Disclaimer - I do not now nor have I ever claimed ownership of InuYasha
Hi There
You may have noticed that I posted chapters 1 & 2 together, I feel that chapter 2 helps chapter 1 set the mood for the story. I hope you agree.
Kai
CHAPTER 2 – 1st Strike
Previous chapter
The man straddling the motorcycle nodded slowly before kicking over the powerful machine and following the car down the driveway.
"I hope I made the right choice" he whispered as the vehicles rounded the corner of the gate and disappeared from his sight.
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With the grace of a dancer the sleek black motorcycle eased up alongside the fast moving car as they tore down an old abandoned highway at break neck speeds. InuYasha lowered his chin onto his folded arm that rested on the sill of the opened window. He found himself entranced by the sight of the muscular leather clad leg that straddled the throbbing machine. His body began to react to the strange line of thoughts the sight was creating within his mind. Hunger grew in his groin as he began to imagine the long legs of a beautiful woman gripping his body in the same way while she rode him to the heights of passion.
A growl rumbled low in his throat as he fought desperately to shake the imagines away. 'It's a guy for fucks sake. Geez, I must really be horny if a guy can set off fantasies about women' his thoughts screamed; slightly unnerved that technically he was getting hard because of a man. Preoccupied with his thoughts he failed to notice the motorcycle slide even closer towards the car. It was only when a fist thumped down hard on his head that he realized how close the rider truly was. InuYasha growled as the rider signaled for him to wind up the window.
"DAMN" he cursed loudly but complied with the gesture none the less.
The motorcycle only resumed its place in front of the car after the window was secure.
"You know it kinda defeats the purpose of having a bullet proof window if you have it down" teased Miroku
"Shut the fuck up monk" hissed InuYasha rubbing his sore head. 'Damn that guy can hit' he cursed in his thoughts.
Rin's soft laughter filled the car at the mention of Miroku's nick name. It was true that he came from a long line of monks but Miroku's perverted nature was as far from religious or even moral as one could get whilst still retaining their humanity. It was actually the demon lord himself who gave Miroku the name and unfortunately for him it had stuck.
"I wonder where we're headed" mussed Miroku as he looked out the window completely ignoring the use of his nickname.
"Dunno" grumbled InuYasha still irritated that he had gotten hit over the head.
"Somewhere safe" The sudden appearance of Bankotsou's voice caused everyone but Sesshomaru to jump; he alone had heard the black screen that separated the driver from the passengers slide down.
"MAN! Don't do that" gasped Miroku as he clutched his chest "You scared the shit out of me"
"Where is this somewhere safe?" Sesshomaru asked as he focused on the back of Bankotsou's head "How far is it?"
"Not too much further….." Bankotsou's voice trailed off as he studied the flickering brakes of the bike in front "What are you…." He started to say but when he finally understood the pattern he screamed "GET DOWN" The booming echo of his voice caused them all to jump and instinctively obey his command.
No sooner had Bankotsou yelled there was a flash of brilliant light in front of the car followed sharply by an ear splitting explosion. Rin screamed as she was thrown from the seat to the floor as the car swerved violently when the road between them and the bike erupted skyward.
Bankotsou swore loudly as he spun the wheel sharply to avoid the massive crater that now consumed most of the road. Everyone in the back fought to hang on to something in an attempt to stop themselves being thrown around. Out of instinct they covered their heads as chunks of bitumen that had been ripped from the road began to hail down on the roof of the car.
"FUCK, FUCK, FUCK" Bankotsou yelled. Although his voice was harsh and cold there was a hint of enjoyment in it as well; almost as if he was having fun
Bankotsou found himself smiling as he tried to remind himself that he had passengers in the vehicle and that this was not a game. Momentarily his thoughts were interrupted as a familiar flash breached his peripheral vision; he didn't need to look to confirm what it was. A ribbon of smoke spiraled across the landscape its destination clear; the car its target. With no time to spare or to even warn the rider ahead Bankotsou did the only thing he could; the thing he was training for and hired to do..…..protect the cargo.
