Dearest Fans--Hello again! It's everyone's favorite Wolf Demon again with another wonderful, action-packed episode of 'Surviving a City'. Now, I'm really excited because I have now accumulated a solid fanbase. I love you all! *fake crying like I just won an Oscar* Now, because we are so close, I want to explain a few things.
First and foremost, I was recently asked why Kikyo was not included in my fic, or if she would appear later. Ok, I'm not going to lie, I really don't like Kikyo, but I'm not biased. That isn't the reason why I'm not including her. I don't like Kagura either, but I put her in there. The reason I'm not including her is because she basically wouldn't have any importance to my story. Kagura was important because she showed the stronger side of Kagome's character, and the more desperate side of Naraku. Kikyo, however, would do nothing except take focus away from the real importance of my story. That's why she's not in here, even though she plays an important part in the actual Inuyasha storyline. Sorry to all of those who like Kikyo, I just don't want her to be there for the sake of being there. All the characters in my fic have some basis for their placement, no lie!
Now, as for Fluffly... I'm sorry, but he's just too important to cut out on a whim. I love Sesshomaru and I find his character will enhance the degree of my story. I am pro-Fluffy, he stays. And in fact, I'll be introducing Sesshomaru in this chapter. Now, there is just one more thing I want to say before I skip to the chapter itself. I want to say that the next few chapters will be very much involved with fight scenes. I am a very big action fan and I want to make this story as exciting as possible. Forgive me if it gets a little too feisty, I'm just trying to keep it real! Enjoy!
Disclaimer: Okay, there once was an old lady who lived in a shoe...she didn't own Inuyasha, and neither do I. But I always loved that rhyme, hehe!
Chapter 8:
The Heart of a Demon & The Heart of a Human
I was surprised. This has been the first morning that I didn't wake up to the smell of food. No, this time I woke up to the smell of demon...wolf demon. I blinked my eyes open, quickly adjusting to the dim light. Sango was still asleep on my bed, the even rise and fall of her chest signally that nothing had happened to worsen her condition over night. Kagome was curled into a tight ball in her nest. It was also the first morning I woke up before either girl. But that changed when the door next to me was all of a sudden being pounded on.
"Kagome!" a voice called from outside. I got to my feet, grumbling under my breath about wolves and not having enough patience to fill a tea cup. The second the locks were gone and the door was slightly ajar, I was pushed back against the wall with my door crushing me. A blurry shape raced past me and the pressure of the door stopped.
"Dumbass! What the fuck did you squish me against the wall for?!?!" I yelled at him. Have I mentioned that I am not a morning person? Especially when woken from a lovely dream that had something to do with Ramen and a girl petting my ears...hard to recall. Anyway though, I am soooooooo not a morning person. Being squashed by a freaking door doesn't help much either, if you ask me!
"Kagome, are you ok?" He wasn't even listening to me! The guy had his nerve! Breaking into my apartment, squashing me with a door, then kneeling next to Kagome like that and shaking her shoulder...What the hell is with him anyway?!
"K...kouga?" she said in a sleepy voice, rubbing her eyes and looking up. "What are you doing here?" She looked around then, not really sure where she was. She noticed me, closing the door, looking irritatedly at Kouga's back. "You got my message."
"Yeah, Kirara gave it too me last night. I'm sorry I couldn't get here sooner, I had to stay and help the pack." Kagome yawned and patted his arm as she got up.
"It's okay Kouga, really. I'm..." she trailed off, eyes flicking to Sango. She brushed Kouga to the side as she crawled over to the bed on all fours and lifted off the blanket to check Sango's wound. Kouga went over to help and I listened to Kagome whisper the details of what happened yesterday on the roof to him. As they spoke, she changed the bandage on Sango's side. I noticed that the wound was already starting to heal, pretty fast for a human, but then again, Kagome was a Guardian. Part of her powers stemmed from helping others. I suppose healing is all part of the greater good.
When they were done, Kagome got to her feet, careful not to disturb the still-sleeping Sango, and went to make some coffee in the kitchen. I followed; so did Kouga. There was something about this guy that I just didn't like, something about him made my hackles rise if he so much as looked at me wrong. I brushed it off as simply the fact that he was a wolf, and I never did like them much.
"Once Naraku finds out that Kagura is really dead, he won't be happy," Kouga said as we all stood in my kitchen. Kagome handed him and me a cup of coffee each and we all stood in an understood silence; it was all downhill from here. Somehow, that wasn't a comforting thought. Kagome killing Kagura was now a red flag of all out war with the most feared demon in this entire city! And of course, with my luck and lack of self-preservation skills, I'm right in the thick of things. I sighed, sipping the caffeinated beverage for no other reason then to wake me up more.
"I need to know what he's up too," Kagome said suddenly, fingers clenching the table top so hard her knuckles turned white. Her bands hid her eyes, but I saw the set of her mouth. This girl was pissed off, and I mean royally. This was not a girl you wanted to piss off royally either, not if you wanted to make it to the age of twenty-one whole! I did, thanks ever so.
"I have my scouts on it," Kouga said, laying a hand over hers on the table. This made me tense. This simple, tiny action between two friends who have known one another longer then I could know, made me tense. Ahhh! What is with me? I understand it with my head. Kouga means a lot to Kagome, he's her friend. Kagome means a lot to Kouga, he's in love with her. I understand it with my head. So why does my heart not except that? Why is it practically yelling at me to 'take this outside'? Why do I suddenly have the urge to rip Kouga into a bunch of undesirable parts? Well, maybe that urge isn't a sudden one. It was more gradual.
"How's Spike?" Kagome asked him, trying for a more casual tone.
Kouga sighed. "He'll live. He took it hard, Patch's death. But we were lucky enough to get to him in time. The Golems really did a number on those two, it'll take him weeks to heal. Even as a demon, those aren't the kinds of things that just disappear."
"I wish I could have been there to help him," she mumbled, suddenly draining her entire cup of coffee in one long, drawn-out gulp. Then she winced, like she'd just downed a rather wicked shot. Then she let out that noise that all people let out after they drank something bitter and hot way too fast. "Ahhhhckkaa."
Kouga's blue eyes widened as he looked at her, but then simply smiled fondly. Maybe she did this more often then I thought. His face got more serious when she turned to him again. "I've got a few contacts still inside the Heart of the City. They aren't from the Pack, but I trust their word. Whatever is going on in there, I'll know about soon. Just trust me Kagome."
She smiled a half smile his way, leaning in to elbow him in the side. "Of course I trust you, goofball," she said with a little laugh. He smiled too, slinging an arm around her shoulders in a friendly-but-possessive way. She didn't seem to mind, relaxing for a minute, then getting up for another cup of coffee. I couldn't resist the growl that rose from the center of my chest. Kouga's eyes shifted to me when he heard it, narrowing, but he didn't say anything.
