InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A Surreptitious Love Affair ❯ An Involuntary Tryst ( Chapter 5 )

 

 

 

Chapter 5: An Involuntary Tryst

 

 

 

Over the course of the next few days and nights, Kagome and Inuyasha continued to meet and as a result, getting closer both emotionally and physically. Kagome could tell that Inuyasha was struggling with all these new sensations and prospects of their relationship. He was chary and timorous because of the fact that not only was he trying to get used to seeing her as more than a friend but he actually didn't know how to be in an intimate relationship. As a half demon, with demon blood in his veins, was shunned and treated like chattel because of the laws.

 

According to her knowledge obtained by teachings and years of study, demons were among the first beings on earth, way before humans were. There were many different species of demons, including more prominently Inu, Neko, Ookami, and Tori, mainly the Inu and Neko overruling most races. Demons were widespread throughout the world before humans, wild and feral. There were also two main branches of Demons: Demons who had the appearance of a human and those who looked like any other animals, but stood out because of natural markings and unique but aberrant behavior. Over the course of centuries, when humans were just as wild as the demons, many demon species were either wiped out completely for food or were tamed to help the new beings that plagued their once unoccupied world. Some species however, like Inu and Ookami remained feral because they would not submit to anyone. The two species remained undomesticated and completely vicious for a few more hundred years until the humans overpopulated them a thousand to one. Inu and Ookami have similar traits and behaviors but are completely different other than that. Inu are more common and ruthless when it comes to territory and their packs and will kill when necessary or if these are threatened in any way. Ookami are basically the same except since the Inu outnumber them, they are more self-preservative and basic instincts apply more to them in terms of it. Of the two branches, the humanoid demons were more common but the Inu that acted like pets to them lived among them. Over the centuries, Inu and Ookami became popular and in turn were worshipped in many tribes and cultures, and had many legends and myths surrounding them.

Unfortunately, as humans became more civilized, their feral behavior was threatened. Around the 18th century, since the two species were becoming dangerously close to losing their ability to remain wild, they went into an occultation and were so rarely seen, people wondered if the two species were actually extinct. It was that way for them all around the world but most of the Inu were in Japan, or more accurately on the island of Shikoku. Shikoku was the island most unoccupied so Inu weren't seen so their numbers remained high. Unfortunately, when men came to the island in the 1800's and discovered them, everyone flocked to the island, commonly were rich families to set up homes and towns. Since Shikoku was a safe place, not only Inu, but other species of demons that were also untamed and rare lived on the island, but quickly were overcome. Since the first settlement, both humanoid and pet demons were helpless so they were forced to abide by the humans.

Kagome learned that her father's ancestors were the first to settle on the island. Higurashi and many known names that remain on the island today, came up with the laws, regulations, and bills that applied to the native demons, most known is The Demon Labor Law. It specifically states that any and all demons on Shikoku were only to be used in any labor and/or work that the owner wishes. Demons were considered to be noisome, nugatory, and useless scum, so they were completely stripped of any and all rights and freedom they once had. If this law was broken in any way, consequences resulted in death or severe punishment by the Shikoku government and the owner.

This is why Kagome despised her family name and the Demon Labor Law so much. She couldn't begin to think as to what possessed people in not only Shikoku, but similar cultures that required demon labor, to dominate and overrule demons. They had no rights at all and weren't educated. So naturally humans assumed that demons were stupid, but the truth was that since demons survived for far longer than humans, they had natural instincts that remained with them since the world began, in other words, these creatures are a lot smarter than any human on earth. Since they have no power over humans, they refuse to show how smart they actually are.

Because of this, demons weren't allowed to love humans, due to the result of the offspring if they bred. Half demons were revered more detestable than full blooded demons. Considered to be a nuisance among the earth, half demons were treated worse. Humans considered them to be worth more than full blooded, because they had human and demon blood, which tended to result in a powerful laborer. They could work for far longer but only survived for half as long as full bloods. Their rarity caused humans to obtain at least one half blood and milk them for all their worth in labor. There were probably only a handful of half bloods on Shikoku. So even though they are worth more than full demons, they are detested and vile among civilization.

