it is."
They walked back to the car hand in hand. Just before they got in, Kagome made a request of Inuyasha.
"Don't tell this to my mom. She'll never let me go to the district alone!"
Inuyasha nodded his consent and they set off for the shrine as the sun cast it's fiery rays across the horizon.
***************
When they had returned to the Sunset Shrine, Inuyasha and Kagome had showered and changed into pajamas. Kagome wore her pale yellow pajamas and Inuyasha wore a pair of Mr. Higurashi's old boxers as well as one of his old undershirts.
When the two came down to dinner, the sun had nearly disappeared under the horizon. They found the remainder of the Higurashi family in their nightclothes as well. Mrs. Higurashi wore a long flowered nightgown that fluffed at the shoulders and at the bottom where it came to an end by her ankles. Sota wore pale blue flannel pajamas and Grandfather had on red flannel pajamas that said on the front, "Take me back to my Shrine!"
They sat down to dinner at the kitchen table instead of the dining room. Mrs. Higurashi served platters of steaming food. Including Oden for Kagome, Tuna and Salmon sushi for Grandfather, fried egg for Souta and ramen for Inuyasha. While they dug in to the delicious meal comprised of everyone's favorites dishes and more, Inuyasha asked Mama a question that had been plaguing his mind ever since Kagome had told him to put on his pajamas for dinner.
"Why are we not all dressed up tonight and eating in that big room? Is tonight not as important as Chrismas?" His inquistive face, with his ears set slightly back and his eyebrows lowered, made Mother giggle slightly.
"No, dear. It's just as important. We simply dress this way because of the goal to stay up till midnight to greet..the new..oh my.." She ended and fell off in wonderment.
Soon, Inuyasha noticed Grandfather and Sota staring at him too. Uncomfortable in their gaze, he looked down, and noticed his claws had receded. He picked up a lock of his hair and found it to be black. Tonight, for the first time in his life, he had not noticed the change to human.
Noticing Inuyasha's discomfort, Kagome placed a hand on his and said to her family,
"Inuyasha, as a hanyou, has a time when his demon blood receeds. For Inuyasha that time is the night of the new moon. On this night every month, Inuyasha becomes human."
"Oh!" The Higurashi's showed comprehention.
"Sorry for staring, dear." Mrs. Higurashi said to Inuyasha. She too had noticed his discomfort. "We simply weren't expecting it."
"It's okay." He assured them. "Just don't do it again!"
***********
Dinner had ended without further excitement and the Higurashi's had been sitting in the living room and talking to each other while they awaited the new year. Kagome had noticed Inuyasha appearing more and more sleepy as the talking progressed, but kept her observations to herself.
'He must be tired.' She thought lovingly 'He did save me today as well as go shopping. My poor Inuyasha must be exhausted.'
She watched with a small smile as his comments became less frequent as his eyelids drooped lower. Finally they closed completely and his head fell forward to rest on his knees, which he had pulled up to his chest and looped his arms around.
After a while, Mrs.Higurashi noticed that Inuyasha had fallen asleep as well. The two Higurashi women shared a smile at the peace on his face. Kagome was also incredibly happy that he had the trust in them to fall asleep, in his human form to boot, in fromt of them all. By mutal decision, the women allowed him to sleep.
***********
"10-9-8-7-6-5-4" The Higurashi's whispered in unison as they watched the clocks second hand tick toward midnight. "3-2-1- HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!" They yelled in unison.
Inuyasha let out a canine yelp of fright, leapt straight up in the air and landed in a crouch on the floor of the living room. His eyes darted about the room in startled fear, seeking the sound that had torn him from slumber.
"Oh my gosh, Inuyasha! We're sorry!" Kagome and Mrs. Higurashi cried out.
"We didn't mean to startle you." Souta and Grandfather added.
"It's okay.." Inuyasha rasped out as he tried to control the frantic beating of his heart.
"Just.NEVER DO THAT AGAIN!"
To Be Continued.
A/N That was a mostly happy chapter, minus the attack on Kagome of course.but more darkness and angst to follow in: Chapter 14: The Figure in the Shadows *coming soon!*
The identity of the plotting female will be revealed. No, it isn't Kikyou.
Please REVIEW!
Warrior of Forest