A/N: Soooo......I know you guys are mad at me. I haven't updated in a
while and I'm very sry! Plus I left you guys hanging! You see...I
actually started writing about two weeks after chapter 16. But,
whatever I wrote, it didn't satisfy me. So I kept starting over. School
was close to an end too, so I had a lot of things to do as well. But
it's completely my fault. You see....when I finally wrote something
that satisfied me (and I was very happy too, that I had finally done
it) my disk somehow, screwed up and I was left with nothing once again.
I was very very mad. And I'm sure its happened to some of you guyz
before, when you lose something and you get so mad that you decide to
take a break for a week or so. But that's not all of it. Vacation.
Yeah, I went to Japan! Lets just say it was the best thing for me! If
any of you haven't been there, you must go. I wish I could tell you all
about it. So anyways, I read my reviews...and they made me very happy.
Thanks to those of you who reviewed.
Lunar InuYasha: Thank you so much for that last review you left. I was very very happy to receive it. In fact, it made my day....and was probably one of the main reasons I decided to hurry up on chapter 17. So..thank you thank you!
Evilmiko21: Thanx for reading my story. Well, I updated and I hope you're happy with what I wrote! Thanks again!
Chapter 17:Escaped and Engaged
By: KNE
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(Flashback)
Five year old Kagome sat on the comfy couch, hugging her knees. Her eyes were fixed on the flat screen T.V hung up on the wall ahead of her. Inuyasha was on his stomach next to her, squinting, not tearing his eyes away from the scene in front of him. The only time the two were actually quiet, was when a good movie was on, and hell...a good movie was on.
"Hey...Inu," Kagome whispered, so that she almost couldn't hear herself. Inuyasha ignored her, as the ending of the movie began to play. Kagome stared at the screen and watched as two people stood in a warehouse, surrounded by the police. The faced each other and pointed their guns at each other. Kagome gasped and then jumped as she heard the gunshot, almost knocking Inuyasha over.
"What the...!" Inuyasha screamed as Kagome's sudden movement made him jump as well. He jumped off the couch and glared at her. "Kag! You ruined the best part!" he screamed. Kagome made a face at him and then crossed her arms over her chest.
"That was a bad ending!" she yelled. Inuyasha growled and then picked up the remote control.
"Can't you sit still for once? It was a great movie! What are you talking about, stupid?" Inuyasha shouted, turning the screen off as the credits began to roll.
"Hmph, why did they have to die??" Kagome asked, dumbfound.
"Because everyone dies!" Inuyasha shouted, once more. Kagome hugged her knees again.
"I still think it's stupid."
"You're stupid! Why do you always have to ask questions when we watch a movie? I thought you had a brain!"
"Well you can't even give me a good reason why they died!" At this point, Inuyasha was pissed as hell for a little boy. He stared at the girl in front of him and snorted.
"Cuz they would of died anyways, the cops would of shot them..." Kagome kept her mouth shut and then suddenly her face lit up. "Hey Inu?"
"What?"
"What does it feel like to get shot?" Her question was pure innocent for a little girl, but Inuyasha was delighted.
"Of course it hurts, dummy! If it didn't hurt then why would they die??" he pointed at the black screen, like the movie was still playing. "It's like a million splinters all at once! Guts fly everywhere, and your kidneys burst inside you. Then you start coughing blood all over the place until you cough up your brain...." He grinned and made a pretend gun with his fingers and a gorish face. Kagome licked her lips, trying to register Inuyasha's boyish words. Inuyasha fell to the ground and rolled around clutching his stomach like he had just been shot. Kagome raised an eyebrow and then stood up on the couch.
Myouga walked in, with a tray of cookies and milk. He smiled at Kagome who was perched on top of the couch, watching his master roll on the ground like a dog. It was sad how such a good child was being influenced by such Kagome smiled when she saw the butler merged through the door.
"Hey Myouga!" she chirped.
"Hello Kagome-Chan? What are you doing?" he asked, kindly.
"Watching a movie."
"What kind of movie?"
"A killing movie," she again piped up in a cheerful voice. Myouga sweat dropped and glanced back down at Inuyasha who had stopped with the squirming and was now propped up on his elbow staring up at him.
"Now aren't you two a bit too young for that kind of movie?"
"No," Kagome said. "Inu said as long as we understand what's going on, then we can watch it." She smiled and looked down at Inuyasha. "Right, Inu?" Inuyasha rolled his eyes.
"You can't even understand it!"
"I can too!"
"Shut up, I'm sick of your whining!"
"You shut up asshole!" Myouga raised an eyebrow. Her vocabulary had definitely been influenced. Kagome snorted and then looked back at Myouga. "Hey Myouga, what does it feel like to get shot?"
Myouga hesitated and then shrugged.
"I assume that it hurts a lot."
"No shit wiseass," Inuyasha commented, standing up. Myouga glared at the boy. Kagome sighed and then jumped off the couch.
"Do you think I will ever get shot at?" she asked. Inuyasha snorted.
"No way! Who would waste a bullet on you?!" Kagome's jaw dropped.
"...and you're worthy of a bullet?" Inuyasha grinned and then pulled on the collar of his shirt.
"I'm Inuyasha. I'm worthy of anything."
"You pig." Kagome said, smacking him across the head. "What if you die?"
"I'm Inuyasha. I don't die."
"But you said everyone dies." Inuyasha was at lost for words this time. He shrugged and played it off coolly.
"Everyone but me. I'll never die."
"But I will, won't I? Would you ever get shot for me?" Inuyasha scrunched up his nose and shoved her away.
"Why would I ever risked myself for you? Nope, I only care about myself. I would never waste my time getting shot for you."
"So you would let me suffer?"
"Not if they shoot you in the head. You die instantly."
"Inu!"
"What?"
"You mean, you wouldn't protect me??" new tears began forming in her eyes as she said those words. Inuyasha' smile disappeared.
"What are you crying?!!! I never said I wasn't going to protect you! Stupid, no one's going to shoot us! This isn't even real!"
"But what if you die?"
"I'm not going to die! I'm going to live, kay? So stop worrying about stupid things that aren't ever going to happen!"
(End of Flashback)
What would life be like without him? Even for that one second after she heard the gun shot, she almost couldn't live without him. Kagome stared out the window, her shaky palms pressed up against the dirty window. What would of happened to her if the bullet had hit his head instead of the cement ground two inches away? Finally breaking through the shock, Kagome felt the cold tears fall down her face as relief washed over her. Biting her lip a small smile formed on her lips.
At least he was okay...for now. Her head then made a ninety degree turn to face the man behind everything. Her father stood his grounds watching her with an unamused face. The relieved expression from Kagome's face quickly changed to a cold, icy glare. Something was up....like usual.
"What do you want?" Kagome asked, reverting her gaze back to Inuyasha. "Why did you spare him?"
"I'm a business man Kagome...I thought you knew me better than that." Mr. Higurashi took a step forward, but Kagome stayed still. She was sick of this, sick of everything that was going on in her life. Why couldn't she be born into a normal family with a normal dad. She was fine for sixteen years of her life, just being an average girl. But now....
"What the hell are you talking about?" Kagome spat. Takeo sighed and also looked out at the torn and tattered Inuyasha lying on the hard ground.
"Even if I kill him now, you'll rebel sooner or later against me and the engagement." Kagome eyed him dangerously as he looked at her again. His point was slowly making its way in. "Do you care for this man?"
Kagome swallowed. Somewhere during his short sentences and eerie way of bringing up Inuyasha, Kagome understood well what her father was planning. Her heart squeezed as she bit her lip and continued to look out the window.
"I won't kill him now....unless you force me to..." Takeo said, looking closely at Kagome's reaction.
"And?"
"I won't kill him...as long as you marry Kouga and never see this boy again. I'll dump him on the side of the road as if nothing happened, and you will carry out your duty as my daughter..." Kagome stood still, not moving. She will still and again she felt another icy tear fall down her cheek.
She always knew there was going to be a reason why Inuyasha being involved in Tokyo was a bad idea. And she was right, Inuyasha was going to make a big impact for her future. Inuyasha was her future, the only thing that kept her going. And if he died...she would die too. She would sacrifice everything if she had to...because she loved him and she didn't need another second to think about it.
She knew her answer.
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He could of sworn he heard her voice. It had to be her voice....because it was the only angelic thing that had entered his mind. Then like a punishment for thinking about her, the loud cracking noise snapped him back to reality. He pulled his knees to his chest.
"Shit..." he said between clenched teeth. It would have been better if they just killed him, but waking him up every five minutes was pissing him off. His body ached like hell and the thought that was just killing him was that....right as he was groaning and squirming around like a baby, Kagome was in the middle of deep shit trying to figure out her future.
He was a useless son of a bitch, and he couldn't even help the girl that he had always been with. He couldn't even open his mouth and tell the whole world who he was when she was carrying all the burden...all the pain. He gritted his teeth.....he was supposed to be strong but why did he feel like the weakest person?
"Get up!" he felt a foot connect with his ribcage, and he doubled over again. Bankotsu grabbed Inuyasha by the collar and threw him onto his back. Inuyasha coughed and spat out blood. It was getting to the point where he couldn't take it anymore. Slowly lifting his head he blinked up at the young man holding a gun. Inuyasha froze. Were they going to shoot him? Bankotsu smirked and took another step towards Inuyasha.
"Ready to die?" he asked playfully holding the gun out in front of him and inspecting it.
"Why the hell am I here?" Inuyasha asked. "If it's ransom, you're never going to get your money." Bankotsu snickered and then shrugged.
"Well...from what I see you're just a personal problem to my boss." He looked up at Inuyasha. "I doubt he would risk his time if it's for ransom."
A personal problem? Inuyasha bit his tongue. Then could it be someone Inuyasha had started a fight with? His mind was running like crazy when Bankotsu knelt down next to him.
"You don't look so good. If you don't want to die right away, sit still." He stood up. Inuyasha only glared after him.
"Not until you fucking tell me why I'm here!" Bankotsu laughed.
"...and why would I tell you? All I know is..." his voice was cut off with the interruption of a phone ringing and the huge ventilator vibrating next to them. Bankotsu's playful face disappeared and he walked towards the noise. Picking up the cell phone on top of the ventilator, he brought it to his ears, as Inuyasha watched.
"Yes?" That was probably the only word Inuyasha heard from Bankotsu during the conversation. The rest was followed by quick nod of the head or a mumble. Bankotsu glanced over at Inuyasha before he hung up and grinned, "I understand, sir," he said, and then tossed the phone back on top of the ventilator.
Inuyasha gritted his teeth, "You..."
"Looks like the boss favors you for today. He's got one hell of a laugh..." again he was cut off, this time by Jankotsu jogging in. Inuyasha bit his tongue. He was annoyed and confused. How the hell was he going to get out of this one alive?
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The door swung open, and Kagome ran to her bed. Before she even reached her bed, her knees gave out and she fell forward, her upper body hitting the bed. She clutched her comforter and sobbed into the clean sheets. It was over. Everything, even her life was over. She was going to be a soulless body, corpse, walking through the Earth. Her life was over. Her life with Inuyasha was over because of her carelessness. The tears soaked the blankets and she cried even more. Two warm hands gently touched her soldiers and she flinched. Looking from the corner of her eyes she saw the familiar face of Kaeda.
Kagome's lurched forward as Kaeda wrapped her arms around the poor girl. She cried as she was rocked back and forth. The two sat on the ground as Kagome tried to catch her breath as tears rolled down her face.
"Tell me, child. Tell Kaeda what happened..." she whispered. Kagome lifted her face, her hair sticking to her mouth as she spoke.
"I had to. It's the only way..." she cried. "Inuyasha...he...he's stupid. No matter how dangerous....he would still fight for me. Even if he gets killed! It was the only..w...way!" her voice cracked as she covered her face. Kaeda looked sadly at the girl.
"What did you have to do?" She lifted Kagome up by the shoulder, as tears still fell and Kagome still trying to catch her breath. "Child...what happened?" Kagome bit her lip and brought the back of her hand to her face. It took a long time to answer, a long time for Kagome to calm her voice. Kaeda stared back at the girl with compassion. "Tell me...." She said.
The tears kept falling as Kagome swallowed and sniffled.
"Kaeda....I died a hundred deaths today," she said in a half whisper, half whimper. Kaeda too could feel the sadness, the aura coming from Kagome.
"Do you love him?" Kaeda asked, searching Kagome's face. There was no answer from the girl. Kagome swallowed and turned her face away, feeling another sob on the way.
"Yes."
"More than your happiness?" Kagome looked back at Kaeda as another crystal tear fell from her chin. Kaeda reached for Kagome's hand.
"....More than my life."
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"I can't get a hold of him, Sango!" Shippo shouted, as the two friends sat on the balcony of Shippo's tiny home. "I've been trying to call him for a while now, and every time I try to, some guy answers it and says he's not home!"
Sango looked at the pink cell phone in her hands as well.
"I can't get a hold of Kagome either. I mean...it was always hard to talk to her on the phone. But now, it's like they won't even....." she trailed off.
"I'm worried about them," Shippo said. "What if Inuyasha messed it up? What if he did something?" Sango looked at Shippo and then snatched his phone away.
"You have Inuyasha's home phone right? I only have his cell, and no one's picking up at all with it." Sango, quickly flipped it open and ran through the phone book.
"I'm telling you, he's not there!" Shippo shouted. Sango ignored him and brought the phone to her ears.
"But at least we have to find out where he is....I have to talk to him about Kagome!" The phone rang a few more times, but still there were no answer. Sango almost gave up when there was a sudden click and a male voice answered.
"Inuyasha?" Sango asked.
"Nope. He's not here." She heard the voice say.
"Wait! Where is he?" she screamed into the phone, almost causing Shippo to fall over as well.
"I don't know...out maybe?" the man said again. Sango made a face. Who was this person?
"Who is this?" she demanded. "What relationship do you have with Inuyasha?" She heard a fumbling of keys from the other end of the phone.
"I'm his friend and roommate."
