A/N: Ah yes, the third chapter of what is unfolding to be a long story. Or so I hope. I'm very thankful to all of you who have been reading this fic. You have all been a wonderful support :tear:
-Warning: Lime content!
Dedication: This fanfiction is dedicated to Ria-chan, my little sis and best friend. She proof read the first two chapters of this story and has given me the inspiration to begin my story anew. But most important of all, she believes in me, which is why I posted this fic and for that I am eternally grateful. Thank you Ria-chan! Love you lots, sweetie!
Thank you: A special thanks to the following people for reviewing Chapter 2: GohanzGirl, azn-modern-miko,Ria-chan, and lyn. Thank you to the rest that have reviewed this story thus far: Ria-chan, Shokora no Sakuhen, Embury, lyn, inuschopstiks (cute name by the way), Silver Rain Drops, kawaii-arula, inu-kaglover45, Malitia, AzaraRubie, dragrdr, and Alarnia (she was the first to submit a review, so a big thank you to her!)
Disclaimer: As you all may know, I do not own any of the Inuyasha characters. The characters I own in this chapter are Laramos, Cyrus, Goretsu, Hatani, and the teacher. THAT'S IT! The other characters belong to their creator Rumiko Takahashi and on these grounds...yes, you guessed it: you still have no right to sue me! . Oh, yes... I don't own Pocky, either. Wish I did, though... :insert anime googly eyes:
Chapter 3: Another Mystery Revealed
"Your Majesty," a young messenger bowed low.
"What is it, Cyrus?" said the man seated magnificently on the throne. Although his long beard and hair, now white as snow, told of old age, the sharp green eyes gave the indication of intelligence not yet stolen by the countless years of life.
Keeping his eyes toward the ground as servants should, Cyrus answered, "Your Majesty, Lord Inuyasha requests an audience with you. He tells me that he has brought news of special importance for you." The king, gazing at the servant with a habitual lack of attention, suddenly perked up.
With a mighty wave of his hand, he demanded with the experience of a man grown accustomed to being king, "Show him in, Cyrus." The young man rose, backing away slowly and not bothering to turn around or look up until he reached the door. Grasping the cold metal of the handles, he opened the doors, allowing one of the king's many knights to enter. Inuyasha strode in proudly and knelt at the floor in front of the king. The proper form of greeting must be upheld at all times, no matter how urgent the news.
"Your Majesty. I am honored that you have taken the time to see me. I have brought news of-" He stopped suddenly, noticing that Cyrus still stood in the room, trying his best not to make it obvious that he hung on their every word. If he could only hear one sliver of information, he would be the talk of the castle for bringing to the other servants some juicy gossip.
The king also saw him and roared, "Cyrus! Take your leave."
The servant immediately rushed out, slamming he door behind him. It would do him no good to face the wrath of the king. He could be inhumanely cruel with his punishments if the need called for it. The king's attention returned to Inuyasha with a smile. He rarely allowed it to show, but Inuyasha held a special place in his heart. He was more like a grandson to him than trusted knight, especially now with the passing of Inutaisho.
"So Inuyasha, what news do you bring me?"
Rising to his feet, the half demon placed himself at his king's side on a smaller, less ornate chair. He practically melted into it, glad to have returned to his homeland once again, even under the circumstances.
With a grave voice Inuyasha relayed all he had learned, "King Laramos, it is Naraku. His true intentions are just as we thought them to be: he wishes to possess the Scepter of Twilight and rule Madrien."
A dark look creased Laramos' forehead as he muttered under his breath, "Damn him! So the war truly has begun... But he cannot. The Scepter of Twilight has eluded many a traveler who has dared go in search for it." Inuyasha nodded, remembering well the legend that every inhabitant of Madrien had grown up hearing. But he didn't allow the words of the prophecy to filter into his mind; this was not a time to reminisce.
"Yes, that is exactly what I thought and it is something that he said that disturbs me." Inuyasha paused for a moment to rise and pace the floor in front of the king's eyes. After a small period of silence, he continued, "He told me that his resources had found me to be in possession of the Scepter. That also answers our other question: whether Kikyou is the prophesized maiden that has the power to harness Twilight. It must be so if he thinks that we have it, don't you think?"
