A/N: When you're wired on fettuccine and alfredo, oranges, and coke
with lemon slices, you have a little problem going to sleep before
midnight. ^_^ In this chapter, more Sango/Miroku fluffy goodness [gotta
give them their debut before it starts bombing upon Inu/Kag] and when
Inuyasha gets a good kick in the butt…he realizes something.
By the way, since some people asked, yes I do take itty bitty scenes out of the manga and twist it into my story. I just find it funny and cute. Or maybe that's just me. I know I'm not the only person who does that.
Warning: Yes, there's a battle. Yes, there is killing. Yes, they are dying. No, I didn't stick a huge paragraph of details.
Disclaimer: If I owned Inuyasha…and I kill off the characters like what I enjoy doing in some stories…I'm afraid people would hunt me down and skewer me with sporks. Therefore, I am lucky I do not own Inuyasha.
Behind the Masquerade
Quintessence of a Quandary
Kagome smiled, standing by the entrance of the castle. The rain had stopped a few hours ago, halfway through Inuyasha's talk. She realized the morning would be gray this way, but secretly hoped it started to at least sprinkle again. Even though it had given her a slight cold, she still adored it more than anything else. She went back to paying attention to the boy in front of her. It was still dark and dawn was at least two or three hours away, but she could see the golden eyes clearly through the obscurity. She had learned that they needed to go off to war, Inuyasha included, and now, after the night of talking with the hanyou, she felt much better as she gazed at the man in front of her.
Soldiers ran around in the courtyard, their feet squishing into the mud, while trying to get into file as the captains yelled orders. It was utter chaos trying to get into their ranks and not stab someone else with their weapons, but Kagome was only smiling at Inuyasha and ignoring the rest of them.
"Inuyasha…?"
"What…?"
"You're an idiot."
She grinned at the frown he shot back at her.
"You are too." He huffed.
"So come back your idiotic self…okay? Come back in pieces and I'll never forgive you."
Inuyasha smirked arrogantly at the comment. "Don't worry, stupid. I'll come back and you'll see, I'll be the one with all the glory and everyone will worship me…"
Kagome giggled. "I bet you will," she answered sarcastically.
Silence pursued as the two stared at each other.
Kagome could still feel the awkwardness between them. He had told her of his past, although they didn't have time for her to tell him hers. She found this in her favor though. It would give her enough time to think of a believable story without him finding out about Kagome's promise to get the Shikon no Tama, to change some parts he didn't need to know, and to think of a realistic lie as to why she had met Naraku at the top of the cliffs. Yet…
She still couldn't believe what had happened to him in his past though.
"Sorry."
Inuyasha lifted a quizzical eyebrow.
"About you and her…and all that…"
Inuyasha snorted. "Forget it, girl. That was all the past. I'm over her and it doesn't mean anything to me now."
"Oh…"
The hanyou's eyes twinkled menacingly for a second. "You have to tell me what the man in your past did to you though…and if I ever meet the man who hurt you…I'll be sure to rip out his bloody guts…"
Kagome blinked. "Why?"
Inuyasha turned away, a pink blush on his cheeks. "Just because."
"Because…?"
"Because I don't like men like that."
Kagome felt her hopes crush as she listened to his last words. A tiny part of her had hoped he wanted to do it for her and not because he hated men like Naraku. But, she was asking too much now, wasn't she?
"But, you know not all men are like whomever it was who hurt you…" Inuyasha trailed off and left a lingering gaze directed at Kagome as he turned around and listened to his father shout orders.
"I know…but it's hard to find a man unlike him with Kikyou around…"
Inuyasha glimpsed at Kagome from over his shoulders, a neutral expression on his features. He sighed and turned back to his father, quietly whispering, "It could be the last person you would ever expect."
Kagome blinked owlishly again. "I guess. I don't know who the last person I'd expect is though…"
Inuyasha shrugged, before turning around with a supercilious smirk, his arms across his chest. "Well, father dear is telling us all to go. I'll see you later, okay? Tell my fiancée goodbye for me…" He nearly choked when he thought of how Kikyou had kissed him. "…And Kagome…keep safe…and goodbye."
Kagome stared at him, the lingering smile wiped off her lips. She clenched her hands by her side as the words sunk into her head. He had wished her safety…and he had said her--- "Inuyasha…?" she whispered gently when he turned around to go to his horse. However, when she spoke, he twirled around to face her with one eyebrow arched in curiosity. She took in a shuddering breath before staring deeply into his amber eyes, silently hoping to see them again. "Will you…will you say my name again?"
It was Inuyasha's turn to stare at Kagome, as he thought about what she had asked of him.
Kagome wanted to look away at the perplexity in his eyes, but her azure gaze held. She loved the way he said her name instead of calling her 'girl' 'stupid or 'wench.' The way he said her name made her feel warm…and she didn't want to forget it.
One side of his lips twisted upwards in the conceited smile of his. "See you later…Kagome."
Then he turned around and headed towards his horse, her watching silently as her chest pulled almost tenderly. She lifted an unwitting hand up to hold the place over her heart as she watched him jump over the ranks and land like a graceful swan on his horse. He shot her one last smile over his shoulders and she could feel her heartbeat increase.
"COME BACK SAFE, YOU DUMB IDIOT!" she screamed almost out of instinct, watching as he waved frivolously at her, before whirling around and trotting his horse out, leading his part of the army out after his brother's who had left a while ago.
She stood there in the dark, watching as the ranks departed, with King Komiya's soldiers taking up the rear. Within fifteen minutes, the armed forces had made its way out of the town and were galloping towards the Path, where the mountain met the forest. Kagome still stood there, watching as they faded away slowly due to the dimming night.
She felt cold, although she couldn't feel the wind on her face. It was more of an internal iciness and she didn't know why. The castle felt so empty and she didn't want to turn around and go back in. Inside, there would only be Sango, Kikyou, Lady Komiya and other females and male servants. Even Miroku was gone, being Inuyasha's second-in-command. It felt weird. She could almost feel the loneliness left inside the walls of the castle…and she hated it.
It didn't feel right…but why?
*~*~*
Inuyasha frowned, perched in a slightly dry tree and uncomfortably trying to find a snug position among the dewy leaves and branches. It was rather boring and he hadn't anticipated such tediousness when he first thought of war. He had imagined clashing with enemies in a gory battle of limbs and blood, but he had never expected the waiting beforehand.
The whole entire Komiya army had made it to the passing in good time, with Sesshoumaru's forces hiding behind the mountain while King Komiya's and Inuyasha's forces hid themselves in the forest. As his father had predicted, the breeze was downwind from the wolves' directions, so the enemy would not be able to smell the dog army.
