Wow, I mean it, Wow! You guys are so good to me, I'm not kidding. I never thought anyone would like this story, hehe. I mean, I'm not exactly sure why I even started writing it, or how I'm keeping it going. It came to me in a vision, yeah, that's it. Rule #1: Always blame the unexplainable on the unexplainable (Example: Visions, alien abductions, flying cows, exc.) Yes, well, I think I really have gotten the handle on Inuyasha's male psyche for this fic, what'd think? Oh! I'm also happy that you think I did a good job on Sesshomaru. I was a little worried about him, but I think he turned out pretty good.
Okay, a little more of Jesse the Wolf Demon's methods of madness here... I want to get a little more of my stuff out in the open here, for all my readers to see. You'll notice that the language is going to be going up slightly in the next chapters due to Inuyasha taking on a lot of stress, lol. This is really a habit of mine. When I'm under pressure I curse A LOT, so he's gonna be the same way. I have a long line of obscenities to share, it makes up for my lack of quick wit. And one more thing, I noticed that a lot of stories use the Japanese words for demons and half-breeds (youkai, hanyou, and such). I catch myself typing these things on occasion, but the reason I don't want to use them in my fic is not because I don't want to make it authentic, I just want to make my story as easy to understand as possible. I'm not Japanese, and I'd probably end up making a fool out of myself if I mess with another language. My characters live in a city, they speak English, let's not go there, alright? Enjoy!
Disclaimer: Anyone who wants to sue me can go to hell! I don't own Inuyasha, but I did implant a small microchip in his brain that makes him obey only me!
Chapter 9:
The Shrine of Four Souls
Okay people, minds out of the gutter please. Nothing happened last night, I swear. Not that anything would...I mean, she's not that kind of girl! And as for myself, I'd like to pride myself with a little self restraint, when it comes down to things like that. I mean, not concerning food and stuff. AH! I'm confusing myself again. Nothing happened, end of story. Moving on...
Rather then waking up to the lovely smell of food, or even the annoying smell of wolf, I woke up to the sound of Sango kicking Miroku's ass some more. Now that the body guard was up and on her feet, Miroku deemed her grope-worthy once more. There is seriously something amiss with that man, there really is. Kagome was sitting in the kitchen, leaning on her hand, watching them with half-lidded eyes of annoyance and amusement. I went into the kitchen, pouring myself some coffee and leaning against the wall next to her.
"How many?" she asked aloud. I blinked.
"Huh?"
"How many kids do you think they'll have?" she asked, smiling wickedly up at me before turning to look back and Sango and Miroku. Sango happened to here this question and stopped mid-stomp to looked dumbly over at Kagome as if she had just betrayed her in the worst sense of the word.
I smiled too and looked at them. "I'd say at least six." I nodded at my conclusion. Sango, one final kick to Miroku's stomach, marched up to me with murder on her face.
"What did you just say dog-boy?" she bellowed, a finger jabbing me in the shoulder.
"Sango, please, you're so obviously in denial," Kagome laughed. Sango whirled on her, marching over and glowering at her friend in that if-I-stare-long-enough-you'll-start-to-melt kind of way.
"Young love," I cackled, holding on to the wall for support. Sango's eyes flickered between me and Kagome as we both laughed so hard we thought we'd die.
"And just what were you two doing last night while you were out?" Miroku asked when he crawled into the kitchen. That made me sober up, and quiet down. Kagome blushed a little, still giggling madly as she sipped at her coffee. Sango looked smug. At least until Miroku made his way to her chair and started rubbing her again.
"Pervert! Can't you keep your hands to yourself for five minutes?" she cried, jumping to her feet, about to bash my buddy over the head with my chair.
"Whoa, Sango!" I yelled, prying the chair from her hands. "Can't we all just get along?" Kagome started laughing again behind me. Sango glared, but released the chair. She stepped on the small of Miroku's back to get back into the living room. Miroku made a small sound of agony before turning around and crawling after her. I rolled my eyes, putting the chair back down with a sigh. "I'm not going to have an apartment left if those two don't learn to use non-violent approaches."
"Well, Sango is a warrior, and Miroku is a lecher," Kagome rationalized. I snickered. "I think they'll have at least eight kids," she whispered across the table to me.
"I heard that Kagome!" Sango growled. We both laughed again. When a familiar scratching was heard at the door, it was Sango who unlocked the door for Kirara to enter. "Good morning Kirara," she said as she stroked the demon cat. "What have you here?" I looked over at them and noticed that Kirara was carrying an envelope in her mouth. I also noticed Miroku's hand traveling dangerously near Sango while she was bent over.
"Uh, Sango," I said. "Stand up." She blinked at me, but did as I said. Miroku's hand sent past her and into Kirara. The demon cat did not like that, so she spent a full ten minutes chewing on Miroku's hand as he cowered in the corner, begging forgiveness.
"Kagome," Sango said, joining us in the kitchen. "Kohaku sent this letter with Kirara. It's from your grandfather." Kagome brightened, taking the envelope from Sango's hands. She tore it open and read the letter to herself first, then aloud to us.
"Kagome, I know that it may be dangerous to send this letter to you in case Kirara is intercepted, but I have to chance it. When Sango told your brother and me that you had been rescued and were now living with people who can protect you, I felt nervous, but relieved. But I have to make this request to you, even though it may be peril-less. Child, I need you to return to the shrine. Not for long because we know the risks, but since Naraku's people have all gathered in the Heart of the City, it is now a good time for you to come back. Please Kagome, your brother and I miss and worry for you dearly. We need to find a way to protect the Jewel. --Grandpa"
"So, are you going to go?" I asked after she finished reading. Kagome looked thoughtfully up at me, then back down to the letter. Then she looked at Sango.
"Yes. I miss my family, and they might be able to help us come up with a plan. There I can also check in with the Wolf Pack for information. He's right too, now that the Golems have retreated to the Heart of the City, it's the safest time."
Sango and I nodded, both considering the options. It was a risk, possibly even a trap. But now that Sesshomaru knew I was helping Kagome, it would only be a matter of time before Naraku knew as well. Then he'd know where we were hiding. Then...I didn't want to continue on that train of thought. It left a cold, empty feeling in the pit of my stomach.
"Well then, we can head back to the Shrine this morning Kagome. I know Souta will be so happy to see you," Sango said with a smile. Kagome smiled back and got up from the table, emptying her coffee into the sink. I did the same.
"Well, come on then." She looked up at me in surprise.
"You...you want to come?"
"Uh...well, yeah. I mean, I am supposed to be protecting you right? You think I'm letting you boldly march forth into the unknown dangers of the City Heart without me? Whatever are you thinking?" I asked, hand to my heart, in mock outrage. She laughed.
"Well, we have a problem then," Sango said. "Kirara can only carry too people, and I know Miroku won't let us leave him behind." There was a feigned sigh in her voice. Kagome and I both knew it was fake. Maybe Kagome was right, I think Sango's got a thing for my partner.
"That's no big deal," I said with a smirk. "You and Miroku can ride Kitty over there. Kagome can go with me." Both girls looked at me with surprise. "I AM a half-demon, aren't I?" They smiled and nodded. Sango went over to kick life back into Miroku, explaining the game plan. Then, the four of us went outside.