 

Being a half Inu youkai, Inuyasha had a troubled life. Kagome learned that his father was a powerful Inu youkai, among the finest in the world. His power reigned supreme among other Inu bloodlines and is the longest surviving. His mother was a human, born from a wealthy family. Because of the laws in effect, any human who purposely breaks the laws and consummates with a demon, that human would be tried and possibly banned from their family. That's what happened with Inuyasha's mother. After he was born, she was presented to the court, tried, and exiled from her family. Inuyasha was taken away from her, going from home to home, working hard labor day after day. His father, however, disappeared after his mother was exiled. No one knows where the both of them are now, but Inuyasha believes that somehow they might still be alive. His father possibly, but his mother would probably have been either killed or starved to death. Inuyasha blames himself for the life that his mother was banned from but Kagome disagrees, saying that it wasn't his fault; it's the damn laws that did it.

 

 

She keeps trying to coax him out of his petrified shell and bit by bit, succeeding. If he had a troubled childhood, she knew that it was up to her to completely break his defenses and love him, as if he was a normal human. She didn't care about the laws, so what if she did break them. She was by all means a prisoner in her own home and at times, treated as such. She would not let her family keep pushing and berating her and would climb that tough wall that she never could, and succeed.

 

 

 

 

The day of the Takada party came all too fast. Father kept running around, busy as always and Mother…well let's just say that she was completely obsessed with her appearance. Every time a social event came up, Mother would always run around, trying to look as profuse as possible. It made Kagome sick to her stomach. When the word `party' was mentioned, all Mother cared about was herself and what would look good to wear.

Kagome just remained in the safety of her bedroom, away from the chaos stirring around the house. Kaede wasn't too keen on parties either and avoided the mess when she could. According to what Father announced, the Takada would hold their social gathering at 8:00 that evening and lasting until well in the morning. That never-ending burning hatred of meeting her so called fiancé fueled her actions more than any other that day. She would be introduced to him, they would talk, walk around, acting like a married couple in front of the cameras. Yes there would be cameras and paparazzi there and it made her feel all the more bitter. So the whole country will know of their engagement.

 

Kaede would accompany them to the party and remain there with Kagome until she had enough. Kagome insisted that she come along, not wanting to be smothered with unwanted attention at the gathering. Kaede was more than willing to but dreaded about what exactly was going to happen. Kagome didn't intend on staying that long, just enough to meet, talk for a while, bear the cameras for a few hours, and hightail it out of there.

 

“Kaede, I can't do this! My bastard of a father expects me to just act like I'm thrilled to see my unknown fiancé but I have other plans. I'm not going to sit there and pretend to be happy!”

They were presently in her room, preparing to leave for the Takada mansion in a while. Kaede was assisting in her dressing, listening and agreeing completely.

 

“All you have to do is sit and walk for a few hours and act all pleasant.”

 

“Pleasant?! Ha that's a laugh! If I wasn't being controlled by my father, I would gladly kick this unknown bastards' ass to the curb! But noooooo! I have to be the `perfect' daughter. I just hope I can make it through the night.”

 

“Such language, child! But I can't say I blame you. Now turn around and look at how beautiful you really are.” She ordered stepping away from her and admiring her work as well as how wonderful she actually looked.

 

She turned around slowly and stopped, stunned as she gazed at her own reflection. Sure she's attended many social events but never has she looked so…so elegant and comely.

She was wearing a fire red evening gown that went to the floor, leaving a small trail behind her as she would walk. The gown was strapless. The back nearly exposed her back but the dress curved just above her hips. The cloth was pure silk, having actual diamonded designs all over her bodice. Below that, just beautiful red silk flowed down to the floor. Her hair was just as nice. All of it was curled, being in a high ponytail, while a few stray strands framed both sides of her face. With her dress was a matching shawl, designed to hide her exposed flesh to any eager eyes. She demanded the shawl; otherwise she would have flat out refused to wear the gown.

 

“Oh my God, Kaede, you really outdid yourself this time. It's better than when I first looked at it. I love it!” She said, twirling around a few times, trying to confirm everything.

