InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A Slave's Tale ❯ The Sacred Treasure ( Chapter 6 )

Summary: for five hundred years, demons have ruled.  All humans are slaves...Until one woman sought to change it. 

Disclaimer:  Inuyasha does not belong to me, *sigh* Oh well.

A Slave's Tale

Episode 6-The Sacred Treasure

It was well past midnight and the halls were dark except from the glow of the soft hall lights lighting the way for anyone would be up late. A door to a bedchamber softly squeaked open and a woman stepped out. Her head was bowed, her hair framing her face and falling over her shoulders as if to hide her from the world. Her bare feet crossed the polished tile flooring as she made her way down the hall. She was sore, her body ached and burned. It hurt to move, but she pressed on.

"Kikyou?" a soft masculine voice said from behind her.

There was a ringing and fuzzy sound in her ears and she did not yet recognize the voice. She cleared her throat, which felt scratchy and tender, stopping in the hall she quietly said, "Don't look at me."  Hearing footsteps softly approach her, she kept her eyes to the floor. Then seeing a pair of bare feet, which she knew it was a fellow slave who was standing before her. Feeling light headed, her knees gave out and she nearly fell to the floor if it wasn't for the individual who caught her and held her up against him.

She leaned closer, pressing the side of her face to his chest. The sound of his heartbeat seemed to soothe her. "Just let me go," she asked, quietly, weakly. Feeling a warm palm on her cheek, she cringed for there was an angry purple bruise there. She lifted her eyes to find concerned violet ones shinning back at her. She recognized those eyes.

He bent a little and snaked his arm under her legs and lifted her, cradling her against him. "Don't worry, Kikyou. I will help you."

"I don't need your kind of help Miroku." She struggled feebly in his arms, but he was not budging, he seemed to hold on tighter.

"Nonsense," Miroku said and waited till she stopped struggling around before walking himself down the hall. He could see her face although shadowed by the soft bronzed lamp light was covered in bad bruises and cuts, he cursed Naraku under his breath, angry and bitterly.

"What was that?" Kikyou swallowed, her throat aching.

Miroku let out a puff of air, "I said, damn Naraku, that monster." He held her securely, safely to him as he climbed down the stairs towards the Slave's Den. He could hear snoring as the other slaves all slept peacefully. Miroku continued to carry her through the maze of sleeping bodies over to the back room, where he went through the open door and then kicking it closed with his foot. Feeling around on the floor for the soft bedding, he gently laid Kikyou down on it. He felt around the table that he had bumped into with his hip for the small lamp. The glass and smooth cloth lampshade was there beneath his hands, feeling around he found the catch and switched it on. The bulb was dull, an amber color softly filled the room. He looked down at Kikyou who had turned on her stomach and was cringing in pain trying to remain brave and emotionless.  "Where else does it hurt?" He squatted down to her level.

"Everywhere," She answered smoothly her blue eyes riveted on his.  "do you want to know Miroku, would it please you to hear what I went through? Would you get off on it later?" Kikyou groaned and closed her eyes tightly

Miroku blinked, "Why would I do that?"

"Because you are just as sick and twisted as he is." She spat hatefully.

"There is a big difference between myself and that freak, I merely joke around you know that. I am never serious. Kikyou you have been hurt and badly. I could murder him for doing this to you." He scanned her face, it seemed to soften and she opened her eyes.

Kikyou could not stop the tears from gliding from her eyes, "He whipped me till I bled, he…oh it was just too horrible to talk about."

"Why did you do it then?"

A small sad smile curved against her lips, "I had to protect Kagome, she's my cousin and she is the only family I have.  I promised her mother when Kagome and I were sold to Lord Inutaisho that I would never let anything happen to her."

"That is very noble of you." His smile was warm and comforting, "now take off your clothes." He said completely in character and Kikyou's eyes narrowed, he rolled his eyes.  "So I can take care of you."  He saw her brow arch suspiciously, "I want to see the damage."