"Then you should know where he is!" Sango yelled, very irritated. "Look, I need to talk to him about something very important, and I can't get a hold of him. So if you can just please...."
"What's your name?" the man interrupted her, quite rudely. Sango slammed her hand onto the plastic chair.
"What?"
"If you want to leave a message, you're going to have to leave a name," the man said. Sango opened her mouth and then closed it again.
"Oh. S..Sango," she said, suddenly feeling like a idiot for some reason.
"Well Miss. Sango," she caught a hint of sarcasm as he spoke her name. "Inuyasha is not home right now, nor has he have been for the past two days. So when he does turn up, I will let him know that you want to discuss something important with him." Sango gasped.
"Two days?!" she demanded. "Two days? And he hasn't called, whatsoever?"
"I'm not his mother. I don't think Inuyasha needs to call me to let me know when he'll be home..."
"But what if something happened to him?!"
"Like what? What could possibly happen to a seventeen year old guy?" Sango was now practically strangling Shippo as she listened to the annoying man.
"You obviously have no clue who Inuyasha is!" she yelled.
"And who exactly is he? And who are you? What is your relationship with him?"
"Call the police."
"Look woman. YOU obviously need to calm down. Are you from Kyoto? People in Tokyo do this all the time. Inuyasha is probably out with some girl doing the nasty. He's not interested in you alright?" Sango gasped as there was a sudden click on the line and then the dial tone.
Shippo stared up at her and pried her fingers away from his neck. "What did that guy say?" he asked. Sango stared in disbelief at the phone in her hand.
"He....he...hung up on me!" she screamed, and chucked the phone at the house.
"My phone!" Shippo shouted, as Sango stomped into the house.
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Miroku stared at the phone in his hand and sighed. There were so many women in the world, and only a handful of good men. Some were just unlucky. He tossed the phone onto the couch and wobbled over to his mattress. He was dying. He had been working for the past 48 hours covering for Inuyasha, who had somewhat disappeared.
Miroku rolled onto his back and stared at the ceiling. He looked back at the phone lying on the couch. What if something did happen to Inuyasha? The guy didn't even take any of his stuff with him. Sure, Inuyasha seemed the type to just skip work, but wasn't he here for Kagome Higurashi? His work was Kagome Higurashi and a bit of Kouga.
He scratched his head. A feeling of worried ness washed over him. But then again....he sat up. What if Inuyasha was in trouble or something? He swore and threw his pillow at the phone. Why the hell did that Sango chick have to call and get him all worried now?
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Sesshomaru stared out the window that overlooked the city of Tokyo. So the fool failed? What an idiot. He turned away from the window and sat down in his chair.
He almost pitied his fool of a brother. But he couldn't, because he was Sesshomaru. And Sesshomaru would not show or admit to any emotions at all. Inuyasha had it all. He had his freedom, his money, his friends, his laidback life, he had that girl of his..Kagome Higurashi, and all he had to do was keep it. But he couldn't even do that. He was a fool alright. A dumb, worthless teenager who wouldn't survive. Who couldn't survive.
Sesshomaru held up the white card in his hand, reading out the words written in golden ink. But....Sesshomaru never failed. Not once in his life had he failed. Only could he show Inuyasha how powerful he was compared to his low life brother. But that wouldn't happen until Inuyasha, himself, came to beg Sesshomaru for help..
"It'll be soon...." He said, tossing the card aside and watching it fall open onto his desk, with the words that would probably break the halfwit's heart.
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Inuyasha coughed. The pain was slowly going away now. They had left him alone for a while now. He could feel the emptiness in the warehouse. Maybe he was free? No. Why would they let him go? Slowly struggling to give up he sat up and found that his hands were tied together.
"Shit...." He muttered, and looked around. If he couldn't get out...he could try calling for help. Maybe someone nearby or passing by might hear his screams. Too bad it was a stupid idea, and would only cause more pain for him once the crazy kidnappers hear him.
"How?" he asked himself, wishing a little devil would appear on his shoulder and tell him. "How?" He looked around. "What could I do?" His eyes landed on the ventilator that stood before him. His eyes widened as he remembered Bankotsu standing a few feet away from him, threatening him with a gun. And then....a phone rang and the ventilator was shaking. Inuyasha quickly slid his way towards the ventilator.
Bankotsu had tossed it back! Inuyasha remembered! Could it still be there? He can call for help. Slowly, putting his back against the ventilator, he slid himself up. They could be watching him from afar, but he was going to take the risk. Maybe, just maybe he might get lucky.
His legs straightened and he tried reaching over the ventilator with his hands tied behind his back. Looking over his shoulder, his heart skipped a beat when he saw the shiny black phone lying on top.
"Bingo," he whispered. They were careless kidnappers. They must have thought he would be too weak to even move. But then again if they had hit his head any harder, any memory of his last conversation with Bankotsu would be a blur as well.
Struggling with trying to get his hands on the phone, Inuyasha let out a grunt and tried to bend his back a bit further out. If only he was a bit taller and could reach over the damn thing. Looking around, his eyes landed on the wooden chair not too far from him.
It would be noisy, and would even take longer, but he had to take his chances. Quickly falling forward, and letting his knees curl up to protect him, Inuyasha squirmed his way on the dirty ground towards the chair.
"C'mon you son of a bitch..." Inuyasha said to himself as he laid back, and used his foot to grab a hold of one of the chair's legs. Using his remaining strength and muscles Inuyasha pushed himself with his back and leg, while pulling the chair with him. A chair that could easily be thrown across the room by a ten year old, felt like it weighed over a hundred pounds right now to Inuyasha.
When he felt his head hit the ventilator he twisted around so that he could push the chair against it. This was his chance...his only chance. He once again, slid himself up and managed to put one leg up on the chair.
"One..." he said, balancing himself. "Two....three..." he let out a small cry as he lifted his other leg onto the chair and quickly pushed himself up, before the chair slid away. Now that he was actually more that a foot taller than the ventilator...
Inuyasha grabbed the phone with his hands, and jumped off the ventilator. He fell flat on his face, and groaned. "Damn..." he said, as he lifted his head and looked around. The phone laid next to him. Thank god. He sat up and reached for it. Help. Who could help him. The police? But at that time...only one person came to his mind.
He dialed...or at least he tried to dial. Plenty of times he messed up...but he was able to do it. Setting it down on the concrete ground, he fell back onto his back and scooted his way so that his face was towards the phone.
"Please answer...." Inuyasha prayed to himself. "Please....."
"Hello?" Miroku's voice sounded like god to Inuyasha.
"Miroku..." Inuyasha half whispered.
"Inuyasha? Is that you? Where have you been you idiot! Do you know how much I've been working my ass to cover for you? And what is it with these phone calls from this chick called Sango? Where are you dude?" Inuyasha grimaced.
He didn't have time to listen to Miroku. Miroku had to listen to him now.
"I don't know where I am." Inuyasha said.
"Huh? I don't get it." He could picture Miroku scratching his head like an idiot.
"I...someone kidnapped me, but I don't know where I am," his voice cracked, as he looked around, making sure no one was coming. "I need help." There was silence and then Miroku laughed.
"Dude, it's not funny anymore. I was actually worried about you! Come home!"
"Miroku...this isn't a joke. I'm in some kind of warehouse. Some crazy guys..." he whispered.
"Why are you whispering?" Maybe calling Miroku was a bad idea.
"Dammit...Miroku! I'm in some kind of warehouse, but I don't know where. I need you to help me figure it out before they come back!" Another silence.
"Are you serious? Cuz if you're screwing with me....."
"Miroku...I'm serious. They're going to kill me." Again, that irritating silence loomed through the phone line. Miroku was probably trying to make himself believe that a seventeen year old guy got kidnapped. "Miroku? Are you still there? I need you to get me outta here..." he hissed.
"But where are you?" Miroku suddenly spoke up, his voice much more serious than it had been before, minutes ago.
"All I know is, it looks like some deserted place. Warehouse...factory...something close to that..." Inuyasha licked his dried lips.
"Okay okay...a warehouse....abandoned right? It must be..." he heard Miroku mumbling to himself. "I need some more things Inuyasha....look around the place, what do you see."
"Machines."
"What kind?" Inuyasha looked around desperately.
"I don't know... he said, scooting himself to the ventilator, with the phone scraping against the cement. .
"Is there a window?"
"Not any that I can get to.... I don't have much time Miroku."
"I can't help you if I don't have any details! There's nothing? No writing, poster, stickers....trees...." Inuyasha fell onto a ripped sticker on the ventilator.
"Wait...." Inuyasha said, looking down and squinting, trying to see through the dim lights.
"What?"
"I found something. It says....mu's Lumber Inc....the first part is ripped"
"A lumber factory. You must be near the forest. An abandoned lumber factory...mu's lumber Incorporation..." Inuyasha heard Miroku mumbling. He had been mumbling for quite some time. Putting words together and sounding them out.
"Abandoned....lumber....forest....warehouse....mu's...." Inuyasha was panicking. What if he couldn't get help. It would be impossible to find him.
I got it!!!" Miroku screamed. "Itsomu's Lumber Incorporation! Closed down about ten years ago!"
"Where is it?" Relief.
"Um...should be off Tokyo...two hour drive or so from here."
"Miroku...get help, and don't call back on this cell phone." Inuyasha hissed. "...and be fast!"
"I will." Inuyasha said nothing but nodded, before he used his chin to turn it off. He had his faith in Miroku. Miroku had better be getting all the help now. Inuyasha didn't have much time left.
In fact...he had less then twenty-four hours.
Kagome felt sick as she stared back at her reflection. She felt like a zombie, more or less a Barbie doll for these fake women.
"Don't you think it's just gorgeous? Perfect for tonight's party." The women said as the encircled Kagome.
"Do you like it dear? It suits you very well. You haven't said a word about it!" Kagome just stared at the mirror. What was she supposed to say? That it was lovely? Perfect for a birthday party? Perfect for an engagement announcement? Perfect for the daughter of Takeo Higurashi? Was that what she was supposed to say? The perfect dress for the perfect punishment.
Kagome immediately stood up. She reached for the clip on top of her head, and yanked it off. Her long hair fell across her shoulders.
"Miss. Higurashi?" the three women jumped up with her. "Where are you going? You haven't finished trying on all the dresses yet..." Kagome didn't care about the dress. She didn't care anymore. She only cared about Inuyasha. "Miss Higurashi!" they said grabbing her arm.
"You haven't chosen a dress yet!" Kagome whipped around glaring at them. The reflection in the mirror revealed a cold hearted person.
"Get out!" Kagome demanded. The three women's eyes widened in surprise to see such an outburst from THE Kagome. The kind and understanding Kagome.
"But...."
"I said get out!!!" she yelled. The ladies nodded and hurried out, closing the door behind them. Kagome stared after them and then sunk to the ground. Her dress flailing around her. What would Inuyasha say if he saw her now? She felt tears on their way as she covered her face. The door opened and Takeo Higurashi stepped in to look at his depressed daughter slumped on the ground.
"What did you say to them?" Kagome glared up at him like he was the devil himself.
"I told them to get out," she answered sternly. "...and I would tell you too, but I doubt you will." She stood up and turned her face away. Her father watching her, anger ready to spill.
"Don't you dare disrespect me like you just did to anyone...especially me!" he yelled. Kagome walked to her nightstand, and began removing the jewelry on her body, without a care in the world.
"Seeing that you've already fucked up my life. I think I have every right to." She turned around to face her angry father. "I'm already marrying that bastard." All Takeo could do was watch as Kagome turned away from him and proceeded to the bathroom.
Once inside the bathroom, she collapsed and hugged her knees. "Just leave me alone..." she whispered, and closed her eyes. "Just leave me alone."
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Inuyasha blinked. He blinked again. Where the hell was Miroku? He could see light spilling from the high windows above him, and yet....there was still no Miroku. Letting out a painful sigh, he rolled over to his back. Amazingly, he felt no pain doing that. His wounds were healing since no one had touched him after the incident yesterday. Maybe at this point...he could just get up and run away. The huge clanking noise from the door indicated that the psycho path and his boss were checking up on him again. Inuyasha made no movement as Jankotsu and Bankotsu's face appeared above him.
"Did you have a good sleep?" Jankotsu asked, looking up and down Inuyasha's body. Inuyasha glared at him, but still continued to make no movement. Bankotsu crouched down and grabbed a handful of Inuyasha's hair. Inuyasha winced as Bankotsu lifted him up. So the beatings will begin once again, Inuyasha thought as he was brought to eye level with Bankotsu. Jankotsu laughed...or more likely giggled, and then he put a finger on Inuyasha' nose.
"Got a present for you...sweetie," he said turning towards the door. Inuyasha's eyes followed his gaze. His eyes landed on the beaten figure being held by another large man.
"Miroku..." he muttered, as Miroku was thrown to the ground, next to his feet.
"We caught this idiot snooping around," Bankotsu said. Inuyasha gritted his teeth. "We figured you needed some company...." Inuyasha cringed as the fist met up with his stomach again. He fell to the ground next to the unconscious dweeb. Coughing, he looked up at the two men, staring down at him in delight.
"Have fun!" The two laughed (and giggled) while they walked towards the door, leaving Inuyasha clutching his stomach in pain. Miroku...the idiot failed. He looked over at the battered playboy. Now everything was definitely over.
Miroku's eyes snapped open and he turned his head towards Inuyasha. "Hey...you okay?" he asked. Inuyasha stared back at him in disbelief. Miroku smiled his goofy smile and rolled over onto his stomach quickly.
"W...What are you doing here? Where's the help?" Inuyasha hissed, looking around cautiously.
"I'm here to help you," Miroku said. Inuyasha just stared back at him...and then buried his face in his arms.
"We're doomed..." he muttered. "We're going to die and rot here, and then I won't be able to help Kag out. I failed her..." Inuyasha tightened his fist. The tied up Miroku just watched him.
"Don't worry everything's okay..." Miroku said. "I got it all figured out." Inuyasha lifted his head and looked at him.
