Hello Cherry Icees
So this chapter is pretty long...I don't know what happened with me. I was on a writing roll working on all my writings. With this in particular...I was getting down and feeling myself. But I hope you enjoy this chapter loves.
Also, at the bottom I will be putting the first copy written passage of my book. If you read it and are curious about it please leave a comment in the review or inbox me your messages. I'm just testing the water as this is of my own creation and I'm a little nervous about it.
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Chapter 12: Steam
Inuyasha strolled up the street intent on returning Miroku's strange message telling him to come to the restaurant. Pedestrians walked down the street minding their own business enjoying the late night breeze and the gentle play of music coming from the live bands inside various restaurants and bars. Deep base rhythms and hypnotizing violins were heard along with vocals chiming on key to the notes drifting onto the streets. Street lights had come on illuminating the pathway and the moon had arisen slowly into the sky in its quarter light. Cards rode by rushing to get home or get far away from whatever building that housed their jobs. His eyes looked quickly at his smartphone looking for additional details from Miroku but found none. It was very strange for the man not to send additional details and even more so he found himself just coming along to check it out. A small panic settled in his chest that something may have happened that needed him as it was odd to say the least for Miroku not to call or send an explanation to why he was needed. Then to see he needed him at the restaurant of all places. Inuyasha shoved his phone back into his jean pants pocket and walked along the small sidewalk to his destination. His long silver hair was pulled into a low ponytail blowing briskly in the wind along with his stride. Inuyasha looked to his Balmain white T-shirt and jeans unsure if he would get scorned for showing up so casual among the lucky Thursday patrons dining at The Shikon.
Inuyasha stopped on the corner of the street where he could see the beautiful glass paned place in his sights. The jewel stood out with its soft lighting beckoning him to come inside and promising a good time. Light laughter coming from a rather large party in the back garden was picked up by his sensitive ears. He didn't know why by he felt oddly happy and content going to the luxury eatery that was going to be packed with people. Inuyasha found himself going to the spot more and more, not even thinking about leaving the country to do other things. He'd found much business in France and thankfully it centered around the Garden District where he could be in walking distance of his new favorite crew. He enjoyed seeing what was being an extensive network of close friends moving quickly and throwing spicy banter back and forth in the kitchen. He relished in the good tempo of the people that worked there and he even enjoyed before and after hours when everyone got together for their family meal. Seeing everyone laugh, tease, and relax together over food and drinks made him feel good. They spoke candidly around the table about the good in their lives and the bad; sharing and problem solving together as if they were all going through the same things. No one judged except for mainly Myoga who took it upon himself to be the saint and bestow his never ending infamous words of wisdom that landed him in arguments more or less with Bank or his brothers about their lifestyle choices. But, no one seemed to take the old flea seriously and rather he could tell a few needed his tough love regardless of how much outdated some of it was. Even he missed the old relic. This strange group of people that had come together from all over the world over Kagome's creatively mouthwatering recipes, created a family and somehow he found himself joining them.
He thought of the woman that was the glue to this tight bond of friendships inside the kitchen. A smile fell on his lips thinking of her sweet disposition and maternal nature to all of her friends. He had learned of many times, she had helped everyone out of a bind and mentioned nothing of it to anyone. His imagination had ran with him mixing memories with fantasies while picturing her bright smile and gentle eyes as she laughed at something she found humorous; Or how he would expect to see her in the kitchen staring down at plate cleaning it up to prepare to go out of the door. Her hair would be tied up with several pencils as she made her rounds in her kitchen making sure everything was up to par while encouraging her staff with soft pats and kind remarks. Sometimes she would even join in with her chefs as they sung a tune from Miroku's infinite mental jukebox that seemed to become much more filled with love ballads now that the slayer turned pastry chef was in the kitchen. Excitement had him boiling and his steps turned more into giant bounds as if he was ready to jump roofs and treetops to get there faster. Sooner than expected, he found himself crossing the street with a bit more pep in his step. His mind refused to shake the image of Kagome that he was so graciously allowed by the Gods to see; standing in her kitchen happily stirring pots and completely at ease in her home. He remembered her heart shaped slightly reddened by the steam of her cooking and her hands went to work concocting delicious edibles within her red pots slowly while he held small Rin in his arms who playfully moved her little fingers through his hair in fascination. Then to have her so genuinely glad to see him just made him think of her differently from others. He'd gotten so use to women happy to see the "prince" that he almost forgot what it was like for a woman to see…him. Even he took on Rin as an extension of his family. Little did Kagome know, Rin spent almost all her time at their palace surrounded by his family. Many times she was the primary excuse for everyone to escape Kaguya's annoying existence using 'playdates' and 'park time' as a way to deter her company. Subconsciously, he rubbed the back of his head and smirked thinking of plans to confirm that dessert date he issued with the two suddenly leading ladies in his life now.
Suddenly something warm and slender bumped into him causing him to react quickly to hopefully avoid any tears from crying pups or angry glares from protective moms. "Fuck." He stated looking to see a woman holding luggage and a box fall down onto the pavement. A few pedestrians stopped to snicker waiting to see the infamous hanyou temper unleash on the poor fool that didn't know royalty when she literally crashed into one. Inuyasha's ears swiveled towards the woman trying to catch the words she muttered but found it impossible. Her long hair hung well below her waistline and she wore a simple black A-line dress and red pumps. Her scent smelt of that of bellflowers and hydrangeas that carried on the breeze right to his nose. He quickly muttered his apologies while bending to help the woman pick up the items she had dropped.
The woman stood up with him as he grabbed the small box off the concrete and he politely handed it to her wondering how she was able to juggle so many things in her hands. Her arms and legs seemed rather skinny and he wondered if he should call someone to help her. The lightening on the street lit up her milky skin that looked to be poured onto her body by the moon. Her deep brown eyes reminded him of someone but he couldn't place who. She reached for the box shifting her luggage bags to her other hand so she could hold the box to her chest. "Thanks." She muttered blowing her bangs out of her face.
Inuyasha paused and looked around wondering if she had a ride or if someone was nearby the help. His ears flattened at seeing the poor thing struggle so with her load. "Do you need help? I can call you a taxi?" He asked.
The woman put her box on her luggage and pulled out her phone. "Actually, can you please tell me where a nice hotel is nearby?" She asked dialing a number and calling it. He listened noticing whoever she was calling, wasn't answering. A curse came from her lips before she looked up at him with eyes that could cut steel.