"Kouga, you should get back to the Pack," Kagome said, getting her drink and leaning against the wall to let out a long breath. "I need that information as soon as possible, and I'd feel better if you were there to get it." He nodded. I don't know if this was a brush-off to him, or a genuine favor because I saw her eyes flash between us just for a moment.
"Are you sure you're alright?" he asked again, going to her side. She smiled.
"Geez, get a little more protective why don't you?" she mock grumbled playfully. I coughed and they both looked at me.
"What? It's the Joe," I said, innocently pointing to my mug. Kouga's eyes narrowed on me again and Kagome rolled her eyes, leading Kouga to the door.
"Send Shippou or come yourself if you here ANYTHING, got it?" Kagome emphasized 'anything' very obviously. She meant business.
"I know, I know, don't worry Mom," he mocked. At that she kicked him out the door, laughing. "I'll try to hurry things up. Just don't do anything stupid, ok?"
She saluted him, closing the door. Kagome let out a little sigh after her left, a frown resting on her mouth as she went over to Sango again. The body guard was healing at a rate that even made this half-demon blink. Maybe it was something in her that made her heal faster then the normal human. I couldn't begin to understand, not that I really wanted to anyway. Things are always easier to accept then understand.
"She should be up and around this afternoon," Kagome said, a little more perky now. "It was a flesh wound after all, I'm glad." She grinned at me, and I returned it. Then there was a knock at the door. I went to get it, but I knew the smell. It was Miroku. He whisked in, happier then he was last night.
"Is Sango feeling better?" was the first thing he asked Kagome. She nodded and smiled.
"She's still sleeping now, but she should be back to beating you up by tonight." Miroku beamed, and I didn't know if that was a good thing or not. It's kind of creepy how much of a masochist that guys is sometimes. Or maybe it's just that he likes bothering Sango. Who am I to tell? I'm too busy trying to understand my inborn hatred of the wolf-wimp. Why me?
No one seemed in much of a rush to go outside, but we were running low on food. Kagome was probably the least willing to leave, but she suggested that we do something other then cower in corners all day long. I would prefer the cowering idea, but I have to be a man sometimes. So she grabbed the wad of cash that Sango brought with her last time she went home. At first, we thought it best all three of us go. But Kagome shot down that plan in case Sango woke up and saw she was alone and panicked. I thought we could wake her and tell her, but that wouldn't do, she'd probably forget in her slumber-state. I suggested then that Kagome stay behind, but I could see she really needed something to do other then sit around. Her fight with Kagura had left her pretty shaken. The last scenario was to leave Miroku behind, but neither of us liked the idea. It was only after we beat Miroku into swearing on his own life that he wouldn't touch her while injured. I didn't think he would. He likes it a lot better when they're conscious enough to slap him for his roving hands.
After Kagome had a few hushed and harsh words with Miroku, she and I went out into the city to shop. We walked in silence most of the time, just taking comfort in the nearness of the other person. Kagome had a calming effect on me. I didn't feel the urge to beat the shit out of anyone on the street that morning. She looked rather unfazed by everything around her, more subdued then she usually was. I think Kagome was really getting in the frame of mind, fully excepting everything that was in front of her. It was sobering, to say the least.
We went into a few of the stores we had been in a few days ago, the same cashiers talked with Kagome. She smiled slightly, going along with conversation, but I could see that her heart was not in it. They did too, soon giving up with a sad and dejected look.
We still walked in silence, after being on the streets a few hours, when we started heading back home. It struck me then that I had just referred to it as home, no longer was it 'my' home. Just home, as in the place where I live with Sango and Kagome. As in 'our' home. That shook me a little bit, but I pushed those thoughts away when a tingling sensation began in the back of my head. It felt like someone was watching me, familiar eyes. But when I sniffed the air, I smelled nothing out of place.
It was beginning to bother me the closer we got to home. That feeling of being watched, of being followed...it just wouldn't go away. Even when I turned to look behind me, there was nothing there. After a while Kagome noticed this.
"Inuyasha, is something wrong?" she asked quietly, looking behind us as well.
"I think we're being followed," I said quietly, looked back ahead.
"We are," she said simply. I blinked at her slowly. "I saw him when we came out of the last store. He's been keeping out of sight, but I sense a demon on our trail."
"Can you tell if it's a Golem? Someone after Kagura or you?" She shook her head, her face taking on a thoughtful expression.
"He's not a Golem, or at least not one that I've ever felt before. His powers are very strong, very old. Like a long bloodline of power." She closed her eyes, reaching out with her senses. I felt a ticklish sensation along my skin, realizing it was her. "I don't know who he is," she said, opening her eyes and looking to me. "But he's not after me. He's looking for you."
"Me?" I said, taking a step back, blinking rapidly. "Why the hell would a demon be after me?" She shrugged and kept moving.
"I don't know," she replied. Her expression darkened, as did mine.
"Let's keep moving. Once we get to the apartment, I'll take my sword and go to the building down the block. If it's to be a fight, that's where I'll make my stand." I curled my claws into the palms of my hands, feeling the sharp nails digging into my skin. There was only one demon in my life who had a nasty habit of popping up when I least expected...and least wanted...him there, and I really, really hoped it wasn't him.
We got to the apartment fast. I ran in, grabbed my sword and was out the door before Kagome even had a chance to close it the first time. Miroku watched me from his seat on the bed, next to Sango. She was awake now, and watched my movements as well. I heard Kagome call my name but I didn't pause to look at them, I just took off down the street.
It was him, I could make out his scent now. Now that he was close enough. I winced. Why, oh why, do these thing always happen to me? I mean, I'm a good person. I don't vote! I prayed to every deity that I had ever heard of to just make this end quickly so I could get back to the more important matter at hand, like protecting a girl and a jewel from the likes of a psycho!
I reached the abandoned building with time to spare, leaping up the stairs five at a time. I pushed threw the roof access and stood on the open ground, looking to all sides. His scent was in the air, I knew it wouldn't be long until he made himself known to me. I gripped my sword in my hand tightly, looking around with a scowl and a narrowed eye. Then, there is was.
He stood on the open roof, not fifty feet from me. How is it that some people can manage to look smug and arrogant without an expression on their face? How is it that some people can just look down on you, even if you were fifty feet taller then them? If there was a name for the physical manifestation of the phrase 'palpable superiority' it would be Sessohmaru.
The cocky son of a bitch. God I hate that guy. Just the look of him makes my skin crawl. I growled just looking at him there. He hadn't moved, hadn't even seem to acknowledge that I was there. He simply held that air of disinterest in me, yet he was here anyway.
"What the fuck do you want?" I asked him, adding just enough metal to my voice. Smooth Inuyasha, very smooth. He ignored me, of course, finding something else on the street much more interesting. He walked to the edge of the roof and looked down. He looked put out! I wanted to beat the look right of his face. Bring it Fluffy! I'll beat you down so hard there won't be a big enough piece of you left to fit under my nail. I flexed my claws, ready to kick his ass, when he spoke.
