A Hidden Angel

I do not own InuYasha or any or Rod Stewart's songs, but I do own Arcangel and the character Socrates! If anyone wants to use them, you must have my permission. Song will appear as **.


Chapter 6: Invitations and Searching

*~ Kaede's Village, After Kagome's Departure ~*

"How in the hell could you let her go? We don't even know if this was a trap, or if this woman was trust worthy?" InuYasha fumed. "Did you forget that we are in a war with Naraku, and he always seems to find allies in the strangest places?"

InuYasha was beyond pissed. The last time he had seen Kagome she was writhing in pain. The thought of her being in constant danger plagued him. 'Who in the hell is her grandmother?' InuYasha thought. 'Sometimes Kagome can be too trusting and gets kidnapped way too easily.' InuYasha's brain began to work and scheme. 'That's it she was brain washed and kidnapped. We have to set out at once and save her.' He began to smirk with his plan and addressed the troops as it were.

"Alright guys, we have to go and save Kagome." InuYasha said with new vigor.

"InuYasha, I told you that Kagome went of her own free will. She is with her grandmother. I am sure that she is fine." Songo tried to reason.

"Ha, that just shows how much you know." InuYasha retaliated, "She was brain washed and kidnapped, and it wouldn't be the first time it has happened."

"Alright, I am sure that we can't tell you no." Miroku said, "Were do suggest we begin."

"Well Songo said that she headed toward the west," the hanyou said thoughtfully, "so we go west."

InuYasha didn't like the idea of going that way, considering he would be heading into his brothers territory. He hoped that he could avoid a confrontation; Kagome's welfare was at risk every minuet that he wasted. 'That bastard had better not be behind this.' He thought with clenched fists. 'But why would he want her. Oh well I don't have time to figure the sick, twisted inner workings of my half-brother.'

"Alright, let's get this show on the road." Shippo announced happily.

"InuYasha wait," Songo called after him, "Kagome wanted you to hold on to this. She said that she knew that it would be safe with you and didn't want to lose it."

In Songo's hand was a little handkerchief, she handed it to him. It felt as though some type of metal was wrapped in it. ‘What could she have wanted me to hold on to?’ InuYasha thought.

The handkerchief fell away to reveal a necklace, it looked as though it were very old, considering it was tarnished in certain areas. The shape of it was rather odd; it looked like a feather, a tiny metallic feather.

A small smile traced his lips, ‘She would not have left something like this behind, unless she planned on coming back.’ He thought to himself.

“Come on guys times a’ wastin’!” InuYasha hollered out to his companions as he put the necklace lovingly into his haori.

** So far away
Doesn’t anybody stay in one place anymore?
It will be so fine to see your face at my door
And it doesn’t help to know that your just time away
Long ago I reached for you and there you stood
Holding you again could only do me good
Oh how I wish I could
But you’re so far away**

The group of weary travelers had been traveling for house and InuYasha was sure that they were either close to his brother’s territory or already in it. All the towns’ people were reluctant to talk to the hanyou, but, they all had no answers for him. They had not seen a woman matching his description.

“Where in the hell could she be?” InuYasha yelled at no one in particular. “Songo said that she went west and no one has seen her. And to make matters worst I can’t even pick up her scent. This makes absolutely no sense.”

The others couldn’t help but roll their eyes. Obviously wherever Kagome was she or something did not want anyone to find her. This just seemed to make the hanyou more and more frustrated; every time he didn’t get his desired answer he would turn red in anger, reach into his haori and all of a sudden be calm again. They all assumed that he was reaching for the necklace Kagome had left behind.

** One more song about moving along the highway
I can’t say much of anything that’s new
But if I could only work this life out my way
I’d rather spend it being close to you
But you’re so far away
Doesn’t anybody stay in one place anymore?
It will be so fine to see your face at my door
And it doesn’t help to know you’re so far away
So far away, yeah you’re so far away**


They didn’t know how right they were. Every time InuYasha got angry or frustrated he would reach into his haori and rub the tiny piece of jewelry. It was strange how comforting a small item such as a necklace could calm him, but, the thought that Kagome trusted him with such a sacred object made him forget about his anger. So shrugging his shoulders he looked towards his companions once more.

“Well let’s keep on moving. We will stop at night fall. She has to turn up somewhere.” InuYasha said in a calm defeated tone. ‘Kagome, where are you? It’s so lonely without you around. Just send me one little clue, something, anything, to let me know you are alright.’