Quickly he thought about her request and nodded not wanting to attract anymore trouble to the poor human. "Yeah, there's a nice place nearby near the gardens on the other end." He stepped out into the street and hailed a taxi. One soon pulled up to the curb quickly catching Inuyasha's signal. Inuyasha reached for her luggage and helped put them into the cab as she waited to hear his recommendation. Inuyasha spoke to the driver and gave him a destination. "Hotel du Louvre?" She asked combing through her long inky locks in frustration. The cab driver helped take her other bag and put it in the car.
Inuyasha nodded to the cab to take her there. He pulled out his phone and without thought he texted the manager about finding her room quickly. He immediately pulled out his wallet and paid the taxi man to take her wherever. "What's your name?" She asked hesitating to get in the cab.
Inuyasha stilled before nodding. "Yasha." He responded moving by the door.
"Kikyo." She spoke giving her hand out to shake his. He took it and shook her hand feeling the strong grip she had. "Thanks." She responded getting inside the back seat.
"Yeah…I hope things work out." He stated nudging towards her phone which rested in her other hand clutched in her tight grip.
"Me too." She responded with a soft whisper. Inuyasha quickly closed the door for her and waited for the cab to pull away safely from the curb. He looked to his phone noticing no additional messages were left by Miroku but one from the hotel asking for his password to confirm payment. He quickly called the place while walking closer to the restaurant explaining about their additional guest and providing them a name and a description. He just finished the call when he saw the familiar frightful expression of his old retainer already preparing to go back inside to avoid him.
Inuyasha smirked devilishly at his old retainer who stood tall as if he didn't recognize him. The lights shined down on the old demon's bald head giving Inuyasha ideas on a few jokes he could throw towards the old geezer. Inuyasha smirked to see the elder cowardly demon prepare himself for Inuyasha's many taunts and jabs. "Myoga don't be coward!" He yelled crossing the street quickly while avoiding the gawks and finger pointing of the patrons nearby star struck at seeing royalty walk so freely in public.
Myoga could not escape fast enough so instead he stood with a serious face waiting for the young man to approach. A sigh came from his withered lips as he greeted his previous charge. "Master Inuyasha." Myoga welcomed with dry tones of affection that didn't quite reach his heart.
"Still bitter, old flea?" Inuyasha stated leaning causally against the podium where Myoga stood looking over the list of reservations hoping that he could seat Inuyasha and move on quickly. He had endured quite a lot in his lifetime following after the young brood of the Tashio's and had nearly lost his life several times on behalf of the young hanyou alone back in the day of the warring era. Inuyasha was always going on his little adventures being reckless with his father's weapon and landing in more deadly situations than he could count. Then to make matters worse, he joined his older brother a few times on power crusades creating all kinds of hell for him to report back to their father. Myoga shivered at the thought not wanting to be reminded of the close intimacy he shared with the grim reaper during those times.
Inuyasha shook his head already sniffing Myoga's fright that clashed with the tasty aromas coming from inside. His ears moved listening to the sounds of conversation flowing, silverware beating gently against plates, and gentle music being played. He put his hand on the old man's shoulder and squeezed while deciding to take a pause to ruffle Myoga's hackles. "Myoga, you have got to let the past not get to you." He stated sounding so much like the great Inutashio in that moment. Myoga opened his mouth to say something when he closed it suddenly. His wide eyes seemed to get bigger as his head turned towards the dining room.
Inuyasha's white fuzzy ears danced on top of his head catching onto the sounds he was hearing coming from inside. A wave of spiritual power rushed over him making him shiver and flex his claws in defense. His nose took in the scents unaware that his body was stiffening and he had taken a step forward. Molten eyes grew hard and before Myoga could react, he was already walking inside. Without clearance he walked into the foyer, bypassing the hostess and host who stared in shock. Both looked at each other not sure if they should follow policy and call security aka Bankoutsu. One reached for the phone but the other put her hand over his to stop him from making the call. She shook her head motioning towards the direction he was going. They saw the young hanyou prince make a beeline to the kitchen. Both shared a look before going on smiling and calming the guests from the shock of power they felt.
Inuyasha followed his nose walking pass the dining area where he had captured the attention of guests staring after him. Many whispered concerns about the energy they felt coming from the kitchen. A few demons were standing while talking to the waitresses and waiters about their concerns. His nose took in the amazing scents that always welcomed him inside and promised his taste buds and belly nirvana. However, one scent stood above the rest in which soured the somewhat delicious smells and bothered his nose. Inuyasha's pace quickened until he reached the kitchen doors. His clawed palms pushed on the swinging wooden carved doors and walking inside.
"Kagome!" He yelled looking for the woman with an intense gaze. The scene before him was normal as always but the energy was chaotic and worrisome. Steam filtered in the air and the temperature felt as if it had increased ten-fold. Sweat was glistening off of foreheads and the energy in the kitchen was tense. He looked to see Miroku yelling out orders and the others confirming with a series of 'yes chefs.' The normally suave perverted ex-priest was currently checking dishes for satisfactory taste and readiness. Tired lines shown in his forehead as he worked with hands busy running what looked to be two stations. Pots and pans were everywhere hosting contents that were bubbling, boiling, frying, stewing, etc. Everyone was working hard to produce their parts of various dishes and the servers were quickly grabbing plates and moving on with them out of the doors. Inuyasha stepped out of their way as they exited the kitchen before he continued his assessment of the battleground.
Miroku stirred a pot of sauce before he reached up to add a bit of cumin to the mixture. "How's the lamb coming Bank?"
The butcher spoke quickly rolling the lamb on the rack to give it a bacon wood flavor. Miroku moved around again having not even known Inuyasha was in the kitchen and had spoken. The twins were working frantically under their new mistress with concerned expressions that were opposite of the usual bubbly giddiness the two always shared. Sango began glazing a dessert almost sharing the same stressed emotions as the monk. He looked to see that Shippo was absent from his station but instead near the burners sweeping up broken pieces of an abused ceramic plate. His tail bristled behind him revealing his nervous bundle of nerves. Bank turned around from preparing lamb on the grill before nodding his head in greeting at Inuyasha. Inuyasha caught the concerned look he threw at Sango on the other side of the large kitchen who was decorating a louvre cake with gold flakes around the perimeter. Everyone was present but one which made his stomach curl a bit in anxiety. His nose sniffed again smelling her fresh scent that was once cavorting around the kitchen along with the others.
"Inuyasha!"
His head snapped up to see Miroku thumb towards the back area. Inuyasha's brow furrowed before understanding donned on him. He nodded and quickly followed the hallway path to the back where Miroku directed him. His sensitive nose followed the scent of the woman he was searching for leading him further away from the kitchen. He walked through the long hallway noticing her office door was open but empty inside. His head looked around at the papers stacked everywhere which was so unlike the meticulously organized woman's nature. Her white apron was thrown on the soft cushioned brown chair and left to hang by its lonesome. His ears heard the sound of a heavy sigh and he quickly went down the rest of the length of the hallway to the bolted door in the back. His strong arms threw back the door like paper startling the woman he came to see.