"I don't understand what all the fuss is about." There was a lazy tone, but I heard the annoyance beneath it. That took me off guard. What could annoy Sesshomaru more then me? What could my brother possibly be doing here, in the middle of my mental crisis? Why is it always the last person you want to see that comes when to kick you when you're down?
"What are you bitching about?" I asked, not relaxing my guard again.
"That human girl. She doesn't seem to be such a threat, and yet she has the fiercest power in all the city up in arms against her." Kagome! He was talking about Kagome. What the hell is he talking about her for? What did he know? I narrowed my eyes, doubling my hostility. "I don't understand what the fuss is about. She's just a human." Yeah, and Japan is just an island!
"And what does she matter to you?" I hissed, moving a few steps closer to him. He looked over at me, the same look of disgust in his golden eyes as there always was.
"She doesn't. I was just curious as to why she was so upsetting the balance of power in this city. You can imagine my surprise when I tracked her scent and found you. When Naraku summoned me to fine the Guardian of the Shikon Jewel and kill all who aid her, I didn't realize it would have been worth my while." He faced me now, hand poised, ready for the attack.
"So my high-and-mighty half-brother was working for Naraku. Oh how the proud hath fallen," I taunted, grasping the hint of my sword, ready to pull.
"Do not delude yourself with falsehoods, Inuyasha. I only agreed to this little venture becasue Naraku has something I desire returned to me. Killing you is just a bonus." Then the attack came, swift as ever. Talking was done, it was time to fight or die. Frankly, I still want to live to see twenty-one, so I'll fight. FIGHT TO THE DEATH!
The first blow came swiftly, easily blocked by my arm. I was not so slow as I was when a teenager. I had matured into greater strength, and more power. I made an attempt at retaliation, but he moved too fast for me to strike him. I had to rebound quick as his second blow came at my face. I hit the ground on a bad angle, but kept my feet, quick enough to roll away as his third and forth blows came at me. There wasn't enough time to pull my sword, Dammit!
I needed time, a distraction. I needed something to give me that split-second so I could at least arm myself against this attack. That distraction came in the form of a power-charge arrow whizzing between me and Sesshomaru. I was quick enough to avoid it, as was he. We both turned to the stairwell. Kagome stood there, bow in hand, already reaching for a second arrow. Miroku was next to her, holding his staff, and Sang leaned heavily against him, but had her sword in hand.
"Stay out of this," I called at them, finally drawing my sword. "This is my fight!" So far they obeyed, Miroku and Sango staying in the stairwell. Kagome still stood in the same place, arrow still drawn, but she didn't release.
"What's this Inuyasha? You need the aid of humans now?" Sesshomaru taunted in his dry-toned way. God I hated him. I mean, he's just so fucking irritating. Does this guy ever shut up about the superiority bit. 'Demons are prouder and better then humans' and all of that shit. But in the end, where do most of the demons end up anyway? Dead, or worse. I don's care who is better or who is worse. Life is better then status if you ask me.
"Shut up, let's do this!" He was happy to oblige me, coming on fast again. I blocked his attack with my sword, but it was only a deflected blow. My sword wasn't a strong defense against Sesshomaru's demon power. Didn't Sango say this this was supposed to transform in battle? Oh...but only to protect humans, wasn't that the catch? Stupid catches, always ruining everything.
Sesshomaru didn't give me time enough to ponder how in hell I was supposed to use this piece of junk. He rained another heavy assault on me, knocking me off my feet and to the ground. Blood started running from a gash he gave me across the side of my face. Bastard. I was bleeding on my favorite shirt too.
He hit me while I was down, just like the little bitch that he is. Kicked me hard in the stomach, knocking the air out of my lungs and making me hack. The sword was knocked from my hand as I clutched at my midsection. He had his foot on my back, I couldn't get up quick enough. The blow was coming. But then it didn't. I saw another flare of bright energy, but then it shattered as Sesshomaru caught it in his hand. Kagome's arrow. I rolled out from under his foot and grabbed my sword again. But he was no longer looking at me, he was looking at Kagome.
"You should no better then to interfere in this," he began slowly. "Naraku wanted you alive, but I suppose as long at your body is delivered, everything will be alright." He moved faster then the eye could see at her. Kagome stood without fear, readying a third arrow, but I got in-between them. My sword rang as Sesshomaru's claws collided with it.
"You'd be wise to leave her alone," I hissed at him, placing myself between my brother and Kagome. Suddenly, the sword hilt in my hand felt strange. A weird energy stared to be admitted from it, an almost pulsing sensation. I watched the skinny, virtually useless blade in my hand morph before my eyes in a huge, sharp killing machine. Yeah baby! This is what I'm talking about! "Let's go Fluffy," I said under my breath as I charged at Sesshomaru. He dodged the first and second attempted attacks.
"What kind of sword could do such a thing?" he mused aloud, eyeing my sword. "It's an impressive weapon indeed. Most unfit in the hands of you, Inuyasha." My name was said like a curse. I held my ground. Sesshomaru made one final sweep at me, both claws extended. I blocked them with my sword and made a swing at his midsection, taking the armor he wore over his body clean off. He looked from the broken armor on the ground, then back at me. "It seems that I have underestimated you. This battle is at an impasse. I will retreat for today, but I will return." With that, he turned from the roof and jumped off. I ran to the edge, but I saw him disappear before my eyes. His scent was heading north, north toward the Heart of the City. North to Naraku.
"Inuyasha?" came a voice from behind me. I saw Kagome, arrow and bow placed in the quiver on her back. She took a few hesitant steps toward me, eyeing the cut on my face. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah, I'm ok." I relaxed a little, sheathing the sword and letting out the breath I hadn't known I'd been holding. "I could have sworn I told you guys not to interfere?" I asked, half-annoyed and half-thankful.
She flushed. "I'm sorry. I panicked! I saw him about to...and you were...I'm sorry." It's strange, she didn't look sorry in the least, just more flustered that I caught her. I smirked at her, that I'm-so-right-and-you're-so-wrong smirk.
"Hmph," Kagome said, hands on her hips. "Well let's just see me help you again." With that she walked up to me, turned my face to the side non-to-lightly, and looked at my cuts. I put up with it, what else could I do? Maybe I was just happy that I was able to get out of that skirmish alive. Maybe I was just happy that everyone else was ok too. Or maybe I was just happy to feel Kagome's fingers on my face and watch her assess me with the eye and air of a healer. It was kinda cute, in a way. "Come on, let's get you cleaned up. You're bleeding all over your shirt." Dammit! My poor, poor shirt.