"Then do you mind telling me what the plan is?" Miroku nervously smiled.
"Well...I actually wasn't planning on getting caught. That threw like half my plan out the window..." he trailed off.
"Wow." Inuyasha swore and rolled away. It was hopeless. He gritted his teeth and cursed again and again.
"But..." Miroku started. "I have backup..." he smiled proudly and rolled over to Inuyasha. "Right after I hung up with you...I went through your stuff. I found...a number in one of your pockets." Inuyasha looked at him. "So I called it, and do you know who answered?" Now it just seemed like a guessing game as Miroku happily chatted.
"I don't care anymore..." Inuyasha mumbled.
"Takashi....Sesshomaru Takashi. The Sesshomaru Takashi, richest man in Japan!" Miroku halfway shouted. Inuyasha stared at Miroku in disbelief. Did he? Did he call Sesshomaru for help? A wave of nausea swept over Inuyasha.
"No......" Inuyasha groaned as he curled up. Now he would have to except Sesshomaru's help, and though that would be the last thing on his mind (like asking Sesshomaru for help with Kagome) he knew that was the only answer.
"And at first...I was like, 'why does Inuyasha have Sesshomaru Takashi's number?' And not only was it like just a work number where secretaries answer, but it was like his number! I mean why would you have Sesshomaru's cell number?"
"Miroku.....we need to get out. I don't have time to talk about him." Inuyasha's eyes landed on a splinter of wood near the ventilator once again.
"...anyways, I asked him if he knew an Inuyasha, and he said, 'what did that idiot do now?'" Miroku delightfully smiled and followed Inuyasha to the piece of wood. "I can't believe you know him!!" Miroku would of clapped his hands together and jump up and down at that point, if he wasn't tied up.
Inuyasha groaned and started squirming towards the wood. Maybe he could cut the rope lose, now that he had Miroku to help him. Then once they had gotten through that, a new idea might just pop out.
"Are you listening to me?" Miroku continued talking. But Inuyasha wasn't listening.
"Miroku, get your ass over here and help me out!" Inuyasha hissed. Miroku glanced over at him, seeing the piece of wood wrapped between Inuyasha's fingers.
"What do you expect to do with that?" Miroku ask.
"Try cutting the rope," Inuyasha whispered scooting closer to Miroku. Miroku nodded and reached for the splinter. He soon felt the scraping from the rope and the wood on his wrist as Miroku began cutting.
"Why would these guys kidnap you?" Miroku ask.
"I don't know. That's what I'm trying to figure out too," Inuyasha said, wincing. "Enemies maybe. I've made plenty while I was in Tokyo. I dunno, some of them might have been like Yukuza members or something."
"...or someone could of hired these guys to get rid of you. You might be a threat to Kouga or even...." Inuyasha' head jerked up. Why hadn't he thought of it before. It could be anyone...it might even be Kouga or Kagome's father. The announcement was tonight, and they could be keeping him here so that he wouldn't stop it. But unless Kagome had mentioned anything or if someone saw them, how else would Takeo know about him?
"Or....Sesshomaru," Inuyasha whispered.
"What?" Miroku asked, as he finished cutting the rope. Inuyasha's hands broke free and he quickly removed the rope on his feet. Automatically, he started untying Miroku. When the two broke free they both stood up quickly and looked around. "So how do you suppose we get out?" Miroku asked.
"If we split..."
"Which we wont." Miroku said, fear reaching his eyes.
"You said we have backup?' Inuyasha asked.
"Um...I think. He kind of hung up on me..." Miroku said, squirming. Inuyasha groaned and started searching for a way out.
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The long beige color dress hung onto Kagome's body as she stepped off the last step of the staircase. Tonight her hair would be hanging across her shoulders, curled with pearls. Kouga Kanzaki, her future husband stood at the bottom grinning up at her. She wanted to kill him, but she forced a sad smile instead. It was the best she could get it.
Was Kouga clueless of everything that was happening? Did he know how much she was suffering? He must have not, because the idiot didn't even know Inuyasha Takashi was working for him.
"Gorgeous!" Kouga exclaimed, as he took her hand. Her arm looped with his as his eyes trailed down her body. It landed on the purple sphere hanging around her neck. "That necklace..." he began reaching out to touch it. Kagome reacted, by taking a step back and closing her fingers around it.
"A present..." Kagome whispered. Kouga's eyes widened. "From someone very dear to me."
"Oh..." He began, "I see." The wide smile appeared on his face once again, and he took her arm again. "Come now, Birthday Girl. You'll be the most beautiful girl tonight. You'll shine and everybody will love you. And you'll...be mine tonight." His proud words sunk hard into Kagome skull.
"I know...." She whispered, as the two step towards the limo. Her eyes looked at the driver, wishing Inuyasha was fine and still driving them like he had once did. But, it wasn't....instead it was a man she had never seen before. The got into the limo slowly, and she pulled the shawl around her tightly.
She would have to endure it one way or the other. It was really happening.
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Inuyasha ducked as the bullet hit the tree next to him.
"Shit! We're gonna die!" Miroku yelled, as he fell and rolled on the leaves.
"Shut up and run! Miroku!" he yelled as another bullet sailed past his ears.
"We're gonna die! We're gonna die!" Miroku yelled as he and Inuyasha crossed each other's path. They were running as fast as they could down the hill, as bullets flew around them. According to Inuyasha, seven men with guns were chasing them , and according to Miroku...they were gonna die.
Then he saw it...the road. They were reaching a road.
"Miroku!" he yelled.
"I see it!" Miroku screamed. He began running faster. Inuyasha's heart was racing. The street was empty. No cars. Nothing.
"No! Miroku!" he yelled. If they ran on the street, it would give Bankotsu and the guys a better opportunity to shoot them without anything in the way. "Miroku!" he yelled. But, Miroku kept running. Inuyasha changed his direction and ran after his idiotic friend.
"Hurry, we're almost there!" Miroku yelled.
"No! Don't!" Inuyasha shouted, as Miroku's feet hit the cool pavement. "Shit!" he yelled. "Get off the street!" he yelled.
"Someone will help us!"
"No they won't!!!" Inuyasha yelled, as he ran parallel to Miroku, but stayed behind the tree. "They'll shoot you!"
"No they wo...." Miroku's voice was cut off, as he fell forward. Inuyasha' eyes widened as blood shot out onto the street. Miroku rolled and landed on his back.
"No! Miroku!!!" He yelled, forgetting the danger and ran towards Miroku onto the street. Reaching Miroku's side, he saw Jankotsu and Bankotsu exit the woods. "Damn..." he whispered, watching as they raised the gun to him.
The gun went off, and Inuyasha closed his eyes, waiting for impact. At least he didn't die in the warehouse. Then, he heard a grunt. His eyes immediately opened, just as Bankotsu fell backwards with blood soaking through the front of his shirt. Jankotsu too, had wide eyes, watching his boss fall to the ground. Another gunshot went off, making Inuyasha jump and fall to the ground covering his head.
Someone shot Bankotsu? Soon all he could hear were loud cracks and gunshots. Miroku was hurt. His head lifted quickly and crawled next to Miroku who was...amazingly trying to lift his head to see the action that was happening around him.
"Inuyasha...didn't I tell you we had backup!?" he yelled over the noise.
"Are you okay?" Inuyasha asked, looking at the blood that had soaked through Miroku's dark shirt.
"It hit my arm. It's okay...I think," he said, glancing down.
"Put pressure on it!" Inuyasha yelled ripping the bottom of his shirt and cover the wound, bloodying his hands.
"It's fine!" Miroku yelled, wincing. Another gunshot went off...and then there was silence. The two young men on the street looked around panting, and trying to catch their breath.
"So where's backup?" Inuyasha finally asked. Miroku shrugged and looked around. Jankotsu was on the pavement sprawled with three bullet holes on his chest.
"Dude...Inuyasha we almost died." Miroku said, sitting up, still holding his arm. Inuyasha nodded but still looked around. So where were his saviors? His question was answered when he heard the engine of a cars pulling up next to them, and an ambulance. Men in black suits got out and paramedics circled Miroku.
Inuyasha just looked around as the paramedics rushed to Miroku. "Where did they come from?" Miroku asked. Inuyasha kept silent as he watched people run around him and ask questions. Only one person could do this. He swallowed. The only way he could survive or even do anything right was if he depended on his brother.
His eyes fell on Miroku who was now sitting on the ambulance as his arm was being checked. Miroku was hurt because of him. He ran a hand through his hair.
"Sesshomaru...why does it always have to be you?" he whispered.
"Sir? Can you please come this way so we can check your injuries?" a woman asked, walking up to Inuyasha with a clipboard. Inuyasha quietly followed to another ambulance that had just pulled up. Now police cars were arriving to examine the bodies that were probably lying around the forest. He felt sick. Everything was his fault. He felt dizzy, really dizzy. Inuyasha felt himself stop walking and started to sway.
"Sir?" The woman asked. "Are you alright sir?" Inuyasha grabbed his head. Kagome's smiling face flashed in front of him before he fell to the grass and puked. "Oh my god!" the woman yelled running to his side. Inuyasha rolled to his back and watched as more people came to his side.
"Get him to the hospital!" someone screamed. Get me to Kagome, Inuyasha thought. "Now!" Paramedics ran around him yelling things at each other as Inuyasha closed his eyes. All he wanted to do was sleep.
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Kagome felt the glass slip from her hand and shatter on the marble floor beneath her. She was shaking. Some of the employees hurried to sweep up the mess. What was that bad feeling she just had right there?
Kagome sighed, but then again...she had been having bad feelings for a long time now. Kagome smiled slightly, thinking of the other day when Inuyasha had given her the birthday present. Her hands flew back up to her chest, where the purple sphere was. It really didn't go with the dress, but she sure as hell wasn't taking it off....ever.
"Kagome?" a small voice piped up behind her. Kagome turned around to face Ayame. She looked really cute, in a plain black dress. But, she was much paler than usual.
"Ayame..." Kagome whispered. This was awkward. Now she was going to marry the man that Ayame was in love with.
"It's been a while..." Ayame said. Kagome looked down at her feet and nodded.
"You know Ayame-Chan...I know how you feel right now," she said. Ayame's eyes widened.
"What are you talking about?" Ayame asked, her bottom lip quivering.
"I know what it feels like to give up the person you love most...." Kagome bit her lip as Inuyasha's grin appeared in her mind. "It hurts, right?" she asked. Ayame just stared at her and turned her face away.
"Kagome-Chan...I..."
"I'm sorry. It's all my fault, "Kagome said, lifting her head so that the tears wouldn't fall. "Forgive me." There was a short moment of silence as Ayame stared back at Kagome.
"Do you love him?" Ayame asked, her voice shaky.
"No," Kagome whispered. "There is only one person I will ever love." Ayame's hands lowered to her side and nodded.
"That boy? That one time at the mall. It was him all along right?" she asked. "I could tell because I saw the light in your eyes." Those words triggered Kagome's mind. It was him all along. Since the moment he threw down the cat from the tree. Since the time they played baseball in Inuyasha's lawn. Since the time the two of them tried to cook ramen for the first time. And since the time he was with Kikyou. She had always loved him...all along.
"All along..." Kagome whispered. Ayame nodded sadly.
"I understand, I wish you luck...." She said, turning away.
"Me too..." An arm wrapped around her waist making her flinch. Kouga smiled at her.
"Is that your friend Ayame?" he asked. Kagome nodded. "What did you guys talk about?"
"Nothing..." she said quietly. Kouga grinned again and then looked back down to her.
"The announcement will be soon."
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Inuyasha bolted from his bed, sweating. Where was he? He looked around the white room and then at himself. He was covered in bandages. With all the IV's stuck to him, he realized he was at the hospital.
"Kagome..." he whispered, pulling the IV's out of him, ignoring the pain that surged through his body and head. "I have to get to her..." he said, glancing at the digital clock that read 8:30. The door opened and a nurse hurried to his side.
"Mr. Takashi! What are you doing?" Inuyasha hurried and threw on his shirt and jeans that were folded neatly next to his bed.
"I need to get out of here."
"Sir...You've got a bad concussion, you need to stay in bed."
"Where am I? What hospital is this?"
"You've been out four hours, they transferred you here. This is the Shinagawa Hospital..." she said.
"Shinagawa Hospital?" He wasn't too far from Tokyo.
"Sir...you need to relax and sit down. You were just in critical condition three hours ago." Inuyasha pushed passed her and headed for the door.
"I have to go!"
He was at full sprint, running through the hospital halls. He groaned when he saw the pouring rain outside the glass revolving doors. He could take a cab, but he didn't have any money on him.
"Dammit..." he muttered. "Damn!" The rain soaked his shirt right away as he ran down the street. He had to make a run for it. But he had to make it on time.
Turning the corner, he stopped and looked around. Where the hell was he? The little streets were messing him up. Running into the middle of the street, Inuyasha stopped the cab in front of him. Quickly getting in, he shouted to the driver the name of the hotel Kagome's birthday party was being held.
"Dammit..." he muttered looking through the streets, as people ran around in umbrellas. "I'm in a rush, can you speed it up?" Inuyasha asked. The taxi driver made no movement but stayed at the same speed limit. "Fuck..." he whispered, bobbing his knee up and down.
"Kagome.. please...just wait a little longer!"
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"It's time." Kagome swallowed and stood up with Kouga, as her father lead them to the top of the balcony that looked over the ballroom. The birthday wishes, everything would be given here...and then the engagement announcement. The room, filled with thousands of talking people was now so quiet, they could hear a pin drop.
Takeo took his place in front of the microphone and cleared his throat. Kagome felt Kouga's hand tightening around her wrist. This was it.
"Good evening ladies and gentlemen, my friends. Tonight, we are here to celebrate the seventeenth birthday of my only daughter Kagome." His speech was cut off with excitement and applause. All Kagome could do was bite her tongue. When the cheering died down Takeo smiled and began.