Inuyasha looked upon her red face and glossy eyes staring up at him from her crouched position on a wooden crate next to the door. There she was…in the dark malodorous alleyway surrounded by old cardboard boxes that needed to be broken down with the names of various produce and fruits on them. Cigarette buds were everywhere most likely from Bank doing as the man was chain smoker. The small light fixture hanging above her allowed him to blatantly see the trail of tears that had slid down her face. Power radiated from her fingertips in a soft pink color. Her sadness and depression made him uncomfortable in the split second that began to move over him like a dark thundering raincloud. Kagome sat hunkered down with her head tilted to the side in embarrassment. Her sleeves were rolled up and her bangs stuck to her forehead messily. The salt in the air stung his nose and he found himself walking closer to her crouched position.
"I-Inuyasha!" She stated standing up quickly and wiping her face frantically from the waterworks she was previously engaged full time with.
Inuyasha watched her gather herself and cleared her voice to gain some normalcy back into her life. His feet took him to her while immediately grabbing her by her arms holding her at arm's length to get a good look at her. Her nose was red and shiny that complimented the puffy swelling of her skin around her grave brown eyes. Inuyasha could almost visibly see her throw up her defenses while fighting the embarrassment she was suddenly feeling. "The fuck Kagome?"
Inuyasha didn't know how to respond when she looked at him as if the world had just ripped from underneath her and taken everything in its descent into a dark abyss. Before he realized what he was doing his arms tightened and pulled her into a warm hug. She stood stiff in his embrace for a moment before slowly her shaking arms came around his lean muscular form and clung onto him. Her fist clutched his shirt in the back. He could feel her warm breath against his shirt doing her best to take deep breaths. Her forehead lay against him and he could feel her shake. "Why are you crying? Who did this?" He asked with eyes slowly glossing over with a pink overlay at the possibility that someone may have caused her pain.
Kagome shook her head doing her best to control herself. She swallowed a sob in her throat as if it would help hide her sorrow from his sensitive hearing and nose. She felt so embarrassed and upset that her emotions seemed to run in a devastating pattern that she couldn't break on her own. She tried her best to just work through the dinner rush while pushing off the constant need to call and check up on a distraught Rin. Ever since the night prior, Rin was extremely fussy and reverted to behaviors of that of a baby. She didn't want to leave her and before she left for work, Rin went into a full panic filled with whimpers and whines. Kagome was sure Inuyasha had heard about it and the fear, anxiety, and embarrassment at possibly being the worst parent in the world would not leave her soul. She focused so much on trying not to get upset about Rin's sudden shift in communication growth but found it harder and harder to do as the night went on. She wanted desperately to be with her child but tonight they were already down a member due to illness. She knew Miroku would handle it but she couldn't ask him to commit to running her place. Not again. She had to be there.
She was responsible for putting food on the table and making sure everyone else was taken-cared of. Kagome grew angry at herself for coming in hot headed which was never her style. Her commands came in loud and brash unlike their usual stern loving nature. Several times she found herself banging pots and breaking a plates upset about something random like too much salt or sauce on a dish. She chastised herself for her shaking hands and lack of concentration on her work. It wasn't until she was confronted with a plate of overcooked scallops that she had made being held to her face by Miroku, that she knew her time was up in the kitchen. In frustration, her powers flared causing he plate to break in his hand the food to explode. Mortified she went to clean up her mess but was stopped by gentle hands. Being the gentlemen he was, Miroku nodded in silent understanding and took her place drawing as little attention to them as possible. Sango somehow made her way over to her and gave her swift kiss on the cheek and told her to take a walk. Kagome could only respect his wishes knowing she should not be in the kitchen right now or near anyone for that matter. She needed to work out some things and figure out what was best for her and her baby.
Kagome bit her lip and focused on her breathing doing her best to keep her frustrated tears at bay. She refused to cry in front of anyone including the fool she was clinging to at the moment. She had been through hell and back in the last couple of years and she refused to let anyone see it get to her now. But, the last thing she needed was for this to get out to the money hungry extended relatives of Rin to use against her. "I don't need your help." She muttered into his cotton white Balmain T-shirt looking away down the alley avoiding his gaze for now. "I can do this." She whispered as if trying to convince herself instead of him. "I'm going to be just fine, like always." She spoke seemingly trying to convince herself than the hanyou.
"I know Kags." He stated nuzzling her neck and holding her tightly to him. His nose brushed into her strawberry shampooed hair that nestled in a mess on the crown of her head. He wished she would speak about whatever that got her to this place of devastation. Inuyasha was a demon that used his hands. The need to physically fix the problem grew strong inside of him.
After a few moments Kagome pulled away and daringly faced the hanyou with dignity and resolve. Her eyes were hard and her emotions were guarded again like the woman he knew. Inuyasha watched her lick her chapped lips quickly before she nodded her appreciation. "Thanks Yash." She muttered before pulling her hair out of her messy bun and ruffling it a little. Her fingers combed through it quickly before tying it back up.
"Feh." Inuyasha rolled his eyes and his ears twitched on top of his head at her reaction. His head nodded in acknowledgement knowing well when to leave things alone. Maybe that's why he enjoyed spending time with her so much. In an odd way, she reminded him a little of himself. A person's pride was nothing to poke at and he knew Kagome's right now was fragile and didn't need any tampering. He looked at her as if he was seeing her for the first time under the shading that the single light provided in the back alleyway. She once again hid herself behind the many layers of her black chef's uniform minus the battered stained apron she wore. Her face was free of makeup and her scent mingled with many ingredients from the kitchen he scented earlier. He watched her long hair drop to hang nearly down to her waist in soft loose curls before she pulled it all back up on top of her head again. He looked into her eyes and he could see…she was tired. Not just physically tired but the poor girl looked exhausted. Her eyes didn't have the joyous light to them like he had seen when she cooked or when she was in her home. 'What could have happened over night?' Inuyasha wondered. Last he saw her, she was fine and happy. 'How could so much have happened in such a short period of time?' Thinking quickly on his feet, he thumbed and tilted his head towards the main street.
"Take a short break." He coaxed desiring to help her get rid of the dark cloud that seemed to hang over her.
Kagome shook her head. "Absolutely not!" She stated turning to open the heavy door to the back of her restaurant and go back to the kitchen. Her hands fidgeted as she once more wiped her face of any remaining evidence to her distress. She kept a lid on her powers to avoid any more accidents and broken dishes. "I'm sorry, do you want anything to eat or something?" She asked remembering her manners.