Miroku and Sango went first, both happy they didn't have to get involved in fighting. Both happy everything turned out well, so they say. When we got back to the apartment, Kagome sat me down at the kitchen table in order to wipe off the blood and put on this creamy stuff that smelled really bitter. I told her I'd be healed by morning, but that only got a snort from her. I sighed and sat at the table while she made us some food. I got Ramen, for being in a fight and all. Miroku decided to stay the night, so he curled up on the floor. Sango was still in my bed, so I would take the floor again. Kagome would have her nest. But when I looked around after eating my dinner, I noticed the said person was no where to be seen.
"Hey, where'd Kagome go?" I asked Sango as she sat on the bed watching TV with Miroku.
"Shippou came with a message from Kouga while you were stuffing your face. She said she needed some air, so I assume she's with him."
"You assume? It's night! What if she's attacked or something?" Sango looked up at me with annoyance all over her face.
"What do you want from me? She said she'd be right back. Trust her a little bit. She wouldn't go far and she took her bow with her." It did make me feel better knowing she was armed, but still. That girl was gonna get herself killed! I just knew it!
"I'm going to go find her, if anyone cares." Miroku and Sango both raised a hand, but were too involved in what they were watching. I shook my head and went outside. I picked up two distinct scents. One was Shippou, the fox of the Wolf Pack. His scent led north, back to Kouga's territory. The other scent was Kagome's. She was south, toward the building where she fought Kagura and I fought Sesshomaru.
I followed the scent to the building, and up to the roof. Why is it that everyone likes the roof? Sure it's open and spacey, there's a nice breeze, it's got a nice view when you need to think...ok I answered my own question. I saw her sitting on the edge of the building, dangling her legs off, her hair caught in the light breeze. I walked up slowly, not wanting to startle her.
"Oh how I figured it's be you to come and fetch me home," she muttered, eyes never leaving the expanse of the cityscape. Her voice sounded older then usual, it sounded sad. I looked at her, but she kept looking forward.
"It's dangerous to be out here at night," I said, not really knowing what else to say. I feel dumb, like a broken record. The same words over and over again. With a sigh, I sat down next to her, legs hanging over the side. "You really shouldn't come out at night, what if one of the gangs caught you?" Sighing again because she still didn't face me, I asked another question. "What are you doing out here anyway?"
Her words were soft, almost blown away by the wind. "I'm watching the city burn." I cocked an eyebrow in surprise.
"Excuse me?"
"Look there," she said, pointing out to the western block of the city. The entire cityscape was bright with lights from inside and outside. It was only dark in the sky above us. The city still seemed to burn with light and with life. I followed Kagome's finger over to the westfold territory. There were buildings set ablaze. Fires torched most of the abandoned part of that territory, smoke and flame dancing in the darkness.
"It burns," I whispered. She nodded. Then she pointed to something else, a parade of lights flashing in the streets from the westfold, heading toward the Heart of the City. "What's that?"
"The Steel Dragons," she told me. "The gang of the westfold. They've joined Naraku. That's what Shippou came to tell me tonight. That makes it final. He has the strongest gangs of the Westfold, the Eastside, and Downtown gathered in the Heart of the City. The only gangs he hasn't taken over are the Wolf Pack, the Red Foxes, the Death Dealers, and the Ravens." I sucked in a breath. That was a lot of missing names. That was a lot of bad-ass power.
"He's raising an army," I muttered.
"Yeah, he's going to let it grow in the Heart, and when everything is filled with tension, he'll let it spring. Like some kind of sick trap. He'll let him hordes come down on this city until there is nothing left to stand in his way." I winced. Her voice was so cynical, so cold.
"Is that all we know?"
"So far. Kouga hasn't been able to get more details. But he's trying and I have to wait it out." She leaned forward on her elbows, letting out a sigh that lasted a full minute. Like she carried the weight of the world. "Part of me wants to run away," she whispered suddenly, stilling my breath. "Get away from this city. From anything that knows my name and knows the Jewel. I'm only eighteen years old Inuyasha," she said, turning to face me. "I don't want to die. I don't want to have the fate of all these people riding on what I do." I saw fear in her dark eyes, fear mixed with anger and sadness. I wanted so much to take away those feelings that swirled to form a bitter shell inside her. Like poison, bitterness eats a soul away.
"Then why don't you go?" I asked, barely daring to breathe.
"Because the other part of me won't let me run away, tail between my legs. I knew I'd have to face this my entire life, the destiny of a Guardian. It won't let me run away. I won't let myself be that weak." She turned back to the city, looking out over the lights and the buildings. "There is that little voice inside of me that keeps telling me the one thing that's the most important."
Little voice? I have a little voice inside of me, it's called sanity. It's called self-preservation. If I had any, I'd run as far away from this girl as I possible could. But I can't, I just can't run from her and I don't know why. Then another voice spoke, something about maybe feeling the L-word? That thought gets squished before it can finish.
"What's your little voice telling you?" I asked, trying to keep her talking rather then sad.
"That there is hope for a better future," she whispered. I was frozen by her voice as she spoke these words. This small, beautiful, seemingly-defenseless girl who I had rescued on the street barely a week ago. "That there is good in this place, good that's worth dying for. It's telling me that I can make a difference here, that I can make it better then it is." She looked at me, a forlorn smile on her face and tears in her eyes. "You think I'm fooling myself?"
"Not at all, I think you're incredible." Why in seven hells did I say that? HOLY SHIT! I sound like MIROKU! NO! My worst fears have been realized! I'm putting the moves on a depressed teenaged girl. I'm going to hell, in a fucking hand basket even. Oh, I need a hug....And then I got it.
Before I realized she even moved, her arms were around me. I froze yet again, too utterly shocked to form rational thought. I couldn't even continue cursing myself! She smelled really good, I can remember that much. That was the one thought in my hazy little brain. Kagome smells really good. And she was very soft and very warm and I liked the feel of her holding on to me. When I regained the use of my arms, I returned her hug, a little more hesitantly.
"Thank you Inuyasha," she said in a low voice. "I'm glad it was you who saved me."
"Anytime," I said, and I meant it.
This is what makes me different then my brother. I had been thinking my whole life what it exactly was that separated Sesshomaru and me, apart from the demon thing. He was different from me and it wasn't just the demon blood. It was our hearts. No matter what happens to him, Sesshomaru will always have the heart of a demon. He might be able to change, but it will always been part of him. But me, I have the heart of a human. No matter what happens to me, I'll always have the heart of a human, and for that I am very thankful. Even more thankful for the girl that was hugging me when I realized this fact. I think it was because of her that I finally understood myself a little better. So we sat there, Kagome and me. Understanding of ourselves drew us together that night as we sat on the roof, embracing one another, while behind us the city burned.
Yay, chapter 8 is done. *wipes a sweating brow* That took a while to write. Now, I know it wasn't a lot of fighting in here, but I wanted to set up my master plan. The next chapter will be a bit more physical, hehe. Watch as everyone' favorite Gang of Goodness heads out for the Heart of the City to see what they can see, and beat down whoever stands in their way of course! By the way, thanks to all of you who reviewed. Please remember to do so again, hehe. I'll try to update as quick as I can!