Inuyasha stumbled out of the car, and sprinted as fast as he could towards the door, leaving the taxi driver stunned.
"My money!" he yelled after Inuyasha. Inuyasha pushed through the glass doors and ran towards the ball room entrance, when two guards stepped in front of him.
"Invitation please..." they asked. Inuyasha looked from one guy to the other.
"I..." he started...and then pushed past them as hard as he could and ran into the ballroom. He dodged passed the guards and hurried through the crowd. It was a coincidence that Takeo Higurashi was just handing his speech over to Kouga, because the guards stayed quiet, not wanting to get in trouble for disrupting the party. Instead they tried searching the crowds for the silver hair boy. Inuyasha hid low in the crowd trying to find Kagome.
His eyes landed on her standing next to Kouga who had started his speech. She was beautiful, everything that had happened in his life happened because of her. He couldn't just let her marry Kouga. But he couldn't do anything right now, basically he had no plan
"Kagome....please..." he whispered as he tried to move closer towards the balcony.
"Ladies and Gentleman...First I would like to thank you all for coming to Kagome's birthday. She's a beautiful girl...." Kouga said, raising his wine glass to Kagome, who stood her grounds. The guest began clapping and cheering again.
"Kagome!" Inuyasha shouted over the crowd. "Kagome!" She made no movement or anything of any kind. Inuyasha moved in closer, he had to get her attention now. Kouga's smiled widened as he licked her lips and leaned into the microphone.
"Today is an important date not only for her....but for me as well. My friends.... I would like to announce that Kagome Higurashi has agreed to married me. We are to be wed after she graduates.
The place erupted in cheers once more, much stronger than before. Inuyasha's eyes were wide as he watched Kagome not do anything but look down at her shoes.
"What?" Inuyasha whispered. He took a step forward ready to yell something.
"Kiss her!" someone yelled. The place cheered even more. Inuyasha stopped and froze. For some reason he rushed here...but now he couldn't do anything. He was frozen. But now.... Inuyasha's eyes traveled back up to Kagome. Is Kagome really going through with this? Did she want to? He took a step back and watched as the scene unfolded in front of him.
Kouga smiled and took a step towards Kagome. He put an arm around her waist and pulled her close to him.
"What is she doing?" Inuyasha whispered. His heart stopped as he saw Kagome closed her eyes and Kouga lower his head. The kiss wasn't really long...but it wasn't short either. The whole place clapped, but Inuyasha's hands hung dead at his sides. Swallowing he turned away from the scene, as Kouga's lips pulled away from Kagome.
Kouga blushed and then the world went on as it was. The people continued talking to themselves...and some people went to congratulate the new couple.
Inuyasha pushed pass the doors of the ball room and hurried out. He couldn't believe what he had just seen. He wouldn't believe it. Kagome had not only agreed to the engagement...but she kissed him. Her first kiss too. Inuyasha swallowed again feeling the sick nauseous feeling that he had felt earlier that day come over him.
"I need to get the hell outta here..." he said, confused. Why would she go through with it? His view was blocked when the two guards stepped in front of him.
"You're in trouble mister..." they said, grabbing Inuyasha's shoulder. Inuyasha shoved them away, but they grabbed a hold of him again. His anger was ready to spill all over again. He had been beaten up lately too many times.
"Let him go!" a voice rang out. Inuyasha felt the hands leave him, as he stared out the glass doors at the rain. He felt like hell. He heard the footsteps walk up behind him as he lowered his head, and shove his hands in his pocket.
"I went though hell to get here you know..." he half whispered, knowing the familiar presence.
"Inuyasha...."
Inuyasha turned around to face Kagome with the grimmest look.
"Why?" he asked. Kagome bit her lip and brought a hand to her necklace. She wrapped her fingers around it and put on her best smile.
"I figured that Kouga's not so bad after all. I mean, I told you a long time ago that I want I guy I can depend on, and Kouga is a hard worker. He's successful, and plus he can take care of me and likes me too....he's nice, and I think I can be happy with him...."
"Bullshit," Inuyasha said, turning away from her. "It's all a bunch of bull shit."
"It's true! I thought about it all night, and it's the best way. The best solution." She reached out to touch his arm, but he jerked it away and walked out the door and into the rain. Kagome chased after him, lifting her dress.
"Inuyasha... listen to me!" she yelled after him, making him stop. She walked around him and looked at his face. "Please don't be mad!" she pleaded.
"You heard me right? Back in the ballroom. You heard me call your name didn't you?" Kagome bit her lip as the streaks of water ran down her face. Inuyasha nodded his head.
"So you really think Kouga is the one for you? Because he has money? Because he's successful? Or is it because your father sent his goons after me?" he asked. Kagome's eyes widened.
"It's none of that. To my father...you're nothing. Inuyasha....Even if there was no Kouga, he would want me to stay away from you," Inuyasha shook his head and walked away.
"I don't want to listen anymore. I don't care what you do now!" he yelled. Kagome watched as he walked faster and once again chased after him.
"Inuyasha I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!" she yelled. "But Kouga really is a nice man...he is!" she yelled. "I can be happy with him..." Inuyasha stopped walking again and looked down at her. His eyes cold, his lips pursed together, and his hair soaked.
"....so what do you want me to do?" He was serious. He had never looked so depressed to Kagome, not ever.
"Please Inuyasha...." Kagome said and reached for his hand. Inuyasha watched her as she looked back up to him with pleading eyes. And then with a much sterner voice, she straightened up and spoke.
"As my best friend, and the person I care for the most. I can only be happy if you can please wish both me and Kouga luck in our engagement and future marriage."
The words hit Inuyasha like a whirlwind storm. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. Instantly, he pulled his hand away from her grip. His breathing became harder. She was serious. He took a step back, she was crazy for even thinking that he would. Taking another step back he shook his head.
"Never...The day I do that is the day I give up on you...." he whispered and turned and ran as fast as he could away.
Kagome stood alone soaked, with the rain pouring down her dress and her hair completely destroyed. The tears that blended with the rain that kept falling.
"I'm sorry..." she whispered and covered her face with her hands. "I only love you."
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Sesshomaru tossed his pen aside and looked out the window. Tokyo was always filled with life. Kyoto was small compared to here, that was why the main part of the company was here. He never really had to go home, he didn't know why he chose to though.
The sudden ringing of his phone made him growl. He hated being bothered.
"Mr. Takashi...um..your brother is here to see you," his secretary said in a distant and confused voice. Sesshomaru leaned back in his seat. Inuyasha? Here to see him?
"Let him in.." he said, hating the fact that people never put the word 'half' in their sentences when they addressed Inuyasha and him as siblings. But Inuyasha was here for once, without running in his office yelling like a madman. "This should be interesting," he muttered.
The door opened, and Inuyasha stepped in slowly looking at Sesshomaru. He was a complete mess.
"Decided to visit? You would be dead now if it wasn't for me," he said, looking at the mutt who was soaked from his head to his feet.
"I know..." Inuyasha half whispered, taking a step towards him. Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow.
"I'm surprised you're here. This is the first time you've ever stepped foot in our company building, let alone cooperate when you speak to me. What is it that you want?" Sesshomaru eyed his brother carefully. Inuyasha took another step towards him.
"This is father's building right? The building he left for me AND you." Inuyasha reached his desk and swallowed. The drops of water falling from his hair dripped onto Sesshomaru's desk.
"If you consider this work yours...say whatever you want," Sesshomaru said sternly.
"Now what do you want, Inuyasha?" he asked. Inuyasha swallowed again, and brought his eyes back to look at Sesshomaru. Even this time, Sesshomaru was stunned. Inuyasha looked as if he was troubled, as if he was doing something he didn't really want to do.
"I'm ready," Inuyasha whispered, his eyes meeting Sesshomaru's sharply.
"Ready for what?"
"Ready to learn how to run this company. I'm ready to open Tetsaiga." The news was a complete shock to Sesshomaru. This was the last thing he would expect from Inuyasha. The lazy worthless brat that couldn't even get decent grades.
"You think this is a game? By opening Tetsaiga, your life will change. You're too young to understand things like this yet. Get out." Sesshomaru turned away and picked up his pen. He felt his desk shake as Inuyasha's two hands gripped the edge of the desk. Lowering his head Inuyasha bowed down.
"I'm doing something I'll probably never do again. So listen to me. I'm begging you to help me. PLEASE teach me. I'm ready to learn. I won't talk back, I won't do anything that will angry you. But I'm begging you to please help me for the last time." The grip on the desk tightened as he squeezed his eyes shut. All Sesshomaru could do was look at the boy in front of him.
So it was finally time to let the little brat out. There had to be a time, and this was it. Inuyasha Takashi, second son to Inutashio Takashi was now going to be exposed.
Miroku tossed the apple in the air and caught it with his opposite arm, making him cry out. He fixed his sling and stared at the white room.
"Hospitals are so boring...I thought there were suppose to be hot nurses or something." He grimaced at the thought of the male nurse that had been helping him out for the past two days.
"How you doing?"
Miroku's head jerked up to face Inuyasha who stood by the door. His right side of his body was leaning against the wall, and he was dressed in a nice black suit.
"Inuyasha? Dude! Where have you been? It's been two days! I heard you totally blacked out, but now one would give me any information with what happened to you!" Miroku shouted, not catching his breath at all. Inuyasha smiled and walked towards his bed.
"How's the arm?" he asked. Miroku looked down at the sling.
"Getting better. I can throw with it a little," he said, tossing Inuyasha the apple. Inuyasha grinned and rubbed the back of his neck. Miroku smiled.
"So how have you been? You should have visit sooner," he said, itching his head.
"I had a few things to do, you know," Inuyasha said, setting the apple down in the food tray, where the Jell-O and other food were. "I would have visit you sooner though. Sorry." Inuyasha walked towards the window, while Miroku watched him.
"What's up? You seem different." Miroku turned his head away and laid down on the white fluffy pillow. Inuyasha licked his lip and dug his hands into his pocket while he kept his lips tightly closed.
"I wanted to say that I'm sorry."
Miroku turned his head and looked at him with a funny face.
"Sorry for what?"
"For all the trouble I got you in. You wouldn't have gotten hurt if it wasn't for me," Inuyasha said, turning back to face Miroku. Miroku sheepishly itched his head again. It was getting a bit awkward, since he had never heard Inuyasha really apologize before.
"Oh...it's no problem dude, what are friends for? You helped me out that one time, remember? Think of it as a payment." He laughed and winced when a shot of pain went through his arm. Inuyasha smiled sadly and sighed. Miroku fidgeted around and kicked off the sheets.
"Nice suit, where did you get it?" he asked, nodding his head towards the outfit Inuyasha wore. Inuyasha looked down at himself and then laughed.
"It's nothing," he said. "I couldn't find anything comfortable to wear, since I left all my stuff at Kouga's," he said. Miroku groaned at the name.
"Speaking of which, I have a feeling I'm fired." He swore a few times and then looked at Inuyasha. "Did you tell him what happened?"
"I haven't gone back yet," Inuyasha replied. Miroku scrunched his eyebrows together.
"Huh? Why not?"
"I quit." Another silence was followed and Miroku nodded. For some reason the conversation had turned from weird to weirder. Inuyasha was not acting like himself. He had that mysterious air to him.
"I see.... Well I guess we both don't have a job now. How the hell am I suppose to pay the hospital bill, eh?" Miroku looked around at the large room. "Two days! And plus, this room is gigantic!" He looked back at Inuyasha. "Tell me I'm screwed. The bank will be on my case forever!"
"This is a VIP room," Inuyasha quickly said, looking around. "You should be getting the best care here in the hospital." Miroku's head snapped up and his eyes widened.
"VIP? What the hell am I doing in the VIP room?" He bolted up and pushed the tray in front of him away. "I can't afford a VIP room! I belong in the poor people room!"
"Don't worry, all your medical bills are being paid for as we speak. All you need to focus on is just getting better," Inuyasha said, patting his friend on the arm. "Stay as long as it takes to heal." Miroku's jaw dropped.
"My bills are being paid? By who???" A knock on the door was Miroku's answer. A woman in a white suit hurried in and bowed at the two men, and then she hurried to Inuyasha with a clipboard.
"Mr. Takashi, if you can please sign these, the bill will be transferred to your account," she said, handing Inuyasha the clipboard. Inuyasha took the pen from her hand and scribbled his signature.
"Please take care of him," Inuyasha said, handing the clipboard back. The woman nodded and then bowed once more before she left the room, while the whole scene was being watched by Miroku with wide eyes.
"Wait...you're paying for them?" he asked. Inuyasha lowered his head, while Miroku stood up to face his friends.
"It's my responsibility," Inuyasha spoke calmly. Miroku raised an eyebrow.
"What is with you? You're acting strange! And where will you get the money to pay for it?"
"From work." Miroku groaned and shook his head.
"You don't even have a job!" He started pacing and swearing, and then he stopped. His head slowly rose to look at Inuyasha.
"...Mr. Takashi?" he repeated, remembering what the woman had called Inuyasha. Then his eyes widened. "Inuyasha, why did you have Sesshomaru Takashi's number with you that time?" Inuyasha pulled his hands out of his pockets and cleared his throat. "I find it weird that the two of you share the same last name. It can't just be a coincidence, can it?"
"He's my brother."
Miroku's arms fell to his side, and his lips parted. "Sesshomaru Takashi is your brother? Are you serious?" Inuyasha tilted his head.
"Well...half brother actually." Inuyasha rubbed his eyes. "Not something to be proud of, but..." Miroku's jaw dropped completely.
"But wouldn't that mean that you two have like the same father or something? As in Inutashio Takashi?" Inuyasha nodded.
"Yeah."
"So....wait, I'm confused..." Miroku stuttered with his words as he stared at Inuyasha. "You mean...you're actually rich?" Inuyasha shrugged.
"Sure, I guess." Miroku ran to his friend.
"...and this work you're talking about?! What are you doing?" Inuyasha licked his lips and smiled his sad smile once more.
"I'm the other heir to Takashi Corp."