 

“I know your taste in clothes and I knew that you would look absolutely radiant. Of course I had to remind myself that you prefer shawls with outfits like this and I took the liberty of making it for you.” She explained. Grabbing Kagome's matching pumps, she strode over to her again, reminding her that they were due to leave within moments.

 

After making sure that she was ready, Kagome and Kaede made their way through the halls, down the staircase to meet her mother and father. When they reached them, Kagome hated to admit that tonight, Mother actually looked pretty. Father looked snazzy in his formal tuxedo. She heard footsteps approaching and she turned to face the one person that she wanted at that moment. He and a few others stopped a few feet from the four that were leaving, awaiting orders.

While her father gave orders to the demons, Kagome kept looking at Inuyasha, wordlessly expressing the pain she's being put through. Inuyasha snuck quick peeks to stare at her, only lasting a few seconds. Inside of her, she was suffering, more than she ever did and ever was. Staring into the eyes of the man she loved more than life itself, being forced against her will, she wanted nothing more than to run to him. She held back her tears that threatened to spill because such a thing would put her into more turmoil if they did leak. She hugged herself, suddenly feeling cold. She closed her eyes, hiding all the pain that was bottled up inside. She was pulled out by a swift tug from Kaede, signaling that they were leaving. She nodded and walked behind her parents, but not before stealing a quick gaze to Inuyasha, who looked just as bad as she felt.

 

 

The limo ride was uneventful, taking a full hour to reach their destination. The Takada mansion was humungous to say the least. It wasn't as big as the Higurashi mansion, but it stood proudly, displaying the enormous amount of wealth the family had. Gardens surrounded the building, with people standing about and talking. People, who were also elegantly dressed as they, were all around the property. Limos lined up at the entrance of the house, demons opening the doors and closing them, bowing as the family walked passed them.

The night was filled with chatter, with many lanterns surrounding the gardens. The stars were shining brightly and the full moon was as big as a human fist in the sky. She thought it was the perfect timing for a party, with the cool air blowing nicely around them as they got out of their black limo and walked towards the doors.

 

When Kagome entered the house, she held her breath, realizing that she was about to meet Takada's son. Whatever he was, she wanted nothing more than to crawl back to her house and pretend was this nothing but a nightmare. She wasn't the person who was always willing and would greatly become pissed if anyone ticked her off severely. Despite being angry at the world, she would march forward and face the music, which literally at the moment was everywhere. She glanced behind her to see Kaede, clearly agitated at just being here. Kaede wasn't one for parties but if she asked her then Kaede would come, only for her sake. Kagome knew that Kaede would never let her down.

Her parents were ahead of her, exchanging greetings with fellow businessmen. After a few minutes, they moved to the main hall, where the main party was being held.

The main party hall was as big as theirs back home. It was beautiful and daedal with blue and black drapes hanging from the ceiling and walls, with the same colors on the many tables in the hall. There was a podium in the back of the room, most likely for announcing the big events happening tonight. The ceiling to floor windows complimented the room greatly, adding to the pitch dark of the blue and black drapes. Many people were already here and were scattered among the room, holding champagne glasses and such.

Along with her parents, Kagome politely reintroduced herself to familiar faces, showing much politeness and appearing ebullient. One thing that she didn't expect to find was that many high class families were present tonight. When she gazed across the room, she immediately saw her best friend, along with her family. Kagome quickly excused herself from her parents and walked as fast she was able with her mellifluous dress. Kaede followed her, never letting her out of the old nurse's sight.

 

“Sango!” Kagome called out. Her friend was easy to recognize. Sango always wore purple and the purple formal gown that was a little similar to Kagome's gave it away.

 

Said girl turned to see Kagome strolling towards her, looking as cheerful as ever. Sango excused herself and walked the remaining to hug her best friend of 11 years.

 

“Oh my God, Kagome I can't believe it! Look at you! You are so beautiful tonight, I'm sure that you'd have at least a few men drooling at you.”

 

They pulled apart to look at each other.

“It's great to see you, Sango. You look pretty fabulous yourself, I wonder if anyone has their eye out for you!”

