AN: HI!!!! .... (blocks oncoming avalanche of tomatoes) Okay, okay, yes, yes, I know!!! I haven't updated in... what, two weeks? But there's a perfectly good reason for it! My mom's computer (the only one in the house with internet access) has come down with a virus that makes the internet run super slow and occasionally unexpectedly quit (right now I'm at my dad's house, hence the reason you're getting a chapter at all).... so I couldn't really do anything... and I've been working on chapter 12, but... Christmas time provided me with a few distractions.... like FF VII... and VIII ... and DDR... but I promise I'll at least have chapter 12 done by the end of break (January 10), if not more chapters....
So please don't hurt me....
OH!!! And by the way!!! I reserved a copy of the 2nd Inuyasha movie and it was released yesterday!!! FABULOUS MOVIE!!!!... The kiss, of course, was not nearly long enough.... (evil grin) but of course, at least it was a kiss.... anyway, I won't spoil anything else for you.... just be sure to get it and watch it!!!!!!
hEyKyRa13
Protect Me
Chapter 9
The Hunt begins
Several nights later found Kagome clad in a coffee stained apron and latex gloves, groaning as she looked at the mountain of dishes in front of her. The Bean had closed less than an hour ago, and she should have been home by now, but Kaede asked her to stay after to clean up while she pent herself up in her office, counting down the week's totals and making sure everything was ready for next week.
Naturally, Kagome would never refuse and gladly offered to work overtime, but her usual cheerfulness did not overcome her disgust at spotting the mess of dishes she found upon entering the kitchen. With a sigh, she picked up a mug in one hand, a sponge in the other, and began scrubbing.
"Well, don't we look like we're having fun?"
Startled by the voice, Kagome jumped, dropping the mug. Luckily for her, it landed in the dishwater unharmed. Bad for her, however, was the spilling of mucky dishwater from the sink onto the floor. Kagome groaned, smacking her palm to her forehead.
"Sorry, Kagome. I didn't mean to startle you."
The girl looked up and spotted Kouga walking around the counter towards her, sporting an apologetic smile.
The girl sighed again, sinking to her knees to clean up the mess. "Don't worry, it's not your fault. The world just seems to hate me right now, that's all."
Kouga laughed. "Oh, is that all?"
Kagome nodded firmly, feeling a smile tug on her own lips. "Yup. First, this morning, I wasn't paying attention and over-filled my cereal bowl with milk. And before I could clean it up, Inuyasha walked in and slipped on it, therefore starting my day with a rousing roommate rumble."
"Probably deserved it, the mutt," Kouga muttered.
Ignoring the comment, Kagome continued, counting the items off of her fingers. "Then, our fighting made me lose track of time and I ended up being late for work. After that, I dropped a plate of scones, spilled coffee on two people and messed up six orders. Then, to top it off, I spill the dishwater on the floor. So, you see? The world hates me."
Kouga nodded. "I see. Well, how about I screw the world and help you clean that up? It is my fault, after all."
"Screwing the world sounds like fun to me," Kagome agreed.
Kouga grinned. "Very well, then," he exclaimed cheerfully, scooping up a dishrag from the counter and kneeling to join her.
"Thank you so much, Kouga," Kagome said more seriously, mopping up the water into her sponge. "I really appreciate it."
"My pleasure," he assured her, flashing her a genuine smile. Turning back to the water, he asked, "So, where's Grams?"
Kagome jerked her thumb at the mahogany door behind the register. "In her office taking care of official business stuff. She'll be in there until ten thirty, making sure everything is perfect and all that. She really puts a lot of work into this place."
Kouga nodded. "And it shows, too. She's loves it like her second grandchild. The woman practically lives here."
Kagome smiled, leaning up to squeeze the excess liquid into the sink before falling back to her knees. Suddenly, she paused, looking up at Kouga curiously. "Speaking of which, what are you doing here?"
Kouga shrugged. "I went by your apartment, but Sango said you were still at work, so I came here."
"Did you want to talk to me?"