"We're going out." He stated confidently while brushing the tip of his nose with his thumb.
"No, we're not." She responded glaringly crossing her arms.
"Alright…fine." He stated walking closer to the door where she stilled. "I'll wait." He stated calmly leaning against the old brick wall as she scowled at him before swinging open the door and slamming it shut behind her. Inuyasha waited patiently already knowing the outcome of her pursuit. He didn't have to be a rocket scientist to know what had happened in the kitchen prior to his arrival. Already his demonic hearing could pick up the sounds of Kagome's footsteps marching inside towards the kitchen. He doubted she would be welcomed back anytime soon until she was ready to be calm again. Miroku's rare serious expression had told him that much. A moth fluttered over having been attracted by the outside light and started to dance around its provided heat. His eyes watched it move for a moment in the darkness before his ears picked up on Miroku's voice echoing in the hallway among Kagome's whispered arguments. A few minutes passed and the door opened again. Kagome was indeed opening the door with an annoyed expression holding her black purse tightly in her grasp. An amused Miroku saluted Inuyasha before shutting the door behind him tightly. Clearly she was put off by her sous chef's advice but he did admire her ability to see reason.
Kagome slowly hoisted her bag onto her shoulder while holding her head up high refusing to show anymore of her private self that night to the young prince. Inuyasha held a side smirk confidently spreading on his face at the small victory. He watched her take calculating steps forward before she was face to face with him with her jaw locked tightly.
She wished she had a paper bag so she could put it over his head to avoid looking at his cocky smile. "So you and Miroku got hard ons for each other?" She asked trying her best not to grind her teeth together from Miroku's ushering her out of her own kitchen practically demanding that she go with Inuyasha and get some fresh air before returning.
Inuyasha held his elbow out for her to take and waited patiently for her to grab on to his offered arm. She slowly walked up to him and placed her palms onto him allowing him to lead her away out of the back alleyway and back towards the public streets. "You jealous?" He asked smirking as he guided her along the pathway.
They walked along the large gate that hid the guests dining in the small garden area. Kagome shook her head fighting the smile that already wanted to plaster on her face because of his comment. "A little." She responded playing along with his easy banter. Their footsteps synchronized along the pavement as she held onto him allowing him to take her wherever trusting him fully. She could feel her cellphone in her pants pocket burning a hole there. Her sister was calling but she was in no mood to deal with her sister's problems and anxieties. She had her own issues to sort out at the moment. She had called Kaede numerous times to get the same answer every time. Rin was fine and no longer upset. However, she had stopped communicating completely. Kaede said she was going to call one of the Inu's over to maybe see if they could coax her out of this funk and maybe get to the bottom of her reactions. Kagome could only nod and trust Kaede's judgement as definitely had more experience with raising babies both human, demon, and everything being in between. She just prayed that she wasn't the cause of Rin's stress.
They stopped at a cross light before walking forward again heading towards the other side of the park nearby that she would cross to get home. People walked together in pairs and groups going to the local pubs nearby. The street lamps above the sidewalks were all lit welcoming the nighttime guests who were out looking for a drink or two to help take the edge off the long work day. Comfortable silence hung between them during the journey. Inuyasha found himself shifting closer to her and having her body heat brush against his side. Having her there so close to him in such a way made him somewhat nervous. Kagome always had a soothing aura and her light caring nature only attracted others to her. Her scent spiked occasionally now during their small walk across the park. He could tell that her mind was still rolling with thoughts and ideas that swayed her emotions. Inuyasha watched her fumble with her phone as if stuck in an infinite battle to use it. Her hands shook a bit and he could feel a bitter scent that equated with fear build in his senses. He clutched her hand tightly in his grasp wanting to hurry and get to a place so that they could talk and get to the bottom of what disturbed her.
They both stopped at another crosswalk before he saw a ridiculously moving red vehicle speed their way. Kagome immediately stepped out into the crosswalk with her mind elsewhere not paying attention to her surroundings. The car honked loudly at Kagome bellowing at her madly to get out of the way but he wasn't slowing down. Without hesitation he grabbed her around her waist and jolted her back to him. A few people yelled seeing the accident about to happen. Headlights shined upon her face nearly blinding as she managed to shift backwards. Kagome squeaked at the harsh motion feeling the wind almost being knocked out of her and held on tightly to the back of his palm which now rested tightly across the middle of her belly securing her into his embrace. Kagome blew a heavy breath in fright and her body went rigid in his hold. Her eyes were wide taking in what almost just occurred. She quickly came to her senses and looked to Inuyasha. Her heart nearly leapt out of her throat and onto the pavement.
"Asshole!" Inuyasha yelled angrily at the driver speeding recklessly by. His grip held onto the miko in his arms tightly feeling her push herself into him for confirmation that her body was intact. His demonic aura spiked furiously as he held onto the woman in front of him protectively while looking after the vehicle memorizing the license plate. He quickly looked down feeling a pressure on his hand. He gazed down at her hand resting on top of his around her middle. He could see and feel the death hold she had on his palm. "Kags, you ok?" He asked smelling her anxiety level increase.
Kagome swallowed hard and nodded frantically trying her best to gather herself. Her other hand came up over her beating heart to will it to be still. Inuyasha turned her around to check her over and after a few confirmations on Kagome's part about her safety, they were able to cross and move on. Of course he had to chastise her about her idiocy for not paying attention. Inuyasha hand had held onto Kagome's afterwards not trusting her anymore with her own life after clearly not being in the state of mind to be aware of her external environment. Kagome felt his warm hand hold onto hers comfortingly adding his protection and guidance. Kagome was able to pull herself together and get her head back onto her shoulders. She listened to him rant a few more seconds about dicks and assholes in the city before she found herself giggling at his commentary. This of course caught his attention and a smirk graced his features as they continued their stroll with hands entwined. Conversation soon ensued regarding the many times he and Miroku were in tight spots where they swore their lives flashed before their eyes. Mostly of Miroku's doings involving the many women in his life and how he got dragged along for the ride to help get the poor guy out.