The king did not answer, thinking none too fondly of the courtesan that they had discovered could call upon the power of spirits. It was true that she could be the maiden, but there was something about her that he did not like. She was a vain woman, unthinkingly cruel to those around her. To the king's ever-working mind she failed to fit the gentle description of the mortal that would one day save the world of Madrien. But it was not his word that could confirm it; it was the word of the healer, Okina-maru.
Shrugging, the king studied Inuyasha as he paced back and forth, his eyes distant and calculating. He was worried; that much was obvious. But who wasn't these days. As much as Laramos and the court tried to keep it from the masses, the whole world of Madrien knew that a lurking evil was looming ahead in the future. Sighing with frustration, the king asked wearily, "I will discuss plans of Naraku with you at a later time. You seem fatigued, my boy, and undoubtedly need to rest. Have you anything else to inform me of?"
Inuyasha opened his mouth to speak, then closed it immediately. He was about to tell of Kagome. In their first encounter he had sensed a tiny emission of what seemed to him a powerful life force, one that even surpassed Kikyou's and that was why he attacked her. To his senses she might have been a sorceress of Naraku's sent to stir up trouble on Earth. But he had to be wrong. It had disappeared as quickly as it had come and, after that, he couldn't feel it anymore. Kagome was a mere mortal girl, one that did not even come from this world. All the mortals of Madrien had a life force and power deep within them, but none were the same. Some energies were more powerful than others. But the people who lived on the Earth had no powers. They could not be trusted to hold such powers so the gods chose not to bestow it upon them. They were an inferior race in which greed and corruption governed their lives.
You really believe that? a voice in his mind asked. Is Kagome controlled by greed and corruption? The one woman that sparked such a reaction from you? That had your loins straining like a school boy's with a touch of her lips?
With a shake of his head, Inuyasha faced the king once more. "No, King Laramos. That is all I found."
Skepticism was clear in the eyes of Laramos when he gazed upon Inuyasha. There was a tremor of guarded resistance from him and he could feel his apprehension at telling him anything more. Pinching the bridge of his nose with a thumb and forefinger and squeezing his eyes shut, he waved the knight away with his other hand. When Inuyasha was ready to talk he would come to him. For now, Laramos allowed his freedom.
Inuyasha gave a final bow before leaving the throne room and walking outside with long strides. He muttered a thank you to the stable boy as he brought his stallion. The large black horse pawed the ground as his master approached and butted him with his massive head when Inuyasha did not give him the proper recognition. Absently, the half demon stroked the horse's forehead, while mounting him in one leap. He spurred the horse into a gallop, the wind whipping his face raw. He refused to feel the wind's dagger, instead focusing on home, of seeing his family once more. His silvery hair streaked back giving the impression of an apparition riding toward his doom in desperation.
By the time Inuyasha had reached his enormous estate, the horse's flanks were lathered in foamy sweat and his breath came in short, haggard gasps. He dismounted and called for Hatani, the man that tended to the animals. The aging elf limped toward him, appearing from behind the stacks of hay and feed.
Hatani eyed the stallion with an experienced eye, clucking softly. Turning to Inuyasha he rattled in a tone that voiced impudence, "M'lord, how many times have I told ye, never overwork Goretsu like this. Ye will have him dead not too long from now. Ye are a daft one, I suppose, and refuse to listen to reason from your elders." Although he spoke with an angered tone, it was softened by the admiring eye that he gave Inuyasha. Years of loyal service to Inutaisho's family had tempered his cruel tongue. The silver haired man flashed him a grin before entering the house, meeting with many a greeting and warm smile. Inuyasha stopped for no one, but did smile in return.
He was determined to reach his room and rest before he saw or spoke with anyone. The day had been long, the events tiring on his mind. All he needed was an hour or so of sleep to rid himself of the memories of Kagome. Her face was burned into his memory, flashing in front of his eyes without mercy. The passionate kiss they shared still lingered on his lips and, even now, he could taste the sweetness that he had drunk from those generous lips. A tightening in his nether regions made him realize that he also needed a cold, cold shower.