A/N: Well...the chapter ended here. I hope you guys liked it just a lil bit at least. Well, Inuyasha did not get shot. It was just to leave you guyz at a cliffhanger. Some more drama, and not so much of Inuyasha and Kagome in this one. SRY! I'm sorry for not updating sooner. This whole summer, I've only been home like two weeks. Thanks again for those of you who reviewed. I'll try my best to update, and if you guyz have any questions...just email me! I love reading them.
Take care!
Lunar InuYasha: Thank you so much for that last review you left. I was very very happy to receive it. In fact, it made my day....and was probably one of the main reasons I decided to hurry up on chapter 17. So..thank you thank you!
Evilmiko21: Thanx for reading my story. Well, I updated and I hope you're happy with what I wrote! Thanks again!
Chapter 17:Escaped and Engaged
By: KNE
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(Flashback)
Five year old Kagome sat on the comfy couch, hugging her knees. Her eyes were fixed on the flat screen T.V hung up on the wall ahead of her. Inuyasha was on his stomach next to her, squinting, not tearing his eyes away from the scene in front of him. The only time the two were actually quiet, was when a good movie was on, and hell...a good movie was on.
"Hey...Inu," Kagome whispered, so that she almost couldn't hear herself. Inuyasha ignored her, as the ending of the movie began to play. Kagome stared at the screen and watched as two people stood in a warehouse, surrounded by the police. The faced each other and pointed their guns at each other. Kagome gasped and then jumped as she heard the gunshot, almost knocking Inuyasha over.
"What the...!" Inuyasha screamed as Kagome's sudden movement made him jump as well. He jumped off the couch and glared at her. "Kag! You ruined the best part!" he screamed. Kagome made a face at him and then crossed her arms over her chest.
"That was a bad ending!" she yelled. Inuyasha growled and then picked up the remote control.
"Can't you sit still for once? It was a great movie! What are you talking about, stupid?" Inuyasha shouted, turning the screen off as the credits began to roll.
"Hmph, why did they have to die??" Kagome asked, dumbfound.
"Because everyone dies!" Inuyasha shouted, once more. Kagome hugged her knees again.
"I still think it's stupid."
"You're stupid! Why do you always have to ask questions when we watch a movie? I thought you had a brain!"
"Well you can't even give me a good reason why they died!" At this point, Inuyasha was pissed as hell for a little boy. He stared at the girl in front of him and snorted.
"Cuz they would of died anyways, the cops would of shot them..." Kagome kept her mouth shut and then suddenly her face lit up. "Hey Inu?"
"What?"
"What does it feel like to get shot?" Her question was pure innocent for a little girl, but Inuyasha was delighted.
"Of course it hurts, dummy! If it didn't hurt then why would they die??" he pointed at the black screen, like the movie was still playing. "It's like a million splinters all at once! Guts fly everywhere, and your kidneys burst inside you. Then you start coughing blood all over the place until you cough up your brain...." He grinned and made a pretend gun with his fingers and a gorish face. Kagome licked her lips, trying to register Inuyasha's boyish words. Inuyasha fell to the ground and rolled around clutching his stomach like he had just been shot. Kagome raised an eyebrow and then stood up on the couch.
Myouga walked in, with a tray of cookies and milk. He smiled at Kagome who was perched on top of the couch, watching his master roll on the ground like a dog. It was sad how such a good child was being influenced by such Kagome smiled when she saw the butler merged through the door.
"Hey Myouga!" she chirped.
"Hello Kagome-Chan? What are you doing?" he asked, kindly.
"Watching a movie."
"What kind of movie?"
"A killing movie," she again piped up in a cheerful voice. Myouga sweat dropped and glanced back down at Inuyasha who had stopped with the squirming and was now propped up on his elbow staring up at him.
"Now aren't you two a bit too young for that kind of movie?"
"No," Kagome said. "Inu said as long as we understand what's going on, then we can watch it." She smiled and looked down at Inuyasha. "Right, Inu?" Inuyasha rolled his eyes.
"You can't even understand it!"
"I can too!"
"Shut up, I'm sick of your whining!"
"You shut up asshole!" Myouga raised an eyebrow. Her vocabulary had definitely been influenced. Kagome snorted and then looked back at Myouga. "Hey Myouga, what does it feel like to get shot?"
Myouga hesitated and then shrugged.
"I assume that it hurts a lot."
"No shit wiseass," Inuyasha commented, standing up. Myouga glared at the boy. Kagome sighed and then jumped off the couch.
"Do you think I will ever get shot at?" she asked. Inuyasha snorted.
"No way! Who would waste a bullet on you?!" Kagome's jaw dropped.
"...and you're worthy of a bullet?" Inuyasha grinned and then pulled on the collar of his shirt.
"I'm Inuyasha. I'm worthy of anything."
"You pig." Kagome said, smacking him across the head. "What if you die?"
"I'm Inuyasha. I don't die."
"But you said everyone dies." Inuyasha was at lost for words this time. He shrugged and played it off coolly.
"Everyone but me. I'll never die."
"But I will, won't I? Would you ever get shot for me?" Inuyasha scrunched up his nose and shoved her away.
"Why would I ever risked myself for you? Nope, I only care about myself. I would never waste my time getting shot for you."
"So you would let me suffer?"
"Not if they shoot you in the head. You die instantly."
"Inu!"
"What?"
"You mean, you wouldn't protect me??" new tears began forming in her eyes as she said those words. Inuyasha' smile disappeared.
"What are you crying?!!! I never said I wasn't going to protect you! Stupid, no one's going to shoot us! This isn't even real!"
"But what if you die?"
"I'm not going to die! I'm going to live, kay? So stop worrying about stupid things that aren't ever going to happen!"
(End of Flashback)
What would life be like without him? Even for that one second after she heard the gun shot, she almost couldn't live without him. Kagome stared out the window, her shaky palms pressed up against the dirty window. What would of happened to her if the bullet had hit his head instead of the cement ground two inches away? Finally breaking through the shock, Kagome felt the cold tears fall down her face as relief washed over her. Biting her lip a small smile formed on her lips.
At least he was okay...for now. Her head then made a ninety degree turn to face the man behind everything. Her father stood his grounds watching her with an unamused face. The relieved expression from Kagome's face quickly changed to a cold, icy glare. Something was up....like usual.
"What do you want?" Kagome asked, reverting her gaze back to Inuyasha. "Why did you spare him?"
"I'm a business man Kagome...I thought you knew me better than that." Mr. Higurashi took a step forward, but Kagome stayed still. She was sick of this, sick of everything that was going on in her life. Why couldn't she be born into a normal family with a normal dad. She was fine for sixteen years of her life, just being an average girl. But now....
"What the hell are you talking about?" Kagome spat. Takeo sighed and also looked out at the torn and tattered Inuyasha lying on the hard ground.
"Even if I kill him now, you'll rebel sooner or later against me and the engagement." Kagome eyed him dangerously as he looked at her again. His point was slowly making its way in. "Do you care for this man?"
Kagome swallowed. Somewhere during his short sentences and eerie way of bringing up Inuyasha, Kagome understood well what her father was planning. Her heart squeezed as she bit her lip and continued to look out the window.
"I won't kill him now....unless you force me to..." Takeo said, looking closely at Kagome's reaction.
"And?"
"I won't kill him...as long as you marry Kouga and never see this boy again. I'll dump him on the side of the road as if nothing happened, and you will carry out your duty as my daughter..." Kagome stood still, not moving. She will still and again she felt another icy tear fall down her cheek.
She always knew there was going to be a reason why Inuyasha being involved in Tokyo was a bad idea. And she was right, Inuyasha was going to make a big impact for her future. Inuyasha was her future, the only thing that kept her going. And if he died...she would die too. She would sacrifice everything if she had to...because she loved him and she didn't need another second to think about it.
She knew her answer.
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He could of sworn he heard her voice. It had to be her voice....because it was the only angelic thing that had entered his mind. Then like a punishment for thinking about her, the loud cracking noise snapped him back to reality. He pulled his knees to his chest.
"Shit..." he said between clenched teeth. It would have been better if they just killed him, but waking him up every five minutes was pissing him off. His body ached like hell and the thought that was just killing him was that....right as he was groaning and squirming around like a baby, Kagome was in the middle of deep shit trying to figure out her future.
He was a useless son of a bitch, and he couldn't even help the girl that he had always been with. He couldn't even open his mouth and tell the whole world who he was when she was carrying all the burden...all the pain. He gritted his teeth.....he was supposed to be strong but why did he feel like the weakest person?
"Get up!" he felt a foot connect with his ribcage, and he doubled over again. Bankotsu grabbed Inuyasha by the collar and threw him onto his back. Inuyasha coughed and spat out blood. It was getting to the point where he couldn't take it anymore. Slowly lifting his head he blinked up at the young man holding a gun. Inuyasha froze. Were they going to shoot him? Bankotsu smirked and took another step towards Inuyasha.
"Ready to die?" he asked playfully holding the gun out in front of him and inspecting it.
"Why the hell am I here?" Inuyasha asked. "If it's ransom, you're never going to get your money." Bankotsu snickered and then shrugged.
"Well...from what I see you're just a personal problem to my boss." He looked up at Inuyasha. "I doubt he would risk his time if it's for ransom."
A personal problem? Inuyasha bit his tongue. Then could it be someone Inuyasha had started a fight with? His mind was running like crazy when Bankotsu knelt down next to him.
"You don't look so good. If you don't want to die right away, sit still." He stood up. Inuyasha only glared after him.
"Not until you fucking tell me why I'm here!" Bankotsu laughed.
"...and why would I tell you? All I know is..." his voice was cut off with the interruption of a phone ringing and the huge ventilator vibrating next to them. Bankotsu's playful face disappeared and he walked towards the noise. Picking up the cell phone on top of the ventilator, he brought it to his ears, as Inuyasha watched.
"Yes?" That was probably the only word Inuyasha heard from Bankotsu during the conversation. The rest was followed by quick nod of the head or a mumble. Bankotsu glanced over at Inuyasha before he hung up and grinned, "I understand, sir," he said, and then tossed the phone back on top of the ventilator.
Inuyasha gritted his teeth, "You..."
"Looks like the boss favors you for today. He's got one hell of a laugh..." again he was cut off, this time by Jankotsu jogging in. Inuyasha bit his tongue. He was annoyed and confused. How the hell was he going to get out of this one alive?
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The door swung open, and Kagome ran to her bed. Before she even reached her bed, her knees gave out and she fell forward, her upper body hitting the bed. She clutched her comforter and sobbed into the clean sheets. It was over. Everything, even her life was over. She was going to be a soulless body, corpse, walking through the Earth. Her life was over. Her life with Inuyasha was over because of her carelessness. The tears soaked the blankets and she cried even more. Two warm hands gently touched her soldiers and she flinched. Looking from the corner of her eyes she saw the familiar face of Kaeda.
Kagome's lurched forward as Kaeda wrapped her arms around the poor girl. She cried as she was rocked back and forth. The two sat on the ground as Kagome tried to catch her breath as tears rolled down her face.
"Tell me, child. Tell Kaeda what happened..." she whispered. Kagome lifted her face, her hair sticking to her mouth as she spoke.
"I had to. It's the only way..." she cried. "Inuyasha...he...he's stupid. No matter how dangerous....he would still fight for me. Even if he gets killed! It was the only..w...way!" her voice cracked as she covered her face. Kaeda looked sadly at the girl.
"What did you have to do?" She lifted Kagome up by the shoulder, as tears still fell and Kagome still trying to catch her breath. "Child...what happened?" Kagome bit her lip and brought the back of her hand to her face. It took a long time to answer, a long time for Kagome to calm her voice. Kaeda stared back at the girl with compassion. "Tell me...." She said.
The tears kept falling as Kagome swallowed and sniffled.
"Kaeda....I died a hundred deaths today," she said in a half whisper, half whimper. Kaeda too could feel the sadness, the aura coming from Kagome.
"Do you love him?" Kaeda asked, searching Kagome's face. There was no answer from the girl. Kagome swallowed and turned her face away, feeling another sob on the way.
"Yes."
"More than your happiness?" Kagome looked back at Kaeda as another crystal tear fell from her chin. Kaeda reached for Kagome's hand.
"....More than my life."
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"I can't get a hold of him, Sango!" Shippo shouted, as the two friends sat on the balcony of Shippo's tiny home. "I've been trying to call him for a while now, and every time I try to, some guy answers it and says he's not home!"
Sango looked at the pink cell phone in her hands as well.
"I can't get a hold of Kagome either. I mean...it was always hard to talk to her on the phone. But now, it's like they won't even....." she trailed off.
"I'm worried about them," Shippo said. "What if Inuyasha messed it up? What if he did something?" Sango looked at Shippo and then snatched his phone away.
"You have Inuyasha's home phone right? I only have his cell, and no one's picking up at all with it." Sango, quickly flipped it open and ran through the phone book.
"I'm telling you, he's not there!" Shippo shouted. Sango ignored him and brought the phone to her ears.
"But at least we have to find out where he is....I have to talk to him about Kagome!" The phone rang a few more times, but still there were no answer. Sango almost gave up when there was a sudden click and a male voice answered.
"Inuyasha?" Sango asked.
"Nope. He's not here." She heard the voice say.
"Wait! Where is he?" she screamed into the phone, almost causing Shippo to fall over as well.
"I don't know...out maybe?" the man said again. Sango made a face. Who was this person?
"Who is this?" she demanded. "What relationship do you have with Inuyasha?" She heard a fumbling of keys from the other end of the phone.
"I'm his friend and roommate."
"Then you should know where he is!" Sango yelled, very irritated. "Look, I need to talk to him about something very important, and I can't get a hold of him. So if you can just please...."
"What's your name?" the man interrupted her, quite rudely. Sango slammed her hand onto the plastic chair.
"What?"
"If you want to leave a message, you're going to have to leave a name," the man said. Sango opened her mouth and then closed it again.
"Oh. S..Sango," she said, suddenly feeling like a idiot for some reason.