In the middle of the street, Kirara--seemingly harmless kitty of a cute and fluffy nature--went from being puff ball to titan of feline power in 1.2 seconds flat! Engulfed in a bright flame, she grew five times to the size of a pony! Damn! I'll never question kitty-power again. Sango hopped onto her back, Miroku getting on nervously after her.
"Just follow us Inuyasha, and if you get lost, Kagome knows the way to the Shrine," Sango yelled as Kirara rose into the air and flew off. I stared, dumfounded for several seconds.
"Um, Inuyasha?" Kagome asked, poking me in the shoulder. "Shouldn't we get going?" I shook my head.
"Yeah sorry, got a little side-tracked." Then I crouched down lower to the ground and looked up at her. She blinked back, confused. "Get on my back," I commanded. She blinked again, making to back up. "Just do it Kagome," I said again, more commanding. Rolling her eyes, Kagome climbed up piggy-back style. Her arms went around my neck and I held on to her legs. "Don't worry, I won't let you fall." I felt her nod, but I knew she was nervous. Anyone should be, ridding on a demon's back is a bit scary I first, I'd imagine. But then I took off, getting to the roof of a building in one bound, then hopping along roof tops, always keeping the flying cat in my view. Kagome squeaked after the first jump, tightening her arms around my neck. I tried to repress any 'impure' thoughts that came to mind and focus on the task at hand.
"Don't go so fast!" she pleaded. I laughed a little because this was only about half my normal speed. Oh, this girl was not used to me at all. But she would be, I thought to myself. She would be.
"Don't worry Kagome," I said, turning my head a fraction to see her face hidden by her raven hair. "We'll be at the Shrine before you know it." There was a grunted reply. I smiled, continuing after Kirara, Sango, and Miroku until I saw then descending to the ground. We had covered a fair amount of ground. I looked ahead of us as I paused on a taller roof.
The Heart of the City met my eyes, a few miles to the northeast. It was a large city of territory, abandoned by all people. The buildings were ruins, falling apart and in disarray. They crumbled into one another, dark and dead. It was like a vast wasteland surrounding one, huge, perfectly cared for tower. The tower reached up so high even I couldn't see the top of it. The entire building was a smooth black stone, like those towers from a medieval story or something. I felt Kagome shiver when she followed my gaze.
"That's Naraku's tower," she whispered to me. "Where all the gangs of the city are gathered." I narrowed my eyes. Maybe that would help me see the tower better, see my enemy better. Kagome's arms flexing around my neck brought me back to myself. "Come on, the Shrine is just down there," she said, pointing to a strange old building. I heard the excitement in her voice. Sango and Miroku had already landed.
I hopped down beside them a few seconds later, just in time to see an old man hobble out of the building and come toward us. His hair was a mixture of gray and white, held back in a tail, and his eyes were dark, but seemed to see everything. He walked in a hunched way, hands behind his back. "Sango, you've returned," he said happily, then he saw Kagome climbing off my back. "Kagome!"
"Grandpa!" she squealed, pushing me to the ground in her haste. I did a head first dive into the dirt and came up sputtering. Kagome didn't notice, she was much to busy throwing her arms around the old man. "Grandpa, I'm so glad your alright!"
"Oh Kagome, we've been so worried about you!" I smelled the salt enough to know both of them had started crying. That helped my wounded pride as I regained my footing and dusted myself off. Miroku, that little... He had the nerve to look all amused and smug. I cracked him one on the back of the head. Sango grinned at me.
"Grandpa, these are my friends, the ones who have been helping me and Sango," Kagome said, turning back to us with a large smile. "This is Miroku," she introduced him and he shook the old man's hand.
"A pleasure sir." I rolled my eyes.
"And this is Inuyasha, the one who saved my life," Kagome said, pulling me over. I coughed and fidgeted as the man looked me up and down with a strange look in his eye. He looked from the ears on my head to the claws on my hands, back up to my face.
"A half-demon, eh?" he asked. I nodded and Kagome gave him a warning glance. "I thank you for saving my grand-daughter." His voice was even, but I could tell already that he didn't like me. Or at least, he didn't trust me. Not that I could really blame him. Demons had been plaguing his family for generations, especially one that had tried to kill him and take his grand-daughter just that week.
"It was nothing," I said, fidgeting some more. Just then, the door of the building opened again, sparing me and the old man from any other words.
"Kagome?" a voice came and the head of a small boy appeared. He couldn't have been more then twelve years old. His hair was cut short, but was the same raven black as Kagome's and his eyes were just as dark. It had to be her brother.
"Souta!" she cried, falling to her knees and opening her arms. Souta ran from the building and threw himself on her. "I missed you so much, little brother! I'm so happy your safe." Kagome squeezed him to her and hung on for dear life. He started crying on her shoulder.
"I thought you'd get killed! Don't leave anymore!" he cried, hugging her just as tight. Sango looked at them with a fond smile.
"Souta and Kagome are very close," she whispered to me. "Since their parents died." I nodded, understanding perfectly. It had always been obvious that Kagome cared a great deal for her younger brother. It was obvious that he loved her just as dearly. "Listen, I'm going to go to my home, just a little ways down the block. I'll be back in a little while." Sango hopped back up on Kirara and they took off down the street.
When Kagome got back up, Souta still clung to her waist. She turned to us and pointed. "Souta, these are my two friends. This is Miroku, he's very polite and you don't have to worry about him because he's only annoying to Sango." Miroku blushed at this and made a show of good will towards the boy. He huddled closer to Kagome. "And this is Inuyasha. He's the one who saved my life and he's a great fighter." The boy looked me over and spotted my ears. His entire demeanor changed and he suddenly lunged at me.
"Wow, you look really cool!" he yelled, jumping up and down and trying to reach my head. I reeled back from the sudden attack of pre-teen hero-worship. Kagome started laughing as she pried her brother off of me.
"Souta, I think you're frightening him. Inuyasha has led a pretty sheltered life." I looked at her with that surely-you-jest look and she only flashed me that blinding smile she has. Miroku snickered; it earned him a face-down trip into the dirt. "Come on inside you two," she said to us. "Sango and her family will be back soon. Might as well get comfortable." Miroku and I followed Kagome's family into the building that had a sign over it which read Shrine of Four Souls.
"Shrine of Four Souls?" Miroku read aloud. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Kagome's grandfather whirled on him. "You've never heard of the Shrine of Four Souls?"
"Grandpa, calm down. Their from the outer city," Kagome sighed in explanation, but it was too late. Her grandfather had launched into an explanation.
"The Shrine of Four Souls was constructed during the first four lifetimes of our family line. It has stood in this very spot of generation upon generation of the Guardians who've protected the Jewel. It is called the Shrine of Four Souls because of the Jewel itself. The very first of our line, the creator of the Jewel. She was a powerful woman named Midoriko who fought and killed countless demons." Kagome looked on her grandfather fondly as she ushered all of us into a large and lavished living room. Just as I expected, Kagome's house was huge and beautiful, a sign of great wealth.