Inuyasha had thought his father had told them the army should have arrived by now, but for some reason, they were late. The hanyou figured it was only because of some obstruction due to some destruction from the rain and didn't think much of it. They would come eventually and then they would learn a good thorough lesson from his sword and him.
"Inuyasha…do you think we'll make it through this alive?"
Inuyasha glanced down at his cousin, who was holding his tradition monk's staff as his weapon. He was seated on a horse, and was looking up at the hanyou through hooded violet eyes. Inuyasha did the usual snort. "Of course I'll make it through this alive. You might not though…but at least there won't be much lamenting from anyone if you do."
Miroku jingled his bells a bit. "It doesn't matter if I die."
Inuyasha stared down at his human cousin, who was now looking off into the distant trees. "You don't care…? Miroku, if you think it's better off in heaven with girls feeding you grapes every minute of your dead life…you can forget that little fantasy. I doubt you'll be going up there any time soon."
Miroku chuckled pleasantly. "It's not that. If I die…I'll know I died protecting something that means a lot to me."
Inuyasha narrowed his eyes at the monk. "Is this about Sango? It's obvious you've got something for that girl, but she's not about to fall for you or bear your child anytime soon. Just give up this little game."
The human jiggled his bells even harder. "This isn't a game to me, Inuyasha."
"Tell that to her and let me know if she believes you. Miroku…all you ever do is chase after any thing with two legs and breasts."
Miroku turned his almost furious gaze up at the hanyou. "She's…Sango is…god, you stupid idiot! I've known her for a while…have you ever stopped to notice I don't grab any servants anymore? Have you noticed how I only say perverted things to her? Have you noticed I'm not me anymore and I was confused…until I actually confronted my emotions and realized what they were?! Unlike you who is obviously stuck between two women, I actually know what I'm feeling!"
Inuyasha narrowed his eyes even more and dropped down from the tree, landing perfectly onto his horse next to Miroku. He stared at his cousin. This was strange. This wasn't his perverted, sarcastic cousin anymore. He actually nearly lost his anger at Inuyasha and what he said… "Are you saying you love her…?"
Miroku was quiet for a moment, his mauve eyes looking elsewhere. Then he whispered with a hint of warning, "What if I am…?"
Inuyasha twitched his nose as he smelled edginess from a soldier nearby. Turning his head slowly to pay attention to the soldier, his eyes widened when he picked up the floral scent almost hidden under the armor the soldier was wearing. He smirked as he went back to talking to Miroku.
He smiled deviously. "She'll know."
"She'll never know," Miroku answered unwaveringly, before deciding to switch subjects. "But do you like Kagome?"
Inuyasha sputtered indignantly, wondering where in the worlds Miroku had gotten his subject from. "I do NOT!"
Miroku lifted an interested eyebrow. "Then I guess you won't want to know what happened to her in the past…" He waved his hands around nonchalantly, teasing the hanyou, before it was suddenly gripped cruelly by another hand with claws.
"You know, idiot?"
Miroku winced at the strength Inuyasha was using to clutch his hand. "Let go, Inuyasha! I'll tell you if you let go!"
Inuyasha narrowed his eyes and dropped the hand, which Miroku retracted lovingly to his chest while rubbing the bruised flesh.
Then Miroku gazed at Inuyasha from the corner of his eyes and smirked. "Listen carefully then…" he whispered, unbeknownst to him as shadows slowly began to emerge silently from the dark path.
*~*~*
Kagome walked silently through the hushed corridors, feeling strangely out of place. The whole place was so still, so soundless, and she missed Inuyasha popping out from around the corner and shooting some blasphemy at her.
She already missed him and it had only been an hour or so. She didn't really want to miss him, but she really, really did miss that egotistical smirk of his that sent her almost over the edge every time he shot it at her.
She could not figure out why her heart beat so irregularly around him, nor could she figure out why she missed him. There was only one explanation and that was if she had fallen for the hanyou. But that was absolutely preposterous…she can't fall for her sister's fiancé. It was absolutely wrong to do so. It was a sin.
Kagome shivered as she felt someone stare at her head which was hung low. Awkwardly lifting her head to gaze at who had made her feel this way, she saw her sister staring intently at her, the gray eyes accusing. "Kikyou…?" she whispered hesitantly.
"Kagome." Kikyou said back knowledgeably, staring at her younger sister with an icy look in her eyes.
There was a silence as the two girls stared at each other, with Kagome feeling self-conscious and Kikyou looking hostile. The moon appeared from the thick clouds it had been previously hidden behind and shed its silvery light on the two, highlighting their almost identical features.
Kikyou broke the silence with a question Kagome would have never expected, much less think of ever getting answered. It was a question Kagome still thought about a lot these days and it nagged her to no end, since she couldn't receive a conclusion. "Do you know why I took Naraku away from you?" the older girl suddenly asked, still gazing fixedly at Kagome.
The younger sister felt uneasy at the question, and she moved her weight from one foot to the other. A cold feeling took a hold of her heart and she could slowly feel her anger arise. "Because you're a bitch and would hate to see me happy…?" Kagome guessed, feeling rather snappy. After talking it out with Inuyasha, she didn't like bringing up the subject twice…especially not when her sister just suddenly appeared out of nowhere and asked.
"Heh." Kikyou smirked a bit. "Not quite. You need to think outside the box more. You're still letting your pained emotions drive your life around like a game."
Kagome frowned. "I'll do whatever I like with my life, whether it's controlled by my emotions or by my actions, thank you very much."
Kikyou took a step towards Kagome and looked haughtily at her sister . "Your life is controlled by your actions through your emotions, thus you're taking the worst step possible to end these emotions."
Kagome pursed her lips into a thin line. "Shut up, Kikyou. Don't think I will ever forgive you because you're the one who made my life hell with Naraku. Although I guess I really must thank you for opening my eyes up to the truth. He was a bastard after all."
Kikyou lifted an eyebrow as she ran a finger through her long hair. "I did? Good. I was hoping I did."
Kagome looked confused. What was her sister talking about? She wasn't saying anything that was making sense… She had wanted Kagome to see the truth in Naraku?
Kikyou looked annoyed as she turned her gaze out the window. "You should have seen the gazes he shot me at dinner when he was with you. It was obvious he was a bastard. You were just too blind and didn't notice it, believing his stupid good guy act. You really think I'll be as stupid as you and be with that man?"