 

“Well, actually-“

 

“If anyone even gazes at my Sango, I will gladly tear them apart!” A voice sounded. Kagome recognized that possessive voice immediately. She'd know it anywhere and she knew the one male that has captured Sango and that was…

 

They turned around to see none other than Miroku, in a nice black tuxedo. Sure that's what every male was wearing tonight, but he looked handsome in it.

 

“Miroku! How nice to see you!” She reached to hug her other good friend but was chary about his legendary hands.

“I see you and Sango are still together. It doesn't surprise me one bit. Have you learned your lesson about constant groping? Or has Sango continued to beat nothing into that thick skull of yours?”

 

“Actually he's learning. I've only had to slap him twice tonight.” Sango added, crossing her arms to look at him, with a gaze that continued to scare Miroku all this time.

 

“He's seems protective of you, Sango. Has he gotten even more jealous over the years?”

 

“You have no idea. It flatters me that he cares for me but then he finds a pretty female and gropes her. In the end, I have to drag his crippled body away from the pestered girl.”

 

“Sango you know that my eyes are only for you. And if any guy tries to take you away from me, I will defend you and my honor.” He proclaimed.

 

“And he says I'm the jealous one?” Sango said. Kagome just snickered at the comment.

“Not to mention possessive.” Kagome agreed completely after that.

Miroku however, looked offended.

 

“Not only are you possessive of me Sango, but you are the violent one too.” Sango turned around to slap him for that remark, but Miroku put his hands up defensively.

 

“But…your violence towards me is the one way to show me that you truly care. And, only I have the honor of receiving your fury, and you look so adorable when angry.”

 

That compliment stopped her in her tracks, her face turning red. She huffed and turned around, folding her arms again. Kagome never got tired of this. She knew Miroku could always get Sango flustered.

 

Laughing, Kagome spoke up. “Even after all this time Sango, Miroku can still save himself from your angry tirades by ending up complementing you and you still look beaten. I wonder how often he does that. Hey Miroku, you ended up saving your perverted ass yet again. You know she'll get her revenge when you least expect it.”

 

“It works every time, thank god.” He whispered into her ear. Kagome shook her head, still amused.

 

Sango continued to look embarrassed but eventually calmed down and continued to talk with her dearest friend and boyfriend. However, Miroku managed to slip both hands down the two girls' backs and rubbed their asses. Both yelled and turned to slap Miroku hard. Sango and Kagome looked furious as they glared upon Miroku, feigning innocence while rubbing both cheeks.

 

“You know my hands are possessed by an unknown force. I can't help but give in to such beautiful-“

 

“Finish that sentence, Miroku, and you'll end up with the force of my fists on your head!” Sango finished for him.

 

Kagome knew better than to say anything. She left the death threats to Sango because she would carry them out. If it was any other place, then Miroku would be dead by now, but they couldn't at a social gathering, especially with paparazzi just sniffing for a good story.

She was happy to be with her two best friends again. It was like old times back at Tokyo Shiritsu but they were now in the real world. She still didn't want to meet her mysterious unknown fiancé, but she was glad to talk with her good friends again. She ushered them over and out into the gardens with Kaede trailing behind her. When she was sure that no one would overhear, Kagome began explaining the events of the past 5 days, from the unknown engagement to the love that she revealed about Inuyasha. She told them about Inuyasha and him being half demon and was afraid at her friends' reactions. Fortunately, not everyone was pro demon labor.

 

“So you see the situation I'm in? You have to keep this a secret. I don't want anyone to know of this.”

 

Sango wrapped her arm around her shoulders, acting like a true friend.

“Don't worry, Kagome, your secret is safe with us. Unlike many people out there who hate demons because of their appearances, we aren't like that. True friends support each other, no matter what. I'm not saying this because I have a Neko demon for a pet, but because I really don't see why demons are treated for being different. I trust you, Kagome, and we will help you see this through.”

 

“That's right. We've known each other for 9 years, longer for you and Sango, and I will stand by you too. I don't care what other people think but I do care about you as a friend. If you love this half demon then go for it. Don't let your parents put you down. Trust your own heart and soul, Kagome, and in the end, Sango and I will still be there.”