"I'll be right back," she said to us, hurrying off into another room. Souta followed her, leaving me and Miroku to listen to her grandfather's tale. I was really not that interested, but Miroku looked absorbed, so I lounged on a couch and listened. It was best not to tick off the old man.
"Please continue, Mr. Higurashi," Miroku said politely, sitting himself on the ground across from the old man.
"Well, I can tell you that the demons that Midoriko fought were not very happy that one woman was able to defeat so many of there kind." I repressed a snort. No kidding. I mean, if all of a sudden a woman showed up in an age where demons reigned supreme and started kicking ass, I'd be a little pissed too, you know? But I held my tongue of course, sticking to my approach.
"The demons formulated a plan to kill her. They combined their bodies together, to fuse their power, then attacked Midoriko. The battle raged for seven days and seven nights, and finally, Midoriko could fight no longer. With the last bit of energy she had, she took the soul of the combined demon into her own. The result of such a sacrifice is what we now call the Shikon Jewel. The Jewel and this Shrine were named in her memory, in tribute to the powers she had." Miroku nodded. I could just see the wheels in his mind turning.
"And so the Jewel has strange powers," he said after a slight pause. "In the hands of a demon it can multiply their powers to incredible lengths. In the hands of a human, it can grant any wish the master chooses."
"Unless the wisher is the Guardian," old man Higurashi interrupted.
"Pardon me?" Miroku asked, blinking.
"The Guardian of the Shikon Jewel can't make a wish," I said to him. "If she were to do so, the Jewel would lose it's powers." Old man Higurashi gave me the evil eye. "What? Kagome told me that." I was on the defensive. What was with this old man? Sheesh.
"His words are true," he said, turning back to Miroku. "If Kagome, who is the official Guardian of the Shikon until her child is old enough, were to wish upon the Jewel, it's powers would be laid to rest, never to be used again."
"But wouldn't that be a good thing?" I asked suddenly, sitting up. "If she wished on the Jewel and it disappeared, then Naraku or any other demon for that matter could get their hands on it. She wouldn't have to be the Guardian anymore." The old man shook his head sadly.
"It is not that easy. If she were to just make an idle wish upon the Jewel, it's powers would rebound into an evil manifestation. Only a wish made when there is no doubt in her heart, when it is desired by her heart and soul. Only then can a wish be truly made. If she were to make it any other time, the power would simply kill her." I felt my eyes go wide. Kagome could die from that stupid Jewel? By making a fucking wish? What the Hell!?! The old man smirked at me in the only way an old man can. "It is not a simple matter to be the Guardian of the Shikon Jewel. Kagome knows this."
"But this Jewel is going to get her killed!" I said, getting to my feet. To hell with polite, this old man was pissing me off. The way he rationalized his own grand-daughter's life. It was a simple matter to him.
"What's going on in here?" the said grand-daughter said, eyeing us both. "Grandpa, stop provoking Inuyasha with your talk of the Jewel." I felt happier that she was scolding him and not me. Souta was right behind her, carrying a tray with tea on it. She took it from him and placed it in the space in between her grandfather and Miroku. "Alright, everyone have some tea and calm down." We all obeyed.
Sango appeared in the room a few minutes later, quickly followed by a young boy who looked about fifteen and a large older man. He was imposing to the eye, well built and had a menacing look. His dark hair was held back and his light eyes took us in. He had to be Sango's father. "Hello everyone," she said cheerily. "This is my father and my brother, Kohaku," she said, pointing to the man and the boy. "Father, these are mine and Kagome's friends. The one with the ears is Inuyasha, and the other one--" She was cut off as Miroku rushed past her to shake her father's hand.
"It's a pleasure to meet you sir, I'm Miroku," he introduced himself with enough charm and polite eloquence that I had to roll my eyes. Miroku had certain 'rules' when going about a woman. This was rule number twenty-something. When meeting a woman's father, always be polite and never, never grab her in front of him. That usually makes them unhappy.
"Yeah, that's Miroku," Sango sighed. Miroku then shook her brother's hand. Kohaku seemed to see right threw my poor partner. He frowned and mentioned something suspiciously like, 'Stay away from my sister." This made Miroku blink and Sango blush. But then Souta took Kohaku's attention and the two boys ran outside.
Once they were gone, Sango's father took a seat next to old man Higurashi. Kagome sat next to me and Sango was next to Miroku. The two older men were eyeing us younger men with something close to distain. I blinked back but I could tell Miroku was starting to sweat. I was used to cold stares, he wasn't. Finally Kagome broke the silence, clearing her throat.
"Well," she said with a light-but-angry tone. "If the staring contest is over, can we get to the reason why we're here?" Both men turned their focus to the Guardian. "What do we know about Naraku's plans?"
Sango's father sighed and shook his head as he sipped his tea. "Kouga has been back and forth between our home, the Temple, and his Pack's den for the last week. His sources are exhausted, and so is he. The Tower is like a closed fist now, no one unknown can get in and no one known can get out. Spike was lucky to make it home alive." We heard this before. "Now Naraku has gathered to him all the loose gangs he could. The only ones we have on our side are the four left, Kouga's people, the Ravens from the Eastfold, the Death Dealers from downtown, and the Foxes from the west. It's a small number compared to what he has."
"At least we have them on our side," Sango commented. "It would be even worse if the only ones we had were the Wolf Pack. Many of them were still hurt from Naraku's last attack when I was at the den a few days ago. The three other gangs at least take off the strain." Her father nodded.
"It's still a lower number then I'd like."
"If it's all we have, it'll have to do," Kagome said seriously. "There is nothing that can help it now. Wishing won't change their hearts." We all nodded at this. She was a pretty good strategist and I couldn't help the twinge of pride I felt. Then I caught Old Man Higurashi eyeing me again. What's with that guy? I'm really getting creeped out now. "So there has been no other news from the inside?"
"I'm afraid not Kagome," he said sadly. She nodded, looking pensive. "Then I'll have to go in myself," she said more to herself then to us.
"WHAT?!?" was the yell that came from everyone else in the room. "Are you out of your mind?" I yelled.
"I can't just sit around, twiddling my thumbs at this!" she shouted back. "I have to kill that bastard before he can kill anymore innocent people!"
"But committing suicide won't save anyone!" I countered.
"It's recon!"
"It's certain death!" We growled at each other, not noticing everyone staring at us. "Well if you're going I'm coming with you."
"No your not, I move better alone!"
"I'm supposed to protect you, aren't I?" No smart mouth replay came from that, only a death glare.
"Kagome dear," her grandfather said, drawing our gaze to him. "You can't waltz into the Heart of the City, even if you wanted to. There are demons all over that place now, and Naraku's reach is long to find you. It would be better if someone else went. It's not that we don't believe in your skills, but Inuyasha is right. For you to go there would be suicide." Kagome sat back, silent.
"So be it. I'll ask Kouga to send in his runner." As an afterthought she added, "I need to know when Naraku plans to attack. If we can find that out, then we can mass our allies around the Heart of the City to intercept Naraku's army. He's too much of a chicken ass to fight himself, he'd hide behind in the Tower. That would give me enough time to sneak into the borders and kill him."
