Scene changes from "Heavy on my heart" by Anastasia
Chapter IV: Life is Only Worth Living Once You've Found Someone Worth Dying For
The young western Lord entered the base, greeting the guards as he did every morning. After going around and making his regular inspections of the perimeter he headed into the main office, the young secretary behind the front desk greeting him cheerfully.
The young woman's short pale blond tresses bouncing slightly as she snapped her head up, blazing turquoise orbs locked onto molten amber as the young man entered the office.
The young woman greeted, a bright smile upon her face, "Good morning General."
"Morning Akina," Sesshomaru replied, bowing his head slightly towards her, "Has there been any developments that require attention?"
Looking down at her notepad she traced her finger towards the newest notes she'd taken before responding, "There have been a few rumors going around about Naraku making his next strike soon; I thought I'd relay the message to you. Seems we had less time than anticipated."
"He knows we're on to him," Sesshomaru sighed, shaking his head, "great; anything else?"
"The two officers have safely returned from the Higurashi residence," Akina added, "And intelligence has informed that they are now possible targets as well."
"We get them back together to protect the girl and now it turns out we need to protect them as well," the young demon muttered exasperatedly, "Okay then, thank you."
"No problem," The young woman beamed, watching as the young commander retreated from the building and turned around the corner, out of sight.
Molten orbs scanned the grounds of the base, acknowledged salutes from lieutenant and sergeants. Fighter jets took off from the run way, their engines roaring to life as they were ignited.
As he passed by the air strip, the building in which he was heading came into view, the guard tentatively keeping watch. Making his way towards the guard and post she occupied, he was about to enter the secured location when he was stopped; the guard halting him.
"Excuse me sir," She said, her violet eyes looking towards him curiously, "You can't enter here unless you have a level five security card."
"Hisa," Called her commanding officer as he came towards her, his hazel orbs locked with her violets ones, "Let him in."
"But he hasn't shown clearance yet," Hisa argued, moving in front of the door, her long ebony hair swaying gently with the motion, "You said they need clearance to proceed through this door."
The young man neared the pair before the door; stopping to salute the young lord before shaking his head towards the younger officer, "He doesn't need a clearance card."
Sesshomaru watched the officer before him, a brow arched in amusement as he questioned, "New recruit, Kaori?"
Kaori nodded, his hazel eyes looking tiredly towards the young demon, "It's been a long couple of days around here."
"I can imagine," Sesshomaru agreed with a nod.
"I was just doing what I was told…" Hisa tried to defend herself, seeing now that this man she'd stopped was an even higher rank than the officer who was instructing her.
"You did," Kaori agreed, "However you failed to acknowledge and show respect as two officers of higher rank entered your presence, I believe you owe your General an apology."
"I'm sorry," Hisa apologized, moving out of the way and saluting the young man, "it won't happen again."
Sesshomaru nodded as he made to grab the door handle; pulling the set of keys from his pocket.
"Let me know in advance next time when you test my trainees will you General?" Kaori questioned.
"I didn't know you were training again," Sesshomaru admitted, unlocking the door and entering the building.
"So you mean it's time then?" Kaori inquired, watching as the young demon entered and went to close the door.
"Yes," The demon replied, "And I believe she's been cooped up quite long enough."
The officer nodded as Sesshomaru closed the door, vanishing from sight.
The young demon made his way down a long corridor before he came before a large oak door. Opening it he came into a well accommodated room for it's occupant. Trees and shrubs had been planted, small game such as mice and other such small rodents had been released frequently giving the small creature something to chase. A few years ago another officer had even planted a small patch of catnip in a far corner; all in all it was pretty much a kitty heaven.
Closing the door behind him, he leaned against the wooden barrier; watching with amusement as a rather large mouse scurried by him; apparently having been trying to escape the prison it'd been placed in. He watched as it abruptly turned around and darted off in the opposite direction; doing everything it can to escape it's pursuer.
With deadly accuracy and skill the small occupant of the room pounced on the rodent from it's hiding spot in a small shrub, large crimson eyes dancing with pride at having caught the fleeing animal.
"Seems you've kept yourself occupied," Sesshomaru commented gaining the small demon's attention.
Large eyes turned towards the young man as two tails swayed back and forth contently as a gentle mew was heard from the creature.
"Are you ready to go out now?" He questioned, watching as the small feline ran up to him and looked upward expectantly.
"Guess that's a 'yes' then," Sesshomaru sighed, opening the door once more and allowing the small demon to run ahead of him and out of the confides it had been in for it's few years of living on the base as he opened the front door where the guards were.
The three watched as the small yellow and black creature sped out of the building and through the base, weaving in between planes and people to the main gates as she slipped through them and hurriedly made her way down the empty city streets as the first rays of sun emerged from the horizon.
"I'm going to miss her," Kaori admitted as he watched the demon leave, "she was a good cat."