~~Jesse the Wolf Demon~~
First and foremost, I was recently asked why Kikyo was not included in my fic, or if she would appear later. Ok, I'm not going to lie, I really don't like Kikyo, but I'm not biased. That isn't the reason why I'm not including her. I don't like Kagura either, but I put her in there. The reason I'm not including her is because she basically wouldn't have any importance to my story. Kagura was important because she showed the stronger side of Kagome's character, and the more desperate side of Naraku. Kikyo, however, would do nothing except take focus away from the real importance of my story. That's why she's not in here, even though she plays an important part in the actual Inuyasha storyline. Sorry to all of those who like Kikyo, I just don't want her to be there for the sake of being there. All the characters in my fic have some basis for their placement, no lie!
Now, as for Fluffly... I'm sorry, but he's just too important to cut out on a whim. I love Sesshomaru and I find his character will enhance the degree of my story. I am pro-Fluffy, he stays. And in fact, I'll be introducing Sesshomaru in this chapter. Now, there is just one more thing I want to say before I skip to the chapter itself. I want to say that the next few chapters will be very much involved with fight scenes. I am a very big action fan and I want to make this story as exciting as possible. Forgive me if it gets a little too feisty, I'm just trying to keep it real! Enjoy!
Disclaimer: Okay, there once was an old lady who lived in a shoe...she didn't own Inuyasha, and neither do I. But I always loved that rhyme, hehe!
Chapter 8:
The Heart of a Demon & The Heart of a Human
I was surprised. This has been the first morning that I didn't wake up to the smell of food. No, this time I woke up to the smell of demon...wolf demon. I blinked my eyes open, quickly adjusting to the dim light. Sango was still asleep on my bed, the even rise and fall of her chest signally that nothing had happened to worsen her condition over night. Kagome was curled into a tight ball in her nest. It was also the first morning I woke up before either girl. But that changed when the door next to me was all of a sudden being pounded on.
"Kagome!" a voice called from outside. I got to my feet, grumbling under my breath about wolves and not having enough patience to fill a tea cup. The second the locks were gone and the door was slightly ajar, I was pushed back against the wall with my door crushing me. A blurry shape raced past me and the pressure of the door stopped.
"Dumbass! What the fuck did you squish me against the wall for?!?!" I yelled at him. Have I mentioned that I am not a morning person? Especially when woken from a lovely dream that had something to do with Ramen and a girl petting my ears...hard to recall. Anyway though, I am soooooooo not a morning person. Being squashed by a freaking door doesn't help much either, if you ask me!
"Kagome, are you ok?" He wasn't even listening to me! The guy had his nerve! Breaking into my apartment, squashing me with a door, then kneeling next to Kagome like that and shaking her shoulder...What the hell is with him anyway?!
"K...kouga?" she said in a sleepy voice, rubbing her eyes and looking up. "What are you doing here?" She looked around then, not really sure where she was. She noticed me, closing the door, looking irritatedly at Kouga's back. "You got my message."
"Yeah, Kirara gave it too me last night. I'm sorry I couldn't get here sooner, I had to stay and help the pack." Kagome yawned and patted his arm as she got up.
"It's okay Kouga, really. I'm..." she trailed off, eyes flicking to Sango. She brushed Kouga to the side as she crawled over to the bed on all fours and lifted off the blanket to check Sango's wound. Kouga went over to help and I listened to Kagome whisper the details of what happened yesterday on the roof to him. As they spoke, she changed the bandage on Sango's side. I noticed that the wound was already starting to heal, pretty fast for a human, but then again, Kagome was a Guardian. Part of her powers stemmed from helping others. I suppose healing is all part of the greater good.
When they were done, Kagome got to her feet, careful not to disturb the still-sleeping Sango, and went to make some coffee in the kitchen. I followed; so did Kouga. There was something about this guy that I just didn't like, something about him made my hackles rise if he so much as looked at me wrong. I brushed it off as simply the fact that he was a wolf, and I never did like them much.
"Once Naraku finds out that Kagura is really dead, he won't be happy," Kouga said as we all stood in my kitchen. Kagome handed him and me a cup of coffee each and we all stood in an understood silence; it was all downhill from here. Somehow, that wasn't a comforting thought. Kagome killing Kagura was now a red flag of all out war with the most feared demon in this entire city! And of course, with my luck and lack of self-preservation skills, I'm right in the thick of things. I sighed, sipping the caffeinated beverage for no other reason then to wake me up more.
"I need to know what he's up too," Kagome said suddenly, fingers clenching the table top so hard her knuckles turned white. Her bands hid her eyes, but I saw the set of her mouth. This girl was pissed off, and I mean royally. This was not a girl you wanted to piss off royally either, not if you wanted to make it to the age of twenty-one whole! I did, thanks ever so.
"I have my scouts on it," Kouga said, laying a hand over hers on the table. This made me tense. This simple, tiny action between two friends who have known one another longer then I could know, made me tense. Ahhh! What is with me? I understand it with my head. Kouga means a lot to Kagome, he's her friend. Kagome means a lot to Kouga, he's in love with her. I understand it with my head. So why does my heart not except that? Why is it practically yelling at me to 'take this outside'? Why do I suddenly have the urge to rip Kouga into a bunch of undesirable parts? Well, maybe that urge isn't a sudden one. It was more gradual.
"How's Spike?" Kagome asked him, trying for a more casual tone.
Kouga sighed. "He'll live. He took it hard, Patch's death. But we were lucky enough to get to him in time. The Golems really did a number on those two, it'll take him weeks to heal. Even as a demon, those aren't the kinds of things that just disappear."
"I wish I could have been there to help him," she mumbled, suddenly draining her entire cup of coffee in one long, drawn-out gulp. Then she winced, like she'd just downed a rather wicked shot. Then she let out that noise that all people let out after they drank something bitter and hot way too fast. "Ahhhhckkaa."
Kouga's blue eyes widened as he looked at her, but then simply smiled fondly. Maybe she did this more often then I thought. His face got more serious when she turned to him again. "I've got a few contacts still inside the Heart of the City. They aren't from the Pack, but I trust their word. Whatever is going on in there, I'll know about soon. Just trust me Kagome."
She smiled a half smile his way, leaning in to elbow him in the side. "Of course I trust you, goofball," she said with a little laugh. He smiled too, slinging an arm around her shoulders in a friendly-but-possessive way. She didn't seem to mind, relaxing for a minute, then getting up for another cup of coffee. I couldn't resist the growl that rose from the center of my chest. Kouga's eyes shifted to me when he heard it, narrowing, but he didn't say anything.
"Kouga, you should get back to the Pack," Kagome said, getting her drink and leaning against the wall to let out a long breath. "I need that information as soon as possible, and I'd feel better if you were there to get it." He nodded. I don't know if this was a brush-off to him, or a genuine favor because I saw her eyes flash between us just for a moment.