Kagome couldn't speak. Her sister was finally telling her something she had wanted to know for so long…but why was Kikyou saying all of this out of the blue?
"He told me that if I didn't help him steal our kingdom's money, he would kill you." Kikyou rolled her eyes and twirled around, walking up the corridor slowly and away from a wide-eyed Kagome.
"What…?" Kagome managed to stammer out, her heart thumping hard. Kikyou had…did all that to save her…? But…but…that wasn't right. She had always thought her sister had did it to make Kagome's life a living pain…
"You might have been some annoying idiot, but you think I'd let my own kin die by some bloody bastard who just wanted our money? Get real, younger sister. I hate you for being so stupid to let such a man into your life and thoroughly ruining mine, but I wouldn't want to see you fall into the hands of the likes of him." Kikyou turned around to shoot Kagome an icy glare from under her lashes. "Surprised? I thought you would be. I knew you thought I did it to make your life hell, and well, at least I know I let you go through enough pain at home to thoroughly let me live in peace."
Kagome could feel a large rock in her throat. "But…why are you telling me now?"
Kikyou continued to glare icily under her lashes at Kagome. So the younger sister knew there was always a chain to the ball. "Stop falling for Inuyasha---"
Kagome opened her eyes wide at the comment and retorted, "I'm not!"
Kikyou only glared even more before continuing as if she hadn't heard Kagome's remark. "---and let him marry me. Go do your thing for Naraku---don't look at me so surprised. I know all about it---and then go back home…I actually like Inuyasha, Kagome. He's betrothed to me and me only. Let go of Inuyasha…at least on behalf of how I had saved your life back then."
Kagome grew silent as she listened to the words tumble out from her sister's mouth. She thought Kagome liked Inuyasha? Kagome didn't care about that hanyou! For all she cared, Inuyasha could go galloping off on his horse with Kikyou and elope to kingdom come. She didn't care. "I don't like Inuyasha in any way…" Kagome trailed off before clenching her fists. "But fine. I'll stop doing whatever it is you think I'm doing for how you had 'saved' me from Naraku. That doesn't mean I'll stop hating you for…everything."
Kikyou smirked as she resumed walking, her aura practically flooding in triumph. "Why do you hate me? Heh. Wait. Don't answer. I know...I guess you're welcome. Do your deed well, Kagome. You can give him the Shikon no Tama…but that means you're condemning many people. You should figure out what the jewel is first…I suspect you don't even know what powers it has."
With that ending speech, Kikyou was gone, leaving behind a thoroughly confused, aggravated and livid Kagome.
Kagome now understood why men punched walls. It was a way to allow all the frustration to escape from inside of her. Kikyou was so irritating, just popping up out of nowhere and demanding she stop 'falling' for Inuyasha because she had 'saved' Kagome's life a long time ago.
God, but why wasn't Kagome happy she finally knew the truth? She finally knew the truth about Kikyou and Naraku's rendezvous, yet why did she still feel incredibly angry?
It couldn't possibly be because of Kikyou's accusation on how Kagome liked Inuyasha. She did not like the hanyou. He was the exact opposite of a Prince Charming; he liked to yell at her, insult her, and never kept his feelings about her inconspicuous.
After getting the Shikon no Tama, it wouldn't matter anymore…right? She would never again come to this kingdom…she would never again talk to the brainless Inuyasha.
Somehow, that wasn't as comforting to her mind as she thought it would be.
Looking out the window, she blinked as she thought she saw a silver flash in the distance. She narrowed her eyes, wondering if the silvery shine had been just her imagination or if it had been the moon reflecting off something.
It wasn't her imagination when she saw it again.
Moving closer to the window, she squinted her eyes even more to try to decipher what it was. Was that another silver flash…followed by another!? Her heart started to race. This wasn't just another simple reflection…
Oh shit…
*~*~*
Miroku whacked another wolf over the head, watching as his enemy fell to the ground in a mess of armor. He wiped away a bead of sweat from his forehead, swiftly dodging the plunge of a spear as another wolf keeled over from the momentum and bit dust. Miroku whacked him a good one in the head as well.
This was chaos. When King Komiya had said it would work perfectly, Miroku guessed the king hadn't counted on the wolves actually smelling them before they ambushed them. True, the wind was in their favor, but that still didn't mean some wolves that had scouted in front didn't catch their scent.
Then the commencing of the battle had been a bloody pandemonium with both side screaming war cries and running into a clash of armor and weapons. Even with the surprise attack from Sesshoumaru from the mountains, the battle had been a clutter.
"Foolish!" the monk cried as he sliced away another wolf, who had imprudently tried to attack the human. Just because Miroku was a human didn't mean the man didn't possess power.
The battle had turned in their favor, but Miroku couldn't help but feel as if the whole thing was…strange. There were not as many soldiers as the Komiyas had predicted, and it seemed a good chunk from the estimated were not here. If they weren't there, where would they be? They certainly wouldn't be back at the wolves' kingdom because this war was an all or nothing battle. It was a full on assault, so why did the numbers lack?
He killed another wolf, the anguished cry ringing through the night, but drowned out by the clashing of his allies' and enemies' weapons. He stopped to catch his breath, but that short intake of breath was not supportive.
The stick part of a spear hit him in the side, powered by the strength of a demon. It sent him skidding across the ground, the dirt digging into his bleeding arm that scorched from the slide. His weapon slipped from his hand, landing a good few feet away from his reach. He turned a horrified gaze to his assailant, who was growling with feral bloodlust.
"Say goodbye, human," the wolf hissed in a savage tone, raising the spear to gouge the man through the chest.
Miroku lifted an arm in a feeble attempt to shield himself from the attack that was coming. He swore he saw his life flash before his eyes as the spear came down, and man, was it exciting. So, this was how he was going to die?
"DON'T YOU TOUCH HIM," a feminine voice screamed, before a gigantic boomerang began slicing through the air, running the wolf through the middle.
The aggressor made a choked sound before dropping on top of Miroku, the blood seeping into the monk's robes.
"Oh god," Miroku whispered in horror and disdain as he pushed the dead body off of him. He stared aghast at all the blood covering him from chest to knee. It was an overwhelming smell and he sniffed his nose contemptuously.
That was until he realized who had saved his life. Looking up, he met the magenta gaze of the girl he had thought was left behind at the castle. He gaped. "Why are you here, Sango!?" he shouted, pushing himself up from the ground, and running to pick up his weapon.
She drew out her sword and ran another wolf through the stomach, before slowly turning back to stare at Miroku. "You told me there were once in a lifetime chances…I don't want to lose this one." She swore colorfully as she flipped away from the attack of another enemy, but Miroku helped her by slamming the staff into the attacker's head.