"Kirara is needed elsewhere," Sesshomaru informed, turning towards the younger officer, "But I have a feeling we haven't seen the last of her."
The young man nodded, as he gave the young demon one final salute before heading off to another part of the base; Sesshomaru making his way back to the main office and his quarters located inside.
I try to fly away but it's impossible
And every breath I take gives birth to deeper sighs
"Did we get him?" came the almost inaudible whisper of a young miko-in- training. Her green and white school uniform swaying as the wind from the hanyou's attack as it subsided. Her black tresses swaying about her face, covering her chocolate eyes from time to time as she looked around for her companions.
"I think so…" came the rough voice of a hanyou, his red fire rat haori swaying gently as his triangular ears twitched from atop his silver haired head, his piercing amber gaze looking around for any surviving demons.
"Kagome! InuYasha! Can you sense him?" came the call of a young demon slayer as she called to her friends. Her black hair in a high pony tail, coffee eyes, accentuated with magenta eye liner, scanned the area for the offending demon.
"I don't think so Sango, how bout you InuYasha?" came the futuristic school girls response.
"Nope, I think he's really gone this time." Said InuYasha, sheathing his sword.
"Thank Kami!" said Miroku, his purple robes muddy from the battle. His short hair pulled back low at the back of his head, looking over toward the woman he was searching for, his violet gaze landed on his goal.
"Sango, thank Kami you're all right!" he exclaimed, rushing over toward the demon slayer, embracing her tightly.
"Miroku-Sama." Sango sighed, wrapping her long arms around the body of the strong monk.
InuYasha looked around, sniffing the air and narrowing his eyes.
Kagome, noticing this asked, "What's wrong?"
"He's not dead yet." InuYasha snarled, looking off in the direction where the foul stench of Naraku was emanating from.
Kagome looked off in the direction her companion was looking and scanned the trees for any sense of the jewel shards. There, faintly in the trees was a shining light, one which only belonged to the Shikon no Tama.
"InuYasha! Over there!" she screamed, pointing a finger in the direction of the pull of the jewel.
"Wind Scar!" Shouted InuYasha as a bright flash erupted from the fabled sword as it was unsheathed at un human speeds as it's ultimate attack was employed.
"You've got to get the Jewel shards or he'll just regenerate again!" shouted Miroku as he took a few steps closer toward their enemy.
"Got it." InuYasha said, running towards the clumped remains of the demon who had caused so much pain and destruction over the past years.
Reaching his remains, InuYasha called back, "Where's the jewel Kagome?"
"Off to the right, near the ground!" Kagome shouted.
"Thanks." InuYasha said. Aiming Tetsusaiga, InuYasha sliced open a rather thick tentacle to the right of him, the steal of the sword passed down from his father glistened in the setting sun. making a quick slash, he pulled out his sword and out came the jewel, much like the first time it had reappeared in this world of his.
As it flew through the air, he jumped up and caught it in a clawed hand, retreating back to the safety of the group before he called, "Now Miroku!"
"Right!" Miroku said with a nod as he uncovered his right hand, the hand which had been cursed ever since his grandfather's time. "Wind Tunnel."
Upon the release of the lethal wind tunnel, the surrounding trees were sucked into the void. Not long after the remains of Naraku were sucked up as well. As soon as the demon was fully into the void, the cursed hand began to heal it's self. In a matter of minutes it was completely gone, never was Miroku's line to be burdened with the fate their grandfather and great grandfather had to endure.
"Is…is it gone Miroku?" asked Sango, her voice no more than a whisper as she approached the monk.
"Yes Lady Sango." Said Miroku, turning to face the woman he loved so much, "Now, Naraku and the Wind Tunnel are finally gone."
Unshed tears began to build up in the usually placid slayers eyes as she ran toward the monk and jumped into his arms.
"Is something wrong Kagome?" InuYasha said, coming to stand next to the young woman, his deep, blazing golden eyes full of concern and love.
"Nope." Kagome replied, shaking her head, "And that's just the problem."
At what the young miko's statement, her companions ceased their celebrations and looked towards her questioningly.
"What do you mean Lady Kagome?" The monk questioned, looking towards the young miko with confused violet eyes.
"Has it always been this simple?" Kagome asked, looking at each one of her companions in turn, "Would this truly be the end of Naraku? When have we done battle with him and it lasted this short of time and we've come out with minor injuries."
"I mean don't get me wrong, I'm glad we're all okay and everything. I'm happy we are all alive and can now move on." Kagome continued, "I'm just worried that this isn't over, that he's hiding in the shadows somewhere, waiting for us to let our guard down."
The group stood there for a moment, mulling over what the woman had just said.
"I agree with Kagome." Sango said, looking towards the woman she'd grown fond of, treated like a sister, "I think that he went down too easy."