"Actually, yes, now that you mention it," Kouga said, sitting up to face her. Kagome quirked her head to the side, brows furrowed in confusion. Kouga smiled. She just looked too adorable.
"Well, actually," he began, "I was wondering if-"
"Kagome!"
Both heads snapped to the front door where Sango burst in, gasping for air. Kagome was on her feet and at her side in an instant while Kouga moved a little slower, frowning at being interrupted.
"Sango, what's the matter?" Kagome asked urgently.
"You've got to get home, now," Sango told her. "Something's happened."
Kagome was startled by her tone. She sounded upset, and this scared her.
"Why?" Kouga asked. "What happened?"
Sango opened her mouth to speak but hesitated, glancing past Kagome. Turning, the girl noticed Kaede's door was slightly open, giving the three view to the elder sitting at her desk, scribbling furiously while glancing up at her computer screen. Turning back around, Kagome nodded. "Give me a little time. I'll be there as soon as I can."
"I'll finish the dishes," Kouga offered.
"I'll have to talk to Kaede," added Kagome.
Sango frowned but nodded. "Alright, but try to make it quick. This is important."
Kagome smiled. "Don't worry. We will."
"Okay, then," Sango said, turning for the door. "I'll see you two at home. Kouga, make sure Kagome doesn't leave your sight."
The officer nodded. "Got it."
Kagome stood rooted to the floor, watching Sango step outside and glance back at them before sprinting across the street. After she was out of sight, Kagome looked at Kouga, frowning restlessly.
"What do you think it could be?" she asked him.
"Let's not worry about that right now," he advised. "Let's just get what we need to get done and go find out for ourselves."
Despite Kouga's valiant attempt to comfort her, Kagome's unease did not settle. After explaining that she did not feel well, Kaede was more than happy to let the girl go home and smiled warmly as she saw Kouga escorting her home.
Walking in the door, Kagome instantly threw her things on the small table next to the couch and entered the kitchen, Kouga right behind her. Sango and Miroku were already there, seated around the bar, both bearing identical apprehensive expressions. Inuyasha sat at the dining table, arms crossed over his chest, ears flattening to his skull as Kouga approached. The wolf ignored the hanyou's threatening glare in favor of glancing at Sango.
"What's going on?" he asked.
"None of your business!" Inuyasha spat.
"Shut up," Kagome hissed impatiently. "Sango?"
Inuyasha fixed his glare on her only long enough to notice she wasn't paying attention before he curtly 'hmph'-ed and turned in his seat, lifting his chin indignantly.
Kouga rolled his eyes. Kagome cleared her throat. "Sango?" she repeated.
"It's Sesshoumaru," she said, pulling out her cell phone.
"Is he okay?" Kouga asked.
"He's fine," Miroku told him, "but the news he brought us was anything but."
"What news?" Kagome wanted to know.
"Apparently, a body was found this morning washed up on the Pacific shore," Sango said, holding her phone to her ear. "It was an officer from the LAPD, close to where we found you."
"And you think it was Naraku?" Kouga guessed. At Miroku's nod, the wolf frowned. "But why? He had nothing to do with Kagome, did he?"
"Not directly, no," Miroku stated. "But Sesshoumaru said the guy commented on having heard several gun shots in that area the same night as the murder. None of us think he was a witness, but just the possibility of him being one would be enough to give Naraku the incentive to consider him a threat."
"Not only that," Sango added, "but when the body was found, an autopsy found traces of a truth serum injected into the guy's bloodstream."
"So in other words," Inuyasha spoke up, "Naraku thought the fool knew something about the wench."
"In a manner of speaking," Sango agreed, nonetheless frowning at him.
But Kagome was too overwhelmed to notice the insult. She found herself beginning to tremble. "So this perfectly innocent officer was killed because Naraku was trying to get to me?"
"Miss Higurashi, this is not your fault."
Kagome jumped at the sound of Sesshoumaru's voice being broadcasted through Sango's phone. "Mr. S-sesshoumaru?"