She lowered the back of the torn silk robe that Naraku had made her wear, from her back and what she revealed to Miroku's eyes made him stare wide eyed and cringe.  Her back appeared to have been marred by a wild beast, there were gashes at least an inch thick going in all directions and there was still a lot of blood flowing from the wounds.

"God Kikyou," He jumped to his feet, "I'll be right back."  Hurrying from the room, he gathered the necessary supplies and raced back, once again closing the door giving them, their privacy.  Miroku carried over to Kikyou a basin of water, clean cloths and some salve for the gashes, along with some bandages.  He sat down and picked up a cloth and soaked it in the water, then lightly patted her wounds with it, wiping off the blood. Miroku worked silently, with the occasional, gasp and groan from the girl laying down in front of him.  Then she spoke, startling him. 

Kikyou smiled at his body jolting, but then her face fell, seriousness enveloping her.  "Miroku, don't tell Kagome."

"Why not?" He continued to work wrapping the bandages around her as she had sat up, "She loves you; she cares about you. She has a right to know what has happened to you."

Shaking her head, Kikyou answered softly, "I don't want to worry her, please do not tell her about this."

Miroku stopped his wrapping and ran a hand through his hair, "I don't know Kikyou, I mean I don't keep secrets from her, no one does."  He secured the bandage with a piece of medical tape.

Holding the tattered robe to her chest, Kikyou turned around, facing him.  "Please?"  Her eyes were pleading and she knew he wouldn't be able to resist a pleading female.

Groaning, Miroku nodded, "Very well, I will not tell her.  But what will you say to her when she asks you about it and sees your face?"

"This will be the extent of the damage Kagome will see," Kikyou answered, looking down into her lap.  "I want to thank you, for assisting me Miroku.  I wouldn't have expected it from you."

He smiled brightly, "Well, I'm happy to help."  When he saw her smile, he felt butterflies dancing around in his stomach and he laughed nervously.  "Heh, heh, well I better let you get some rest, you had a long night."  Miroku awkwardly got to his feet and hurried from the room.

 Kikyou smiled to herself, thinking perhaps he wasn't quite as bad as she thought.

****

Kouga wrapped his shirt around Kagome, hiding her nakedness.  "Sorry about that." He was apologizing, yet was still smiling.  He saw her face increase in color and he leaned his head against her shoulder.  "I got kind of carried away."

Smiling Kagome nodded, "It is all right, I didn't like that uniform anyway." She buttoned his shirt, which was three sizes too big for her; it hung down past her waist as she got to her feet.  Glancing at Kouga she couldn't help the smile that crossed her features.  "I best get down with the rest of the slaves."

"Would you like an escort?" He asked jumping up to his feet from his seat on the table.

Kagome shook her head, "Nah, I'll be fine."  As Kouga stood to his full height, Kagome tilted her head upwards, "I will see you tomorrow." Reaching up, she kissed him on the cheek and turned away from him, her feet softly padding across the floor heading for the kitchen and then the stairs that led down into the Slave's Den.

Running a hand through his now untamed hair, Kouga's smile seemed to reach from ear to ear.  He sensed a Youkai near and his head jolted up and his eyes narrowed he knew exactly who it was.  "Kagura, I do not take kindly to being spied on."

A soft, yet false laughter came from the door to the dinning hall and Kagura slipped inside.  "That slave doesn't know her place, unless you count beneath you." She smirked and Kouga growled as she stepped towards him.  "That was quite a performance; I must say you even had me blushing."

"That is highly doubtful," Kouga crossed his arms over his powerful chest, "what do you want, why aren't you with Sesshomaru? I could have sworn I smelled his scent all over you."

Kagura was shaking with anger, but trying to show that she was not irritated, "who cares about him." she saw Kouga's dark brow arch.  Kagura had always been attracted to Kouga as well as Sesshomaru, Kouga here was the exact opposite of Sesshomaru, his hair, skin, his mannerisms, everything was so open and forward with this one.  Kagura took a step forward, almost too close to him.  "You know Kouga, I have always admired you."