 

After hearing the encouragement and promises from her two friends, she immediately felt much better and felt supported. She should have known that her friends weren't slave drivers and treated demons like scum. She gathered them both in a friendly hug but was wary of Miroku's hand that was inching closer to her backside.

However, Sango felt the tingling sensation whenever he was closing in on her ass and pulled on his ear to cease his actions. Obviously over the years she developed a sort of `perverted hand' radar and has tuned in whenever he was close. Most of the time it worked, a few times when she was distracted, it didn't.

 

They realized it was getting a bit chilly out in the open and headed back inside to the warm atmosphere of the party. What they didn't see when they approached Kagome's parents was Takada and his son, her `supposed' fiancé.

 

 

“Daughter, come over here and meet your future husband.” Her father commanded, sounding as stolid as ever.

 

Kagome hesitated but walked over to face the moment she's been dreading all week. Mother clung to Father's left arm and he stood in front of Takada himself. Takada was a famous merchant and was quite famous like Father. Unlike Father, Takada had some emotion to him and wasn't as atrabilious.

Standing beside Mother, she bowed out of respect for the older gentleman and looked over to see a younger man behind him. He looked almost identical, so she thought that was the person she was being forcefully bonded to.

 

Hojou Takada, son of Toro Takada, was nearly two feet taller than herself. He had short brown hair that ended above the nape. His face appeared inexorable, displaying vainness and hubris. His eyes were a light shade of brown, revealing the eagerness she thought she saw. Obviously, he eyed her like she was tender piece of meat, yet to be eaten. She'd always loathed men showing what they really wanted from her. She was immediately disgusted over the fact. She had to marry this coxcomb?! She studied him further, wanting to see what else she could get. He's obviously obsessed with his appearance. His attire was too showy and too much for her tastes. She glanced at his hands, noticing the flexing and clenching. She looked up back to his eyes, and saw the desire, or rather sexual desire in them. Maybe other girls fell for his handsome and vainglory appearance but not her. She wasn't going to let this bastard get the best of her. She didn't even know him but already his notions already silently told her that he wanted her. She could see it now, being dragged all over with this pompous asshole, acting nothing more than a grim-rack. Then again, she considered herself a grim-rack already and she felt like one, too, with her parents. She didn't make too much of a spectacle about it, but it pained her inside even more than being physically abused. She wasn't someone who would be shown to make someone look better; she was a living, breathing person! She kept telling herself that, but the truth she couldn't face. She wasn't about to be someone else's showpiece, goddamnit!

 

“Miss Higurashi, it's an honor to be in the presence of a beautiful creature and to be basking in the ambience of your radiance.” He offered his hand, meaning to take and place a kiss on her palm.

 

Well if it were another place and time, she would say or rather yell `Well you can take your high class blarney and shove it up your ass!', but she was in the presence of two businessmen, including her own father so she could not sprout anything offensive. Sure she couldn't stand this Hojou character but she did have some morsel of respect for Takada. She reluctantly lifted her hand.

 

Glancing from a corner of her eye, she could see Sango making silent gagging gestures and Miroku had to turn her away to prevent her from being seen, although she could've sworn that he was laughing himself, his body quivering. She inwardly agreed with her friends and swore to ride this out, despite this bastard's attempts to inveigle her.

 

“Pleasure's all mine.” She lackadaisically said. Her father could hear her more than unenthusiastic tone but figured it was fatigue. She felt those lips touch her palm and immediately shivered. `It's taking all my willpower to not slap and kill this bastard.' She thought as he looked back into her eyes again. Yep, those eyes are full of lust and are so puissant that she felt she would be an easy target for his desires.

 

 

“So when should we announce the engagement, Takada? I'm sure that the press is dying to know of our joining companies and this is as good a time as any.” Father asked, sounding impatient as ever.

 

“I agree completely, Higurashi. Son, why don't you lead your lovely bride to the podium and we will follow.” Takada commanded.

 

“Yes Father. Come, Miss Higurashi, let us announce our joining to Japan.” Hojou offered his arm to her.