"But the wind tunnel is gone Lady Sango." Miroku tried to convince the slayer, "The curse is lifted, the only way to do that is to defeat the demon who had cast it."
And for a moment I am weak
So it's hard for me to speak
Even though we're underneath the same blue sky
The young woman awoke with a start, her chestnut orbs turning to look at the flashing neon green digits on her alarm clock. Outstretching a hand she roughly hit the top of the object, causing the annoying buzzing sound it had been emitting to signal her it was time to get up stop.
"That couldn't have been real," She whispered, slipping out of her bed; swinging her feet over the edge as she stood and stretched out her tired muscles, " That was just too weird to be real."
Crossing the room she picked up her uniform and laid it out atop her bed, hurriedly slipping out of her night gown before pulling her navy colored pants on and then her shirt; fastening her belt around her waist last.
"I mean it doesn't even make sense," She said to herself as she exited her bedroom and made her way through her apartment towards the kitchen, "Miroku doesn't even have this 'wind tunnel' thing anyway."
"How do you know?" came a nagging voice in the back of her mind.
"Because I've been his partner for over four years," she argued, reaching in her bread cupboard for a bagel before placing it in the toaster, "And I've never seen this 'wind tunnel thing."
"He all ways wears gloves though," the voice retorted, "How can you be sure? What do you think he's hiding?"
"There are lots of reasons to wear gloves," the woman countered, "You don't want your finger prints at a crime scene."
"You can argue it all you want but it could be possible," her conscience argued, "Just think about all Kagome told you."
"Fine," the officer sighed, taking a bite of her toasted breakfast, "I'll talk to him about it later."
"Wise move," the voice agreed before fading away.
"That's got to be a sign I need to get out more," the woman commented as she opened her door and locked behind her, "or stop eating curry right before bed."
As the young officer left her apartment, she failed to notice the small creature watching her intently from her spot concealed in the bushes; it's large crimson orbs following her soon-to-be mistress as she entered the city issued squad car and headed towards her partner's dwelling. Catching the young woman's scent; and that of her vehicle the small creature began to run after it; her inhuman speed guaranteeing no one would see her as she darted in and out of the bushes along the side of the road.
If I could paint a picture of this melody
It would be a violin without its strings
Wide violet orbs stared up at the ceiling above him, his right hand raised before his face as he examined it.
"Well that explains a lot," he whispered darkly, moving his glove covered hand every which way; the small bracelet of beads he wore clanking together slightly, "Sometimes I wish the doors that hold the answers I seek would remained closed."
Turning his attention from his hand he looked over towards the television that had been left on; the young man having fallen asleep on the couch rather than in his bed. The small clock at the bottom left hand corner told him it was about 6:45 am; Sango would be here in no more than ten minutes.
There was no time to take a shower or get his uniform washed; though now looking down at the garb he noticed because he slept in it the cloth had become extremely wrinkled.
"Lovely," He sighed, unbuttoning his shirt and laying it out atop his table, running back to the rear of his apartment to grab his iron as he hurriedly tried to iron out most of the wrinkles to his shirt.
As he ironed the fabric of his uniform, the dream continued to play in his mind, questions swimming around as he thought about it. Hadn't they destroyed Naraku? If that was true, then why did he have the wind tunnel? I mean he knew he was a reincarnation, there was no doubt about that but it still didn't make sense. The wind tunnel was a curse and the curse was broken when Naraku was destroyed. Could the Naraku they pursue now be the same one from back then? But, how was that possible?
"I guess I'll ask InuYasha," He sighed, unplugging the appliance he'd been using as he finished straightening the cloth before him, "He'll know…or at least be able to help me find the answers."
No sooner had the young man slipped on his newly ironed shirt did the door bell ring, signaling his partner had arrived at her destination.
"Just a moment!" he shouted, snatching his belt from the table, putting it on and securing it around his waist as he answered the door, "Ready?"
The young woman before him nodded, turning and heading back towards the squad car, "Though it looks like you were running a little late."
"Why do you say that?" Miroku questioned, following the young woman and making his way down the steps of his apartment complex, oblivious to the missing component to his attire.
"You forgot to put on your shoes," Sango replied, exiting the building as the young man behind her stopped, a slight dusting of pink spreading across his cheeks.
"Oh," he commented, turning on his heel and heading back up to his apartment, cursing himself the whole way for not having remembered those accursed shoes.
And the canvas in my mind
Sings the songs I left behind
Like pretty flowers and a sunset
The kitsune pulled up to the main gates of the base, greeting guards and made his way into the base, parking his car just before the office doors.
"Morning Major," came the ever cheerful voice of Akina.
"Morning Akina," the young man replied, passing by the front desk, "Is Sesshomaru here yet?"
"He got here about twenty minutes after I did," The young woman answered, smiling brightly towards the demon, "Do you want me to tell him you're here?"