Inuyasha pointed up ahead to a pub called Le Zorba. Its brick wall exterior and bright red door looked inviting. Inuyasha ushered her to its solid wooden door and opened it allowing her entry first. Kagome could feel her miko powers rise defensively from the large amount of youkai inside. When she stepped fully into the small bistro and bar she saw how packed it was with the random and strangest of characters all cozying over a small meal, beer, and hard liquor. Large wooden pillars seemed to hold the place up nicely. The low lighting gave the grungy place a dark look one filled with mystery and curiosity. The wrap around bar was packed with various men both blue and white collared laughing over a story told by the old man. It smelled very clean for a bar but considering that most demon noses were sensitive, it needed to be to keep their loyalty. Inuyasha pulled her along safely through the walkway as she continued to take in the many old red leather booths, wooden tables, and stools everywhere. The back of the bar room hosted a few games of billiards that seemed to be going strong. A mixed crowd of men and women shared a table of clams and oyster with beers talking animatedly together. Chop Suey from System of A Down was playing lowly on the surround speakers throughout the bar. Inuyasha walked over to the crowded bar where she could have sworn people moved out of the way for him to settle before he tapped on the surface. He pulled Kagome safely under his arm between his body and the bar proprietorially shielding her from the gazes of some of the men he could sense to his right.
Kagome looked to see a woman with her entire left arm colorfully tatted with watercolor feathers and a large beautiful picture of a brightly dressed geisha woman holding an intricate patterned black fan with white cranes on the front. The colors wrapped around her entire right arm from her wrist to her shoulders which was bare as she rocked a black bandeau around her breasts. She did have on a loose purple and white long sleeve shirt that only covered her left arm leaving the other bare. Kagome watched her make drinks quickly seeing at how freely she moved without her garments getting in the way of her hands. Her red painted lips spoke quickly leaving a smirk to tilt her lips. She was speaking brashly to a few men in front of her who ragged right back with her. Her hair was pulled back in a short ponytail with red eyes bright with humor as she slid drinks to the men at the bar. A white feather decorated her hair and two dangled from her green earrings; moving in the invisible wind provided by the air conditioning vent blowing a few paces away above them.
"Do you drink?" Inuyasha asked moving close to her ear so she could hear him over the noise of the loud drinkers nested next to them.
His breath on her ear made her shiver a bit and she nodded while still captivated by the beautiful woman at the bar. Kagome envied her spirit a bit as she seemed in every sense like a free woman. Kagome turned her head and looked into his warm questionable yellow eyes. Quickly she leaned inward to speak seeing as he was waiting for her to announce her poison. "A beer, please."
Inuyasha nodded before leaning forward towards the woman mindful of Kagome's body. "Kagura." His ears swiveled on top of his head taking in all the sounds around him.
The woman poured a shot to someone while she answered without looking up. "Yo." Her hands dug into the ice machine to fill a few glasses before she looked up to see who called her. A smile appeared on her lips as she made two glasses of tonic and slid them to their destinations. She quickly walked over to stand in front of him before leaning onto the bar. Her red eyes seemed to glow with mischief as she looked between Inuyasha and the woman held hostage between him and the bar. "Kidnapping people, Inuyasha?" She mocked moving her chin in Kagome's direction.
"You would know all about that." He fired back at her gruffly.
"We still salty about the past, Inuyasha." She responded smugly while tapping her red painted nails on the bar impatiently.
Inuyasha pulled back from the bar to cross his arms silently wishing he had big sleeves like he once wore to stuff his arms into. "Kagura this is Kagome. Kagome this is Kagura. She owns the joint and is a long time friend."
"Nice to meet you." Kagome greeted moving her hand to shake Kagura's over the bar. Kagura grabbed her hand and shook firmly. "What you drinking tonight?" She asked moving a little down the line to take a tip someone left her off the bar. "Also kitchen is open to just no fancy requests." She stated looking to him with piercing eyes.
Inuyasha gave their drink order and then asked her what she wanted to eat. Kagome looked around for a menu but didn't see one. She looked to Kagura who smirked knowing exactly what she wanted. "We got those beers in bottles but not on tap." Kagura reached for a menu which was very small and one sided. Kagome looked through the short list of al le carte items and pointed to what sounded good. Kagura studied the two, analyzing their every movement. She smirked seeing their obvious fondness before she reached for the two bottles of beer from the fridge below. She left the caps on them knowing Inuyasha liked to take his own caps off his own beers. "Well?" Kagura stated handing them their drinks.
Kagome blushed and nodded before ordering. "I'll get a hamburger and fries." Inuyasha nodded and held up two clawed fingers.
Kagura nodded spiking her aura towards the back area. "Lucky for you, there's a booth in the back over there that's free. I'll get your stuff right out to you in a bit."
Inuyasha nodded and took his beer while Kagome grabbed hers. He moved away but quickly reached for her hand to guide her close to him. Kagome felt out of place being in her uniform among all the bar crawlers. The place was crowded with obviously loyal patrons. They moved through the crowded sea of people until they reached the booth in the back that was empty. Upon closer inspection, Kagome saw a demon standing next to the booth and she realized Kagura had saved it for them. When they approached the spider demon nodded and walked away having done his boss's bidding. Both slid in and relaxed against the red leather cushions. Kagome looked around the walls and the ceiling at all the old framed posters from movie trailers, celebrities that visited the place, musicians, bands and old memorabilia that seemed to date way back before her time.
"So you gonna tell me what the hell was that back there?" Inuyasha asked bluntly catching her attention. He reached over and used his claws to pop the cap off like paper and then he proceeded to tend to his own drink. "What happened?" He quickly clanked his bottle to hers in a quick impromptu cheers before drinking his cold beverage.
Kagome put the rim of the bottle to her lips. "Nothing." She responded before taking a sip of her drink casually.
"Bullshit." He countered setting his bottle down and leaning back in his seat with his arms crossing again over his chest.
Kagome squared her shoulders back at him and tilted her chin up unwavering. Inuyasha sat back returning her glare nonplussed by her behavior. Kagome debated in her mind how she should respond; doing her best to think of every reason why she shouldn't. But watching his fuzzy ears move on the top of his head did remind her of one factor. He was a demon. He knew things about Rin's growth that she didn't. She wasn't raised to care for demons but as a descendant of powerful mikos and monks, she was raised to protect everyone and keep the peace. Rin was half demon so there was a whole part of her personality that she had learned by attending baby therapy sessions and through friends. None however were close to her lineage than the Inu's it seemed. Inuyasha was the one that got Rin to communicate using her demonic sensibilities. Maybe he did have an answer for this riddle that was Rin's outburst to his brother. Kagome sighed and quickly began unbuttoning her black chef's coat to allow some much needed air to reach her nervous heated skin. Quickly she pulled it over her head and placed it on her purse to her side.
Inuyasha watched curiously as her physical shield came off revealing Kagome in a light simple white racerback tank top. She pulled her hair out of the bun to have it fall around her. Her nimble fingers pulled her long hair over her left shoulder in waves softly before folding her fingers in front of her. He smiled watching her mumble something underneath her breath that he felt was insulting towards him. Her fingers combed back her hair roughly before she reached for her beer again. She took a bit gulp before placing the bottle down and swallowing. When the bottle settled on the surface of the old chipped brown table she spoke.