"Is that so?"  He groaned, "Kagura, I do not have time to stand here and listen to this."  His eyes narrowed, "I know what you are going to try and get it, and you can just forget it.  If you want affection you can get it from the Inu asshole, all right?"  He grinned sarcastically, "Now if you'll excuse me."  He passed her by and headed for the door as the Wind Youkai was fuming with bitter anger. 

How dare he refuse her like this, "Oh you will regret this, Kouga.  I promise you, you will regret this!" She saw as he spun around, anger burning in his blue eyes.

"Do not threaten me, woman.  Do you understand me?" He growled barring his fangs, "If you ever attempt to do it again…"  Kouga did not finish his comment, he was just too angry at her and he might say something he would regret.  "Good night, Kagura." And he left the room.

She was tired of being used and refused; things were going to change around here.  And she would see to it that they changed for her.  With a loud huff, she hurried from the room heading for her own. 

****

During the Early hours of the morning as many of the slaves were preparing breakfast for the Youkai, rumors of Sesshomaru informing his father that he would approve of a personal slave for himself ran wild.  Of course it was only a rumor…

"Did ya hear, Yuka?" Rei asked her, as they poured muffin batter into the tins, "About Sesshomaru?"

She nodded, "I did, and I heard it from Mei, who heard it from Ritsuko, who heard it from Kaoru, who heart it from Sango who heard it from Lord Inuyasha."  Yuka scraped the bowl with the spatula, "I just wonder who he will choose."

 "It is just a rumor," Hojo said coming up behind the girls with a ham, he set it on the butcher block and pulled out a knife from the drawer and began slicing it.  "All you girls do is gossip."

"I hope he chooses me." Beamed Eri, "Have you seen him lately, man he's so…so-" She was interrupted.

"Scary?" Kagome finished for her; she had been cleaning up the floor from the blueberry juice that splattered the tiles.

Eri shook her head wildly, "I wasn't going to say scary, but I will admit he is intimidating as hell."

"Whatever." Kagome rolled her eyes and she got up off the floor and went to rinse out the cloth in the sink.  Looking out the window she saw Lord Inutaisho and Lord Naraku talking, her brows narrowed in thought as she reached over and popped open the window.  They were talking low, but her good ears had picked up something rather interesting, she did not notice the presence behind her until it cupped her behind and she shrieked.  Spinning around she found Miroku's stupid grinning smile.  "What did you do that for you jerk!?"

He snickered, "just wanted to get your attention."

Kagome growled and made to slap Miroku but he avoided her palms of steal, again and again, "Stay still and take your punishment like a man."

"Will you wear leather?" Miroku wiggled his brows, this seemed to frustrate Kagome and she simply turned around to ignore him.  "So what were you looking to so intently?"

Looking over her shoulder back at Miroku, Kagome thought a moment before answering. "I was just listening to Lord Inutaisho and Lord Naraku speaking, I heard something about a sacred treasure."

"Treasure?" Miroku leaned forward on the sink, putting his head near the window so he too could hear what was being said.  He watched the two lords closely, Naraku was nodding slowly and Inutaisho's hands were moving along as he spoke.  Then he turned towards the east and pointed to a shrine made of smooth stone and brick that has always been off limits to all slaves.  Inutaisho then patted Naraku on the back and the two of them were heading in that direction.

Miroku glanced back at Kagome then getting an idea, he reached down and grabbed a hold of her hand and started dragging her from the kitchen.  Kagome tried to resist being pulled along, but he was just too strong.

"Miroku, stop, what are you doing?" She tried to wrestle her hand from his, but his grip was too tight.

His smile was sneaky and bizarre as he continued to look forward, "I know you've always been curious about the shrine Kagome, I know I have.  So we are going to see just what is in there."

"What if they sense us Miroku, it is fifty lashes if any one of us is found near it."  Kagome shrieked as she collided into him for he stopped suddenly.

"I think it's worth the risk, Kagome." He said, turning his head towards her.  "So come on, stop being a wimp."