His footsteps echoed off the walls as he ascended the flight of stairs that led to his chamber. Finally, his door loomed ahead of him. He stepped through the doorway into an abode of peace and tranquility. Unbuttoning his silk jacket, he threw it carelessly in a corner and began on his white shirt. He sat heavily on the bed, burying his face into his hands.
"Welcome home, Inuyasha," a voice purred in his ear. Slender fingers wound themselves around his neck, massaging them with finesse and a touch of underlying innuendo. With aching slowness, they worked to remove the knots in his neck and shoulders, and Inuyasha melted into their touch.
In a strained voice, he breathed, "Kikyou."
He shut his eyes to the sensations, feeling the supple body move to stand in front of him when there were no more knots to be found. Kikyou pressed her silky lips to the pulse at Inuyasha's throat, sucking lightly as she smoothed her hands over his half-bare chest. Reaching for the remaining buttons she undid them, not needing to see them as she did so. She trailed a fiery path down across his chest using her tongue, feeling the hard muscles ripple beneath her experienced fingertips. She knew exactly where to touch to please him, to mold him, to make him putty under her ministrations.
Inuyasha's hands grabbed at her head when she stopped at an erect nipple, teasing him by running her tongue over it and then blowing softly. He guided her lower to the aching bulge in his pants and Kikyou smiled knowingly. Unbuckling the belt, she reached inside the fabric to clutch at his throbbing member; Inuyasha jumped at her touch, then sat still as she pushed him back into the bed and began to pull his pants away. Kikyou squeezed him, running her fingers along the hard length with increasing speed. Inuyasha groaned loudly as he felt the pressure build, but it was not until he felt the moist cave of Kikyou's mouth encase him did his hips buck violently. His mind became hazy, filled only with the oncoming climax of pleasure. He kneaded his lover's scalp, ran his hands over her neck and back, which urged Kikyou to bring more of Inuyasha into her mouth until she almost gagged.
As he neared the peak of the sensual mountain, Inuyasha gasped with fervor, "Kagome"
Kikyou abruptly stopped, hearing the name of a different woman come from his lips. Slowly, deliberately she raised her head to glare at him. Their eyes met for one breathless second with Inuyasha watching the fire flare in her eyes, feeling the sting of Kikyou's nails as the dug into the skin of his thighs. Sweat drops formed on his forehead and he tried to gather his mind together. Had he really said Kagome's name? His mouth opened to say something, but no words came out. Apologizing wouldn't help.
"Kikyou-" he began urgently, rising to a sitting position. But what ever he wanted to say to her had been cut off with Kikyou's palm connecting with his cheek. The sound resonated throughout the room and left a bright red mark that throbbed visibly. He wheeled his head back to face her and Kikyou never had seen him so furious as the golden orbs bore into her own eyes.
She stood her ground and hissed in a voice as smooth as a snake's, "How dare you! I give you all of me and you say the name of another woman! Burn in hell, Inuyasha." Before Inuyasha could respond, the woman left in a swish of silk skirts, leaving the room in a suffocating silence. He closed his eyes a moment, trying to control the surge of emotions that welled up inside of him. What had he done? Why had he done it? So many questions ran through his mind, but as hard as he tried he couldn't find the answers to them.
His thoughts were taken from him when the lack of release began making his member throb painfully. It was about time for that shower, he thought to himself. Throwing a towel around his lower half, he opened the door and called to one of the servants to have a bath drawn up for him. As he waited, Inuyasha's mind, unable to resist a mystery, wandered back to the question of Kagome. What about the mortal girl had him constantly drawn to her? Ever since he had arrived, she was the only thing that occupied his mind. As his mind probed for answers, he knew where he could find them.
Bzzzzzzzzz!, Kagome woke with a start.
Ugh! School today, she thought disgustingly. After switching off the alarm clock, she dragged herself out of bed and into the bathroom.
She stood in the shower letting the hot water massage her back. The steam rose and swirled seductively around her body, like a lover's hand. Reaching for the scented soap, Kagome proceeded to lather herself. As soon as her skin was swept clean of the foam, she stretched her arm and switched off the water. Stepping out of the bathtub, she rubbed her skin vigorously with the cotton towel until it tingled and glowed pink. Kagome proceeded to brush her long locks, until they shown as black as the feathers of the raven.