"Well Miss. Sango," she caught a hint of sarcasm as he spoke her name. "Inuyasha is not home right now, nor has he have been for the past two days. So when he does turn up, I will let him know that you want to discuss something important with him." Sango gasped.
"Two days?!" she demanded. "Two days? And he hasn't called, whatsoever?"
"I'm not his mother. I don't think Inuyasha needs to call me to let me know when he'll be home..."
"But what if something happened to him?!"
"Like what? What could possibly happen to a seventeen year old guy?" Sango was now practically strangling Shippo as she listened to the annoying man.
"You obviously have no clue who Inuyasha is!" she yelled.
"And who exactly is he? And who are you? What is your relationship with him?"
"Call the police."
"Look woman. YOU obviously need to calm down. Are you from Kyoto? People in Tokyo do this all the time. Inuyasha is probably out with some girl doing the nasty. He's not interested in you alright?" Sango gasped as there was a sudden click on the line and then the dial tone.
Shippo stared up at her and pried her fingers away from his neck. "What did that guy say?" he asked. Sango stared in disbelief at the phone in her hand.
"He....he...hung up on me!" she screamed, and chucked the phone at the house.
"My phone!" Shippo shouted, as Sango stomped into the house.
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Miroku stared at the phone in his hand and sighed. There were so many women in the world, and only a handful of good men. Some were just unlucky. He tossed the phone onto the couch and wobbled over to his mattress. He was dying. He had been working for the past 48 hours covering for Inuyasha, who had somewhat disappeared.
Miroku rolled onto his back and stared at the ceiling. He looked back at the phone lying on the couch. What if something did happen to Inuyasha? The guy didn't even take any of his stuff with him. Sure, Inuyasha seemed the type to just skip work, but wasn't he here for Kagome Higurashi? His work was Kagome Higurashi and a bit of Kouga.
He scratched his head. A feeling of worried ness washed over him. But then again....he sat up. What if Inuyasha was in trouble or something? He swore and threw his pillow at the phone. Why the hell did that Sango chick have to call and get him all worried now?
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Sesshomaru stared out the window that overlooked the city of Tokyo. So the fool failed? What an idiot. He turned away from the window and sat down in his chair.
He almost pitied his fool of a brother. But he couldn't, because he was Sesshomaru. And Sesshomaru would not show or admit to any emotions at all. Inuyasha had it all. He had his freedom, his money, his friends, his laidback life, he had that girl of his..Kagome Higurashi, and all he had to do was keep it. But he couldn't even do that. He was a fool alright. A dumb, worthless teenager who wouldn't survive. Who couldn't survive.
Sesshomaru held up the white card in his hand, reading out the words written in golden ink. But....Sesshomaru never failed. Not once in his life had he failed. Only could he show Inuyasha how powerful he was compared to his low life brother. But that wouldn't happen until Inuyasha, himself, came to beg Sesshomaru for help..
"It'll be soon...." He said, tossing the card aside and watching it fall open onto his desk, with the words that would probably break the halfwit's heart.
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Inuyasha coughed. The pain was slowly going away now. They had left him alone for a while now. He could feel the emptiness in the warehouse. Maybe he was free? No. Why would they let him go? Slowly struggling to give up he sat up and found that his hands were tied together.
"Shit...." He muttered, and looked around. If he couldn't get out...he could try calling for help. Maybe someone nearby or passing by might hear his screams. Too bad it was a stupid idea, and would only cause more pain for him once the crazy kidnappers hear him.
"How?" he asked himself, wishing a little devil would appear on his shoulder and tell him. "How?" He looked around. "What could I do?" His eyes landed on the ventilator that stood before him. His eyes widened as he remembered Bankotsu standing a few feet away from him, threatening him with a gun. And then....a phone rang and the ventilator was shaking. Inuyasha quickly slid his way towards the ventilator.
Bankotsu had tossed it back! Inuyasha remembered! Could it still be there? He can call for help. Slowly, putting his back against the ventilator, he slid himself up. They could be watching him from afar, but he was going to take the risk. Maybe, just maybe he might get lucky.
His legs straightened and he tried reaching over the ventilator with his hands tied behind his back. Looking over his shoulder, his heart skipped a beat when he saw the shiny black phone lying on top.
"Bingo," he whispered. They were careless kidnappers. They must have thought he would be too weak to even move. But then again if they had hit his head any harder, any memory of his last conversation with Bankotsu would be a blur as well.
Struggling with trying to get his hands on the phone, Inuyasha let out a grunt and tried to bend his back a bit further out. If only he was a bit taller and could reach over the damn thing. Looking around, his eyes landed on the wooden chair not too far from him.
It would be noisy, and would even take longer, but he had to take his chances. Quickly falling forward, and letting his knees curl up to protect him, Inuyasha squirmed his way on the dirty ground towards the chair.
"C'mon you son of a bitch..." Inuyasha said to himself as he laid back, and used his foot to grab a hold of one of the chair's legs. Using his remaining strength and muscles Inuyasha pushed himself with his back and leg, while pulling the chair with him. A chair that could easily be thrown across the room by a ten year old, felt like it weighed over a hundred pounds right now to Inuyasha.
When he felt his head hit the ventilator he twisted around so that he could push the chair against it. This was his chance...his only chance. He once again, slid himself up and managed to put one leg up on the chair.
"One..." he said, balancing himself. "Two....three..." he let out a small cry as he lifted his other leg onto the chair and quickly pushed himself up, before the chair slid away. Now that he was actually more that a foot taller than the ventilator...
Inuyasha grabbed the phone with his hands, and jumped off the ventilator. He fell flat on his face, and groaned. "Damn..." he said, as he lifted his head and looked around. The phone laid next to him. Thank god. He sat up and reached for it. Help. Who could help him. The police? But at that time...only one person came to his mind.
He dialed...or at least he tried to dial. Plenty of times he messed up...but he was able to do it. Setting it down on the concrete ground, he fell back onto his back and scooted his way so that his face was towards the phone.
"Please answer...." Inuyasha prayed to himself. "Please....."
"Hello?" Miroku's voice sounded like god to Inuyasha.
"Miroku..." Inuyasha half whispered.
"Inuyasha? Is that you? Where have you been you idiot! Do you know how much I've been working my ass to cover for you? And what is it with these phone calls from this chick called Sango? Where are you dude?" Inuyasha grimaced.
He didn't have time to listen to Miroku. Miroku had to listen to him now.
"I don't know where I am." Inuyasha said.
"Huh? I don't get it." He could picture Miroku scratching his head like an idiot.
"I...someone kidnapped me, but I don't know where I am," his voice cracked, as he looked around, making sure no one was coming. "I need help." There was silence and then Miroku laughed.
"Dude, it's not funny anymore. I was actually worried about you! Come home!"
"Miroku...this isn't a joke. I'm in some kind of warehouse. Some crazy guys..." he whispered.
"Why are you whispering?" Maybe calling Miroku was a bad idea.
"Dammit...Miroku! I'm in some kind of warehouse, but I don't know where. I need you to help me figure it out before they come back!" Another silence.
"Are you serious? Cuz if you're screwing with me....."
"Miroku...I'm serious. They're going to kill me." Again, that irritating silence loomed through the phone line. Miroku was probably trying to make himself believe that a seventeen year old guy got kidnapped. "Miroku? Are you still there? I need you to get me outta here..." he hissed.
"But where are you?" Miroku suddenly spoke up, his voice much more serious than it had been before, minutes ago.
"All I know is, it looks like some deserted place. Warehouse...factory...something close to that..." Inuyasha licked his dried lips.
"Okay okay...a warehouse....abandoned right? It must be..." he heard Miroku mumbling to himself. "I need some more things Inuyasha....look around the place, what do you see."
"Machines."
"What kind?" Inuyasha looked around desperately.
"I don't know... he said, scooting himself to the ventilator, with the phone scraping against the cement. .
"Is there a window?"
"Not any that I can get to.... I don't have much time Miroku."
"I can't help you if I don't have any details! There's nothing? No writing, poster, stickers....trees...." Inuyasha fell onto a ripped sticker on the ventilator.
"Wait...." Inuyasha said, looking down and squinting, trying to see through the dim lights.
"What?"
"I found something. It says....mu's Lumber Inc....the first part is ripped"
"A lumber factory. You must be near the forest. An abandoned lumber factory...mu's lumber Incorporation..." Inuyasha heard Miroku mumbling. He had been mumbling for quite some time. Putting words together and sounding them out.
"Abandoned....lumber....forest....warehouse....mu's...." Inuyasha was panicking. What if he couldn't get help. It would be impossible to find him.
I got it!!!" Miroku screamed. "Itsomu's Lumber Incorporation! Closed down about ten years ago!"
"Where is it?" Relief.
"Um...should be off Tokyo...two hour drive or so from here."
"Miroku...get help, and don't call back on this cell phone." Inuyasha hissed. "...and be fast!"
"I will." Inuyasha said nothing but nodded, before he used his chin to turn it off. He had his faith in Miroku. Miroku had better be getting all the help now. Inuyasha didn't have much time left.
In fact...he had less then twenty-four hours.
Kagome felt sick as she stared back at her reflection. She felt like a zombie, more or less a Barbie doll for these fake women.
"Don't you think it's just gorgeous? Perfect for tonight's party." The women said as the encircled Kagome.
"Do you like it dear? It suits you very well. You haven't said a word about it!" Kagome just stared at the mirror. What was she supposed to say? That it was lovely? Perfect for a birthday party? Perfect for an engagement announcement? Perfect for the daughter of Takeo Higurashi? Was that what she was supposed to say? The perfect dress for the perfect punishment.
Kagome immediately stood up. She reached for the clip on top of her head, and yanked it off. Her long hair fell across her shoulders.
"Miss. Higurashi?" the three women jumped up with her. "Where are you going? You haven't finished trying on all the dresses yet..." Kagome didn't care about the dress. She didn't care anymore. She only cared about Inuyasha. "Miss Higurashi!" they said grabbing her arm.
"You haven't chosen a dress yet!" Kagome whipped around glaring at them. The reflection in the mirror revealed a cold hearted person.
"Get out!" Kagome demanded. The three women's eyes widened in surprise to see such an outburst from THE Kagome. The kind and understanding Kagome.
"But...."
"I said get out!!!" she yelled. The ladies nodded and hurried out, closing the door behind them. Kagome stared after them and then sunk to the ground. Her dress flailing around her. What would Inuyasha say if he saw her now? She felt tears on their way as she covered her face. The door opened and Takeo Higurashi stepped in to look at his depressed daughter slumped on the ground.
"What did you say to them?" Kagome glared up at him like he was the devil himself.
"I told them to get out," she answered sternly. "...and I would tell you too, but I doubt you will." She stood up and turned her face away. Her father watching her, anger ready to spill.
"Don't you dare disrespect me like you just did to anyone...especially me!" he yelled. Kagome walked to her nightstand, and began removing the jewelry on her body, without a care in the world.
"Seeing that you've already fucked up my life. I think I have every right to." She turned around to face her angry father. "I'm already marrying that bastard." All Takeo could do was watch as Kagome turned away from him and proceeded to the bathroom.
Once inside the bathroom, she collapsed and hugged her knees. "Just leave me alone..." she whispered, and closed her eyes. "Just leave me alone."
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Inuyasha blinked. He blinked again. Where the hell was Miroku? He could see light spilling from the high windows above him, and yet....there was still no Miroku. Letting out a painful sigh, he rolled over to his back. Amazingly, he felt no pain doing that. His wounds were healing since no one had touched him after the incident yesterday. Maybe at this point...he could just get up and run away. The huge clanking noise from the door indicated that the psycho path and his boss were checking up on him again. Inuyasha made no movement as Jankotsu and Bankotsu's face appeared above him.
"Did you have a good sleep?" Jankotsu asked, looking up and down Inuyasha's body. Inuyasha glared at him, but still continued to make no movement. Bankotsu crouched down and grabbed a handful of Inuyasha's hair. Inuyasha winced as Bankotsu lifted him up. So the beatings will begin once again, Inuyasha thought as he was brought to eye level with Bankotsu. Jankotsu laughed...or more likely giggled, and then he put a finger on Inuyasha' nose.
"Got a present for you...sweetie," he said turning towards the door. Inuyasha's eyes followed his gaze. His eyes landed on the beaten figure being held by another large man.
"Miroku..." he muttered, as Miroku was thrown to the ground, next to his feet.
"We caught this idiot snooping around," Bankotsu said. Inuyasha gritted his teeth. "We figured you needed some company...." Inuyasha cringed as the fist met up with his stomach again. He fell to the ground next to the unconscious dweeb. Coughing, he looked up at the two men, staring down at him in delight.
"Have fun!" The two laughed (and giggled) while they walked towards the door, leaving Inuyasha clutching his stomach in pain. Miroku...the idiot failed. He looked over at the battered playboy. Now everything was definitely over.
Miroku's eyes snapped open and he turned his head towards Inuyasha. "Hey...you okay?" he asked. Inuyasha stared back at him in disbelief. Miroku smiled his goofy smile and rolled over onto his stomach quickly.
"W...What are you doing here? Where's the help?" Inuyasha hissed, looking around cautiously.
"I'm here to help you," Miroku said. Inuyasha just stared back at him...and then buried his face in his arms.
"We're doomed..." he muttered. "We're going to die and rot here, and then I won't be able to help Kag out. I failed her..." Inuyasha tightened his fist. The tied up Miroku just watched him.
"Don't worry everything's okay..." Miroku said. "I got it all figured out." Inuyasha lifted his head and looked at him.
"Then do you mind telling me what the plan is?" Miroku nervously smiled.
"Well...I actually wasn't planning on getting caught. That threw like half my plan out the window..." he trailed off.
"Wow." Inuyasha swore and rolled away. It was hopeless. He gritted his teeth and cursed again and again.