Kagome's temper was sparking, but she was not a wimp and she was going to prove it.  "Fine, let's go."  And together, the two of them crept towards the shrine, careful of anyone who might see them.  Pressing themselves against the walls, they were about to round the corner, the iron door to the shrine was wide open and they could hear the lords voices from inside.

"I am pleased that you have kept the jewel safe all these years, Lord Inutaisho."  Lord Naraku held the object of his desire up to his eye level.  It was a beautiful round orb hanging on a chain.  He eyed it lustfully, "It is time for you to come home my pretty."

Only Kagome and Miroku's eyes peered around the corner and they saw it, the treasure.  They both could feel the power radiating from the small pink jewel in Lord Naraku's hand.  He suddenly stiffened sensing intruders, looking towards Inutaisho, Lord Naraku noticed that he did not respond the same way.  He was surely losing his touch with his surroundings. Naraku smirked and turned his attention back to the jewel and slipping the chain over his head.  The orb hung down against his chest and he put it inside his silk shirt, feeling it against his skin caused him to grin most evilly.  His dark eyes lifted to Inutaisho's "We may return to feast on breakfast."

Inutaisho nodded, and turned to move away, he noticed Naraku not moving.  "Are you not coming?"

"I'll be along in a moment."

Kagome and Miroku saw Inutaisho coming towards them and they hurried around to the other side of the shrine, watching him pass by without so much as sparing them a glance.  They both let out a relieved breath and smiled at each other.

"That was close," Miroku said to Kagome, running a hand through his hair.

There was a soft yet dangerous laughter from behind them, and both Kagome and Miroku's eyes widened a fraction, slowly turning their heads they found Naraku standing there with a smirk curved against his lips.

"Is there not a penalty for spying on your lord and master?"

"Uh…" Kagome was at a loss for words, her brain was not working correctly it seemed to freeze up.  Her whole body started shaking from an unknown feeling running through her.  This demon or half demon was different, unlike any other she had encountered and she felt his aura, it was nothing but pure evil and she could feel it down into the depths of her very soul.

Naraku's eyes narrowed, "You will answer when spoken to." He commanded.

"We just wanted to know what was in the shrine," Miroku spoke up, looking at Kagome, noticing she was still wide eyed and completely still, "Right?"

She nodded, very slowly. As if it took real effort to make the motion of her head moving up and down.  "Yes, that is right."  Kagome answered tightly.

"Did you see what was in this shrine?" Naraku asked lightly.

Both Miroku and Kagome shook their heads no, but somehow they were sure Naraku knew they were lying.

Another laugh, cold and emotionless came from Naraku as he stepped closer to the slaves, "I might be persuaded not to inform your lord of your deceptive behavior, but I would like something in return for my silence."  His eyes slowly moved down, Kagome's body, imagining what she would look like without the green dress.

"No way!" Miroku growled out, seeing the way this lord was looking at his friend.  He was wondering why Kagome wasn't reacting to him.  Was she immobile, under a spell, what?  He couldn't figure it out.

Naraku was grinning, "You haven't even heard my proposition yet."

"I can only imagine what it is going to be," Miroku bit out harshly in retort.

Lifting his cold finger to Kagome's cheek, Naraku felt her trembling.  That pleased him.  "I do not ask for much, all I want from her is a kiss." He said sounding like the deal was just a little too easy.

Miroku's eyes narrowed in suspicion, "Is that all?"

The Lord nodded, tracing her cheek with his finger, then reaching up and cupping her face with his other hand.  "That is all, just one kiss in exchange for my silence for your spying."

Looking towards Kagome, Miroku asked her.  "Kagome, it is up to you."

Even though her fear was surrounding her and his evil seemed to squeeze her soul, finally Kagome was able to speak, but her voice sounded strained and weak. "Y-You won't tell our lord, if all you receive from me is a kiss and nothing more?"

"You have my word." Naraku answered, sounding almost sly.

She nodded, "All right then." Kagome took a deep breath, trying to settle the feelings of fear rushing through her as Naraku came nearer to her.  He had backed her up to the wall of the shrine.