Maybe my eyes were tricking me, but she seemed to shimmer with power during that last statement. I think it was just me, but I can't be sure. She let out a sudden sigh. "No sense taking war right now." She looked up with a small smile. "Until we know anything, it's just more stress." Her grandfather nodded and got up.
"Come dear, we can put the Jewel back in the House for now." She hesitated, hand flying to her neck, then she nodded and followed him. I watched them leave by the same door as Souta and Kohaku had.
Sango's father got to his feet then. "I should be getting back home, Sango." His daughter walked him to the door and embraced him before he left. She walked back in with a sigh, collapsing on the couch next to Miroku. What shocked me was that he didn't even try to grope her, he just sat there, deep in thought. I got up, the tension in the room too much for me.
I walked outside, watching Kohaku and Souta run around in a surprisingly large yard that held a huge tree and a smaller house in the back. It was the biggest tree I had ever seen, and I hadn't seen a tree since I was a kid. I looked up at it for a while, until Kagome came up to me.
"It's over five hundred years old," she commented.
"It's big," I said back. She laughed.
"Yes, it is."
"Is the Jewel Safe in that little house?"
"Yes. Only I can get threw the barrier that protects it. It'll be safe until we leave in the morning." I looked at her, startled.
"We're leaving in the morning?" She looked back at me calmly.
"It's still safer at you apartment then here, whether your brother knows or not. I don't get the feeling he'll share too much information with Naraku either way." That was true. Sesshomaru wasn't one to over-share. And I couldn't help feel a little happier knowing Kagome was coming home with me again. "It's ok then, right?"
"But of course," I commented, nonchalantly. "Um, Kagome, could I ask you something?" She looked up at me expectantly. "What's up with your grandfather? I mean, he's been looking at me weird since we got here."
Kagome blushed crimson and looked very uncomfortable. "Grandpa...well, let's just say Grandpa's not happy knowing that I've spent the night, alone, in a man's apartment. He's...presumptuous." I blinked, realizing what she was implying, then joining her in a blush.
"I'd never...you know."
"I know that, you know that, he doesn't know that." We both sighed and walked back to the house. Just as we reached the door, however, Kagome froze. I saw her back go ridged and she whipped around to face the back yard again. "KOHAKU! SOUTA!" she screamed, racing passed me and toward the side of the Shrine.
"Kagome?" I called after her. Miroku and Sango were also roused by her yells. Sango had her sword in hand and Miroku held his staff. I hadn't noticed he brought it with him, the miracles of life, right? I had my sword at my hip of course. After the tousle with Sesshomaru, I'm not leaving this baby off me for quite a while. The three of us raced after Kagome and skidded to a stop at the side of the Shrine.
Kagome was a few feet ahead, yelling at a pair of rather large looking demons. One had a hold of Kohaku, the other was holding Souta. Both boys looked roughed up, but not harmed. "You let them go this minute!" Kagome yelled at them. Her bow and quiver was in the Jewel House again. She was unarmed. I made to go to her side, but one of the demons stopped me, holding out his human hostage. Souta.
"Not so fast," he said. The wind changed around the Shrine and I got a good whiff of demon. There were some kind of bird demon. I eyed the talons on their fingers as they inched them closer to the soft throats of the two boys. I didn't move, but I growled. You can be sure of that.
"What do you want?" Kagome yelled at them again. Her voice was not happy. I ignored the small feeling of fear at that sound. Somewhere, deep down, my demon instincts told me that when you hear the Guardian of the Shikon Jewel sound like that, you run away screaming.
"We want you, pretty girl, and we want the Jewel," the one holding Kohaku said. He looked over to Sango, begging forgiveness. His sister was tense for battle, looking like she wanted to tear him apart, limb from limb. Sango is another woman you don't want to upset.
"Let the boys go and I'll come with you," she said evenly, hands balling into fists. I would have called out to her then, but the look in Sango's eyes told me to keep my mouth shut. The boy's lives were on the line. If I knew anything about Kagome, it was that she would do anything to protect hr family. The two demons considered her answer, then slowly let go of the two boys.
"Now come on over here sweetness," the one who had had Kohaku said. Kagome took a few steps closer to them, signaling both boys to move. They didn't need telling twice. Kohaku and Souta ran from those demons and hid for cover behind Miroku and Sango. That was their first mistake, letting the hostages go without any insurance.
Their second mistake was trusting the word of the Guardian of the Jewel. That woman is as cunning as she is beautiful. One second she was standing in front of them, the next she charged and drop kicked one in the gut. He cried and fell back.
"Why you little--" The second said, making a grab for her. Kagome dodged, but got a slice across the arm from his razor-sharp talons.
"Inuyasha!" she called, dodging another attack as the second demon got to his feet. "A little help?"
"But of course!" I yelled, rushing the two demons with my sword drawn. Sango and Miroku were two steps behind me. Kagome, unarmed and bleeding, went back to the two boys. Sango and Miroku took on the demon who had been holding Kohaku, and Sango hacked at him viciously with her sword. I took on Souta's holder.
I blocked a double attack as he swung talons at my throat. My sword transformed again as I held it up. I was protecting Kagome and the boys. Hell yeah, I love this sword! I swung my sword once, but he dodged. Swung it twice, caught him lightly on the arm. Swung three times and he was outta there. The demon took a blow from my sword to the stomach, then I ran him clear threw the chest. Sputtering and coughing up a trail of blood, the demon feel to his knees, then forward, unmoving. The jacket on his back was a symbol for the Steel Dragons. I saw the same jacket on the corpse of the demon who Sango and Miroku had killed. At least they weren't Golems. They wouldn't be missed immediately. But it proved they were still watching the Shrine.
"Thanks," both boys said when we came back over. Souta was nursing a long but shallow cut along his spine. Kohaku had a small puncture on his neck from where his capture had clutched him just a little too hard. Kagome's slash was the worst, along her upper arm. She smiled and wrapped it herself, saying she'd be good as new in a day or so. I smell of her blood sent shivers threw me. I never wanted to smell that, ever.
Old man Higurashi scowled at the attack, but he was grateful that no one was seriously hurt. He gave me another evil eye, like it had been my fault. I shrugged it off, thinking him an older version of Miroku, dirty-minded. But he was as good a healer as Kagome, and both boy's wounds were good as gone by nightfall. Maybe the old guy wasn't just a weirdo after all.
Sango took Kohaku home just before nightfall, leaving Miroku to look forlorn. He and I had to share the Shrine's guest room for the night, oh well. It could be worse...I think. Then the old man headed in to bed, telling us not to stay up very long. Miroku and I were both tired and Kagome looked beat. She sighed, saying her good nights.
"I think it's best if we leave first thing tomorrow," she said, her voice low. "We'll go over to the Wolf Pack den and see Kouga before heading back to your place." I bristled, really not wanting to deal with the wolf-boy, but I knew that Kagome had to see if there were plans made and discuss stuff. Just my luck, right? So we all headed in for the night. Gee, I wonder if this crazy whirligig of fun will ever end?