"But..." Miroku started. "I have backup..." he smiled proudly and rolled over to Inuyasha. "Right after I hung up with you...I went through your stuff. I found...a number in one of your pockets." Inuyasha looked at him. "So I called it, and do you know who answered?" Now it just seemed like a guessing game as Miroku happily chatted.
"I don't care anymore..." Inuyasha mumbled.
"Takashi....Sesshomaru Takashi. The Sesshomaru Takashi, richest man in Japan!" Miroku halfway shouted. Inuyasha stared at Miroku in disbelief. Did he? Did he call Sesshomaru for help? A wave of nausea swept over Inuyasha.
"No......" Inuyasha groaned as he curled up. Now he would have to except Sesshomaru's help, and though that would be the last thing on his mind (like asking Sesshomaru for help with Kagome) he knew that was the only answer.
"And at first...I was like, 'why does Inuyasha have Sesshomaru Takashi's number?' And not only was it like just a work number where secretaries answer, but it was like his number! I mean why would you have Sesshomaru's cell number?"
"Miroku.....we need to get out. I don't have time to talk about him." Inuyasha's eyes landed on a splinter of wood near the ventilator once again.
"...anyways, I asked him if he knew an Inuyasha, and he said, 'what did that idiot do now?'" Miroku delightfully smiled and followed Inuyasha to the piece of wood. "I can't believe you know him!!" Miroku would of clapped his hands together and jump up and down at that point, if he wasn't tied up.
Inuyasha groaned and started squirming towards the wood. Maybe he could cut the rope lose, now that he had Miroku to help him. Then once they had gotten through that, a new idea might just pop out.
"Are you listening to me?" Miroku continued talking. But Inuyasha wasn't listening.
"Miroku, get your ass over here and help me out!" Inuyasha hissed. Miroku glanced over at him, seeing the piece of wood wrapped between Inuyasha's fingers.
"What do you expect to do with that?" Miroku ask.
"Try cutting the rope," Inuyasha whispered scooting closer to Miroku. Miroku nodded and reached for the splinter. He soon felt the scraping from the rope and the wood on his wrist as Miroku began cutting.
"Why would these guys kidnap you?" Miroku ask.
"I don't know. That's what I'm trying to figure out too," Inuyasha said, wincing. "Enemies maybe. I've made plenty while I was in Tokyo. I dunno, some of them might have been like Yukuza members or something."
"...or someone could of hired these guys to get rid of you. You might be a threat to Kouga or even...." Inuyasha' head jerked up. Why hadn't he thought of it before. It could be anyone...it might even be Kouga or Kagome's father. The announcement was tonight, and they could be keeping him here so that he wouldn't stop it. But unless Kagome had mentioned anything or if someone saw them, how else would Takeo know about him?
"Or....Sesshomaru," Inuyasha whispered.
"What?" Miroku asked, as he finished cutting the rope. Inuyasha's hands broke free and he quickly removed the rope on his feet. Automatically, he started untying Miroku. When the two broke free they both stood up quickly and looked around. "So how do you suppose we get out?" Miroku asked.
"If we split..."
"Which we wont." Miroku said, fear reaching his eyes.
"You said we have backup?' Inuyasha asked.
"Um...I think. He kind of hung up on me..." Miroku said, squirming. Inuyasha groaned and started searching for a way out.
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The long beige color dress hung onto Kagome's body as she stepped off the last step of the staircase. Tonight her hair would be hanging across her shoulders, curled with pearls. Kouga Kanzaki, her future husband stood at the bottom grinning up at her. She wanted to kill him, but she forced a sad smile instead. It was the best she could get it.
Was Kouga clueless of everything that was happening? Did he know how much she was suffering? He must have not, because the idiot didn't even know Inuyasha Takashi was working for him.
"Gorgeous!" Kouga exclaimed, as he took her hand. Her arm looped with his as his eyes trailed down her body. It landed on the purple sphere hanging around her neck. "That necklace..." he began reaching out to touch it. Kagome reacted, by taking a step back and closing her fingers around it.
"A present..." Kagome whispered. Kouga's eyes widened. "From someone very dear to me."
"Oh..." He began, "I see." The wide smile appeared on his face once again, and he took her arm again. "Come now, Birthday Girl. You'll be the most beautiful girl tonight. You'll shine and everybody will love you. And you'll...be mine tonight." His proud words sunk hard into Kagome skull.
"I know...." She whispered, as the two step towards the limo. Her eyes looked at the driver, wishing Inuyasha was fine and still driving them like he had once did. But, it wasn't....instead it was a man she had never seen before. The got into the limo slowly, and she pulled the shawl around her tightly.
She would have to endure it one way or the other. It was really happening.
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Inuyasha ducked as the bullet hit the tree next to him.
"Shit! We're gonna die!" Miroku yelled, as he fell and rolled on the leaves.
"Shut up and run! Miroku!" he yelled as another bullet sailed past his ears.
"We're gonna die! We're gonna die!" Miroku yelled as he and Inuyasha crossed each other's path. They were running as fast as they could down the hill, as bullets flew around them. According to Inuyasha, seven men with guns were chasing them , and according to Miroku...they were gonna die.
Then he saw it...the road. They were reaching a road.
"Miroku!" he yelled.
"I see it!" Miroku screamed. He began running faster. Inuyasha's heart was racing. The street was empty. No cars. Nothing.
"No! Miroku!" he yelled. If they ran on the street, it would give Bankotsu and the guys a better opportunity to shoot them without anything in the way. "Miroku!" he yelled. But, Miroku kept running. Inuyasha changed his direction and ran after his idiotic friend.
"Hurry, we're almost there!" Miroku yelled.
"No! Don't!" Inuyasha shouted, as Miroku's feet hit the cool pavement. "Shit!" he yelled. "Get off the street!" he yelled.
"Someone will help us!"
"No they won't!!!" Inuyasha yelled, as he ran parallel to Miroku, but stayed behind the tree. "They'll shoot you!"
"No they wo...." Miroku's voice was cut off, as he fell forward. Inuyasha' eyes widened as blood shot out onto the street. Miroku rolled and landed on his back.
"No! Miroku!!!" He yelled, forgetting the danger and ran towards Miroku onto the street. Reaching Miroku's side, he saw Jankotsu and Bankotsu exit the woods. "Damn..." he whispered, watching as they raised the gun to him.
The gun went off, and Inuyasha closed his eyes, waiting for impact. At least he didn't die in the warehouse. Then, he heard a grunt. His eyes immediately opened, just as Bankotsu fell backwards with blood soaking through the front of his shirt. Jankotsu too, had wide eyes, watching his boss fall to the ground. Another gunshot went off, making Inuyasha jump and fall to the ground covering his head.
Someone shot Bankotsu? Soon all he could hear were loud cracks and gunshots. Miroku was hurt. His head lifted quickly and crawled next to Miroku who was...amazingly trying to lift his head to see the action that was happening around him.
"Inuyasha...didn't I tell you we had backup!?" he yelled over the noise.
"Are you okay?" Inuyasha asked, looking at the blood that had soaked through Miroku's dark shirt.
"It hit my arm. It's okay...I think," he said, glancing down.
"Put pressure on it!" Inuyasha yelled ripping the bottom of his shirt and cover the wound, bloodying his hands.
"It's fine!" Miroku yelled, wincing. Another gunshot went off...and then there was silence. The two young men on the street looked around panting, and trying to catch their breath.
"So where's backup?" Inuyasha finally asked. Miroku shrugged and looked around. Jankotsu was on the pavement sprawled with three bullet holes on his chest.
"Dude...Inuyasha we almost died." Miroku said, sitting up, still holding his arm. Inuyasha nodded but still looked around. So where were his saviors? His question was answered when he heard the engine of a cars pulling up next to them, and an ambulance. Men in black suits got out and paramedics circled Miroku.
Inuyasha just looked around as the paramedics rushed to Miroku. "Where did they come from?" Miroku asked. Inuyasha kept silent as he watched people run around him and ask questions. Only one person could do this. He swallowed. The only way he could survive or even do anything right was if he depended on his brother.
His eyes fell on Miroku who was now sitting on the ambulance as his arm was being checked. Miroku was hurt because of him. He ran a hand through his hair.
"Sesshomaru...why does it always have to be you?" he whispered.
"Sir? Can you please come this way so we can check your injuries?" a woman asked, walking up to Inuyasha with a clipboard. Inuyasha quietly followed to another ambulance that had just pulled up. Now police cars were arriving to examine the bodies that were probably lying around the forest. He felt sick. Everything was his fault. He felt dizzy, really dizzy. Inuyasha felt himself stop walking and started to sway.
"Sir?" The woman asked. "Are you alright sir?" Inuyasha grabbed his head. Kagome's smiling face flashed in front of him before he fell to the grass and puked. "Oh my god!" the woman yelled running to his side. Inuyasha rolled to his back and watched as more people came to his side.
"Get him to the hospital!" someone screamed. Get me to Kagome, Inuyasha thought. "Now!" Paramedics ran around him yelling things at each other as Inuyasha closed his eyes. All he wanted to do was sleep.
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Kagome felt the glass slip from her hand and shatter on the marble floor beneath her. She was shaking. Some of the employees hurried to sweep up the mess. What was that bad feeling she just had right there?
Kagome sighed, but then again...she had been having bad feelings for a long time now. Kagome smiled slightly, thinking of the other day when Inuyasha had given her the birthday present. Her hands flew back up to her chest, where the purple sphere was. It really didn't go with the dress, but she sure as hell wasn't taking it off....ever.
"Kagome?" a small voice piped up behind her. Kagome turned around to face Ayame. She looked really cute, in a plain black dress. But, she was much paler than usual.
"Ayame..." Kagome whispered. This was awkward. Now she was going to marry the man that Ayame was in love with.
"It's been a while..." Ayame said. Kagome looked down at her feet and nodded.
"You know Ayame-Chan...I know how you feel right now," she said. Ayame's eyes widened.
"What are you talking about?" Ayame asked, her bottom lip quivering.
"I know what it feels like to give up the person you love most...." Kagome bit her lip as Inuyasha's grin appeared in her mind. "It hurts, right?" she asked. Ayame just stared at her and turned her face away.
"Kagome-Chan...I..."
"I'm sorry. It's all my fault, "Kagome said, lifting her head so that the tears wouldn't fall. "Forgive me." There was a short moment of silence as Ayame stared back at Kagome.
"Do you love him?" Ayame asked, her voice shaky.
"No," Kagome whispered. "There is only one person I will ever love." Ayame's hands lowered to her side and nodded.
"That boy? That one time at the mall. It was him all along right?" she asked. "I could tell because I saw the light in your eyes." Those words triggered Kagome's mind. It was him all along. Since the moment he threw down the cat from the tree. Since the time they played baseball in Inuyasha's lawn. Since the time the two of them tried to cook ramen for the first time. And since the time he was with Kikyou. She had always loved him...all along.
"All along..." Kagome whispered. Ayame nodded sadly.
"I understand, I wish you luck...." She said, turning away.
"Me too..." An arm wrapped around her waist making her flinch. Kouga smiled at her.
"Is that your friend Ayame?" he asked. Kagome nodded. "What did you guys talk about?"
"Nothing..." she said quietly. Kouga grinned again and then looked back down to her.
"The announcement will be soon."
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Inuyasha bolted from his bed, sweating. Where was he? He looked around the white room and then at himself. He was covered in bandages. With all the IV's stuck to him, he realized he was at the hospital.
"Kagome..." he whispered, pulling the IV's out of him, ignoring the pain that surged through his body and head. "I have to get to her..." he said, glancing at the digital clock that read 8:30. The door opened and a nurse hurried to his side.
"Mr. Takashi! What are you doing?" Inuyasha hurried and threw on his shirt and jeans that were folded neatly next to his bed.
"I need to get out of here."
"Sir...You've got a bad concussion, you need to stay in bed."
"Where am I? What hospital is this?"
"You've been out four hours, they transferred you here. This is the Shinagawa Hospital..." she said.
"Shinagawa Hospital?" He wasn't too far from Tokyo.
"Sir...you need to relax and sit down. You were just in critical condition three hours ago." Inuyasha pushed passed her and headed for the door.
"I have to go!"
He was at full sprint, running through the hospital halls. He groaned when he saw the pouring rain outside the glass revolving doors. He could take a cab, but he didn't have any money on him.
"Dammit..." he muttered. "Damn!" The rain soaked his shirt right away as he ran down the street. He had to make a run for it. But he had to make it on time.
Turning the corner, he stopped and looked around. Where the hell was he? The little streets were messing him up. Running into the middle of the street, Inuyasha stopped the cab in front of him. Quickly getting in, he shouted to the driver the name of the hotel Kagome's birthday party was being held.
"Dammit..." he muttered looking through the streets, as people ran around in umbrellas. "I'm in a rush, can you speed it up?" Inuyasha asked. The taxi driver made no movement but stayed at the same speed limit. "Fuck..." he whispered, bobbing his knee up and down.
"Kagome.. please...just wait a little longer!"
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"It's time." Kagome swallowed and stood up with Kouga, as her father lead them to the top of the balcony that looked over the ballroom. The birthday wishes, everything would be given here...and then the engagement announcement. The room, filled with thousands of talking people was now so quiet, they could hear a pin drop.
Takeo took his place in front of the microphone and cleared his throat. Kagome felt Kouga's hand tightening around her wrist. This was it.
"Good evening ladies and gentlemen, my friends. Tonight, we are here to celebrate the seventeenth birthday of my only daughter Kagome." His speech was cut off with excitement and applause. All Kagome could do was bite her tongue. When the cheering died down Takeo smiled and began.
Inuyasha stumbled out of the car, and sprinted as fast as he could towards the door, leaving the taxi driver stunned.
"My money!" he yelled after Inuyasha. Inuyasha pushed through the glass doors and ran towards the ball room entrance, when two guards stepped in front of him.
"Invitation please..." they asked. Inuyasha looked from one guy to the other.