"This is a war, Sango! You aren't suppose to be here!"
She shot him a hard glare. "If I wasn't here, you'll be dead," she whispered menacingly, drawing her muscles back to throw her boomerang again. "Anyway, I'm more experienced than many of the bloody idiots here who can't seem to hold a sword properly."
Miroku smiled proudly as he watched Sango expertly dodge another attack and impale the enemy. That was his Sango right there…
She leaped to his side, back to back as she whispered something in his ears. "You saved my life once, and now I just saved yours. We're even."
He couldn't help but cop a feel, and she couldn't help but slap him with feeling across the face. But she smiled at him, as she turned back to back with him again. She held her weapon out threateningly, watching for the next thoughtless assault.
"Before I forget, you told Inuyasha about Kagome," Sango hissed accusingly, and the monk scratched his head in a culpable manner. "You weren't suppose to tell him, houshi!"
Miroku smiled subtly when he heard the term she would always continuously use with him. "I said I wouldn't tell human or demon…I never said hanyou." He wiggled his eyes suggestively.
"Bastard."
He smirked, as he slipped a comforting hand into hers, squeezing gently, before returning his attention to the more pressing matter of battle. It felt oddly comforting, having Sango by his side. It reminded him of those memories long ago. "Just like old times, huh, Sango?"
He could almost feel the smile on her face as she quickly squeezed his hands back before taking it away to hold her boomerang.
"No, this is a once in a lifetime chance…Miroku."
*~*~*
Inuyasha roared another mighty battle cry as he ran his opponent through with Tetsusaiga, watching the wolf divide in two, a long cut starting from his left shoulder to end on the right side of his waist. The wolf soldier's eyes widened for a moment, a strangled gurgle emerging from his throat, before he dropped dead to the ground, blood soaking the dark, soft soil.
The hanyou stopped for a moment, trying to find his cousin through the disarray. This didn't seem right. There were definitely a large number of the wolves' army missing. Where could they possibly be?
Growling furiously, he swiped at three wolves sprinting towards him, and they all were lost in the swing. He could see his brother in the distance, moving in his deadly, regal dance. Tenseiga was not a weapon in a fight like this, so Inuyasha watched as Sesshoumaru used his claws to gracefully tear apart his enemy. Fucking asshole. He had to even make his attacks look elegant and refined.
A captain from the enemies' side appeared in front of him, his conceited arrogance overpowering Inuyasha's. The hanyou narrowed his eyes at the hindrance. "Get out of the way, bastard," Inuyasha hissed as he swung the sword.
The captain only flipped into the air, landing on a tree branch, causing droplets of remaining rain to fall down from the leaves, before launching himself at the hanyou. Inuyasha smiled almost wickedly as he finally found competition. This idiot could last him a few minutes anyway.
"Fucking half-breed," the captain spat, drawing out a sword of his own as he soared down upon his prey. "You're a disgrace to demons."
Inuyasha felt his blood boil, but he kept his fury under a smug smirk. "Not disgrace enough to not rip a new hole in your chest," he whispered forebodingly, bringing Tetsusaiga to counter the sword swung at him.
He was pushed back, digging his heels hard into the ground from the force of the flying impact. The captain quickly landed on both his feet, and as fast as lightning, sent a spiral kick right into Inuyasha's stomach.
The hanyou flew backwards, flying right into the trunk of a tree. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth and he growled, his rage igniting dangerously as he wiped away the thick liquid with his sleeves. He peeled himself from the trunk, before launching into another onslaught. Inuyasha swung his sword down at an alarming rate, wanting to run the enemy through from head to toe, but the captain countered it with a fast block. Inuyasha was frustrated now. The enemy was lingering around too long and hadn't even received an injury, while he had been slammed into a tree.
"Your kingdom is going down, half-breed," the captain hissed menacingly, his red eyes flashing malice, the two swords clashing in bright sparks.
"Your kingdom is the one who's going down right now, fucker," Inuyasha retorted, slashing another ineffective swipe at the wolf.
The captain swung his own sword back in retaliation, and Inuyasha blocked the attack as well, as the wolf brought his face closer to the hanyou's. Inuyasha grimaced at the nasty breath of the wolf, which was so disgusting, there were no words to describe its stink.
"Just wait till you dogs all realize the truth," he whispered giddily, his red eyes twinkling with something akin to gaiety as the captain showed his yellowing teeth in a wide smile. He swiped at the hanyou with his claws, catching Inuyasha across the chest and leaving four red lines appearing on the haori, a tiny insignificant seep of blood appearing to blend with the cherry tone of the jacket. This didn't please Inuyasha however.
Inuyasha pushed him back and in luck and his own fury managed to catch the wolf fortuitously in the side, slicing through the stomach of his enemy. The captain gurgled as blood started dribbling from his mouth, but the victorious smile never left his face, even as his body divided in half and slowly descended towards the wet ground. He shot a triumphant look at the hanyou, as he whispered quietly, "We probably already killed all the people in your unprotected kingdom…" There was a proud chuckle from the captain, before he closed his eyes, the smile still on his face.
Inuyasha's soul froze.
His eyes widened.
He watched the blood ooze out of his opponent, and barely registered that he had killed the bastard.
But those last words from his mouth…
Inuyasha turned a frenzied look back towards the castle and finally everything fell into place. The reason a good number of the wolves' total army was missing was not because they were left behind or unable to make it…
There must have been a reason for the army to arrive later than usual…
Oh gods, everything made sense now. The main army had stayed behind for a bit while the other part took the extended method around the outskirts of the forest to go to the Komiya Kingdom. If they had the fastest wolves take that path, the dog demons wouldn't have smelt them since the distance was far…
They had suspected all along that the entire Komiya army was going to attack them here, didn't they? That was why they sent scouts out to look for them…right!?
And while the dog demon army all fought here, in the collision of the mountains and forest, thinking they were winning…the rest of the wolf army was slowly wreaking havoc upon the place that really mattered.
Inuyasha finally figured the wolves' intention. It wasn't the army that was their target… it was the defenseless kingdom.
Inuyasha bellowed a thunderous growl of passionate fury, as he bolted off towards the kingdom, not caring that he was leaving the war behind, or that his comrades were left to battle without him. That was not what concerned him at this moment.
The only thing that concerned him now was Kagome.
A/N: One word for me: Intense. ^_^ The angst is coming in the next chapter or two…or maybe it won't count as angst. I don't know how else to describe it without giving the whole thing away. Just wait for the update. You'll all chase me and impale me with my own stick when you find out the outcome.