Simple physics should have made the maneuver impossible and yet somehow through either skill or luck Bankotsou bent the laws of physics not to mention the will of the car to heed to his desire. Stomping on the brake pedal sharp and hard he caused the front end of the car to dip dramatically towards the ground and then almost simultaneously he threw the gears into reverse and engaged the accelerator. The vehicle's obvious distaste for this maneuver was evident and loud as the tyres squealed and metal screamed and yet despite its objections the car did as he commanded.
The air around and inside the car began to fill with smoke that reeked of burning rubber. InuYasha and Sesshomaru clutched their noses as the vile stench invaded their senses. Rin knowing that this was one of the few smells that effected Sesshomaru badly she too clutched a hand over his face. His eyes smiled at the gesture and he released one of his hands to grasp her around the waist and hold her tightly against him. The rapid beating of her heart filled his ears and he could almost taste her fear.
Bankotsou glanced up at the rider just as the road between them erupted in a massive blast. He felt his lungs suddenly constrict as he watched the bike being pitched forward onto its front wheel from the force of the explosion. As his ears filled with Rin's high pitched scream he knew that she too had witnessed the 2nd explosion.
The rider tried valiantly to regain control of the high powered machine as the force of the blast sent it onto its front wheel. The machine fought against him like a rabid animal fights against a cage. Despite the riders skills once the bike was pushed passed its centre of gravity he knew there was no stopping what was to follow. As his body impacted heavily with the unyielding surface of the road he felt the air instantly removed from his lungs. It wasn't released slowly like a gently sigh nor was it taken like a blow to the stomach; it simply vanished. It evaporated as if his lungs had never tasted the sweetness of breath. The rider's chest felt heavy and hollow; the burning that comes from a lack of oxygen had not yet set in.
He knew the bike was dangerously close as he slid across the uneven surface of the road; the screaming metal and golden red sparks that flashed in his field of vision every now and then were evidence of that. He knew he had to do something before the angry heavy machine landed on him but as he tried to alter the direction in which he slid his lungs ignited with the painful fire caused by the lack of oxygen. The rider gasped trying to force air down into his starving lungs but it was almost as if the fire in his chest was real and the flames consumed the oxygen before it could reach his lungs.
Half expecting to see his chest erupt in an inferno of flames he ignored his other senses trying to warm him of the close proximity of the bike. The injured machine had grown tied of being ignored and in retaliation aggressively slammed into the back of its fallen rider. Against all odds the impact caused the bike to lift off the ground and it flipped dangerously close over the rider's body. Lights exploded in a dazzling display within the rider's vision; a spectacular array of colors warning him that he was about to be robbed of his consciousness.
Bankotsou knew the instant the rider was knocked unconscious; it was clear from the way his body was now being thrown like a rag doll across the ground; much in same way as the wind tosses a scrap of paper or a lone feather. He'd held his breath when the bike had impacted with the rider and almost screamed when he thought it was going to crush him but then found himself smiling in awe and wonder as the bike went up and over his partner's body. It really was quite an amazing feat to behold.
The motorcycle finally came to a rest and thankfully acted as a barrier that ended the rider's journey across the ground. Bankotsou was torn between continuing to escape with the passengers or returning to help his friend. The decision was made for him when the road behind the car exploded. Again the car filled with the smell of burning rubber and bitumen as Bankotsou once again quickly changed the cars direction. As he threw the car into drive the corners of his lips turned up slightly as he felt immense relief at going back to help his fallen comrade.
As they approached the crater from the first explosion Bankotsou was forced to take the car off road and it was then that he noticed jeeps approaching. "FUCK" he swore loudly "GET UP" he continued to yell as he thumped the steering wheel "GET UP, GET UP, GET THE FUCK UP" he chanted. The rider however didn't move and the jeeps were getting closer.
The rear end of the car slid out as the tyres regained traction on the surface of the road and using this momentum Bankotsou spun the steering wheel so that they almost completed a 180 degree slide. "STAY IN THE CAR" he screamed as grabbed something off the dash before leaping from the now stationary car.