Slipping on a blue robe she walked out of the bathroom and trudged to her closet. Opening it, she took out her school uniform: a white blouse with a forest green pleated skirt that fell midway down her thighs. After slipping on her required white knee highs and ebony shoes, she took five minutes to fix her crumpled bed. Kagome pulled up the sheets and smoothed them over with the heavy comforter. One last look in the mirror made sure that she had not forgotten anything; Kagome grabbed her book bag and shuffled down the stairs.
Hitomi was waiting at the table for her daughter. Ruffling Souta's hair, Kagome pulled out a chair and sat across from her mother. Hitomi mumbled a good morning, but Kagome remained silent while she ate her breakfast. As the silence stretched on Hitomi contemplated on how to confront her daughter with how late she got home last night. Unknown to Kagome, she had been seated at the couch waiting for her daughter to return. Should I come right out and say it or should I work my way up to it? Oh, I'm getting too old for this! I don't even know how to deal with her anymore, she told herself.
"I know you were late coming home last night, Kagome and-" Hitomi started. But before she could finish Kagome scraped her chair back and walked away from the rectangular table. She was headed to the front door.
"Kagome! Come back here! I want to know what's wrong, honey. Don't walk away like you don't care! Kagome!" she screamed after her. The only answer she received was the slamming of the door. Souta sat glumly and then also rose from the table, following Kagome's actions. Hitomi slumped back in her seat and laid her head in her hands. A wave of nausea suddenly overtook her.
I'm losing her. Everyday we get farther and farther apart. There is nothing I can do to help her anymore. She won't even talk to me. Oh, Alan why did you have to leave us? We miss you terribly.
Kagome walked down the street to Shikon High School. As she slowed down, her anger toward her mother quickly subsided. Who did she think she is anyway? Trying to talk to her about coming home late. Kagome had given her a fair warning before she left the house. Hitomi had chosen, in her drunken stupor, not to hear it.
Kagome closed her eyes inhaling the captivating scent of spring.
"Mmmm," she murmured. Shikon High soon came into her view. She walked through the gates and entered the large, almost overwhelming, building.
Maneuvering her way out of the sea of chatting teenagers, she passed wall upon wall of gray lockers before she reached her homeroom. She entered the brightly lit classroom with its navy blue and white tiled floor. There were already small groups of Kagome's classmates inside, talking away energetically about the latest fashions or upcoming school events. Kagome sat down in her usual seat in the back of the classroom and studied them, especially the girls. They sat huddled together, thinking that Kagome could not hear them when, in fact, she could. Wasn't it a little early to be spreading rumors? Sighing sadly, she turned her attention to the board as the teacher made his entrance.
The day seemed to drag on after her math class. In history, Kagome could not concentrate on the ancient civilization lecture her teacher was giving. Instead of the page of notes she was supposed to be taking, Kagome caught herself absently drifting into daydreams. About Inuyasha. Frustrated she tried to stop thinking of him, but his the touch of his fingers lingered on her cheek. A half-demon. Many times last night, she had wondered if it had been just a dream. A wonderful, beautiful dream that someone sent to torment her.
She shifted her head and gazed out the window where the sun shone superbly over the landscape. The rays of the sun touched each leaf and set it a sparkle. It was one of those days that were too beautiful to be indoors. Yet, there she sat in a stuffy classroom listening to a history teacher talk about a civilization that was over and done with.With a small frown she brought her fingers to her lips.
I wonder what Inuyasha is doing right at this moment. But something reached Kagome's ears, interrupting her chain of thought. "Ms. Higurashi, pay attention! I will have no lolygagging in my classroom. Now answer the question."
Kagome started to panic slightly. Usually the teachers had stopped asking her questions in class. Kagome was in no mood to listen to what the teacher had to say, let alone to get into trouble. She didn't even know what the question was. Her eyes scanned the whiteboard searching for a hint. Finally annoyed, she watched as the teacher inspected her with her half-moon spectacles. She lifted her wrinkled face and stared straight at Kagome. Annoyance shown clearly from her eyes and Kagome saw the grim set of her mouth as it tightened.
"That is quite enough. Thank you for coming today, Ms. Higurashi, but I ask you to please leave my classroom, go to the principal's office, and do not come back. Next time, come to class only when you are ready to learn. Leave."