"Don't blame yourself for this," the chief told her again. "You couldn't have done anything to stop it."
Kagome's face fell, her bangs covering her eyes in a veil of black. "I know that," she said quietly, "b-but-"
"You must understand, Miss Higurashi, that despite the situation, Naraku is still no closer to finding out your whereabouts. May I reassure you that as long as you are under our protection, you are safe, and we will personally see to it you will be attending Onigumo Naraku's trial unharmed."
"I-I understand, S-sir," Kagome stammered, jerking her head up and down, not realizing Sesshoumaru could neither see or hear the action. "T-thank you."
"Kagome, are you okay?" Kouga asked, placing a hand on her shoulder.
The poor girl leapt at his touch, whirling around, completely forgetting he was standing right behind him. Kouga's brows rose. Kagome's face was pale and her entire body was trembling horribly. Noticing his worried expression, she tried to fake a lighthearted smile.
"S-sorry… didn't see you, there,"
"Kagome, you looked tired," Miroku pointed out. "You should sleep."
"He's right," Sango agreed. "You've been through a long day, and you need your rest. You've had enough for today. We'll continue talking in the morning."
Kagome was staring vacantly, her eyes not really focusing on anything, inwardly feeling somewhat dazed. She nodded rather emotionlessly before quietly excusing herself and walking into her room, shutting the door behind her.
All eyes followed her as she left, each with their own thoughts. Sango was torn between wanting to cheer her friend back to her usual self or hunting down and killing Naraku herself. Kouga wanted to follow her, to comfort her out of her trance-like state. It unnerved him to see the normally smiling, cheerful Kagome seem so- lifeless. Miroku frowned, wanting to follow and comfort Kagome as well, though doubtfully in the same way Kouga had in mind. Before his face could betray his thoughts to the already protective Sango, he shook his head, attempting to clear his mind of such inappropriate ideas.
Inuyasha remained silent, ears perked. He could hear Kagome moving around in her room, but without the normal bounce in her step. Without even undressing, the girl climbed into bed and laid her head on the pillow, though the dog demon could tell she was far from sleeping. Instead, he could picture her staring at the ceiling, a million and one thoughts racing through her mind at once.
What thoughts were rolling through Inuyasha's mind, however, he preferred to keep to himself, eyes flicking up to the cell phone laying on the kitchen counter. "Impressive. Quite a way with women, you have there, Sesshoumaru. Do they all go running, or is that just your personal bad luck?"
"Inuyasha," his brother began threateningly.
The hanyou scoffed. "Save the lecture, cause I don't wanna hear it."
Sango leaned down and cuffed the boy about the ears, earning a string of obscenities and bared fangs directed at the female officer. Unfazed, she glared right back. "Why don't you give it a rest, already? Can't you see that Kagome's suffering?"
Inuyasha scowled. "Welcome to the real world. Everyone is suffering."
"Right, like you're in any position to complain," Sango retorted. "Here you are, living in a nice place with money and food, out of jail. Oh yeah, I can really see you're suffering."
"Shut up! You don't know what you're talking about," Inuyasha replied angrily.
"Enough! Both of you!" Sesshoumaru commanded sternly.
Both Sango and Inuyasha turned away indifferently.
Satisfied by the silence, Sesshoumaru continued. "Inuyasha, I know you don't want to listen to me, but do it anyway."
"Why? Because you'll ship me in a wood crate to Mongolia if I don't?"
"Because Naraku is closer to finding Kagome than any of you realize."
"What do you mean!?" Kouga exclaimed. "You mean that creep knows Kagome's here?"
"Of course not! But he has sent a reward notice to all of his contacts for her body, dead or alive. As far as our database on him goes, I can guess that we only are aware of about half of those contacts."
"How much is the reward for?" Inuyasha asked, feigning interest.
Sesshoumaru paused before speaking. "For your sake, Inuyasha, I'll pretend I didn't hear that." The hanyou rolled his eyes. "Anyway, if anything, it's more vital than ever that you all stay as close to her as humanly possible without appearing too suspicious. Ookami, I'm afraid I'll have to ask for your assistance in Kagome's safekeeping, as well."