"If you would," the man replied, continuing his way to the demon's office, entering the elevator and pressing the appropriate button.
Once he'd reached the desired floor, he emerged from the small compartment and headed down the long hall to the young lord's office.
Knocking on the large wooden door he questioned, "Sesshomaru, can I speak with you a moment?"
"Yes," Came the demon's response, "come in."
Entering the room, he shut the door behind him, standing before the young Lord.
"What do you need Shippo?" Sesshomaru questioned, looking up from his pile of paper work.
"I wanted to know if this new event is going to effect Kagome's daily routine," Shippo inquired, "I mean if she will be watched during her school day and around where she goes. And I came to see if there has been any developments."
"Of course someone's going to be watching her," Came the rough tone from the young man behind the kitsune, "Why the hell did you even need to ask?"
It's heavy on my heart
I can't make it alone
"Are you sure you don't want me to come with you?" The young hanyou questioned as the couple neared the university.
"I'm sure InuYasha," the young miko answered, turning her attention towards the man beside her, "I'm a big girl, I can handle it."
"You don't have to mock me Kagome," InuYasha commented, "I Just want to keep you safe is all."
"I know," Kagome sighed as the pair made their way up the path to the double doors, "And besides, Shippo's here don't forget. I'll go to him if I need any help, okay?"
"Promise," The hanyou questioned, eyeing the young woman expectantly.
"Promise," She repeated, a bell sounding inside to signal the students to make their way to class, "I have to go."
Before the young woman could run off, InuYasha gripped her wrists, pulling her towards him as he wrapped his arms around her fragile form, "I'll see you later this afternoon, all right."
"Okay," She replied, the young hanyou leaning down and capturing her lips with a gentle kiss, "I'll try and stay out of trouble."
"Good girl," InuYasha laughed, allowing the young maiden to enter the building, "I'll meet you at the shrine."
"All right," Kagome waved, as she entered the building, the heavy double doors swinging shut behind her.
Turning from the school the young hanyou made his way towards the base to speak with his brother. Taking the same way he'd taken for the past 100 years he'd stayed in Japan he walked to the base. Greeting the guards he entered the grounds, trekking up to his brother's office; passing the overly cheery secretary on his way.
Exiting the elevator he walked down the hall to his brother's office, entering with out knocking.
"I wanted to know if this new event is going to effect Kagome's daily routine," he heard Shippo ask, "I mean if she will be watched during her school day and around where she goes. And I came to see if there has been any developments."
"Of course someone's going to be watching her," the hanyou answered, shutting the door behind him, "Why the hell did you even need to ask?"
"How many times to I have to tell you," Sesshomaru questioned, "knock before you enter."
InuYasha shrugged, "Guess you can't teach an old dog a new trick."
"Obviously," the young demon sighed, "Anyway back to the matter at hand. Yes the young miko will be watched. You will do so at school where as all of you will take turns or do so afterwards."
"Speaking of which," InuYasha commented, "Why aren't you at school. Don't you have a class to teach?"
"Not first period," Shippo answered, "But once I finish here I'm heading off to the university."
"Then I'll make this quick," Sesshomaru continued, "Naraku's planning an attack in the near future, it's best for you all to be prepared. I've sent Kirara ahead to aid the young officer."
"Smart move," the hanyou nodded.
"I've heard that your two friends will also be targeted as well," The demon added, "Make sure they're warned."
"I will," Shippo replied, glancing towards the clock mounted on the young lord's wall, "I better be heading out before second period, I'll come back and check in on Friday. If anything happens before then you know how to reach me."
Sesshomaru nodded, watching as the kitsune left his office to attend to other matters.
"Now I wanted to talk with you about something important," The demon said, turning his attention towards his younger half brother.
"What?" InuYasha questioned, eyeing the man before him curiously.
"As I'm sure you are aware," Sesshomaru continued, "The new moon will be here in about three days."
"I am," The hanyou agreed, "What of it?"
"I think you should allow someone else to protect the young miko during that time," Sesshomaru admitted, "I believe it is thing to do."
"Hell no," InuYasha growled, slamming his fists onto his brother's desk, "I will not sit back and have someone else do my job."
"I understand how you feel InuYasha," the demon reasoned, "But do you think you will be able to protect her if you are human?"
"I have before," he argued.
"You had help," The young lord countered, "At least allow Shippo to accompany you."
"Fine," The hanyou sighed in defeat, turning towards the door.
"You need to watch yourself," Sesshomaru warned, "He's planning an attack, I just know it. Things are about to get a hell of a lot more dangerous."
"I know I know, I can handle it," InuYasha replied as he opened the door.
"Are you sure about that?" The young lord inquired.
"When have I not?" the hanyou said as he left the room; his brother shaking his head.
The hanyou could be too cocky for his own good sometimes and it will eventually get him killed someday.