*sigh* Finished with this baby. Getting a little more intense now, that they are. I really don't know how many chapters I'm gonna make this thing, I'm projecting somewhere in the neighborhood of 15. I think that would be a good thing. Any less would be cheap, but more is...more. Oh well, no sense thinking that far ahead. Fans, glorious fans, beautiful wonderful fans, please review? I love your reviews more then Ramen, it's official. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me and I'll answer them, guaranteed! *cheesy smile* Don't change that dial, I'll be back!
~~Jesse the Wolf Demon~~
Okay, a little more of Jesse the Wolf Demon's methods of madness here... I want to get a little more of my stuff out in the open here, for all my readers to see. You'll notice that the language is going to be going up slightly in the next chapters due to Inuyasha taking on a lot of stress, lol. This is really a habit of mine. When I'm under pressure I curse A LOT, so he's gonna be the same way. I have a long line of obscenities to share, it makes up for my lack of quick wit. And one more thing, I noticed that a lot of stories use the Japanese words for demons and half-breeds (youkai, hanyou, and such). I catch myself typing these things on occasion, but the reason I don't want to use them in my fic is not because I don't want to make it authentic, I just want to make my story as easy to understand as possible. I'm not Japanese, and I'd probably end up making a fool out of myself if I mess with another language. My characters live in a city, they speak English, let's not go there, alright? Enjoy!
Disclaimer: Anyone who wants to sue me can go to hell! I don't own Inuyasha, but I did implant a small microchip in his brain that makes him obey only me!
Chapter 9:
The Shrine of Four Souls
Okay people, minds out of the gutter please. Nothing happened last night, I swear. Not that anything would...I mean, she's not that kind of girl! And as for myself, I'd like to pride myself with a little self restraint, when it comes down to things like that. I mean, not concerning food and stuff. AH! I'm confusing myself again. Nothing happened, end of story. Moving on...
Rather then waking up to the lovely smell of food, or even the annoying smell of wolf, I woke up to the sound of Sango kicking Miroku's ass some more. Now that the body guard was up and on her feet, Miroku deemed her grope-worthy once more. There is seriously something amiss with that man, there really is. Kagome was sitting in the kitchen, leaning on her hand, watching them with half-lidded eyes of annoyance and amusement. I went into the kitchen, pouring myself some coffee and leaning against the wall next to her.
"How many?" she asked aloud. I blinked.
"Huh?"
"How many kids do you think they'll have?" she asked, smiling wickedly up at me before turning to look back and Sango and Miroku. Sango happened to here this question and stopped mid-stomp to looked dumbly over at Kagome as if she had just betrayed her in the worst sense of the word.
I smiled too and looked at them. "I'd say at least six." I nodded at my conclusion. Sango, one final kick to Miroku's stomach, marched up to me with murder on her face.
"What did you just say dog-boy?" she bellowed, a finger jabbing me in the shoulder.
"Sango, please, you're so obviously in denial," Kagome laughed. Sango whirled on her, marching over and glowering at her friend in that if-I-stare-long-enough-you'll-start-to-melt kind of way.
"Young love," I cackled, holding on to the wall for support. Sango's eyes flickered between me and Kagome as we both laughed so hard we thought we'd die.
"And just what were you two doing last night while you were out?" Miroku asked when he crawled into the kitchen. That made me sober up, and quiet down. Kagome blushed a little, still giggling madly as she sipped at her coffee. Sango looked smug. At least until Miroku made his way to her chair and started rubbing her again.
"Pervert! Can't you keep your hands to yourself for five minutes?" she cried, jumping to her feet, about to bash my buddy over the head with my chair.
"Whoa, Sango!" I yelled, prying the chair from her hands. "Can't we all just get along?" Kagome started laughing again behind me. Sango glared, but released the chair. She stepped on the small of Miroku's back to get back into the living room. Miroku made a small sound of agony before turning around and crawling after her. I rolled my eyes, putting the chair back down with a sigh. "I'm not going to have an apartment left if those two don't learn to use non-violent approaches."
"Well, Sango is a warrior, and Miroku is a lecher," Kagome rationalized. I snickered. "I think they'll have at least eight kids," she whispered across the table to me.
"I heard that Kagome!" Sango growled. We both laughed again. When a familiar scratching was heard at the door, it was Sango who unlocked the door for Kirara to enter. "Good morning Kirara," she said as she stroked the demon cat. "What have you here?" I looked over at them and noticed that Kirara was carrying an envelope in her mouth. I also noticed Miroku's hand traveling dangerously near Sango while she was bent over.
"Uh, Sango," I said. "Stand up." She blinked at me, but did as I said. Miroku's hand sent past her and into Kirara. The demon cat did not like that, so she spent a full ten minutes chewing on Miroku's hand as he cowered in the corner, begging forgiveness.
"Kagome," Sango said, joining us in the kitchen. "Kohaku sent this letter with Kirara. It's from your grandfather." Kagome brightened, taking the envelope from Sango's hands. She tore it open and read the letter to herself first, then aloud to us.
"Kagome, I know that it may be dangerous to send this letter to you in case Kirara is intercepted, but I have to chance it. When Sango told your brother and me that you had been rescued and were now living with people who can protect you, I felt nervous, but relieved. But I have to make this request to you, even though it may be peril-less. Child, I need you to return to the shrine. Not for long because we know the risks, but since Naraku's people have all gathered in the Heart of the City, it is now a good time for you to come back. Please Kagome, your brother and I miss and worry for you dearly. We need to find a way to protect the Jewel. --Grandpa"
"So, are you going to go?" I asked after she finished reading. Kagome looked thoughtfully up at me, then back down to the letter. Then she looked at Sango.
"Yes. I miss my family, and they might be able to help us come up with a plan. There I can also check in with the Wolf Pack for information. He's right too, now that the Golems have retreated to the Heart of the City, it's the safest time."
Sango and I nodded, both considering the options. It was a risk, possibly even a trap. But now that Sesshomaru knew I was helping Kagome, it would only be a matter of time before Naraku knew as well. Then he'd know where we were hiding. Then...I didn't want to continue on that train of thought. It left a cold, empty feeling in the pit of my stomach.
"Well then, we can head back to the Shrine this morning Kagome. I know Souta will be so happy to see you," Sango said with a smile. Kagome smiled back and got up from the table, emptying her coffee into the sink. I did the same.
"Well, come on then." She looked up at me in surprise.
"You...you want to come?"
"Uh...well, yeah. I mean, I am supposed to be protecting you right? You think I'm letting you boldly march forth into the unknown dangers of the City Heart without me? Whatever are you thinking?" I asked, hand to my heart, in mock outrage. She laughed.
"Well, we have a problem then," Sango said. "Kirara can only carry too people, and I know Miroku won't let us leave him behind." There was a feigned sigh in her voice. Kagome and I both knew it was fake. Maybe Kagome was right, I think Sango's got a thing for my partner.
"That's no big deal," I said with a smirk. "You and Miroku can ride Kitty over there. Kagome can go with me." Both girls looked at me with surprise. "I AM a half-demon, aren't I?" They smiled and nodded. Sango went over to kick life back into Miroku, explaining the game plan. Then, the four of us went outside.
In the middle of the street, Kirara--seemingly harmless kitty of a cute and fluffy nature--went from being puff ball to titan of feline power in 1.2 seconds flat! Engulfed in a bright flame, she grew five times to the size of a pony! Damn! I'll never question kitty-power again. Sango hopped onto her back, Miroku getting on nervously after her.