P.S. The 'captain' wasn't Kouga. (: It was just a random…captain with blood-red eyes.
By the way, since some people asked, yes I do take itty bitty scenes out of the manga and twist it into my story. I just find it funny and cute. Or maybe that's just me. I know I'm not the only person who does that.
Warning: Yes, there's a battle. Yes, there is killing. Yes, they are dying. No, I didn't stick a huge paragraph of details.
Disclaimer: If I owned Inuyasha…and I kill off the characters like what I enjoy doing in some stories…I'm afraid people would hunt me down and skewer me with sporks. Therefore, I am lucky I do not own Inuyasha.
Behind the Masquerade
Quintessence of a Quandary
Kagome smiled, standing by the entrance of the castle. The rain had stopped a few hours ago, halfway through Inuyasha's talk. She realized the morning would be gray this way, but secretly hoped it started to at least sprinkle again. Even though it had given her a slight cold, she still adored it more than anything else. She went back to paying attention to the boy in front of her. It was still dark and dawn was at least two or three hours away, but she could see the golden eyes clearly through the obscurity. She had learned that they needed to go off to war, Inuyasha included, and now, after the night of talking with the hanyou, she felt much better as she gazed at the man in front of her.
Soldiers ran around in the courtyard, their feet squishing into the mud, while trying to get into file as the captains yelled orders. It was utter chaos trying to get into their ranks and not stab someone else with their weapons, but Kagome was only smiling at Inuyasha and ignoring the rest of them.
"Inuyasha…?"
"What…?"
"You're an idiot."
She grinned at the frown he shot back at her.
"You are too." He huffed.
"So come back your idiotic self…okay? Come back in pieces and I'll never forgive you."
Inuyasha smirked arrogantly at the comment. "Don't worry, stupid. I'll come back and you'll see, I'll be the one with all the glory and everyone will worship me…"
Kagome giggled. "I bet you will," she answered sarcastically.
Silence pursued as the two stared at each other.
Kagome could still feel the awkwardness between them. He had told her of his past, although they didn't have time for her to tell him hers. She found this in her favor though. It would give her enough time to think of a believable story without him finding out about Kagome's promise to get the Shikon no Tama, to change some parts he didn't need to know, and to think of a realistic lie as to why she had met Naraku at the top of the cliffs. Yet…
She still couldn't believe what had happened to him in his past though.
"Sorry."
Inuyasha lifted a quizzical eyebrow.
"About you and her…and all that…"
Inuyasha snorted. "Forget it, girl. That was all the past. I'm over her and it doesn't mean anything to me now."
"Oh…"
The hanyou's eyes twinkled menacingly for a second. "You have to tell me what the man in your past did to you though…and if I ever meet the man who hurt you…I'll be sure to rip out his bloody guts…"
Kagome blinked. "Why?"
Inuyasha turned away, a pink blush on his cheeks. "Just because."
"Because…?"
"Because I don't like men like that."
Kagome felt her hopes crush as she listened to his last words. A tiny part of her had hoped he wanted to do it for her and not because he hated men like Naraku. But, she was asking too much now, wasn't she?
"But, you know not all men are like whomever it was who hurt you…" Inuyasha trailed off and left a lingering gaze directed at Kagome as he turned around and listened to his father shout orders.
"I know…but it's hard to find a man unlike him with Kikyou around…"
Inuyasha glimpsed at Kagome from over his shoulders, a neutral expression on his features. He sighed and turned back to his father, quietly whispering, "It could be the last person you would ever expect."
Kagome blinked owlishly again. "I guess. I don't know who the last person I'd expect is though…"
Inuyasha shrugged, before turning around with a supercilious smirk, his arms across his chest. "Well, father dear is telling us all to go. I'll see you later, okay? Tell my fiancée goodbye for me…" He nearly choked when he thought of how Kikyou had kissed him. "…And Kagome…keep safe…and goodbye."
Kagome stared at him, the lingering smile wiped off her lips. She clenched her hands by her side as the words sunk into her head. He had wished her safety…and he had said her--- "Inuyasha…?" she whispered gently when he turned around to go to his horse. However, when she spoke, he twirled around to face her with one eyebrow arched in curiosity. She took in a shuddering breath before staring deeply into his amber eyes, silently hoping to see them again. "Will you…will you say my name again?"
It was Inuyasha's turn to stare at Kagome, as he thought about what she had asked of him.
Kagome wanted to look away at the perplexity in his eyes, but her azure gaze held. She loved the way he said her name instead of calling her 'girl' 'stupid or 'wench.' The way he said her name made her feel warm…and she didn't want to forget it.
One side of his lips twisted upwards in the conceited smile of his. "See you later…Kagome."
Then he turned around and headed towards his horse, her watching silently as her chest pulled almost tenderly. She lifted an unwitting hand up to hold the place over her heart as she watched him jump over the ranks and land like a graceful swan on his horse. He shot her one last smile over his shoulders and she could feel her heartbeat increase.
"COME BACK SAFE, YOU DUMB IDIOT!" she screamed almost out of instinct, watching as he waved frivolously at her, before whirling around and trotting his horse out, leading his part of the army out after his brother's who had left a while ago.
She stood there in the dark, watching as the ranks departed, with King Komiya's soldiers taking up the rear. Within fifteen minutes, the armed forces had made its way out of the town and were galloping towards the Path, where the mountain met the forest. Kagome still stood there, watching as they faded away slowly due to the dimming night.
She felt cold, although she couldn't feel the wind on her face. It was more of an internal iciness and she didn't know why. The castle felt so empty and she didn't want to turn around and go back in. Inside, there would only be Sango, Kikyou, Lady Komiya and other females and male servants. Even Miroku was gone, being Inuyasha's second-in-command. It felt weird. She could almost feel the loneliness left inside the walls of the castle…and she hated it.
It didn't feel right…but why?
*~*~*
Inuyasha frowned, perched in a slightly dry tree and uncomfortably trying to find a snug position among the dewy leaves and branches. It was rather boring and he hadn't anticipated such tediousness when he first thought of war. He had imagined clashing with enemies in a gory battle of limbs and blood, but he had never expected the waiting beforehand.
The whole entire Komiya army had made it to the passing in good time, with Sesshoumaru's forces hiding behind the mountain while King Komiya's and Inuyasha's forces hid themselves in the forest. As his father had predicted, the breeze was downwind from the wolves' directions, so the enemy would not be able to smell the dog army.