"Shh, don't worry my pet; it will be over soon enough." He stroked her cheek with the back of his fingers in a tenderness that one never thought he could show.  "Relax." 

Tears drizzled from her eyes as he moved in, she could feel his warm breath on her face, his tongue snaked out and lightly licked up her cheek, removing the wetness from her face.  Kagome's eyes slammed shut in revulsion as his mouth covered over hers hard and demanding, his body slammed against hers making her squeal.  She felt ill as his tongue plundered her mouth, hard and relentless.  Then she felt it, sharp pain digging around in her mouth and she tasted her own blood.  She struggled, lifting her hands to beat her fists against his chest.  Quicker than anticipated his own hands came up and grabbed at hers, pressing her wrists against the wall, keeping her immobile as his fangs pierced the softness of her mouth, her tongue, everywhere. 

Her blood was so sweet and he could feel a power within it, it was intoxicating that he had forgotten exactly where he was for a moment.

From the side, Miroku saw lines of Kagome's blood dripping down from the corners of her mouth, and she was struggling so hard but couldn't get away from him.  Forgetting his place in the world for one moment in time, he wildly jumped onto Naraku's back, looping his arms around the lord's neck and pulled hard, attempting to choke the life out of Naraku.  "Get off of her!!" He yelled out.

Releasing his hold on the girl, Naraku twirled around and slammed Miroku who was on his back into the wall, and the boy released him, sliding down the stone groaning in pain.  Naraku's rage was a calm rage as he glared down at the slave boy, "You forget your place in this world human." He spat calmly, reaching down Naraku grabbed a hold of Miroku's shirt and pulled him to his feet.  The boy was actually growling at him and Naraku chuckled.  "Foolish boy," He tightened his fist and lifted it slamming the back of closed fist it into Miroku's cheek sending the boy flying across the lawn.  "I have had enough of this nonsense."  He turned on his heels and strolled elegantly towards the palace.

Kagome after wiping her mouth with her sleeve rushed over to Miroku's side, he was on his back staring up at the sky.  He blinked three times.  "Miroku, are you all right?"

Sitting up slowly, Miroku rubbed the back of his head where a terrible bump was now forming.  "Yeah," He tasted something metallic, and Miroku probed his tongue around his own mouth to find the damage, he discovered that the corner of his mouth had been bleeding and it was cut from being hit in the face.  "I will heal."  He sighed seeing her eyes still full of tears.  He reached up and covered her hand with his, "the question is, are you all right?"

She nodded, "I will heal." Kagome smiled, and grabbed Miroku's hand much more firmly and helped pull him to his feet.  "Did it hurt much when he hit you?"

Miroku's brows knitted together thoughtfully, "Actually, I hardly felt it.  It must be the extensive training we go through on a weekly basis."  Then he cringed, "But I will have one massive headache from hitting the ground with my head so hard."

"Come on Miroku, let's get cleaned up and help out with breakfast," Kagome felt more at ease now that Naraku was no where near her.  It was strange that she couldn't really do anything to fight against him, and what was that orb he has?  Why would he leave it here if it were so powerful?  These were questions that she would present to Hojo later tonight.  She noticed that she had stopped walking and Miroku was a far in front of her.  She started in a small jog to catch up.

****

"My Lord, please reconsider this." Kouga was standing in front of Inutaisho's desk in his study.

Inutaisho shook his head and pushed towards him a pile of currency, "I am returning this to you, since you do not get your full year."

"Why are you doing this to me? I have been your trusted friend an ally since, well for more than a hundred years." He was standing as straight as an arrow, trying not to let emotion come into this negation.

"It is not done to you on purpose Lord Kouga," Inutaisho scooted back from his desk, the feet of his chair scraping against the tiles as he pushed back from the desk.  He stood up and approached the window, looking out.  Slaves were tending to the shrubbery and flowers of the gardens.  Inutaisho turned around, folding his hands behind his back giving Kouga his complete attention.  "My son has requested a personal slave, it might be good for him to experience first hand how humans should be treated."