"Just follow us Inuyasha, and if you get lost, Kagome knows the way to the Shrine," Sango yelled as Kirara rose into the air and flew off. I stared, dumfounded for several seconds.
"Um, Inuyasha?" Kagome asked, poking me in the shoulder. "Shouldn't we get going?" I shook my head.
"Yeah sorry, got a little side-tracked." Then I crouched down lower to the ground and looked up at her. She blinked back, confused. "Get on my back," I commanded. She blinked again, making to back up. "Just do it Kagome," I said again, more commanding. Rolling her eyes, Kagome climbed up piggy-back style. Her arms went around my neck and I held on to her legs. "Don't worry, I won't let you fall." I felt her nod, but I knew she was nervous. Anyone should be, ridding on a demon's back is a bit scary I first, I'd imagine. But then I took off, getting to the roof of a building in one bound, then hopping along roof tops, always keeping the flying cat in my view. Kagome squeaked after the first jump, tightening her arms around my neck. I tried to repress any 'impure' thoughts that came to mind and focus on the task at hand.
"Don't go so fast!" she pleaded. I laughed a little because this was only about half my normal speed. Oh, this girl was not used to me at all. But she would be, I thought to myself. She would be.
"Don't worry Kagome," I said, turning my head a fraction to see her face hidden by her raven hair. "We'll be at the Shrine before you know it." There was a grunted reply. I smiled, continuing after Kirara, Sango, and Miroku until I saw then descending to the ground. We had covered a fair amount of ground. I looked ahead of us as I paused on a taller roof.
The Heart of the City met my eyes, a few miles to the northeast. It was a large city of territory, abandoned by all people. The buildings were ruins, falling apart and in disarray. They crumbled into one another, dark and dead. It was like a vast wasteland surrounding one, huge, perfectly cared for tower. The tower reached up so high even I couldn't see the top of it. The entire building was a smooth black stone, like those towers from a medieval story or something. I felt Kagome shiver when she followed my gaze.
"That's Naraku's tower," she whispered to me. "Where all the gangs of the city are gathered." I narrowed my eyes. Maybe that would help me see the tower better, see my enemy better. Kagome's arms flexing around my neck brought me back to myself. "Come on, the Shrine is just down there," she said, pointing to a strange old building. I heard the excitement in her voice. Sango and Miroku had already landed.
I hopped down beside them a few seconds later, just in time to see an old man hobble out of the building and come toward us. His hair was a mixture of gray and white, held back in a tail, and his eyes were dark, but seemed to see everything. He walked in a hunched way, hands behind his back. "Sango, you've returned," he said happily, then he saw Kagome climbing off my back. "Kagome!"
"Grandpa!" she squealed, pushing me to the ground in her haste. I did a head first dive into the dirt and came up sputtering. Kagome didn't notice, she was much to busy throwing her arms around the old man. "Grandpa, I'm so glad your alright!"
"Oh Kagome, we've been so worried about you!" I smelled the salt enough to know both of them had started crying. That helped my wounded pride as I regained my footing and dusted myself off. Miroku, that little... He had the nerve to look all amused and smug. I cracked him one on the back of the head. Sango grinned at me.
"Grandpa, these are my friends, the ones who have been helping me and Sango," Kagome said, turning back to us with a large smile. "This is Miroku," she introduced him and he shook the old man's hand.
"A pleasure sir." I rolled my eyes.
"And this is Inuyasha, the one who saved my life," Kagome said, pulling me over. I coughed and fidgeted as the man looked me up and down with a strange look in his eye. He looked from the ears on my head to the claws on my hands, back up to my face.
"A half-demon, eh?" he asked. I nodded and Kagome gave him a warning glance. "I thank you for saving my grand-daughter." His voice was even, but I could tell already that he didn't like me. Or at least, he didn't trust me. Not that I could really blame him. Demons had been plaguing his family for generations, especially one that had tried to kill him and take his grand-daughter just that week.
"It was nothing," I said, fidgeting some more. Just then, the door of the building opened again, sparing me and the old man from any other words.
"Kagome?" a voice came and the head of a small boy appeared. He couldn't have been more then twelve years old. His hair was cut short, but was the same raven black as Kagome's and his eyes were just as dark. It had to be her brother.
"Souta!" she cried, falling to her knees and opening her arms. Souta ran from the building and threw himself on her. "I missed you so much, little brother! I'm so happy your safe." Kagome squeezed him to her and hung on for dear life. He started crying on her shoulder.
"I thought you'd get killed! Don't leave anymore!" he cried, hugging her just as tight. Sango looked at them with a fond smile.
"Souta and Kagome are very close," she whispered to me. "Since their parents died." I nodded, understanding perfectly. It had always been obvious that Kagome cared a great deal for her younger brother. It was obvious that he loved her just as dearly. "Listen, I'm going to go to my home, just a little ways down the block. I'll be back in a little while." Sango hopped back up on Kirara and they took off down the street.
When Kagome got back up, Souta still clung to her waist. She turned to us and pointed. "Souta, these are my two friends. This is Miroku, he's very polite and you don't have to worry about him because he's only annoying to Sango." Miroku blushed at this and made a show of good will towards the boy. He huddled closer to Kagome. "And this is Inuyasha. He's the one who saved my life and he's a great fighter." The boy looked me over and spotted my ears. His entire demeanor changed and he suddenly lunged at me.
"Wow, you look really cool!" he yelled, jumping up and down and trying to reach my head. I reeled back from the sudden attack of pre-teen hero-worship. Kagome started laughing as she pried her brother off of me.
"Souta, I think you're frightening him. Inuyasha has led a pretty sheltered life." I looked at her with that surely-you-jest look and she only flashed me that blinding smile she has. Miroku snickered; it earned him a face-down trip into the dirt. "Come on inside you two," she said to us. "Sango and her family will be back soon. Might as well get comfortable." Miroku and I followed Kagome's family into the building that had a sign over it which read Shrine of Four Souls.
"Shrine of Four Souls?" Miroku read aloud. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Kagome's grandfather whirled on him. "You've never heard of the Shrine of Four Souls?"
"Grandpa, calm down. Their from the outer city," Kagome sighed in explanation, but it was too late. Her grandfather had launched into an explanation.
"The Shrine of Four Souls was constructed during the first four lifetimes of our family line. It has stood in this very spot of generation upon generation of the Guardians who've protected the Jewel. It is called the Shrine of Four Souls because of the Jewel itself. The very first of our line, the creator of the Jewel. She was a powerful woman named Midoriko who fought and killed countless demons." Kagome looked on her grandfather fondly as she ushered all of us into a large and lavished living room. Just as I expected, Kagome's house was huge and beautiful, a sign of great wealth.
"I'll be right back," she said to us, hurrying off into another room. Souta followed her, leaving me and Miroku to listen to her grandfather's tale. I was really not that interested, but Miroku looked absorbed, so I lounged on a couch and listened. It was best not to tick off the old man.
"Please continue, Mr. Higurashi," Miroku said politely, sitting himself on the ground across from the old man.