The force in which he slammed the door after his exit shook the car causing the three male passengers to raise an eyebrow at his strength. Rin scrambled out of Sesshomaru's iron like grip to position herself so that she could lean over the front seat and watch Bankotsou go to the rider. She reached out and braced herself with one hand on the dash.
"Oh my god" she gasped as she watched Bankotsou run towards the fallen rider. Her thoughts prayed that he wasn't dead.
Bankotsou skidded to his knees; the tearing of his pants and flesh went unnoticed. As his hand reached out towards the face down body he heard the metallic click of a gun.
"Don't move" a raspy voice ordered from behind him.
"Shit" Bankotsou swore under his breath. He looked up to see another man approaching with a semi automatic weapon aimed at his head. Sighing at his stupidity for not keeping a closer eye on the approaching jeeps he was at least thankful that he'd grabbed the locking override switch off the dash which locked all the doors to the car making it impossible to open from the outside; even with the keys.
"So…is he dead?" the man with the semi automatic weapon chuckled as he reached them "That's too bad"
"STOP IT" Bankotsou yelled as this man delivered a kick to the ribs of the rider.
"Why? Dead is dead; it ain't like he can feel nothing" he spat as he kicked the body once more.
Bankotsou felt a burning rage consume him. This was his friend; someone who had saved him over and over in more ways than one and he was not going to allow this sort of mindless brutality to occur. He tensed his leg muscles ready to launch at the man but froze in place when he felt the cold steel barrel of a gun press against the back of his skull.
"Tsk, tsk….I wouldn't if I were you" scolded the man behind him "Not unless you wanna end up like him" he tapped the barrel against Bankotsou's head "Good boy, now stand up…slowly"
Rin climbed into the front and slid into the driver's seat to watch what was happening outside the car. "Guys this doesn't look good" her voice wavered slightly as two men approached the car. She looked at the doors and noticing that they were all locked she breathed a small soft sigh of relief. 'At least they can't get in' she thought.
InuYasha and Sesshomaru moved towards the front of the car to see what Rin was talking about while Miroku continued to watch the men surrounding Bankotsou through the side window.
"What should we do?" Rin asked as she glanced back at Sesshomaru.
Sesshomaru's face betrayed nothing of the anger he felt inside; he wasn't just angry that his life was in danger but Rin was here and he put more value on her life than his own. As he watched the men in front of car aim their weapons at the windscreen he regretted dragging her with him; hell at that moment a small part of him regretted that she had the misfortune to know him. Realising that the men were going to shoot at the window Sesshomaru reached out and pushed Rin down across the front seat. As the men opened fire he felt his demon side scratching and clawing to be free.
InuYasha and Sesshomaru began to growl like savage dogs as Rin's screams filled the car. Even though they knew that the windows were bullet proof and designed to take several hits they still knew that there were few things in this world that were truly impenetrable. The fear emanating from Rin began to saturate the air and more importantly Sesshomaru's demon side began to feed off the powerful scent. Even InuYasha started to feel the rising of his inner dog as it strained for release.
"Rin…..try to calm down" Miroku yelled over the increasing intensity of the growling. His out burst earning him a sharp bark from Sesshomaru.
"I'm trying" Rin answered from her position which was now on the floor. She glanced up at the brothers and was shocked by their appearance. Their golden eyes had begun to harden and bleed red with rage "Sesshy" she whispered full of concern.
The frightened young woman took a deep breath and closed her eyes; releasing the breath slowly she focused on trying to steady her racing heart. She cleared her mind as she softly began to hum a haunting melody taught to her by the mighty demon lord. He'd told her that it was the one thing that could calm his sons if their emotions started to run wild. Of course he'd warned her that it would have no effect if a full transformation had occurred but in circumstances such as these it would surely help.
Gradually Rin began to feel a calmness wash through her. It spread through her body like ripples on still water; ever increasing outwards. The stronger the calmness she radiated the less violent the snarling of the demon brothers became. As Rin stopped humming they realized that the gun fire had stopped.