"I..." he started...and then pushed past them as hard as he could and ran into the ballroom. He dodged passed the guards and hurried through the crowd. It was a coincidence that Takeo Higurashi was just handing his speech over to Kouga, because the guards stayed quiet, not wanting to get in trouble for disrupting the party. Instead they tried searching the crowds for the silver hair boy. Inuyasha hid low in the crowd trying to find Kagome.
His eyes landed on her standing next to Kouga who had started his speech. She was beautiful, everything that had happened in his life happened because of her. He couldn't just let her marry Kouga. But he couldn't do anything right now, basically he had no plan
"Kagome....please..." he whispered as he tried to move closer towards the balcony.
"Ladies and Gentleman...First I would like to thank you all for coming to Kagome's birthday. She's a beautiful girl...." Kouga said, raising his wine glass to Kagome, who stood her grounds. The guest began clapping and cheering again.
"Kagome!" Inuyasha shouted over the crowd. "Kagome!" She made no movement or anything of any kind. Inuyasha moved in closer, he had to get her attention now. Kouga's smiled widened as he licked her lips and leaned into the microphone.
"Today is an important date not only for her....but for me as well. My friends.... I would like to announce that Kagome Higurashi has agreed to married me. We are to be wed after she graduates.
The place erupted in cheers once more, much stronger than before. Inuyasha's eyes were wide as he watched Kagome not do anything but look down at her shoes.
"What?" Inuyasha whispered. He took a step forward ready to yell something.
"Kiss her!" someone yelled. The place cheered even more. Inuyasha stopped and froze. For some reason he rushed here...but now he couldn't do anything. He was frozen. But now.... Inuyasha's eyes traveled back up to Kagome. Is Kagome really going through with this? Did she want to? He took a step back and watched as the scene unfolded in front of him.
Kouga smiled and took a step towards Kagome. He put an arm around her waist and pulled her close to him.
"What is she doing?" Inuyasha whispered. His heart stopped as he saw Kagome closed her eyes and Kouga lower his head. The kiss wasn't really long...but it wasn't short either. The whole place clapped, but Inuyasha's hands hung dead at his sides. Swallowing he turned away from the scene, as Kouga's lips pulled away from Kagome.
Kouga blushed and then the world went on as it was. The people continued talking to themselves...and some people went to congratulate the new couple.
Inuyasha pushed pass the doors of the ball room and hurried out. He couldn't believe what he had just seen. He wouldn't believe it. Kagome had not only agreed to the engagement...but she kissed him. Her first kiss too. Inuyasha swallowed again feeling the sick nauseous feeling that he had felt earlier that day come over him.
"I need to get the hell outta here..." he said, confused. Why would she go through with it? His view was blocked when the two guards stepped in front of him.
"You're in trouble mister..." they said, grabbing Inuyasha's shoulder. Inuyasha shoved them away, but they grabbed a hold of him again. His anger was ready to spill all over again. He had been beaten up lately too many times.
"Let him go!" a voice rang out. Inuyasha felt the hands leave him, as he stared out the glass doors at the rain. He felt like hell. He heard the footsteps walk up behind him as he lowered his head, and shove his hands in his pocket.
"I went though hell to get here you know..." he half whispered, knowing the familiar presence.
"Inuyasha...."
Inuyasha turned around to face Kagome with the grimmest look.
"Why?" he asked. Kagome bit her lip and brought a hand to her necklace. She wrapped her fingers around it and put on her best smile.
"I figured that Kouga's not so bad after all. I mean, I told you a long time ago that I want I guy I can depend on, and Kouga is a hard worker. He's successful, and plus he can take care of me and likes me too....he's nice, and I think I can be happy with him...."
"Bullshit," Inuyasha said, turning away from her. "It's all a bunch of bull shit."
"It's true! I thought about it all night, and it's the best way. The best solution." She reached out to touch his arm, but he jerked it away and walked out the door and into the rain. Kagome chased after him, lifting her dress.
"Inuyasha... listen to me!" she yelled after him, making him stop. She walked around him and looked at his face. "Please don't be mad!" she pleaded.
"You heard me right? Back in the ballroom. You heard me call your name didn't you?" Kagome bit her lip as the streaks of water ran down her face. Inuyasha nodded his head.
"So you really think Kouga is the one for you? Because he has money? Because he's successful? Or is it because your father sent his goons after me?" he asked. Kagome's eyes widened.
"It's none of that. To my father...you're nothing. Inuyasha....Even if there was no Kouga, he would want me to stay away from you," Inuyasha shook his head and walked away.
"I don't want to listen anymore. I don't care what you do now!" he yelled. Kagome watched as he walked faster and once again chased after him.
"Inuyasha I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!" she yelled. "But Kouga really is a nice man...he is!" she yelled. "I can be happy with him..." Inuyasha stopped walking again and looked down at her. His eyes cold, his lips pursed together, and his hair soaked.
"....so what do you want me to do?" He was serious. He had never looked so depressed to Kagome, not ever.
"Please Inuyasha...." Kagome said and reached for his hand. Inuyasha watched her as she looked back up to him with pleading eyes. And then with a much sterner voice, she straightened up and spoke.
"As my best friend, and the person I care for the most. I can only be happy if you can please wish both me and Kouga luck in our engagement and future marriage."
The words hit Inuyasha like a whirlwind storm. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. Instantly, he pulled his hand away from her grip. His breathing became harder. She was serious. He took a step back, she was crazy for even thinking that he would. Taking another step back he shook his head.
"Never...The day I do that is the day I give up on you...." he whispered and turned and ran as fast as he could away.
Kagome stood alone soaked, with the rain pouring down her dress and her hair completely destroyed. The tears that blended with the rain that kept falling.
"I'm sorry..." she whispered and covered her face with her hands. "I only love you."
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Sesshomaru tossed his pen aside and looked out the window. Tokyo was always filled with life. Kyoto was small compared to here, that was why the main part of the company was here. He never really had to go home, he didn't know why he chose to though.
The sudden ringing of his phone made him growl. He hated being bothered.
"Mr. Takashi...um..your brother is here to see you," his secretary said in a distant and confused voice. Sesshomaru leaned back in his seat. Inuyasha? Here to see him?
"Let him in.." he said, hating the fact that people never put the word 'half' in their sentences when they addressed Inuyasha and him as siblings. But Inuyasha was here for once, without running in his office yelling like a madman. "This should be interesting," he muttered.
The door opened, and Inuyasha stepped in slowly looking at Sesshomaru. He was a complete mess.
"Decided to visit? You would be dead now if it wasn't for me," he said, looking at the mutt who was soaked from his head to his feet.
"I know..." Inuyasha half whispered, taking a step towards him. Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow.
"I'm surprised you're here. This is the first time you've ever stepped foot in our company building, let alone cooperate when you speak to me. What is it that you want?" Sesshomaru eyed his brother carefully. Inuyasha took another step towards him.
"This is father's building right? The building he left for me AND you." Inuyasha reached his desk and swallowed. The drops of water falling from his hair dripped onto Sesshomaru's desk.
"If you consider this work yours...say whatever you want," Sesshomaru said sternly.
"Now what do you want, Inuyasha?" he asked. Inuyasha swallowed again, and brought his eyes back to look at Sesshomaru. Even this time, Sesshomaru was stunned. Inuyasha looked as if he was troubled, as if he was doing something he didn't really want to do.
"I'm ready," Inuyasha whispered, his eyes meeting Sesshomaru's sharply.
"Ready for what?"
"Ready to learn how to run this company. I'm ready to open Tetsaiga." The news was a complete shock to Sesshomaru. This was the last thing he would expect from Inuyasha. The lazy worthless brat that couldn't even get decent grades.
"You think this is a game? By opening Tetsaiga, your life will change. You're too young to understand things like this yet. Get out." Sesshomaru turned away and picked up his pen. He felt his desk shake as Inuyasha's two hands gripped the edge of the desk. Lowering his head Inuyasha bowed down.
"I'm doing something I'll probably never do again. So listen to me. I'm begging you to help me. PLEASE teach me. I'm ready to learn. I won't talk back, I won't do anything that will angry you. But I'm begging you to please help me for the last time." The grip on the desk tightened as he squeezed his eyes shut. All Sesshomaru could do was look at the boy in front of him.
So it was finally time to let the little brat out. There had to be a time, and this was it. Inuyasha Takashi, second son to Inutashio Takashi was now going to be exposed.
Miroku tossed the apple in the air and caught it with his opposite arm, making him cry out. He fixed his sling and stared at the white room.
"Hospitals are so boring...I thought there were suppose to be hot nurses or something." He grimaced at the thought of the male nurse that had been helping him out for the past two days.
"How you doing?"
Miroku's head jerked up to face Inuyasha who stood by the door. His right side of his body was leaning against the wall, and he was dressed in a nice black suit.
"Inuyasha? Dude! Where have you been? It's been two days! I heard you totally blacked out, but now one would give me any information with what happened to you!" Miroku shouted, not catching his breath at all. Inuyasha smiled and walked towards his bed.
"How's the arm?" he asked. Miroku looked down at the sling.
"Getting better. I can throw with it a little," he said, tossing Inuyasha the apple. Inuyasha grinned and rubbed the back of his neck. Miroku smiled.
"So how have you been? You should have visit sooner," he said, itching his head.
"I had a few things to do, you know," Inuyasha said, setting the apple down in the food tray, where the Jell-O and other food were. "I would have visit you sooner though. Sorry." Inuyasha walked towards the window, while Miroku watched him.
"What's up? You seem different." Miroku turned his head away and laid down on the white fluffy pillow. Inuyasha licked his lip and dug his hands into his pocket while he kept his lips tightly closed.
"I wanted to say that I'm sorry."
Miroku turned his head and looked at him with a funny face.
"Sorry for what?"
"For all the trouble I got you in. You wouldn't have gotten hurt if it wasn't for me," Inuyasha said, turning back to face Miroku. Miroku sheepishly itched his head again. It was getting a bit awkward, since he had never heard Inuyasha really apologize before.
"Oh...it's no problem dude, what are friends for? You helped me out that one time, remember? Think of it as a payment." He laughed and winced when a shot of pain went through his arm. Inuyasha smiled sadly and sighed. Miroku fidgeted around and kicked off the sheets.
"Nice suit, where did you get it?" he asked, nodding his head towards the outfit Inuyasha wore. Inuyasha looked down at himself and then laughed.
"It's nothing," he said. "I couldn't find anything comfortable to wear, since I left all my stuff at Kouga's," he said. Miroku groaned at the name.
"Speaking of which, I have a feeling I'm fired." He swore a few times and then looked at Inuyasha. "Did you tell him what happened?"
"I haven't gone back yet," Inuyasha replied. Miroku scrunched his eyebrows together.
"Huh? Why not?"
"I quit." Another silence was followed and Miroku nodded. For some reason the conversation had turned from weird to weirder. Inuyasha was not acting like himself. He had that mysterious air to him.
"I see.... Well I guess we both don't have a job now. How the hell am I suppose to pay the hospital bill, eh?" Miroku looked around at the large room. "Two days! And plus, this room is gigantic!" He looked back at Inuyasha. "Tell me I'm screwed. The bank will be on my case forever!"
"This is a VIP room," Inuyasha quickly said, looking around. "You should be getting the best care here in the hospital." Miroku's head snapped up and his eyes widened.
"VIP? What the hell am I doing in the VIP room?" He bolted up and pushed the tray in front of him away. "I can't afford a VIP room! I belong in the poor people room!"
"Don't worry, all your medical bills are being paid for as we speak. All you need to focus on is just getting better," Inuyasha said, patting his friend on the arm. "Stay as long as it takes to heal." Miroku's jaw dropped.
"My bills are being paid? By who???" A knock on the door was Miroku's answer. A woman in a white suit hurried in and bowed at the two men, and then she hurried to Inuyasha with a clipboard.
"Mr. Takashi, if you can please sign these, the bill will be transferred to your account," she said, handing Inuyasha the clipboard. Inuyasha took the pen from her hand and scribbled his signature.
"Please take care of him," Inuyasha said, handing the clipboard back. The woman nodded and then bowed once more before she left the room, while the whole scene was being watched by Miroku with wide eyes.
"Wait...you're paying for them?" he asked. Inuyasha lowered his head, while Miroku stood up to face his friends.
"It's my responsibility," Inuyasha spoke calmly. Miroku raised an eyebrow.
"What is with you? You're acting strange! And where will you get the money to pay for it?"
"From work." Miroku groaned and shook his head.
"You don't even have a job!" He started pacing and swearing, and then he stopped. His head slowly rose to look at Inuyasha.
"...Mr. Takashi?" he repeated, remembering what the woman had called Inuyasha. Then his eyes widened. "Inuyasha, why did you have Sesshomaru Takashi's number with you that time?" Inuyasha pulled his hands out of his pockets and cleared his throat. "I find it weird that the two of you share the same last name. It can't just be a coincidence, can it?"
"He's my brother."
Miroku's arms fell to his side, and his lips parted. "Sesshomaru Takashi is your brother? Are you serious?" Inuyasha tilted his head.
"Well...half brother actually." Inuyasha rubbed his eyes. "Not something to be proud of, but..." Miroku's jaw dropped completely.
"But wouldn't that mean that you two have like the same father or something? As in Inutashio Takashi?" Inuyasha nodded.
"Yeah."
"So....wait, I'm confused..." Miroku stuttered with his words as he stared at Inuyasha. "You mean...you're actually rich?" Inuyasha shrugged.
"Sure, I guess." Miroku ran to his friend.
"...and this work you're talking about?! What are you doing?" Inuyasha licked his lips and smiled his sad smile once more.
"I'm the other heir to Takashi Corp."
A/N: Well...the chapter ended here. I hope you guys liked it just a lil bit at least. Well, Inuyasha did not get shot. It was just to leave you guyz at a cliffhanger. Some more drama, and not so much of Inuyasha and Kagome in this one. SRY! I'm sorry for not updating sooner. This whole summer, I've only been home like two weeks. Thanks again for those of you who reviewed. I'll try my best to update, and if you guyz have any questions...just email me! I love reading them.
Take care!