"Rin had a bad night yesterday and now she's not talking at all." She stated doing her best to avoid the more bigger details of the situation. She looked at her hands searching for the right words. "She saw someone and it may have caused a trigger to make her remember a traumatic event."
"What set her off?" He asked leaning forward concerned for the pup as well for Kagome. He could tell from the great apprehension in her voice it was deadly serious.
"I don't know." Kagome stated frustratingly. "We had a visitor who she never really spent time with. This person was only there for a minute and she started crying and begging this person to not leave her." She explained quietly. "She called out her biological father's name to this person. Her biological parents passed away and I received custody of her. This person is not her biological father that is for sure and they just met not too long ago. She has never had an episode like this involving other people ever."
Inuyasha took the hint that this was all he was going to get from Kagome. It did bother him that she wouldn't say who came over after he apparently left that caused the issue. Maybe it was why she was cooking and in such a happy mood. He didn't know why but it panged him a bit that possibly the young mother was seeing someone. But, he would have known about it right? Or at least Miroku? He made a mental note to talk to the monk about it seeing that he knew everything about Kagome. He nodded respecting her decision for now to keep the details limited but it did make understanding the situation quite difficult. Inuyasha took a sip of his beer before allowing the little bits of information to sink in. He mulled over things before he asked a quick question. "Do you know that this person isn't Rin's father for sure?"
Kagome raised her eyebrow delivering the most lethal expression ever that sent chills up his spine. "I know for a fact that Rin is the child of BOTH her parents." She stated grinding through her teeth. "I was there when Rin was born and my mother was her pediatric nurse." Kagome explained sitting up straight daring him to question her beloved friend's relationship and Rin's bloodline. Hoshiyomi loved his wife with every fiber of his body. He would have never betrayed the woman he helped conquer the world with. Together they fought for the rights and peace between human and demon relations. She was there when he formally used his title and wealth to help build a foundation to help mothers and children of mixed families receive various types of help. Hoshiyomi lived for his wife and child. When Rin was born, he never let the poor pup touch the floor. Kagome was shocked Rin even learned to walk because he held and pampered her so.
Inuyasha held up his hands in defense. "Just have to ask…" He defended before rethinking the situation. "To me, this sounds like a form of scenting." He thought hypothetically.
Kagome's eyebrows furrowed at this. "What?"
Inuyasha nodded believing this to be possible. "To me it sounds like she recognized this scent as someone who was close or like pack to her." He explained thinking of the many times his father sent his brother with him during times of war to keep his anxiety level calm. Just having the scent of pack when your father and mother wasn't around was somewhat soothing. He nodded his head believing this to be the answer she was looking for. "Remember just because Rin is half demon doesn't mean her demonic senses and behavior is stifled. It's really your instincts as a demon ruling you and the mind for the human side trying to justify your actions. Not to mention the emotions that go along with it." He causally stated watching her sigh.
Kagome looked to him understanding and very grateful he was here with her explaining all of this. She felt like in the last months she had learned more about her baby and demonic nature than all the sessions and therapy she paid for combined. She felt like all the money she paid for listening to specialists, buying baby books and games was wasted. Kagome could feel the tension building in her neck at considering the idea that she was starting back at square one when it came to knowing and understanding Rin. She moved her beer around on the table in thought. "I try so had to be a good mother…"She took a sip of her drink while shaking her head.
"Cut that out dammit." Inuyasha stated not liking her crazy talk. "My family watch how you take care of ya pup and you are a damn good mother. Almost like a demoness the way you go around biting people's heads off about doing and saying things around her." He blurted slightly blushing and looking away from embarrassment at his own response. But, it was true. His father one night was playing with Rin on the floor and he complimented Kagome courage to take on a responsibility that wasn't hers especially one as a child. Also, to take on one not of their kind. His family saw how hard Kagome worked and the love she put into Rin. They all somehow came together finding little ways to be involved and help the young woman. Hell, his mom was already tempted to just ask them to move into her palace. But, he figured he would save that bomb for his mom to drop on the woman.
Inuyasha looked again to Kagome watching her own blush show on her cheeks as she muttered underneath her breath and took another sip of her beer. She did open up about Rin not being of her womb. So the question still remaining was where exactly were Rin's biological parents and where did Kagome fit into all of this? After rerunning her story in his mind it donned on him that this person that she spoke of was a male. Inuyasha leaned forward holding his hands out. "This…guy is not Rin's dad but she called out to him like he was?" Inuyasha leaned mulling over this again. "Rin recognizes this scent of this person as someone that was around her father a lot or considered pack. I'm sure of it now." He stated getting back on track of the conversation.
Kagome stilled at this waiting for him to continue. Inuyasha nodded his head in thought before further clarifying. "Rin is still a baby…well to us demons anyway so she is more dependent on basic instincts and scent than her mind. Demons age very slowly even half demons." He clarified thinking of his own growth patterns. "It sounds like this person she saw is someone she has been around before in the past, especially around her father. Maybe his scent caused her to remember her father. He could also be some extended member of her pack. He probably scared her more than anything because she scented him and remembered."
Kagome was quiet at this not knowing how to take this information. She didn't know why Rin calling out for Sesshomaru would make her anxiety rise. She felt so stupid having to have someone explain these things to her that she felt were so basic of demon instincts. But really…Sesshomaru? How? When? The desire to talk to him bumbled inside of her now. She knew Rin had crossed paths with royalty being that she is the daughter of Hoshiyomi but how close was he with the Tashio's? She racked her brains thinking of family gatherings and events where their close friends and family were invited. She would definitely remember silver hair and golden eyes at a party or even at Rin's welcoming baby party. He could have very well been there knowing at the time Kagome was on another planet with her own things going on in her life. She wasn't there for a period of time while studying cuisine so there was a whole life of the young couple she knew nothing about. But, how did Rin know of Sesshomaru so familiarly that she would call out to him like so? Where did Sesshomaru fit in her life prior to her friendship with Hoshiyomi and Tsukiyomi? Demons did live a long time so clearly the two demons would have centuries of history together as friends, enemies, etc. A small pang of jealously crept into her heart at the possible relationship established between the Tashios and the Yomi's.
Kagome suddenly felt a chill up her spine thinking of Rin's reaction. What if she desired to be with a demon family? What if what she was doing wasn't enough for Rin? Surely, Rin needed guidance to nurture her demonic nature but to what extent did she need someone? Before she realized it she found herself taking a hard gulp from her drink to drown out her own insecurities as well as the boiling threat she always felt about her leeching family trying to take Rin away to get her fortune.