Heavy on my heart
I can't find my way home
Naraku watched as the young miko left her university and made her way down the sidewalk towards the old shrine.
"You two know what to do right?" the demon questioned, eyeing the two behind him curiously.
"Yes we do," The young man sighed, "Don't you have any faith in us?"
"No," Naraku answered flatly, "No I don't."
"Well fine then," The young woman snapped.
"Cool it Chiyo," Her partner warned, "We have a job to do, no sense in picking an unnecessary fight."
"Mind your own business Yukio," Chiyo retorted, narrowed lavender locking with maroon.
"You have your orders," Naraku sighed, shaking his head at the couple's antics, "Make even one mistake and you will pay the price."
"Understood," the two replied, watching as the demon left their company, following the young woman.
"So when do you think the cops will show?" Chiyo questioned, turning to the young man beside her.
"Right about," Yukio answered, spotting the squad car round the corner and head towards them, "now."
Heavy on my heart
So come and free me
It's so heavy on my heart
For some reason, the couple had been in an uncomfortable silence for most of the day; both having things to ask, though both afraid to do so.
"I had a strange dream last night," Miroku admitted, breaking the ice to their conversation.
"You did?" Sango questioned, turning her attention towards her partner at the wheel, "So did I."
"That's weird," the young man commented.
Silence cloaked them once more.
"Unit 354 come in please," boomed the voice over the CB radio.
"Unit 354," Sango answered.
"You are to follow the target on their way home from school," the dispatcher continued, "possible attack has been issued."
"Understood," The young woman replied.
Hearing their new task, Miroku adjusted their route and headed for the university.
"Can I ask you something?" Sango questioned nervously as they approached the school, rounding the corner and headed towards the shrine.
"Sure," Miroku replied, stopping to allow a group of students to cross the road, winking at a few of the college girls.
"Why do you wear gloves all the time?" The young woman finally asked.
Miroku tensed, he'd been afraid she'd ask that question ever since they'd been transferred and become partners. Even though they both knew they were reincarnations and had indeed had some connection to each other in the past; he just wasn't ready to explain things to her just yet.
The young man never got a chance to reply however as a wall of fire shot across the road, preventing them from going any farther.
Skidding to a stop the two got out of the car, coming face to face with a pair of maroon and lavender eyes.
I've had my share of pleasure
And I've tasted pain
"So, what's the game plan?" Chiyo questioned, eyeing her partner curiously.
"Well," Yukio replied, glancing towards the young woman, "first we have to stop them now don't we."
"Well duh," The young maiden said sarcastically, "I meant how are we going to do that?"
"We do what we're good at," Yukio answered cryptically, raising a hand; causing a wall of fire to barrel across the road, providing to be an effective block.
"That's one way to do it," Chiyo commented, following the young demon as he headed towards the couple emerging from the car.
"Turn back now," Yukio warned, " You will not be asked twice."
"You need to bring this wall down," Sango ordered, taking over behind the front of the squad car; her gun aimed towards the two, "We have business to attend to and you are in the way. We will not hesitate to use force to pass."
"When will humans learn," Yukio sighed, closing his eyes; opening them a moment later to reveal his pupils had thinned to form mere slits, "Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and good with ketchup."
"You don't mean to tell us you're real dragons do you?" Miroku replied doubtfully, moving to mirror his partner, "There are only a hand full left in the whole world."
"And you're looking at the last two in Japan," Chiyo remarked, her eyes matching the demon's beside her, "My brother and I are the only two left on this side of the pacific ocean. The others went to America during World War II."
"Lovely," Sango commented, "Now if you would be so kind as to move we won't have to exterminate you."
"You think you'll be able to get rid of us?" Yukio questioned, "No one has before you."
"Considering you are still alive," Miroku replied, "That seems like a dead give away."
Lavender narrowed towards violet, "Don't patronize me."
"My apology," Miroku said, mock sincerity in his tone, "That was not my intention I assure you."
What ever the young dragon was about to say next died as if fell on deft ears as the sound of gun fire rang through the two officer's ears followed by the scream.
"Kagome," Sango gasped, deep chestnut looking worriedly towards her partner, "get in the car."
The young woman opened the door, sliding in she moved all the way over to the driver's side, taking the wheel and putting the car in drive, "Get your ass in this car now."
Complying with the young woman Miroku did as he was told, climbing into the passenger's seat and quickly fastened his seat belt, "Please tell me you're not going to do what I think you are."
"Shut up and hold on," Sango replied, flooring it as she sped towards the flames, the squad car going right through, flames licking at their tires and the rubber was burned slightly; the material melting and sticking to the pavement.
"This is unit 354," Miroku shouted into the CB radio, "We need possible back up and an ambulance a block away from the university on the south end towards the Higurashi shrine. Shots fired. I repeat shots fired. Suspect is armed."