With a small snort, Kagome gathered her things and slung her bag over her shoulder. As she past some of the girls their snickers reached her ears. Kagome made eye contact with them and almost as if they had made eye contact with the devil himself, the laughter stopped and the girls looked down at their hands. When the door closed behind Kagome the knarled old woman turned back to the lengthy whiteboard and scrawled words in large, red looping letters meaning that notes were continuing.
"Now as I was saying..."
"Bitch," Kagome muttered under her breath as she headed not for the principal's office, but home where peace always welcomed her.
Why did the day start off so badly? First her mother, now this. Along the way her book bag started to weigh heavily on her shoulder; switching the bag to her other shoulder she continued to walk down the shady street. As she neared her house, Kagome had the distinct feeling that she was being watched. She glanced behind her, eyes darting back and forth searching for the pair of eyes that bore into her back. That same feeling came back to her. It was distinctly Inuyasha's energy. Why? Why could she feel him? What was happening to her, to her mind? Shrugging lightly Kagome continued on her way, not seeing the flash of silver as it darted ahead of her. It couldn't be him; maybe it was just her imagination.She quickly searched her book bag for the house key when home loomed just ahead.
When she found it, Kagome pushed it into the door and unlocked it. She hurriedly moved inside and shut the door firmly behind her.Kagome dropped her book bag next to the coat rack and walked to the kitchen for a snack. The heels of her shoes clacked against the tiled floor of the spacious, professional-style kitchen. The noise seemed to scream throughout the soundless house. She rummaged through the wooden cupboards and the refrigerator until she came across a box of Pocky and a soda. Kagome grabbed them and walked up the stairs to her room. She nudged the white door open, stepped inside and closed the door with her foot. When her eyes settled on the middle of the room she let out a scream. By her window sat Inuyasha waiting for her.
"What are you doing here!" she cried.
With a 'Feh' he claimed, "Isn't it obvious, sweetling? I came to see you, of course." He said it so casually that Kagome couldn't help but stare at him incredulously. She tried to see if he was mocking her. A small smile touched the corners of her lips as she rested her hands on her hips. What else was going to happen today?
" Is that so? And what if I told you I didn't believe you." She watered him with suspicion. A look of mock hurt crossed his face and he rested a hand over his heart.
"Ah, Kagome. You hurt me here," he confessed, tapping the place over his heart. She couldn't help but laugh at his antics. Inuyasha's throat slammed shut at the sound of her laughter. Gods, she was beautiful when she smiled. He watched her as she laughed amazed at the lilt of her voice, the way her eyes shown like a sky before dawn.
" I doubt that but thanks for coming, Inuyasha. That was really sweet of you. Could you wait a moment while I change out of my school uniform?" Kagome placed the food and drink on her desk. She walked to her closet and pulled out two garments. Inuyasha watched as she disappeared into another room and shut the door.
While Kagome was changing Inuyasha took the liberty of looking around her room to see how a normal human lived out their life from day to day. The room's walls were very plain; there were no pictures or posters hanging anywhere. But the furniture did more than make up for the plain walls.
On the bed lay a green, blue, and violet plaid with deep green embroidery. The bedding was accompanied by three matching pillows and two beaded velvet pillows that were violet and green. On the floor trailed a bed skirt that was also detailed with green vines. To the left of the bed was a classic window and window seat. In the corner, next to the closet, was a white desk. Sitting elegantly atop the desk was yet another embroidered piece of furniture: a beautiful shade lamp that was embellished with a blue-green shade with golden brown flowers and scrolls. The harp-shaped glass base gleamed in the sunlight, leaving prisms of light dancing on the walls. Inuyasha was astonished at the amount of beauty that existed in the room.
Selenaand Sango would love this bedroom for their own, he thought as he examined Kagome's belongings. Ever since he was a small pup he had been interested in the human world and the many wonders it held. He had spent his childhood, watching the other children play together, never allowing him to mingle with them. To make up for the loss he secluded himself, training himself to be stronger and more powerful than the rest. After hearing about the Earth from his mother he also buried himself in his studies about the Earth, its inhabitants and technologies. Curiously, he picked up a remote and seeing the bright red button, pushed it. All at once a picture appeared on the black box, causing Inuyasha to jump back with a snarl.