"Of course. I don't want to see anything happen to her any more than you do, sir."
"Good to hear."
"What happened to all those guarantees you made her about her being safe?" Inuyasha questioned accusingly. "Whatever happened to your crack-proof defenses, Sesshoumaru?"
"The defenses keep getting killed," the dog demon told him coldly. "I only hope you will be able to perform better than they, brother."
"I guess we agree on something, then, don't we?" Inuyasha hissed, jumping from his seat to waltz into his own room, slamming the door behind him.
Sango frowned at his departure, exchanging skeptical glances with Miroku. "Sesshoumaru, you know I rarely doubt your judgments-"
"Define 'rarely'," was the chief's dry reply.
"You know what I mean," Sango retorted. "But, are you sure it was a good idea to put Inuyasha in charge of Kagome's protection? I don't see how he'd be any better than-"
"That's right," Sesshoumaru interrupted firmly. "You don't see. I do. Let's leave it at that, for now."
Sango sighed, shaking her head. "If you say so..."
"Just don't do anything stupid… Please…" Click.
Surprised, Sango brought the phone to eyelevel and glared at it scornfully, hoping that on the other side of the country, Sesshoumaru would receive it.
"Now, now," Miroku said calmly, gently pushing her hand down and prying her fingers away from the phone, taking it from her and setting it on the counter. "We'll have time for that later. Now, we should think about getting home."
"I'm not going anywhere," Sango told him stubbornly, glaring alternately between him and Kouga as if daring them to contradict her. Neither, of course, were willing to do so.
"You're going to stay here?" Miroku asked.
"I'll sleep on the couch," Sango replied, moving towards the linen closet to retrieve the extra blankets. "No matter what Sesshoumaru says, I still don't trust Kagome to Inuyasha's hands, and after what we just heard tonight, I'm not going to leave her now."
"But Sesshoumaru said not to do anything stupid," Miroku pointed out. "And I'm sure this qualifies as not a really smart thing to do."
"Miroku, don't try to talk me out of it!" Sango snapped. "I'm not leaving Kagome alone and that's-"
"Don't you think it'll look a little suspicious?" Kouga asked carefully. "An FBI agent involved in the rescue of the witness Naraku needs staying at a 'friend's' house the same day the body was found. You really believe Naraku will buy that?"
Sango glared at him, unflinchingly. "Maybe not, but what's the chance of any of his goons being around for just this one night?"
Kouga shrugged. "Well, if that's the case, then I guess there's no real need for you to stay in the first place, right?"
The girl opened her mouth to speak, but found herself caught. Instead, she glared invisible death threats at Kouga, but was disappointed when he was unfazed.
Since she was temporarily silenced, Kouga took the opportunity to speak instead. "Look, I feel the same way as you do when it comes to Kagome being left in the care of that mutt… but for now, this isn't the best time for us to do something about it."
"Kouga's right, Sango," Miroku agreed, though obvious he was hesitant to oppose her. "Right now, there's nothing we can do. Let's just come back in the morning and settle things then, okay?"
Both men studied Sango carefully, one with a somewhat calculating expression while the other sported plain edginess. Sango's frown did not lift, and it took some time and deliberation before she spoke, sighing in defeat. "Fine, fine, you guys win. One more night alone won't hurt, I guess."
Miroku smiled and stepped forward, throwing an arm around her shoulders and squeezing supportively. "That's the spirit, Sango! Everything will be fine."
You'd think he'd learn by now, she thought wistfully, shaking her head as she took one of Miroku's fingers that were wrapped around her shoulder and pulled back mercilessly, sending her partner reeling backwards with a sharp cry of pain. "For not only Kagome's sake but yours as well, Miroku, I really hope nothing does happen."
Ignoring his childish whimpering, Sango reached to pinch Miroku's ear, dragging him toward the door while he tried to wriggle out of her painful grasp. Kouga merely shook his head, following behind dutifully.