Inuyasha frowned smelling her emotions sway all over the place. A sour and bitter mixture of unsettling scents registered in his nose telling him of her growing fear and anxiety levels. He saw her take a big swallow of her drink before he reached over the table and pulled the base down not liking to see her in such a way. He looked into her deep chocolate brown eyes and he could really see the weight of the world reflected in them. His hand tightened around hers that held onto the bottle moving it towards the table. "Stop it! Rin's ok. She just needs pack is all and demon training to help her get use to her own nature. Here…" He stated reaching in his pocket and pulling out his phone.
"What are you doing?" Kagome asked shifting forward trying to see over the table at the glowing screen. She felt suddenly lighter from the beer she consumed and mentally sneered at herself for becoming such a light weight. A bubble formed in her chest and she immediately stifled it wondering exactly when was the last time she had anything but wine, water, and juice.
He quickly began texting someone using the pads of his fingers at rapid speed. His claws were up to avoid stabbing the screen. His ears flickered away from the loud noise coming from the table near the front that burst into loud laughter and shouting. "Texting my mom to set a video conference with a specialist." He responded before closing it and putting it back in his pocket.
"What?" Kagome whispered breathlessly. "Absolutely not-"
"She's awesome Kags. Besides we can get the best help for Rin. You need help, Kags." He stated shrugging her qualms away. "Besides you're pack now." He mumbled abrasively trying to avoid sentiments and emotional dialogue. "Women." He muttered now understanding his father's sometimes fretful response to his mom. He reached for his drink to take a sip before two hands grabbed onto his.
"Thanks Inuyasha." She responded with sincerity. He watched her form relax as relief flooded her body right in front of him. Kagome felt like a weight had been lifted off of her shoulders. She was getting so much information that she felt overwhelmed and irresponsible for having not known this information beforehand. But here she was getting the best crash course in demon parenting by a rash loud royal prince of all people.
Before Inuyasha realized it, his clawed hand came over and rested on top of hers affectionately giving it a light squeeze. "Anytime Kags."
Kagura suddenly appeared before them holding their food and dropping it off at their tables. The two quickly retracted hands that didn't go unnoticed by the wind rider. "Two hamburgers and sides." She repeated back to them. Her hands laid down the condiments before she placed her hands on her hips. Inuyasha smirked at his meal before looking back up to her. "Looks decent." He backwardly praised.
"You must get that all the time." She countered rolling her eyes at him before winking at Kagome who blushed and laughed at her quick jab. "Anyway, don't get use to this treatment. I only delivered the meal because of your lady friend and I got a quick question." She bluntly stated tucking her hands in her black jeans. "I came to ask if you talked to Koga recently?"
Inuyasha frowned at this before crossing his arms. "Feh, what did the mangy wolf do now?" Kagome looked between the two curiously wondering about the extent of their relationship.
Kagura shrugged her shoulders. "He's been acting a bit strange lately. I just thought maybe you knew something." She explained trying to look nonchalant about it. She pulled out a red fan from her back pocket and began fanning herself slowly. Her glowing red eyes seemed to be raking him over searching for information that he wasn't giving up.
Inuyasha shrugged his shoulders and dug into his pants pocket to get his wallet. "Last I seen the douche he was working to help a few wolf tribes in the States get extended protective rights over their lands." He offered before finding what he wanted.
"Hmm.." She hummed before shaking her head at Inuyasha. "This one is on the house." She quickly responded using her fan to hit his hand and stop him from pulling out payment. "If you see the wolf can you tell I asked about him." She asked before snapping her fan closed and looking towards her bar in concern at some of the patrons getting rowdy.
"Of course, wench." He responded smirking as she slapped him again with her fan on his shoulder.'
Kagura looked to Kagome and smirked. "Quickly miko, put a leash and a muzzle on him." She stated before turning and walking away already yelling about the lack of gentlemanly behavior at her bar which caused a sea of laughs and snorts.
Inuyasha waited till she was out of ear shot to share with Kagome their history. "Koga…Prince Koga of the Wolf Clan on of the top three largest demon clans in the world and Kagura have a long history." He shared moving his bun out of the way so he could add mustard on it. "Koga and Kagura were all over each other all the time. He used business with me to come spend a year with her." He whispered having to be careful about demon hearing.
"That's so cute." Kagome stated before picking up a fry and eating it. "So what happened?"
Inuyasha thought for a minute before his ears suddenly flattened on his head in aggravation. "The dumb ass is avoiding Kagura now I think. He's doing the same thing my dick brother is doing. Keeping the royal blood pure." He stated rolling his eyes. "Kagura doesn't exactly look like a princess." He stated not trying to hurt her feelings. Kagome shook her head at how shallow people in his world could be. If you loved someone, you would move mountains for them. Her two dearest friends were proof of that sentiment. Inuyasha nodded after chewing his fry. "Last I spoke to the wolf, Koga was being pressured to mate with some annoying clan princess he tried to ditch several times. One time he even got Miroku involved. That ended in a bloody mess." He stated shaking his head.
"What? How did Miroku get himself in this situation with Koga?" She asked preparing her hamburger.
Inuyasha dived into a tale filled with Koga, Miroku, and his shenanigans that had her bursting into fits of giggles and laughing in tears. She could imagine Miroku trying to sweet talk a wolf princess and serving as a distraction as Koga tried to escape her only to get caught and chased. The tale continued with more descriptions and tales of the three getting into trouble and leading to how he knew of Bank even from a few parties the bastard crashed. Kagome shared a few of her tales of the two and even how she had to get them out of trouble from minor hilarious mishaps mostly involving women. Another round of beers came and the two were fully enjoying themselves laughing it up in the back or sharing something more about themselves. Kagome was sipping her drink during one of Inuyasha's rants when her phone buzzed.
"One minute." Kagome stated before looking down at her phone praying nothing else had come up. She looked down at her phone and frowned seeing she had another missed call. She looked again at her phone until it started buzzing in her hand. The name Kikyo shined brightly on her phone ringing desperately to be answered. She bit her lip debating on answering her sister's call finding it odd she was calling her. They had already talked about the house and payments for things. Maybe her sister was panicking or this could have been one of the times her sister drunk called her. Lately, Kikyo sounded better and seemed as if she was on the right path for sobriety but it was hard to say since she wasn't there. Anyway, how many times had she called her siblings to have not been answered? Too many to count. She was sure her sister would be ok for one missed call….for one night. She decided to mute the call and put the device away. She looked up at Inuyahsa who looked to her curiously. Kagome shook her head and reached for a fry on his plate. "Don't worry. It's just my sister."