"You've never seen a television before?" Kagome's voice was heard from behind him. Even though she tried her best not to laugh, an underlying hint of amusement still managed to leak out.
She walked out of the bathroom wearing a black skirt and a sky blue tank top. Inuyasha swallowed the lump in his throat at the sight of her long shapely legs. He watched the muscles move beneath the slightly tanned skin, memorized how strong they seemed. Inuyasha mentally slapped himself at the thought and tried to concentrate on what she was saying. She was carrying her uniform; walking to her open closet she hung the garments. Seeing that Kagome was at ease with the contraption, he lowered his claws.
With an awed gaze he repeated, "A tele-vision" He crouched closer and stared at the people moving about inside the box. So many of them fit into it, but Inuyasha could not see how. It was not as if he had never heard of such a thing, it was just that he had never thought he would see one in person. It startled him, but only a little. Another smile crept into Kagome's face as she watched him. He looked like a small child at Christmas. Closing the closet door she came to sit next to him upon the carpeted floor.
"You don't have this sort of thing where you come from, Inuyasha?" she asked.
He shook his head at her keeping his eyes on the screen. "In my world we have no uses for these kinds of technology. We believe that life must be kept simple. But I've always wanted to explore what sort of things you people do here." While Inuyasha changed the channels on the television, Kagome had an idea. She wasn't sure if it was a wise idea, but it would definitely amuse them both.
Kagome rose to her feet, taking Inuyasha's hand in hers, "Why don't I take you to a place where you can do all the exploring you want. Then we can go out for something to eat. What do you do you say?" She tugged on his hand and Inuyasha stood up to tower over her. He thought it over for a moment, the plan did appeal to him and it would give him a chance to find out all he could about Kagome.
While Inuyasha was distracted Kagome took the time to really admire him. He was even more handsome in the daytime. His eyes were more brilliant, becoming a molten gold, instead of the plain gold they had been in the moonlight. He was tall, but had an athletic build. His well-defined cheekbones, straight nose, and strong jaw indicated he was a warrior who was equally determined and well-endowed. Broad shoulders expanded into muscled arms and a sleek chest. It didn't help that his shirt clung to his chest in the right places making Kagome wonder what it would feel like to be drawn into his embrace. Perhaps safe and protected. Or maybe she would feel passion... She blushed furiously at the last thought, shaking her head to rid herself of it. She shouldn't be thinking about that. She'd just met him and already she was thinking of-
"..gome. Kagome! Are you all right? You look flushed." Inuyasha's words broke into her thoughts and Kagome's eyes returned to his face etched with concern.
"I-I'm okay," she managed to stammer out. What's going on in that head of hers Inuyasha wondered. She gave him a reassuring smile and then walked toward the door, but not before picking up her purse.
Inuyasha frowned, "Where are you going"
"To the front door. I take it you're interested, so we better get walking."
"Walking," he snorted, "I'm not walking anywhere." He crouched on the ground his back to her and turned his head. For a moment Kagome didn't understand what he wanted her to do. "Well hop on, Kagome."
Cautiously she wrapped her arms around his neck feeling Inuyasha hook his arms under her legs. With one mighty leap Inuyasha was sailing from her second story window toward the ground. A cry burst from her throat and she buried her face into his back, fearing that they would hit the ground. Inuyasha smiled toothily when Kagome clung tighter to him and to his partial annoyance he enjoyed it. He landed gracefully and ran swiftly away from the house. Against his body he could clearly make out how she trembled; the action made him slow his pace somewhat so that Kagome could open her eyes and see the passing landscape. Her breath caught when she saw how the world looked jumping from the treetops. It became a blend of colors and shapes mingling with the happiness of the sky.
"Oh, Inuyasha it's beautiful," she whispered awe-struck. When she had drunk her fill, Kagome laid her head upon his shoulder and sighed contentedly. For years she had never felt as happy as she did at that moment.
A/N: Hope you enjoyed this chapter. Now please press the little purple button and submit your review! It would really mean a lot to me to know what you think.
Translation:
-Goretsu: strong fury
-Inutaisho: the common name used for Inuyasha's father
-Shikon: four souls