"I hope nothing happens to Kagome, either, mutt-face," he muttered, knowing the hanyou would hear him. "If anything does, I promise, prison won't be your final destination, this time."
With that said, the wolf quietly walked out the front entrance, closing the door behind him.
Inuyasha rolled his eyes indifferently after Kouga left.
"Whatever, wolf-boy. There's nothing you got that can intimidate me, so give up trying."
Despite his greatest efforts, he could not fall asleep, and so was left with little options other than to stay up and listen to the three continue the conversation without him. He couldn't help but smirk when he noticed the lack of faith he got from Sango when she questioned his brother's decision of appointing him as head babysitter. Not that he cared, he simply found it amusing.
His confident grin began to fade, however, as he thought more about the conversation- and Naraku. Inuyasha scowled. That bastard… that fucking bastard!
He wanted to see him fall. He wanted to see that evil, conceited smirk wiped off his face. He wanted to rip his claws through his chest and watch him die, and slowly and painfully as possible.
A low growl started growing deep in his throat and his hands balled into fists at his side as he stared up at the ceiling from his bed.
Naraku, I don't just want you to die… you don't deserve to get off that easy… not for what you did… what you did to her… you deserve to be tortured, just beyond the comfort of death… feel your skin slowly burn off… cry out when your blood boils inside your veins… no, I don't just want you dead. I want you destroyed, you bastard of a being. I want you-
A soft sound snapped Inuyasha from his thoughts, bringing him back to reality. His eyes darted around guardedly, suspicious of anyone that might be in his room. But, of course, there was no one there. Feeling rather foolish, Inuyasha snorted and rolled to his side, prepared to sleep.
Another soft sound caused his ears to perk curiously, swiveling around on top of his head. He lifted his head a bit, glancing at the door, frowning.
He knew what that sound was. It was the sound that continually kept him up at night. Ironically enough, it was the reason he always slept in so late every morning, promising a scolding comment from his roommate. He heard it every night since he and Kagome came to this place. It was louder tonight, though, he noted vaguely. Nonetheless, he did the same as he did every night, stuffing his head underneath the pillow to drown out the sound, attempting to go to sleep.
In the room across the narrow hallway, oblivious to the fact she was keeping the hanyou awake, Kagome, as she did every night upon sleeping in this new, unfamiliar, unfriendly place, cried herself to sleep.
AN: So... somebody died.... you didn't actually think it'd be one of the main characters, did you?.... Come now, shame on you..... Hojo's the only one with that privelage.... we have to give him some sort of honor considering the fact that he doesn't get a girl.... let's face it... he's just not as attractive as a stubborn, dog-eared hanyou, a full-of-himself wolf demon, or even a charming yet perverted monk.... aka FBI agent.... sorry Hojo.... the competition is way out of your league...
Review Responses:
Zonza(Smile) I'm glad you approve. And yes, I wish I'd get a thousand reviews.... but alas, tis the bitter difference between a wish and a reality.... (sniff)
meece: Well, now you know who dies... again, no one important, but still.... it lets you know that Naraku's not gonna just sit around and do nothing.... unless he gets distracted by the singing angels....
PisxiePam: Hope you approve! I updated... (points upward)... see?
LilL: WONDER-ful news! I'm flattered that you like this...
Inuyasha'smistress: ............. that's my response to the Kouga comment..... anyway, the whole "Fluffy Puffy Poo" was more or less..... a pet name.... for Sesshoumaru.... from Rin.... (wink wink nudge nudge)
Next Chapter: Inuyasha's in a hurry to get homeand apparently, Kagome stinks.... think about the episode in which "Kagome's smell" becomes an issue, and you might get what goes on next chapter, but I'd appreciate if you were to email me with your ideas instead of posting in the review section for everyone else to see, you know? I don't want to spoil it for anyone who might not know....... suspense, you know?.... and, if for any reason, Riley happens to read this..... don't say a word, Ri, don't say a word... I AM NOT THINKING LIKE JAY!!!!!!
hEyKyRa13