"Are you sure you're alright?" he asked again, going to her side. She smiled.
"Geez, get a little more protective why don't you?" she mock grumbled playfully. I coughed and they both looked at me.
"What? It's the Joe," I said, innocently pointing to my mug. Kouga's eyes narrowed on me again and Kagome rolled her eyes, leading Kouga to the door.
"Send Shippou or come yourself if you here ANYTHING, got it?" Kagome emphasized 'anything' very obviously. She meant business.
"I know, I know, don't worry Mom," he mocked. At that she kicked him out the door, laughing. "I'll try to hurry things up. Just don't do anything stupid, ok?"
She saluted him, closing the door. Kagome let out a little sigh after her left, a frown resting on her mouth as she went over to Sango again. The body guard was healing at a rate that even made this half-demon blink. Maybe it was something in her that made her heal faster then the normal human. I couldn't begin to understand, not that I really wanted to anyway. Things are always easier to accept then understand.
"She should be up and around this afternoon," Kagome said, a little more perky now. "It was a flesh wound after all, I'm glad." She grinned at me, and I returned it. Then there was a knock at the door. I went to get it, but I knew the smell. It was Miroku. He whisked in, happier then he was last night.
"Is Sango feeling better?" was the first thing he asked Kagome. She nodded and smiled.
"She's still sleeping now, but she should be back to beating you up by tonight." Miroku beamed, and I didn't know if that was a good thing or not. It's kind of creepy how much of a masochist that guys is sometimes. Or maybe it's just that he likes bothering Sango. Who am I to tell? I'm too busy trying to understand my inborn hatred of the wolf-wimp. Why me?
No one seemed in much of a rush to go outside, but we were running low on food. Kagome was probably the least willing to leave, but she suggested that we do something other then cower in corners all day long. I would prefer the cowering idea, but I have to be a man sometimes. So she grabbed the wad of cash that Sango brought with her last time she went home. At first, we thought it best all three of us go. But Kagome shot down that plan in case Sango woke up and saw she was alone and panicked. I thought we could wake her and tell her, but that wouldn't do, she'd probably forget in her slumber-state. I suggested then that Kagome stay behind, but I could see she really needed something to do other then sit around. Her fight with Kagura had left her pretty shaken. The last scenario was to leave Miroku behind, but neither of us liked the idea. It was only after we beat Miroku into swearing on his own life that he wouldn't touch her while injured. I didn't think he would. He likes it a lot better when they're conscious enough to slap him for his roving hands.
After Kagome had a few hushed and harsh words with Miroku, she and I went out into the city to shop. We walked in silence most of the time, just taking comfort in the nearness of the other person. Kagome had a calming effect on me. I didn't feel the urge to beat the shit out of anyone on the street that morning. She looked rather unfazed by everything around her, more subdued then she usually was. I think Kagome was really getting in the frame of mind, fully excepting everything that was in front of her. It was sobering, to say the least.
We went into a few of the stores we had been in a few days ago, the same cashiers talked with Kagome. She smiled slightly, going along with conversation, but I could see that her heart was not in it. They did too, soon giving up with a sad and dejected look.
We still walked in silence, after being on the streets a few hours, when we started heading back home. It struck me then that I had just referred to it as home, no longer was it 'my' home. Just home, as in the place where I live with Sango and Kagome. As in 'our' home. That shook me a little bit, but I pushed those thoughts away when a tingling sensation began in the back of my head. It felt like someone was watching me, familiar eyes. But when I sniffed the air, I smelled nothing out of place.
It was beginning to bother me the closer we got to home. That feeling of being watched, of being followed...it just wouldn't go away. Even when I turned to look behind me, there was nothing there. After a while Kagome noticed this.
"Inuyasha, is something wrong?" she asked quietly, looking behind us as well.
"I think we're being followed," I said quietly, looked back ahead.
"We are," she said simply. I blinked at her slowly. "I saw him when we came out of the last store. He's been keeping out of sight, but I sense a demon on our trail."
"Can you tell if it's a Golem? Someone after Kagura or you?" She shook her head, her face taking on a thoughtful expression.
"He's not a Golem, or at least not one that I've ever felt before. His powers are very strong, very old. Like a long bloodline of power." She closed her eyes, reaching out with her senses. I felt a ticklish sensation along my skin, realizing it was her. "I don't know who he is," she said, opening her eyes and looking to me. "But he's not after me. He's looking for you."
"Me?" I said, taking a step back, blinking rapidly. "Why the hell would a demon be after me?" She shrugged and kept moving.
"I don't know," she replied. Her expression darkened, as did mine.
"Let's keep moving. Once we get to the apartment, I'll take my sword and go to the building down the block. If it's to be a fight, that's where I'll make my stand." I curled my claws into the palms of my hands, feeling the sharp nails digging into my skin. There was only one demon in my life who had a nasty habit of popping up when I least expected...and least wanted...him there, and I really, really hoped it wasn't him.
We got to the apartment fast. I ran in, grabbed my sword and was out the door before Kagome even had a chance to close it the first time. Miroku watched me from his seat on the bed, next to Sango. She was awake now, and watched my movements as well. I heard Kagome call my name but I didn't pause to look at them, I just took off down the street.
It was him, I could make out his scent now. Now that he was close enough. I winced. Why, oh why, do these thing always happen to me? I mean, I'm a good person. I don't vote! I prayed to every deity that I had ever heard of to just make this end quickly so I could get back to the more important matter at hand, like protecting a girl and a jewel from the likes of a psycho!
I reached the abandoned building with time to spare, leaping up the stairs five at a time. I pushed threw the roof access and stood on the open ground, looking to all sides. His scent was in the air, I knew it wouldn't be long until he made himself known to me. I gripped my sword in my hand tightly, looking around with a scowl and a narrowed eye. Then, there is was.
He stood on the open roof, not fifty feet from me. How is it that some people can manage to look smug and arrogant without an expression on their face? How is it that some people can just look down on you, even if you were fifty feet taller then them? If there was a name for the physical manifestation of the phrase 'palpable superiority' it would be Sessohmaru.
The cocky son of a bitch. God I hate that guy. Just the look of him makes my skin crawl. I growled just looking at him there. He hadn't moved, hadn't even seem to acknowledge that I was there. He simply held that air of disinterest in me, yet he was here anyway.
"What the fuck do you want?" I asked him, adding just enough metal to my voice. Smooth Inuyasha, very smooth. He ignored me, of course, finding something else on the street much more interesting. He walked to the edge of the roof and looked down. He looked put out! I wanted to beat the look right of his face. Bring it Fluffy! I'll beat you down so hard there won't be a big enough piece of you left to fit under my nail. I flexed my claws, ready to kick his ass, when he spoke.