"Well, I can tell you that the demons that Midoriko fought were not very happy that one woman was able to defeat so many of there kind." I repressed a snort. No kidding. I mean, if all of a sudden a woman showed up in an age where demons reigned supreme and started kicking ass, I'd be a little pissed too, you know? But I held my tongue of course, sticking to my approach.
"The demons formulated a plan to kill her. They combined their bodies together, to fuse their power, then attacked Midoriko. The battle raged for seven days and seven nights, and finally, Midoriko could fight no longer. With the last bit of energy she had, she took the soul of the combined demon into her own. The result of such a sacrifice is what we now call the Shikon Jewel. The Jewel and this Shrine were named in her memory, in tribute to the powers she had." Miroku nodded. I could just see the wheels in his mind turning.
"And so the Jewel has strange powers," he said after a slight pause. "In the hands of a demon it can multiply their powers to incredible lengths. In the hands of a human, it can grant any wish the master chooses."
"Unless the wisher is the Guardian," old man Higurashi interrupted.
"Pardon me?" Miroku asked, blinking.
"The Guardian of the Shikon Jewel can't make a wish," I said to him. "If she were to do so, the Jewel would lose it's powers." Old man Higurashi gave me the evil eye. "What? Kagome told me that." I was on the defensive. What was with this old man? Sheesh.
"His words are true," he said, turning back to Miroku. "If Kagome, who is the official Guardian of the Shikon until her child is old enough, were to wish upon the Jewel, it's powers would be laid to rest, never to be used again."
"But wouldn't that be a good thing?" I asked suddenly, sitting up. "If she wished on the Jewel and it disappeared, then Naraku or any other demon for that matter could get their hands on it. She wouldn't have to be the Guardian anymore." The old man shook his head sadly.
"It is not that easy. If she were to just make an idle wish upon the Jewel, it's powers would rebound into an evil manifestation. Only a wish made when there is no doubt in her heart, when it is desired by her heart and soul. Only then can a wish be truly made. If she were to make it any other time, the power would simply kill her." I felt my eyes go wide. Kagome could die from that stupid Jewel? By making a fucking wish? What the Hell!?! The old man smirked at me in the only way an old man can. "It is not a simple matter to be the Guardian of the Shikon Jewel. Kagome knows this."
"But this Jewel is going to get her killed!" I said, getting to my feet. To hell with polite, this old man was pissing me off. The way he rationalized his own grand-daughter's life. It was a simple matter to him.
"What's going on in here?" the said grand-daughter said, eyeing us both. "Grandpa, stop provoking Inuyasha with your talk of the Jewel." I felt happier that she was scolding him and not me. Souta was right behind her, carrying a tray with tea on it. She took it from him and placed it in the space in between her grandfather and Miroku. "Alright, everyone have some tea and calm down." We all obeyed.
Sango appeared in the room a few minutes later, quickly followed by a young boy who looked about fifteen and a large older man. He was imposing to the eye, well built and had a menacing look. His dark hair was held back and his light eyes took us in. He had to be Sango's father. "Hello everyone," she said cheerily. "This is my father and my brother, Kohaku," she said, pointing to the man and the boy. "Father, these are mine and Kagome's friends. The one with the ears is Inuyasha, and the other one--" She was cut off as Miroku rushed past her to shake her father's hand.
"It's a pleasure to meet you sir, I'm Miroku," he introduced himself with enough charm and polite eloquence that I had to roll my eyes. Miroku had certain 'rules' when going about a woman. This was rule number twenty-something. When meeting a woman's father, always be polite and never, never grab her in front of him. That usually makes them unhappy.
"Yeah, that's Miroku," Sango sighed. Miroku then shook her brother's hand. Kohaku seemed to see right threw my poor partner. He frowned and mentioned something suspiciously like, 'Stay away from my sister." This made Miroku blink and Sango blush. But then Souta took Kohaku's attention and the two boys ran outside.
Once they were gone, Sango's father took a seat next to old man Higurashi. Kagome sat next to me and Sango was next to Miroku. The two older men were eyeing us younger men with something close to distain. I blinked back but I could tell Miroku was starting to sweat. I was used to cold stares, he wasn't. Finally Kagome broke the silence, clearing her throat.
"Well," she said with a light-but-angry tone. "If the staring contest is over, can we get to the reason why we're here?" Both men turned their focus to the Guardian. "What do we know about Naraku's plans?"
Sango's father sighed and shook his head as he sipped his tea. "Kouga has been back and forth between our home, the Temple, and his Pack's den for the last week. His sources are exhausted, and so is he. The Tower is like a closed fist now, no one unknown can get in and no one known can get out. Spike was lucky to make it home alive." We heard this before. "Now Naraku has gathered to him all the loose gangs he could. The only ones we have on our side are the four left, Kouga's people, the Ravens from the Eastfold, the Death Dealers from downtown, and the Foxes from the west. It's a small number compared to what he has."
"At least we have them on our side," Sango commented. "It would be even worse if the only ones we had were the Wolf Pack. Many of them were still hurt from Naraku's last attack when I was at the den a few days ago. The three other gangs at least take off the strain." Her father nodded.
"It's still a lower number then I'd like."
"If it's all we have, it'll have to do," Kagome said seriously. "There is nothing that can help it now. Wishing won't change their hearts." We all nodded at this. She was a pretty good strategist and I couldn't help the twinge of pride I felt. Then I caught Old Man Higurashi eyeing me again. What's with that guy? I'm really getting creeped out now. "So there has been no other news from the inside?"
"I'm afraid not Kagome," he said sadly. She nodded, looking pensive. "Then I'll have to go in myself," she said more to herself then to us.
"WHAT?!?" was the yell that came from everyone else in the room. "Are you out of your mind?" I yelled.
"I can't just sit around, twiddling my thumbs at this!" she shouted back. "I have to kill that bastard before he can kill anymore innocent people!"
"But committing suicide won't save anyone!" I countered.
"It's recon!"
"It's certain death!" We growled at each other, not noticing everyone staring at us. "Well if you're going I'm coming with you."
"No your not, I move better alone!"
"I'm supposed to protect you, aren't I?" No smart mouth replay came from that, only a death glare.
"Kagome dear," her grandfather said, drawing our gaze to him. "You can't waltz into the Heart of the City, even if you wanted to. There are demons all over that place now, and Naraku's reach is long to find you. It would be better if someone else went. It's not that we don't believe in your skills, but Inuyasha is right. For you to go there would be suicide." Kagome sat back, silent.
"So be it. I'll ask Kouga to send in his runner." As an afterthought she added, "I need to know when Naraku plans to attack. If we can find that out, then we can mass our allies around the Heart of the City to intercept Naraku's army. He's too much of a chicken ass to fight himself, he'd hide behind in the Tower. That would give me enough time to sneak into the borders and kill him."
Maybe my eyes were tricking me, but she seemed to shimmer with power during that last statement. I think it was just me, but I can't be sure. She let out a sudden sigh. "No sense taking war right now." She looked up with a small smile. "Until we know anything, it's just more stress." Her grandfather nodded and got up.
"Come dear, we can put the Jewel back in the House for now." She hesitated, hand flying to her neck, then she nodded and followed him. I watched them leave by the same door as Souta and Kohaku had.
