Disclaimer: I do not own the characters of Inuyasha or the Lovecraft universe.
Chapter Two
Foreign exchange student Kagome Higurashi violently tosses her umbrella into a nearby trash can. The useless mess of torn plastic and thin metal stretchers topple over on the pile of debris like a clumsy spider. The young woman sighs, now fighting back the chills permeating through her clothes. This hospital is frigid. Stretching before Kagome is a long trail consisting of yet more rainwater that leads right to the main lobby. A hive of young people wearing uniforms like her own hum in low bewilderment. Most carry a perturbed expression. It is a Saturday night, and yet they choose to be here.
Though really, Kagome thinks, what else is there to do in such a small city? This is Arkham, Massachusetts. There is no draw to its bland cookie-cutter buildings or gray cobblestone streets other than its famed Miskatonic University. The city greatly relies on its posterchild for means of economic stability and being host of a well-known school founded pre-American Revolution makes Arkham a pin on the map for the hopeful youth of New England. Now, unlike ever before in the history of this country, Miskatonic University paves the way forward in testing the limits of radical thought: Non-white, non-human and female students are welcomed to apply and if selected to join the student body. With that, the notion that Ivy League is only for the children of the "Old Gentry" is virtually shattered. The new classmates are thoroughly embraced. Utterly amazing advancements and splendorous innovations from each unique individual bring boundless prestige to their campus. Not long after, the city of Arkham elects Daisy White as its first female mayor.
The unusual peace that envelops them is strained by the fate of the new mayor's daughter. Nothing like this has ever happened before.
Kagome greets her familiar classmates with a small smile. She likes them well enough. When she initially entered this strange school, it was Rin Kato who made her feel at home. Adopted from Japan, Rin quickly became a celebrity of Arkham. Her kindness and charm appear to have no boundaries. The city accepts Rin and her family without false pretense, allowing her to grow up relatively free of prejudices. Rin was not raised a fool. She understands that this unusual attitude of the population is merely a blessed haven. Therefore, when Rin grew up, she forsook her adopted name in favor of the one she was born with.
After she sits, Kagome sees that a copy of the Arkham Advertiser lays nearby. She casts her brown eyes downward. She has already read the article and seen the photograph. The news did not quell the anxiety eating away at her. A chill that runs down her spine has little to do with her dampened state of dress.
Kagome wants to see Rin. Right now, only family are permitted to be near because the night terrors are steadily growing violent. Once Kagome witnessed it, for a frightening moment. Rin began to cry in her sleep. Large, real tears, and her mouth ajar in a silent scream. The beads of salty water rolled down her cheeks and stained the white pillow. Then, her eyes opened. The many wires and tubes connecting her to the hospital machinery were cut off inexplicably as their patient began to thrash. Rin's nails pierced the palms of her own clenched fists, drawing blood. Too much blood. It did not make sense; the bleeding should not be so excessive for such a minor wound. The screaming came to the point of deafening, but it was coming from Daisy, not Rin. The mayor vainly attempted to pry apart her daughter's fists, soiling her clothes in the process. The red splatter that fell on her face did not deter her.
That was the last time Kagome saw Rin with her family. The medical staff yanked her out of there to make room for the team that would eventually bring Rin back to stasis.
Many people contemplate demonic possession. There is proof now that Rin is not conscious during any of these episodes. The esteemed group of scientists that have been watching her body for over a week concluded that they cannot find any sort of demon energy around or emanating from the girl. She is merely… dreaming. The term night terror is being used in the newspaper. Kagome is uncertain of what it means exactly but feels it is unsuited for what she has witnessed in that hospital room. Whatever ails Rin is deadly.
Something raises Kagome's eyes from the floor. The force of it turns her in her seat so that she catches sight of the tall figure that pushes open the hospital doors. She recognizes him as a silver haired demon, one that she has never met before. His handsome face is not what holds her gaze. He feels… just so powerful for some reason. Not exactly in a physical sense, though he is not a slight man. The presence he carries with him is so warm, she thinks he is a beacon in this cold, gray room. Instinctually Kagome touches him with her mind.