"GET OUT OF THE CAR" a voice yelled. The harshness in the man's tone seemed to grate through the air "GET OUT NOW"
All eyes inside the car turned to look at the man screaming orders at them. Rin shuddered as she took in his appearance. The man stood at roughly 6 foot tall and 3 foot wide but there wasn't an ounce of fat anywhere on him. His clothes were pulled taunt across his body and with every movement you could see his muscles straining against the fabric. This man seemed different from the others; even from inside the car they could feel the hatred and evil radiating from him.
"You" the man pointed at Bankotsou; who had yet to rise to his feet "Open that car" Bankotsou simply continued to stare down at the body of his friend "I said OPEN THE FUCKING CAR" he yelled as he kicked Bankotsou in the back sending him sprawling across the rider's body. "We only want the demon fifth inside. If you don't open it we'll blow the fucking thing up….humans and all" his voice dripped with sadistic pleasure.
Bankotsou pressed his hands against the riders back and pushed himself up "Seriously…." He said as he rose to his feet; his eyes never leaving his fallen friend "You'll seriously let the humans walk away if I give you the brothers?"
The man cocked his head to the side "Of course…I am a man of his word after all"
Glancing from the car to the man before him Bankotsou's face reflected that he was seriously contemplating the offer.
"That bastard" InuYasha spat "He's gonna give us up"
"But he seemed so nice" Rin said
"FUCK" Sesshomaru swore as he moved towards the passenger door.
InuYasha followed his brother's movements and answered Sesshomaru's growl with one of his own. There was no way they would go down without a fight.
"What are you two planning to do?" Miroku asked "They have guns you know"
"Hey" Rin tried to interrupt
"I don't know Miroku but we can't sit here" barked InuYasha
"Hey" Rin tried again
"But guns….Inu….you know those things that can kill you"
"Hey" Rin was getting tired of repeating herself
"So what…." InuYasha yelled
"I fucking said HEY" screamed Rin
"WHAT?" all three boys answered; glaring at her for interrupting them.
"What about if we….." she smiled a lopsided smile that hovered somewhere between cheekiness and sarcasm. She slowly raised her hand that jingled softly "….just drive away"
A lone gunshot barked outside the car drawing everyone's attention.
"I won't ask again" the evil man hissed as he lowered the pistol he'd just fired in the air.
"I was just thinking" Bankotsou said as he shrugged his shoulders. Slowly he began to walk towards the car "You know the pay was gonna to be pretty good on this job" he said in an off hand manner.
The man turned to follow Bankotsou as he passed by him "Damn boy" he reached out and clasped him by the shoulder "If you're worried about earning some money I may just be able to help you out"
"Is that so" Bankotsou said quietly as he stopped walking. He lifted his head to stare at the car "Well what'd ya think partner?" There was a loud grunt and then the heavy thud of a body hitting the road "Yeah that's what I thought you'd say"
Bankotsou spun towards the man that held him and with lightening speed he delivered a kick to the man's jaw; the sound cracked through the air like thunder. The man flew backwards and landed several feet away. "Bout time you woke up" he laughed as the rider answered by merely flipping him the middle finger.
The few other men charged towards Bankotsou and the rider. Those inside the car forgot about trying to make their escape and watched in amazement at the agility and speed with which they fought. One unlucky or rather stupid bad guy tried to deliver a punch to the rider's head but seemingly forgot he was wearing a helmet. As the man's hand connected with the hard surface of the helmet Rin clutched her hands over her mouth as she burst into laughter. On impact the man began to scream in pain and he danced on the spot like a child throwing a tantrum. The rider shook his head before giving the man a right hook that sent him flying.
Above the sounds of flesh striking flesh, the grunts and groans and falling bodies; Bankotsou's laughter rang out like a musical battle cry. It was clear that he was having fun. The fighting ended fairly quickly and as Bankotsou turned to say something to the rider they heard the car door open.
"Hey…get back in the damn car" Bankotsou yelled as he stalked over to InuYasha and Sesshomaru who had exited the car. "Are you deaf? I said stay in the damn car."