"I don't understand what all the fuss is about." There was a lazy tone, but I heard the annoyance beneath it. That took me off guard. What could annoy Sesshomaru more then me? What could my brother possibly be doing here, in the middle of my mental crisis? Why is it always the last person you want to see that comes when to kick you when you're down?
"What are you bitching about?" I asked, not relaxing my guard again.
"That human girl. She doesn't seem to be such a threat, and yet she has the fiercest power in all the city up in arms against her." Kagome! He was talking about Kagome. What the hell is he talking about her for? What did he know? I narrowed my eyes, doubling my hostility. "I don't understand what the fuss is about. She's just a human." Yeah, and Japan is just an island!
"And what does she matter to you?" I hissed, moving a few steps closer to him. He looked over at me, the same look of disgust in his golden eyes as there always was.
"She doesn't. I was just curious as to why she was so upsetting the balance of power in this city. You can imagine my surprise when I tracked her scent and found you. When Naraku summoned me to fine the Guardian of the Shikon Jewel and kill all who aid her, I didn't realize it would have been worth my while." He faced me now, hand poised, ready for the attack.
"So my high-and-mighty half-brother was working for Naraku. Oh how the proud hath fallen," I taunted, grasping the hint of my sword, ready to pull.
"Do not delude yourself with falsehoods, Inuyasha. I only agreed to this little venture becasue Naraku has something I desire returned to me. Killing you is just a bonus." Then the attack came, swift as ever. Talking was done, it was time to fight or die. Frankly, I still want to live to see twenty-one, so I'll fight. FIGHT TO THE DEATH!
The first blow came swiftly, easily blocked by my arm. I was not so slow as I was when a teenager. I had matured into greater strength, and more power. I made an attempt at retaliation, but he moved too fast for me to strike him. I had to rebound quick as his second blow came at my face. I hit the ground on a bad angle, but kept my feet, quick enough to roll away as his third and forth blows came at me. There wasn't enough time to pull my sword, Dammit!
I needed time, a distraction. I needed something to give me that split-second so I could at least arm myself against this attack. That distraction came in the form of a power-charge arrow whizzing between me and Sesshomaru. I was quick enough to avoid it, as was he. We both turned to the stairwell. Kagome stood there, bow in hand, already reaching for a second arrow. Miroku was next to her, holding his staff, and Sang leaned heavily against him, but had her sword in hand.
"Stay out of this," I called at them, finally drawing my sword. "This is my fight!" So far they obeyed, Miroku and Sango staying in the stairwell. Kagome still stood in the same place, arrow still drawn, but she didn't release.
"What's this Inuyasha? You need the aid of humans now?" Sesshomaru taunted in his dry-toned way. God I hated him. I mean, he's just so fucking irritating. Does this guy ever shut up about the superiority bit. 'Demons are prouder and better then humans' and all of that shit. But in the end, where do most of the demons end up anyway? Dead, or worse. I don's care who is better or who is worse. Life is better then status if you ask me.
"Shut up, let's do this!" He was happy to oblige me, coming on fast again. I blocked his attack with my sword, but it was only a deflected blow. My sword wasn't a strong defense against Sesshomaru's demon power. Didn't Sango say this this was supposed to transform in battle? Oh...but only to protect humans, wasn't that the catch? Stupid catches, always ruining everything.
Sesshomaru didn't give me time enough to ponder how in hell I was supposed to use this piece of junk. He rained another heavy assault on me, knocking me off my feet and to the ground. Blood started running from a gash he gave me across the side of my face. Bastard. I was bleeding on my favorite shirt too.
He hit me while I was down, just like the little bitch that he is. Kicked me hard in the stomach, knocking the air out of my lungs and making me hack. The sword was knocked from my hand as I clutched at my midsection. He had his foot on my back, I couldn't get up quick enough. The blow was coming. But then it didn't. I saw another flare of bright energy, but then it shattered as Sesshomaru caught it in his hand. Kagome's arrow. I rolled out from under his foot and grabbed my sword again. But he was no longer looking at me, he was looking at Kagome.
"You should no better then to interfere in this," he began slowly. "Naraku wanted you alive, but I suppose as long at your body is delivered, everything will be alright." He moved faster then the eye could see at her. Kagome stood without fear, readying a third arrow, but I got in-between them. My sword rang as Sesshomaru's claws collided with it.
"You'd be wise to leave her alone," I hissed at him, placing myself between my brother and Kagome. Suddenly, the sword hilt in my hand felt strange. A weird energy stared to be admitted from it, an almost pulsing sensation. I watched the skinny, virtually useless blade in my hand morph before my eyes in a huge, sharp killing machine. Yeah baby! This is what I'm talking about! "Let's go Fluffy," I said under my breath as I charged at Sesshomaru. He dodged the first and second attempted attacks.
"What kind of sword could do such a thing?" he mused aloud, eyeing my sword. "It's an impressive weapon indeed. Most unfit in the hands of you, Inuyasha." My name was said like a curse. I held my ground. Sesshomaru made one final sweep at me, both claws extended. I blocked them with my sword and made a swing at his midsection, taking the armor he wore over his body clean off. He looked from the broken armor on the ground, then back at me. "It seems that I have underestimated you. This battle is at an impasse. I will retreat for today, but I will return." With that, he turned from the roof and jumped off. I ran to the edge, but I saw him disappear before my eyes. His scent was heading north, north toward the Heart of the City. North to Naraku.
"Inuyasha?" came a voice from behind me. I saw Kagome, arrow and bow placed in the quiver on her back. She took a few hesitant steps toward me, eyeing the cut on my face. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah, I'm ok." I relaxed a little, sheathing the sword and letting out the breath I hadn't known I'd been holding. "I could have sworn I told you guys not to interfere?" I asked, half-annoyed and half-thankful.
She flushed. "I'm sorry. I panicked! I saw him about to...and you were...I'm sorry." It's strange, she didn't look sorry in the least, just more flustered that I caught her. I smirked at her, that I'm-so-right-and-you're-so-wrong smirk.
"Hmph," Kagome said, hands on her hips. "Well let's just see me help you again." With that she walked up to me, turned my face to the side non-to-lightly, and looked at my cuts. I put up with it, what else could I do? Maybe I was just happy that I was able to get out of that skirmish alive. Maybe I was just happy that everyone else was ok too. Or maybe I was just happy to feel Kagome's fingers on my face and watch her assess me with the eye and air of a healer. It was kinda cute, in a way. "Come on, let's get you cleaned up. You're bleeding all over your shirt." Dammit! My poor, poor shirt.
Miroku and Sango went first, both happy they didn't have to get involved in fighting. Both happy everything turned out well, so they say. When we got back to the apartment, Kagome sat me down at the kitchen table in order to wipe off the blood and put on this creamy stuff that smelled really bitter. I told her I'd be healed by morning, but that only got a snort from her. I sighed and sat at the table while she made us some food. I got Ramen, for being in a fight and all. Miroku decided to stay the night, so he curled up on the floor. Sango was still in my bed, so I would take the floor again. Kagome would have her nest. But when I looked around after eating my dinner, I noticed the said person was no where to be seen.