Inuyasha had thought his father had told them the army should have arrived by now, but for some reason, they were late. The hanyou figured it was only because of some obstruction due to some destruction from the rain and didn't think much of it. They would come eventually and then they would learn a good thorough lesson from his sword and him.
"Inuyasha…do you think we'll make it through this alive?"
Inuyasha glanced down at his cousin, who was holding his tradition monk's staff as his weapon. He was seated on a horse, and was looking up at the hanyou through hooded violet eyes. Inuyasha did the usual snort. "Of course I'll make it through this alive. You might not though…but at least there won't be much lamenting from anyone if you do."
Miroku jingled his bells a bit. "It doesn't matter if I die."
Inuyasha stared down at his human cousin, who was now looking off into the distant trees. "You don't care…? Miroku, if you think it's better off in heaven with girls feeding you grapes every minute of your dead life…you can forget that little fantasy. I doubt you'll be going up there any time soon."
Miroku chuckled pleasantly. "It's not that. If I die…I'll know I died protecting something that means a lot to me."
Inuyasha narrowed his eyes at the monk. "Is this about Sango? It's obvious you've got something for that girl, but she's not about to fall for you or bear your child anytime soon. Just give up this little game."
The human jiggled his bells even harder. "This isn't a game to me, Inuyasha."
"Tell that to her and let me know if she believes you. Miroku…all you ever do is chase after any thing with two legs and breasts."
Miroku turned his almost furious gaze up at the hanyou. "She's…Sango is…god, you stupid idiot! I've known her for a while…have you ever stopped to notice I don't grab any servants anymore? Have you noticed how I only say perverted things to her? Have you noticed I'm not me anymore and I was confused…until I actually confronted my emotions and realized what they were?! Unlike you who is obviously stuck between two women, I actually know what I'm feeling!"
Inuyasha narrowed his eyes even more and dropped down from the tree, landing perfectly onto his horse next to Miroku. He stared at his cousin. This was strange. This wasn't his perverted, sarcastic cousin anymore. He actually nearly lost his anger at Inuyasha and what he said… "Are you saying you love her…?"
Miroku was quiet for a moment, his mauve eyes looking elsewhere. Then he whispered with a hint of warning, "What if I am…?"
Inuyasha twitched his nose as he smelled edginess from a soldier nearby. Turning his head slowly to pay attention to the soldier, his eyes widened when he picked up the floral scent almost hidden under the armor the soldier was wearing. He smirked as he went back to talking to Miroku.
He smiled deviously. "She'll know."
"She'll never know," Miroku answered unwaveringly, before deciding to switch subjects. "But do you like Kagome?"
Inuyasha sputtered indignantly, wondering where in the worlds Miroku had gotten his subject from. "I do NOT!"
Miroku lifted an interested eyebrow. "Then I guess you won't want to know what happened to her in the past…" He waved his hands around nonchalantly, teasing the hanyou, before it was suddenly gripped cruelly by another hand with claws.
"You know, idiot?"
Miroku winced at the strength Inuyasha was using to clutch his hand. "Let go, Inuyasha! I'll tell you if you let go!"
Inuyasha narrowed his eyes and dropped the hand, which Miroku retracted lovingly to his chest while rubbing the bruised flesh.
Then Miroku gazed at Inuyasha from the corner of his eyes and smirked. "Listen carefully then…" he whispered, unbeknownst to him as shadows slowly began to emerge silently from the dark path.
*~*~*
Kagome walked silently through the hushed corridors, feeling strangely out of place. The whole place was so still, so soundless, and she missed Inuyasha popping out from around the corner and shooting some blasphemy at her.
She already missed him and it had only been an hour or so. She didn't really want to miss him, but she really, really did miss that egotistical smirk of his that sent her almost over the edge every time he shot it at her.
She could not figure out why her heart beat so irregularly around him, nor could she figure out why she missed him. There was only one explanation and that was if she had fallen for the hanyou. But that was absolutely preposterous…she can't fall for her sister's fiancé. It was absolutely wrong to do so. It was a sin.
Kagome shivered as she felt someone stare at her head which was hung low. Awkwardly lifting her head to gaze at who had made her feel this way, she saw her sister staring intently at her, the gray eyes accusing. "Kikyou…?" she whispered hesitantly.
"Kagome." Kikyou said back knowledgeably, staring at her younger sister with an icy look in her eyes.
There was a silence as the two girls stared at each other, with Kagome feeling self-conscious and Kikyou looking hostile. The moon appeared from the thick clouds it had been previously hidden behind and shed its silvery light on the two, highlighting their almost identical features.
Kikyou broke the silence with a question Kagome would have never expected, much less think of ever getting answered. It was a question Kagome still thought about a lot these days and it nagged her to no end, since she couldn't receive a conclusion. "Do you know why I took Naraku away from you?" the older girl suddenly asked, still gazing fixedly at Kagome.
The younger sister felt uneasy at the question, and she moved her weight from one foot to the other. A cold feeling took a hold of her heart and she could slowly feel her anger arise. "Because you're a bitch and would hate to see me happy…?" Kagome guessed, feeling rather snappy. After talking it out with Inuyasha, she didn't like bringing up the subject twice…especially not when her sister just suddenly appeared out of nowhere and asked.
"Heh." Kikyou smirked a bit. "Not quite. You need to think outside the box more. You're still letting your pained emotions drive your life around like a game."
Kagome frowned. "I'll do whatever I like with my life, whether it's controlled by my emotions or by my actions, thank you very much."
Kikyou took a step towards Kagome and looked haughtily at her sister . "Your life is controlled by your actions through your emotions, thus you're taking the worst step possible to end these emotions."
Kagome pursed her lips into a thin line. "Shut up, Kikyou. Don't think I will ever forgive you because you're the one who made my life hell with Naraku. Although I guess I really must thank you for opening my eyes up to the truth. He was a bastard after all."
Kikyou lifted an eyebrow as she ran a finger through her long hair. "I did? Good. I was hoping I did."
Kagome looked confused. What was her sister talking about? She wasn't saying anything that was making sense… She had wanted Kagome to see the truth in Naraku?
Kikyou looked annoyed as she turned her gaze out the window. "You should have seen the gazes he shot me at dinner when he was with you. It was obvious he was a bastard. You were just too blind and didn't notice it, believing his stupid good guy act. You really think I'll be as stupid as you and be with that man?"
Kagome couldn't speak. Her sister was finally telling her something she had wanted to know for so long…but why was Kikyou saying all of this out of the blue?
"He told me that if I didn't help him steal our kingdom's money, he would kill you." Kikyou rolled her eyes and twirled around, walking up the corridor slowly and away from a wide-eyed Kagome.