Review, Fav, and Follow
Now for my book...
Here is an excerpt of my original copy written story. If interested, read it...leave a note about your thoughts or would you be interested in reading it. It is Fiction - Fantasy based. If you are interested in reading it and giving me feed back please let me know. I will tell you its not fully complete and I will be working on it much like my Fanfiction...chapter by chapter.
The wind blew thick and furious around the area carrying along the fear and grief that would ran for miles and miles. Screams pierced the night sky as the scene before him burned in a fiery rage. Wood and debris fell off the side of lit cottage houses burning away under the cover of the night sky. A stray citizen ran trying to escape along with the rest of the townsfolk from the deadly battle that would ravage their town. Smoke fogged the air making it difficult to breath. Bodies of those that had fallen to protect the village lay motionless. Blood dripped from the corners of mouths with eyes still wide open from fright. Some faces were unrecognizable lying tragically thrown about like trash that littered the streets of cramped inner cities. The once peaceful town behind them was now set ablaze withering on the edges of destruction all because of one man's deed.
"Markus" Dragged the name tasting its flavor on its forked tongue. The black skinned humanoid creature looked upon the scene around him until his red piercing eyes landed upon the injured warrior. His twisted smile was wide stretching across his face already celebrating his victory. The creature reveled in the copper scent of death and despair taking in a long whiff of the heady air around him. His sinister gaze fell on the injury on the man that decided the fate of this battle. Three symbols brightly covered his devilish flesh glowing red against his skin. The creature's bare clawed feet walked along the dirt to stand closer to the fallen man. His clawed feet walked forward crushing the skull of a man pushing his face inward.
The sound of bones cracking echoed in the young man's ears. His stomach coiled and anger bloomed inside of him to see a good man suffer so even in his death. Markus clutched his shoulder tightly with a labored breath. Sweat glistened off of his muscled arms and dripped down the sides of his face into his black shirt. His chest rose harshly and with the back of his hand he wiped the blood from a cut on his lip he had sustained. He removed his hand from his shoulder to grip his weapon. Bright red blood dripped from the ugly gash in his shoulder revealing savaged tendons and tissue that had been sliced into him by his enemy. His oddly colored eyes glared angrily at his opponent that stood before him with a smirk mockingly. Markus growled in aggravation at his predicament. He put a bit of pressure on his arm but quickly buckled feeling as he had lost the use of his right arm. His eyes took in the creature as he weighed his options.
His body suffered many cuts, contusions, and life threatening wounds all over his slightly mutated humanoid form. Black blood entangled hair stuck to his skin and fell down his neck. His sword sank into the soil as he leaned on it to hold him up. Markus pushed his shoulder back into place his watching as his own blood dripped off the claws of his enemy into the soil of the earth before him. His power had waned from being used so aggressively in their heated battle. Markus looked to his enemy's body seeing the source of his new acquired strength. His eyes took in the three glowing symbols belonging to his brethren unable to comprehend his gain. His sharp teeth growled at the atrocity. Rage filled him even more so towards the Avent creature known as Ceth.
How was he able to get so many?
The creature tilted his head to the side with a smirk. "Now now…Guardian." It taunted flexing its claws warningly. "It's time for you to join my collection." He stated dragging a clawed finger along the red symbol on his cheek and neck to cross over to his visible shoulder.
Markus had very little energy left within him to continue to fight. His bones ached from the beating he received. The energy drained from him felt like a thousand needles prickling his skin warning him of paralysis if he continued. Fighting Ceth was like fighting three versions of himself except with different abilities to counter his. Ceth had gained too much power. Something needed to be done and fast. His only option was to weaken him somehow and buy time to grow stronger. Time right now was his only option if he wanted to live another day and stop the creature from his power campaign. His right bloodied clawed hand gripped the hilt of his sword with a grunt. With great strength he pushed himself upwards to stand tall and hold out his sword with the tip pointed at the mutated face of Ceth. Blood dripped now down his muscular arms onto his hands. Markus grunted flexing his aura about him causing the ground to shiver in his wake. The power and anger displayed was enough to entice Ceth into a false sense of security.
Ceth's red eyes widened with glee believing he had indeed reached the pinnacle of their fight where there was much to be gained from the soul before him. "Ah fighting to the very end just like the others. Don't worry you'll join them shortly." Ceth soothed with a sick sadistic smile showing his many fangs. The symbols on his body all glowed ready to take the final blow.
Markus looked to the heavens for a bit seemingly waiting for something before glaring at Ceth with a smile. Ceth's own smiled faltered and ina blink of an eye he rushed at Markus with sharp jagged claws glowing bright red. Markus met his attack head on with his sword and the two collided in a giant wave of energy that rocked the area around them. The earth lifted underneath them being nearly destroyed by their hostile energy as they met again and again fighting until the bitter end. Fire roared behind them and more screams were heard as people tried to escape the dangers that entered their lives.
Ceth smiled muttering the beginnings of a spell to lock his soul in a compressed form. Markus's eyes felt heavy. He pushed as much strength as he could to keep Ceth from touching his flesh. His eyes locked onto Ceth's hellish gaze until a blue light shined around him. Ceth's smirk fell feeling the strange energy engulf his opponent manipulating it to some degree. Markus without hesitation touched Ceth's face and neck quickly moving his lips muttering a few things as well.
"Venitaie!"
"No!" The beast roared wildly before the entire area was engulfed in a bright blue heated light. The trees blew and the dust kicked up until everything had been covered. The energy swirled about them with remnants of very old magic. Time passed seemingly slowly as the light blanketed the land before receding. Its energy crept down slowly over the once burning houses that now sat smoking and uninhabited. Everyone that managed to escape alive was already well on their way towards the main capital to seek refuge from their terrible woes that was the Avents. An eerie calm fell on the village as the wind now blew a bit gentler running through the frames of abandoned living quarters, stores, clinics, and other buildings that once stood proudly. The light continued to shrink in size until it rested over the shapes of four entities.
What lay on the ground shaking was now just a regular man among the dead bodies slaughtered around him. Red eyes opened looking around himself in a panic now heavily weakened. His once clawed hands now showed human like ones having lost their sharp talons. His eyes darted to his side to see a few feet away three books lying in the dirt with symbols on top. Two of which were the very same reflections of the ones that rested on his face. He scrambled to his knees and hands to stand and rush for them with a crazed expression. Before him the books all glowed bright of various colors before vanishing right before his eyes. He fell to his knees right where they once lay sinking his nails into the dirt with disbelief. His hands shook to clutch his head before he let out a truly inhumane roar that would wake the dead.
"I will kill you!"