"Hey, where'd Kagome go?" I asked Sango as she sat on the bed watching TV with Miroku.
"Shippou came with a message from Kouga while you were stuffing your face. She said she needed some air, so I assume she's with him."
"You assume? It's night! What if she's attacked or something?" Sango looked up at me with annoyance all over her face.
"What do you want from me? She said she'd be right back. Trust her a little bit. She wouldn't go far and she took her bow with her." It did make me feel better knowing she was armed, but still. That girl was gonna get herself killed! I just knew it!
"I'm going to go find her, if anyone cares." Miroku and Sango both raised a hand, but were too involved in what they were watching. I shook my head and went outside. I picked up two distinct scents. One was Shippou, the fox of the Wolf Pack. His scent led north, back to Kouga's territory. The other scent was Kagome's. She was south, toward the building where she fought Kagura and I fought Sesshomaru.
I followed the scent to the building, and up to the roof. Why is it that everyone likes the roof? Sure it's open and spacey, there's a nice breeze, it's got a nice view when you need to think...ok I answered my own question. I saw her sitting on the edge of the building, dangling her legs off, her hair caught in the light breeze. I walked up slowly, not wanting to startle her.
"Oh how I figured it's be you to come and fetch me home," she muttered, eyes never leaving the expanse of the cityscape. Her voice sounded older then usual, it sounded sad. I looked at her, but she kept looking forward.
"It's dangerous to be out here at night," I said, not really knowing what else to say. I feel dumb, like a broken record. The same words over and over again. With a sigh, I sat down next to her, legs hanging over the side. "You really shouldn't come out at night, what if one of the gangs caught you?" Sighing again because she still didn't face me, I asked another question. "What are you doing out here anyway?"
Her words were soft, almost blown away by the wind. "I'm watching the city burn." I cocked an eyebrow in surprise.
"Excuse me?"
"Look there," she said, pointing out to the western block of the city. The entire cityscape was bright with lights from inside and outside. It was only dark in the sky above us. The city still seemed to burn with light and with life. I followed Kagome's finger over to the westfold territory. There were buildings set ablaze. Fires torched most of the abandoned part of that territory, smoke and flame dancing in the darkness.
"It burns," I whispered. She nodded. Then she pointed to something else, a parade of lights flashing in the streets from the westfold, heading toward the Heart of the City. "What's that?"
"The Steel Dragons," she told me. "The gang of the westfold. They've joined Naraku. That's what Shippou came to tell me tonight. That makes it final. He has the strongest gangs of the Westfold, the Eastside, and Downtown gathered in the Heart of the City. The only gangs he hasn't taken over are the Wolf Pack, the Red Foxes, the Death Dealers, and the Ravens." I sucked in a breath. That was a lot of missing names. That was a lot of bad-ass power.
"He's raising an army," I muttered.
"Yeah, he's going to let it grow in the Heart, and when everything is filled with tension, he'll let it spring. Like some kind of sick trap. He'll let him hordes come down on this city until there is nothing left to stand in his way." I winced. Her voice was so cynical, so cold.
"Is that all we know?"
"So far. Kouga hasn't been able to get more details. But he's trying and I have to wait it out." She leaned forward on her elbows, letting out a sigh that lasted a full minute. Like she carried the weight of the world. "Part of me wants to run away," she whispered suddenly, stilling my breath. "Get away from this city. From anything that knows my name and knows the Jewel. I'm only eighteen years old Inuyasha," she said, turning to face me. "I don't want to die. I don't want to have the fate of all these people riding on what I do." I saw fear in her dark eyes, fear mixed with anger and sadness. I wanted so much to take away those feelings that swirled to form a bitter shell inside her. Like poison, bitterness eats a soul away.
"Then why don't you go?" I asked, barely daring to breathe.
"Because the other part of me won't let me run away, tail between my legs. I knew I'd have to face this my entire life, the destiny of a Guardian. It won't let me run away. I won't let myself be that weak." She turned back to the city, looking out over the lights and the buildings. "There is that little voice inside of me that keeps telling me the one thing that's the most important."
Little voice? I have a little voice inside of me, it's called sanity. It's called self-preservation. If I had any, I'd run as far away from this girl as I possible could. But I can't, I just can't run from her and I don't know why. Then another voice spoke, something about maybe feeling the L-word? That thought gets squished before it can finish.
"What's your little voice telling you?" I asked, trying to keep her talking rather then sad.
"That there is hope for a better future," she whispered. I was frozen by her voice as she spoke these words. This small, beautiful, seemingly-defenseless girl who I had rescued on the street barely a week ago. "That there is good in this place, good that's worth dying for. It's telling me that I can make a difference here, that I can make it better then it is." She looked at me, a forlorn smile on her face and tears in her eyes. "You think I'm fooling myself?"
"Not at all, I think you're incredible." Why in seven hells did I say that? HOLY SHIT! I sound like MIROKU! NO! My worst fears have been realized! I'm putting the moves on a depressed teenaged girl. I'm going to hell, in a fucking hand basket even. Oh, I need a hug....And then I got it.
Before I realized she even moved, her arms were around me. I froze yet again, too utterly shocked to form rational thought. I couldn't even continue cursing myself! She smelled really good, I can remember that much. That was the one thought in my hazy little brain. Kagome smells really good. And she was very soft and very warm and I liked the feel of her holding on to me. When I regained the use of my arms, I returned her hug, a little more hesitantly.
"Thank you Inuyasha," she said in a low voice. "I'm glad it was you who saved me."
"Anytime," I said, and I meant it.
This is what makes me different then my brother. I had been thinking my whole life what it exactly was that separated Sesshomaru and me, apart from the demon thing. He was different from me and it wasn't just the demon blood. It was our hearts. No matter what happens to him, Sesshomaru will always have the heart of a demon. He might be able to change, but it will always been part of him. But me, I have the heart of a human. No matter what happens to me, I'll always have the heart of a human, and for that I am very thankful. Even more thankful for the girl that was hugging me when I realized this fact. I think it was because of her that I finally understood myself a little better. So we sat there, Kagome and me. Understanding of ourselves drew us together that night as we sat on the roof, embracing one another, while behind us the city burned.
Yay, chapter 8 is done. *wipes a sweating brow* That took a while to write. Now, I know it wasn't a lot of fighting in here, but I wanted to set up my master plan. The next chapter will be a bit more physical, hehe. Watch as everyone' favorite Gang of Goodness heads out for the Heart of the City to see what they can see, and beat down whoever stands in their way of course! By the way, thanks to all of you who reviewed. Please remember to do so again, hehe. I'll try to update as quick as I can!
~~Jesse the Wolf Demon~~