"Understood," came the dispatcher, "Sending back up and ambulance your way."
The two dragons stood there, surprised that the couple had just gone through their fire.
"Well," Chiyo commented, her pupils returning to normal, "We kept them away right, so we did what we were told to do."
Yukio laughed, "You think that will fly?"
"With Naraku?" She questioned, turning and heading back to her motorcycle she'd arrived on, hidden in an ally a few feet behind them, "No way."
"I didn't think so either," Yukio replied, shaking his head as he followed his sister.
I never thought that I would touch an angel's wings
There's a journey in my eyes
It's getting hard for me to hide
Like the ocean at the sunrise
Determined amber orbs locked on to his opponent, the modern weapon gripped tightly in his clawed hand. Confusion flashed in his molten gaze as he saw the young demon before him turn on his heal, aiming the lethal object towards himself.
"You fell for it InuYasha," he spat, a grin crossing his face as his eyes glinted with malevolence, "And now you will pay for it."
The gun his opponent possessed fired, the bullet speeding towards the hanyou instead of the young miko. In reaction the hanyou applied pressure to his own weapon, the sent of hot metal filling his nose.
The demon's crimson orbs alit with amusement as the metal ball sped towards him. Easily jumping out of the way he avoided the bullet; the young horror stricken miko directly behind him however lacked the capability to dodge the projectile: her legs frozen.
Pain, horror and rage: all the emotions that flashed through the hanyou all in one single moment. InuYasha watched as the bullet came towards him, slicing through the air. A small grin graced his lips as he saw his own bullet fly towards his opponent only to see him jump out of the way; it's trajectory directed towards the young woman, the woman he'd sworn to protect.
Pain shot through his body as the bullet entered his chest. Horror creped over him as he heard the young woman scream in pain, saw her fall to the ground. Rage at the demon who'd done this to them in the first place; had he just left him alone those 550 years ago none of this would have happened. Though if you think about it, he wouldn't have met Kagome either.
Kagome; it wasn't just the sight of seeing the young woman shot that sent the sensation of horror through him, his blood running cold. It was the emotions that he saw reflected in her deep hazel orbs. The worry, concern, fear and even relief that filled them. She'd been relieved to see him then afraid for him when she saw Naraku turn, worried about him.
Aiming his firearm once more towards the demon before him he applied pressure to the trigger, his vision fading from the pain and loss of blood.
"Why do you insist on being such a annoyance half-breed?" Naraku questioned, raising his own gun towards the man and fired.
This time he didn't react, his body refusing to act according to his wishes as he fell to his knees. The pain ripped through his chest once more as the bullet embedded itself about an inch away from his heart; a major organ surely damaged.
It's heavy on my heart
I can't make it alone
Her breath caught in her chest as she watched Naraku turn from her; the modern weapon now directed towards the hanyou. Fear crept over her as she thought about what could happen next; thought about the dangerousness of the situation she'd been place in and the young man as well because of it.
"What if he gets shot," came the soft voice in the young woman's mind as the next statement played over and over like a broken record, "What if he dies?"
She heard the gun shot, tears welling in her deep hazel orbs as she watched as her hanyou was shot in the chest; blood seeping from the wound the small metal projectile had caused. Another shot rang through the air; she knew it was her hanyou retaliating. For the second time that day time seemed to slow, the demon before her dodging the bullet; the small object now heading towards her.
A blood chilling scream ripped from her throat as the bullet entered her body, the metal object embedding itself in her side. Pain flooded her body; her knees buckling as she lost feeling in her body.
The young miko fell to the ground, her vision fading in and out as began to succumb to welcoming darkness of unconsciousness. The last thing she saw before her vision gave way and her eyes closed was her hanyou, forced to his knees as another bullet was fired and entered his body near his heart.
"Please be okay InuYasha," she thought before the darkness clamed her, "Please be okay."
Heavy on my heart
I can't find my way home
"I'll let you live for now InuYasha," Naraku said, crossing over towards the wounded man, "I'll let you live with the guilt of harming your precious woman."
With that he turned around and left, fleeing the scene as the second commanding officer approached the two, his own gun drawn.
The young man knelt by the hanyou, his jade orbs locking with amber as he asked, "Are you okay? What happened?"
"Is she okay?" InuYasha questioned, averting his gaze towards the prone young woman a few feet away.
"What?" the man questioned.
"Kagome damn it!" the hanyou hissed as pain shot through his chest, "Go see if she's okay Shippo."
"All right," Shippo replied, turning around and running to the wounded woman, reaching two fingers and placing them on her neck; getting a faint pulse in response. A small smile graced his lips as he made his way back to the injured hanyou, "She's okay for the moment but you both need help."
"That's good," InuYasha sighed, his vision ebbing to black as his world continued to spin; his body falling, colliding with the cold cement below as his blood stained the sidewalk. She would be okay; and that's all that matters.