"But why give him Kagome?"  He tightened his fists at his sides, glaring down at the polished wood of the desk, a picture frame with a small picture of Inutaisho's human love was smiling up at him almost mockingly, or so it seemed to him.

Inutaisho has always known of the feud between his son and Kouga, but he needed to tell him what was going on, it was the only honorable thing to do.  "He requested her."

Kouga's blue eyes narrowed bitterly, "What?" He growled low in his throat, "He is doing this on purpose."  He raised his tense fist in the air, "How dare he do this, he is doing this just to infuriate me."

"That may be, but even though you are my trusted friend Lord Kouga, Sesshomaru is my son, and his needs come first before anyone else in my court."  He stepped forward and put a comforting hand on Kouga's shoulder.  "I'm sorry."

The wolf demon shook off Inutaisho's hand roughly, and glared at him.  "What if he hurts her?"

"I know it will sound cold, but it is no longer your concern." He heard the most feral growl coming from within Kouga's chest.  "Do not worry, Lord Kouga.  She will be just fine.  I will not allow my son to damage what is mine; she is still my property even if my son will be served by her for now."

"I will not allow anything to happen to her, even if you have taken her back and away from me.  I will still watch over her.  I am in love with her and if anyone hurts her, I will hurt them.  No matter who or what they are."  Kouga never made an empty threat and right now, he was so angry that he very well would carry through with it.

"I understand that, the only way you will be allowed near her though Lord Kouga is if Sesshomaru allows it."

A loud knock echoed in the study from the door and as it creaked open Jaken's head poked inside.  The little green toad Youkai shivered with the look Kouga was giving him.  He cleared his throat and squawked out: "Sorry to bother you Lord Inutaisho, but Lord Naraku is leaving."

He nodded, "Thank you Jaken," Inutaisho waited till Jaken pulled his head out of the room, closing the door.  "I am sorry Lord Kouga; I could perhaps give you another in her place?"

"No!" He growled, closing his eyes, Kouga took a deep breath toning down his anger, "I mean no thank you, Lord Inutaisho."

Inutaisho then nodded, "I know you love her, but you need to give her up."  He smiled reassuringly even though he knew it wasn't helping the wolf at all.  Heading for the door, he quickly left through it to see Naraku off.

After a few moments of silence and wallowing in his anger, Kouga growled loudly and with heavy movements headed for the door.  As soon as he stepped outside, he found Sesshomaru standing there with barely a smirk on his face, it was hardly noticeable.  "Why?" His tone was thick and rippling with pure malice.

"Why not?" Sesshomaru answered coldly in his own question.

Kouga bared his fangs, "You better not so much as touch her, if you do I swear I'll rip your stupid head off."

"It's nice to see your crudeness hasn't changed much over the past hundred years," Sesshomaru insulted in a light tone.  "And if it's all the same to you, I'd rather not soil myself so shamelessly with a dirty human. "

"I am glad to see that you and I can agree on you not touching her," Kouga smirked hatefully.  He spun on his heels and stalked away.

Sesshomaru felt the presence of the Wind Youkai, Kagura standing behind him, he turned his head, looking back at her.  "Something you need?"

"No, not from you. What were you and the wolf talking about?" She wondered why Sesshomaru would want a human slave to serve him, he hated humans.  "Were you just doing this to irritate him?"

"Perhaps, although it is none of your concern.  Keep your nose out of my affairs." Sesshomaru's voice was calm, yet one could tell that he was completely serious and was not to be crossed.

She glared hard at the back of Sesshomaru's head as he walked away from her, she hated being treated like a second class citizen here,  She was a Youkai too damn-it and she would prove that she was also to be feared.  Kagura would get the respect she deserved, no matter what it took.  She will get what she wants.

=====

Well that is it for episode 6, things are starting to move along plot wise now,  So until next time readers. ^_^

Remember to review!

Thanks,

Ryoko Blue