 

`Oh I'm so going to need a long bath after this. I would bite off my own hand than touch you!' She put on her usual inimical comport and offered her hand. She was inwardly bitter and wary at the moment.

 

 

She was escorted across the room to where the podium overlooked the crowd. They stood to the side and waited for the dreaded announcement. She looked out to the people that were assembling in front of them. Miroku and Sango were in front, clinging to each other. They had worried expressions but Kagome assured them with a curt nod. Sango didn't look too convinced but didn't press the matter. Miroku gave off a similar look but it changed to assurance. She thought she was so lucky to have friends like them, who knew what she was going through and her dilemmas. She glanced at Hojou, who looked all proud and waving at the crowd at the moment.

 

Kagome was nearly unresponsive as Takada started the speech about welcoming and honors that they showed up for this occasion. Her mind wandered to more meaningful subjects. She thought about Sango and Miroku and how their lives were as perfect as they could be. They weren't controlled like she was. They knew about how her father abused her and how he regarded her like a piece of trash. Now she was being forced into a life where she would be treated just as poorly. Sango wanted to tear anyone who threatened her to pieces because Kagome was like the sister she never had. Miroku was like a brother, an older brother who gave his word to watch over the women he cared about. She loved them for being there so she wouldn't be so alone. Of course she was never alone, with her friends, Kaede, and especially Inuyasha, who she loved more than anything. She wanted to escape this rich place to be with people who actually knew her, and Inuyasha was one of the few who knew her inside and out. She wanted him and she wanted him now. So who cares if she was stuck in an arranged marriage? She wasn't going to kowtow to anyone who didn't care about what she said or did.

 

She was so deep in thought that she barely heard the announcement for her and Hojou's engagement.

“…and it is with great pride and honors that we introduce the new couple and that will help us grow in wealth and status in Japan, my son Hojou and his new fiancé, the daughter of Yoshiro Higurashi, Kagome Higurashi.”

She snapped out of her daydreams and stepped forward reluctantly to the front of the stage. Hojou held her beside him at all times, as if he was guarding his new property. She tried to look as pleasant and joyous as possible, holding a feign smile, waving at the crowd, which was filled with newscasters, cameras, and paparazzi capturing this moment. She then felt his lips on her face and immediately recoiled inwardly. She looked up at him, as if wondering why he did that. He continued to gaze up over the crowd, practically enjoying the attention of the media.

I can't believe he just kissed me! How sick can a person get?! He's showing me off already! He wants everyone to think that we're actually in love and he has the gull to kiss me when we haven't known each other for even an hour! Too bad I can't kick his ass for it and I just know that Sango is more than likely feeling the exact same way, Miroku too probably.'

She saw her Mother and Father on the other side of the stage and they looked like they too were enjoying the attention. Takada stood a few feet beside them, answering any questions about the new news. She looked upon the crowd to see Sango, who looked as pissed as hell, clapping only lightly and Miroku had his arms crossed, obviously not wanting to acknowledge this, having a real mean look in his eyes. Oh yeah, she was right, they were furious and looked to ready to kill. Kagome shook her heads toward them, not wanting this attention at all.

 

It seemed like an hour before Kagome was practically dragged off the platform and was led out of the main hall and up against the stairs, which was practically dark due to lack of light on the upper floors.

It was relatively quite and Hojou kept a firm grip on her arm, which whenever she tried to squirm loose, it caused searing pain. She tried to hold back the tears that threatened to spill because she didn't want to look weak and vulnerable to someone who might be like her father. And she could tell that he was very hardcore and perhaps someone who didn't exactly care for what happened to others. She kept her cool as she was dragged upstairs while trying to keep her dress from being stepped on. Once they hit the floor, Hojou practically slammed her against the wall with an even tighter hold on her upper arms. She hit the back of her head hard, which caused a mild headache to start. She wasn't concerned about that as she glanced into his eyes, which were seething and cold as ice. Kagome knew that she was probably about to be yelled at and possibly minatory scolding and beatings to follow. Her father got that same look in his eyes when he beat her.