Heavy on my heart
So come and free me
Deep hazel fluttered open; the lack of light telling her it was well past sun down. Turning her head to the side she noticed the machine that had been hooked to her; monitoring her pulse and vitals. A tall figure beside her caught her attention; concerned emerald instantly flooded with relief as he saw the young woman had regained consciousness.
"It's good to see you awake, Kagome," The young man sighed, a small smile spreading across his face, "The doctors said you weren't going to make it; but I kept telling them you were a fighter."
"What happened?" Kagome questioned, curious eyes turning to the young man, "Where am I Shippo?"
The kitsune looked surprised, "You don't remember what happened?"
Kagome shook her head, "All I can remember clearly is leaving class this afternoon."
"Kagome," Shippo began, his tone serious, "Naraku attacked you today on your way home from school. Luckily InuYasha showed up and was able to help but you both were injured."
The young miko mulled over what she'd been told, memories flooding her as they flew before her eyes.
Hazel eyes widened as she shot into a sitting position; a hand instantly going to clutch her side, pain shooting from the wound.
"Be careful Kagome," the young man scolded, placing a hand on her shoulder to prevent the young miko from moving, "You'll agitate your wound."
"What happened to InuYasha," She questioned, her voice panicked and revealing she was on the verge of tears, "What happened to him?"
"He was shot twice in the chest," Shippo answered, his expression turning grim, "He's not doing so good Kagome, it's not looking good for him."
"Why not?" The miko inquired, "He's a hanyou! He heals faster than humans do and plus he's been through worse before…what's different this time?"
"It's his time of the month," The kitsune replied, emerald turning from the young woman before him.
"But that's not for another three or four days," Kagome corrected.
"You've been unconscious for three days Kagome," Shippo commented, "That's why we've been so worried."
Tears poured down the young woman's face, she feared for the hanyou; the young man now weakened and somewhere she couldn't go.
The door opened and a young man walked in, the white cover of his profession signifying his job as her doctor.
"How's she doing?" the man questioned, noticing the young miko had awoken, "Better I see."
"Much," Shippo replied, answering the doctor's question, "How about InuYasha?"
"He's in a stable condition finally," The doctor commented, "Though, with his change we had to move him to a more secluded room to keep a better eye on him. If he makes it through the night he may just survive this; however tonight is a big test."
"What room has he been moved to?" the kitsune questioned.
"Right down the hall to room 579," The young man replied, "I was just about to check on him after I checked up here."
"She's much better now," Shippo added, "Let us know if there are any developments with our friend."
"Will do," the doctor agreed, leaving the room and the pair behind him.
"See," Shippo offered, "He's doing better."
Kagome looked at him darkly, her hazel eyes narrowed, "I want to go see him."
"You can't," the young man sighed, "You have to stay here."
"We'll see about that," The young miko thought, falling back onto the bed; instantly regretting it as pain shot through her side, "We'll see about that."
It's so heavy on my heart
It's heavy on my heart
I can't make it alone
She opened her eyes a while later after pretending to be asleep for about an hour. The young woman had learned to even out her breathing over the years; make it seem as if she truly was asleep.
Sitting up slowly as to avoid causing herself any pain she looked beside her; the young kitsune seemingly asleep in the chair by the bed.
"Now how to do this?" Kagome thought to herself, eyeing the machine beside her and the iv connected to her right arm, "I could just unplug it? No, with my luck they'll have this thing on an alarm to alert the doctors in this place."
Checking to make sure the iv wasn't connected to anything other than her arm she pulled it out, a small amount of blood following the action as the needle left the limb. At the sight of the red liquid she snapped her head towards the young demon beside her; knowing full well he would probably wake any moment from the sent of her blood. She sighed when he simply stirred, moving to a more comfortable position in his chair.
"Now, what can I do about this?" Kagome continued, eyeing the machine with distaste as she contemplated on how to unhook the thing.
Deep hazel orbs looked from the piece of medical equipment to the young man beside her and back again, an ingenious idea popped into her mind as a smirk graced her lips.
Carefully she leaned as close as she could to the slumbering kitsune, pulling off one of the patches that'd been placed on her and gently placing them onto the young man's chest under his shirt; doing the same with the rest of the patches. Smiling she eyed her work, watching as the machine continued to beep and monitor the vitals only now it was the young kitsune's.
Slowly she pulled back the sheet that covered her, horror flooding her for the briefest of moments as she was relieved to find they had not inserted a catheter; she had no desire to remove that… and quite frankly didn't think she could. That would have ended her plan to see the hanyou right then and there.
Quietly she climbed out of the bed, tip toeing to the door and pressed her ear against it, listening for any movement out side in the hall. Hearing none she opened the door a crack and peered out, seeing the hall was clear she slipped out of her room, moving quickly down the hall to room 579.