The rider turned and made as if to head towards his bike but stopped when he heard the click of a gun being cocked.
"Damn filthy demons" the leader of the men spat as he rose up from the ground. His mouth oozing blood from the damage done by Bankotsou's kick "You should all be exterminated"
InuYasha turned and found himself targeted by the barrel of the man's gun. His eyebrows twitched in fear and anger. Without another word he heard the gun discharge the bullet and instinctively his eyes slammed shut. The gunshot echoed and his breath caught in his throat as he waited for the bullet to strike him. Briefly he found himself wondering what it would feel like to be shot.
Nothing happened. He felt nothing. Slowly opening his eyes he saw the back of the rider standing a few feet in front of him. Just over the rider's shoulder InuYasha could see the assailant's eyes go wide as he clutched at his chest, a deep red stain beginning to spread beneath his hand. The man's mouth opened as if to speak but no words or sounds passed his lips. As the man tipped forward and slid silently to the ground InuYasha's eyes were drawn to the rider's out stretched arm. There clutched in his hand was a gun that glistened like pale blue ice.
InuYasha was amazed that he hadn't heard the second gunshot or was it that the gunshot he heard was actually from the rider and the other guy never got a shot off. But as his mind replayed what just happened he realized that there were 2 shots; so where did the other bullet go? Glancing at the rider's rigid back his sensitive ears picked up a faint dripping sound and as he tried to comprehend what the sound was his nose was assaulted by the stench of blood close by.
"You're hurt" InuYasha gasped. He was about to move forward when the rider turned slightly and shook his head.
Bankotsou ran forward "Show me" he stated; his hands already pulling at the zipper. The rider stopped him as he tried to push the jacket off his body, instead only allowing him to lift the leather away from his shoulder. "That doesn't help me much" Bankotsou spat as he glared at his friend.
The others watched as Bankotsou inspected the wound "Rin…hey Rin" he called out "Inside the glove box is a white scarf bring it to me ok"
"But….but the door" Rin said
Bankotsou reached into his pocket and pressed a small device that unlocked the doors. Rin made quick work of gathering the scarf and taking it to him. As she approached the injured man turned his back on her and she smiled in appreciation that she wouldn't have to see the wound close up. They all watched as Bankotsou stuffed the material inside the rider's jacket.
"That should hold until we reach the safe house" Bankotsou said before nodding towards the bike "Do you think it'll run?"
The rider walked over to the fallen machine and with Bankotsou's helped they pushed it back up onto its wheels. They carefully inspected it before the rider swung himself onto the bike and turned the ignition. The bike groaned in annoyance before flaring to life with an almighty roar.
"Safe house" Bankotsou said.
The rider looked at the men on the ground before shaking his head.
"Home"
The rider glanced at the group by the car before reluctantly nodding his agreement.
"That's a fair drive from here will you make it?" Bankotsou asked. The answer he received was a sharp clip up the side of his head "Ok, ok. Let's go then" he walked quickly back towards the car "Come on you lot we need to get the hell out here"
InuYasha stood starring at the man straddling the motorcycle. He inhaled sharply; there was something wrong with the scent of blood in the air but he couldn't figure out what it was.
"Oi InuYasha, get your ass in the car" Sesshomaru barked snapping him out of his thoughts.
As he climbed into the car InuYasha could swear that he felt the rider laughing at him from behind the visor of his helmet.
Bankotsou turned the car around and headed back down the road; as they passed by the craters he pressed a few buttons on his phone.
"Bankotsou what the hell is going on?" a loud and obviously very angry voice blared through the phone. The harshness in the tone made Rin finch and InuYasha's ears twitch.
"Calm down old man, we had some company"
"Company….is the cargo alright?" the voice on the phone questioned
Bankotsou took a deep breath before answering "Yeah, a couple of scratches but other than that we're all ok"
InuYasha, Sesshomaru and Miroku glanced at each other. The lie was evident in Bankotsou's voice so either the person on the other end of the phone didn't hear it or they choose to ignore it but what they didn't understand was why he told the lie to begin with.