**Traveling around sure get’s me down and lonely
Nothing else to do but close my mind
And I sure hope the road don’t get to own me
There’s so many dreams that I’ve yet to find
But you’re so far away
Doesn’t anybody stay in one place anymore?
It will be so fine to see your face at my door
And it doesn’t help to know
You’re so far away, you’re so far away
You’re so far away, you’re so far away
Oh I need to get in touch with ya baby
You’re so very, very, very far away
You’re so, so far away**


~* Present Time, Socrates Invitation Mission *~

“Alright So-Crates you have your orders. You know who to see, where to see them and which Invitations you are to give. Right?” Arcangel asked in a condescending tone.

*Sigh* “Yes Madame. I know how to deliver the Invitations. I will be back as soon as possible. I am sure that you would like to harass me some more before our bachelors… I mean guests arrive.” Socrates replied with a bored tone. Oh, how he hated his mistress calling him So-Crates. It made him sound so uncivilized, never mind he was named after a great philosopher.

“Very good So-Crates make sure you handle the situation delicately. I would not want anyone to get the wrong idea.” Arcangel said with a smirk.

And with no further delay Socrates was off to deliver his first “Invitation” to the stoic lord of the west… Sesshomaru…


~* Somewhere in the Western Lands *~

‘There seems to be a newly awakened presence in my lands. For some strange reason I feel as though I know it.’ Thought the lord of the west, ‘I felt it along time ago, when father was still alive and took that wretched nigen as a mate.’

Somehow about a week ago Sesshomaru felt a strange presence in his lands and began to seek it out. It seemed to call out to him; he didn’t think that it was threatening, rather familiar. The feel of raw power and the smell of wildflowers after a spring shower called out to him as well. What was it that was calling out to him? He had to know.

“Jaken,” The cold, stoic lord called out, “I sense something coming this way; watch Rin.”

“Yes. Mi’lord.” Came the little toads answer.

Soon the shape of a rather large eagle came into sight. Carrying some sort of parchment and the smell of wildflowers after the rain; the bird came closer and closer and the smell became stronger and stronger.

‘Could this be the thing that I was sensing earlier in the week?’ Sesshomaru thought, ‘No this creature does not posses much power at all. Perhaps this is a subordinate.’

When the fairly large eagle landed on the forest floor it folded it’s right wing in front of it’s bodice and gave a small bow and began to speak, “Greetings Lord Sesshomaru,” the bird looked to the side and noticed Jaken, “and servant….”

“Excuse me I am no servant! I am Jaken and Lord Sesshoumaru’s loyal retainer.” Jaken didn’t have time to say much else as he was punted into a nearby lake.

“Excellent shot Lord Sesshomaru,” the bird exclaimed, “But as I was saying I am Socrates and Lady Arcangel’s confidant and I have come to extend an Invitation to her home.” Socrates finished handing over the parchment.

Sesshomaru took the so-called invitation with grace and began to read:

Lord Sesshomaru,

I am an old friend and ally of your father’s. I would like to extend my hand and welcome you to my home in the western mountains tomorrow morning. I can only hope that we can become as close to as your father was. On a side note your brother has also been welcomed and I am aware that family ties are not strong, but, talk an alliance must be formed to end the threat that is Naraku. Please consider my offer and give your answer to my carrier pigeon.

Arcangel

“Bird, you will tell your mistress that I will meet her at her dwelling tomorrow morning.” Sesshomaru stated in a bored manner.

“As you wish my lord.” Socrates stated, bowing again before departure.

Meanwhile Jaken had just finished drying himself form his little excursion in the lake. He thought that he hadn’t deserved such treatment; after all he was only protecting his title.

“Mi’lord. Why did you feel that you had to kick me into the lake?” Jaken whined more to himself than to anyone. Big mistake, once more without warning he was kicked back into the lake, life was so unfair.

“Lord Sesshomaru, Master Jaken flew.” Answered an over excited Rin exclaimed.

“Yes, he did. Come Rin we must be on our way.” Sesshomaru said over his shoulder as they began their trip to the western mountains.


~* The Wolf Den *~

“Hey boss, we found this bird near the entrance to our cave. HE has been demanding that he see you; something about an Arcangel person and sister Kagome.” Ginta and Hakkaku said in unison.

“Well what are you waiting for, bring him over here… unharmed.” Kouga stated in a firm tone.

With a sigh they loosened their grip on poor Socrates and placed him in front of their leader. “Thank-you Lord Kouga. At least someone around here has some dignity.” Socrates said with obvious distain toward the other two wolf demons.

“Yes, I guess.” Kouga said without interest, “Now what news do you have about Kagome? She hasn’t been harmed has she? She’s not in trouble is she? This Arcangel isn’t holding her captive are they?” Kouga said in one breath almost wanting to reach out and strangle the over grown bird.