 

“Listen here, bitch, let me make this nice and clear: You are to do as I say and do it without question, otherwise people will want to know why you have so many bruises on you. I'm a very impatient man and I want things to be done as quickly as possible, especially from you! Either you obey and make me look good out there or you'll be getting a taste of my wrath. Embarrass me and you'll be sorry for ever getting on my bad side, got it?!” He applied more pressure on her arms to emphasize his point.

 

She was gasping from the forced pressure on her arms and starting to fear that he'll do exactly like he said. She already had some bruises from her father that had yet to fade and getting more injuries was something that she didn't want to happen. However, she didn't back down easily.

 

“What are you, a psychotic controlling freak who makes someone do as he commands?! No way in hell, you bastard! I refuse to let you control every aspect of my life!”

As soon as she spoke in high volume of those words, she knew that he would be furious. She wasn't going down without a fight. As was expected, he immediately slapped her, hard.

 

“How dare you, you impudent bitch?! You have no right to talk back to me like that! You better remember that or else you'll receive more than a mere slap, and I'll make sure that you won't even walk again!”

And with that, he shoved her more into the wall, eyes still focused on her, while she didn't know due to the slap and the force behind it. He let her go and walked out of sight and down the long staircase.

 

Kagome had her hand against her face as she slid down the wall, unable to even stand any more. She tucked her knees under her and brought her other hand to her arm, which was already beginning to bruise. With no one around, she started to cry, not for the inflicted pain, but for the threats and beatings that would come with it.

 

`Why does almost every man have to treat me like a grim-rack? I'm a human being, someone with feelings and emotions. Obviously, men think women are something that they can easily beat and command. If I knew what my life was going to be like, I would have wished that I was never born, but then again, my mother didn't even want me. I was born an accident. Why does this happen to me? What did I do to make them treat me this way?! The only thing I want now is to go home and run into Inuyasha's arms…Inuyasha. If he found out what happened tonight, I doubt nothing would stop him from tearing that no good bastard apart. Should I even tell him? We tell each other everything…but he's always there when I was abused by father. He can't do anything to Father but he might try something on Hojou. I can't take this anymore! I need him and I need him now!'

 

Trying her best not to tumble back on the floor, Kagome held herself against the wall, trying to look as nothing happened. She still felt the pain on her cheek and upper arms and didn't doubt that bruises were starting to appear. No matter how many times she received bruises, she still felt horrible.

Straightening herself out, she walked as graciously and painlessly as she could down the stairs and into the large foyer. She looked around until she spotted Kaede by the door. She walked up to her nurse, looking completely drained of energy and life.

Kaede suspected something happened when she saw that Takada boy drag her off and up the stairs and by seeing him walk down dourly and not seeing her, the old nurse's suspicions proved correct. Then when she spotted her precious care walking smoothly down the stairs, seeing red marks on her arms and face, with water drenched eyes, she knew immediately what Kagome wanted when she approached her.

 

Sango and Miroku saw her starting to leave and became immediately worried when they saw Hojou drag her off. They stopped before them, asking if she was okay. Kagome merely nodded and said that she'll see them the next time around. Sango gave her a friendly hug, reassuring her that she would be there for her. Miroku patted her shoulder, saying the same thing. Kagome could see that they wanted to know the truth but she would tell them in her own time. They spotted the marks on her body but didn't need to guess what happened. Kagome told them that she would tell them later when she wasn't feeling too crappy and asked them to visit when they had the chance.

They quickly parted with farewells and hugs and left to wait for the limo. Her Mother and Father would care less if she stayed or left. They loved the attention and offering their opinions on the matter and besides, most of the guests would remain here for the remainder of the evening. She couldn't stay there for another minute; she just had to get home…home to where her one true love waited.

 

 

~Okay another chapter! In this story, I made Hojou the bad abusive fiancé. Why, because all the other stories other guys such as Kouga or Bankotsu for example play the evil roles. Besides, I think in the show, Hojou is a wimp, an idiotic wimp! I can't stand that! Anyways, hope you like this one, the next chapter will be the lovely romantic scene, the lemon chapter! YAY! ~ *romancefreak*