She immediately recoils.
The demon that strides across the main lobby spares her a hard glare. He is unwelcoming, though the girl did not mean to cross his path. It is likely she does not know how to control her own power, but Sesshoumaru does not care. She will not try to touch him again.
The elderly receptionist at the front desk eyes him warily.
"Inform Daisy White that we are representatives of the White Fang Lodge, responding to her summons." Sesshoumaru towers over her hunched body. He removes his wallet from one of his coat pockets, revealing an ID.
"We?" the receptionist asks, glancing behind him.
This brings forth a sigh. "He's too short to be seen over the counter." Sesshoumaru gestures down to Jaken whom grits his teeth in distaste.
The old lady shrugs. "You two can sign in here to request visitation, I guess." She hands him a clipboard. "But I cannot just allow you into that room quite yet. You see, there are other people from your organization here already." Her eyes narrow. "Seems strange you wouldn't know that."
Sesshoumaru scowls. "I do not need your permission. I can find her on my own." As he walks away the old lady picks up a telephone and quickly dials a number.
He has never met Rin before, but he remembers how she smells from a dream. Jaken, uncertain, follows the dog demon's nose down a corridor. The imp is careful not to tread too closely as to accidentally walk on his employer's heels.
One hundred and forty hours have passed since the last time Sesshoumaru slept and he does not show an ounce of fatigue. Demons can go much longer without rest, days upon days upon days. There might have been a time once long ago when Sesshoumaru was forced to remain awake for an extended period. This is entirely different. Not unlike humans, demons do not tend to remember their dreams in clarity. At some point, the details should fade.
It began a week ago. Whenever Sesshoumaru rests he falls into a deep sleep where he cannot be roused unless he calls upon the magical power at the core of his being. That is extremely unusual for a non-combat situation. The most unsettling aspect of it all is not how he must rely on his power to struggle to stay awake. Rather, he must force himself not to use that same energy to return to her despite the yearning that eats away at his consciousness.
The trap is a simple one. A lesser demon would have already been ensnared by it.
In the beginning, Sesshoumaru tested the waters. He allowed Rin to touch him once. Her fingertips, he knows, are incredibly soft and supple. The dog demon wanted to dive into that outstretched palm, content to live out the rest of his existence as a crease in her hand. Perhaps he would have, but Rin was not having it. When she yelled, Sesshoumaru could not understand her angry words. They just were enough to bring him back to reality. Afterward, he proceeded with caution. Her mere presence brings a humming vibe through him. He recognizes her plea for help, yet it causes a resonating disturbance through his being. The feeling was desire. He wanted to help her so very badly, he felt he did not have a choice.
In the last dream Sesshoumaru remembers where Rin is hiding. He saw it when she came close enough to stare deeply into his eyes. He saw it on the tips of her eyelashes, the city shroud in darkness.
Unknown Kadath.
"Um, Sesshoumaru! People are starting to chase us….!" Jaken stammers, a little out of breath. The long stride of the dog demon keeps him a decent distance away from the rush of security guards that chase them.
After rounding one more corner, Sesshoumaru pauses and the imp, naturally, crashes into him. "We are here." Of course, he does not knock. Two male figures in suits stand at the foot of Rin's bed. Daisy sits closer to her head. They all start when the door opens unexpectedly.
"Who are you?" Daisy demands, recovering. "What do you want?"
The strange silver-haired demon did not respond. He could not. Jaken shrieks, "Look out!" but he can do little to protect Sesshoumaru as his body crashes to the floor. His consciousness promptly leapt from his body with no resistance.
The other members of the Lodge recognize Sesshoumaru. As the security guards reach the room, the two men have already cushioned the demon's head with one of Rin's pillows. "Get a doctor," one barks.
Jaken fiddles with his hat, defeated. "I don't understand. He's… he's asleep."