"What…?" Kagome managed to stammer out, her heart thumping hard. Kikyou had…did all that to save her…? But…but…that wasn't right. She had always thought her sister had did it to make Kagome's life a living pain…
"You might have been some annoying idiot, but you think I'd let my own kin die by some bloody bastard who just wanted our money? Get real, younger sister. I hate you for being so stupid to let such a man into your life and thoroughly ruining mine, but I wouldn't want to see you fall into the hands of the likes of him." Kikyou turned around to shoot Kagome an icy glare from under her lashes. "Surprised? I thought you would be. I knew you thought I did it to make your life hell, and well, at least I know I let you go through enough pain at home to thoroughly let me live in peace."
Kagome could feel a large rock in her throat. "But…why are you telling me now?"
Kikyou continued to glare icily under her lashes at Kagome. So the younger sister knew there was always a chain to the ball. "Stop falling for Inuyasha---"
Kagome opened her eyes wide at the comment and retorted, "I'm not!"
Kikyou only glared even more before continuing as if she hadn't heard Kagome's remark. "---and let him marry me. Go do your thing for Naraku---don't look at me so surprised. I know all about it---and then go back home…I actually like Inuyasha, Kagome. He's betrothed to me and me only. Let go of Inuyasha…at least on behalf of how I had saved your life back then."
Kagome grew silent as she listened to the words tumble out from her sister's mouth. She thought Kagome liked Inuyasha? Kagome didn't care about that hanyou! For all she cared, Inuyasha could go galloping off on his horse with Kikyou and elope to kingdom come. She didn't care. "I don't like Inuyasha in any way…" Kagome trailed off before clenching her fists. "But fine. I'll stop doing whatever it is you think I'm doing for how you had 'saved' me from Naraku. That doesn't mean I'll stop hating you for…everything."
Kikyou smirked as she resumed walking, her aura practically flooding in triumph. "Why do you hate me? Heh. Wait. Don't answer. I know...I guess you're welcome. Do your deed well, Kagome. You can give him the Shikon no Tama…but that means you're condemning many people. You should figure out what the jewel is first…I suspect you don't even know what powers it has."
With that ending speech, Kikyou was gone, leaving behind a thoroughly confused, aggravated and livid Kagome.
Kagome now understood why men punched walls. It was a way to allow all the frustration to escape from inside of her. Kikyou was so irritating, just popping up out of nowhere and demanding she stop 'falling' for Inuyasha because she had 'saved' Kagome's life a long time ago.
God, but why wasn't Kagome happy she finally knew the truth? She finally knew the truth about Kikyou and Naraku's rendezvous, yet why did she still feel incredibly angry?
It couldn't possibly be because of Kikyou's accusation on how Kagome liked Inuyasha. She did not like the hanyou. He was the exact opposite of a Prince Charming; he liked to yell at her, insult her, and never kept his feelings about her inconspicuous.
After getting the Shikon no Tama, it wouldn't matter anymore…right? She would never again come to this kingdom…she would never again talk to the brainless Inuyasha.
Somehow, that wasn't as comforting to her mind as she thought it would be.
Looking out the window, she blinked as she thought she saw a silver flash in the distance. She narrowed her eyes, wondering if the silvery shine had been just her imagination or if it had been the moon reflecting off something.
It wasn't her imagination when she saw it again.
Moving closer to the window, she squinted her eyes even more to try to decipher what it was. Was that another silver flash…followed by another!? Her heart started to race. This wasn't just another simple reflection…
Oh shit…
*~*~*
Miroku whacked another wolf over the head, watching as his enemy fell to the ground in a mess of armor. He wiped away a bead of sweat from his forehead, swiftly dodging the plunge of a spear as another wolf keeled over from the momentum and bit dust. Miroku whacked him a good one in the head as well.
This was chaos. When King Komiya had said it would work perfectly, Miroku guessed the king hadn't counted on the wolves actually smelling them before they ambushed them. True, the wind was in their favor, but that still didn't mean some wolves that had scouted in front didn't catch their scent.
Then the commencing of the battle had been a bloody pandemonium with both side screaming war cries and running into a clash of armor and weapons. Even with the surprise attack from Sesshoumaru from the mountains, the battle had been a clutter.
"Foolish!" the monk cried as he sliced away another wolf, who had imprudently tried to attack the human. Just because Miroku was a human didn't mean the man didn't possess power.
The battle had turned in their favor, but Miroku couldn't help but feel as if the whole thing was…strange. There were not as many soldiers as the Komiyas had predicted, and it seemed a good chunk from the estimated were not here. If they weren't there, where would they be? They certainly wouldn't be back at the wolves' kingdom because this war was an all or nothing battle. It was a full on assault, so why did the numbers lack?
He killed another wolf, the anguished cry ringing through the night, but drowned out by the clashing of his allies' and enemies' weapons. He stopped to catch his breath, but that short intake of breath was not supportive.
The stick part of a spear hit him in the side, powered by the strength of a demon. It sent him skidding across the ground, the dirt digging into his bleeding arm that scorched from the slide. His weapon slipped from his hand, landing a good few feet away from his reach. He turned a horrified gaze to his assailant, who was growling with feral bloodlust.
"Say goodbye, human," the wolf hissed in a savage tone, raising the spear to gouge the man through the chest.
Miroku lifted an arm in a feeble attempt to shield himself from the attack that was coming. He swore he saw his life flash before his eyes as the spear came down, and man, was it exciting. So, this was how he was going to die?
"DON'T YOU TOUCH HIM," a feminine voice screamed, before a gigantic boomerang began slicing through the air, running the wolf through the middle.
The aggressor made a choked sound before dropping on top of Miroku, the blood seeping into the monk's robes.
"Oh god," Miroku whispered in horror and disdain as he pushed the dead body off of him. He stared aghast at all the blood covering him from chest to knee. It was an overwhelming smell and he sniffed his nose contemptuously.
That was until he realized who had saved his life. Looking up, he met the magenta gaze of the girl he had thought was left behind at the castle. He gaped. "Why are you here, Sango!?" he shouted, pushing himself up from the ground, and running to pick up his weapon.
She drew out her sword and ran another wolf through the stomach, before slowly turning back to stare at Miroku. "You told me there were once in a lifetime chances…I don't want to lose this one." She swore colorfully as she flipped away from the attack of another enemy, but Miroku helped her by slamming the staff into the attacker's head.
"This is a war, Sango! You aren't suppose to be here!"