An emerald orb watched as the young miko slipped from her bed and out of the room, the young man's head shaking as he closed his eyes once more. He knew she'd do anything to get to the young hanyou; had in the past so why would that change? The young man figured he'd just make it easier for her to do so, which is why he'd asked for the room number. Though, he had to give her points for her cleverness, changing the machine to monitor him was ingenious to say the least.
A broad smile crossed his lips as he fell back to sleep, "That's the Kagome I know and love."
Heavy on my heart
I can't find my way home
Heavy on my heart
So come and free me
It's so heavy on my heart
The door to room 579 slid open, the young woman slipping in and closed the wooden barrier as she entered. The young miko walked further into the room; hazel eyes instantly watering at what she saw.
There he was, her hanyou laying upon the hospital bed with the same machine she'd been hooked up to monitoring his vitals as well as other various machines connected to him as well. His normally silver hair had darkened to a jet black, his claws shortened to normal nails. And she knew if his eyes were open they'd be a blazing auburn instead of their molten amber they usually were.
She took a seat next to his bed, taking a hand in hers; his larger ones slightly cooler to the touch and she noted that he looked paler-due to his lack of blood no doubt. Lifting her other hand, she brought it up to cradle his cheek, her thumb gently running over the smooth skin.
"Come on InuYasha," The young miko pleaded, silver ribbons cascading down her face to land on the white fabric of the hospital sheet, "You can't die on me…not now…not when we've just found each other again."
She listened for a moment as the machine beeped, then started to make sort of a warning sound. Turning her attention to the piece of equipment she noticed the young man before hers' pulse had begin to slow; sending her in a flurry of panic.
"Don't you dare," She ordered, concentrating as hard as she could on the power with in her, taping into the miko energy she possessed. A pale pink aura surrounded the two as she concentrated on saving the man before her.
The young miko began to feel dizzy as the machine signaled the young man's vitals had returned to normal; he'd also gained a bit of color back to his pale countenance. Trying to keep upright she put all her weight on her elbow and suppressed the feeling of needing to be sick.
The young miko noticed the young man gently nuzzling her palm as auburn orbs fluttered open, instantly locking onto the woman beside him.
"You're okay," She sighed, her strength giving out as she slumped onto the bed, her head coming to rest beside the young man's hand which she still kept a tight grasp on.
"Are you okay Kagome?" Came the quite question from the wounded and weak man beside her.
Kagome nodded, lifting her head to gaze lovingly into the man's auburn eyes; the eyes she only saw once a month, "I am now."
A small smile spread across the young man's face before turning into a frown, his gaze averted from the young miko, "I'm sorry Kagome."
"For what?" She inquired tiredly, "You didn't do anything."
"I hurt you," InuYasha replied, managing to pull his hand from hers, "I shot you."
"You didn't mean to," the young miko added, trying to grasp the young man's hand once more, only for him to move it away from her.
"That's not the point," InuYasha argued, "I'm suppose to protect you and I ended up shooting you. This is exactly why I wanted you to stay behind."
"If it'll make you feel better," Kagome joked, "When you're better I'll shoot you."
His eyes closed as he sighed, "That wasn't funny, this is serious."
"I know," Kagome agreed, "But it wasn't your fault."
"If I hadn't pulled the trigger you wouldn't have been hurt," InuYasha continued to argue.
"And if I had moved I wouldn't' have been shot," The young miko retorted, abandoning her attempt in gaining the young man's hand and resigned to pulling herself upon the bed beside him. Laying on her side with her head resting on his shoulder as she draped an arm across to hug his waist, "You can say what you want InuYasha but I'm not going to let you needlessly beat yourself up."
"You're too forgiving," InuYasha commented, wrapping an arm around her, pulling her closer towards him, "You know that."
"I am," Kagome agreed, lifting her head to look into the young man's face, "When there's nothing done that warrants forgiveness."
The young man smiled contently, the young woman at his side moving as close to him as possible as her breathing evened out and sleep took her; the young man doing the same. Everything was going to be fine now, they were both alive and that's the way things were going to stay.
Author's Note
I would like to thank Bedard for the information on the ranks of the air force positions…I appreciate it! WOW! This is the longest chapter yet! I bet you all want to find out what's going on with Kagome right? And Inu too? Well you got to review! Remember I can still have them have an 'accident' … (laughs evilly as thunder booms in back ground)…Remember guys if you want me to update you got to review! 5 reviews or no update!
Chapter V: Some days you're the dog, some days you're the hydrant
Inu and Kags get out of the hospital and get to go home a few days after. What will Naraku do now? Where does Inu have to go? And did Naraku really go too? Whose this mysterious new worker at the base and why does she seem to know so much? And how will Kagome handle her first time in a fighter jet? Find out next time!