“No, no, no. My Lord, it is the exact opposite. Lady Kagome is just fine and my Lady Arcangel is no kidnapper, she is actually Lady Kagome’s grandmother.” Socrates said in a reassuring tone.

“Okay and what does that have to do with me?” Kouga said in a disbelieving tone.

“Well my lord, it has a lot to do with you. Lady Kagome has reached the age of 18 and must take a mate by the next full moon. My Lady Arcangel has invited you to her home to court her.” Socrates said as he tried to hand the parchment to him.

“You mean that I can actually get the chance to mate Kagome? I can actually claim my woman.” He was getting nods from the bird and let out a loud howl of approval and dashed out of his cave.

“Quick to fire, but, short on ammunition that one is.” Socrates said to on one in particular. “Make sure that your leader get’s this parchment, it will tell him where he can find my lady’s dwelling.”

“Sure thing,” Ginta said putting the paper away, “Hey boss slow down you forgot something. Hey do you even know where you are going.” He called out to a whirlwind.

Socrates took to the air and made sure that the wolf prince had the directions and set out to the last bachelor… the hanyou…InuYasha.


~* With InuYasha and the Gang *~

*Suck* Smack* Pop*

“Myoga,” InuYasha exclaimed as the little flea demon popped back into his rightful size. “What are you doin’ here?”

“Ahh, Master InuYasha it is so nice to see you again.” Myoga stated in a chipper voice. “I have come to tell you that Lady Arcangel has come back and…”

“What did you say?” InuYasha said seething in anger as he squeezed the tiny flea in his hands.

“I…*wheeze* …said…Lady…*Wheeze*…Arcangel…” Myoga said in between breaths, praying his lord would let him go.

Reluctantly he lightened his hold and said, “Talk.”

“As you wish Master InuYasha; it all started about 100 years ago when and angel named Arcangel became involved with your father, InuTashio. They fought together for many years; no one could tame her urges to wanting to charge into battle. They had many victories; unfortunately she could not win the one thing that she wanted most, his heart. Around that time the heavens were getting pretty aggravated with the power she had gained and how much she had meddled in mortal affairs.

Eventually she became lonely after your father claimed a human woman as his own and had you. Around this time Heavens were closely watching her every move and decided that she had far too much for any one being to possess. So as a punishment they cut her Celestial Robe in half; cursing her to forever live on earth, never to return to paradise again. It was at that moment she decited to go into a deep sleep until she was needed again.” Myoga said, saddened by the accounted story.

“Well that was an interesting story, but, that does not help me. This old loon has Kagome and has brainwashed her into thinking that she is her granddaughter.” InuYasha said through his teeth.

“Well there were rumors that Lady Arcangel immaculated a conception, so it is possible that Kagome could be her granddaughter.” Myoga said cringing, hoping for a chance to get away. But, Before InuYasha could say anything further a rather large bird appeared.

“Are you the hanyou InuYasha?” The Large bird said with distain in his voice.

“Yeah, who wants to know?” InuYasha said rudely.

“I am Socrates, Lady Arcangel’s humble companion. I have come to extend a welcome for you at her home. Her granddaughter Lady Kagome has come of age to take a mate and you are to be one of her suitors.”

“That’s a bunch of crap; Kagome would never do something like that. If that were the case she would have already been mated to me.” InuYasha stated, forgetting who was around him.

“Well what I say is true. She is to be mated by the next full moon. The young wolf prince seemed mighty eager to go to Lady Kagome’s side.” Socrates stated in a bored tone. “Well I guess I’ll be off then. I must tell Lady Arcangel that there were no other suitors interested Lady Kagome’s hand. Meaning Lord Kouga wins by default.”

“Just wait a minuet bird. I didn’t say that I didn’t want to court Kagome.” InuYasha sighed, obviously defeated. “Where do I have to go?”

Socrates handed InuYasha the parchment that held instructions to where “Lady Arcangel” lived and took off. ‘Well Kagome I hope you are okay. I hope that you aren’t brainwashed, but, if this is real I hope that I can win your hand.’ InuYasha thought as he watched the loud mouthed bird leave. Somehow he hoped this wasn’t a farce, for if that were the case he could have the chance to mate Kagome.


Sorry it took so long for me to update. I had finals at the beginning of May, then I had to go home and visit my parents who are still in the stone age i.e. no computer. I was out there for a month and now my little sister is visiting for the summer. This is just the first chance I have had to work on the story. Oh well Next time on A Hidden Angel: Chapter 7: A Moonlight Swim and the Sentry of the Gates