Sango's father got to his feet then. "I should be getting back home, Sango." His daughter walked him to the door and embraced him before he left. She walked back in with a sigh, collapsing on the couch next to Miroku. What shocked me was that he didn't even try to grope her, he just sat there, deep in thought. I got up, the tension in the room too much for me.
I walked outside, watching Kohaku and Souta run around in a surprisingly large yard that held a huge tree and a smaller house in the back. It was the biggest tree I had ever seen, and I hadn't seen a tree since I was a kid. I looked up at it for a while, until Kagome came up to me.
"It's over five hundred years old," she commented.
"It's big," I said back. She laughed.
"Yes, it is."
"Is the Jewel Safe in that little house?"
"Yes. Only I can get threw the barrier that protects it. It'll be safe until we leave in the morning." I looked at her, startled.
"We're leaving in the morning?" She looked back at me calmly.
"It's still safer at you apartment then here, whether your brother knows or not. I don't get the feeling he'll share too much information with Naraku either way." That was true. Sesshomaru wasn't one to over-share. And I couldn't help feel a little happier knowing Kagome was coming home with me again. "It's ok then, right?"
"But of course," I commented, nonchalantly. "Um, Kagome, could I ask you something?" She looked up at me expectantly. "What's up with your grandfather? I mean, he's been looking at me weird since we got here."
Kagome blushed crimson and looked very uncomfortable. "Grandpa...well, let's just say Grandpa's not happy knowing that I've spent the night, alone, in a man's apartment. He's...presumptuous." I blinked, realizing what she was implying, then joining her in a blush.
"I'd never...you know."
"I know that, you know that, he doesn't know that." We both sighed and walked back to the house. Just as we reached the door, however, Kagome froze. I saw her back go ridged and she whipped around to face the back yard again. "KOHAKU! SOUTA!" she screamed, racing passed me and toward the side of the Shrine.
"Kagome?" I called after her. Miroku and Sango were also roused by her yells. Sango had her sword in hand and Miroku held his staff. I hadn't noticed he brought it with him, the miracles of life, right? I had my sword at my hip of course. After the tousle with Sesshomaru, I'm not leaving this baby off me for quite a while. The three of us raced after Kagome and skidded to a stop at the side of the Shrine.
Kagome was a few feet ahead, yelling at a pair of rather large looking demons. One had a hold of Kohaku, the other was holding Souta. Both boys looked roughed up, but not harmed. "You let them go this minute!" Kagome yelled at them. Her bow and quiver was in the Jewel House again. She was unarmed. I made to go to her side, but one of the demons stopped me, holding out his human hostage. Souta.
"Not so fast," he said. The wind changed around the Shrine and I got a good whiff of demon. There were some kind of bird demon. I eyed the talons on their fingers as they inched them closer to the soft throats of the two boys. I didn't move, but I growled. You can be sure of that.
"What do you want?" Kagome yelled at them again. Her voice was not happy. I ignored the small feeling of fear at that sound. Somewhere, deep down, my demon instincts told me that when you hear the Guardian of the Shikon Jewel sound like that, you run away screaming.
"We want you, pretty girl, and we want the Jewel," the one holding Kohaku said. He looked over to Sango, begging forgiveness. His sister was tense for battle, looking like she wanted to tear him apart, limb from limb. Sango is another woman you don't want to upset.
"Let the boys go and I'll come with you," she said evenly, hands balling into fists. I would have called out to her then, but the look in Sango's eyes told me to keep my mouth shut. The boy's lives were on the line. If I knew anything about Kagome, it was that she would do anything to protect hr family. The two demons considered her answer, then slowly let go of the two boys.
"Now come on over here sweetness," the one who had had Kohaku said. Kagome took a few steps closer to them, signaling both boys to move. They didn't need telling twice. Kohaku and Souta ran from those demons and hid for cover behind Miroku and Sango. That was their first mistake, letting the hostages go without any insurance.
Their second mistake was trusting the word of the Guardian of the Jewel. That woman is as cunning as she is beautiful. One second she was standing in front of them, the next she charged and drop kicked one in the gut. He cried and fell back.
"Why you little--" The second said, making a grab for her. Kagome dodged, but got a slice across the arm from his razor-sharp talons.
"Inuyasha!" she called, dodging another attack as the second demon got to his feet. "A little help?"
"But of course!" I yelled, rushing the two demons with my sword drawn. Sango and Miroku were two steps behind me. Kagome, unarmed and bleeding, went back to the two boys. Sango and Miroku took on the demon who had been holding Kohaku, and Sango hacked at him viciously with her sword. I took on Souta's holder.
I blocked a double attack as he swung talons at my throat. My sword transformed again as I held it up. I was protecting Kagome and the boys. Hell yeah, I love this sword! I swung my sword once, but he dodged. Swung it twice, caught him lightly on the arm. Swung three times and he was outta there. The demon took a blow from my sword to the stomach, then I ran him clear threw the chest. Sputtering and coughing up a trail of blood, the demon feel to his knees, then forward, unmoving. The jacket on his back was a symbol for the Steel Dragons. I saw the same jacket on the corpse of the demon who Sango and Miroku had killed. At least they weren't Golems. They wouldn't be missed immediately. But it proved they were still watching the Shrine.
"Thanks," both boys said when we came back over. Souta was nursing a long but shallow cut along his spine. Kohaku had a small puncture on his neck from where his capture had clutched him just a little too hard. Kagome's slash was the worst, along her upper arm. She smiled and wrapped it herself, saying she'd be good as new in a day or so. I smell of her blood sent shivers threw me. I never wanted to smell that, ever.
Old man Higurashi scowled at the attack, but he was grateful that no one was seriously hurt. He gave me another evil eye, like it had been my fault. I shrugged it off, thinking him an older version of Miroku, dirty-minded. But he was as good a healer as Kagome, and both boy's wounds were good as gone by nightfall. Maybe the old guy wasn't just a weirdo after all.
Sango took Kohaku home just before nightfall, leaving Miroku to look forlorn. He and I had to share the Shrine's guest room for the night, oh well. It could be worse...I think. Then the old man headed in to bed, telling us not to stay up very long. Miroku and I were both tired and Kagome looked beat. She sighed, saying her good nights.
"I think it's best if we leave first thing tomorrow," she said, her voice low. "We'll go over to the Wolf Pack den and see Kouga before heading back to your place." I bristled, really not wanting to deal with the wolf-boy, but I knew that Kagome had to see if there were plans made and discuss stuff. Just my luck, right? So we all headed in for the night. Gee, I wonder if this crazy whirligig of fun will ever end?
*sigh* Finished with this baby. Getting a little more intense now, that they are. I really don't know how many chapters I'm gonna make this thing, I'm projecting somewhere in the neighborhood of 15. I think that would be a good thing. Any less would be cheap, but more is...more. Oh well, no sense thinking that far ahead. Fans, glorious fans, beautiful wonderful fans, please review? I love your reviews more then Ramen, it's official. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me and I'll answer them, guaranteed! *cheesy smile* Don't change that dial, I'll be back!
~~Jesse the Wolf Demon~~