"No wonder you didn't turn up at the safe house. You're not still heading there? Are you?"
"Of course not, we're not stupid rookies you know"
"No you may not be rookies but at times the two of you are reckless to the point of stupidity"
"Ouch…..that hurts old man"
"It was supposed too now listen to me since they somehow found out about the safe house don't take the cargo to any of our locations….find somewhere…."
"Don't worry we're got it covered"
"Fine, just make sure nothing happens to the cargo….got that"
Yeah, yeah"
"One yes is fine and show some respect while you're at it"
"Yes sir" Bankotsou said with a hint of laughter in his voice
"I'll make contact in three days in the usually way"
"Roger that"
As the call ended the high powered motorcycle roared passed them, Bankotsou increased the car's speed to keep pace with it.
"What cargo?" Rin asked innocently. She was curious at to what else they might have been carrying.
Bankotsou laughed as he glanced over his shoulder at her "You" Rin opened her mouth to make a retort about being called cargo but as his eyes went back to the road he added "You might wanna try and get some rest, this is gonna be a long drive"
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Several hours passed and Sesshomaru had finally convinced Rin to lie down. He gently stroked his claws through her hair in attempt to ease the obvious troubled sleep she was in. Night had fallen and wherever they were right now there were no street lights or even passing cars. The only brightness in the night came from their vehicles. The headlights illuminating only what lay directly ahead and no sooner had the car passed a spot the black cloak of darkness would swallow that area back into its abyss.
They had only stopped once since the attack; pulling off the road behind an abandon run down old petrol station. Bankotsou had allowed them to exit the car only after he'd checked the area. He'd ushered them inside the building and with the help of InuYasha, Sesshomaru and Miroku they retrieved several jerry cans full of fuel that were hidden beneath the floor. While Bankotsou refueled both the car and the bike the others took the opportunity to take a much needed bathroom break.
Although Bankotsou was in control of the car it was as if it knew where it was going; the engine seemed to purr in contentment at where it was headed. Their speed had dropped slightly but they were still racing down the road.
"So where do you think we're headed?" InuYasha whispered in an attempt not to disturb or wake Rin
"Dunno but he did say it was somewhere safe" Miroku answered "What I'd like to know is where in the hell we are now cause I've got no idea"
"Me neither. Nothing looks familiar at all" InuYasha said as he tried to peer through the side window into the pitch black night.
"We're headed up into the mountains" InuYasha spun around at the sound of Bankotsou's tired voice "Before you ask only a few select people know about this place or even how to find it so it's safer than safe"
"Are you sure?" Sesshomaru asked as he starred down at Rin's sleeping face
Bankotsou glanced up in the rear vision mirror "It's heavily protected so yeah I'm sure. Do you regretting bringing her?"
"Wouldn't you, I honestly believed dad was over reacting but now….."
"Sess you know Rin wouldn't have allowed you not to bring her" InuYasha said as his brother looked at him
"Damn straight Inu" said the young girl in question. Sesshomaru gazed down at her very determined face and he tried not to smile at her expression. "Are we there yet?" she asked stifling a yawn
"Soon" Bankotsou answered.
InuYasha, Sesshomaru and Miroku began a quiet discussion that didn't tickle Rin's fancy so she wriggled out of her boyfriends lap to drape her arms over the front seat. She starred at the flickering tail lights of the motorcycle in front.
"What's he doing?" she asked when she noticed that it was almost like a pattern.
"Sending me messages" Bankotsou answered
"Like Morse code?"
"Kinda, it's a secret code we developed years ago"
"What's he say?"
"That we're not far away from our destination"
Rin glanced at Bankotsou's profile; she studied how his eyes were narrowly focused on the bike ahead and that his jaw was clenched tightly. Her gaze slid down his ridged arms to his hands which were locked around the steering wheel so tight that his knuckles were turning white. Something was wrong. Returning her eyes to his face she was about to ask what it was when she noticed his lips were moving with a hushed whisper. She turned to Sesshomaru and InuYasha and found them both starring past her out the cracked windscreen at the motorcycle. The car had grown deathly quiet allowing for Bankotsou's softly spoken words to reach Rin's ears. She gasped as she realized what he was saying.