She shot him a hard glare. "If I wasn't here, you'll be dead," she whispered menacingly, drawing her muscles back to throw her boomerang again. "Anyway, I'm more experienced than many of the bloody idiots here who can't seem to hold a sword properly."
Miroku smiled proudly as he watched Sango expertly dodge another attack and impale the enemy. That was his Sango right there…
She leaped to his side, back to back as she whispered something in his ears. "You saved my life once, and now I just saved yours. We're even."
He couldn't help but cop a feel, and she couldn't help but slap him with feeling across the face. But she smiled at him, as she turned back to back with him again. She held her weapon out threateningly, watching for the next thoughtless assault.
"Before I forget, you told Inuyasha about Kagome," Sango hissed accusingly, and the monk scratched his head in a culpable manner. "You weren't suppose to tell him, houshi!"
Miroku smiled subtly when he heard the term she would always continuously use with him. "I said I wouldn't tell human or demon…I never said hanyou." He wiggled his eyes suggestively.
"Bastard."
He smirked, as he slipped a comforting hand into hers, squeezing gently, before returning his attention to the more pressing matter of battle. It felt oddly comforting, having Sango by his side. It reminded him of those memories long ago. "Just like old times, huh, Sango?"
He could almost feel the smile on her face as she quickly squeezed his hands back before taking it away to hold her boomerang.
"No, this is a once in a lifetime chance…Miroku."
*~*~*
Inuyasha roared another mighty battle cry as he ran his opponent through with Tetsusaiga, watching the wolf divide in two, a long cut starting from his left shoulder to end on the right side of his waist. The wolf soldier's eyes widened for a moment, a strangled gurgle emerging from his throat, before he dropped dead to the ground, blood soaking the dark, soft soil.
The hanyou stopped for a moment, trying to find his cousin through the disarray. This didn't seem right. There were definitely a large number of the wolves' army missing. Where could they possibly be?
Growling furiously, he swiped at three wolves sprinting towards him, and they all were lost in the swing. He could see his brother in the distance, moving in his deadly, regal dance. Tenseiga was not a weapon in a fight like this, so Inuyasha watched as Sesshoumaru used his claws to gracefully tear apart his enemy. Fucking asshole. He had to even make his attacks look elegant and refined.
A captain from the enemies' side appeared in front of him, his conceited arrogance overpowering Inuyasha's. The hanyou narrowed his eyes at the hindrance. "Get out of the way, bastard," Inuyasha hissed as he swung the sword.
The captain only flipped into the air, landing on a tree branch, causing droplets of remaining rain to fall down from the leaves, before launching himself at the hanyou. Inuyasha smiled almost wickedly as he finally found competition. This idiot could last him a few minutes anyway.
"Fucking half-breed," the captain spat, drawing out a sword of his own as he soared down upon his prey. "You're a disgrace to demons."
Inuyasha felt his blood boil, but he kept his fury under a smug smirk. "Not disgrace enough to not rip a new hole in your chest," he whispered forebodingly, bringing Tetsusaiga to counter the sword swung at him.
He was pushed back, digging his heels hard into the ground from the force of the flying impact. The captain quickly landed on both his feet, and as fast as lightning, sent a spiral kick right into Inuyasha's stomach.
The hanyou flew backwards, flying right into the trunk of a tree. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth and he growled, his rage igniting dangerously as he wiped away the thick liquid with his sleeves. He peeled himself from the trunk, before launching into another onslaught. Inuyasha swung his sword down at an alarming rate, wanting to run the enemy through from head to toe, but the captain countered it with a fast block. Inuyasha was frustrated now. The enemy was lingering around too long and hadn't even received an injury, while he had been slammed into a tree.
"Your kingdom is going down, half-breed," the captain hissed menacingly, his red eyes flashing malice, the two swords clashing in bright sparks.
"Your kingdom is the one who's going down right now, fucker," Inuyasha retorted, slashing another ineffective swipe at the wolf.
The captain swung his own sword back in retaliation, and Inuyasha blocked the attack as well, as the wolf brought his face closer to the hanyou's. Inuyasha grimaced at the nasty breath of the wolf, which was so disgusting, there were no words to describe its stink.
"Just wait till you dogs all realize the truth," he whispered giddily, his red eyes twinkling with something akin to gaiety as the captain showed his yellowing teeth in a wide smile. He swiped at the hanyou with his claws, catching Inuyasha across the chest and leaving four red lines appearing on the haori, a tiny insignificant seep of blood appearing to blend with the cherry tone of the jacket. This didn't please Inuyasha however.
Inuyasha pushed him back and in luck and his own fury managed to catch the wolf fortuitously in the side, slicing through the stomach of his enemy. The captain gurgled as blood started dribbling from his mouth, but the victorious smile never left his face, even as his body divided in half and slowly descended towards the wet ground. He shot a triumphant look at the hanyou, as he whispered quietly, "We probably already killed all the people in your unprotected kingdom…" There was a proud chuckle from the captain, before he closed his eyes, the smile still on his face.
Inuyasha's soul froze.
His eyes widened.
He watched the blood ooze out of his opponent, and barely registered that he had killed the bastard.
But those last words from his mouth…
Inuyasha turned a frenzied look back towards the castle and finally everything fell into place. The reason a good number of the wolves' total army was missing was not because they were left behind or unable to make it…
There must have been a reason for the army to arrive later than usual…
Oh gods, everything made sense now. The main army had stayed behind for a bit while the other part took the extended method around the outskirts of the forest to go to the Komiya Kingdom. If they had the fastest wolves take that path, the dog demons wouldn't have smelt them since the distance was far…
They had suspected all along that the entire Komiya army was going to attack them here, didn't they? That was why they sent scouts out to look for them…right!?
And while the dog demon army all fought here, in the collision of the mountains and forest, thinking they were winning…the rest of the wolf army was slowly wreaking havoc upon the place that really mattered.
Inuyasha finally figured the wolves' intention. It wasn't the army that was their target… it was the defenseless kingdom.
Inuyasha bellowed a thunderous growl of passionate fury, as he bolted off towards the kingdom, not caring that he was leaving the war behind, or that his comrades were left to battle without him. That was not what concerned him at this moment.
The only thing that concerned him now was Kagome.
A/N: One word for me: Intense. ^_^ The angst is coming in the next chapter or two…or maybe it won't count as angst. I don't know how else to describe it without giving the whole thing away. Just wait for the update. You'll all chase me and impale me with my own stick when you find out the outcome.
P.S. The 'captain' wasn't Kouga. (: It was just a random…captain with blood-red eyes.