"Hold on….please hold on….just a little further"
Rin forced her gaze out the window to the rider. At first glance everything seemed to be fine but after studying him closely it was obvious something wasn't right. The bike was shaking ever so slightly and the rider was hunched over even further than normal. Time dragged on and Bankotsou continued his whispered chant. Rin began to feel sleepy again as the gently sound of rain began to strike the windscreen; keeping her eyes on the bike she rested her chin on the seat.
"It's raining" she said quietly as she tried to stifle another yawn
Bankotsou stopped whispering as he turned the car up a barely distinguishable road.
"It's not rain" InuYasha stated
"Huh" Rin said as she turned to face him her brow knitted in confusion
"He's right" Bankotsou confirmed "It's not rain" There was a soft sadness in his voice.
"Then what is it?" She asked
"Blood" Both InuYasha and Bankotsou said at the same time
"Blood" Rin gasped as her eyes grew large "Oh my god" she starred in disbelief at the back of the rider and it was only then that she noticed the passenger side of the windscreen was stained with blood.
All eyes now focused on watching the motorcycle and each of them seemed to be thinking the same thing….. 'Hold on'.
They lost sight of the rider as the bike rounded an unseen bend in the dirt road; it was as if he disappeared into the black nothingness of the night. All that was in front of them now was a massive wall of trees. The night air filled with the sound of the motorcycle as it roared loud and sharp twice before dying as if it had been never blessed with a voice.
"What was that?" Miroku asked
"Just saying hello" Bankotsou answered as he steered the car around the same bend.
Ahead of them lay a very old building that looked like a deserted shrine of some sort. Suddenly a bright flood light turned on illuminating both the car and the bike. If they had looked behind the car that would have seen that the light only seemed to reach as far as the bend before it vanished abruptly. And unseen barrier halted the light from travelling any further.
Bankotsou leapt from the car and was already running towards the rider who had slumped forward on the now silent bike. Unsure of what they should do the others exited the car and stood in silence beside the rear doors and watched the scene unfolding before them.
The sound of barking dogs brought their attention to the front of the shrine. There stood a tall woman with shoulder length black hair holding a shotgun and by her side were 2 rather large nasty looking dogs that were snarling and snapping with ferrous intent. It was clear that she knew the rider when she dropped the gun and leapt from the verandah and raced forward. The woman was fast and she reached the rider seconds before Bankotsou.
"Ban….what the hell happened? SHIT there's so much blood….help me for gods sake" she screamed as her hands flew over the rider's body.
Bankotsou helped ease the rider slowly off the bike. The injured man stood leaning heavily against him as the woman's hands continued to roam quickly over his body. As she reached up to remove his helmet her hands were forcefully slapped away. The rider stood up straighter and shaking slightly he raised his good hand to the helmet.
"Stubborn fool" the woman scolded.
InuYasha watched in frozen anticipation as he realized he would finally get to see the face of the man who saved his life. His eyes seemed to lock onto the helmet as the rider pushed it back and against his will InuYasha's eyes followed the helmets path to the ground. It was only at the sound of Rin's gasp that InuYasha allowed his gaze to travel back up the man's body.
InuYasha felt his heart lurch at the sight of the shiny black mass of long hair that hung down the rider's back. 'No wonder Rin gasped' he thought she always did have a thing for guys with long hair. The rider turned slightly to face the group and as InuYasha's golden eyes met ice blue ones he realized the true reason why Rin had gasped.
"But…but you're a woman" he stuttered.
The injured woman smiled slyly "Yeah"
Dumb struck the entire group didn't know what to say or what do and so they merely watched with opened mouths as she collapsed forward into Bankotsou's arms.
"Sango…help me" he cried out as her body slammed into his chest
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Well does it help that I posted chapter 2 straight after chapter 1? Don't forget to tell me your thoughts about this story and if you noticed any grammar or spelling that I need to fix up.
Kai
PS Thanks for taking the time to read